DIY: Tapestry Turned Pillow

A few lovely readers asked after the big pillow on my Charlottesville bed (as seen in my posts on the tiny shelf makeover and the postcard wall).

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Isn’t it great?! In high school I picked up this old tapestry from a local flea market, then tucked it away in the depths of a closet where I found it a few years into college. I thought about putting it up on a wall, but what I really needed was a big pillow. Some inspiration...

I pinned this forever ago from Domino magazine:

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Great teal bedspread from a post on House of Turquoise:

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Love this as a cover for a sofa, too (via the blog Honey & Fitz):

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This headboard is from the bedroom of Grace Bonney (of the great blog Design*Sponge):

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After a bit of research, I learned that this type of textile is made by the Otomi people in the Mexican state of Hidalgo. There are so many options other than simply textiles: dresses, purses, you name it. And purchasing from certain sources also benefits the tribe--doing good deeds while beautifying a room!

Because I had a pretty neutral background (white bedspread and sheets, wood furniture, white walls), I thought this color-charged tapestry would give me just the right happy feel that I wanted in my room. I enlisted my dear mother to turn the tapestry into a pillow by sewing on a big piece of red duck cloth that we had on hand as the back and stuffing it with cotton.

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I love projects like this that make such a big difference but are so simple to do—especially when we’re talking throw pillows! This can easily be replicated for small or big pillows, too.

A friend of mine was thinking of doing something similar in her new apartment, so I did a quick eBay search for Otomi tapestries where I found some great options, like this wall hanging:

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Another wall hanging, very much like mine:

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Placemat--could be made into a small pillow:

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My favorite:

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Of course, having a sewing machine is largely helpful for this project. Sewing by hand, using small stitches, would also work—just want to make sure that the stitches are set in from the edge of the fabric by about 1" so that the stuffing can’t peek through. (Do I sound like Martha Stewart?? YIKES) In retrospect, I would make an envelope pillow (great instructions from Jenny at Little Green Notebook here) and use a standard pillow insert instead of stuffing.

Or, of course, there are options to buy for yourself, like these from the same eBay search:

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From One Kings Lane:

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From the etsy shop mentioned above:

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Pom poms!

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Just used this gorgeous pillow from Roberta Roller Rabbit in a project and LOVE the yellow tassels:

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Do you have any pillow DIYs you’d like to see featured on The Spoonful?? Contact me here or post in the comments below!

The Plant That Lived

Despite varied attempts at being a gardenista, I have come to terms with my black thumb. Herbs die within the week; I even killed my succulents (how does that even happen?!). I go through the vicious cycle: buy the pretty, verdant greenery (it makes a house a home! Case and point illustrated below), marvel at their beauty and lushness on my window sill, under-water or over-water, watch in horror as they perish, vow that "that was the last time!"... and then, a few months later, go through it again. Vicious, like I said. 

That is, until I found The Indestructible Plant.

This little mama lives in my bathroom and I bring her out to bathe in natural light once a month or so. She needs hardly any water and... wait for it... she's living! Thriving, in fact, because, ladies and gents, THIS is a new, baby green shoot!

I picked her up a few months ago at Lowes after asking the kind man working there to point me in the direction of a plant that couldn't be killed (I'm totally jinxing this as I write it). She's called a ZZ plant (Gardenista talks about them here) and, $7.98 later, she was mine.

The pot (too big, I know, but she'll grow into it) I picked up at last year's Design on a Dime; her plastic pot has holes in the bottom so the water can drain without a worry. Shower curtain is old as the hills, from TJ Maxx, and the soap dispensers are Muji (my faves--streamlining!). 

There's something just so wonderful about having something green and alive in an apartment. Here are some of my favorite images where greenery reigns: 

Plants, plants everywhere (via Indulgy and pinned here):

This is an old favorite from domino (pinned here), with just a couple shoots cut in a vase, but what a statement!

Greenery on the mirror ledge? Yes please! (via Airows and pinned here)

This outdoor shower via The Jungalow (pinned here)... dreamy, steamy, marvelous. 

What a lovely little smattering! I'm also digging the shower's wall tile and black showerhead big time. (via Her New Tribe and pinned here)

Remember this post? Still love it (via One Kings Lane and pinned here)

Check out what this greenery does to an otherwise black-and-white kitchen (via Decoholic and pinned here):

Sooo pretty (via domino, pinned here):

ADORE (via Vogue Australia and pinned here):

I could go on, but I must go back to admiring my own little green goddess...

Do you have greenery in your own space? Tricks for keeping green things green? Share in the comments below!

Painted Bookshelves

There are few things I love more than a great set of bookshelves... unless the interior of said bookshelves has been painted in some gorgeous color. Here's what I mean: 

I love how the blue of these shelves' interior (via domino, pinned here) is a few shades darker than the wall color (also seriously loving that hide rug). 

This red! I like how the rest of the room is pretty low key so the red insides can really make a statement (via Architectural Digest by Steven Volpe, pinned here), but other red accents throughout the room (pillows, dress in photograph) tie it all together. 

Here's a simple favorite (by Steven Gambrel and pinned here from this blog). Such a beautiful shade of blue for the shelves' backs, and the leather chest is a beautiful complement. And those antique horses! Amazing.

This post from Crane Concept (pinned here) walks through how to DIY these built-ins. The black paint here makes the shelves look like they go on to infinity (and beyond)--a great optical illusion. (The rug is killer, too... see this post for where to find an affordable option for yourself!)

This idea is also really effective and gorgeous in stand-alone shelves. Antony Todd, a wonderful space on 11th and University, has these amazing shelves that I drool over every time: 

This beautiful display cabinet was for sale on Viyet-- it has since sold, sadly, but inspirational all the same! DIY, anyone??

And then, of course, there's the wallpaper-backed route. I'm particularly obsessed with the island vibe in this image (via PS I Made This with a video outlining the process here):

This wallpaper is always a favorite, especially when it's tucked in somewhere unexpectedly, like here (via Apartment Therapy and pinned here):

Here's that tropical vibe again... loving it (via Cup of Jo and pinned here):

This can be a great DIY, too! In high school, my dear mother and I actually "wallpapered" the back of my built-in bookshelves with wrapping paper... but that's another story for another day :)

Have you ever  painted the backs of your shelves? Have you seen any especially beautiful examples of someone who has? Let me know in the comments below!

A Red Bed

This photo is from a little spot in the Bahamas called Ocean View Club (on my travel list!). How heavenly is this bedroom??

I'm loving the pale blue/tomato red color combination. To recreate, I'd take a four poster bed like this one...

... and paint it in a terrific red:

Other accents should be the same red, like the bedsides and a frame or two on the wall. I love how the wall is filled up with the two benches on either side of the bed. I would recreate that look by painting a couple of benches (like this one from World Market) the same red as the bed frame and painting the top of the bench white (as shown in the inspiration image):

Of course, that could also be done with smaller nightstands (and if the red is too much, leave them natural wood!).

The pale blue accent wall is lovely and looks to be similar to this shade:

Add little foo dog bedside lamps (less pricey alternative here):

And an ethnic throw pillow on a crisp white bedspread:

Island decor, delivered!

Do you have a room you'd like to see recreated on The Spoonful? Let me know in the comments below!

Going Dutch

If there were ever a "summer door," I think it's the Dutch door (as shown in a previous post here). These doors can open as a regular door does, or just the top half can swing open to let in fresh air and sunshine, keeping animals out and children in. I was daydreaming about this marvelous idea and came across this how-to from HGTV for making one of your own!

I don't have a suitable door in my little apartment to turn into a Dutch door... maybe one day, but until then I have plenty of time to find beautiful inspiration!

Jenny Komenda at Little Green Notebook first introduced me to Dutch doors with this post when she was living in Brussels. So dreamy!

How beautiful is this pair of double Dutch glossy blacks? (via the great Thomas O'Brien)

This sunshine yellow just screams happiness (via Brittany Ambridge): 

This white option proves simplicity never goes out of style (and neither does that hat stand!): 

On the opposite side of the spectrum, we have this terrific high gloss, multi-color number from Miles Redd (via AD):

I think this shot is just lovely:

And I will leave you with this. Mooooooo

Happy Friday!

Black and White Stripes

I must begin by saying that The Spoonful turned ONE over the weekend! Can you believe it?! Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who have read this page, given suggestions, shared posts on social media, and mentioned it in person--I'm so grateful and looking forward to many more years. Without further ado..

How wonderful is this photo (pinned here) of Audrey (my idol) on the most gorgeous settee?

Black and white stripes are the epitome of classic and I adore them. Here's a round up of some favorite moments where they particularly shone:

Liza Laserow via 1st Dibs (and pinned here):

August Black's big cushions are terrific (pinned here):

How about this pair of striped sofas (pinned here), face to face, from French blogger Flodeau?

Nick Olsen painted these stripes on roller shades in his NYC apartment (pinned here). Obviously I'm obsessed. (Also obsessed with the stacked books as bedsides and with the entire apartment in general.)

And for the win... these painted walls (pinned here) via Domino. So. Good.

Is there a topic you'd like covered on The Spoonful? Share it in the comments below!

Inspiration: Fresh White

I'm loving this fresh snapshot from Domino (where else):

Because the furniture is all pure white and the color comes from accessories, it's easy to create what looks to be a whole new space by just swapping out the books and pillows. 

To recreate the look, start with the white furniture. I like how slender the side table is above; here's a similar one from Wayfair (I would also spray paint--glossy pure white--a table if I found a good style in the wrong color!):

The sofa's straight lines keep the crazy pillows from getting too... crazy. Here's a goodie from abc home :

And here's a budget-friendly version from Ikea (with slipcover). A little white paint on those legs is all you need--or check out PrettyPegs for alternative furniture legs made for Ikea goods (why didn't I think of that??).

I've always loved this white coffee table from Hay (sold by abc home):

And the obligatory sheepskin OF COURSE:

A mounted wall light for reading (this one is from Restoration Hardware):

And now for the color! I think that huge Asian fan is a wonderful thing--and I think the black aspects of it (in the original photo above) really work to pull together the many black accents in the pillows, light, even from the books. Here's a vintage one I found on etsy:

The leopard pillow looks to be a classic Brunschwig et Fils pattern (here), but here's a less pricey option:

... cherry red pillow from Target:

... and a black throw pillow from Overstock:

... add one of these catch-alls from Michele Varian:

... grab a few succulents from Homecoming (the coolest coffee shop/florist in Brooklyn) or at the local hardware store:

... and, finally, load on the coffee table books. Need help deciding? MyDomaine, One Kings Lane, and Remodelista are here for you :)

Voila!

Do you have a room you'd like to see broken down on The Spoonful? Let me know in the comments below!

Tub Trays

How great is this bathtub setup (via Remodelista and pinned here)?!

That wood plank across the tub makes me so very happy. Here's another one (via Hearth; I blogged about this bathroom here!): 

These curved edges on this tray (via La Maison Douce) are especially beautiful (and perhaps more forgiving if bumped into!):

I was just in one of my favorite spots in Brooklyn Heights, Collyer's Mansion, and saw this great tub bar. I love its simplicity: 

Of course, I also think this would be a terrific DIY opportunity. My girl Martha writes about it here. 

Not too tough, right? And so totally chic. Now I just need a claw foot tub!

Have you tried this DIY? Do you have a DIY you'd like to see featured on The Spoonful? Let me know in the comments below!

Workspace Goals

Check out this gorgy-gorg workspace from Sarah Vickers. She and her husband, Kiel James Patrick (of the brand KJP), have amazing instagrams (@sarahkjp and @kjp) that are constantly inspiration-worthy--usually for clothes or lovey-dovey photos of the happy couple, but I found this desk to be divine! Every time I look at this photo, I see another little fabulous detail (don't miss the framed taxidermied bat in the upper right corner!). Here's how I would recreate this space:

I'd start with good L-shaped desk for lots of room to spread out (twine-wrapped table leg for a kitty scratching post is optional...):

The contrast between the wood of the desk and the white of the cubbies is just great. These from Land of Nod would work well:

I'd switch the knobs out of the desk hutch with something brassy and fabulous like these:

... or these:

That striped chair is so lovely, don't you think? Here's a similar one from Serena and Lily:

Or this one in blue:

The biggest pop, to me, is the green on the walls. Paint is your friend! Benjamin Moore's Nile Green looks to be prettyyy close to the color above:

The white shelves in Sarah Vickers's photo look to be built-ins, which can get pricey. To cut corners, a good option is to put up shelves with brackets, like these from Home Depot:

The vintage Vogue cover is so great and a bit of red or pink will really pop against the green walls. A quick eBay search opens the door to so many options. Here are a few of my faves: 

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And now for the accessories! Because who doesn't need that taxidermied bat, amiright?

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Have you found a picture of a space you'd like to see recreated on The Spoonful! Let me know!

Snuggle-y Bedroom

Schoolhouse Electric (amazing lighting--and more--shop in TriBeCa) posted this photo on instagram a while ago, and I came across it this weekend while going through old photos. How comfy?!

Want to recreate this cozy space for yourself? Read on...

Maps are one of my favorite things--probably because I was forever traveling as a child (I even covered my desk in maps! See that post here.) Etsy has a plethora of vintage pull-down maps like the one in the photo above:

Love this amazing pendant from Schoolhouse Electric:

Check out Schoolhouse Electric's bedding, too, because it's pretty great:

Here are similar lamps from Crate & Barrel:

And bedside tables from Ikea!!

Finish off the space with this big ole sheepskin rug:

And then you'll be ready to crawl right back in bed!

Have you seen a room you'd like to see recreated and featured on The Spoonful? Let me know in the comments below!

Things I Love: Canopy Beds

Wouldn't you feel like a modern day princess in this room, sleeping on this bed (via Elle Decor and pinned here)?

This shot from Lonny Mag is also magnificent (pinned here):

The great thing about a dark canopy like this is that it doesn't have to feel princess-y! Check out this gypsy-esque rendition (pinned here):

Dying for your own? Anthropologie has a gorgeous version here:

Do you have a piece you'd like to see on The Spoonful? Let me know in the comments below!

In Honor of Spring...

... I share with you this gloriously springy and feminine bedside moment (pinned here) by Bailey Quin of Biscuit Home (written up here by Southern Living):

I think I've just found my new favorite bedding store! Loving these awesome Boone sheets:

Wallpaper brought to you by Scalamandre (other colorways available):

Mildly obsessed with this Border sham (also by Bailey Quin and 50% discount now with code SHAMROCK):

I'll be dreaming of that simple monogram all day...

Bathroom Inspo

I came across this heavenly bathroom on One Kings Lane's instagram and just about died:

I love every bit of it, from the concrete floors to the leather pulls on the cabinet to the live greens to the wood slab across the tub. And the bath mat! Obsessed.

I thought I'd have a little fun and put the space together on here...

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Add a few big-leafed plants and it's a beaut!

Do you have a room you'd like broken down and sourced on The Spoonful? Let me know here or in the comments below!

Light at work

A few weeks ago I wrote about my atlas desk  and mentioned how I'd like to find a proper desk lamp for it. I love the vintage glass one on there now, but I have my sights set on a bona fide architect's light. It's a workspace, and I want it to look like one! The French-made Jielde lamp (sold locally in NYC at McNally Jackson in selected colors/styles) is a classic, and one of my all-time favorites. It was produced in the 1950s by Jean-Louis Domecq when he wanted a sturdier working light that could twist and turn without also twisting and turning its wires. Later, domestic styles and more colors (so many colors!) were added to its repertoire. The rest is history--and it has certainly withheld the test of time!

I mean, really, how gorgeous is this olive green??

After Jielde and I met, I realized the lamps were featured in many of my favorite inspiration images (and not just in workspaces):

They're everywhere! Love the floor lamps too... but focusing on desk for now. Unless of course I did a floor lamp as a desk lamp like this:



There are also several economically happy alternatives, like the Atelier line from Restoration Hardware, which comes in other finishes as well:

... and these from PB Teen:

... and this one by Kenneth Cole for Bed, Bath, & Beyond (also comes in a brass finish):

There are also some listed on Craigslist (for those of you in the NYC area) in gold:

And these vintage ones:

And of course a quick eBay search might prove fruitful, too.

The alternatives are great options... I will say, though, I saw a genuine Jielde with my own two eyes (in McNally Jackson), and the imitations don't do it justice! The colors and finish are exquisite, and it's just so sturdy--a true classic. I think I'll continue to save my pennies and watch eBay like a hawk :)