Gold Wallpaper + Lucite Shelves = GORGEOUS

I just saw these beautiful pictures on decor8... how amazing is that gold wallpaper combined with the clear shelving?!

The office was designed by Vanessa De Vargas. I also love the couch- she says that she bought the couch plain and had an upholsterer add the stripe of fabric down the middle- really makes it so unique!

Who wouldn't feel productive and inspired in this space?!
Nicole

UPDATE (May '10)! See my post here for at some adorable plexiglass shelves and my picks for wallpaper pairings

Tea Party: centerpieces

My mom & her friends are hosting a bridal shower for the daughter of a family friend this summer & the theme is a Tea Party. This seems to be a common theme among the group- I had a 'tea party' shower & we threw the same theme for another family friend's new daughter-in-law.

It really is such a good theme that I can see why it keeps coming up... who doesn't like a tea party!? Most of us all played 'tea party' growing up (I had a fabulous Peter Rabbit tea set, shown to the right!) & weddings are really like a big dress up party, so it seems to fit perfectly

So, I recently appointed myself decorator for the shower. Not that they need my help- my mom has great taste, as do her friends. But I like planning things and don't have any events of my own coming up, so they'll have to deal with me! Of course, once you start cruising the internet for ideas, they can be found in droves, so this is the first of many Tea-related posts (the party isnt until the summer, so we have plenty of time!).

Of course, Martha has amazing ideas. (I could spend days on that website alone. Seriously. Is that normal?!) The one I am absolutely smitten with is the idea of using tea tins as centerpieces. How gorgeous are these arrangements?

Of course, my mom asked the completely logical question of where we would get vintage tea tins. Ebay has lots but they're a bit pricey, especially if you want to do a grouping of several tins, like the pictures above. I'm going to try some flea markets to see if I have any luck... I'll let you know how it goes!
Nicole

Loving It: Anna Whitford's floral creations

I'm a big believer the power of flowers- just a couple small vases in the house always makes everything seem so much prettier. So of course when I came across Anna Whitford's beautiful fabric-flower creations via Apartment Therapy I instantly loved them... so pretty & intricate!

She crafts her flower-adorned items from cotton, suede, and faux-suede for one-of-a-kind adornment. For any of you bride to be's out there, I absolutely adore her ring pillows (shown below). Not only are these a modern way to incorporate the ring bearer tradition into your ceremony, but the pillow is sure to fit into your newlywed home as an everyday reminder after the wedding!

I don't think these would survive long in our apartment until the boys are a bit older, so for now I'll just have to admire from afar!
Nicole

What Magazines Look For

If you're like me and have any interest in starting a business, one of the things on your mind is how you can get the word out about your fabulous venture. Something I dream of is one day getting my company/ products featured in a magazine. I came across this article from Melissa Walker, Senior Editor of ELLEgirl magazine (via The Sampler) & had to share - she gives info & advice about submitting your work for consideration at any major magazine.

Happy reading!
Nicole

Valentine flashback

I was 'Pouncing' over at Etsy (you can view what's out there by letting Etsy bring back a random selection... you never know what will come up!) and came aross this adorable card from Rovenko. Ah, to be young and in high school and know that no boy will ever be as important as your current crush...
Valentine's Day as a grown up may be better, but a little nostalgia is always nice!
Nicole

DIY Motivation: Contest from Design*Sponge!

For all of you that have some DIY projects you've been just meaning to get to (and if you somehow already completed all your projects, I don't understand how you managed!), the time to stop procrastinating is NOW. Earlier this week Design*Sponge announced their new DIY Contest, with a prizes totaling $1500! As Grace from D*S said, "that's a lot of DIY supply money!"

Contest entries can be submitted through March 2, and you can submit multiple projects... so get working!
Nicole

High Flying Centerpiece

Who knew that paper airplanes could be so... chic? I came across this centerpiece via Another Shade of Grey & just adore it. So creative and simple, just the airplanes really make an impact - the many planes plus gorgeous paper really helps to pull this off.

The idea comes from Rachel Ray, who featured this as a back-to-school centerpiece idea, but it would be equally adorable for a boy's birthday party or for a travel-themed wedding shower (to celebrate a globetrotting couple or a destination wedding?).
Nicole