Once I finally get my move underway (which keeps getting pushed back further thanks to a lack of available real estate in Pittsburgh) I don’t plan on downsizing, but I do plan on consolidating. Some of you might recall that I had a massive garage sale last October which got rid of a lot of things, but still more to get rid of if at all possible. I only want to have two categories of possessions: meaningful or functional.
As soon as I saw Area‘s textiles I knew they were a perfect fit. The independently owned company is completely focused on quality and originality, which I’m hoping is just what my next home will be full of.
For as much time as I spend in my office, a good desk and chair setup is key. I’m ready to update my desk, but finding a solid chair that’s both stylish and comfortable was on top of my list of must haves. Though I get up what seems like a hundred times an hour, my lower back starts to ache by early afternoon like clockwork. I’m not even going to show you my old chair – let’s just say it was a super cheap kitchen design from a place that rhymes with SPIKEA.
It was far past time to upgrade, and I have to sing the praises of the Office Star OSP Furniture Mid-Back Executive Chair after using it for about a month now. It keeps my back supported in all the right places and has just the right amount of cushion – the main qualities I was looking for. And after my previous setup, having armrests is a total luxury! (Who knew?)
I like to keep my space as clutter-free as possible, but I must admit this is the cleanest it’s been in some time. A vase of fresh flowers, a candle (this one’s blueberry muffin!), and lip balms to feed my addiction are always on hand. The only thing missing is my planner which is never far from reach. My new chair stays true to my MCM sensibilities as well as the predominantly white accessories that dominate my office space, which I love.
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Quill. As always all words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush going!
I’ve been wanting to add some small, staggered hanging planters to a corner of my living room for months now. Everywhere I turn there’s another fantastic hanging planter that I want to add to my home – copper, clay, geometric, you name it. And it would seem I’m not the only one with my eye on these space-saving flora accessories.
The first wedding I was ever in, my best friend’s from high school. I’m second from the right.
Prior to the digital photography age I was all about film. There’s something so lovely and unpredictable about it because you only have so much control over the outcome and the subject matter. And who can forgot waiting for it to be developed or finding an old mystery roll?! If it was an exceptionally promising set you might even spring for the one hour service.
That’s not to say I don’t love digital photography, too. We’re a society of instant gratification which makes it a great fit, and it’s always nice to be able to retake a wonky photo instead of waiting days only to see the moment was lost. But what to do with all of those prints?
On my first trip to San Francisco, senior year of college. At a college advertising competition in Austin, TX. With my cat, Peanut.
Last week I spent an entire afternoon figuring that out with the help of Kolo‘s Havana photo boxes. I separated all of my photos – even the ones that had been in the cardboard Lion King box since the dawn of the mid-90s – into time frames. High school, college, portfolio school, and family photos. Each one was delegated a box, with the exception of college which took up two. It was definitely time-consuming, but so much fun looking back through those periods of my life. I used the plastic dividers that came with each Havana box to roughly separate major events, though I definitely need to back through and do a better job at some point. I also tossed extremely blurry photos and what can only be described as awful shots from many a photography class right into the trash.
My Grandpa and I riding on a ferris wheel. Photos of Europe taken by my Mom’s godfather.
Older family photos went into a larger, flatter Havana box to accommodate the crazy sizes of some of the shots. I’m still tracking down errant photos that have escaped the confines of my prior “system,” but that’s half of the fun! I love how easily accessible my collection is now, and also that it’s perfectly suitable for display. Each box is covered in gorgeous Indian Yellow fabric that goes perfectly with my mid-century decor. I’m hoping my next home has built-ins so that I can show off my memories.
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Kolo. All words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Design Crush going!
When I first saw Vertty I thought that it was definitely one of the coolest beach towels ever, but then I read more about it and daaang. Vertty is an entirely reinvented towel. Handmade from a fast-drying material and featuring a waterproof pocket for your valuables, its looks go far beneath that cool geometric surface. Choose from nine colors that are sure to pop against the sand or the pool deck, and you’ll have no trouble finding your spot all summer long.
I’m three shades of excited to share something that’s been in the works for months – Design Crush The Marketplace has opened! I’ve teamed up with the newly launched GREAT.LY to bring you some of my favorite handmade goods from all sorts of talented makers. The shop is set up much like Design Crush the site, full of fantastic art and design that you can decorate your home and yourself with. I’ll be keeping it stocked with fresh and exciting things that get updated frequently, so I hope you’ll pop over and take a look for yourself. In the meantime, here are a few of my favorites from each category!
Let’s just make today all about summer, shall we? This time I’m talking about LaMalconttenta, a line by the uber talented Lydia de la Piñera. Ceramics, prints, jewelry, and more that convey the casual effortlessness of the warmest days of the year are all present in Lydia’s Etsy shop. All with the perfect balance of white space and intensely pigmented colors to balance it all out.
My walls are practically bursting at the seams with art, but that doesn’t stop me from ogling everything at Quercus & Co. The Sydney-based wallpaper design and printing company shows off an obvious love of pattern and color and has a gift for combining the two. Every design available is either hand-painted or drawn before being printed onto eco-friendly paper. I’d be lying if I didn’t say my wish list has just grown by an item or two!
