Lamp or Jewelry Holder? Try Both!

via

This lamp really struck my fancy this week when I was patrolling my Google Reader and came across Kate's apartment design for her daughter.  The entire room is amazing - a beautiful mix of coral and navy with lots of beautiful furniture and accents.  But man oh man, this lamp!

I don't know how this double duty combo has never occurred to me before... But that's the beauty of blogs, you get inspired by other people and their ideas.  When I finally get to make my desk-vanity dreams come true, you can bet your tush a lamp like this will be present.  Front and center!  So go check out Centsational Girl and get inspired.

What accessories would you use on a double-duty desk/vanity?
What bloggers inspire you with fresh ideas?

Please comment and share!

Chandelier, Darling

After Wednesday's canopy roundup, it got me thinking about other lofty eye-catchers so naturally I had a browse session on Pinterest.  Let me tell you, it is all abuzz over chandeliers!  This obviously produced some lovely picture inspiration so I have 11 of my favorites coming your way.  There's something for everyone in this post - traditional, modern, sputnik, bubbles, flowers, colors... You want it, you've got it, my faithful squeaksters!

 via, via, via, via, via, via, via, via, via, via, via

I just can't stop squeaking!  These lovely light fixtures seem to instantly glam up a space, no matter the size or style.  And with countless options, you're guaranteed to find something that fits your design style.  As much as I would love to have chandeliers all over my home, there are two main things stopping me.  One, affordability (haven't you heard, beauty comes with a price) and two, the lack of questionably the most important appliance in my home, my ceiling fan.  After doing a little hunting, I was actually happily surprised at the amount of affordable chandeliers that were available.  Don't believe me?  Check out two of many options below!



$304 via, $197 via


Unfortunately for me, the second hurdle isn't so easily solved.  I'm not sure what it is, but no matter how low I put my thermostat, I still end up boiling throughout the night without my trusty ceiling fan.  Alas, my bedroom will be forever chandy-less.  But in the other rooms, it's game on!

Are you as swept away with chandeliers as the rest of the Pinterest world?
Can you brave the trade of your ceiling fan for a chandelier?  Comment & share!
Enjoy your weekend :)

Piled High - A Spotlight on Rugs

Several designers have suggested beginning the design process with area rugs.  By working from the floor up you can ground the room (quite literally!) and create a color palette all in one purchase.  Not to mention, a rug can easily imply the vibe of the room to guests.  How, you ask?  Picture a stiff, low pile rug next to a dense, plush one.  Which makes you want to kick your shoes off and stay awhile?  They each have their place in a room, as long as it's the right room.  If you're having trouble deciding, keep in mind the amount of traffic expected in the space so constant trekking through doesn't dampen your under-foot cushion.



via, via

The most common mistake people make when choosing an area rug is the size.  Small rugs can actually make a room feel even smaller.  By expanding the corners to include the furniture you can actually create the sense of a larger space.  When the pattern or color underneath is spread out it encompasses all the surrounding elements, making them look all part of a cohesive plan.  Reese Witherspoon's living room is the perfect example!  The opposite can also be achieved, as area rugs are also great to break up a space.  They create... you guessed it, areas!  Now, that reading nook can stake out its' own little territory.

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Layering rugs has become increasingly common over the past decade and add another layer of interest to a room.  Designer Antony Todd uses this hip trend in his apartment shown below.  The bottom rug brings together all the furniture in the room, while the zebra throw separates the main seating from the window nook.  Twice the design for twice the fun!  If you're going for the layered look, remember to coordinate them each with the room, but also with each other, let only one be the showstopper, and avoid tripping hazards.

via

Now, what you've all been waiting for!  Here's a roundup of a few of my favorite rooms featuring beautiful rugs.

With neutral furniture, this Surya Aimee Wilder rug is allowed to make a statement, and boy does it!  Hello world, I'm awake and ready to go!   The interesting pattern and bright Pantone colors definitely make this space enviable.

via Pinterest

The black and white rug below calms down a very bright and cheerful living room.  Coordinated with the geometric art on the wall art and floral runner on the side table, this photo is the perfect example of how the space underneath can tie in elements throughout a room.



via Better Homes & Gardens



This geometric Madeline Weinrib wool flat weave rug is the perfect touch of interest for this monochromatic living room.  The contrasting rectangles underfoot create a enough of a focal point to keep away a case of the stuffies in this high class space. 

via Porch Light Interiors



Not only do I love the pattern of this rug, it is the prefect size for the room!  It encompasses both nightstands, the bed, and the ottoman with enough extension to avoid cutting off the space.  Between tying everything together and reinforcing the room's color scheme, what more could you ask from a rug?

 

via Pinterest

What is your favorite way to use rugs in your home?  Do you prefer neutrals or something that
stands out?  How about the layered look?  Comment and share your thoughts!

This post was inspired (but not sponsored) by Lulu & Georgia, a home décor e-commerce site launching this Fall.  You can register for updates on their site to learn more! 

Attitude of Gratitude - Week 7

Can you believe this is already week 7 of Just Squeaks?  I sure can't!  This summer is flying by without giving me the chance to take a breath and catch up!  But I am taking the time to send some appreciation over the blogosphere and throwing in a little bonus if you make it to the end!

1.   Home Goods is like mecca to the design obsessed.  It has to be my favorite store by far.  I stopped by my local store last week looking for things for Squeaks' apartment but naturally stuck around much longer than planned uncovering a few unrelated goodies.  Check out this very cool mirror I came across.  So interesting!

2.    One of my favorite things right now is my United Social Sports skeeball team.  It's basically a happy hour with teams competing in different sports.  This season we play skeeball and cornhole, the perfect mix of childhood and college.  In the fall we'll start kickball which I'm also pretty pumped for.  It's so much fun and a great way to meet people if you're new to the area.  And this past weekend we had a team bonding party which was just as much fun!

via Dealbreaker

3.    I fully recognize how much of a perk it is that my job serves food all day, every day (and no, I'm not exaggerating) which means all my breakfasts, lunches, and snack cravings are provided to me whenever I'm at work.  Granted this is a large test of my willpower because hearing people ooo and ahhh over Haagen Dazs every day makes it incredibly hard not to gain 50 pounds, but I certainly save a lot of money with this work benefit.

And for the bonus!  I definitely suggest checking out Well, That’s One Way To Embrace Color. The couple of Young House Love wrote this awesome post about partaking in Color Me Rad and a fun home decor bonus that came from it.  I'm not anything close to a runner by any stretch of the imagination, but this post made me want to run a 5k.  That is until reality set in that I'd most likely pass out of exhaustion before making it to the colory finish.

What are you thankful for lately?  Comment and share!

Do you have a random hobby that helps you make it through the week?

Pedal to the Metal

Do you like to make your wardrobe or your house sparkle?  If so, you are not alone, my friend.  If not, maybe seeing these photos will change your mind.  2012 has been big on metallics, so let's talk shiny!



The term metallic generally refers to colors in the silver or gold family, as well as bronze and copper.  But it doesn't have to stop there!  Any color can be given the metallicized look by adding in metal flakes (or a sparkled sheen when it comes to makeup or wardrobe).  This gives you endless possibilities... But be careful!  Because metallics command attention, they are best used in small doses to avoid being overly bold or cheap-looking.  Pairing them with deep colors can help ground them and create a more pleasing space or outfit.

Here's a roundup of some great ways to bling out you and your home.

For You 

via Mama Knows, Southern Charm, & Real Beauty

Left:  Feeling daring?  Take a page out of the runway handbook and choose a staple garment in a very loud metallic and you'll be sure to turn heads.  These floral jeans would certainly do the trick.

Center:  If you want to make a statement not a shout, try a shimmery yet subdued blazer like the Emilio Pucci one Blake Lively wore in Gossip Girl.  This foil linen one from Anthropologie can fit the more budget-friendly bill.

Right:  Kate Beckinsale provides the perfect example for testing out the metallic waters with her subtle silver eyeshadow.  If you want to try a trend out and see if you feel comfortable, try working it into your look through makeup or accessories.  Between Nars and Stila you can have all the metallic colors you dream of right at your eyelashes.

via Naturalizer

Or check out Naturalizer, where I picked up the flat sandal version of these shiny babies last summer to trek around Europe.  They are amazing!  After breaking my foot, Naturalizer is my go-to brand for shoes because you don't need to sacrifice comfort for beauty!  And at $79 you don't have to break the bank either!

 For Your Home 

via Pottery Barn & Tonic Home



Left:  Mercury is very hot right now, and these antiqued candlesticks can bring glam to any mantel, especially when layered in front of a gilded mirror.  Two metallics for one!  If you're looking for a touch of shimmer without the overwhelming shine, antique and gilded finishes are the perfect way to create understated glitz.



Right:  Tell me you don't love this gold leaf table. With a mirror top and that beautiful graphic design, it's the perfect way to glam up any space!  Because it isn't a visually heavy piece, it can be the subtle detail that plays off a beautifully covered bed, or sit next to a sofa as the perfect spot for your books or a vase full of flowers.



via Houzz



If you're interested in giving your walls some panache, try Benjamin Moore's metallic paints, as mentioned in Sketch 42.  Or try using the same paint color in a matte for the entire wall, with high gloss squares being painted to give that metallic interest to the room like this photo.  Pretty sweet don't you think? 

 



What's your favorite way to add some shimmer
shine to your wardrobe or home?  Found any great
metallic buys lately?  Comment & share!



Friday Favorites

In honor of yesterday being the monthiversary of Just Squeaks, I wanted to give another round of my favorite things. 

1. via Polyvore   2. via Pretty Stuff tumblr
3. via Whole Lot of Lovely tumblr   4. via Live Simply


1. Tortoise Shell Watch.  I'm a huge fan of the tortoise shell design.  The mix of black and brown makes it a great neutral pattern that is still quite interesting.  It has become pretty popular in both fashion and home design, but my favorite use of it is in this Fossil watch I got last year.

2. Elephants.  I love these little giant babies.  I think these animals are so beautiful.  To me, they are the perfect mix of exotic and ethereal.  They're also said to be good luck when their trunks are up.  I have random elephant things all over my house, from jewelry to statues.  It is definitely on my bucket list to ride one before I die. 

3. Accent chairs.  My mom and boyfriend will probably both let out a knowing laugh as they read this.  A room doesn't seem complete to me without an unexpected pop, and accent chairs are my favorite way to do this.  I begged my mother (to no avail) to let me get an accent chair for their living room, and when it came time to decorate my new apartment my boyfriend came with me to countless stores on the hunt for the perfect chair (which I finally found at Home Goods).  The brighter and more patterned, the better!

4. Scarves.  Anyone who knows me will certainly back this one up... Scarves are my absolute obsession.  My collection has reached about 30 and every time I go shopping or even walk past a store that sells them, I have an intense internal battle over how much I love them but should really be putting that money towards something more practical.  They are the perfect accessory for any outfit, occasion, and the possible colors and patterns are endless!

What is your favorite animal?  How about your secret style obsession?
Comment and share your favorite things!

Design Rush: Jonathan Adler Top 7

via WSJ online

This past Sunday I watched an episode of Bravo's 10 Things That Make Me Happy which featured our friend Jonathan Adler, and he's just as nice as you would guess by his cheerful designs.  Every time I see his work, this potter turned self-proclaimed "maker" gives me a design rush.  So in honor of my favorite artisan I will, in a quite Bravo-esque manner, be rounding up 7 things of his that make me happy!

One.

Adler finally has a store in DC and I can't wait to visit!
Who knows, maybe in a few years I could even work there... (Dare I dream?!)

Two.

I have a severe love for elephants.
Which explains why when I saw these adorable shakers I almost started drooling.   
 

via Utilities

Three.
People's personalities play such a role in success.  If you're a nice and good person, chances are people want
to work with you more than the rude crook down the street, even if he is a little cheaper.  I love that despite
his fabulous success he still seems like such a fun, down-to-earth person you'd actually want to hang out
with.  Check out his About page on his website and you can see he has fun with what he does.

Four.

I want to high five all the well-known designers that create affordable collections for those of us that
don't make the big bucks.  Barnes & Noble carries a ton of JA's products that bring all the color
and joy without the price tag, like these awesome bookends.   

via Barnes & Noble

Five.

His use of bright colors is squeakalicious.  My roommate incessantly teases my love of bright,
multi-colored items and his designs are so in line with my own personal taste.

Six.

His wallpapers are so awesome I would run out of walls in my house before I could use them all!   

Syrie via Jonathan Adler

Seven.

As an aspiring interior designer, I continue to gush over this guy's quirky yet clean design style. 



Private NY Residence & Liz Lang's Country Residence
via Jonathan Adler



What about Jonathan Adler makes you happy?
Who else gives you a design rush?