Proper Hunt: May 2011

Bravo - Monday, May 30, 2011

Bravo's Million Dollar Decorators

Photo Credit: Picktainment I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! I know I sure did. My jam-packed weekend began with star...

Bookcase - Friday, May 27, 2011

Two Great DIY Projects for Bookcases

Eddie Ross I heart Eddie Ross . Seriously, this guy is AMAZING. I just saw his most recent post and had to share it with you. I think s...

A model studio apartment in Jennifer's building - hers is very similar to this.
I know I had promised a second post on Wednesday, but honestly the day got the better of me. I have been working on several projects recently, and I just couldn't find the time to squeeze it in. Between learning how to make my own pillows to starting the process of redecorating my mom's home office, I haven't had much time for much else. But that's not to say that I haven't been able to help out a family friend decorate her NYC studio apartment.

Jennifer, a long time family friend, contacted me last week via email asking for some suggestions about furniture for her new studio apartment in Hell's Kitchen. She just graduated from Carnegie Mellon and is starting a new job in the Big Apple. I, of course, got really excited at the thought that she would be living in New York City AND that she wanted my help. Now, I should point out that this isn't a hands-on decorating project like my parents' guest room. Rather, this is more of an e-decorating project since I can't be there to help her.

Keeping in mind a relatively low budget (and quick accessibility), I pulled pieces that I thought would be great for her very modern studio apartment. Because it's such a modern space, I wanted to stick with more modern pieces but still bring in color and warmth. This particular project was a bit difficult for me since I've never really decorated with modern pieces, but I have to tell you that I really like a lot of these pieces and would definitely choose them for myself. I especially like the Saarinen-like table from Ikea and the tripod floor lamp. So how well did I do with modern?

These were some of the major pieces I suggested to Jennifer, but she can obviously add some girlier touches through accessories and linens.
Resources:

1. Levanger Gold Mirror
2. Harola Dining Chairs
3. Docksta Dining Table
4. Silhouette Nightstand
5. Scroll Headboard
6. Tripod Floor Lamp

7. Niche Dresser
8. Stockholm Easy Chair
9. Karlstad Loveseat
10. Floral Throw Pillow
11. Gold Velvet Pillow
12. Iznik Dhurrie

Decorating Dilemma - Friday, May 27, 2011

Decorating Dilemma: Jennifer's Studio Apartment

A model studio apartment in Jennifer's building - hers is very similar to this. I know I had promised a second post on Wednesday, but ...

home accessories - Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Pottery Barn, I Like Your Style

Framed Vintage Black & White Prints $49.00 – $99.00 I just had to share with you these really great vintage-inspired items from Potte...

What a great weekend! It was filled with spending time with our families, LOTS of shopping, and it even included our first stay in my parents' new guest room. It doesn't get much better than that folks.

We had been planning to have dinner with Steve's side of the family in Historic Leesburg for some time now and since we rarely get an opportunity to go to Leesburg we figured we'd head out early to do some outlet shopping (Kate Spade was calling my name) before dinner. Well, on the way to the outlets we noticed there was a lot of traffic. Turns out that the Lucketts Spring Antique Market was going on. To say that I felt like an idiot not knowing that this was going on would be an understatement. I instantly remembered that I had forgotten about it last year, but I told myself that I would NOT miss it this time.

And now that I've gone, I won't ever miss it again. This market was SO much fun, and seriously full of amazing things. I kept kicking myself for not cashing more money, but it was probably for the best that I didn't empty my bank account. I told Steve that he was designated photographer since I knew I would be too distracted with all of the goods. And as you can see from the few photos that he took, he was also distracted with all that was there.

When we first walked in, I was totally overwhelmed with where to go first. But then I got over it and had a blast going from vendor to vendor.

Ahh, heaven...

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it.

Wow, I really need to tan my legs.

The best vintage shopping right in front of me with a strawberry-lemonade in hand.

I knew I did this but seeing it in pics is pretty funny. While I pick up one item, I'm eye'ing another. Ha!

Ooh, the one item I was truly torn about. I have never seen a screen like this before, but the $150 price tag kept me away. I probably could've talked them down, but I don't think it would've been low enough for me. Sigh.

After spending hours at the market, I decided to check out the Old Lucketts Store. And I scored big time. That gold mirror in front of me came home with us.

So sad to leave, but it was the perfect time since it started raining. I got my fill, but I can't wait for next year. Did any of you make it out there??

flea markets - Monday, May 23, 2011