Tiny Spaces : Big Design

If given the option to live in a tiny apartment located in a prime part of town- or a mini mansion constructed in the suburbs- I would have to go with the first option. And, I don't think I'm the only one... A lot of us are opting for smaller spaces in order to be in the city- namely expensive cities like Los Angeles where a one bedroom in Hollywood can run you about $1,000 a month. But that's okay! There are plenty of creative ways to get our lives a little more compacted. Take a look at some lovely examples of spaces who are used to their full potential- all found on apartment therapy's Tiny Spaces Contest!

Ten Tips for Small Spaces from Apartment Therapy

1. Remove your interior doors (use curtains instead on closets and doors).

2. Replace your big refrigerator with a smaller, undercounter model. It's more than enough room.

3. Treat yourself to a really good small vacuum (we heart Meile).

4. Use track lighting aimed at walls to free up floor space and create an expansive feeling.

5. Install lighting inside closets so you can see whats in there. They will be easier to maintain and you will gain the feeling of more space.

6. Clean your windows often so that more light comes in and your gaze is not blocked.

7. Buy really good cookware, tableware and linens (small luxuries go a long way).

8. Go wireless and transfer all your music to your computer. Sell all your CDs!

9. Use full spectrum light bulbs to energize and enliven your home.

10. Have lots of dinner parties. People socialize better in small spaces and social homes are better kept up.

This Weekend : FYF Fest

This Saturday in Downtown LA, The FYF Fest will be taking over Los Angeles State Park with a day full of fun including amazing musical performances (including one of my favorite bands: Local Natives,) comedy, a record swap meet, raffles, art installations, carnival games, vintage clothes, food trucks and more. That's definitely where I'm headed (on the metro of course)- with sunscreen and water in hand because it'll be heating up to the mid-90's!! whew!

Terrain Fall Decor

If you guys haven't checked out this site- it's a total must. Terrain is an awesome shop with everything from restored vintage pieces, to beautiful terrariums. They just released their new Fall line- and being as it is my very favorite season- I'm thrilled! Take a look of some of my favorite items from their new collection:

Escape to Sicily

An important part of my job, along with designing invitations, is searching for specialty gifts from all over the world. While doing this I research countries and the wonderful objects people like to collect from those regions. Sometimes I can't help but get lost in all of the beautiful photos I see and imagine myself vacationing in these places some day. There are very specific aesthetics specific to each country that are important to be aware of during my research. For example, a gift from Thailand is going to look a lot different than something from Cambodia because of the differences in artists and resources from each region... Today I wanted to share some images from the stylist Adriano Bachella who is very familiar with world travels and his designs stay true to the regions he visits. Here are some examples from his portfolio of Sicily, Italy where white and teal take center stage in home decor. It's a beachy feel with warm, organic accents... definitely a place I can see myself visiting someday :)

Collages of Laura McKellar

Just when I thought I was finished blogging today- I found these images by Laura McKellar... EEK! LOVE. They make me miss collaging back in College. I guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend (am I a nerd or what?)

Graphic Design Work

DIY : The Lamp Shade Chandelier

One of my favorite Flickr's to browse through belongs to crafter extraordinaire Dottie Angel. Along with countless inspiring images of her home and life, she has offers some great DIY projects! Here's a super cute one you'll probably find me trying ou this weekend: the Lamp Shade turned Chandelier. You should visit her BLOG for more wonderful ideas!

1. Strip the lamp shade down to it's bare-bones wiring.

2. Wrap up the wire in scrap paper, doilies & fabric.

3. Create your dangling pieces by stringing cut-out scraps.

4. Attach strings, birds, butterflies, and whatever else comes to mind!

This project can be as great as your imagination. You can keep to one color scheme to create a more simple design- or get a little more wild like Dottie's piece.

Designer Wax Paper

I found a wonderful shop for crafters, cooks, and anyone who is on the market for cool decorating tools. Nothing Elegant has an endless collection of unique papers and supplies- two of which I wanted to show you today: Designer Wax Paper (great for tables and treats) and Vintage Collage Tape. They also have great punch stamps totally worth checking out!

Wouldn't this paper be a great to use as a placemat? You could eat right off the table!

Hanging Out with Sweden's String Furniture

Just when I thought my weekend couldn't get any better- after spending it with my friends kayaking on the lake, barbequing and playing ultimate paddle ball in the sand- Sunday night pretty much took the cake. I just saw Jenny Lewis perform five feet infront from me at a secret show at the the Three Clubs Bar in Hollywood. I'm always the last one to hear about stuff like this, but finally, I'm the one writing about it! Jenny and her new boo, Johnny, played their entire new CD flawlessly infront of a lucky crowd of no more than 100 people crammed in one tiny little room. Their album is terrific and I can't wait to get a copy for myself (I believe it comes out today- woohoo!) Perfect. Night. Okie dokie, now that thats out of the way, *ahem, now on to todays post!

I'm always excited to see designers who are coming up with innovative ways to help us organize our lives. This inspiring team from stringfurniture has been coming up with new storage units for your home, office, or creative spaces that need a little extra help. The beautiful thing is- their furniture is fully customizable so you can create whatever you want to meet your needs.You can also get alot of ideas from their catalog in terms of styling your shelves. Remember- what you put on a shelf can be just as important (if not, more) as the shelf itself!

I WANT : The Scratch Map

This is awesome. Found on the website IWOOT (short for, "I want one of those") the Scratch Map lets you keep track of all the places you've visited around the world- and subtly show it off to your friends by displaying it on your wall. The site will be getting a new shipment September 3rd (I guess other people are in love with this as much as I am!)

The "Decycled" Tapestry

Let me introduce you to the imaginitive designs of Frederique Morrel. If you love the rich old world feel of tapestries like I do, but don't have interest in draping them on your walls like you see at Grandma's house- here's a wonderful way you can bring these pieces into your home in a beautiful new way.

Aren't these pieces lovely? Their collection of {Passe Murailles} includes rabbits, billy goats, dogs and tapestry cow heads.