Offi Woody Chalkboard Table

I have just about completed a table for my 2 year old son. I have been feasting my eyes on the OFFI Woody chalkboard table since I first spotted it in a feature Domino Magazine did on Barrie Benson's home way back in 2007. However, I did not want to spend the $400 just on the table plus chairs, so I have been keeping my fingers crossed that I would find that table for less eventually. Just my luck when my neighbor was throwing out the side table shown below on garbage day.

I immediately saw its future life as Liam's table. I cut a hole out the middle of the table and inserted a stainless steel mixing bowl I found at Home Goods.......now comes the paint and new legs!

Stay tuned for the after photo........

Lonny Magazine

Just heard through the grapevine the latest issue of Lonny Magazine is out. Click here to view the third issue.

In case you haven't heard of it, its an online only magazine dedicated to the home launched by former Domino editor and blogger Michelle Adams.

It is the closest thing to the real Domino mag, so for all you fans out there get ready for a visual feast! However, I must admit the tangible magazine is sorely missed....do all the instant click-to links make up for this?

2010 Color Trends

After attending color forecast seminars from mega paint giants Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore, there are some clear color trends for the year ahead. Both companies shared thoughts that clearer, more vivid colors will emerge this year.

In particular, the color green gains a truer presence than years previous- a little less sagey and a bit more vivid. Ben Moore's choice is "Cedar Green" and Sherwin's is "Pickle". If that gives any indication of its hue, I think we can figure out that the greens of 2010 have a bit more blue in them than we've been use to, while retaining a bit of yellow.

Blues are getting more attention as well (although has blue ever been out of style?) The biggest change I see is that whether you like a purplely blue or an aqua blue, they are more intense- think blueberry, navy and deep turquoise.

Reds of the year are Sherwin's "Tomato Red" and Ben Moore's "Claret Rose". I don't see a huge change from past years reds. However, the literally mouthwatering reds we're seeing have an added nuance of pink. Interestingly, neither company noted any pinks at all- sorry for any of you pink lovers out there. It looks like that ultrafeminine look is on the down swing.

Yellows continue to gain more ground, and from everything I'm reading yellow is a color of optimism. Its no surprise that people are gravitating towards it during these difficult economic times. Ben Moore shows "Sundance" as their "it" yellow, and I can see it's not quite as acidic as last year- seems to have a bit more orange in it. Well, ALL the yellow colors are morphing into the oranges- something we'll see more of in 2011 and beyond???

For all the neutral lovers out there- here's the lowdown. Today's neutrals are grounded in earthy elements and the trend for more organic things. Wood tones, natural fibers, and stone are big influences. Your average beige is out and the more sophisticated "greiges" are in, and they are lighter or much deeper in color. Sherwin's top picks are "Nomadic Desert", "Magnetic Gray", and "Foothills" while Ben Moore's top picks are "Slip", "Thunder" and "Fairview Taupe".

I have added links to both paint companies websites 2010 forecast palettes. Take a look and let me know what you think!

2010 Color Trends are.......

Its hard to believe 2009 is almost done, and its time to start looking towards 2010. I will attending a Benjamin Moore 2010 color trends seminar today.....stay tuned for the low down on what's hot for next year!

Studio Bon

I am very excited to hear that fellow Dallasite, Bonnee Sharp of Studio Bon, has just partnered with F. Schumacher to distribute her line of fabrics. Check them out here. She does amazing work, and all are hand-printed, so you really get a hand-made, customized look in each run.

Loving these vintage barstools. If only I needed them.....I think they could really work with a number of different styles from a sleek retro modern look to a warm, rustic classic look. They come from Three Potato Four, a Brooklyn based company that specializes in one of a kind finds.

Foyer Complete

Here it is! I am even pleased to say it only cost  $10.  $7 for a can of oops paint in "Timothy Straw" at Benjamin Moore, and $3 for the painters tape.  I also moved the Flor area rug from the kitchen to the entry, which I really think completes the look.