I love it when I discover a new designer to get inspiration from. The most recent discovery is Summer Thornton, a Chicago-based designer who's own home makes me want to use wallpaper the same way she did. I found her through Apartment Therapy, where her home was featured in 2008 and with good reason. Her mix-and-match of vintage & new, modern & traditional, are exactly what I strive for in my own decorating. She does it beautifully and seamlessly in a charming 1890s building.

As you look at all of the photos below, you'll notice how well-edited her home is. Everything has it's place, but it doesn't look like she tried so hard to make it look perfect. It looks like this is exactly how she lives - practical but not serious, grown up in a fun, fresh way.




I'm obsessed with piped cushions - so crisp and chic!



Love how she played up the architectural features of the room by placing wallpaper inside the molding - brilliant!



I would seriously get some joy out of dressing myself if I had this wallpaper and yellow fabric in my closet.





What a fabulous way to use vintage trunks and suitcases.