You're Invited: Pod Art Studio Show

I'm super excited to announce that my mother in-law, Natalia, is exhibiting her  Pod Art for the first time and you're invited.  Whether you're local or not please join us this Saturday, October 11th, at her studio in Lafayette.  If you have any questions or need directions email me at debra@cocoonhome.com    To learn more about her unique work click here. Looking forward to seeing you,

Debra

Lovely Lately: No Rules

There are no rules in these spaces and I like that.  Carefully selected furnishings and accessories speak to the personality and experiences of their owner, not to a particular trend or style, which ultimately makes them classics in their own right.  By paying close attention to details through arranged curiosities, vignettes, mixed shapes and bold colors, these homes have an added dimension that pulls one in wanting to know more about the who, what, where and when about it all.

This post was inspired by a recent book purchase, The Chamber Of Curiosity.  It's filled with inspiring images and beautiful texts celebrating personal interior style.  It's a must have!

Images:  1./2./3./4./5./6./7.

Decorating Decisions: To Run Or Not To Run

I've been searching for a runner for our 9' long kitchen island for quite some time with little luck.  I'm not sure if it's a matter of not having found the right one yet or if it's a matter of 'less is more'.  For practical reasons, I like having something soft underfoot while cooking while giving the floor some extra protection, but now I'm really wondering if my search should quietly end. I need your feedback as to whether or not you like the kitchen floor better with or without a runner.  Also, if you happen to come across a rug/runner that you think may work, PLEASE let me know.  Take a look at some of my attempts below and give me your honest opinion.

The challenge is finding the right colors and patterns to coexist with the current area rug in front of the refrigerator and pantry (the only one I truly love).   HELP!!

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Looking forward to your suggestions.

'Til Monday: 5 Weekend Favorites

1. Commune's Native Tile collection.

2.  This poncho coat!

3.  Unique lighting in unexpected places.

4.  Because I love pointy flats...

5. An energizing and interesting cocktail.

Before And After: Round Mirror

Our Mid-Century home is perfect for the way we live.  It seamlessly blends the indoors with the outdoors, combines many textures and has an effortless flow to it.  It's also in need of many updates.  Having just renovated our kitchen, other wish-list projects are temporarily on hold, but that hasn't stopped me from tweaking here and there.  Adding something as plain as a round mirror to the kids' bathroom has made quite thedifference.  It expands the space and speaks to the style of the home better than the frosted square one that  it replaced.  See the before and afters below:

One of the first things done to the bathroom was a bamboo mural painted by our neighbor, who is a very talented artist.  I love the ethereal quality it brings to the space.

Post cards around the mirror serve a double purpose.  They hide scratches and holes in the wall (from the previous mirror) while providing daily inspirational messages.

Because I needed a specifically sized, unframed mirror, I had a local glass company custom make one.  It turned out to be relatively inexpensive and very easy to install.  Eventually, the entire bath will be redone, but for now even the slightest of changes keeps my design cravings at bay.  At least for a while...

 If you've made small improvements to your place I'd love to know about them.