Restoration Love

I just got my Restoration Hardware Fall 2011 (Gigantic) Source Book in the mail. Although much of the furniture they sell is too large for my small space, I’m in love with a series of metal spot tables. I’m thinking side-of-bed table?

Restoration Hardware Fall 2011 Source Book

20th Century Chrysanthemum Brasserie Table

20th Century Chrysanthemum Brasserie Table, Top View

1930s Parisian Club Side Table

I’m a SIMPLE HUMAN in the Bathroom

I wanted to de-clutter the ledge in my shower (small spaces can appear cluttered quickly). It housed the usual culprits: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, etc. I’ve stayed at several aloft hotels and really liked the green aspect of the shampoo and soap dispenser in the shower—but I never really thought about it as a space/clutter solution. So, I decided to give it a try.

Triple wall mounted pumps from SIMPLE HUMAN

 

Here it is installed in my shower.

Feeling Mossy

I went to Jayson Home & Garden in search of a snake plant and ended up with a lot more. One of my finds was this moss in a weathered terracotta planter. (I purchased the cloche a few months ago from West Elm.)

House Plant for My Bedroom

I wanted to have a succulent garden in my bedroom, but discovered that succulents don’t do well in a low-light environment (this was probably pretty obvious to most people, but I have a brown thumb). I found a planter at Crate & Barrel that I liked—all I needed was a plant that would survive in my space. After a little online research I discovered that Snake Plants (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) do well in low-light environments, like to be pot-bound, and are difficult to kill (perfect for my brown thumb).

Window Treatment...Done!

I put up my window treatment yesterday and got to take one item off my list. I ordered it from The Shade Store. The price was right and it’s made in the States (trying to do my part to support US businesses). In case you’re wondering, it’s the 3/4” Single Cellular Shade with Blackout Lining. The color is called Lace. The drapes on the sides will be coming down before I paint the room.

Plan Your Work & Work Your Plan

“Plan your work and work your plan.” A previous boss use to say this to me all the time. Who would have thought I would put it into practice when designing my bedroom. So, in order to “work my plan” I thought I had better “plan my work” (or at least have an idea of what I would like to accomplish).

1. I purchased the Copenhagen Bench as a floor sample at the Merchandise Mart. It’s from Baker’s Lexicon collection.
2. I purchased a pair of Book Tables from Baker’s Milling Road collection ten years ago. They started out as side tables in my living room (ten years ago), moved to a guest bedroom/TV room (five years ago), and have been in my current bedroom since.
3. I just ordered the Crown Molding Shelves in Espresso finish from Pottery Barn. I hope they look as good as the samples I saw at the North Avenue store in Chicago.
4. I purchased the Pandan Hamper from The Container Store when I first moved into my small space. It’s well made, and the round shape is perfect in my tiny bedroom.
5. The Parsons Mini Desk in Walnut veneer from West Elm just arrived! I cannot wait to put it together (written with sarcasm).
6. The Black lacquer Moroccan Stool from Baker Studio is another sample from the Merchandise Mart.

Nightstands or Desk?

I’ve been playing around with the free Room Designer on the Baker Furniture web site (www.bakerfurniture.com) to come up with my ideal bedroom floor plan. Originally, I was thinking of just using the two nightstands I already own. However, after a couple of years of sitting on my sofa with my laptop, power cord and mouse, I have been seriously considering a small desk instead of a pair of nightstands. What do you think?

Bedroom Design Inspiration

I’ve been flipping through shelter magazines and browsing home furnishing stores to obtain some inspiration for my bedroom makeover. Here is what I have in mind:

1. I found a variety of warm gray paint shades at Restoration Hardware. So far, Slate (the background paint color) is in the lead.
2. Since I am planning on going with a dark wall color, I was thinking of using white accessories. I love these white porcelain foo dogs.
3. I own a walnut bed from Room & Board. I think I will end up using some walnut accents and/or wall shelves as well.
4. Another white accessory I just love (from Z Gallerie).
5. Vintage (or faux vintage) Asian accents are a must!
6. A cashmere throw, in a similar color to the walls, would be perfect. (I’ll keep checking Gilt Home and One Kings Lane for a bargain.)
7. I love Edison Bulb lighting, and this wall sconce from Restoration Hardware looks great and is definitely budget friendly.
8. I really like the idea of white-on-white bedding. The gray cashmere throw would be the only color on the bed. (Is gray even a color?)
9. I already own a pair of book tables from Baker Furniture. They are narrow enough to fit side-of-bed and have a lower shelf and freeze drawer for added storage. Perfect!

Project One: The Bedroom

Well, I’m finally ready to tackle my first project. This is not to say I haven’t been working on my place since I moved in. I have, however, finally decided to make it feel more like home while still making every square foot count. So, I’ve decided to start with the bedroom. Here is a list of what I would like to accomplish:

1. Paint the walls (I’m think a warm gray)
2. Window treatments (something that looks great and can block out the morning sun)
3. Install a closet system (no room for additional furniture)
4. Find a rug (wood floors are cold in the morning)
5. Buy new bedding (I’m thinking all white)
6. Install a ceiling fan (I know...yuck...but I sleep better with a ceiling fan)

By the way, the unit I purchased was staged by the developer. Here is what the bedroom looked like before I moved in: