Geode Home Decor

Even though it has been around for a few seasons, I’m still a big fan of geode home decor. I think its a great way to add an unexpected splash of color and mix a little boho chic into what is otherwise a fairly modern palate in my home. And it’s not all coasters and bookends anymore. Geodes continue to show up in unexpected ways. Check out these beauties.

1 / Top your bar cart bottles with these fabulous agate bottle stoppers (or DIY)

2 / These magnets would look awesome on my magnetic kitchen wall.

3 / Pretty and practical soap for your bathroom.

4 / I love the varied sizes and colors of these great lacquer boxes available at One Kings Lane.

5 / These geode knobs would be a nice balance on a modern dresser.

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Favorite DIY IKEA Hacks

I have a love/hate relationship with IKEA. I vacillate between nightmares of my early-20’s self putting an entire apartment worth of furniture together with 8,000 small wooden pegs and the dreaded IKEA allen wrench and the great leaps IKEA has made in design recently (I particularly love the new PS 2014 Collection, which should hit your IKEA this month, and the TRENDIG 2013 Collection, especially the geometric dishes). And just in case I ever get enough time, tools, and space to do so {or convince Suzanne’s super DIY savvy husband Jim to help me}, I’ve been running up a pretty serious tab of IKEA hacks to undertake. Here’s what’s currently topping my list:

1. Dream Green DIY’s easy paint hack of LINNMON tables.

2. This hack of IKEA plywood drawers looks easy enough for me.

3. I’ve really been loving poufs lately and if I suddenly acquire mad sewing skills, maybe I can whip this hack of an IKEA ottoman up.

4. Sugar & Cloth’s hack of the MALM headboard using Stikwood looks super awesome.

5. Hither & Thither’s quick spraypaint hack of the PATRIK Swivel Chair (which I actually used to own).

6. It’s no secret how we feel about bar carts and I love this hack from Style Me Pretty.

7. Petite Apartment did a great mid-century mod hack on the IKEA BESTA cabinet.

8. Another great Style Me Pretty gold and gilded hack.

9. A mid-century modern hack of the prolific LACK coffee table.

Modern Wall Decals

I’ve seen some really fabulous modern wall decals floating around the web lately and not necessarily on the walls of kiddo rooms, which is where people traditionally think of using them as a fun decor item (including me — both of my kids’ rooms sport mod ones). But I really love the idea of using them elsewhere in the home. They can add a bold pattern to a small space, pop up or take the place of decorative tile on a kitchen wall, or create a funky, playful focal point. Here are a few of my favorites!

1.; 2.; 3.; 4.; 5.; 6.; 7.; 8.; 9.

Modern Furniture: Geometric Chairs

Like Suzanne, I’ve long had a love for modern home design and Knoll furniture in particular {AFL was meant to be!}. Before we had kids, we purchased a classic Bertoia diamond chair for our living room (seat upholstered in smoke). At the time, my husband balked at the purchase a bit because he thought the chair wasn’t particularly comfortable, which I insisted wasn’t really the point. Fast forward to toddlerville, it served as an excellent “time out” chair for many years (don’t worry, it’s not that uncomfortable — just enough). And now it’s still one of my favorite pieces of furniture in our home. So of course I spend lots of time looking at other geometrically interesting pieces to put elsewhere. Here are some of my favorites. The comfort level of each is obvious, but, you know, are the shoes you wear for a night out comfy? Riiiiiight. Still not the point.

1. I love this DIY version from Mexican hotel Drift.

2. I’ve always wanted to hide away in a classic Eero Aarnio Ball Chair and am thinking this is going to be a must for teenage years down the road.

3. We no longer have a real need for one, but I’ve long coveted an Eames rocker.

4. This rainbow hanging chair is 100% my daughter. We need it.

5. I love Konstantin Grcic’s stacking chairs, which are a fabulous, albeit a significantly pricey, alternative to folding ones for guests.

Sputnik Chandeliers

I’m constantly going back and forth as to whether or not we should redo my daughter’s room into a “big girl” room. I’ve done a few things — ousted the plush glider we used with both kids, converted her crib into a toddler bed, replaced the rug (which saw years full of baby-related accidents), added new photos, and made an “accessories station” on her dresser. But, to be honest, we’re likely going to be moving in the next few years and so I’m not sure I want to invest a whole lot in her room. Especially since it’s functioning just fine as it is and she’s happy with it. Currently, her room is mostly hot pink, gold and dark brown (I had to work in that baby furniture I’m SO over, remember?) The new(ish) rug is a hot pink, grey and tan ombre rug from CB2 and I LOVE it. It ties the current room together while giving me a jumping off palette for her next room: grey and hot pink.

I’ll have to keep gold, too. She and I love it so. And I’ve had my eye on several sputnik chandeliers to add that golden, and girly but bold, touch. I’ve always loved sputniks for their quirky mid-century vibe and I can’t wait to find the perfect one for Cameron’s big-girl room. Here’s what I’ve got my eye on so far.

1. I’ve taken Cam to Jonathan Adler’s Georgetown showroom just to see the sputniks. “oooooh, I want that,” might have been uttered. this mini sputnik chandelier is so bold and funky.

2. this Italian sputnik has been sold, but I’m going to keep looking for a similar one. I love the shape — it’s got a nice reach, but is still delicate.

3. holy Austrian crystal sputnik, batman. this substantial baby is a beauty and would seriously pack a punch. now if I can just find another.

4. I like the contrast in this Nate Berkus Associates chandelier, which makes a subtler statement than some of the larger sputniks.

5. vintage + charcoal grey detailing. could be perfect, but I’m still deciding whether I like the overall shape.

I Want It Now: A Glass Garage Door

 

So, technically, my ask is slightly larger than just a glass garage door. I’m going to need a modern home with ample outdoor space, still in the middle of the city of course, in which to install my glass garage door. And said door will open up the space between my family room/library/open kitchen to our outdoor entertaining space/possibly pool. I really don’t think I’m reaching here.