To Replace or Not to Replace? That is the Question

In the life of every renter, there comes a time when she asks herself that all-important question, "Do I replace this or live with it?" That time for me, my dear readers, is now.

Degrees on Display

(via Life)

Imagine yourself walking across the stage at commencement with your hard-earned undergraduate, graduate or professional degree in hand. In full regalia and feeling all the pride in the world, you probably don't remember thinking, "I'm comfortable with this thing going in a drawer forever."

But most likely, that's exactly where our diplomas end up.

The alternative, proudly displaying our credentials at home, somehow feels pretentious.

If you're a doctor or part of an industry where diplomas are a regular element of office decor, then you don't have to worry about finding an appropriate spot at home for your degree. That's not me, though. 

Does that mean my degrees are bound for permanent storage?

Maybe, maybe not. I haven't quite decided yet.

A home office or library is a logical place to hang diplomas, and they can be inconspicuously integrated into a gallery wall or bookshelf like these examples below.

(via Pinterest)

(via Houzz)

So, I ask: is there a way to display a diploma in your home without it looking tacky or out of place?

Do you display your credentials anywhere at home?

Paul Costello's Tips for Photographing Your Space

Do you want to learn how to better photograph your apartment and its furnishings?

For many of us bloggers (myself, for sure!), capturing our homes in "magazine worthy" shots is a really complicated process, am I right? If I could choose one modern photographer to shoot my home, it would be Paul Costello, who was the go-to photographer for Domino and continues to produce gorgeous images that inspire us all.

Recently, I discovered Paul Costello's tips for producing the best interior photographs via Decorno.
And clearly, some of us (me!) could really benefit from Costello's advice.

Feast your eyes on these spaces he's snapped:

(all via Paul Costello's portfolio)

Who wouldn't want to be able to photograph their space and produce images as gorgeous as these?!

Have you mastered interior photography?
What tips do you have to share?

TGIF, 7/15/11 Edition

It's with a big sigh that I type my usual "It's Friday, friends!" 

There's a lot going on in my life, some good and some not so good. [Srsly, could I be any more vague?]

The "good" things going on--artwork in my guest bedroom that makes me smile:

Strawberry print: Jamie Shelman; Vintage floral painting: Thrifted

I had these framed at a stellar local frame shop. If you're in the Philadelphia area, you will not be disappointed in the work and customer service that Trinity Framing offers. Do be a pal and support this awesome shop:

Trinity Framing 

701 S. 3rd Street

Philadelphia, PA 19147

(215) 351-1600

info@trinityframing.com

(and no, I received no compensation/discount for sharing this honest opinion with you all)

As far as the "not so good things" going on, they relate to my job. I've been experiencing career stagnation for awhile and I'm going to give my notice this morning. Actually, it's less "notice" in the formal sense as it is a "Hey, heads up, I intend to leave." I work in academia and it operates somewhat differently than your typical business setting. Wish me luck.

Wait! Before you go! More "good things" going on:

Next week I'll be sharing wedding photos! Get psyched up!

My Math is a Little Weak

Mathematical minds out there, tell me:

Does this

plus this

 equal this?

 I think I've mentioned this before, but I'll mention it again: I am cheap. 

But before I proceed, check my math and tell me if it all adds up.

The Rest of My Life Starts Today

Okay, so I'm being dramatic with the title of this post, but it's partially true. My vacation begins at 5PM today, which signals full-tilt wedding focus until Saturday when I get married, and then...

BOOM! I'm married.

That's worthy of dramatic "rest of my life"-kinda talk, I think.

Had it my way, I'd be maxing and relaxing on one of these right now:

(Amarcord deck chair via The Wall Street Journal)

On a related note, I'm contemplating a job change rather soon. 

If you love or like me at all, could you send good wishes my way?

I'm not 100% sure what's next for me, but I'm hopeful. 

Lots of life changes happening...all of which are good!

Rug Rotation

'Member last week when I shared with you my new entryway rug?

Well, never one to leave a good thing alone, I managed to find another rug (also appropriate for my entrance) this weekend while visiting a few local thrift stores with my soon-to-be sister-in-law (Hi, Jenna!)

Found for only $85, this little vintage wool beauty is a bit smaller than the first rug but is oh-so-soft.

Check it out:

I know what you're thinking: No, you can't have my $78 Heritage Unlimited rug. 

It's staying with us...just moving somewhere else in the apartment.

Perhaps it will move to the kitchen...

What do you think?

Speaking of rugs, I also ordered a nice neutral jute rug (about 9'x11') to layer with the rug in our living room. I decided long ago that layering was a must given that the area rug in the room was so small. It really irked me that most of my living room furniture was "floating."

I'm hoping that the jute rug (yet to arrive) will ground the space and provide additional visual interest.

Lots and lots of rug-talk today! 

Opinions wanted: Where should all my new rugs go?

Um, Okay, Fedex...

A funny thing happened to me on Sunday. 

I've been expecting an item that I ordered from The Foundary for awhile, but haven't been home to its accept delivery. While trying to request it be held at a nearby Fedex location, I was told by the anonymous operator that my package could not be delivered to the Fedex pick-up location because it contained...ready for this?

...Hazardous materials.

What, you ask, did I buy?

Guns?

A car battery? 

Opium?

Aerosol cans?

No, this:

(via Dash and Albert)

Looks pretty dangerous, huh?

Fedex, I'm convinced you are dumb, as is the person who mis-labeled the rug while prepping it for shipment.

I want my rug, people! 

Bedridden

(via Domino)

It's Wednesday already, can you believe it? Until this morning, I hadn't left my house since Saturday. The weekend's wedding-related activities took so much out of me that I was bedridden/couchridden (I just made that word up) since then.

So, needless to say, I'm a little behind this week. My apartment's in shambles, I tell you. My bed went unmade for days...and it certainly wasn't in that "undone chic" state like Amanda Peet's bed, featured in Domino...

Happy February everyone!

The Great Purge of 2011

Last week, Bryn reminded her readers of an important, oft-cited William Morris quote: "Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." These are words to live by, and this reminder energized me to begin addressing my home organization.

This is by no means a glamorous post today, but I wanted to share my progress on one of my New Year's Resolutions: that of eliminating excess in my home.

This is where we stand as of this morning: a big pile to be donated to the Philly AIDS Thrift store in Queen's Village:
Here's just a sampling of what we are parting with:

• My collection of fabulous 80's teen movies on VHS ("The Breakfast Club," "Say Anything," "Better of Dead"...etc.)
• 8 Phillies rally towels (!!)
• Brand new Woolrich for Target flannel sheets (too hot!)
• More than 10 picture frames...
• 3 surge protectors
• An endless supply of Christmas-themed crap

My point in sharing all of these banal details is simply this: I've recognized that it's so easy to become a thoughtless consumer and collector of stuff, stuff that we have no affinity for or even any connection to. I want to avoid that as much as possible. Instead, I'd like to surround myself with meaningful things that are admired for their beauty or utility, or both.

Is anyone else beginning a "Great Purge of 2011" in their home?

If so, how are you doing with it?

I Guess You're Just What I Needed

'Member yesterday when I mentioned the "lonely corner" in my living room? Here it is again, in case you have a very limited short term memory:

Aside from the revamped frame, this corner needs something else to liven it up and to give the room some height.

So I've decided that I'm suddenly in desperate need of a fiddle leaf fig, perhaps in a chic little basket planter, like this one spotted over at Oliveaux:
(via Oliveaux)

Trouble is, my living room gets natural light for about .10 minutes a day, hardly great conditions for a plant like this.

Can anyone offer a reasonable alternative that would love low light?
Or, could the fiddle leaf fig live with limited sunshine?

P.S. If you're in the Philly area tonight, come join me at the Race Street Cafe tonight at 5:30 for a Happy Hour to support the Race Street Pier revitalization! See you all there!

Hector Needs Your Help!

(via Unica Home, currently selling for $305)

Once upon a time, a girl named Ashley found herself working as assistant buyer in a glamorous boutique in a very posh suburb of New York City. This girl, at still a young age, attended big-name runway shows and had her picture snapped by The Sartorialist (!); but this was still work, and as such, Ashley traveled to far-off fashion capitals like Milan and Paris to select next season's wares with the boutique's owner.

On one such trip to Milan, Ashley met a handsome Italian named Hector, a product of the House of Missoni. From across a crowded flagship store, Hector caught Ashley's eye. She had to have him. She couldn't return to New York without him, having now glimpsed such beauty.

And like that, Ashley and Hector lived happily ever after. Ashley's life changed significantly following Hector's arrival. She quit her job in fashion, decided to return to graduate school, and moved to Philadelphia.

Here is where we find ourselves, dear readers.
Let me introduce you to Hector, my beloved Italian.

Isn't he handsome?
Unfortunately, time hasn't been good to Hector. He's aged rapidly, especially in the last year.

Hector developed an acute blanket tear, which means he needs to be seen by a masterful surgeon (of sorts) so he can return to prime condition.

I know these images are hard to look at (they certainly are for me), but I need your help to find a cure for what ails my dearest Hector.

How do I go about repairing Hector's wounds?

Is he done for?

In lieu of flowers, please send any advice or recommendations for Hector's swift recovery.

Not Feeling So Hot

(via Real Simple)

I've been feeling pretty crummy for awhile now, readers, and today I hope to have some relief for whatever it is that ails me. I know, you're thinking, "Wait, you don't feel well? But you've done so many projects and written so many posts recently!" I have, I have.

For the past two months I've been suffering from a very uncooperative stomach, leaving me nauseous nearly every single night and greatly limiting what I'm able to eat. I'm having some tests today that I'm hopeful will reveal the culprit.

Wish me luck, and I'll see you all tomorrow!

Color Now!

Sorry for the late post, friends.

This week, work has been absolutely crazy. I'm not an interior designer nor do I do anything creative professionally. Instead, I work in academia and it certainly has its ups and downs. Right now, I'm in the midst of a series of downs.

This week, I'm desperate for some inspirational, colorful interiors that revive me when I come home feeling nearly dead.

These Jamie Drake rooms should do just the trick:






(all via Drake Design Associates)

Like a jolt of adrenaline, no? Just what we all need on a Wednesday.

I Need Advice: Fabric for Ottomans

I've got a second post today because I'm in a design quandry, readers. I need your eyes and good taste.

I'm considering using the "Togo" print in Titan/Birch (teal on a cream background) from Premier Prints for the two parsons ottomans I bought on Craigslist.

"Togo" print in Titan/Birch via Premier Prints

You may remember I spent only $25 on the ottomans, so I don't want to go break the bank with the fabric and reupholstery. I need about 5 yards and, at $10.99/yard, the "Togo" print seems like a fun and inexpensive option.

I turn to you readers: should I go with the print? Or will I tire of it too quickly? I'm thinking I could use the charcoal fabric from the loveseat for the cording detail on the ottomans--what do you think?

Share your opinions, please!

Has anyone ordered from Premier Prints before?
What was your experience like?

p.p. I sold the Williams-Sonoma striped cream/red rug that was in the den, so I'm starting over with a new color scheme.