After a particularly long week, I like to reward myself with a small something. My go-tos are often a chunk of dark chocolate at my favorite neighborhood shop or a new notebook for next week’s notes and agenda-making. But when I saw these sweet watercolor and confetti party bags from Poppies for Grace (the name alone is convincing me to buy them), I had an idea. Maybe I should just treat myself to a few of these bags and use them to “gift” myself something a little less splurgy. That way I get the fun of a treat without having to buy something new or gorge on chocolate (not that that’s a bad thing). I have a feeling that beautiful watercolor bag would cheer up even the lowliest of afternoon snacks. Perhaps my brown-spot bananas can be elevated to Friday treats rather than mushed up in Saturday’s oatmeal. Click here to check out the full party bag collection online. I imagine these would make for one heck of a festive school lunch, too. xo, grace
before & after: bachelor loft transformation
It’s funny to me that “bachelor” style has such a bad rep. I equate it with leather chairs that look like massively overstuffed beasts, giant TVs, a sparsely filled modular bookshelf and not much else . . . maybe an unpacked cardboard box or two. A harsh stereotype, I admit, although in my defense, I have walked in on just this scenario more than once. It’s nice to see a bachelor pad that incorporates a bit of coziness and eclecticism but also utilizes the more sophisticated elements of masculine style, such as salvaged industrial materials and subdued neutral hues. Interior designer Melinda Cabanilla updated this Cambridge, MA, loft to feel warm and textural but also classic and understated. I love the colors she’s chosen, and the lighting fixtures in the bedroom are amazing. And not a pizza box in sight! Okay, now I’m teasing :) Great work, Melinda! — Kate
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before & after: reclaimed-wood kitchen backsplash
I do believe that there are some irrefutable beauties in the world, and wood is one of them. The greatest part of decorating with wood is that cheap, old, tattered and even dirty wood can look amazing; it has incredible texture, character and color. How many materials can you say that about? This reclaimed-wood backsplash by Dana Marston is a perfect example. Using free wood, a lot of elbow grease and a fresh coat of white paint, Dana was able to transform this nondescript kitchen into an elegant, beachy, rustic space. I love the wide variety of color and texture the wood panels provide, and it seems like a great material for such an oft-used space — the more wear and tear, the better they look! Great job, Dana! — Kate
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before & after: woven-back chair makeover
I’ve tackled a few chair renovations, but I’ll be honest: caning intimidates me. I’m eagerly awaiting the day that Amanda covers caning in Upholstery Basics, but until then, I’m steering clear. I love this chair renovation from Haley Beham; she’s found an inventive way to mimic the original caning back by weaving strips of cotton and securing them with a neat border of upholstery tacks. The soft white color looks great against the gray she’s chosen for the frame, and the contrast between the fabric cushion and the textural woven back is beautiful. The next time I see a caned chair that needs fixing, I am definitely going to consider this alternative. Awesome job, Haley! — Kate
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new: dwellstudio bedding
As much as I loved making and sleeping under my Otomi-upholstered headboard for years, I’m ready to let it go. I miss having something more neutral that lets me use colorful and/or patterned sheets more often. All that pattern on the headboard meant that florals, stripes and other patterned bedding felt too busy. But thankfully I’m switching out the headboard and making room for some new patterns in my life. At the top of my list are these pretty new designs from DwellStudio, making their debut at the gift fair this weekend. Not only is Dwell debuting new duvet sets (Deco, Magnus, Scallop and Graphic Stripe are all $280 for a F/Q) but they’re launching some colorful new pillows ($72 each) with deco borders and- my favorite- zebras and lions. I’m hoping I can swing by the show and check them out in person, but they’ll be online and ready for sale in March. Until then I’ve chosen some of my favorites above and below- thanks to Molly for the peek! xo, grace
More images from the new collection after the jump…
51 love stories by paul octavious
Speaking of Valentine’s Day, this print by Paul Octavious is the cat’s pajamas. Sweet, colorful and created by forming a heart with 51 different books on love, it’s as Valentine’s Day-appropriate as it gets. The only thing missing is a built-in boyfriend or girlfriend. Whether you’re attached or unattached this holiday, the $50 price tag (for an 11″ x 14″ print) puts it within range as a “just for me” gift, if you’re in the market for one. Click here for more info and to order online. xo, grace
