A Room of One's Own (For Kristin)

My dear friend Kristin recently decided to transform her apartment from crash landing pad into a welcoming place that reflects her grown up life. She's a total extrovert, a dedicated athlete and a devotee of clean, classic, preppy, all american style. (Half her closet is from J-Crew!) I'm so excited to be a part of her project- it's such fun to see someone bring their home to life with their interests and personality.

I thought it would be fun to share some of the inspiration I've collected with her in mind, and maybe if we're lucky, she'll let me post some before and after photos too!

Of course, my first stop for decor inspiration is Design Sponge. I like combing through the sneak peeks because they are real life homes belonging to real life people and (to my knowledge) they aren't prepped and styled by a team, or professionally photographed. It's a lot more casual and true to life, but since most of the featured peeks are designers, artists and indie business owners, the homes still offer something to aspire to. For Kristin, I looked for things that were cheerful, clean and classic, but also relaxed enough to feel warm, beachy and Hawaiian. Here are a few standouts.

I love how this bedroom feels airy and roomy, but still very modern and grown up. I think the mismatched lamps and toss pillow add touches of whimsy that keep it fun.

This living room has the clean and elegant feel Kristin wants, but the cowboy hats on the wall and the slipcovered sofa make it feel easy, relaxed and personal too. Just right.

Now then, on to the REALLY fun part; the shopping list!

Special thanks to Momma D for turning me on to Viva Terra. I love all the eco friendly items they offer and I think this recycled plastic rug would add a lovely warmth and subtle color to her living area. (I might snatch one up for my porch while we're at it!) They are inexpensive & you can hose them off! Genius.

I think the large scale of this floral lamp shade makes it feel cool instead of fussy, and the colors seemed very beachy to me. She could pair it with a simple black or glass base from Target or the thrift store.

Pillow covers are a great way to freshen up a sofa (as shown here!) and mixing up a print with a stripe always looks sophisticated.


Polka dots always seem fun and lively to me and this inverted pair would go perfectly with that lamp shade.
This print captures her love of the ocean and the size would be a dramatic statement above her sofa.
This dreamy photograph would add to the surf homage.


This tiny oil painting would be a nice addition to. (First rule of hanging art gallery style? Vary the scale! Second rule? Hang at eye level!)

More art! (This artist believes you can never really have too much!) I love how this one reminds me of fish scales and waves at once.

What about you? Was there a defining moment when your realized that the place you lived should reflect you? When did you begin to feel like a grown up at last? Did it have anything to do with your surroundings? Can't wait to hear what you think!