A BRIGHT BUNGALOW

I love apartment therapy for many reasons, but probably the chief reason being that it's real design. Everyday people creating livable spaces that are testaments to who they are. Take Sonja's Silver Lake, California bungalow for example. Endlessly quirky, full of personal artifacts, pops of trendy patterns, furniture with classic lines.. it comes together stunningly. 

head over heels for this soft houndstooth rug with the ultra fab coffee table.

Its funny the way a few beautiful silhouettes, and some classic books can pair perfectly with a pistol flower vase...

This bungalow is 700 sq feet. I love the see the way that people have utilized these small spaces... in this case a great workspace completes the home.

small kitchens are the perfect place for open shelving - it can make the space feel much bigger. Stylized dishware can make these shelves that much prettier.

[via] apartment therapy

THE SPECTACULAR SPADES

While I have the the utmost respect and complete need for a clean aesthetic overall, I have been seriously drawn to spaces like Kate + Andy Spade's recently. There is just so much to look at, but its all so perfectly styled. The Spade's home is practically overflowing with a mix of artwork, patterns, textures and paint features.

[via] the neotraditionalist

A BLISSFUL BIRTHDAY

Today is my birthday! And I'm beginning to think what they say is true...

While I'm still in my early twenties, this year has gone by faster than ever before!

So many exciting, life changing, and growing experiences have happened this year - I can't believe it all fits into 12 short months.

Thanks for your support and love - it truly means the world! Heres a toast to each and everyone of you!

I can't wait to see what this next year brings...

as for tonight - I'm just hoping for one of these!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! See you on Monday!

THANKSGIVING TIDBITS

At the end of summer, my parents made the 5 hour drive and put down roots in Green Bay, WI. 

Certainly a change. While we moved some as kids - Minneapolis was always home. It is where our entire family lives and where my parents grew up as well.  A lot of the holiday decor that for years had its place in storage rooms is now still packed away in boxes. I was determined to make this Thanksgiving the most beautiful yet.. 

Remembering that Thanksgiving is still fall despite some snow on the ground - I used these mustard plum, and deep green shades for the place settings. How cute are these little turkey plates I found!?

I found these pretty beaded picture frames already filled with a few pictures to use as placeholders. I used them appropriately at the table - this is my dad and I when I was 4. 

I hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving, among all of the things I am thankful for- my readers and the fun and loving blogging community is certainly one of them!

THANKSGIVING TABLESCAPES: WHAT'S YOUR STYLE?

This year will be the first year that we spend thanksgiving with just our family. No grandparents, cousins, aunts or uncles - just small and intimate, and most likely we'll eat lobster rather than Turkey. Call it unconventional - but I think that its a great excuse to start a few traditions of our own. I've seen so many beautiful tablescapes for thanksgiving, and I can't quite decide which one I would prefer...

simple and atmospheric - focused on food and conversation?

glamorous and in high style - with overflowing champagne?

colonial flair - focused on the tradition of the holiday?

clean and contemporary - with great design detail?

 or, traditional with a little high style flair - focused on the intimate affair?

[via] sarahs white blossom, the decorista, martha stewart, coco + kelley, simplified bee

MESMERIZING IN MANGO

Love her or hate her, there's no denying that Olivia Palermo and her boyfriend Johannes Huebl are flawlessly stylish. Shot at Barcelona's Hotel Palace for Mango, this editorial is all things glamorous...

[via] mango via wonderland

BIRTHDAYS + BAUBBLES

This week kicks off a birthday week for me! This year has flown by, there have been so many wonderful blessings and I can't believe that another year is upon me. I'm kicking the week off with a birthday ensemble that reflects a few of my favorite things! Whether we head out to my favorite spot at the W hotel, or a quiet dinner in the neighborhood- I would feel nothing short of special is this outfit!

BLACK + WHITE BLISS

This amazing NYC apartment by P + T Interiors has stolen my heart. The homeowner's personality is clearly evident in this black and white stunner. The skull and cross bone shades certainly aren't for everyone , but they definitely add character. Those matte black and white walls next to that fabulous wallpaper - perfect!

The way that the designer has juxtaposed classic lines [black white white piping] on classic pieces of furniture with personality and contemporary displays is absolutely flawless...

To me, one of the best elements of this apartment is the absolutely perfect composition of the console tables. I love highly stylized spaces - but these also seem functional.

Mirrors are a fabulous way to create the illusion of space in a smaller room - here is the perfect example with the windows reflecting. And- who knew a fireplace with mirrors vases could look so good...

[via] P + T Interiors via made by girl

GREY + ORANGE: SUBTLY BOLD

The past 6 months have been all about gray and white for me. The cleanliness, openness, and freshness of this palette keeps me coming back for more. However, without a little pop of color here and there - theres nothing to break the eye. I'm starting to think a subtle orange might not be a bad choice...

I am absolutely enamored with this bathroom!

[via] apartment therapy

BLOG DESIGN: JOHNS JOURNAL

I recently finished a blog design for the super sweet and very talented Maria of Johns Journal. 

Click Here to check it out!

If you are looking to refresh the look of your blog - send me an email!

A NORWEGIAN NEST

For us Minnesotans- winter is here! It came swiftly and beautifully on Saturday morning when we woke up to what would become more than a foot of snow! [ the biggest pre-thanksgiving snowstorm in 20 years!]

All the beautiful and peaceful snow got me thinking about somewhere cozy and sweet to curl up with some hot chocolate...

In true scandinavian style, this Norwegian cottage is simple, functional, and organically stunning...

I could just picture cooking up a delicious breakfast that would linger into the afternoon here..

[via] apartment therapy