Kitchen Island Dining

I love the idea of having bar stools lined up at an island for a casual 

option for dining in the kitchen. It is a great way to catch up with the family

without sitting down to a formal meal. It also makes great use of the island 

space in the kitchen. Growing up, we had a breakfast nook but I still always 

wanted the option of sitting up with my mom while she was cooking in the kitchen

and being totally involved with what she was doing. This is definitely a must-have

for my future dream home.

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Lonny Mag Map Bathroom

In the latest issue of Lonny Magazine (sept/oct) there was a bathroom that 

really caught my eye. I am sure a lot of you have seen this, but I had to 

post it as I thought it was such an amazing idea. Not to mention that it works

 perfectly in a smaller scale bathroom! I love to travel and I love 

geography, so this wallpapered bathroom really encapsulated those two 

passions of mine! I could spend hours in here just dreaming of my 

next travel location... emphasis on the dreaming part!

*Images compliments of Lonny Magazine

HB Home Color! Color!

What can we say? We are huge fans of HB Home! They are some of the best designers we have ever seen with color. This can be seen on the latest cover of House Beautiful. I love everything from the beautiful navy high gloss door in the stunning dining room to the fabulous green grass cloth used on the walls in the living room. One great point they make is to start with neutral upholstery and then add the punch with accessories. We always make a point to visit their showroom in Westport CT. It is a show stopper! They are always ahead of the trends with design.

*Images compliments of HB Home

An Interior Design Lesson {Fireplace}

I have just started taking courses to become an Interior Decorator. 

I thought I would share some of the things along the way that I find are important for everyone to know; not just those of us who are interested in Interior Design/Decorating but for those who are interested in elements within our homes/apartments or even for those of us who enjoy beautiful things and want to at least know their names!

Therefore I figured having the terminology for a fireplace would be a good way to start. I live in New Orleans and I have two fireplaces...no they will never be used, but they are aesthetically pleasing all the same. 

Hearth- The surface in front of the fireplace. It is usually made of slate, marble, brick, stone or some other fireproof material. The hearth protects the floor from sparks. 
Firebox- The space in which the fire burns. It is usually faced with fire-resistant brick, called firebrick, or it may be made from a heat-resistant steel. The smoke from the firebox rises through to the chimney flue. 
Breast- The body of the fireplace that extends out into the room. The reason it protrudes is because it provides space for the chimney to go up inside the wall. 
Mantel- The decorative front of the fireplace, including the shelf on top that is called the mantel shelf.
Facing- The facade that fills the space between the decorative mantel and the firebox.

Not every fireplace will have all of these details, as likes and dislikes, style and space all differ. 

*Definitions and first image compliments of Sheffield School, all other images from Houzz

Shop It: Urban Home

Happy Monday everyone!

Over the weekend, one of my girlfriends invited me to 

the Treasure Island Flea Market; which was so-so. She

scored some great finds though!

Afterwards, she suggested we head to Urban Home. 

It's a consignment furniture store, and I must admit I was 

pretty smitten with a few pieces!

Really wish I had picked up one of these 

cute vases. Only $14

This piece totally caught my eye. So much that I started

creating my own version today!

I'll be sure to show you all the finished product. 

If you're in the area, you've got to make a stop into...

Urban Home

1825 Eastshore Highway

Berkeley, California

510.647.5042

Beautiful Mirrors/Art work

What beauties. One of these mirrors would add so much to an interior. They would be the statement piece of the interior. We are off to a local auction this weekend, and hope there are some fun finds to be had. Auctions we feel are the best place to find a bargain and we want to start going to more of them to really learn the ropes. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Wedged

The style that these girls are rockin' is so 

cool chic. They look great, but extremely comfortable

all wrapped up in one!

I'd love to be able to incorporate a bit of this 

into my wardrobe. The wedge boot might

be just the thing I need. The perfect shoe for both

work and the weekend.

Steve Madden Tanngo

Sam Edelman Wilma

Lucky Brand Fedora

(which you might remember from 

our Fall Fashion 2011 post)

DV by Dolce Vita Pura

*Images of girls from Pinterest

Hamilton Design

South Hamilton Design Show House was the first place we saw her work. Ellen Hamilton is the driving force behind Union Square Design. She heads up a dynamic group of designers and project managers. Her approach to design is a step by step process of decorating, by creating the interiors of her clients around their existing furniture and possessions. This process of design helps to produce unique and creative interiors with an individualistic approach. We love her new take on traditional design.

*images compliments of: Hamilton Design

Ziggy Chair

I almost yelped out in excitement today over this chair from Urban Outfitters. 

I know it may not be everyone's style and as my boyfriend pointed 

out to me today "a little bit too much of my style" as he looked around my apartment, 

but I couldn't help but dream of this chair in my bedroom!

I think the gray is soft and understated and one that I wouldn't 

easily tire of, but the other colors are just so fun!

Indian Summer

  

While Mom is posting about getting ready for the first fire

of fall, we had our first official "summer" weekend here in San Fran.

I know we're always talking about it here on the blog, but it's 

a very strange thing...starting summer when our nearest and 

dearest are hunkering down for apple picking, warms fires

and crisp fall days. 

The boyfriend and I went on a fantastic bike ride along Crissy Field

today and it was spectacular. We wanted to share a few photos. 

    

Since I'm not a huge fan of the typical biker helmet, 

I got myself what I like to call a "skater" helmet. 

The boyfriend also got himself a GoPro Camera. 

It's pretty fun to go on adventures with, taking 

videos of all the places he goes. 

We were super excited and curious to discover

this fun Make-A-Kite event. Everyone was having a blast!

This giant bear kite was amazing and hilarious! 

It was HUGE!

We're looking forward to a great Indian Summer 

here in San Francisco.

What did you all do this weekend? Was it great?!