It's been a while...

Ok so I didn't keep up with the weekly posts I set out to do. Not even close. But I am here now, and it feels good to be back. I think moving forward I'll take a less structured approach to blogging. When I first started, I had a whole bunch of topics scheduled on an editorial calendar. But what fun it that? I think it'll be better to go with what's on my mind on any particular day. After all, my wheels are always spinning with lots of out there ideas and random thoughts, so I'll plan to keep this simple and share more of that stuff.

I'd like to share a few of my latest fascinations. 

First is Astroturf! 

Or artificial grass. Done right, it can look really sharp. And what easier way to obtain an immaculate patch of green in the backyard or on the patio?

Next: Antique mail cubbies 

I recently saw some of these for sale through an online auction and could kick myself for not submitting a bid! But I am certain a set will find its way to me someday. What a beautiful and unique way to store just about anything. And what fun that some units still lock. Must have! 

Finally: Restored Vintage Campers

Road trip anyone? How could you resist with a restored camper like one of these? I am determined to get my hands on one and turn it into a rentable roving guest house!

Meet the Nugget

Meet the Wandering Star

February Drab to Fab Item: Lighting

Off the top of my head, I can think of 12 items that can easily transform a home from drab to fab. Over the course of the year, I will feature one of these items per month and offer suggestions on where to buy them. I challenge you to add these items month by month to your home as we go, and by the end of the year, you’ll be amazed at the difference.

This month’s Drab to Fab item is lighting. A home's gotta have it, so why not make it stylish? It can help make a room bright and cheery during the day and cozy and serene at night. Lighting can get pretty expensive, so here are some ideas for amping the lighting in your home (pun intended) without breaking the bank.  

Great value!

Ikea's Maskros pendant (the light pictured above the table below) gives you a lot of bang for your buck! At just $89.99 for the 32" diameter and $49.99 for the 22" diameter, you really can't go wrong. It's a light that makes a big statement and can easily work with most decor. 

Tip: Mirrors are not only stylish, but they reflect light too, helping double the impact of any light source in a room.

Great news!

You don't need an electrician to install a pendant light! You can easily upgrade from canned ceiling lights to stylish hanging pendants with conversion kits like these from Home Decorators Collection. They sell a wide variety of styles, and many cost under $100. Lights like these look great above a kitchen island.

The power of two
You may have heard about the "rule of odds" in design...that having an odd number of objects grouped together is best. I generally adhere to that rule, but when it comes to table lamps, having a pair can create polished and unified look. Whether you have matching lamps on either side of your bed, two of the same lamps on a buffet, or a pair on a console table, the look is classic and adds instant sophistication to a room. See what I mean?

In closing, let me shed some light ;) on where you can find unique and stylish lamps, chandeliers, pendants, etc. at very reasonable prices. Home Goods, Ikea and Kirkland's are all great sources. 

Here's a recap of Everyday Dream Home's Drab to Fab series so far:

January: Houseplants

February: Lighting

Creative Genius: Kelli Murray

Kelli Murray is the first artist I am featuring in Everyday Dream Home's "Creative Genius" series. I think one-of-a-kind art is so important to a home, so I'm proud to feature a whole line up of talented artists over the next year whose work is readily available for purchase at decent prices. 

I first heard about Kelli Murray through my niece, Kate, who received one of her prints as a Christmas gift. I became a fan in no time after doing a quick search for her work online. It's whimsical, imaginative, and modern but with a vintage and folksy flare. Here's a print of hers that's available now on Etsy. 

I have this one hanging in my daughter's room. I like that is has a slightly tribal vibe, and the message is an important one to remember, especially as a mom. You can purchase an 18" x 24" print from We Love Creativity for $45.

These next three would be adorable in a nursery. They are all available on Etsy for less then $30 (unframed), so be sure to keep them in mind the next time you attend a baby shower. 

While a lot of Kelli's work is soft, serene and feminine, some of it is a little more daring like this piece. 

In addition to Etsy and We Love Creativity, you can purchase Kelli's work on Society 6. Lasty, Kelli has a fantastic blog. Be sure to check it out! 

I'll leave you with one last example of Kelli's beautiful work.

Design Inspiration: Ancient Indian Proverb

Words of wisdom can inspire great design. Let’s explore how this Ancient Indian Proverb can come to life in a home.

“Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture your heart.”

When it comes to decorating your home, you naturally want it to look great. It's also important that it feels right to you. Adding items that have personal meaning is what makes your home...your home. Those items are what remind you of who you are, those you love and adventures you've had. 

Certainly not every item in your home will have a significant story to tell. It's about finding the right balance between eye-catching and heart warming and aiming for more than meets the eye. 

Here are a few examples of items in my home that have a lot of meaning to me.

My grandparents enjoyed their cocktails. I think that's where 
I got my love for green olives ;) They had this sign on display in 
their kitchen, and now it's in mine. Sometimes when I look at it, 
I swear I can smell gin.

This item from Target reminds me exactly of the sea 
urchins my husband and I saw all the time while snorkeling on our 
honeymoon in Tortola.

In her short 27 years, my cousin Lauren saw more of the world
than most of us ever will. She brought this vase back from Nicaragua. 

My high school sweetheart was extremely talented at woodworking.
He made me this turned bowl inspired by an underwater photo I took
in the Bahamas. 

My mom, sister and I visited Chicago last fall and stopped by the
Randolph Street Market. I picked up this one-of-a-kind bench made from
old skis. It reminds me of my husband's and my love for skiing and the fun
times my mom, sister and I always have when we go to Chicago.

My dad and grandpa owned a small manufacturing company.
These were patterns they somehow used to cast specialty machine parts.
I have them hanging in our bedroom as unique art pieces.

Take a look around your home and see what stories your items on display have to tell. If you find there's not much to them other than looking nice, consider adding a few things that carry more meaning. To me, that's the best way to feel more at home in your own home. 

Welcome to Everyday Dream Home!

Everyone should live in a space they love. Plenty of psychology research out there connects your environment to your overall happiness and well being. Sure we'd all love to drop everything, skip town and build or buy our dream home, but for most of us, that's not an option. Instead, you can follow Everyday Dream Home, which will offer weekly ideas and inspiration for making your current home more dreamy.

In my Drab to Fab series, I'll feature an interior accent each month - one that can easily, and inexpensively, add some flavor to a room. I challenge you to add each item to your home as we go for an impressive result at the end of the year.

I'll also indulge you in a little daydreaming. It's fun to imagine your dream home, right? So I'll have you plan a different aspect of it each month by collecting photos of the biggest, baddest, sickest, slickest spaces you can find.

Other features of Everyday Dream Home to look forward to are featured artists/designers each month whose work you'd be thrilled to have as part of your home. I'll also share a few DIY projects, some of my own home's decor and a few quotes/sayings that can that inspire great interior design.

I am excited to share these thoughts with you and hope they'll help you create your everyday dream home.

January Drab to Fab Item: Houseplants

Off the top of my head, I can think of 12 items that can easily transform a home from drab to fab. Over the course of the year, I will feature one of these items per month and offer suggestions on where to buy them. I challenge you to add these items month by month to your home as we go, and by the end of the year, you’ll be amazed at the difference.

This month’s Drab to Fab item is houseplants. They bring a little of the outdoors in, which is especially important in the winters months. If you’re like me, you hate that naked feeling in your house after the Christmas tree comes down and all the decorations have been put away. That’s where houseplants can come in handy. They can fill in some empty space that needs a little umph. Plus they just make any room feel more homey and fresh. 

See what I mean?

Another bonus is that many houseplants can help purify the air in your home.

There’s an informative article out there by Better Homes and Gardens called “24 of the Easiest Houseplants You Can Grow.” Many of the plants they mention can be purchased at Lowes or Home Depot.

Air plants are a nice option for adding green to your home too. Don’t be fooled though, they do require some care. A good soak in lukewarm water once a week outta do. In the summer months, most nurseries carry at least a few varieties. I've even seen West Elm carry them in their stores over the past few summers. To purchase them online, www.airplantsupplyco.com is one source.

Tuck air plants into unexpected places throughout your house for a nice touch of green.

If the thought of keeping any houseplant alive completely overwhelms you, go for artificial. If money is no object, Pottery Barn has some really nice ones. If you’re lucky enough to live near an Ikea, they have a good selection of cost-effective artificials that look pretty believable. Michael's, Hobby Lobby and Home Goods usually carry a decent selection of artificials too, but remember that not all are created equal. Be sure to avoid any that look clearly fake or plastic. 

No one will ever know when you find a fake this good. Ikea, $3.99.

So as the winter blahs start to set in, don’t underestimate the power of houseplants—real or fake.

Be sure to stop back for next week’s post and another Drab to Fab item in February.

Design Your Dream Home: Setting

We've all imagined our dream home at one time or another. No matter how far fetched building your dream home actually is, it's fun to, well...dream! So each month we'll pick a different aspect of your dream home to plan. You can do so by collecting photos that you see online. I plan to pin my ideas to a board on Pinterest. Houzz would be another good spot. It's totally up to you.

Let's begin by picking out your dream home's setting. Where would it be located? On a remote and pristine beach? On top of a mountain with an impressive 360 degree view? 

I'm a snow bunny at heart, so here's where mine would be...

I'd love to see where your dream home would be located. Add a comment to this post with a link to your setting photo(s). 

Next month, we'll start on the interior design of your dream home, so be sure to stop back.