I ♡ Tord

For my birthday, Bonnie gave me a couple of design books knowing that Eric and I have been working on reworking our living space, one of which was a beautiful book on Tord Boontje by Martina Margetts. I knew a little about him, but lately his designs are really speaking to me. I love the use of light and shadow, and the nature inspired silhouettes he plays with. His pieces are modern, yet whimsical...industrial, yet organic. I think it is these contrasts that make his design so appealing.

Top of my want list is the Garland light which can be found via Modern Poverty:



I also love the Icarus light, a favorite of Bonnie's,who commented that it looks like it could take flight... or maybe lay eggs. I also think it could have swooped down onto Vince Neil's head moments before performing Shout at the Devil in 83':

Not that I need another project...

But I find this bird mobile totally inspiring.
Courtesy of Spool, you can download the bird pattern here!

In the dark

The living room is coming along, but I don't want to share photos until the floor has been laid...end of September is my goal. We've been painting like crazy, splurging on new furniture, things are shaping up nicely...but the dining room light fixture needs a serious upgrade. I have my heart set on a white chandelier, but am having a hard time finding the perfect piece to compliment the space.

I love this coral inspired piece, but it truly doesn't match our decor. I'm almost crazy enough to redo our dining room just to accommodate this piece. Almost.



Eric has been a real sport. I've slowly worn him down into accepting some of the more feminine design ideas I've had lately. I suppose the chandelier is the next attempt. This one is toned down enough that I think he might actually go for it...but it's rather plain for my taste:



Here is another contender. The fact that it's off white my help us avoid having to repaint our dining room ceiling. After paining the living room's, I'm all for omitting that step.



Finally, I found this chandelier at Target...if only it came in white. Black could work, but we've made a few black furniture purchase lately, and I think Eric will resist it with all his might - it has dangling crystals for Christ's sake!



Tell me what you guys think - which one would you choose? I need advice.

Living Room, leaving room.

Ever since Robin brought my attention to the Modern Economy sample sale coming up next month, I have spent an absurd amount of time toying with the idea of wall paper thanks to Ferm Living. After tearing down wall paper in the foyer (ok, fine - Eric did most of the work) I have developed a fear of the stuff. I can't imagine the hanging process is any easier than trying the peel the stuff off...

That said, Ferm Living's modern wallpaper designs may have me rethinking my stance.



Aside from wall decor, one of the most difficult decisions to be made on the new living room is in relation to the sofa. I really want a leather sofa, but the thought of my cats leaving claw marks has me thinking better of it. For years I have been dreaming of the chocolate brown KRAMFORS sofa from IKEA. The shiny texture has me a bit concerned about my sweet little furbabies and their love to scratch. As a result, I'm thinking the HAMRA sofa may be a bit more durable, and I love the color. I know I mentioned before that I was going with cool and neutral tones, but this might be the exception. I think it will look great with the super soft aqua green paint we are planning to use.

The shape of this sectional will look wonderful in the corner of our living room, allowing us to finally put the TV on the wall and really open up the space. More than anything, I am wanting to declutter. Right now there are too many obstacles in that room. By moving the sitting space in the corner, we will take better advantage of the free flowing nature of our exiting floor plan.



Knowing the cats will inevitably pose a problem, I have been trying to locate a fabric sofa I like. This so far is my favorite, but Eric is dead set against yellow. I think when used in a single piece, it will look great, but the guy needs some convincing. Don't you think this sofa would look great against the wallpaper above?



So many possibilities, and the planning stage is the most fun. Installing the hardwood flooring...that I'm not looking forward to.

Shopping Cart Friday (for the home)

Eric and I are approaching many home improvement projects, one of which involves redoing our living room. I am going with a completely different color palette, moving away from the reds to cool and neutral tones. The details will be saved for another post, but in the spirit of shopping cart Friday, here are some notable items I'm thinking about (in addition to some items I just couldn't pass up.)

Wall decals are becoming very popular. I love the easy design statements these silhouettes make and imagine that they are the wall paper replacement for the new millennium (not in all instances mind you!) I love the interest these provide without the need for a overwhelming patten. Many decal shops have sprung up on Etsy, but here are two of my favorites:



Holly offers a wonderful array of vinyl wall art and was a featured seller on Etsy a few months back. I love the idea of an faux chandelier, but the only place I can picture it in my home is in a spot currently occupied by a beautiful painting by Ian Harris. I just can't bring myself to move it.

Next up is a decal that I completely intend to buy and know exactly where to put it:



Elly Nelly's decals are probably among my very favorite. She offers a great array of color choices, so take a look through her store. I'd imagine that a number of her designs would be absolutely perfect for a child's room.

Finally, I stumbled upon a wonderful vintage shop on Etsy today. While many folks have mentioned mixed feelings about vintage items on Etsy being that they aren't technically handmade, I have to admit that I love them dearly. Check out these awesome ketchup and mustard dispensers I purchased today from Do Not Destroy. I can't wait to pull them out at our next BBQ with friends. I picked up a few other pyrex items too since these guys feature fair prices and combined shipping discounts.



Have a great weekend!

Shopping Cart Friday

It's another Shopping Cart Friday and I am on task! It happens to be a beautiful sunny day here in Portland, so what better way to pay tribute to the sunshine than by sharing the summery items I have been eyeing affectionately for the past week.

First up is a sweet airy top created by Katsai, a Barcelona based seamstress with an amazing knack for form and color. If you haven't added her to your Etsy favorites, do it now. I find her design truly unique and inspiring, and love the gathered waist for a faux tuck effect.



Next, with the sun finally out I am eyeing this wonderful sun hat by Sookie. Sun kissed cheeks will compliment the feminine hue of this head wear nicely.



Last but certainly not least is this amazing satchel created by none other than Bonspiel Creations. I am the proud owner of an English Riding Jacket andMadame Butterfly Top. I love how she incorporates screen print designs into all of her mediums, and can safely say she is among my top 3 favorite Etsy folks. This Antler Satchel is tempting my index finger to push the "buy" button more and more every day.

Shopping Cart Friday

Oh sadly neglected blog, I'm sorry for abandoning you.

Here I am at home on a rainy Friday, dedicating some time to my Etsy shop...and I came up with a wonderful idea - Shopping Cart Friday.

For all I know there is some Flikr Group already dedicated to this, but if you are like me, you enjoy window shopping at Etsy. I routinely put a number of things in my cart, but refuse to check out. Right now I am being ferociously tempted by Gemmafactrix's Bauble and Bubble Gum rings...they are so lovely.

This is what I want for my birthday Eric, don't you think I deserve them!