My Humble Abode, Part 2: Starting Over

Happy Saturday dear readers!  Hope you are staying warm and cozy.  I'm not feeling well today, so I am blogging from bed. On my Android.  Ain't technology a beautiful thing? As you know, I moved a lot this past year. I am ecstatic to say that I have been in my new apartment for six months! Just goes to show that time flies whether you're having fun or not. Something we should remember during the bad times.

When I moved here, I had almost nothing. Luckily, my cousin had a few of my favorite pretty things in her basement. This is breaking one of my own organization rules, that is: never keep things in storage. Luckily she insisted.  I'll have lots to say about organization in subsequent posts.  Here is what my apartment looked like after two weeks.

The chaise lounge was a gift from my mom, who felt sorry for me because I was sitting on the floor. I'm grateful for her generosity - don't tell her I said this - but the thing was crap! Horrible workmanship. Shame on you Brylane!  Completely impossible to sit on, it functioned merely as a space filler and a place to display pillows, nothing more.  A month or so later, after my neighbor gave me his sofa, I carried the bitch to the dumpster all by myself.  Bam!  See pic of the sofa, after de-catting (is that a word) in the post above.

It's been a slow process, but baby, my apartment has come a long way.  I'm hoping to do a full reveal early next week.  Want more pictures and less words?  Be sure to follow along on Instagram @margiemax.    xo

a fabulous idea to steal...

okay, so you want to make a change to your boring room.  or maybe you want to lighten up for the summer, you can put away your heavy throws for now.  perhaps you want to experiment with a new color scheme.  or perhaps you'd like to experiment with texture or pattern.  you don't need to spend a fortune on new things. how about adding some beautiful fabric?  a scarf - thrown over a chair, draped over a lamp or even the sofa - can add a shot of color and romance.

i use scarves to help satisfy my addiction to textiles, and particularly love shimmery, gossamer ones.  here's a beautiful scarf that would do the trick.  in one of my favorite color schemes at the moment:  pink and gold (see post below).  this would even make a beautiful table runner on a romantic evening.  or if you are feeling particularly frisky, how about greeting your man at the door wrapped in this silky fabric - wearing nothing else!  oooh la la!  the possibilities are endless!  great style does not have to cost a lot.  just remember to have fun.  image via alamodern.

as always, please contact me if you make an etsy purchase due to reading this post.  i love to make sure artists are properly credited.  thanks for reading!  have a fabulous day. xo

Cabin Fever, Part II

Remember the hanging lamp from CB2 that I've been coveting?  Although it's fairly reasonably priced  for a pendant lamp, it's still not in my budget.  But I had to have a hanging light.  I picked up this rice paper lamp at World Market for $5.99.  I love it!  I may do a cluster of these.  The cord doesn't look great, but those hooks were already in the ceiling.  Hey, it's a rental.

 

Looks sorta like a flying saucer doesn't it?  I still really hate the mirror tiles, but like I said, it's a rental.  I've been craving textiles, so I picked up a couple of blue panels from Target.  I adore the luxurious feel of textiles.

I can't get over this beautiful room by Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz from his book Emotional Rooms.   This is the epitome of luxury.  I would love to drape fabric in my apartment.  I think it would work well since the ceilings are low and there are several alcoves.  Also, the apartment is cold, and this would warm it up.  I'm thinking of making my living room into a bedroom, and turning my bedroom into a studio.  I love the idea of not having to unpack my paints every time the creative impulse strikes.  Better yet, I love the idea of being able to close the door on the mess.  I must comment about those lamps!  They are so gorgeous they are about giving me a heart attack.  I think they are Murano glass.  If I ever saw these in a yard sale, there is no way I could pass them up!

Simple Pretty Things

Yesterday I went to visit my brother and to survey my new place. I took measurements, and planned where I'd be putting my things. I am looking forward to having a bedroom, and the bedroom had several bonuses. There's a lovely dresser. Living in a tiny studio, I have forgone a dresser for a long time. There are beautiful windows. And as unexpected bonus, there are the most beautiful curtains! Remember the curtains designed by Jet Mous I showed you in a previous post?

The curtains in my new bedroom look very similar. What a nice gift, in a long line of blessings that I've been receiving.

The Most Beautiful Pillows in the World....

...are designed by Michaela Scherrer. Scherrer is one of my favorite designers, she has a soft touch influenced by vintage Japanese textiles. Her rooms are modern, simple and lush.

Her pillows are horribly expensive, but like I said, they are the most beautiful pillows in the world. Images from Vivre.

Wish I'd Painted That

I adore Maxine Sutton's work, although I suppose this is technically needlepoint and not a painting. Her work certainly makes me rethink needlepoint. This piece would look great in my home. Image from Black White Yellow.