Momathon Blog

Why I Like This Space

The sun is shining here in Colorado and I'm thinking of summer—at least until the snow comes on the weekend.

As a former lifeguard I have spent countless hours on pool decks and the stunning landscaping designed by Steve Taylor's firm C.O.S. Design caught my eye for several reasons. I love how both the geometric shape of the pool and the stone pavers complements the lines and color scheme of the house. Imagine how wonderful it would be to make dinner in the alfresco pool house. The large outdoor kitchen is perfect for entertaining—plus it offers weather protection when rain or cooler weather invades. I'm already there sipping a maragarita in my dreams...

IMAGE: The graphic above is by me and features an outdoor living area designed by C.O.S. Design and photographed by Tim Turner Photography.

 

Upstairs, Downstairs {And a Slide}

Since the stairway is often one of the first things you see when you enter a home, it often sets the mood for welcoming guests. Here are a few of my faves.

I'm feeling the modern vibe in this high-tech circular stairwell above. Love how the natural wood floors soften the edginess of the brushed steel and glass. The sleek design of the stairs below with a pop of yellow adds an element of fun.

Perhaps the grand stairway below was inspired by the movie Gone With the Wind. I would need to stock up on ball gowns if I lived here. Red walls, white accents and a massive chandelier make a decidedly glamorous statement.

A glass wall paired with a glass stairway brings the oh-so lovely outdoors inside.

Flamboyant zebra carpeting on the steps and the Wizard of Oz nostalgia sign says be warned—anything can happen here...

Strategically placed peek-a-boo holes in the wall makes this garage stairway kid-friendly.

And lastly... If your life is so hectic you don't have time to take the stairs down, why not add a slide to your house. This half-tube stainless steel slide starts on the top floor near the home office, and lands below near both the living and dining areas. Two words: hashtag awesome!

Which one is your fave?

Stairway images: 1| 2 | 3 | 4  | 5 | 6 | 7

Chic and Cozy Kitchens {Part 1}

At my house, the room where everyone gathers is the kitchen. Comfy banquettes make a cozy place to eat and just hang out. I'm thinking I need to add a built-in seating area to my kitchen too.

Especially during the winter, I camp out in a sunny room. A kitchen table with a window seat is perfect. Add some comfy cushions plus a few throw pillows and you might find me there all day. (Images via  here, here, here.)

A larger kitchen with a long bench seat like the one above is the perfect place to put your feet up and spend Sunday morning with a cup of coffee and the New York Times spread out on the table. (Image via here.)

I don't think I will ever outgrow the attraction to banquette seating. How about you? The bright orange booth above has a retro vibe that reminds me of late nights studying—and talking—with friends at a coffee shop during college. (Images via here and here.)

Which is your favorite? I'll share more Cozy Kitchens in Part 2 coming soon. 

7 Ways to Update a Home Office

Something about the idea of starting out fresh in a brand new year makes me want to update my studio. In a perfect world my office would be a sunny space that includes lots of storage options. I'm thinking "elegant chaos" might be the style I'm looking for. Or maybe "cheery Scandinavian." Right now my studio has an eclectic personality that desperately needs a major makeover.  How about you? I've got seven ways you can makeover your home office.

Source: scandinavianretreat.blogspot.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

1) Bring the outdoors in...
Even small windows add a sunny mood to the space, especially if you add plants on the windowsill. A playful vibe makes me more creative so I definitely need to bring my bike in the office. 

Source: google.ca via Chris on Pinterest

 

2) Embrace elegant chaos...
If everything is too matchy-matchy the work getting done feels static. Boring! Add some whimsy with a chandelier. No need to sacrifice organization in a small space, you can stay on track with an extensive filing system built into a desk and still have space to KEEP the comfy chair.  

Source: theglitterguide.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

3) Hang up a string of lights...
Now you can find a wide variety of options for a string of indoor lights. The simple lights add a warm glow at night—or during the day. In my own office I have a string of lights with a beaded cover that cast light in a variety of colors. Oh yes, can't leave this image without mentioning the sofa. I'm imagining all of my dogs napping together on that sweet space.

Source: thisisglamorous.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

4) Be moody...
To spark creativity, a space for displaying favorite images and creating mood boods is essential. I love pops of color against white walls. 

Although I'm drawn to white interiors, I'm thinking this dark chalkboard paint really shows off the artwork too. Plus a chalkboard wall adds to the FUN factor. I definitely want my office to be a fun space! 

Source: uncovet.tumblr.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

Black or white walls? The mood board works both ways depending on your style.

Source: style-files.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

5) Stay centered...
My desk is smack dab against the wall. Bland! I'm thinking moving a desk to the middle of the room would help clear away the clutter and open up the environment to that healthy energy of Chi.

Source: google.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

6) Collect books...
I know practically every book or magazine you want is available on your iPad, but there is something warm and comforting about feeling real paper. I love a big library. 

Source: theglitterguide.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

7) Stay grounded...
Floors! They are easy to overlook, but I think a nice floor can make a room. A big part of the update in my office includes ripping up the current tan carpet (bleh!) and putting down hardwood. Now I love the clean look of wood floors but my three dogs spend their days lounging on my studio floor and they insist on a rug or two. And I agree with the pups—rugs add texture, warmth, and character to a room.

The room above has the most tranquil look and feel of the bunch. I love the bleached wood and rug combo here.  

What do you think? Next Thursday I'll continue my quest for the perfect studio update with a look just at flooring options—and rugs. Stay tuned!

For more decorating ideas, hop over to my Pinterest boards: Decor Crush, Wall Art and Bookshelves, and if you are interested in studio spaces check out my board Artists at work.

IMAGES: The top collage combines the individual images featured with credits in the post. See sources link below each image.

Pillow Talk {Animals}

The other day, I was fussing about and thinking how I could make my daughter's bedroom more cozy. Adding comforters, soft blankets, and fluffy throw pillows is a personal fave. And this idea is no surprise to people who visit my home. One of the decorating themes in my house is using "cozifiers." That's why I am so excited about a collection of pillows I am creating for my new Society6 shop. 

My inspiration for creating an illustration for artwork and products my Society6 shop is often one of my own three dogs, or maybe one of the rescue dogs at the shelter I volunteer at, and sometimes a trip to the zoo is the subject of my artwork. Many of my pillows includes a short little backstory written by me... Latte Cat lives in a bookstore. She loves to read over your shoulder. Her favorite place to sit is on a shelf near the latte machine.  

My Society6 Throw Pillows are made from 100% spun polyester poplin fabric (giving it a nice cotton feel), a stylish statement that will liven up any room. Available in three sizes - 16", 18" and 20". Individually cut and sewn by hand (yes, the folks at Society6 are using their hands as usual), each throw pillow features a double-sided print of my artwork and is finished with a concealed zipper for ease of care. For even greater affordability and options, the Throw Pillows are sold with or without a faux down pillow insert. 

Check out my pillows featured above:

1. City Dogs {Frenchies} Throw Pillow by Chris Olson | Society6

2. Georgia the Giraffe Throw Pillow by Chris Olson | Society6

3. City Dogs {Shoe Diva} Throw Pillow by Chris Olson | Society6

4. Latte Cat Throw Pillow by Chris Olson | Society6

5. Paris Cat Throw Pillow by Chris Olson | Society6

6. Make Today Awesome {Fall in Love} Throw Pillow by Chris Olson | Society6

Images: ANIMAL PILLOWS graphic by me, Chris Olson, and feature my pillows at new Society6 shop. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

 

 

Decor Crush {New Cottage Style}

With two kids and three dogs in the house, my decorating style favors modern simplicity with a vintage twist. That's exactly why I love the fresh take on cottage style in the newly updated Better Homes & Gardens book New Cottage Style: Decorating Ideas for Casual, Comfortable Living.

The experts at Better Homes and Gardens included tons of gorgeous photos, decorating ideas and inspiration to achieve a cottage look that's clean, simple, and light. One thing that surprised me was the wide variety of cottage decorating styles. The authors give practical tips on how to recreate the style you like in your home.

What's inside the book:

House tours featuring everyday living, classic looks, touch of elegance, and welcoming retreats.

Room views featuring special spaces including porches, ultra-organized laundries, and many more room makeovers.

Projects and ideas notebook offers DIY inspiration including wallpapering a bookcase, adding a skirt on a wicker chair, and  painting a porch floor.

Find this paperback book here and here.

Note to readers: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Images: NEW COTTAGE STYLE graphics by me, Chris Olson and features my photos of the book. Feel free to Pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Decor Crush {Dark Wood Floors}

When we built our house years ago, we selected light colors for the wood floors. Now I realize how interesting it might have been to instead include a dark wood that anchors the space as well as provides an accent color. Check out the yummy floors in my pins below from my Decor Crush board on Pinterest.

In this white and gray kitchen the dark wooden floors make a nice focal point in a room filled with light. 

Source: witanddelight.tumblr.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

All the natural light and the white furniture balance the darker hue in the wood floor. 

Source: design-milk.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

Imagine eating breakfast here! The wall of windows plus the earthy wood tones reminds me of dining in a garden.

Source: houzz.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

 

The dark wooden floors are a nice contrast to the white walls and pop of color in the artwork. 

Source: escapadeblog.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

How to Create a Magnetic Chalkboard

 

Because I'm a doodler at heart, I love the decorating idea of adding chalkboard paint to a wall. This DIY idea makes the chalkboard portable, you can move the chalkboard you create around to different walls and different rooms. Easy peasy! I think the project is a fun accent for your child's bedroom or even the kitchen. This do-it-yourself paint project uses a Pottery Barn Kids frame and Benjamin Moore paints.

Magnetic Chalkboard

Supplies

• 18 x 18" piece of sheet metal (Or select any size to be cut to fit your picture frame)
• Household vinegar 
• Paint roller (small size, approx 6")
• Benjamin Moore Fresh Start Primer 
• Benjamin Moore Chalkboard Paint 
• 18" x 18" frame (Pottery Barn Kids frame is used in the video below)

Directions

1) Go to a metal supply shop and have them cut you a 18" x 18" piece of sheet metal—or any size that fits the picture frame you want to use.

2) Remove any grease on piece of sheet metal with ordinary household vinegar. Let the sheet dry.

3) Because sheet metal is a shiny and slick non-porous surface, you need to paint the metal with a primer like Benjamin Moore Fresh Start Primer because it will adhere to non-porous surfaces. 

4) After the primer dries, add a coat of chalkboard paint. Use long smooth strokes with a small paint roller. If you see any "lap lines" at the edges of your strokes of paint be sure to smooth the lines out with the roller.

5) Wait for the paint to dry and then add a second coat of chalkboard paint.

6) Let the painted metal dry thoroughly and then pop it into an 18" x 18" frame. Now it's ready to hang on the wall. 

You can watch a DIY video created by Pottery Barn here: How To: Create a Magnetic Chalkboard with Benjamin Moore Paint and a Pottery Barn Kids frame. 

IMAGES: Top image: Created by me, Chris Olson. 2nd image: Photo of chalkboard from Benjamin Moore paints and Pottery Barn Kids via here.

More chalkboard ideas here:

Painting DIY: How to Make a Chalkboard Wall

Get that Beach Chic Look with Slipcovers

Summer makes me think of long weekends by the lake—or ocean. I heart the casual cottage look with a plump-cushioned, slip-covered sofa. Even better if the slipcover is machine-washable and a pre-washed cotton-blend for a softer, lived-in touch. Here are a few of my summer house faves featured above:

• Loose-fit twill drop cloth slipcover for sofa and armchairs at Pottery Barn. $99
• Willow Sofa slipcover sold with the sofa and separately at Crate and Barrel. Prices vary.
• Slipcovers made of cotton or microsuede at JCPenney.  $65 - $75

Image: BEACH CHIC WITH SLIPCOVERS photo graphic above is by me, Chris Olson and features images from Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, and JCPenney. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

A few other DECOR CRUSH posts you might enjoy:

• Decor Crush: A House Tour with George Clooney
• Decor Crush: Claire and Phil's house on the Modern Family series
• Decor Crush: Jennifer Lopez's new house in the Hamptons

It's So Etsy: "Love You More" Nursery Print

Are you creating a nursery? One sweet way to personalize your child's room is to add handcrafted wall art. I love the artwork by Sarah Jane Studios on Etsy and her adorable Love You More print would make a wonderful addition to a little girl's room. 

Sarah Jane is a mother of three small children, and as she says at her Etsy shop:

It always starts with a sweet "I Love You!" and it ends up turning into an "I love you more!" 

"Love You More" details:

• Art print created from a hand drawn & digitally colored original illustration 
• Giclée prints are archival printed on museum quality archival paper
• Ships flat in a protective sleeve within 3-5 days of payment
• Printed locally in the USA
• 8x10 print, $26
• Also available in 11x14” & 16x20” and as a poster print in 18x24”
• For other sizes & pricing go to www.sarahjanestudios.com

Follow Sarah Jane Studio updates on Twitter and Facebook. Check out her blog here.

 

>•< • >•<  Connect on Facebook >•< • >•<

Image: Graphics above by me, Chris Olson featuring the "Love You More" print by SarahJaneStudios on Etsy. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

The House at Pooh Corner: A.A. Milne's Home for Sale

Back in 1925, A.A. Milne bought this charming country retreat Cotchford Farm for himself, his wife and son, Christopher Robin. While living here in the lovely Sussex countryside, Milne began writing the beloved stories of Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh. The house has had several owners, including the founder of The Rolling Stones, Brian Jones.

The grand three-story country house on 9.5 acres in East Sussex dates back to the mid-16th century and the home has had many renovations over the years.The home is listed at £2 million or about about $3.1 m. For more information on the home, check the Savills UK listing.

The House at Pooh Corner, published in 1928, is the second volume of stories about Winnie-the-Pooh, written by A. A. Milne and illustrated by E. H. Shepard.

(The graphic above by Chris Olson featuring the Milne home at Cotchford Lane, Hartfield, East Sussex—and also the image of my beloved bear Pooh.)

 

Tips for Selecting the Right Dining Room Table for Your Home

Have you outgrown your dining room furniture—or do you just want to update the rooom? Here are four tips to help you find the table that fits your home.

Looking for more decorating ideas, check out more of my Decor crush posts.

Image by Chris Olson featuring the Oslo Table via Crate and Barrel.

 

To download the free printable gift box I designed for my blog readers, click on link.

Fresh Picks: Multi Colors

 

Any of these colorful one-of-a-kind pieces with bold floral prints would make a glam addition to my house. Love all the amazing handcrafted furniture from Bokja Design in collaboration with nuLOOM. A chair named Zsa Zsa has to be divine! (Handmade in Beirut, Lebanon.) 

1) Zsa Zsa Chair One Multi

2) Zsa Zsa Chair Two Multi

3) Disque Chair Two Multi

4) Nour Chair One Multi

5) Bench Multi

Painting DIY: How to Make a Chalkboard Wall

 

Benjamin Moore Paints

You can create a fun and functional chalkboard wall in almost any room with durable chalkboard paint that's designed to be erasable and washable. Be inventive! You can paint a small section of the wall to resemble a chalkboard or paint the entire wall for your kids (or you) to draw large murals. With this paint you turn any rectangular area into artistic scribble space. 

Benjamin Moore Paints

 
Helpful hints:

1) How much paint do you need for a specific room or wall? Use the Paint Calculator.

2) Pick the perfect color with a sample-sized can of paint that lets you test drive your favorite colors:

Find the perfect color using the online color samples, then go to the store to verify your choice with paint samples—or you can even order a sample online and have it shipped to you.

For example, look at the paint color samples online at Benjamin Moore. Remember your laptop monitor is not able to show the "true color"—the color you see on your laptop will not look the same as the paint color you will paint with. That's why ordering 16 oz. "sample color" paint cans will let you test out several colors at your home. Each sample paint can covers approximately two 4' X 4' or eight 2' x 2' areas.

Are you ready to paint now? Follow the step-by-step directions for painting a chalkboard wall below.

DIY: How to Set a Table at a Formal Dinner

Elaborate place settings at formal events like a wedding can be daunting. If you can't decide if the bread plate you should eat from is on your left or right, then check out the handy cheat sheet illustration above. 

Image above by me featuring Villeroy & Boch New Wave Premium Platinum.

 

Polka Dot Pazzazz in the Bedroom

Sleeping in bedding with a cheerful print will bring you good dreams, I'm sure. Bought these sheets for my parents recently. Love the fact the Dot to Dot bedding by Garnet Hill comes in a wide range of bright and pastel polka dots. Sweet dreams! (Bedding, $28 - $98)

Image above by me, Chris Olson. Bedding by the marvelous Garnet Hill.

Four Tips to Pick the Best Sofa

With all the choices and styles available, buying a new sofa can be daunting. Finding a sofa with great style and quality construction is key to making a good furniture investment that will last for years to come. Always go to the store showroom to give each sofa a test drive. To make the evaluation simpler, just follow the four tips in the image above to narrow your list of choices. 

Image above by me,  Chris Olson. Sofa  featured is the Klyne Sofa from Crate and Barrel. 

Tea for two

A dear neighbor had a birthday tea party for me yesterday. Of course the tea and treats were delicious. Her pretty chickadee plates from Crate and Barrel are perfect for spring.

Decor Crush: Hooked on Celebrity Houses

 

Julia's popular lifestyle blog Hooked on Houses turns 4 years old this week. If you like real estate blogs, this one is for you. Even better, if you like to also glimpse into the homes of celebrities and homes on movie and TV sets, then reading Julia's blog will quickly become one of your favorites.

In her blog she admits she is obsessed with pop culture, but at heart I can also tell she loves homes of any style. Julia says in  her blog:

"I’m more likely to swoon over a cozy, well-designed cottage than a sprawling, show-offy mansion. For me, looking at houses is a form of entertainment. I think they have personalities, and it’s fun to get to know them, regardless of their size, shape, or style." 

Here are just a few recent posts:

• Reese Witherspoon’s San Francisco Apartment in the Movie “Just Like Heaven”
• Jennifer Aniston’s Sleek New $21 Million House in Bel Air
• Four Pretty Houses on “Pretty Little Liars”
• For Sale: Christina Aguilera’s Pink Closet (and the House That Goes With It!)
• Renée Zellweger Selling Country House in Connecticut“
• Modern Family:” 3 Funny Families and Their 3 Fab Houses
• The “Bewitched” Movie: Nicole Kidman’s Cottage

Photos: Jennifer Aniston's home, Hooked On Houses banner, Christina Aguilera's home featured on Julia's blog.

DIY: Epsom Salt Snow Candles

After such a mild start to January, I am ready for some snow! I am hoping the storm this weekend brings a layer of the white stuff. Even if it doesn't snow, this sparkly DIY candle craft will create a shimmery winter mood in your home.

Espom Salt Snow Candle

Supplies: 

• Epsom salt
• Modge Podge
• Pillar candles--any color works, I like white or a light creamy color
• Shallow baking pan or a similar pan with edges

Directions:

1) Pour a layer of epsom salt into a shallow baking pan.

2) Use a sponge brush to coat the side of a candle with Modge Podge.

3) Before the Modge Podge dries, quickly roll the candle in the epsom salt to create a light snowy layer on your candle.

4) Let candle with snowy coating dry completely before using the candle.

5) To help the candle burn evenly, place the candle in a cylinder vase suitable for candles.

(Photo by me, Chris Olson.)

On my desk today

Here is what’s “on my desk” today—a collection of items I am using in my illustration and design work. Check back next Friday for another collection.

Photo by me, Chris Olson.

If you like this, PIN it:  

Book Review: Fresh American Spaces

Did you know jelly beans and other candy can help you select the perfect paint colors for your home? And if you love sharing your house with dogs, then you probably find the fun in functional. These are just a few of the refreshing decorating philosophies in Annie Selke's decor book Fresh American Spaces.

In addition to inspiring decor photos, she includes step-by-step directions for DIY projects that fit your style including: painting stripes on a wall, perfecting a mound of roses in a bouquet, organizing a wall of pictures, and adding stripes to towels. 

If you love color but wonder just what colors work for your home, Selke includes several color-matching ideas using fabrics, paints, and more. (Plus she leaves out the guessing work by including the paint names for colors from popular brands.) 

Filled with sparkling photos to inspire your home decorating, her book includes a wide variety of styles in five sections:

• Refined Romantic
• Nuanced Neutral
• Happy Preppy
• Cultured Eclectic
• Everyday Exuberance

Here are few of my favorite pages...

Photos: Fresh American Spaces

If you like this, PIN it: 

Romantic Prairie Style

 

I will always be a fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder's The Little House on the Prairie series. And maybe that is why I have a fondness for the romantic prairie style decor today. Pair author Fifi O'neill's new book Romantic Prairie Style with a cup of herbal tea and it's a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. As the publisher says,

"Romantic Prairie Style embraces simple pleasures, comfort, and the long-cherished ideals of natural beauty, simplicity, and harmony with the earth. It's a style that says 'home' wherever you may be because, more than anything else, it's a mindset: gentle but strong, welcoming and lasting, durable yet sophisticated, and, above all, real."

Here are a few of my favorite page spreads that give a glimpse of the lovely book. 

 

DIY: Mini pumpkins

 

I love this mini pumpkin plant arrangement given to me by a dear friend and neighbor. Best of all, you can dry the pumpkins on the stems by removing the leaves and then preserve them for fall decor.

Evidently this plant is edible too (chop and toss into stir fry). Check in later for details.

(Photos by me, Chris Olson.)

Halloween at House 8810

House 8810 online store has loads of fun Halloween goodies. Check out two of my faves below:

Halloween towels

Halloween masks

Photos: House 8810 

 

It's So Etsy: Halloween Banner

This cute and spooky hand-painted burlap banner is guaranteed to add plenty of sparkle to your Halloween decor. Created by Brandy and available for $16.99 at her Etsy store baybeedahlboutique. Her store includes more banners. I also love the banner that says "Halloween." Perfect to hang on a front porch or across a dining room for a party!

Notes:

• Designer orange and black fine glitter spell the word "Spooky."
• Burlap is treated to prevent fraying edges and sewn onto natural jute twine.
• Banner can be used for many years as glitter is also treated to prevent sparkle loss.
• Individual burlap pennants measure 10 inches tall and 7 inches wide.
• "Spooky" portion measures 46 inches.
• Total banner length measuring over 9 feet long.

Photo: baybeedahlboutique

Decor Crush: Jennifer Lopez's new house in the Hamptons

 

Lopez's new digs in the Hampton's exclusive Water Mill area look amazing: 14,000 square-foot shingle style house, 7 bedrooms and 9.5 baths, outdoor spa/pool with a fireplace, master suite and jr suite. My favorite room is the spacious crisp white kitchen. Imagine the meals you could prepare here! The Lopez place reminds me of Erica Barry's (Diane Keaton) Hamptons beach house in the movie Something's Gotta Give. For more details on the Lopez home check out the lovely blog Hooked on Houses by Julia and the Corcoran property listing.

Decor Crush: Claire and Phil's house on the Modern Family series

I want to live in Claire and Phil Dunphy's house on Modern Family or be their neighbor. And it's not about how grand the house is–that would be the home of the series patriarch. I love the way the set looks like a real home, where Pottery Barn charm and everyday family chaos collide. The set decor mixes vintage Craftsman with hip West Coast style. I adore the colors–Benjamin Moore "Labrador Blue" on the entry walls. Colorful artwork all over the walls. Bold striped pillows look inviting on my major decor crush: the comfy beige sofa from Sofa U Love. 

Photo credits: ABC

 

Frame a photo and hang it–in less than one minute

 

Now you can add art to the walls–and even reposition the artwork–in just minutes with these innovative stick-on frames. Set of wall decal frames includes one 4 x 4 frame, four 4 x 6 frames, two 5 x 7 frames and one 8 x 10 frame. The frames are reusable with photos and photo quality paper, but only one-time use only with standard paper such as your kid artwork. Stick on Frames Gallery is available in pink or black at Land of Nod, $24.95 each set.

 

 

As easy as 1-2-3: 

1) Peel off the backing of these frames
2) Attach your photos
3) Stick on any smooth, non-textured wall.

 

Photos: Land of Nod. 

Go ahead, doodle on the walls

 

The Frames wallpaper in the The Land of Nod collection is perfect for every kid who loves to draw--on the walls or on paper. Made for doodlers and young Picassos, hundreds of blank picture frames in a myriad of shapes and sizes cover the wallpaper. All you need to do is hand your kids (or the grownups) a box of markers. (Frames Wallpaper, $45.00)

Have fun!

(Photo: The Land of Nod)

Back for seconds: A version of this post was published earlier by me.

 

Friday's Decor Crush from Crazy, Stupid, Love

Friday’s Decor Crush
Who knows how I ever noticed the white chair in this scene with Ryan Gosling showing off his six-pack. Anyways… I adore them both in the delightful movie Crazy, Stupid, Love.
If you have any ideas where to buy the lovely white modern chair, add your thoughts to the comments for this post.

~via my blog Decor Crush on Tumblr

Family-friendly housewares by Diane Keaton

 

"Diane Keaton is a wonderful actor. And I love her sense of style. But I never knew until now she also has an incredible sense for design too. Check out my new Decor Crush–Keaton’s new classic line of housewares K by Keaton at Bed Bath and Beyond. Perfect colors for fall and winter. Love the fact the pottery is practical and kid-friendly too!"

via Decor Crush on Tumblr.

Illustration by me, Chris Olson

 

 

Decor Crush: Rice Paper Lantern on the show White Collar

 

I believe in love at first sight. Especially while watching TV or a movie.

Let me explain...

Almost everything looks better on TV–especially home decor or cars or clothes. So it is only natural to see something even for just a second on your TV and instantly feel that connection. But where can you find it? Magazines and blogs do a great job of doing the sleuthing for the best in celebrity and pop culture clothing.

Amazing couches, lovely lamps, and impressive bookshelves rarely get ID'd in the media. That's why every Friday I am going to post one TV (or movie) home decor crush on my blog and my new Tumblr blog Decor Crush. Feel free to send me your ideas for identifying an item featured on Decor Crush. And send me suggestions for Decor Crush items. Together we will solve the puzzles. 

 

Friday's Crush:
The lamp in the apartment of the charming criminal mastermind Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer) on the show White Collar. I love this rice paper lantern because it is not the typical round shape.

So where can I find it?

 

Follow Decor Crush on Tumblr.

Room for Children: Stylish Spaces for Sleep and Play

 

 

Looking for decorating ideas for a nursery or a child's bedroom? Susanna Salk's visually exciting book Room for Children: Stylish Spaces for Sleep and Play is a stunning treasure trove of decorating ideas and a fun read. Kelly Wearstler, renowned interior designer and author of several books, writes the foreword.

Is it possible to design a room that pleases both the parents and their children? Salk has found a way. Page after page of lovely photography by some of the industry's top photographers–Pieter Estersohn, Paul Costello, William Abranowicz, Melanie Aveced, and others–makes me want redecorate a few rooms at my house. No matter your style–modern, formal to whimsical–you will find a room that fits your mood. The book showcases a variety of decorating styles for bedrooms, play spaces, and study areas created by a talented group of designers including Kelly Wearstler, Charlotte Moss, Alessandra Branca, Amanda Nisbet, and Thomas Jayne, among many others.  

Salk is a leading design maven with many publishing success stories. Here are just a few: author of Weekend Retreats, a contributing editor for Bon Appetit Magazine, 1STDIBS.COM, and iVillage.com, as well as a former special projects editor at House & Garden. In the book she features an assortment of rooms that will appeal to a variety of ages. Her book has a sophisticated take on decor for children according to the LAtimes.com: 

The book suggests that just because a room is designed for a kid, that's no reason the design can't be all grown up. There is nothing DIY about "Room for Children," and no sense of trying to do more with less. Two-dozen-plus rooms in the book differ in style, but few could be described as "cute."

 

Anne at her blog The City Sage says: 

In the world of interiors books, the subject of decorating for children has been sorely neglected. Until now! Renowned author and editor Susanna Salk has released Room for Children: Stylish Spaces for Sleep and Play, and I'm rolling on a serious sugar high from all the sweet, sweet eye candy!

Julie at her blog Remodelista calls the book required reading:

Salk rounds up spaces by designers such as Kelly Wearstler (who wrote the book’s foreward), Amanda Nisbet, Amy Lau, Sixx Design, as well as J. Crew Creative Director Jenna Lyons’ edgy charcoal-walled nursery. 

 

This room makes me want to plan
a trip with my family...

The beach can't be too far away here...

A cozy space for a girl or boy to call home...

A little bit of elegance and fantasy...

Comfy and creative space for parents and baby...

Photos above feature the stylish pages from the book Room for Children by Susanna Salk. 

Note to my readers: I did not receive compensation from the author or publisher for writing this book review

MyDeco.com DIY decorating tools help you design your home

You can shop furniture and homewares at MyDeco.com. But my favorite DIY decor feature are the interactive MyDeco interior design options using these handy tools:

• design a room with realistic 3D
• create a moodboard
• decorate a photo
• clip an image
• create a folder

MyDeco.com uses top retailers including: Zappos, Cath Kidston, Five Stripes, Design Public, Overstock, Ferm Living, Domestications, and many more.

For DIY help on the fly, try the MyDeco iPhone app. You can follow the latest style trends on the MyDeco Blog, or connect with MyDeco on Facebook and Twitter.

The modern and earthy Hemingway Designs kitchen featured in photo above.

Photos: MyDeco.com website images.

(Note: This is a product review. I do not receive compensation from the company for reviewing their product.)

If you could live on a movie set, which movie would it be?

Just visiting a set in a film by Nancy Meyers–It’s Complicated, The Holiday, Something's Gotta Give, The Parent Trap, Father of the Bride, and Baby Boom–would make me giddy. The interior shots look warm and inviting. Even the food on the set is drool-worthy. I can almost feel an ocean breeze in the sunny exterior shots with lush landscaping.

My personal faves are on opposite coasts: the Hamptons beach house in Something's Gotta Give and the Santa Barbara home in It's Complicated. Nancy Meyers has a great eye for details and flattering lighting. Her movies are filled with rooms or landscapes that convey perfection without being overly fussy. Even the workspaces are delicious--consider the lovely bakery in It's Complicated.

Jane's (Meryl Streep) bakery in It's Complicated

 

Jane's house in Santa Barabara

Jane's kitchen

Jane's garden

 

Erica Barry's (Diane Keaton) Hamptons beach house in Something's Gotta Give

Erica's living room

 

Erica's living room at night

 

Do you have a favorite movie set you would love to live in? I'd like to hear your faves!

Cool + Plus: A chic water bottle that is easy to clean

 

You know how even after you clean ordinary water bottles they still end up with a stinky, gunky mess at the bottom of the bottles. Gross. Finally a company with an incredibly simple invention makes the reusable water bottle easier to clean--the Clean Bottle opens at both ends.

I also like the fact this company is a giver: 10% of all Clean Bottle profits are donated to eco and cycling friendly charities that you vote for.

New York Magazine likes the Clean Bottle: "Both the bottom and top ends of the 22-ounce Clean Bottle can be unscrewed for easier rinsing."  

Features:

• Both top and bottom of bottle unscrew for cleaning
• made of BPA free plastic
• 10% of all Clean Bottle profits are donated to eco and cycling friendly charities that you vote for
• dishwasher safe
• holds 22 oz.
• available at REI and other stores
• $9.95 

See more of my Cool + Plus series featuring products that not only have amazing design, but also benefit the environment and society. Check out Cool + Plus.

Photo: Clean Bottle

Cool + Plus: Eco-Friendly Sunnan Lamp

Today is the first in my Cool + Plus series featuring products that not only have amazing design, but also benefit the environment and society.

IKEA Sunnan rechargeable solar lamp 

Thanks to a collaboration between UNICEF and IKEA, for every lamp purchased another is donated to a child living without electricity in the developing world including:

• remote areas of Pakistan
• rural school children in India
• children in the cotton districts in Maharashtra, India (Save the Children)

“Millions of children can’t draw, write or read after sunset, limiting their horizons and possibly their futures,” according to Marianne Barner, head of IKEA Social Initiative. “We hope our lamps are a small but important contribution to improving the lives of children in developing countries.”

Sunnan Solar Lamp features

• rechargeable batteries and solar panel
• use this lamp practically anywhere--no plugs or cables needed
• charge lamp and/or solar unit on the window sill as needed
• built-in LED light source with a life time approx. 25,000 hours
• weighs only 2 lbs
• affordable at $20

 

Photo: IKEA

 

Blog for Digs: My childhood bedroom was...

My blog post today is part of Blog for Digs--a great charity blogging event for the non-profit Dwell with Dignity. This non-profit group of interior designers and volunteers is dedicated to creating soothing, inspiring homes for families struggling with homelessness and poverty". Learn how you can help make a difference, click here.

My childhood bedroom was...

If I close my eyes and imagine playing on the floor with my dolls in my childhood bedroom, I can almost feel the warm summer breeze coming in through the windows, hear the crickets chirping in the meadow grass outside and taste the sugar cookies baking in the always busy kitchen oven. I loved looking outside and my windows were a favorite feature of my tiny corner room. In the winter I would fall asleep warm and cozy under my pillowy comforter while listening to the snow machines rumbling as they magically blew man-made snow across the runs at the ski resort down the street.

Although my super organized parents might disagree, my childhood bedroom was very neat. Every toy, gadget, and doll had a special box, shelf, or drawer to call home. On one wall my parents added shelves to create a large dollhouse. In my closet they built another shelving system to house my other toys. My desk, my bed, my dresser and my chair were all antiques passed down through the generations. As a child I always wanted a bean bag chair, but when I grew up I realized the beauty of restored wood and handsewn cushions.

I will always be grateful that my parents neatly boxed up and saved many of my toys when I went to college. Here are just a few of my favorite childhood things that I photographed in my studio yesterday:

  

More childhood bedroom posts to come!

Sending special MOMMY HUGS to Claudia and Beth who organized this event and, of course, to everyone at Dwell with Dignity.

If you can, please donate so that we can help create special memories for some great and deserving children.

A talented group of bloggers will post about their childhood bedrooms and one decor item they wished they had. Claudia's Blog for Digs schedule over at StoneHouseLove features a few bloggers for each day.  

Passing the blogger keyboard over to blogger Emily at Notorious MLE. She will be posting her stories about childhood bedrooms tomorrow. Looking forward to reading all of the posts of blog for digs over the next few weeks. You can see the entire schedule for bloggers here.

 

Enjoy a latte with your favorite dog breed

I saw these adorable 3D coffee mugs you can customize with over 120 dog breeds in the most recent O, The Oprah Magazine. Half mug and half sculpture--my favorite part of each mug is the sweet face of a dog popping out to say "hello." The hand crafted ceramic mugs are available for $39.95 each at BlueWitchCeramics.com.

Check out my other posts about dogs and cats.

DIY Chalkboard Wall

 

Fun and functional, chalkboard paint turns a boring wall into a durable and washable chalkboard masterpiece. Check out Benjamin Moore's Studio Finishes Chalkboard (307) paint. 
(Photos: Apartment Therapy, TheNest.com)

DIY chalkboard ideas:

• Calendar: paint a large grid for a monthly or weekly calendar
• Kitchen updates: shopping lists, phone messages, recipes
• Creative space: for kids AND adults

See the directions to make a chalkboard wall below.

Yummy blogs: Design Love Fest blog

 

It's Friday. Take a break, sit back, and drink in the lovely blog Design Love Fest by graphic designer Bri Emery.

 

 

 

 

Photos: Screenshots from the oh-so-sweet Design Love Fest blog. 
  

Daily doodle: red chair

For more doodles by me, click on Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010

 

Inspiration from Maeve magazine

 

 

The new online magazine MAEVE aimed at the "conscious consumer" looks fascinating. According to their website: "MAEVE is an observatory on human kind, incorporating a plethora of ideas and inspiration to bring life to your life and your family."

Thanks for the tip via Design Mom on Babble.com: 

"The second issue of Maeve Magazine just came out and you can count me as a fan. Maeve is a quarterly online publication published from Australia. It’s free and it’s a treat to scroll through — interesting content and excellent photography. I love the tagline: Raising An Inspired Generation. And I love how the about page describes the publication.

Will making my bed make me happier?

 

Today I made my bed. On a scale of 1 to 10, today I'm about a 6. I'm not sure making my bed had anything to do with it. Perhaps I would be even happier if my bed looked like the Pottery Barn bed above.

The truth is, I don't have high expectations for making my bed or anything this time of year. It's summer vacation. The temp has been hovering around 95 for about a week. If I manage to avoid melting outside I consider it a victory. Most summer days I get the basics done and making my bed just happens to be on the daily chore list along with walking the dogs, cleaning dishes, laundry, and limiting the kids' TV consumption. (And the last one is the most difficult.)

Fortunately making my bed each day is simple. I don't have a million pillows or fancy comforters to fold. I do like to see some evidence of civilized living in all the chaos, but I don't need my bedroom to be an oasis of perfection. 

I like the fact that seeing my bed made is a subtle invitation to lounge and read a good book here.

According to Gretchen Rubin of the The Happiness Project, "Picking one little task to improve your situation, and doing it regularly, can help you regain a sense of self-mastery. Making your bed is a good place to start, and tackling one easy daily step is a good way to energize yourself for tougher situations."

So go ahead. Make your bed. Or not.

 

 

And don't forget to come back for a cat nap.

(Photos: Pottery Barn)

Vintage inspired kitchen chalkboard

Ever dream of opening your very own surf'n turf restaurant? Play the part with this vintage inspired chalkboard and magnet-board combo--a fun spot to post menus and notes. Find it at Pottery Barn. $149. 

• 36" wide x 31.5" high x 2" deep 
• Mahogany frame is distressed by hand.
• Includes chalk and eraser.
• Mounting hardware included.