Antique Trunks as a Coffee Tables

A friend of mine with a studio apartment has been struggling to find a coffee table that both fits in his small space and provides a bit of extra storage.  My suggestion to him was to keep an eye out for an antique trunk, chest, or footlocker.  There are tons of trunks around on Craigslist and in local antique shops. And, they can work great as coffee tables or for extra storage at the foot of a bed. 

Plus, trunks can work for a variety of different styles. They can be a bit more glamorous (or even "designer" like the photo above),  rustic (lots of unfinished wood options) or masculine and "worldly" (many have cool old stickers from traveling like the one below).

Here are some great affordable options in the Bay Area that I found with a quick Craigslist search.  (Click on the images for the original listings)

A fun blue one for just $25!

This one might need a tray or plexiglass top but I couldn't pass up the color.  And, the inside has already been cleaned out and restored!

Simple black with great brass detailing ($70 and I'm sure it could be negotiated down)

Another great looking black trunk. (Listed for $50)

If they're too short, you can always add casters (wheels) or legs, like Ashley did to an old suitcase here:

Or, if antique/vintage isn't your vibe,  The Container Store has some great (and bright!) new options for $85:

A Bit Nautical

It's no secret that I'm drawn to nautical inspired style.  Especially during the summertime,  I pretty much love anything that reminds me of being out on the ocean. (The number of blue and white striped shirts I've collected over the years is pretty absurd.)  However, when it comes to incorporating nautical inspiration into home decor,   I think it's important to be a bit more subtle with references to the sea.   I don't want my apartment to end up like this: 

Because I'm always bookmarking inspirational images, here are some lovely examples of nautical feeling rooms that don't necessarily scream "cheesy beach rental":

(click on images for sources)

I love the fresh blue & white color palate in the room above. It definitely has a classic nautical vibe, but the modern coffee table and white curtains keep it fresh.

An eclectic mix of patterns and textures in the room keep the beachy collage from looking like it was plucked out of a catalog.

I adore this glossy navy wall mixed with antique furniture pieces.

Another great example of how a simple blue and white color palate can feel totally nautical even without any sailboat art ;)

This room is definitely a bit more "themed"  but the fresh colors and accents keep it feeling modern.

Also, check out my apartment photos to see how I've worked in some nautical elements.

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Thinking About Orange Curtains

I'm currently loving these rooms with orange curtains. While I normally think of orange as a really bright color, they seem to give these rooms a really comfortable, home-y vibe. If I can find a similarly beautiful pair, I might use them as a starting point for a revamp of my bedroom. 

The photo above is from Turner Davis Interiors.  In addition to the curtains, and the very cool horse print, I think the rug is amazing. Unfortunately, it's an old Pottery Barn rug that they don't make anymore.  (You can sometimes get lucky finding these on eBay.  This one is the "Kaley Bloom")

From New Orleans Cue Magazine, this room definitely has a fun French inspired twist.

I love  the mix of colors here. And, I think they painted an orange square on the wall behind the mirror to to add another splash of orange.  Interesting idea....

 In a very neutral room, these orange curtains are the star.

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Baja Surf Style

Having spent most of my life in California, I've always had an affinity for laid back surf inspired style.  It's hard not to romanticize life on the beach and in the water.

Much of the clothing I owned (or wished for) in my teens was by surfwear brands like Roxy, Volcom and Hurley.  While a lot of items from these brands now feels a bit juvenile,  I'm still in love with laid-back  surfer girl style.   Plus, when summer comes around, even fashion mags like Glamour and Vogue, (see below) pull together surf inspired spreads.

Blake Lively in Vogue:

Here are my current surfer girl inspired picks..

 The items above:

1 - Every surfer girl needs a hoodie for when the sun starts to set.  This one seems equally cozy and hip - Quiksilver Hoodie ($54.50)

2 - Of course, it's important to block the sun when you're on the shore.  This lifeguard style covers the face, and seems fun and quirky -  Lifeguard Hat ($14.95)

3 - A bikini is a must.  This fun kind of baja inspired pattern is darling - Bathing Suit ($49)

4 - I love the touch of blue and white on the ends of these wayfarer style shades -  Toms Sunglasses ($135)

5 - Another fun layer to stay warm from the sea breeze - Forever 21 Scarf ($6.50)

6 - When I think of beach ladies, for some reason I always envision layers of hippie-ish bracelets - Chan Lu Bracelets ($125)

7 - Short shorts are an easy staple, and this salmon color is extra fun - Splendid Cut-off Shorts ($75)

8 - Colorful flat sandals are a bit more dressed up than flip-flops - BC Braided Sandals ($65)

I can't imagine wearing this dress (below) anywhere but the beach; yet, it seems so perfect..

For full disclosure, I thougth I should share that there was no way that I could write this post without going back and  listening to this. (Surfer Girl by Home Grown)

Summer Whites

One styling idea that this video didn't cover, was adding more white.  I love the crisp, summery look of an all white ensemble.

Some style photos  I've been drooling over.  Wishing I could wear this much white without a trip to the dry cleaners.

The lipstick is just the perfect bit of color.

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This white suit and photograph by Garance Dore blew me away.

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Business appropriate?

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 White really goes best with a solid (fake?) tan.

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Oh yeah,  even the princess does it.