Black and Blue Inspiration

I was very inspired by this photo I found on Pinterest and thought I'd take a crack on doing a design board with this as my inspiration.

BHG

Here's what I gathered as inspiration if you wanted to complete the look yourself.

swing arm sconce/lantern/floor lamp/topiary/ginger jars/sofa/rattan trays/coffee table/leather chair/rug/striped throw blanket/lumbar pillow/floral pillow/striped pillow

Some advice if you are thinking of redoing a room, is to go to Pinterest and pin a bunch of photos that make your heart stop. I know that sounds dramatic, but really if you pick things that make you stop in your tracks, you know this is a look you LOVE and you will more than likely love it for a long time.

I made this mistake plenty of times in the past. I'd pick somethings out that I liked but looking back they weren't things that made my heart flutter. Most of these items are now gone. So don't waste your time and money on things that you don't love. Wait until you figure out what your style is, what you want your home to feel like and then make your choices. This photo above is all things that I love. The color blue, the texture of the rug, tray and shades, the white walls, the worn leather chair and the hints of black to ground everything. The room reads bright, airy, comfortable, and hints of a coastal vibe. All things I hope my own home portrays.

One a side note, I have a lot to learn about putting together a design board. I used PicMonkey, but does anyone else have a better or easier way to make a design board. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Shop With Me: Salthouse Mercantile

It's been over a month since I stepped foot in the cutest store ever, Salt House Mercantile, but I'm a slacker and haven't gotten to blogging about it. What can I say.. it's on my New Year's resolutions list to get better about blogging more often (that and a few hundred other things, maybe I'll do a post on that too).

A few years back, I wrote a post about my cousin's shop on Bainbridge Island here in Washington, called Salt & Sea Vintage Home. Since then my cousin closed up that shop and relocated just across the street into a much larger space. She calls the new shop, Salt House Mercantile.

I loved her old store and I love her new shop just as much. The way she styles the store just blows me away. If I opened up a shop (which is on my dream list to do) I'd have my shop looking very similar.

Here's some photos for you to take a visual shopping trip with me.

First I have to show you how we get there. No trip to Bainbridge would not be complete without a ferry ride over from Seattle and taking photos like a tourist. I just love this skyline, and especially with our new Wheel (which I have yet to ride).

Sort of a grey day since it was in December after all, but it wasn't raining and I wore just a light sweater and cotton jacket.

On to the store...

 

See, isn't it SOO good! Carrie, my cousin, told me she's expecting even more new inventory and I can't wait to go back again. She has a great mix of vintage pieces and new pieces and great teas, olive oils, jams, etc. for any of you "foodies" as well. You can visit her Facebook page here for more photos.

 A trip to the island also means hitting Doc's Marina Grill. The clam chowder is to die for and the clams were quite yummy as well. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

A night shot coming back into Seattle after our day of walking and shopping around the cute island of Bainbridge. If you are a local, I highly recommend you head on over there. It's such a fun day trip. If you are not a local, but ever come to Seattle this is a must as well. If gives you the fun experience of riding on the ferry and seeing some amazing views along the way, and Bainbridge is truly a very cute town, with many other cute shops and yummy places to dine at.

So, what goodie did I come away with at her shop this time?

This vintage olive bucket. I've been wanting one forever, and I just couldn't resist. It's  really big and I hope to fill it from driftwood pieces from the area.

Thanks for coming on my little shopping trip. I hope to take you on some more in the future.