That Nook!

So yesterday I was on the couch lazing, and out of nowhere I had this brilliant idea to rearrange furniture. Well my husband was upstairs putting Zahra (our baby) to bed so.... I figured perfect opportunity. I didn't want him going "oh not again, just leave it the way it is...blah blah" you know :-). But before I got started he was downstairs and to my surprise he was all for it. Actually he was excited about what the change would look like. All we did was move the loveseat from one wall and placed it by the window. I took the curtain out of my older daughter's (Jalika) room and hung that. Moved a few other things and voila! It is like a completely different space. Not only that but it feels like a little nook separate from the living room, you can lay on the sofa, read a magazine, stare out the window and escape for a little while. I tried it out, and it works :-).

I love little changes like this that make a huge impact in a space with little effort. You use little or no money, and you have a refreshed space that feels brand new. I don't know about you, but I crave change in my space ever so often. We've been wanting to paint but with cost, and time we've been putting it off, so this will keep me happy for now.

What is your favorite cheap trick?

(Images: Dawda Bah)

Have A Great Weekend!

I am so glad its Friday, and ready to get this weekend started. It just has been one of those weeks of counting down to the weekend. I have a couple of fun projects planned so I can't wait - don't worry I'll share.

Do you have any fun plans for the weekend? Whatever you do, have a lovely weekend! I plan on it.

(Image: Fatou Bah)

Massuco, Warner, Miller Interior Design

I first had the pleasure of seeing the designs of the talented ladies at Massuco,Warner, Miller in House Beautiful, and I have been smitten since. They were highlighted as the next wave of designers to watch in 2010, and you'll soon see why. I visit their site every so often and check out their beautiful portfolio, and I never tire of it. Their interiors are all so uniuquely gorgeous. I pulled some of my favorite images, but they have a ton more goodness on their site that you can peruse here.

I like the dream-like quality of this entry way.

How clever and gorgeous are those wallpapered closet doors! I've made a mental note of it from the first time I saw them. Maybe someday soon...

That pop of green, the wallpaper, and that vanity, there is just so much to love. I really love that green as an accent color!

This space here, is just so perfect to me, everything about it is gorgeous. The combination of the blues and plum is so beautifully done.

I hope you enjoyed this post, and found some inspirations like I did.

(Images from Massuco,Warner, Miller)

Out of Africa

I think my heart skipped a beat when I laid eyes on these gorgeous designs. Being the lovely person I am I thought I'd share the joy :-).  It is so refreshing to see design from Africa that is not the same ole same. The African design element is still very visible, but with a modern twist. I love it! Can you tell I'm excited? Okay, so get ready to feast your eyes.

I absolutely love these! I think they will be so perfect in a beautiful lush garden, or set up as a conversation spot in a living room. Ah heck they'll look great anywhere, but I love the garden idea. They are great conversation pieces too.

I call this lamp and pattern joy :-)

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love yellow, and this yellow pot is perfection!!!

I and that turquoise chair can be very very happy together!

You can find more about the artists and more goodness at Elle Decor SA. I stumbled on this article today and what a happy treat. I love African art, but sometimes I feel like its always the same just slightly different. Or maybe one has to dig a little deeper, look a little harder to find gems like these.
These pieces are truly inspiring and gorgeous!

(Images via Elle Decor SA)

Tea Time!

The weather has officially changed over here, long rainy grey days. I miss the blue skies of summer, long days and warm summer nights. Ahhh....summer I can't wait for us to meet again.

I may miss summer, but I am definitely not sad about fall's arrival, the leaves changing gorgeous oranges and pinks, the crispness in the air and the need to cuddle up in front of the fire. I love drinking tea, and something about fall just makes it better. I have been wanting a new teapot for a while, and it just seems really urgent right about now. So, I decided to go on a hunt, and I am sharing some of the pots I am really loving.

Now this simple straight to the point pot from Crate & Barrel I've been eyeing for a while and for just $39.95 its a steal. 

This cast iron pot from Teavana made me take a second look at cast iron pots. Apparently they are super practical since they keep your tea warm up to an hour. I've never really been into cast iron pots but this one is definitely turning me.

This is gorgeous pot from Table Art is just divine! I fee like I need it in my life.  Its so simple and striking

This beautiful pot from Teavana simply speaks to my very feminine side.

This piece from Teavana is like the jewel of teapots! How can this not make you happy even on a rainy, grey day!

What is your favorite thing about fall?

(Images: by noted companies)

 

Taking the Leap!

I am jumping in head first with a big smile!

I have thought on and off about starting a design blog for over two years. I figured it will help educate, keep me inspired, and in the process I get to share my thoughts and ideas.

However, the little worrier in me will bring up all the BUTs: but I'm not a good writer, what if my blog isn't creative enough, what if I can't put interesting ideas together, what if people judge me and my work negatively...the list goes on.

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about where my life is going and where I want it to be. I'm feeling excited, inspired, nervous, and a little scared about the decisions I'm making about my next step. But I have decided that there is one way to live life fully, and that is to do things that you believe in whether they are scary or not, but especially when they are scary!

So, here I am with my blog, here I'll be sharing things I love, designs that inspire me, and any random thoughts I might have. Thank you for visiting my little corner!

(Image by: Fatou Bah)