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6.30.2008

Weekend Warrior

Most of my weekends are spent thinking about my projects, snuggling with my pup and watching HGTV marathons. They are also quite crowded with trying to do work on my own home. Let me tell you this, as a decorator, I find it by far the hardest to work on my own space. Being that I see so many wonderful design options every day, it's hard for me to pick just ONE rug, or only TWO throw pillows. I change my mind constantly after seeing the latest and greatest- in fact after finally finishing painting all our rooms, I went back into the first room we painted and said "We have to do this over. I hate it". I love so many different styles of furniture and decor but want a home that doesn't look like a big mess of conflicting ideas. I think perhaps my vision gets clouded when I'm too close to something, but I also love the process of creating and so I always want to begin again (much to my husband's and my wallet's dismay!) But I'm starting to feel good about what we've been doing. Case in point, this last weekend we had some great successes!

I replaced my dark curtains with white grommet topped IKEA panels. It instantly brightened the room. We bought this ivory and tan woven jute rug at West Elm after pondering many more expensive options. It also helps to brighten everything and creates a more defined sense of calm and order.
Oh, and did I forget we got new furniture? Yes, our sad couches that we bought for $900 (for both!) have now been retired and in with some newer pieces- a velvety tight back couch and pair of swoop arm club chairs in a nubby linen. We also got a candelabra for the fireplace for summer- it seems to have opened the room up quite a bit.

I about died when I saw these pillows at Pier 1- they look like much more expensive felt wool pillows I've seen for $300 each. These babies were $30 each!

In the kitchen I hung some varied black and white print plates by the chalkboard- I think they look darling!

Another Pier 1 score- these coral beaded napkin rings for $1.50 each!

And we finally hung this fabulous print my husband got from his parents for his graduation from his Master's program. It's a limited signed copy of an original print that hangs in his parent's home. Isn't it great?

Phew. I'm tired. :) Onto the next project!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I know it might seem to be a great find at $30 but I can tell you that we created this pillow in 2003 and being knocked off by pier 1 imports after a lot of hard work isn't so great! The cushions we sell are expensive because they are made by hand in Canada. I do love your blog but I hate to see you supporting knock offs of a hard working young designer.

Thanks,
Joanna at looolo textiles www.looolotextiles.com
joanna@looolotextiles.com

Paris Hotel Boutique said...

Erin, I accidentally posted under your "Brown Design" post. Sorry meant to post here and say that coincidentally I posted today about how difficult it is to pick a design style. We always see different things in our travels which makes it so difficult. Whatever you're "into" today, it looks great! Lynn

Erin Gates said...

Joanna,
I understand your feelings and I'm sorry that you feel I'm not supporting you. There is a fine line between knocking something off and being influenced by someone's design. I don't support people who knock off items directly, like Louis Vuitton bags, but it's fuzzy when things such as this pillow come into play. I've seen lots of people making similar things on Etsy as well, and also seen many "versions" of Kelly Wearstler's Imperial Trellis print at cheaper prices. I believe design should be accessible to people of all income levels and so it's hard for me to say that people don't have a right to craft something cheaper that is influenced by an expensive design. That said, I know that what you make is of far superior quality and artisanship. There is no confusion there, at least on my part, and owning such an item is like buying art. The Pier 1 pillow is like a poster print and yours are the original pieces. I know it must be frustrating and hard to see as a compliment, but you have so heavily influenced the design world with your work!

Anonymous said...

LOVE your new sofa & chairs - where did you find such beautiful pieces? It is inspiring to see a young professional designing spaces for people who don't have an unlimited design budget - thanks for all that do! Your blog has helped tremendously with decorating my new home!

Erin Gates said...

Thank you so much Christina!! It's so nice to hear that I can be of help. I got all my furniture at Boston Interiors www.bostoninteriors.com for such great prices!

Diva Style said...

Love the pics! I am inspired...I might have to go home and find something to work on tonight! I am always brooding over what to do next--thanks for the inspiration! :-)

Unknown said...

Erin, I agree with Christina K.

Your house is gorgeous! We have very similar taste. Thanks for all of the great ideas. :)

Chris Kauffman said...

I love those pillows too, I have one, I should really go get another.
Great blog.
Chris

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