This & That on Dining Room Inspiration

Image via the Lennoxx

I'm really obsessed with a dining room re-do right now. . . and though we have some other big changes that may happen first, I'm enjoying seeking out some inspiration and direction that may drive my future dining area. . . along with some help from the amazing guys at Rehab Design Studio who can find the BEST vintage furniture (you remember them from this), I feel confident we will get this right. . . eventually!  I love all of these dining room images for one reason or another.  One common thread they all share is a mix of rustic and modern design and decor.  There are contrasting but complimentary finishes and textures that I find I'm attracted to in many different ways.  Above, I adore the bohemian mix of patterns and colors and that mustard yellow is just plain happy.

image via glitter guide

Oh what a beauty.  Colors and pattern against a simple clean but rustic table.  

image via Room Galleries

I am obsessed with these yellow metal chairs.  The table is not my favorite but it still achieves the mix of rustic texture against a smooth brighter color.  And I really do dig the oversized the piece of art in the corner too.  

image via Apartment Therapy

So, here I'm attracted to the rhythm that happens here with those high back chairs.  Again, the table.  . . not my fave but dig the strong, dark high chairs making a statement against the glass top of the table.  Are those gold oversized antler legs?

image via Kim Gray

OH!  LOVE that heavy block table against the soft white, mismatched chairs. . . relaxing in this space would so easy. 

image via Gypsy Mess

Perhaps my favorite image as I can really see myself in this room.  I love chalkboards (I first used chalkboard paint on my refrigerator door 10 years ago and it makes me so happy still!) and I think it's so cute and simple and interactive and chill as a part of this room. . .and again with those chairs!  Hope you enjoy these awesome spaces and find inspiration for your next dining room spruce up or re-do as well! 

Instagram-able

Happy Friday!! Don't you love Fridays? Of course it's lovely because we can all appreciate the beauty of two days off of work, and (theoretically) a little time to breathe. I love them because, no matter how busy I am, I make time to always think back on Fridays. I capture many of my favorite moments in a day on Instagram, thus these Instagram-able posts..... My little recap of fave moments. Included here are a much needed haircut appointment which made me so happy, sweet Doss on a walk with me, New Years Day date with Ben, a fave candle that I light with love every single evening, cleaning out the shed (it really was fun. . . for once) and a day trip to the Dallas Museum of Art for meetings and another quick view of the amazing Gaultier exhibit. Its a good reminder that things ain't so bad... even when I complain complain complain, these little pics pick me up! Seeing what others capture on Instagram is also a source of inspiration for me. If you use and love Instagram let me know where to find/follow you! Want me to share your "Instagram-able" moments here? Message me! Smmidge@gmail.com

Etsy Find: Fave 2012 Calendars

Hello 2012!  I get the feeling everyone is feeling a little hope and inspiration for what this year may hold.  Yes!  I'm with ya!  One thing that gets me excited: calendars!  Here are just a few that I'm loving for keeping track of 2012 and hitting all my marks and goals.  :) Only problem - how to choose?!? First up - the perpetual calendar by Project 44 is just the coolest (i found via PrintPattern via Charlotte's Fancy, of course)You make this decision on the colors/paper etc so this "handcrafted digital file" can be customized.  Genius.

Apropos.  LOVE this actionable sentiment by Jan Skacelik.  

Seriously adore this wood type design by aManoPress.   Each month sports different and beautiful color combos, bits of trivia by month and of course important holidays. 

The Owl Calendar by Gengiber.  How amazing and adorable are these?  Each has such personality and would a treat to focus on each one each month.  

Cool Kid Art

Along with the crib coming down in Bugger's room, some of the artwork has just not been working in there either and it is time to change things up.  I had (what I thought) was a good idea with a picture/postcard collage when he was born, but the frames never worked, and it's been half up, half down for months.  So I was thinking about the skateboards we have and something cool I could do with them. . . Here is where we ended up.  I gave them to my Dad and said I wanted them to be able to hang on the wall.  I love to give a detailed brief.  haha.  He didn't need details.  He knew just what to do.  I couldn't love it more.  It's simple, functional, industrial.  It's using something existing and transforming it.  My favorite approach.  I also love that the boards face different ways so it reads all the way around, and isn't meant to be one way, or the other.  I think it is the perfect piece for a growing boy (who will start pre-school this week!  I CAN'T believe it.  My baby is growing up. . . but more on that later), and definitely doesn't put him in a box as it sits opposite his instrument rack and shelves full of cars and books.  Happy New Year everybody!  

Happy 2012!

Happy new year everyone!! Hubs and I didn't do a fancy outing for NYE, though we had a lovely low-key night with some dear friends. . . And we were literally lights out at 11pm. I couldn't stay awake!! (nerds!). So today, we took a couple of hours and left Bugs with a sitter and off to lunch we went. It was perfect. A little time to actually connect, talk to each other without distraction, dream and plan for 2012. So thankful for everything, including the friends and connections Ive made from this blog. THANKS! This outlet means more to me than you'll ever know. Im so excited for the future. So much to share with you - all in good time. Hope you all had a wonderful day celebrating. Here's to 2012!