Hey everybody, I finally finished up my nine year old daughter’s room – a makeover I started back in October of last year. Over the past few months I’ve worked my way around the room, adding different elements here and there. You may recognize some of the projects I’ve posted about in the past.

My daughter just turned nine and is crazy about the combination of purple and blue – predictable for that age but sweet nevertheless, so I used those two colors throughout to make sure she really loved the space and would have fond memories of it when she’s all grown up.

As you can see we did go ahead with the bunk beds I asked you all about that she wanted for her ninth birthday. I’ll share some thoughts on this particular bed set and how we’ve adjusted to bunks in a follow up post.

The nightstand we’ve had for years, I found it at a garage sale for $3 many years ago, it still fit the space and provided a perch for a lamp to read by at night. Even though the palette is very young and feminine, I do like that most of the accessories and fabrics are sophisticated enough to last for many years as she grows older.

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Today is a holiday defined by tradition and also by the color green. We take liberties with color when decorating at Christmas and Easter, often incorporating unexpected hues to avoid the predictable, but when St. Patrick’s Day arrives, there is no other color than green that defines this holiday.

I spent last night at home doing some writing (tis the suburban life I lead) and my friend Sarah from Thrifty Decor Chick pinned this succinct chart on the psychology of color. It came from graphic designer Carey Jolliffe and I was delighted to see someone had taken the time to condense colors and their associated moods into one referential chart.

So here’s a Sunday morning exercise for you. Before you read, close your eyes and think of your favorite color. The first one that comes to mind. What is it? I know mine, what’s yours?  Have you named it? 

Okay then… click here, zoom in, and read the emotions that surround your favorite color. What are they? Are those the reasons why you love it? Does your favorite color describe you? Mine does. 

My favorite color is Peacock Blue, but since there was no Peacock Blue on the chart I chose its closest neighbor Teal which conveys these traits and emotions:  “Serene, cool, tasteful, sophisticated, confident.” All the reasons I love that hue!

What’s your favorite color on the chart?  Do you love it for all the emotions or moods mentioned? 

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Hello hello and happy St. Patrick’s Day weekend! Do you celebrate? I always make the classic corned beef dinner and spicy mustard, so I’m looking forward to the traditional feast! I’ve spied some lovely links online this week so here’s another round of spaces and articles to enjoy this weekend. 

I really loved Michelle Adams NYC apartment feature in the March issue of Lonny.

The Spring Issue of Sweet Paul is also brand new and as always filled with glorious recipes and inspiration.

I’m not setting a St. Patrick’s Day tablescape this year, but if I was, it would be fun to do it with these green and gold favorites. 

dinnerware / napkins / diy celtic tablecloth / hammered goblets / gold flatware

Two very cool ceramic studios I discovered while browsing on Etsy:

 Pigeontoe Ceramics and Ingleside Pottery

And a few other posts I enjoyed this week:

Nate Berkus has a new TV show

The prettiest 600 square foot condo in Montréal

Over 100 designer’s tips and tricks

Very cool houses on wheels

The 96 year old (with 7 decades of experience) who shares marital advice

The power of “I don’t” versus “I can’t”

A tantalizing tour of Les Madeleines (I also sampled a few in January, yum!)

She refuses to be airbrushed

She gets to be his mom forever 

Wishing you all a lovely weekend! I’m finishing up my daughter’s room, stitching up some curtains for the closet and a few pillowcases too, I’ll share it all on Monday!

Have a great St. Patrick’s Day,

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I’ve been feeling run down this week, disorganized, overwhelmed, out of sorts, and irritable as a result. One of the things I’ve learned about myself is in those moments, I need to step away from the things that cause strife and take a moment to seek serenity. Often I find it by sprucing or cleaning around the house – clearing out clutter and cleaning the countertops. Adding something fresh from nature always helps.

I read a great quote from Barbara Barry last week (one of my favorite designers) and she said, "To me it’s easy to be a designer. You just look outside and half your job is done for you."  How true is that?  I too am so inspired by nature, and I never tire of the organic shapes and color palettes that nature reveals with every season.

Spring comes a little earlier where I live (please don’t send me hate mail) so I popped into my local florist to spend a few dollars on some branches in bloom. The different varieties of quince and cherry and magnolia come into the shops from the San Francisco flower market and now bring a welcome dose of spring to our home. 

Here are a few more of my favorite images of branches in bloom – proof that when  inserted into simple vases or vessels, any interior is instantly brightened. 

Wood Wool Stool

Martha Stewart

Gardenista

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