Hanging Curtains

I left my camera in the car therefore you're not getting the post I had anticipated. Sorry friends.


But this might interest you. Remember when I wrote about hanging curtains? If not you can check it out here. This picture is a quite perfect illustration for you.

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Wow, talk about making a room look bigger!

Banquet Seating

Have you ever seen a picture of a certain decor idea or style and said, "NO thanks!"? 


I hope I'm not the only one. 


When this happens, it takes a little time for me to warm up to it. Sometimes I transition to thinking I like it. Then I move into thinking that I actually like it. Very occasionally do I do it.


Recently, I have gotten a stronger eye for small eating nooks with banquet seating. At first glance, I thought... uncomfortable. But they're growing on me. I'm still in the process of deciding if I could pull it off.


Pros:

• Everyone would rather sit at a booth rather than a table.
• Pull the table away and there's seating for more.
• Less chairs= less $$$.

Cons:

• Table height would have to be just right.
• Different backrest. 
• Cleaning banquet pads.
• Have to scooch on in.

Here are some of the pictures that are winning me over.

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Still on the fence...What do you think?

My former co-worker, Mary Lou Gennett, shared this perspective. I love it. Take a look...

We have banquette seating. Many pros, as you listed. You mentioned the con of cleaning the pads. You can have covers made that are removable for deep cleaning, dry cleaning. Haven't had to do that yet. We have family side and guest side, living with family side most of the time. And as a guest becomes more familiar with us, I tell them we aren't turning the pads over for their visit any more.  Additionally, one tip. As the host/hostess - never be the first one to sit down there. You will have to scooch on it, and then be trapped. We love the seating. It seats many more people that would be allowed with a standard table/chairs. AND, ours are also used for storage. Lift up the lids and you will find the rarely used kitchen items: turkey roaster, extra burners for the range, etc.

Royal Blue

Royal blue. 

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Majestic, huh?! 


Recently, it has suckered me in on more than one occasion.


It's not the color you see everywhere like everyone's best friends' Gray and Yellow.


The boldness of royal blue strikes me as it sits next to a crisp white. It could MAKE a focal point.

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Will me next sofa pillows be royal blue? My next bedroom accents? My someday-nursery? Or just maybe, my tufted headboard? 


If I had to buy today...


West Elm Striped Sheets- $60

World Market Cloth Napkins- $15.96

This post inspiration came when I saw two gorgeous ottomans that were royal blue velvet AND tufted at HomeGoods. I fell in love. If only I had a place for them.


Royal blue...not the easiest to find but I'm crushin' on it for sure!

Finding Contrast

Contrast is everywhere, at least it seems.


Dark on light or light on dark. Lately, I've seen plenty of really dark wood floors combined with a bright white room. If you don't believe me, check these out...

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And whala! There's another...

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Simply beautiful!


Why is it appealing to the eye? Maybe because it scream at you a little bit louder than other rooms. Yeah, it's dramatic with a capital D.


Want more than eye candy? Check out this blog post on how to use contrasting colors in your decorating.


Who's up for it?!


Me! Me!

Why Waiting is Hard

We're still waiting for our opportunity to buy a home. Our hopes are for May. It will be here quick but here's what makes the waiting hard....


We see this.....

for a bang-up deal, in a very nice area and think about 

Turning this... 

Into this...

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and this...

into this...

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or even this...

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This kitchen has potential...

See...

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Out with the old...

In with the new...

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or...

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Old and dated...

Fresh and clean... 

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Would love this sun room...

because we could turn it into...

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Well, The Mr. and I made a special trip to drive by it. The first thing I saw...

SOLD

 Sad day. 

Were gaining vision by the day!

All house sale photos from http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/420-W-63rd-St-Indianapolis-IN-46260/1267717_zpid/#{scid=hdp-site-map-bubble-photos}.

Party Styling Wannabe

I've discovered my other dream job. Cha-ching!

Party planning. 

Thanks to Pinterest, unlimited inspiration is thrown at me daily. Such beautiful things! Remember this post and this post from my Pinterest inspired wine party? So fun!

Here is a toast to some smashing pictures. (Yes, I just said smashing!)

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Whatever the occasion...Celebrate!

Who's ready for a party?!?!?!

My favorite party blogs....

• The Sweetest Occasion
• Subtly Revelry--- parties that are truly styled but simple
• Sara's Party Perfect
• Hostess with the Mostess
• Partie Junkie

Found this website listing other great party blogs...Oh wait, the correct terminology is party styling blogs.

Go plan a party, if you're too lazy, ask me!

Finding Luxury

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We just got a Restoration Hardware Sourcebook in the mail. It's almost as big as my Bible. Pages and pages of luxurious household items. Not all my style, but there were some gorgeous pieces like the $10,000 leather sectional that was tah-die-fo! 

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As I turned the pages of the magazine I couldn't help but think about a conversation I had this weekend with a friend. We were talking about finding beautiful, expensive furniture pieces at an affordable price. No, I'm not talking about Homegoods or Marshalls, at least not this time. Two online places come to mind. Visit these sites if you want to find a copy cat household item for the cheap.

• Copy Cat Chic Blog, every day of the week, find something for cheap
• Decorpad's Look 4 Less

Can't help but think of Overstock and how lovely it is and how it fits perfectly with this topic. Have you scored big time on a look for less piece?