HOW-TO: PHOTO WALL

I got what seemed like a brilliant idea the other day - a photo display wall to fill a vacant corner above my couch. But large photo walls are so expensive:  custom framing, the art or photography on display, and usually a professional installer to hang them just so.

This Vogue vintage cover wall from Domino Magazine was a great inspiration. 

So what to do? My first stop was IKEA, king of inexpensive home accessories. Even if the frames weren't glam, a matching set always looks more elegant.

IKEA Ribba frames at $10 a pop - including the mat!

But what to put in the frames? I have years of fashion and shelter mag editorial and advertising tearsheets lying around, so I raided my stash to find a series of photos suitable for framing. The guidelines were to 1) find images in various shades of jade to pick up the green themes in my apartment, and, 2) to find them with as few words on the page as possible (editorials are best for this).

After choosing favorites, I framed them up and laid out the photos to find the best arrangement.

I settled on a mix up of home decor, accessories, and fashion images from over the years. Vogue had the best fashion options (of COURSE), but Town and Country takes the prize for absolutely gorgeous accessories shots (note the Tony Duquette brooch picture in the center).

With a little help from the IKEA frame inserts, and a lot of measuring, I framed out the job.
Tips:  Be sure to measure the space between each frame too, so the distance is right. I then penciled in the exact spot for each nail hole on the paper, and drove the nail right through the paper, pulling off the wall papers when I was done. Easy peasy!

(Remember, in an older building, it can be really tough to find the perfect "center" since the walls may not be perfectly straight. Your best bet is to trust your eye as well as your measuring tape, moving things around until they look right. Also, keep in mind that the frame insert papers are a great guide, but they're slightly smaller than the frames. You'll need to add in an extra inch or so for the perfect fit.) 

The final result:  ta-da - inexpensive photo wall!

The set dresses up an otherwise dull corner (apologies for the window glare). 

Total cost? $120 for frames. $0 for old magazine tearsheets. Yay!

I tried the same affect in my bathroom with vintage nature prints and a shell craft basket. Again with the glare. Sorry!

Have you found a special trick for making great wall displays?

Jardins en Fleur

Over at Guilt Gilt Group there's a sale on Jardins en Fleur accessories - a segment of their line of Asian French influences rendered in bright ceramics. If you love the items below, be sure to visit the company website, which offers hand painted silks and some stunning furniture. I'm really a fan of their pieces; aside from the silks and wallpaper, most of their creations have a strongly zen aesthetic, relying on form and function rather than pattern. If you've been reading this blog for any time at all, you know I have nothing against pattern, but sublimely simple pieces are essential for balance in any room.

A Jardins en Fleur still life.

I'm loving this nesting set of lotus plates in cinnabar - how fabulous for parties? $83 for 3.

A glass glazed finish garden stool - fashioned to serve as a seat or a plant holder (but not actually for outdoor use - natch).

Try it with an orchid or a pile of gorgeous books.

Foo dogs in a gorgeous cream glaze to add a bit of whimsy to your hall table or vanity.

They abide by the Basic Principle of Dog Appeal: if it's ugly, it's cute.

Did you think they looked familiar?

All images, giltgroup.com and jardins en fleur.

All That Shines...

I'm traveling AGAIN this week (apologies, neglected blog friends, for missing your beautiful posts!). But I did want to provide an official report on the pre-Thanksgiving, pre-Christmas, post-holiday-awareness attire front. The thing to wear right now is shine, not sparkles (save that for midnight on November 30th, at least). Also, there will be plenty of opportunities later for the physical discomfort only stunning little nothings worn to multiple parties in sub zero weather can bring (curse you, fashion!) - all while balanced on razor thin stilettos. Better soak up some cozy while you can. And cheaply. Here are choices that will keep your wallet feeling warm. All from Old Navy.

The stylish girl's "I had no time to do my hair" alternative. Isn't this too cute? But the price is just darling at $6.50!

A nice look, and the soft sides hold more than a few atoms. No, you won't pass it on to your granddaughters. But it's $16.50. Who cares?

Gold Old Navy "uggs." The original was called Ugg because that's the sound you make when you see them. But I've tried these on (front line reporting!) and they're COMFY. $29.50.

The wide, bracelet length sleeves on this jacket are slightly reminiscent of a certain Kate Spade coat that still has my heart. Absolutely darling with jeans, heels, and a ginormous necklace (just make sure your gloves are long - no cold wrists here!). Price: $69.50. Frankly, I think that's much too much for Old Navy. But don't worry - it'll go on sale. :)

The best. coat. ever.

All Old Navy images, oldnavy.com. KS coat, blog.highfashionhome.com.

ANTHROPOLOGIE SALE!!!!

Are you sitting down? GREAT designs ahead! I love Anthropologie because they are so inventive, so unusual, so on-trend-yet-classic (is that possible?) and often, a good deal. Their sales looketh not to clear out dead-end merchandise. Instead, you can often find some of their best pieces in the sale bin. 

Here's the clear winner for me:  a Missoni-friendly malliot for $99 (almost 50% off). The hottest days of summer are just starting - see them out in style.

This Anjou Chandelier has wonderful presence and a wonderful price for a light fixture of this size: $995, down from $1,798.

This is a perfect transition piece for fall - the filligree is light enough for summer, but the bling can handle a sweater and some seriously dark shades. Best of all?  It's only $20.

A "green goddess" knob in agate in brass is an exquisite addition to a powder room or once-lowly cabinet. It's very Kelly Wearstler (and we all know how I feel about her) and thus perfect. The beautiful texture says expensive, but it's on sale for only $7.95.

As I said yesterday, I have the Fall fashion bug, and this bag is part of the reason! I LOVE the Turkish inspiration, jewel and brown tones, and roomy size. Kilim Leather Bag, $299 (down from $458).

All images, Anthropologie.com

I Like Ike(a)

I adore IKEA.  Mostly because of their intoxicating cinnamon buns (which once induced me to drive 30 minutes out of my way on a cross-country trip just to taste their luscious goodness).  I also like their furniture, their sense of fun, and the instant gratification of picking it out and picking it up.  And, with a little care, you can use those inexpensive pieces in a room and make it look like, well, they're not from IKEA. Here are a few picks from their new stock.  

How many pretty displays could you fit on this bookcase?  It's a charmer. LACK bookcase, $129.

GREEN!!!! Oh joy. You would HAVE to be happy in a room with these on the windows. $9.99 a pair people. Snatch 'em up.

This is just awesome. This is IKEA love, happening right now. Seriously, an entire cowhide? I see this in your living room, next to your sleak couch and under your silver and glass coffee table. Koldby cowhide, $249. There's one in brown too.












It's a kid's toy, but it's almost Easter and I want it. SO cute. Fabler rattle, $2.99.

A pretty plate for a breakfast room. Trolsk serving bowl, $8.99.  And don't forget the cereal bowls!  $2.99 a set. 

Mouth blown glass. And it's TURQUOISE. For a $1.99. Isn't life great?

All images, IKEA.

Closets: Splurge or Steal?

There are few things that make me happier than walking into a perfectly ordered closet (note the phrase "walking into" - small closets are a major happiness drain). Other rooms that always bestow joy when well-ordered are laundry rooms and offices. My philosophy is that the more unpleasant or repetitive the task you usually do in a room, the less reluctance you'll feel if you're well prepared. Remember reading the Little House books in your childhood? When Laura grows up and gets a home of her own, These Happy Golden Years describes her pantry in loving detail. At 12, I may have had no idea how to can peaches, but I envied Laura her perfectly aligned shelves and copious cupboards.

So how do you get great storage? Easily, if you have a large pocket book or a lot of time. For the other 99% of you, I bring you, Closets: Splurge or Steal.

SPLURGE: Birch and White Elfa Decor system from The Container Store. This system runs around $750, depending on the elements you chose. Great for reach-in closets, and easily customizable.











STEAL: John Louis Standard Shelving System in Honey Maple, from Target. $264.99 (with an additional 15% off when ordering online). It's a well thought out design and made of quality wood.











Now I know SOME of you are still eyeing that cheerful little Elfa closet and sighing inwardly... know what the difference is? Paint! What's cheap and easy to do? Paint! So grab a $25 can of your favorite punchy shade, and attack those walls. Install your new organizing system, arrange your hard shopped for lovelies, and enjoy. You've earned it.

And There Was Great Rejoicing

I've always loved Miss Trish of Capri's shoes - the very barest of sandals loaded with jewelry and dazzle (what's not to love?). But at real-jewelry prices, they're a difficult justification. I was ECSTATIC to discover that Target the Tasteful has spared me mortgaging my bike for another favorite fashion indulgence. That's right! Miss Trish is designing for Target! The collection, creatively titled "Miss Trish of Capri for Target," will launch in stores and online April 5. The best part? These sandals are priced at around $29.99. For those not in the know, Miss Trish usually starts at $250. Get out the mistletoe. It's Christmas in April.

Paper (Price) Cut

Rejoice! Paper Source is having a post-holiday sale. Not in the mood to think about the holidays? Neither am I. What I'm excited about is SPRING. Lucky for us all, a few bright things are on the discount list. Below, some favorites.

I love labels - I'm also a hyper type A who, as a child, used to organize her playmate's toys. True story. But even if you aren't diagnosably OCD, you still need to know what you put in that box, don't you? Try using these - you'll love being organized again.









If you haven't yet picked up your calendar, first, you are NOT an organized person. You probably need a calendar. Second, you're in luck. There are some great options left:













And finally, no they're not on sale, but I can't stay away from the marvelous patterned papers. I use them to line drawers, in albums, and when economic times are less than ideal (wonder when that would be...) I'll put the same paper in multiple frames and display as a wall hanging. It looks lovely, and costs... as much as the paper. A cheap mini makeover. Wouldn't these be gorgeous on your walls?

Winter White

If you live in the South, "Winter White" is something you're more likely to see on a clothing tag than on the ground. But it's a beautiful look for decorating, and easily done on the cheap. Like black, a good basic neutral hides a multitude of sins (and scrimping and saving). Go for quantity, not quality.

Here are some examples from my own files. I layered white, cream, silver, and crystal. It's a great look for a bedroom: comfortable and soothing at the same time. The coral is a touch of nature, but the arrangement with silver keeps it basic, not beach-y.

Here's what a few dabs of paint can do. I filled in the amoire doors with the same paint as the walls. It instantly created a cohesive look, and the cost? Nada. The pillows and picture frame are IKEA, the photo I took myself of cherry blossoms in spring: