My Humble Abode, Part 3: Contemplating Color

I obsess about color all the time.  For me color is a meditation, and my home is a lab. I think it was Vincente Wolf who said a room without color is a lost opportunity. I wholeheartedly agree. I got addicted to color when I discovered the work of Tricia Guild. Here is an early version of my place where I was contemplating turquiose. My lovely pillow (and very reasonably priced) from Burlington Coat Factory taking the lead.  Pillows are a great way to experiment with color without much investment.

That's just a blanket on the floor, still contemplating a rug. With tuquiose and/or aqua on my mind, I thought about buying these lovely things from Flower Child.

Luckily, I don't do much impulse buying. If I see something lovely I take its picture. Sometimes this satisfies the urge, and I don't need to buy the piece. Digital collections are the best; they take up no space and require no dusting. Sometimes a piece haunts me, as was the case with this vintage bowl. Not sure who the manufacturer is, kinda reminds me of a McCoy Floraline. I am a sucker for a matte finish.

So, I had to go back and get it.  No buyer's remorse here. It's gorgeous! Looks great with pink and only cost $6.00. I had to spend $12 (round trip) on Lyft to get it, lol.  $18 is still a good price for this lovely. And I love patronizing local business, and meeting Lyft drivers, making it a win all the way around.

Life is good.  xo

Rambling....

It's been a big adjustment moving to this little cottage. I actually sorta miss my apartment, go figure. Life in a house is a lot of work and hidden expense, even when you're just renting. It seems like something is always going wrong.  This place was so filthy when I moved in, I've scrubbed and scrubbed.  And it was infested with spiders! It was a nightmare!  I felt terrible because I killed so many spiders, but I am deathly allergic to their bite.

And the yard, my gosh.  I just can't keep up.   Suffice it to say I have newfound respect for anyone who goes through a renovation project.  I'm just not cut out for it.  And I may be moving again!  I never thought I'd move so much in my life.  I'm glad I travel light.

So okay, the place is temporary, but that's no reason it shouldn't be cute.  One thing I have really loved is living with walls that are not tan!  Honestly, I don't know why apartment buildings paint such ugly colors.  I'm rambling, sorry about that.

This is actually supposed to be a post about color.  If you've been reading for a while, you already know I love pink. But lately, I've been haunted by a shade of blue.  I need a painting for over the sofa, I think it will be blue, definitely influenced by the sky.

The sky is so lovely here. It's a source of never-ending fascination.

What 2014 Looks Like: Shout Out to Pharrell Williams

I'm over the moon that Singer/Writer/Producer/Designer/Entrepreneur Pharrell Williams' song Happy is nominated for an Academy Award!  Congratulations on this much-deserved accolade Pharrell!

I am overly ambitious because I realize it can be done.

Pharrell Williams from his Facebook page.

This post is not meant to be an exhaustive essay on the multi-talented Pharrell Williams, but rather my personal experience of how I learned about this phenomenal artist. My appetite for all things Pharrell has merely been whetted. I predict that this cultural icon will be responsible for the biggest trend of 2014.

I first learned of Pharrell's fabulousness when I saw a feature of his Miami apartment. This happens to me a lot since I'm addicted to decorating magazines and blogs. I often first learn of a celebrity when I see their home. When I fall in love with a person's home, it encourages me to learn more about them. I was blown away by Pharrell's cutting edge art collection, so I knew I wanted to know more about him.

Among his art collection are:

A giant plush flower ball by Takashi Murakami.  I adore Murakami's work, to see more of his work on this blog, see large Murakami pillows in Kanye West's office, here. I also included Murakami's work in a review of contemporary painters, here.

And how cool is this KAWS statute?  Kinda like Mickey Mouse with 'tude. Or the Michelin Man with swag. Pharrell definitely has the right idea when it comes to art. Go graphic and go big!

You know that a guy who wears pink boat shoes has got tons of mojo to spare. Above three images via Upscale Hype.  Pharrell is soft spoken and laid back, and has a sexy high pitched voice.  To me he is the ultimate in geek chic.  And I mean that as a compliment, I adore geeks.  Everything Pharrell touches turns to gold. He's very social as evidenced by his frequent collaborations. It must be thrilling to work on collabs with him. A couple of my favs are:  Beautiful with Snoop Dogg, Universal Mind Control with Common. and Get Like me with Nelly and Nicki Minaj.

Image via BlackBlaBla...

Pharrell has a great sense of style.  No one rocks a bow tie better. It's no surprise that he was tapped to be a guest judge on Project Runway All Stars (Season 1, Episode 9).  Designers were tasked with creating an Avant Garde look with lighting technology. The winner's design will be worn by one of Pharrell's artists.

The winning design was created by Austin Scarlett. This is one of my favorite episodes of Project Runway. Needless to say, I love Avant Garde and I adore Austin Scarlett. But it was more than that - it was Pharrell's gentle judging that made me happy. I always cry when artists are criticized harshly and eliminated. As an artist who is sensitive to criticism, I understand their pain and am in awe of their bravery. It gladdened my heart when Pharrell told Austin that he is a star. Indeed. Takes one to know one.

Pharrell has written countless scores for movies, TV and spun many hits for other talented artists. So it comes as no surprise, that he's even designed clothes for the line he co-founded, Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream. Pharrell has been present in my life lately, almost by accident (although there's really no such thing as an accident). I recently discovered the work of fashion designer extraordinaire Ozwald Boateng. I won't say too much about Ozwald at this point because he is the subject of an upcoming post. I highly recommend the movie A Man's Story.

I'm always fascinated by the marriage of fashion and music. I enjoy seeing the process of how a designer chooses music for his runway show, and how that music flavors the movement and the clothes. While watching this movie, I heard a song that infected me. I needed to know more.  After investigation, I found the song was entitled Lapdance by N.E.R.D. When I heard the song in the film, I thought I heard the unmistakable sexy sounds of Pharrell.  I was correct, he is the lead vocalist and drummer of N.E.R.D.  Now every time I listen to Lapdance, I can see Ozwald bobbing his head in his sexy way.

N.E.R.D. stands for no one ever really dies. Their music is a stripped down, sophisticated minimalism, an attempt to make something out of nothing. Okay, these pithy words aren't mine. Wish they were. Suffice it to say they're dope.  N.E.R.D.'s influence is clear on Get Like Me. Click the link N.E.R.D. to read an amazing essay on their work. I get the sense that Pharrell loves his life and his work, and that this collab was done like many of the things he does. That is, with a grassroots flavor, and a spirit of comradery.  It must be great to work with him.

Pharrell is a skilled entrepreneur. Have you heard of Quarterly Co.?  Quarterly Co. is a subscription service that enables people to receive items in the mail quarterly from influential curators of their choice. Pharrell is one of the curators you can subscribe to. His theme is curiosity, and he reminds us that "it's important to live each day like a student." How fun would that be to receive a gift from Pharrell every three months?  If interested in a subscription, click here  (This is not a sponsored post.) He's even written a book called Places and Spaces I've Been.

How does he get the energy to do all that he does? Because he loves it. When you love what you do, it's not work. Pharrell exudes love, and love is evident in all that he does. That he has achieved success doing it is a testament to the laws of attraction. They work. Which brings me to the song Happy. If you haven't heard it yet, take a listen. I guarantee you will be bobbing your head and clapping your hands.

After steady doses of the raunchiness of hip hop and gangsta rap (which I confess, I still love), I find this incredibly refreshing.  Pharrell is redefining cool and it makes me happy. I have listened to this song over and over, and it has chased away the blues for me. I've been dancing and singing while cleaning my apartment. Pharrell has even started a cultural movement called.  i am OTHER.
   

i am OTHER celebrates people who push society forward.

 The thinkers. The innovators. The outcasts. 

History has proven that it’s the rule breakers

who have the power to change the world.

From the manifesto. Pharrell has also produced the world's first ever 24 hour music video, called

24 Hours of Happy.  Viewers can visit the site and they are automatically taken to the point in the video that the time on their computer reflects.  At the top of the hour, Pharrell performs the song, so he appears in the video 24 times.  Following his performance 14 unique cameos play in four minute intervals, all filmed in Steadicam. The performers are all unique and so lovable.  The video can be watched in real time, or you can skip to a different time of day.  You can even share favorite moments on Twitter and Facebook.  A superb example of how the technology connects us all.  For more information on 24 Hours of Happy, click here.  Here's a confession - which I'm a little afraid to admit. But perhaps admitting it will hold me accountable. I'm thinking of doing a Vlog dancing to Happy.  (Gasp! Fear just surged through my body.)

Can't get enough Pharrell?  Me neither. Here's a twitter feed with Pharrell's quotes.  Pharrell, I hope you win the Academy Award.  And thanks for being an inspiration and chasing my tenacious blues away.  Happy is going to be my theme song for the year.

Here's a prediction for 2014.  Remember you heard it here first.  I predict Pharrell will be the most significant cultural icon of the year.  My dear friends, thanks for reading.  And here's my wish for you for 2014:

BE HAPPY

BE OTHER

xo

My Apartment: The Process and Some New Stuff

Good day dear readers!  Hope you are doing well!  This was a difficult week for my family and me.  We had a death in the family.  Unfortunately, with death brings drama.  Some members of my family acted ... hmm...how to phrase nicely.... let's just say I'd would've preferred to be treated differently. I can't understand why at my advanced age I still allow my feelings to be hurt.  But, there it is, I am sensitive. My girl Haley asked me what I expected.  Right.  This person has been treating me this way for 52 years.  Why would it all of a sudden change?  Why am I still surprised? That's what the Buddha meant by letting go of attachment and expectation. I keep expecting her to change, she does not, I allow it to hurt.  She doesn't hurt me, I allow her to hurt me.  If I let go of the expectation, then I no longer give her the power to hurt me.  Simple.  But not easy.  Also had drama with lawyers, doctors and the heat is friggin' killing me.  

You know how it is with chronic illness.  Like anything else.  Good days/bad days.  You learn not to take anything for granted.  Pain is bad today and changes in my meds have me sick as a dog.....but.....

Even though I felt like shit, I spent some quality girl time with my sister-in-law yesterday.  Just the prescription I needed.  Always feel great after that.  She's a world traveler so she had a ton of gifts for me!  Ah, it's great to be queen.  I'm stuck in the A/C again, but...it's not really a complaint.  You know my apartment is small and  humble, and I love it!  I have a lot of new things today to show you.  Yes, it's a balance.  I'm a lover of beautiful things, but I still want simplicity.  I'm moving slow, but I'm having fun.  Since I didn't suffer with insomnia last night, I am having a cup of my favorite Colombian coffee, and the music is loud.

Here's how my living room looked this morning. I experimented with not using a rug, I get so sick of straightening it.  It looks odd to me without it, though.  I hate carpet!  I miss wood floors and wish I could paint the walls.  Oh well.  I'm lazy anyway.

Wish I could afford a new rug.  It's crazy what rugs cost!  I'd love to have something that looks tie-dyed or even perhaps a Moroccan wedding blanket.  Oh well.  I have a lot of pretty new things, take a look:

  

How fab is this!  A beautiful pink tea kettle.  This was a mothers' day present from my adopted daughter Haley.  I gotta lot of love in my life.  So grateful, honored and humbled.

As you know, my new favorite color is gray!  I almost fainted when I saw these pieces at the Goodwill!  ASA Selection tea pot and tea cups!  You already know I am obsessed with ASA Selection pottery.  Such perfection and simplicity.  I have been coveting this set for a long time.  I first saw the set at a gift shop in Cleveland.  $54 for the tea pot and four cups, too much for my cheap ass. I spied this lovely set from a distance and couldn't get over there fast enough.  Okay, it's only got two cups, but who cares?  I got this set for $3.00!  Yep, $3.00.  Score.  I have one other piece of ASA Selection pottery.

My beautiful footed bowl.  I bought this years ago for $24.  I thought it was ridiculously priced at the time, but had to have it.  It is so perfect in its simplicity.  It's very tactile, as pottery should be.  Matte finish, my favorite.  And did you know a beautiful piece of pottery will sing?  This one makes a beautiful sound when you run your finger around the edge.  Kinda like a Tibetan prayer bowl.

Here is another vase I got at the Goodwill.  Beautiful simple shape, beautiful matte finish.  It's marked made in Thailand on the bottom.  I'm sure this was available at Ikea at one time.  Got it for $1.00!  I'm fighting the urge to paint it hot pink, cuz it's already perfect.  I tend to paint vases that are not perfect.  Pictured along with the vase is part of my rock collection.  Yep, another obsession.  I love rocks.  Loving beautiful things and maintaining a simple, uncluttered look is all about balance.  Sometimes I panic that I have too much stuff.

I've finally committed myself to decorating my balcony.  But I gotta do it on the cheap.  Here is a cute solar lamp I got at Target.  Not cheap.  $9.99.  Almost didn't buy it.  But do love it.

Yep, another obsession.  I admit it.  I'm really five years old and I play with toys.  I have a few of my favorites in my cute little damaged, yellow lacquer box (for the story of this little box, click here).  I love toys, but can't figure out how to display them since I don't like clutter.  May have to have some custom furniture built by Antonio Ballatore.  Maybe I'll do a vertical wall toy display when I when the lottery.  But for now it pleases me that I have a toy box on my end table.

I've been looking everywhere for a pink light bulb, to no avail.  I finally found a red one at Target.  I kinda dig it.  Nice cheap way to add some spice to your living room.

Meet my new coffee table!  Isn't she gorgeous?  Oh gosh, I just can't get enough of neon colors.  Especially love how the cover is balanced by the black and white stripes.  I have a blanket stashed in there, I love my A/C so much that sometimes it feels like a meat locker in here.  I love covering up while watching Rules of Engagement. (I'm obsessed with this show, I watch it over and over - it's hilarious!)  Since my place is small, I love using multi-functional, easily moved pieces.  I got this at Target for $19.99, which is a pretty good price.  It was all I could do not to buy two more ottomans.  I was digging the square ones, in a neon pink and turquoise.  Love those colors together.  But desperately trying to exercise some restraint.  Not always easy, humans sure make some beautiful things.

Speaking of beautiful things, here is a little glass garden I put together in my living room.  As you know, I love vessels.  Ceramic and porcelain are my first love, but I dearly love glass as well.  For some time now, I have been mixing glass and ceramic in my display.  But for today, I thought I'd do a glass display and a ceramic display.  All are pieces I got on the cheap (including that Murano-looking blue piece - $3 at the Goodwill!).  The little blue flower bowl to the right is an expensive piece.  It was a gift from my sister-in-law who, as you know, buys me the most beautiful gifts.  I dearly love it.  She got it in Seattle!  One of my favorite cities.  Click here for my series on Seattle.  I put it on top of a glass piece I got for cheap at TJ Maxx, to give it the place of prominence it so deserves.  This little glass garden has two influences.  One is the great Dale Chihuly.

The other is this pic from my paper inspiration file which, thankfully, is dwindling thanks to digital technology.  (O at Home, Winter 2008)  Paper can be so hard to manage.  I strive to be as paperless as possible.  I know it seems like an unlikely color combination, but I love the color combo of blue and orange.  To see my other blue and orange experiments in a previous apartment, click here and click here.

Sister-in-law brought this promotional flyer for me to see.  She knows me so well.  The flyer shows amazing pieces by Benjamin Moore.  His work is amazing!  I particularly love pieces that are miraculous exercises in balance.  I wonder if Benjamin was inspired by the great Elsa Rady's Cycladic Swing.  I'm going to send him a message and I will update.

Here is yet another fine gift from sister-in-law.  A mug from the original Starbucks' store!  And my favorite place in Seattle, Pike Place Market.  I love the graphic art on the mug.  I love Seattle, I dream of living in a loft over Pike Place or in a house boat.  As you know, I dearly love rain.

Here's yet another new vase from the Goodwill.  I know, I know. I have a lot of stuff.  I am organizing today, though, and some stuff is getting donated. I do love organization.  This beauty was only $1.00.  Love the shape.  Thinking of painting my bookcase white (again).

And because even the most mundane object, must be beautiful:  pink dishwashing soap by Palmolive and pretty sponge.  The sponge was a gift from my favorite cousin.  Man my peeps sure buy me some good shit. Stay tuned to see how my apartment turns out.  Happy Saturday my loves!  xo

I'd like to meet - Cortney and Bob Novogratz

Dear readers, as you know, it's been a while since I've obsessed about color and decor.  I've been so fixated on Seattle, and photography.  So let's obsess about decor for a while - specifically over the top decor - shall we?  I have actually been thinking a lot about simple living so it's odd that I'm drawn to OTT decor right now.  That's how my brain works.  My plan for this blog over the next couple of weeks is an explosion of color and fun ideas and then we'll go dramatically in the other direction.  How does that sound?  I'm hoping to pick up a paint brush too.  I hope you'll join me on this journey.

Have you seen the new show Home by Novogratz on HGTV?  I think I've mentioned before that I don't have a TV, nor cable TV.  To me cable TV is not worth the cost.  Nor do I own DVDs or CDs.  I just don't feel the need.  The internet takes care of my entertainment needs.  Now it was just by chance that I was at my brother's home for the premiere of Home by Novogratz.  I consider it an example of cosmic serendipity.

The show features designers Cortney and Bob Novogratz, the owners of SixxDesign.  I actually had not heard of their show on Bravo, 9 by Design (I already mentioned I don't have cable TV).  But now that I've heard of them, I am obsessed!  Of course I recognized many of their designs, as many of them have made it around the blogosphere.  Aren't they a cute couple!  She is rocking those black booties isn't she?  And let me tell ya, he can rock a Fedora.  The reason their show is called 9 by Design is because they are a family of 9.  They have seven children!  Can you believe it?  Doesn't she look fabulous?  I think it would be so awesome to have an artistic career that you share with your husband.  They were on Design Star this week as guest judges, and they were so kind.  I fell in love with Cortney when she gently criticized a contestant's room.  She was sensitive and tactful.  These are the kind of people I would love to hang out with.

For their first show, they renovated a beach house for a couple of surfer girls from Far  Rockaway.  Their inspiration was none other than the fab Betsey Johnson, who I adore!  (See previous post here.)  Betsey said she needs pink all around her.  I hear you, girl!  I'm not happy without pink.  Here are some pictures of the fabulous beach house:

The first thing you see when you walk in the door is the stairs, so they decided to give them a cute paint treatment.  Ahh, nothing like a fresh paint treatment.

They added wallpaper to an accent wall in the living room.  Now, I'm not usually a wallpaper fan, but the Novogratzes might have converted me.  I love the idea of a funky, spray painted chandelier in the corner.  The Novogratzes know how to break the rules.  A chandelier doesn't have to be in the center of a room.  I love how the white pops off the wallpaper.  The kitchen sports a blue Smeg and a pink stove.  Really, the show was giving me heart palpitations.

They used graphic pillows in the living area.  I need these pillows.  I love how they pop off the white.  This is my favorite use of color.  Lots of white with pops of color.  Even though there are a lot of graphic punches, the overall look is very airy.

I almost had a heart attack when they had street artist extraordinaire Matt Siren do a treatment on the bedroom walls!  I adore Matt.  (See previous post about Matt here.)  This room is to die for.  The mirrored table and the chandelier add a bit of glamor.  Love the pink rug and all the white.  The room is funky, yet rather simple and totally glam.  Overall the house is a fine accomplishment and is my favorite style - feminine, but not too girly with just the right amount of edge.  Colorful and witty, but not overdone.  It's still simple and uncluttered looking.  The wood floors add a nice touch of the organic and all the white keeps it feeling fresh.  I could move in here and I wouldn't change one thing.

You remember seeing this book in the blogs a while back, don't you?  I've had it on my amazon wish list for the longest time.  Well, I took the plunge and ordered.  Because, wouldn't you know it - it's written by Bob and Cortney Novogratz.  The cosmos works in wonderfully, mysterious ways.  Thanks Bob and Cortney for being an inspiration.  I hope our paths cross one day.  xxoo

Simple, but not easy

I have a very exciting week lined up here at Creative Influences.  This week is all about art!  I am obsessed with art.  The process of creation is a fascinating one, and I am always intrigued by what people feel compelled to create.  Why do we do it?  Because we have to.  Today I'd like to feature the work of Sue Gillette.  In particular, her Moderno series.

Modern, minimal painting is probably my favorite genre, if indeed it's possible to choose a favorite.  Sue does it very well.  This type of painting requires a steady hand.  It requires skill, restraint and a kind of grace in communicating with the canvas.  It can't be forced.  It may be simple, but it's not easy.  As a lover of simplicity, minimal paintings are my favorite to hang in my apartment.

My own work is an attempt to reconcile reductionist tendencies.  The inherent difficulty with reductionism is  there is always room for a work to be further reduced.  It can be a frustrating process since I am a perfectionist, one line out of place and the painting is ruined. To see my recent minimal attempt, click here.  To see what happens, when I mess up one of these paintings, click here.  If I don't get a minimal painting right, I end up layering paint on the canvas.  This type of painting is a lot more fun to execute as it's not so exacting, but it's hard to know when to stop.

Square Peg, Your Curator, Vol. V

Welcome to my online gallery.  I'm Square Peg, Your Curator, and I've got a very exciting show lined up today.  You are already familiar with my love of street art.  I love the idea of a public, open gallery, where everyone is invited to express and view creativity.  I have fantasies of an entire city being a gallery.  Today I am featuring art which is influenced by this visionary art scene.  All of the art featured is fresh, graphic and edgy, just like art should be.  Art should stretch your comfort zone, it should encourage you to look at things in a different way and to consider things you might miss.  And it can be pretty while doing so, as these works prove.  Hope you enjoy!

Stencils have become increasingly intricate, this is a skill I'd like to master.  I dig 'em.  I want this work by Rex and Poppy.

Another beautiful use of stencil.  Love it combined with the clean lines.  I adore simple, minimal works.  As you know simple is not easy.  This painting took some skill and a steady hand.  When the street is your gallery, you must set aside fear, paint quickly and learn to paint with a steady hand.  Painting by Tayac.

Update:  I received a kind email from Tayac.  I love hearing from the artists I support!  The link to his website is here.  It's fairly new, but looks like he's involved in some interesting work.

The public nature of street art allows some of these talented artists to gain worldwide recognition.  The very exciting movement in art toys (also called urban vinyl, which I've written about a lot on this blog), brings these works to life.  kaNO kid is one of those artists who has become very recognizable and has toys produced of his work.  I'm gonna let you in on a secret.  All artists want this kind of fame, but they might not admit it.  We want our art to be seen by the whole world.

I dig the work of Erin Crawford.  Sensual, otherworldly and psychedelic.  Is it just me, or do these groovy paintings remind you of Barbarella?  Love her use of color as well.  Her Etsy shop is here.  She has a really cool web site too, which is here.  I'd like to commission her to do a painting of Goldie Hawn wearing go-go boots.

I like art that is beautiful, and a little creepy too.  This type of art is inexplicably compelling.  It repels and attracts at the same time.  This artist is successfully communicating a deepness of thought.  The woman in the painting is preoccupied by her dissatisfaction, yearning and melancholy.  I think women can identify with this work, because these are feelings that are all too familiar.  Constant yearning is the state of contemporary woman.  The artist has communicated these feelings in a gentle and romantic way.  This is a painting I would proudly hang in my home.  Painting by Melanie Shewchuck.

I dig an urban montage.  Fab.  ByHandClothing. 

Painting by Robert Comire. I find this work extremely compelling.  The industrial laundry, now a ghost in a post-industrial age.  Floating on an island.  Post-industrial themes are often present in my photographic work.  In fact this piece speaks to me, as it reminds me of one of my photos (click here if interested).  I think I need to turn some of my photos into paintings.  My next series of paintings will be heavily influenced by street and urban art.  I have so many ideas I need like a million dollars to buy canvas, paint and brushes.  And oh yeah, time.  There's never enough time.  

If you liked this series, be sure to check out my my series on Chick Art.

My Long Wish List

Dear readers - does this ever happen to you? I am feeling dissatisfied with my apartment and wishing I had money to completely start over. It always seems like I have a long list of things I want. Sometimes it makes my head spin. I wonder if I am shallow, or greedy. There are so many more important things in the world. I wish I could be satisfied with what I have. I actually have quite a lot of pretty things. What I am searching for? Perfection? Happiness? Are we ever satisfied? The Internet feeds my obsession and I wonder if I should take a break from blogging.

Still, humans are such creative beings. The skill of artisans never ceases to amaze me. And looking at how people dress their homes is a constant source of fascination for me. Here's a few things I am dreaming about.

1. A new sofa. I'd like to have a sectional. I love the use of a sectional in a room on its own. There is no need for chairs and you can pile it high with lots of pillows. I don't have an image, because I have not encountered the one I want yet. But I am sure it is either white or pink.

2. White floors. I dream of a simple, modern, clean, open loft space. Image via Purple Area.

3. This chrome shelf. I think my pottery collection would look great on it. I want something simple that will not complete with the pottery. Image by Peggy.

4. A pink Sophie Cook vase. So perfect.

5. The Parsons Desk. In my opinion this is one of the best designs of all time. It is geometric perfection. I would actually like to have a couple of these. Image via West Elm.

6. A pendant lamp. This dream may actually come true. The Eden Pendant Lamp from CB2 is the most reasonably priced pendant lamp I've encountered. I prefer a drum shade, but this design has a fabric diffuser. Fascinating. I love soft lighting. Maybe I will order this. I feel pangs of guilt even thinking of buying something for myself when I should be thinking of Christmas presents.

7. An acrylic coffee table. I love acrylic! I adore how an acrylic table provides function but takes up no visual weight in a room. Perfect if you have a fab rug that you don't want to hide. Image via Kat's Salvage Style via Apartment Therapy.

8. This painting by Jen Ramos. Isn't it fabulous? You already know I adore large paintings anchoring a space and I love the simplicity of this one. The dots look like lipstick swirls - her words. But I was thinking that exact thing, honest! Great job, Jen!

What about you dear readers? Do you have a million things on your wish list? Do you sometimes wish your home were "done"? Perhaps this is a good time for me to participate in an experiment in simple living.