More Ideas for Anna

I can't stop thinking about Anna's orange walls. Catch up with me here. For the large wall by the refrigerator- how about hanging a large screen on the wall- like the white one above?

Check out this sideboard by Decorize. I like how it pulls in the orange and white... I also like how totally unexpected it is.

Wallpaper Wednesday

Looking through a wallpaper book, you might have said this one is awful! But check it out - the busy retro 1950's look is balanced with the modern Saarinen Tulip table and chairs - and then - who would have thought to add drawings to the busy wall? And yet - it's great! I love the unexpected. It is walls like this that make a house unique.

Photo from Elle Decor October 2009, Wallpaper from Clarence House.

Cool New Source

My friend Michelle introduced me to a great new source- Eccentric, sure- but a little whimsy in your decor can add charm and personality. MacKinzie- Childs is a great source for the unexpected- unique pieces that make your house fun and unique.

In addition to their hand painted furniture- their accessories are terrific.

I am of the motto- dishes are awesome! MacKinzie- Childs has some fabulous ones- check out their plate sets for children- they are so adorable- and would make a great gift.

How cool is this? It replaces your functioning boring spigot with this charming bird spigot! It would make me smile as I turn on the hose to clean the patio off after art time with the chalk...

So- what do you say- make it or break it?

Cool New Source

I found this rug source, Woven Accents, while searching for the perfect rug for this job. They are located in LA on La Cienega Blvd. Don't you love the way that sounds, "My showroom is on La Cienega Blvd." "I'm heading down to La Cienega Blvd." OK- maybe it's just me- but I like the sound of that street. (anyone know what it means in English?) I loved everything about the room above. I think the wall decor is fabulous. I love the coffee table, window treatments, ceiling, use of pattern. Take a good look at this room- it is very well done.

The simple elegance and luxury of this sqare pattern of "skins" is amazing.

I don't know how I'd feel about a rug in my kitchen... Sure- it looks great- but what do you think? Am I the only one who spills stuff??? (you know- like EVERY DAY)...

The fun flokoti...

I like the shape of this one- it is unexpected. You know I like the "unexpected". So- which is your fovorite?

1. The perfect room?


2. The pattern of skins?


3. The decorated kitchen?


4. The fun flokoti?


5. The unexpected shape?

The Unexpected Twist

My new Metropolitan Home magazine had this great article on a renovated 19th century home in upstate New York. I thought this bedroom was a great lesson in the "element of the unexpected." Although they don't have to be as bold as this headboard above- I think every room should have an "element of the unexpected." Look around- do you have it? Go get it!

On another note- my friend and I were talking this morning as we ran how our husbands didn't like fabrics with birds. Are all husbands like that? Do I have any male readers out there that don't mind a bird or two in your upholstery? Come on? What's the deal?