all the rage...

A stunning birdcage...

nataliehaegeman-interiors.be

This makes me wish I had a pet bird!

Happy Friday everyone!

 Thanks so much for stopping by this week and for all of your thoughtful
comments!

project sneak peek...

This is what I've been up to in our sub-freezing temps!

Are you all familiar with the pricey Thibaut Tanzania wallpaper?

I love that is has some sassy, pizazz and I happen to have a space that is in dire need!

You know I'm all about getting a high end look without spending my $$$, I can't wait

to share this inexpensive knock off  with you...    

Here is the real deal in a large dose,  mine will be much smaller and broken up.

Any guesses where I'll be using it?

I know it's not for everyone, are you a fan?

a reader's home...

Imagine my surprise when I opened an email from a sweet reader, from Iowa 

yesterday and saw these chic photos of her home!!

She was so kind, offering to share her solutions for her narrow living room after reading

 about my friend's dilemma. She used the same inspiration room from Sally Wheat, and did 

an incredible job! I can definitely see similarities but love that she infused her own personality

 in her space. I knew you'd love to see it, and she graciously agreed...  

She was hoping for a mid-century piece to use as a buffet table but didn't have room.

I think her compromise is lovely and still allows for storage.

Great texture, variety of furniture styles, mixed metals, and combination of patterns. 

Her room is as functional as it is beautiful! She's incorporated plenty of seating,

and although unconventional I love that she thought outside the box and placed the

 chairs in front of her fireplace. It makes sense to do what works for you and your family,

this is a perfect example of an unexpected solution carried out well.  

Look at that gorgeous kitchen with black cabinets, tulip table, modern seating and 

dose of bling - the chandelier!! 

Also, did you notice the floor lamp next to the sofa, perfect scale!

This appears to be the formal living room on the main level.

Beautifully paired patterns on the pillows, and her adorable six year old Shih Tzu.

I'm sure you'll agree Angie has created a gorgeous home, she shares it with her

 husband and has two sons, one still at home.

She says, "More than anything I love to see normal people's homes."

Thanks so much, Angie ~ you're an inspiration! 

design dilemma...opinions please

You guys are always the best at chiming in! 

I'm helping a friend with a few updates to her living room, and thought it would

 be fun to get your opinions since the space is a bit awkward. Before deciding on

 new furniture we're working on the most functional and aesthetically pleasing arrangement. 

Here is her long and narrow (11' x 20') living room.

Opposite end of the room

I suggested moving the sofa between the windows and using a large mirror above it to

 give the illusion of a wider room. Replacing her valances with panels on the outside of

 each window. And the seating arrangement (minus the benches) in the inspiration photo below.

Sally Wheat

This side is a bigger dilemma. 

This is the wall opposite the window above. The fireplace isn't centered, in fact it is at

the far end of the wall. She'd like some type of buffet, preferably with storage, but is open. 

I suggested another oversize mirror (again giving the impression of a wider room) above a

 narrower console with an open bottom for a lighter feel. Painting the chairs is an option, too.

house of turquoise 

While studying her photo above I'm wondering if maybe a built-in bookcase would work

 on that entire wall - in place of the buffet??? Hmmm....

Ok, give us your best ideas!

kate spade inspired valentine table...

We are a sad, stunned bunch in Denver today, but still love our Broncos!
Congrats to the Seattle Seahawks, their fans and all my Pacific Northwest blogging pals!
It was a well deserved win, and who couldn't be happy for Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson?
Moving on...

  

These Kate Spade salt and paper shakers were a favorite birthday gift from a couple
 months ago, and inspired my Valentine table setting.

 I love Kate's signature style, it's sophisticated, playful and she has a way with
 stripes and polka dots.

I was a little giddy when it dawned on me I had a couple gift wrap patterns that would tie
 in perfectly to use as a table runner and place mats. The pink and gold stripe is from
 TJ Maxx, and black and white polka dot from Hobby Lobby.

 I've had the antiqued gold letters for a year or so, they were in the Hobby Lobby clearance
 section, guess X and O aren't popular initials. I used some of my leopard ribbon from
Christmas to tie around the napkins for another bit of pattern.

 Mr. Simple always inquires about our table decor so he can coordinate gift wrap on
 presents for me! :)  Ha Ha!

If you're looking for a fun girlfriend birthday or hostess gift I highly
recommend the fun salt and pepper shakers!
Are they something you'd like?