Gray Lady

I admire the mix of modern elements and traditional pieces in this living room by Portland interior designer Jessica Helgerson. The angular sofa is decidedly contemporary and the white coffee table has an almost pixelated quality that offers stark contrast to the heavy dark wood armoire. My only change would be the lighting; wouldn't you prefer something like this chandelier?

I admire the mix of modern elements and traditional pieces in this living room by Portland interior designer Jessica Helgerson. The angular sofa is decidedly contemporary and the white coffee table has an almost pixelated quality that offers stark contrast to the heavy dark wood armoire. My only change would be the lighting; wouldn't you prefer something like this chandelier?

Sing It, Sister

No. 25 on my 101 in 1001 list is to sing karaoke. I think I would find the experience simultaneously terrifying, embarrassing, and exhilarating. 

{photo by Pamela Hanson}

No. 25 on my 101 in 1001 list is to sing karaoke. I think I would find the experience simultaneously terrifying, embarrassing, and exhilarating. 

{photo by Pamela Hanson}

Bedroom Beauty

This beautiful bedroom created by L.A. interior designer Mary McDonald inspired the white trim that I painted on the hot pink walls of my bedroom. I adore the crisp white against the matte navy walls, not to mention the use of my favorite color as an accent. Toss a white canopy, a tufted velvet ottoman, and a hexagonal pattern on the rug and I'm ready to pack my bags and move in.

P.S. Have you read Mary McDonald's new book? Buy your copy here.

This beautiful bedroom created by L.A. interior designer Mary McDonald inspired the white trim that I painted on the hot pink walls of my bedroom. I adore the crisp white against the matte navy walls, not to mention the use of my favorite color as an accent. Toss a white canopy, a tufted velvet ottoman, and a hexagonal pattern on the rug and I'm ready to pack my bags and move in.

P.S. Have you read Mary McDonald's new book? Buy your copy here.

My Favorite Photographer

It is a true gift to make ordinary objects like fire hydrants and Ikea ice cube trays look beautiful. It requires a trained eye, a knack for timing, and an understanding of composition and light lost on the average person. I like to think that my dear friend and college housemate Sara Redd possesses that gift, wouldn't you say? She's talented, funny, and smart as a whip. Do stop by her 365 project (one photograph a day for an entire year) and tell her hello for me!

It is a true gift to make ordinary objects like fire hydrants and Ikea ice cube trays look beautiful. It requires a trained eye, a knack for timing, and an understanding of composition and light lost on the average person. I like to think that my dear friend and college housemate Sara Redd possesses that gift, wouldn't you say? She's talented, funny, and smart as a whip. Do stop by her 365 project (one photograph a day for an entire year) and tell her hello for me!

Organized Chaos

I love the haphazard layers of this inspiration board: interesting textures, patterned ribbons, magazine clippings. But when I try to achieve a similar look on my own boards, my type-A symmetry-loving brain takes over, insisting on straight lines and no overlap. To each her own, I guess!

I love the haphazard layers of this inspiration board: interesting textures, patterned ribbons, magazine clippings. But when I try to achieve a similar look on my own boards, my type-A symmetry-loving brain takes over, insisting on straight lines and no overlap. To each her own, I guess!

Personal Favorite {Perfect Pendants}

{High Gloss}

{Jen Ramos}

{Nicole Cohen in Rue}

{Style At Home}

It was love at first sight when I laid eyes on Thomas O'Brien's Hicks pendant. The combination of dark navy and antique brass gives off a faintly nautical feel that I can't get enough of. While they're perfect over kitchen islands, I'd also love to use them over a dining room table or even lighting up a long hallway.

{High Gloss}

{Jen Ramos}

{Nicole Cohen in Rue}

{Style At Home}

It was love at first sight when I laid eyes on Thomas O'Brien's Hicks pendant. The combination of dark navy and antique brass gives off a faintly nautical feel that I can't get enough of. While they're perfect over kitchen islands, I'd also love to use them over a dining room table or even lighting up a long hallway.

Study Hall

Four classes stand between me and spring break and it's time to crack down on reading and studying. Are there any other student bloggers out there? I would love to hear from you!

{via prepfection}

Four classes stand between me and spring break and it's time to crack down on reading and studying. Are there any other student bloggers out there? I would love to hear from you!

{via prepfection}

Pinning in Pink

Hey there, media mavens! Are you on Pinterest yet? Follow my pins here or email me for an invitation to join. It's the perfect place to create an online inspiration board of all that you're loving in fashion and interiors. Needless to say, I'm hooked!

Hey there, media mavens! Are you on Pinterest yet? Follow my pins here or email me for an invitation to join. It's the perfect place to create an online inspiration board of all that you're loving in fashion and interiors. Needless to say, I'm hooked!

Desperately Seeking Sunshine

In five days, my family and I will be en route to sunny Florida for my sister Reilly's softball spring training trip. While I'm dreading packing my bags (see my about page), I'm giddy at the thought of afternoons by the pool, dinners by the water, and lots of quality time with my parents, my siblings, and, yes, my doting grandmother. The countdown begins!

{image via my favorite tumblr}

In five days, my family and I will be en route to sunny Florida for my sister Reilly's softball spring training trip. While I'm dreading packing my bags (see my about page), I'm giddy at the thought of afternoons by the pool, dinners by the water, and lots of quality time with my parents, my siblings, and, yes, my doting grandmother. The countdown begins!

{image via my favorite tumblr}

Here's To You, Mrs. Robinson

Let me start by saying that I adore this Mrs. Robinson-inspired shoot by the talented photographer Olivia Graham. One of my 101 in 1001 goals is to see ten so-called classic films — films like 1967's The Graduate, filled with catchy music, mod fashion, and intriguing plot. Do you have any recommendations for classic films you adore? Do tell!

Let me start by saying that I adore this Mrs. Robinson-inspired shoot by the talented photographer Olivia Graham. One of my 101 in 1001 goals is to see ten so-called classic films — films like 1967's The Graduate, filled with catchy music, mod fashion, and intriguing plot. Do you have any recommendations for classic films you adore? Do tell!

The Darling Dani Notes

I'm beyond excited to introduce you to one of my new sponsors for March, the positively darling Dani Notes! If you like affordable, colorful, and custom, you'll love Dani Notes. This Etsy gem is your new go-to for dinner plates, hostess gifts, serving platters, and even monogrammed iPhone cases!

Can you believe these patterned platters are just $34? They're perfect for serving drinks at parties or corralling baubles on your vanity.

I'm imagining family dinners with your last initial monogrammed on every plate or — better yet — a personal monogram for each member of the family! At just $22, these pretty plates could have quite the impact.

Last but not least are Dani's adorable custom cases for iPhone 3G and 4. I can't wait for my turquoise chevron case with its pretty lime green monogram to come in the mail! It's sure to make life as an iPhone user even better.

In addition to offering different patterns and monograms, Dani allows customers to completely customize each design with colors of their choice. Custom colors, preppy products, and reasonable prices — does it get any better? Do stop in at Dani Notes and see for yourself!

I'm beyond excited to introduce you to one of my new sponsors for March, the positively darling Dani Notes! If you like affordable, colorful, and custom, you'll love Dani Notes. This Etsy gem is your new go-to for dinner plates, hostess gifts, serving platters, and even monogrammed iPhone cases!

Can you believe these patterned platters are just $34? They're perfect for serving drinks at parties or corralling baubles on your vanity.

I'm imagining family dinners with your last initial monogrammed on every plate or — better yet — a personal monogram for each member of the family! At just $22, these pretty plates could have quite the impact.

Last but not least are Dani's adorable custom cases for iPhone 3G and 4. I can't wait for my turquoise chevron case with its pretty lime green monogram to come in the mail! It's sure to make life as an iPhone user even better.

In addition to offering different patterns and monograms, Dani allows customers to completely customize each design with colors of their choice. Custom colors, preppy products, and reasonable prices — does it get any better? Do stop in at Dani Notes and see for yourself!

Quote Du Jour {From My Grandmother}

Dear Kenzie,


I am enjoying Design Darling immensely. It's like reliving my young life over again. The gorgeous nipped-in waist dress of last week was almost a duplicate of my engagement dress, perhaps proving that everything old is new again! Claw foot tubs and dark tile was the decor in the 1930s and we thought it very spiffy... Must close as there are too many interruptions.

Love you big, 

Grandy

There's nothing like your grandmother's design approval and unconditional love to let you know you're on the right track.

Dear Kenzie,


I am enjoying Design Darling immensely. It's like reliving my young life over again. The gorgeous nipped-in waist dress of last week was almost a duplicate of my engagement dress, perhaps proving that everything old is new again! Claw foot tubs and dark tile was the decor in the 1930s and we thought it very spiffy... Must close as there are too many interruptions.

Love you big, 

Grandy

There's nothing like your grandmother's design approval and unconditional love to let you know you're on the right track.

Pendant Lighting

I adore each of these pendant lighting options. Do you prefer the ruched shades of the first or the skirted flounce of the second?

{one & two}

I adore each of these pendant lighting options. Do you prefer the ruched shades of the first or the skirted flounce of the second?

{one & two}

Desk Du Jour

This was one of those weeks where I constantly felt like there weren't enough hours in a day. Between a whirlwind trip to New York, a sudden sickness, and figuring out how to use a new phone, I'm spent. In a perfect world, I would spend the weekend sleeping in and catching up in a home office like this one. What does your perfect weekend look like?

{Russell+Hazel}

This was one of those weeks where I constantly felt like there weren't enough hours in a day. Between a whirlwind trip to New York, a sudden sickness, and figuring out how to use a new phone, I'm spent. In a perfect world, I would spend the weekend sleeping in and catching up in a home office like this one. What does your perfect weekend look like?

{Russell+Hazel}

Pretty Little Things

Just because.

{photos via Crush Cul de Sac and Garance Doré}

Just because.

{photos via Crush Cul de Sac and Garance Doré}

A Pale Palette

I'm not usually one to get excited over neutral interiors but there's something very dreamy and ethereal about this vanity area, wouldn't you say?

I'm not usually one to get excited over neutral interiors but there's something very dreamy and ethereal about this vanity area, wouldn't you say?

Quote Du Jour

“Sometimes a girl wants nothing more 

than to feel unapologetically pretty.”

Vogue

{photo via Patterson Maker}

“Sometimes a girl wants nothing more 

than to feel unapologetically pretty.”

Vogue

{photo via Patterson Maker}