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?

Through the Front Door

via Through the Front Door




It's time for a Big Big Big THANK YOU  to Kirsten for giving away this very squeak-worthy basket of goodies on her blog Through the Front Door.  Yesterday happened to be a particularly rough day for me, so the news that I won couldn't have come at a better time.  I'm taking it as a sign that I don't have time to waste on being sad, and I have so many great things going on in my life that there's really no need!  I can't remember the last time I've ever won anything and all the items in this basket are home related so you already know they are perfect to cheer me up.  Squeaks all around!










So pretty, pretty please with a squeak on top check out Kirsten's fabulous blog!  A few of my favorite posts include:

Stone Surround - Because I can never get enough of stone fireplaces.

Twist on Your Traditional Headboard - Some really great, inventive ideas here.

Yellow and Gray - One of my personal favorite color combinations.

Wedding Wednesday: Brooches - Perfect for a bouquet or a bar.

Photo Arrays - Lovely pictures in this one to inspire.

Happy 4th of July everyone!

via Centerline Homes

Inspiration Pitstop: IKEA Home & Garden Show

This picture was so inspiring I just couldn't wait to blog about it!  There are so many elements that make this room fantastic I don't even know where to begin...

via Apartment Therapy

I had just finished reading a post at Honey & Fitz about having headboards against windows when I came across this photo.  To be honest with you, if I hadn't just read that post this bedroom may not have stood out to me much.  But I did, and it did, so as I looked at it further I realized there weren't actually windows behind those curtains.  I later discovered it's because this was part of the IKEA Home & Garden Show, but regardless I thought, Brilliant! Who says you actually have to have windows to hang curtains?  Maybe this isn't much of a ground-breaking moment to you, but for me it seemed like a radical revelation that opened up so many possibilities.  The ceiling to floor draperies make the space seem so grand and warm, while being more flexible and budget-friendly than regular wall treatments like wallpaper.  You can change the curtains out by season to give your space a whole new look in less than 5 minutes!

The dramatic curtains led me to notice to the bedsides, which were also so wonderfully chosen.  I am a big advocate of symmetrical balance with asymmetrical elements sprinkled in.  The matching tables and lamps create a sense of unity while other items bring in individual personalities, making the space seem real.  Add in the layered colors and textures in the bedding and the gallery style wall and this room hits all the high notes! 

What is your favorite thing about this room?  Have you ever been so inspired by a single room or image?  Comment and share!

Attitude of Gratitude - Week 3

Oh, Monday mornings, how you curse me so...  I wish I was still in my amazingly comfortable bed right now, but since I'm not it's time for today's list of things I'm grateful for.  I intentionally chose this series for Mondays because they are always the hardest day of the week, so here we go.


Alicante, Spain



1.     After the crazy storms this weekend and all the people who lost power, I am so very thankful that my apartment is safe and cool.  Thankfully no one I know was hurt!  Good luck to all those without power this week.

2.     The 8 Tracks app has helped me fall asleep many a nights recently.  It's incredibly addicting and there are so many good playlists!  If you're having trouble falling asleep, in need of a new workout mix, or in the mood to be nostalgic for the 90s (as I often am) then check this thing out.

3.   I'm starting to get the itch to go back to Europe again (I've gone the past two years in a row) and while it's not in the cards for me this year, I am so happy that I had the experiences I had there.  I've been thinking about my travels a lot lately with the beautiful weather and slow days at work due to the impending holiday.  Traveling around the world is unlike anything else I've done in my life; I consider those trips to be the most exciting and most rewarding experiences.  You learn a lot about cultures and even yourself when you visit new places, and I plan on keeping my wanderlust attitude for many years to come.



Aphrodite - The Louvre



How was everyone's weekend?  Is Monday the hardest day of the week for you too?

Comment and tell me about the shows and travels that excite you!

Monogram Motif

 I uncovered a nifty little J. Crew secret to start your weekend off right!

As I was surfing Nicole Williams' website last week, I discovered when you purchase a tailored shirt, you can get your monogram sewed into the cuff for only $10.  As if J. Crew wasn't already awesome enough... what a steal!  Monogrammed cuffs instantly make you look more put together and refined.  It shows you pay attention to the little things.


via All Things Pink & Girly

  


 

 

via Shop Dabo

But the fun doesn't stop there!  There is a whole Monogram Shop where you can have your initials embroidered into cardigans, shirts, even PJs!  So the next time you go shopping, I say treat yourself.  I know I will!

   

What do you think about monograms?  Do they make you squeak with excitement?
I'd love to know your thoughts!

Pared-Down Gothic

My boyfriend is moving in the very near future and I am so excited because I am dying to decorate for him.  He always tells me he is into Gothic style but if you saw his apartment now you would never know it; there's hardly anything in there!  True bachelor pad, I suppose.  If I'm being totally honest, I wouldn't say Gothic was near the top of my design style favorites.  I like things to be a little more airy and definitely more brightly colored.  After I had to veto a few mugshot artworks (no joke), I decided to find some inspiration for a more contemporary Gothic style that Squeakers would enjoy without sending me running in fear. 

via Build Direct

 With just a hint of Gothic style, this utilitarian space screams masculinity.



via Shiny Interior

Various decorative items, including iron on the hearth, bring a subtle Goth flair to this living room.



via Punk Room Decor

This room features the typical elements of Gothic style -- Damask fabric, a gilded mirror, beautiful chandelier, black walls -- while bright pops of color and contemporary furniture shapes make the room feel more updated.

Champagne Chic Interiors via Living Room Design Ideas

Iron balconies, a black fireplace, and deep punches of red bring a touch of Goth to this airy living room.

How did I do Squeakers, do you like these?
Anyone else planning on trying an updated Gothic look anytime soon?

Shoutout to Eclectic Design

"Be faithful to your own taste because nothing you really like is ever out of style."

I love this quote from Billy Baldwin because I find it especially useful when decorating for a real person, including myself!  When I first moved to my current apartment I had decided I was going to do a Moroccan theme for my bedroom.  I loved the style and so, it would be mine...  Except along the way I found so many beautiful things that I wanted to incorporate into the space but they didn't go with "my theme" so I talked myself out of them.  Then my wise friend Alejandra reminded me that if I liked it, who cares!  (Pause: That is not to say everything you like belongs in your home just because you like it.  All choices should have some thought behind them!) 



Bridget McMullin via Interior Design Pro

It's easy to get caught up in perfectly styled and themed homes on Pinterest or in the magazines, but the truth is the average person is best served through a mix of elements from various styles, rather than a single genre.  I suppose that's how the eclectic movement came about.  It's important to stay true to the function of your life and playing to all your interests, rather than limiting yourself to a single arbitrary theme, even if it is Moroccan and amazing.  Don't get me wrong, there should absolutely be a cohesiveness and it's always nice to pay homage to the intrinsic architecture of a home.  But I believe those things should serve as guiding tools, not a rule book.  Because first and foremost, design is a reflection of a person's life and personality.  And when you think about it, eclectic design actually requires more thought because you are finding a meaningful way to combine all the things in your life instead of compartmentalizing them.  So what do you think, are you up to the challenge?  Check out these photos below for some eclectic inspiration!

via Elle Decor

The traditional-style draperies and 1940s chairs still look lovely next to a modern coffee table and fun chandelier.

via Trendzona

A Victorian headboard juxtaposes with a vintage bedside.

via Pitut

This Louis XV chair has been upholstered in a bright rainbow fabric to add a modern feel, making it an eclectic piece all on its' own.  Squeaks all around!

What are your thoughts?  Do you tend to decorate around a theme or gather
things you believe to be beautiful and make them work?