Make Room for Red, White and Blue

(red lantern / white lantern / blue lantern from JC Penney)

The fourth of July is right around the corner and, as a girl originally from New England now residing outside Philadelphia, the all-American color combination of red, white and blue are really speaking to me. I've rounded up some of my favorite decor that would add a little spirit to any setting.

Where Have You Gone, HGTV?

I’m about to open up a can of worms with this post, but let’s talk HGTV. Do you watch HGTV, readers? A post on Apartment Therapy on this very topic last week got me ruminating about the network: what I liked, what I didn’t like, and what I thought could be improved upon to appeal to new and former viewers alike.

What are your thoughts about HGTV? Let’s chat.

Totally Tortoise

(Mark Sikes's tortoise shell coffee table via Habitually Chic)

There are always a few design elements or finishes that, despite a resurgence every few years, never actually go out of style. They remain chic regardless of the way they are used and defy the word "trend". Today's post is dedicated to one such design element: tortoise shell. Are you a fan?

Make Your Own: Rope Side Tables

About two weeks ago, the latest Ballard Designs catalog arrived at our door. It didn't take me long to zero in on a woven garden seat that was versatile enough to double as a side table for our living room or den...but I balked at the cost: $160/seat! I needed two, and $320 for small pieces felt like an extravagance.

With some brainstorming, I came up with a much less expensive solution that a) met the need for an accent table and b) mimicked the look of woven rope. Let's me show you how I DIY'd it.

Indigo, Girl

(via Ebay)

Maybe it's the impending summer season influencing me here, but I am all about indigo lately. The color and its use in textiles has it origins in India and Japan, which make for an exotic, well-traveled addition to any room. 

Old English Pine

I'm having a love affair with the warm honey tones of English pine and, as you can see by the photo above, I was lucky enough to bring a piece home and into our newly-painted den.

Gone Paintin'

Yep, that's our den and, yep, that's a dark color...this one to be exact. It's Gentleman's Gray by Benjamin Moore and both Adam and I are thrilled with the look even at the halfway point. So, that being said, give me a day or two to finish all of the painting and I'll have something to share again!

You like it so far? We sure do.