When pigs fly

We have all heard of magnetic paint but wallpaper? Well dang, that's pretty genius. Sian Zeng, a London based design company has gotten all kinds of creative with this interactive wallpaper {and art boards for those not looking to paper an entire wall} that could be hours of entertainment for the little ones... or the young at heart. With detailed and whimsical magnets Sian Zeng allows its users to create stories with a color background making these perfect for nurseries or even offices- you know for those times when you just hit a creative rut and just need to get your mind elsewhere. From thought bubbles to flying pigs, there is a little something for everyone to enjoy.

found via oh joy! images via sian zeng

Just hanging out

I think the second I get walls that belong just to me I am going to follow along Ruby Ellen's idea and hang an indoor hammock. If you haven't stopped by Cakies before then you simply must- its one of my daily reads. Ruby's darling girls take center stage and really could not be any cuter, always dressed in their best and doing what kids do, have fun. I am always inspired by her crafts, meals and now indoor hammocks. Such a fun idea, I would have never thought to hang one inside but now that I see it I want one now. Just even more inspiration to finally getting out of the rental game and finally take the plunge into home ownership...hopefully someday soon, this SF rent is a killer! Be sure to stop by and say hi to Ruby, you wont be sorry, she's one fun momma I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet in person while in L.A.

images via cakies

Amazing floors

This might be the most detailed and amazing wooden floor I have ever seen. Painstakingly hand painted by those at Snedker Studio to mimic a marbleized creation, each plank has a different look that will truly mesmerize. Can you imagine an entire room of these beauties...talk about gorgeous. I wouldn't want to put anything on it just so I could stare at it all day. Whether it looks like marble or rings found in nature, these planks are stunning don't you think?

images via snedker studio and design boom

Naturally lit

While catching up on a little blog reading I came this spectacular home tour over on SF girl by bay of the naturally lit loft belonging to Bonnie from Going home to roost. Flooded with natural light, this loft {see that ladder below, it goes up to the guest bed!} is filled with beautiful and natural touches that transform this small space into a world of its own. Be sure to stop by for the rest of the tour, Bonnie has created wonderful spots of color and that garden table with matching hammocks are to die for!

images via going home to roost

Adult friendly kiddie spaces

When you think of children's rooms you very rarely end up with a minimal look in mind but these spaces created by Lily Z Design mixes the perfect amount of color and function that would work for anyone, adults included. It seems many new parents are struggling giving up their adult spaces for those brightly colored plastic toys and themed everything, but not here. I love the use of natural woods and color schemes that don't give you a head ache, just because you have little ones running around doesn't mean you need to give up your style! I am also a huge fan of hanging partitions, it not only creates additional space within a room but it also gives you a way to close of a bit of space if you don't want to see the clutter. A win win in my book!

photos via lily z design

Made a Mano

I'm just loving these amazingly detailed tiles from Made a Mano they are somehow both traditional and modern, I wouldn't mind any of these gorgeous hand painted and silk screened tiles in my home. I think my favorite is this photo below of the collage of tiles, the color palette is perfect for my tastes and the different patterns are the perfect focal point don't you think? Tile is often over looked but if you ask me they are the perfect way to bring your personality and color into any space.

found on design crisis, photos via made a mono

Tracery Interiors

Proving that a well thought out design will last years, this Southern Living 2009 Idea House designed by the creatives at Tracery Interiors not only created a space that fits the beach like atmosphere but also created a home that feels modern and relaxing. I just love the color scheme that was used and how fabulous is that bedroom with the sliding yellow barn door.

photos via tracery interiors

Pal + Smith

Over the weekend I was asked what my personal design style was and it seems to be the hardest question for me to answer. Over the years it has sort of morphed from a very modern style to a bolder vintage look with a touch of modern. See, even that sounds weird. So while I try to figure out the exact style I want to call my own I thought I would take a peek at a few of my favorite spaces.
Let me introduce you to the fun and colorful world of Pal+Smith. This southern California based company has one spectacular portfolio and furniture line filled with traditional pieces with a modern flair. I just love this living room's bold pattern and color combinations, definitely a place I could live in.

photos via pal + smith

CPOPP workshop

These wooden side tables from California designer Curtis Popp are modern, classic and trendy all rolled up into one.  Made to order and on sale this summer, CPOPP workshop's SOFT side table would be perfect next to any sofa and the colors are sure to go with any palette.  Popp, a well known furniture designer in the industry has introduced this as the first piece from his line, branching out from his more custom only pieces.  Slated to go on sale this summer for under $500 a pop.

photos via cpopp workshop 

Light and airy

Now that its officially summer, all I can think about is warm weather, sandy beaches and lounging around.  Unfortunately its back to grey and gloomy around here, these last two days have been shockingly warm, such a tease.  So I am left to dream, and these brightly lit interior shots from photographer Kim Cornelison just oozes light and airy.  I was drawn into Kim's beautiful portfolio by this amazing hanging bed, it just screams luxurious.  Although I wonder how practical it actually could be.  Be sure to check out the rest of her wonderfully composed portfolio here, there are so many lovely shots.

photos via kim cornelison

Eye candy

I am always a fan of interesting wall installations in homes, and this shutter wall is simply gorgeous.  Created by one crafty DIY couple Laura and Dan of Olive and love, this wall was definitely a labor of love.   I love the color combinations and  having different sizes both vertically and horizontally really adds to the punch.  Be sure to check out the process of how the wall came to be here.

photos via olive and love

And speaking of fantastic wall coverings, have you seen this reclaimed wooden wall over on Design*Sponge?  Its crazy fun.  3 days and $130 later, one Dallas couple was able to transform their rather large wall from boring to fabulous.  They even managed to get every piece of wood all in one stop, talk about luck!  From barns to school gym floors, they have an eclectic collection that sure is eye catching.

photo via design*sponge

Hillary Thomas Design

I don't know about you, but when it comes to home decor and design, I always try to add a splash of unexpected color, whether its in a bright rug or colorful pillow, adding new crisp seasonal colors to your normal decor is a great way of changing things up without breaking the bank.  And the portfolio of Hillary Thomas Design is full of wonderful colors and accessories.  Los Angeles based designer Hillary brings fun elements into her rooms, I'm just loving those teal drawers, and those over sized photos sure bring the focal point right up to the walls.  Be sure to checkout the rest of Hillary Thomas' portfolio and if you just love her style, she also offers online designing as well as a small curated shop and blog.

photos via hillary thomas design 

My new hood

We officially get the keys next week to our new apartment in San Francisco and I can't be more excited.  We ended up in a mid size complex instead of a row house like we were hoping for, but its got a heated pool and this is my view from the living room window.  Its directly across from the pink one, so at least I get to see them.  Not to mention the fact that this place is right across the street from Golden Gate Park and within blocks (blocks!) of 5 or 6 vegan restaurants!  I can't wait to see how the paint colors come out, its the first place that has really let us do what ever we want as far as decorating.  Can't wait to get in there and pretty the place up.  I will try my darnedest to snap shots here and there of the place, as I'm pretty sure I'll need an opinion or two about the decor.  Besides, who doesn't like peeking into others homes right!?

The view from the street level.  One day, I will concur a giant hill on a bike, just got to work my way up, those city hills are seriously deceiving. 

The living room.  We opted for carpet and no balcony since the dog hates hardwood and heights freak me out.  But everything else is the same.  I think our unit has a much better view too!  Its surprisingly big considering the others we saw when searching.  We drove almost an hour to see a 2 bedroom 1 bath that turned out to be a 1 bedroom with the optional 2nd bedroom OR a living room.  Really?

These are the colors we went with, although I swear they all look different in person.  The grey seems pink, but its really a grey/brown, the blue is grayer too and as for the pink living room, well, its actually a yellow tone.  I think the online paint picker is way off.  Just another reason why when ever you paint your home always always always get the actual paint chip and don't rely on a computer monitor.  Photos to come!

Lovely living rooms

Perhaps its because my living room currently looks like this (see below!) I have had a sudden obsession with all things clean and organized.  I'm still wading through piles and piles of stuff I didn't even know I had, and lets just say I cannot wait to be finally moved.  Its been a whirlwind these last few days, and I am both physically and mentally tired.  Aside from packing and cleaning, we also have this weekend of jam packed events, starting with a good bye party, a moving sale, lunch at Native Foods new restaurant in Culver City (I am so beyond bummed we are moving as they just opened a new spot within 5 minutes from here!!) and now a trip out to Long Beach for a roller derby match.  Whew, just typing it makes me tired, and that only leads up to Saturday!  Oh well, guess its time for my mantra:  It will get there.... somehow.

Ok, and with that horrific site burned into your brain, how about a few lovely interiors?  I know I am in desperate need of pretty.  And that little blue stool really should belong to me.

I just love photos that are up close and personal, especially when it comes to furniture.  This sofa is just so good looking it almost hurts.

How fun is that table!  I wonder if the wheels actually move.  I am a big fan of displaying collections, and the odder the better in my book.  As soon as I find space, I am so getting myself an old typewriter.  There is just something so simplistic and beautiful about these old machines.

Ceilings to die for!!  I'm totally loving the use of color and the way they incorporated the long draperies along the brick wall.  Perhaps the only thing I would change is the scale of the furniture, with the high ceiling, it makes these guys look even smaller in proportion.

Sometimes simple really is best.  Keeping all the main pieces and walls white makes for wonderful ways to bring in color with accessories.  Although I would add a little something on that wall above the corner fire place.

Ok, so this one might be my favorite.  From the gorgeous chandelier to the fun yellow painting (or fabric panel) to the rocking ottoman/table and file cabinet side table, this living room is just fantastic!  Oh how I can't wait to get things looking good in our new place!!

photos link to source

Learning from photography

Ah, another amazing interiors photographer's portfolio to drool over.  I just stumbled upon London based photographer Rachel Whiting's lovely shots and wow, does she have an eye for beautiful composition.  There is so much to gain from photographers, from color combinations to how to incorporate collections and knick nacks.  I'm sort of loving the use of suitcases in decor, not only are they pleasing to the eye, but you can use them to store all your miscellaneous do dads, and lets face it, we all have at least on junk drawer!!

I just love the lighting in these two images.  Having the pendants at two different levels makes for an eye catching scene over the dinner table.  And those low hanging pendants over the bed are a perfect substitute for table lamps on nightstands.

This one may not be a lovely interior, but what a great way to showcase a few fallen pieces from your yard.  Stacking a few colorful leaves and berries on a cake stand is such a simple yet festive way to spruce up a dessert table... just watch out for any creepy crawlies!

photos via rachel whiting 

Beautiful bathrooms

I might have the worlds blandest bathroom ever.  Seriously.  And there is nothing I can do about it.  The lovely landlord wont allow us to paint, there is hideous linoleum, a light fixture that's got to be decades old (and we cannot change it!), a bathtub with stains and bubbles in the wall from the apartment flooding, twice.  Ugh.   So there is nothing more refreshing then beautiful, open and airy bathrooms to fill a gloomy afternoon.  Don't you agree?

From fun wallpaper to lovely light fixtures, here are a few bathrooms that have me wishing I was anywhere but here.

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