One of my best friends is having a baby and refuses to find out if she will be expecting a little man or a sweet little baby girl. Being the honorary (decorating obsessed) aunt that I am, it is my duty to help create the perfect gender-neutral space for this precious baby to come home to. I have a few ideas... Remember- a baby's room is really just for mom and dad the first few months and then it will ultimately become filled with toys, books, and that raggedy stuffed animal that you can't pry from your sweet baby's fingers, none of which will match the decor anyway. So... my idea? Don't choose a specific color scheme. Choose a neutral base color then add pops of color in the fabrics, furniture, and art. The room will look like a nursery- so why not attempt a contemporary, sophisticated look that will be calming for you and your baby.

I love how pattern and color is brought in through the furniture and wall decals can be great for temporary color and especially for those who don't feel comfortable with a paintbrush.

Most don't see navy as a neutral- but think of it like denim- it goes with everything! I know painting a wall this dark can be daunting, but with the adjacent white walls and bright pops of color, I think it is an awesome look!

Obviously not a nursery, but it could be! I love the calming neutral bedding, the light walls, the chandelier and the mirror. Also, how cool would this art look above a crib... I can't think of anything more fitting.

Yellow can be a neutral! I like how, in this room, the yellow is a rich gold- nurseries don't have to be pastel. In this case, the color is actually a wallpaper that has been applied to the ceiling instead of the walls.

Now, this is my favorite idea... a tee pee in a baby's room? Naturally this is something they'd have to grow into... but it looks so whimsical and modern! And can you say most fun sleepover ever!?

friday redesign: bachelor pad

My brother recently bought a house and has been gradually renovating it room by room. His newest venture is the entry way which is an addition built by the previous owner like 40 years ago on what was originally the font porch. It is a big space that opens to the kitchen and the living room and happens to be the first thing you see when you open the front door.

My advice: bring in some color and some humor! Right now it is a dark and dull space with no personality. I like the horizontal real wood paneling. It is a great base for a contemporary, masculine style.

Start with the floor- a large, graphic, black and white cow hide will add warmth and a visual pop as opposed to the small neutral one there now. I would rearrange your chairs to sit in the corner and place a comfy, rattan pouf in front that would be both functional and stylish. (I should probably avoid using the word "pouf" when trying to convince my older brother of anything- lets just call it an ottoman instead. ) I also love this modern, arc floor lamp and the twig coat rack that plays up the "woodsy" feel of the space. Finally, find, or, better yet make, an over sized art piece, like this pixilated Abe, to hang on the blank wall and get some colorful throw pillows for the chairs.

All in all, this project would be at least $600 and I didn't even address the windows. But, if you change out the rug and pillows for some from Target or find a cool coat rack from a thrift store and spray paint it an unexpected color, you could easily shave off a couple hundred and still make an awesome first impression, especially for any bachelorettes that may stop by!

save the date!

Wedding season is fast approaching! I love weddings! What's better than a big party filled with tons of people you love celebrating the fact that you're in love? (Also, the awesome finger foods and champagne- they're nice too!) My cousin is getting married this summer and I started gathering ideas for the big day about 24 hours after she said yes. (Maybe more like an hour and a half but who's counting...) Lets be real, the "big day" is a culmination of a lot of smaller days spent planning, taking pictures, sending invites, tasting cakes, ordering flowers, trying on dresses, laughing, crying and most definitely, stressing. Some stress is unavoidable- but most of it relates to money one way or another. Working on a budget is my specialty! I helped her create on awesome background for their unique Save the Date Postcards and I think they turned out awesome. Cost? 1 piece of plywood, wood trim for a frame, chalkboard paint, white chalk and creativity... about $40. Love at first sight.

why marble?

My husband and I are finally redoing our kitchen and have decided to use carrara marble for most of our counter tops. I think it is beautiful and classic. Although it has been popular for decades, the way it is used today it is not only current, but in my opinion, unique in a world of ubatuba granite everywhere I turn. Marble looks great with its classic glossy surface but can also be honed for a more subtle (but still beautiful) look. Honing can also help disquise thiny imperfections or even scratches on the surface. It can be paired with other materials like a soapstone or even concrete on neighboring countertops. The main arguement against marble? It tends to be a little more finicky than other stones. But I love what a woman from our stone supplier said to me recently, "If the streets of Italy have been paved with Marble for 100's of years, surely it is strong enough to withstand my family." It scratches and stains easier than granite or quartz due to its porous nature but it is equially as hygenic and can make a statement like no other. How beautiful is the kitchen above from Downsview Kitchens? The marble adds an enormous amount of light to the room paired with the dark stain and the white cabinetry. Not to mention the stainless steel touches, the industrial style lighting, the wall of pantry, state of the art appliances... (sigh)...here's to dreaming...

the house with a yellow door

I think the color of a front door says a lot about a person. Are you a traditionalist who paints their front door a patriotic red? Do you tend to be more subdued and paint your door a soft gray that doesn't make a loud statement or compete with the landscape or shutters? Or are you a risk taker? Do you do the unexpected and paint your door a rich violet or even a shocking blue? I don't know exactly what kind of person it makes me, but I know I have always wanted a house with a yellow door. I think it all stemmed from dreams of throwing a big party and inviting everyone I know. And, when giving directions, I could simply say, "Mine will be the house with a yellow door." There is no denying a yellow door. It makes a statement. It is fun and optimistic. Maybe that's the kind of person I want to be. Think of how lovely it would look with a great big red berry wreath hanging on it in the wintertime or a deep purple lavender wreath in the spring? Yes, someday I will have the house with a yellow door but until then, I will dream.