Tory Burch's Colorful Home

I don't own any Tory Burch pieces.  I'm a fan of her line but its just way out of my price range. However, I  think she has done an amazing job designing and decorating her stores. 

The one here in SF is fully decked out in my favorite colors (orange and green):

 Or, there is the more beachy SoCal version:

Since I love these so much, it was no suprise that her home has an equal amount of style.

Check out these pictures from this month's InStyle, found via the The Tory Blog.

How cool are the glossy red walls in her dining room?

This living room is pretty traditional but somehow manages to still be totally inviting.

I love the total commitment to the blue pattern in this breakfast nook.

(I also think that orange shirt dress is basicallyperfect)

While I'm at it, what impresses me most about Tory Burch is that she started her business from her kitchen table.

Bored of White Dishes

When I bought my first set of dishes (the ones I still have now), I chose a super-simple all white set.   The thought was: they would "go with everything,"  food looks good on white and I wouldn't get sick of them.  But, it turns out,  I'm kind of sick of them.  I want something more fun!  And, as it turns out, in comparison to a lot of the places where I spend my money,  dishes aren't that expensive.

I've been shopping around for some fun tableware options.  I haven't chosen yet but here are some of the ones I think might make me just a bit happier at dinner every day.

Where to find them: 1. Polka-dot glasses, 2.Thomas Paul nautical plates, 3. Simple colored bowls, 4. Chevron B&W cup, 5. Jonathan Adler almost subtle pinwheel striped set, 6. Colorful polka dot dishware set, 7. John Derian appetizer plate set

Bay Area Craigslist Wishlist

I'm seaching for the perfect vanity/desk for my bedroom, but I honestly can't peruse Craigslist without finding a host of awesome pieces that I WISH I could take home with me.

I am a serious sucker for a deal, and I love a one-of-a-kind piece furniture.  Even if you don't know the story behind it, it's great to know that it has a story.

Check out this art deco waterfall style dresser.  It looks like it's in pristine condition, and they're asking just $200 for this PLUS a vanity and a bed!  I think the dresser would look great in a dark masculine/bachelor style bedroom.

If you're a bit more feminine or into the whole "shabby chic" look, this dresser seems like it would be a great buy for under $100.

If this table would fit in my tiny living room, I would be on my way to pick it up now.

I can imagine it fitting perfectly into this living room Jonathan Adler designed.

My First Before and After

Our living room has come a long way since we moved in. We've moved a lot of things in and out but I'm pretty happy with our current layout.  I had a hard time with the room because the combination of the limited plugs and 2 doorways make the layouts limited.

When we first moved in (around Christmas time as you'll see by the picture below)  we picked up some furniture from the street (literally, someone accross the street dumped it)  The sofas were comfy for a while but I was just not happy with the dark color and they took up too much floor space.

I didn't take any post-Christmas photos but this should give you the idea.

Here is my before and after:

I'm trying to figure out some ways to add color to the room, but I'm pretty happy with it for now. 

Here are some other angles:

Who says ceilings should be white?

When I was in high school I somehow convinced my parents to let me paint my ceiling yellow.  (To compliment my then beachy blue-green walls.)  After a minor miss-hap where I spilled the yellow paint on my white carpeting, I got my yellow ceiling and still love it.   The sunny hue is an awesome contrast to the thick white crown molding I had previously begged my parents for.

Here now in my rental apartment, I'm wishing I could add a similar fun color to my boring white ceiling. Unfortunately, I think the hassle of painting it back when we move out is enough to prevent me from taking the time to do it.  Either way. I've been perusing pictures, imaging what I could be looking up to.

How awesome is this bright green and white trim?

Via Fresh Nest Design.

Or, the awesome stripes that Jenna Lyons put on her sons roof?

I don't even like purple, but I love it on this kitchen ceiling!