My cousin sent me this photo from WS Home and challenged me to create a bedroom look using it as inspiration....but on a strict budget. I love a challenge!!!
I wanted to maintain the dramatic dark grey/light blue pairing with white and some country accessories mixed in, all from budget friendly retailers.
(Click on photo for larger view)


This is another version in which the bedding and headboard is lighter (less of that dark gray as shown, but a similar, more ethereal feeling)


How did I do?

Just had to say it.
I never thought I'd say this, but I am hating on this season's Project Runway. The "cast" is SO unlikable it's ridiculous. They all are trying so hard to be so cool it makes me cringe. Like Suede referring to himself in the third person consistently, creepy super tan Blayne and his "'liciousness", Keith and his J.LO- at-the-VMA's-with-P. Diddy bandana headband. UGH.
I may actually not watch this season.
Or at least mute it until the runway part every week!
So sad.

I love taking online quizzes, and this is one that will "help you find your style". I have ADD style, so it's always hard to pin me down, but I like that they deemed me "city sophisticate". I know you want to slack off right now, and if your reading this blog, this is the perfect thing for you! It even suggests certain pieces for each room (granted, it's a British site and everything is from jolly ol' England...)

My results:

Some great new prints from Premiere Prints- all about $8 a yard!

Isn;t this one fabulous?? It looks like a pencil line drawing? I love it!


Naturally, I had to include the zebra, that comes in a myriad of colors- such a classic pattern, and one liberally overused by moi. Of
h, and a little python print, to keep it wild but varied.


I think this medallion print is genius, and the one to the right looks a LITTLE bit like a "Poor Man's Luca Linen".

Delicious lemony bamboo trellis and a groovy seventies print. These two paired would make great throw pillows for a couch or bed!

I had to include this- I might have to get a dog bed made of it for little Baxtypants.

LOVE the diamonds. What girl doesn't like diamonds? ;)

A great small pattern available in various colors.


One more reason I feel able to say: "You don't need money to make your house look good!"

Blogging is the best thing I've ever decided to do (besides starting my company). I"ve met some seriously awesome, cool,and talented people, gained many an exciting client, get to utilize my creativity every day, and because awesome people like Emily at Orange Beautiful surprise me with things like this! ** Or because my BROTHER SENT THEM TO ME WITH NO GIFT TAG! Oy. I feel like an arse. You know what they say about assuming... Well, I change the last reason to "I love blogging because it makes it so easy for people to shop for me".

..who is downright mad for Mad Men.

When I was a kid, the options for my room were Laura Ashley or Laura Ashley. The choices these days are so much sleeker and more grown up (kind of like kids themselves). But don't just assume that kids shops only have things for kids- there are LOTS of goodies that work amazingly well in adults-only homes too! In fact, sometimes my best finds are from some of these below kid shops!

Rosenberry Rooms has nursery decor that will make you drool- IF your okay with getting said drool on $150 crib sheets. But they also have a HUGE selection of rugs that could be JUST what your looking for- like these graphic ones below (that come in many colors!)

I opened my PB Kids catalog the other day and saw these ntertainment centers- who would think to look for an entertainment center in PB Kids?? They have so much storage and display space and great finishes!

This "lounge area" below caught my eye for a studio or small apartment- you just have the cushion covered in a more grown up fabric and you've got a wall of storage and extra seating! Put a tulip table in front for a tiny breakfast nook (a la Carrie Bradshaw's built in seating area in her revamped apartment- remember?). To the right is a great woven rattan lighting fixture!

This dresser, with campaign style pulls and panel detail is fabulous- as is this desk with spindle legs (it comes in glossy white!)

PB Teen is ALSO a tremendous resource you may not have thought to tap!
This hand can hold jewelry or just be displayed on a mantle (like my vintage one I purchased at Brimfield!) The "Boho" sheets to the right would be great on a simple bed- adding a bit of bohemian, home made looking flair.

The lamp base below is easy to incorporate into any decor, and cheaper than most like it! Replace the shade with the faux bois one, also from PB Teen, and voila!

Felt pillows in lots of colors add texture for little money.

The punctured lamp base (with a different shade, of course) is a unique little accent piece. The curved lamp to the right is one you might see in many a modern home!

This ring detailed side table is one I've been trying to find for months! It's not online or in the catalog listed by itself- perhaps next season? I love it!!! And the ribbon trim drapes to the right come in chocolate brown- an excellent deal!

Use this corkboard trimmed mirror to put up clothing and accessory pics you tear out of magazines to inspire your daily dressing!

Who doesn't need a big magazine rack? Or is it just me? This would be genius in my office!

This desk is fabulous and available in many finishes- looks like one I love from WS Home that is about 5 times the price!

While plotting my escape to the blue and white seaside paradise of Santorini, where I will live in sun drenched bliss forever, I came across the site for the Vedema Resort. This is the kind of place that makes me feel like I might actually CRY because I am not there. The interiors are stunning and bold (each one unique) and the images left me breathless for more. You may actually despise me for sharing it with you! I need to lie down under my desk and wallow after seeing these. . . . .