Ode to Kelly Wearstler

I stumbled upon her fabric at Calico Corners searching for just the right fabric for my DIY headboard.  I was given the courage to even try a DIY headboard courtesy of the many blogging DIY-ers who spelled out the process so well.

I will be discussing the process at a later point but here is the finished product:

When I saw the fabric I was in love.  And every day when I go to sleep, wake up, or just stare fondly into my bedroom at the colors I am so happy I picked this pattern.  It has the colors of an oceanic seafoam and teal with a pattern that is fresh with a bohemian texture to it.  I am hoping to get the courage to try some DIY valances with the rest of the fabric I have to match...we will see!

I love this image, I found after I made my headboard, of a full room of Kelly Wearstler's using the same fabric in a different color.  I was pretty proud of my little idea when I saw her own version of it (obviously, much more intricately realized).

image from designzie.com

another image with her montage of great fabrics {if I could find a way to infuse my rooms in all of them I would}...

image from designzie.com

Here are some other great Kelly Wearstler creations and items for sale; she sells everything from fabrics to jewelry to decorative objects for the home.  I love it all!  Of course most of it {besides the fabric} I can just salivate at with wistful dreamy eyes :).

Wrap Facet Pendant 

Twisted Brass Bracelet

Metallic Drip Vase

Abstract Criss Cross Centerpiece

Hand Bottle Opener

Also you can follow her latest innovations in color, pattern, and texture at her blog "My Vibe Life" HERE.

Exterior "House Jewelry"

So I got my usual ripple of excitement today when my new edition of Coastal Living, October 2011 poked out of the mailbox to greet me as I walked up to the front door after a long day of work.  I am forever inspired by their room images and decorating ideas.  They are a beachy magazine but not too kitchy or cheesy...just the way I like my beach style.

This month's edition discusses dressing up your front door which is very timely for our newly purchased home with an exterior that just doesn't fit my love of bright colors and it's tiny ranch-y cottage architecture, not to mention its close proximity to the beach.

The image of our house below shows its current state.  My hopeful exterior is donning a really pale yellowish-cream color (which I can live with--dressed up with some color) and an olive green that just isn't me.  My feeling is if you look like a beachy-ranchy-block-house then you should just embrace it.  And embrace it we shall...me and my little "Sea Glass Castle" :).





I have some "Surfer" by Behr just waiting to adorn my front door (as soon as the Florida humidity calms down) and I want to add the Starfish Wreath highlighted in this month's CL (below) like a nice pair of dangling earrings, to complement the new color.  Although, I think at $120 I may have to attempt a DIY of this baby--unless I feel like an indulgent house-jewelry spurge :).

SURFER by behr, image via Coastal Living

"Starfish Wreath" from beachgrasscottage HERE.

I also want to pump up the house numbers since our thin silver current numbers just get lost in the yellowish background.  I want something that pops with color and life...and makes sure people don't keep driving past the house.  I love these (below).  Thank you CL for the suggestion! Although not sure my house can pull off paprika numbers...I like where the idea is going. They are from Heath Ceramics and just pop off the screen.

That said I really love what they did on this front door from House of Turquoise, the Dream House edition (which I agree, this house is a coastal dream).

This would also require less work because I could just take the house numbers on the side of the house next to the door and put them on the door.  In the end this, with my slightly brighter blue door (the house above used Wythe Blue by Benjamin Moore, which I contemplated but in the end brightness won my heart and my palette) will probably be what I will go with.  But I would still love a pop of paprika or coral...maybe in a some adirondack chairs or a door mat.  

Speaking of door mats...I love these....

"Maine Door Mat" from coxpond found HERE.

"welcome home" by damngooddoormats HERE.

garnet hill doormat collection HERE.

I think I am going to probably go with the last one because 1) I love things garnet hill 2) It's on sale 3) It goes with the colors of the house from the pale yellow to the new door color.  Hmm.  What to do?

The last piece I know I am going to add to this new door is a door knocker, as we have no doorbell.  One of the many quirks of the tiny Florida beach house (I will discuss others later--like the "outhouse" and laundry room deal).  I really want this one from Home Depot which at $39 isn't too bad.  Especially for a stylish and coastal way to hear someone when they come to the door.

What are your favorite bits of (exterior) house jewelry?  Do you have a painted front door and did you do it yourself?  I would love to hear some of your exterior home design inspirations.  And I definitely recommend this month's Coastal Living for some great inspirations!

Oh, Etsy. I Love You So Well. Today's Etsy FIVE.

Here are a few of my Beach-inspired etsy favorites as of...right ....now.  I am sure there will be plenty others by tomorrow. That is the beauty of etsy.  It is a neverending art market where creativity abounds.

"Docked" by donnageissler found HERE.

"Jellyfish Ocean" by sarahogren found HERE.

"Fluke Haven" by rustycricket found HERE.

Moby Whale by SouthernSlippin found HERE.

"Boats" by Lucysnowephotography found HERE.

Looking forward to blogging more about my favorite home inspirations, design and decorating adorations, and everything stylishly beachy and bohemian and all that falls betwixt and between!  This is the beauty and light that helps clear my brain after long and intense workdays :).