UO's newest collection

I was immediately drawn into the 80's modern feel of Urban Outfitters new collection. Here are a few of my favorite pieces...  

 

Wall Flush Mount Light and Wally Sconce 

Ruby Striped Chair

Congruent Bookshelf

Wally Curvature Chair

Sanna Floor Lamp

The lighting is the most apt to be added to the home decor. I have an electrician coming to install new fixtures both to update the old and add some brightness to some of the rooms in my home that are lacking. I could see the S curved flush mounted ceiling light in my kitchen. And, the neutral curved sconces in my bedroom. I do get a little hesitant to order lighting from anywhere that doesn't have free return shipping, though, as lighting can be tricky to get just right. But, at least I've got some inspiration to start from!

Shop the full collection here.

BREAKFAST AREA

 Shortly after the main part of my home was built in 1977, an addition was added on which has now become my living room. 

The size of the room allows for a sectional sofa with still room to spare in the corner for use of some other sort. Two exterior windows still exist from the original home, one over the kitchen sink and the other looking in from the entryway. The smaller window I will frame out and fill in with sheetrock at some point down the road. While, the window over the kitchen sink will be removed but framed out to leave an opening between the two spaces. I considered putting bar stools in front of this window, however, since the corner is so large I think it would be better suited as a breakfast area with a small round table. 

I REALLY LOVE BANQUETTES. AND, A (POSSIBLE STRANGE) REQUIREMENT WHEN LOOKING FOR A HOME TO BUY WAS THAT IT MUST HAVE A CORNER WHERE I COULD INSTALL A BANQUETTE. 

I think this corner is just perfect for a banquette. If you're unsure what this is, check out my pinterest board here. The inspiration photos below are a modern nod to a banquette using a bench and wall hung padding instead of an upholstered bench, which is the look I am leaning towards for this corner.

via JDP Interiors

via Domino

via Lonny

A round table is perfect for a corner and will soften the room next to the sharp lines of my sectional. I'm noticing a lot of tables with pedestal bases, which I think is a fresh detail. The two options below, a wood slat version and a concrete version, are top contenders. However, there are a plethora of other options if you want to replicate the look as well from  A+R, Rove Concepts, Design Public, Pottery Barn, Room & Board, West Elm, Living Spaces, All Modern, Crate & Barrel, Havertys, Anthropologie, Anthropologie x 2, and McGee & Co. I will also keep my eye out at local thrift stores as well for a similar vintage one.

via Wayfair

via Urban Outfitters

I'm drawn to the trio of gold linear pendant lights shown in the first inspiration image and found similar ones here, here, here, here, here, and here that could be nice in either gold or black. 

I also think an oversized basket lamp like this could be interesting...

via 

Or, a terra cotta or ceramic hanging pendant light like this...

via Italian Bark

Lastly, an inspiration image I love for styling...

via vtwonen

THE QUIET HOME OF RACHEL CRAVEN

 Rachel Craven's neutral home was featured in Domino magazine in 2017 and it still feels so relevant almost four years later. 

What struck me most is how she described her home to Domino - She "doesn't love the word restraint. It feels too uptight. Minimal and spare are too cold. Describing her house (and her way of living) as pared down implies that there's something sacrificed or missing, which couldn't be further from the truth." She goes on to say, "I like to call it quiet. The world is so full of noise. Here, I think it's important to just embrace the quiet."

RACHEL SHARES WAYS TO CULTIVATE QUIET:

1) Use color sparingly and focus instead on interesting textures

2) Seek out handmade goods and housewares 

3) Embrace nature - the greenery outside can become part of the view inside

4) Refuse excess - imposing guidelines to bring in only things that are handmade or vintage, for example, might seem restrictive, but it's actually freeing

After painting my home white and my love for scouring vintage stores, this style is right up my alley! I do sure wish the custom Ramsey Condor lights featured in Rachel's home were available!

AN UNDERSTATED NEW ZEALAND HOME

UNDERSTATED, BUT SPECIAL, MIGHT BE MORE ACCURATE. 

The home of Bec Dowie, one half of furniture and lighting design company Douglas and Bec, a collaboration between Bec (a designer with a fine arts background) and her father Douglas (a furniture designer) is almost entirely furnished by their wares. 

 

BRAZILIAN LOFT

 Designed by Cacau Ribeiro Interiores, this loft in Brazil invites me in with a soothing neutral color palette, warmth from raw natural woods, textures from rattan and woven baskets, and an effortless combination of bohemian, mid-century, and modern. 

I so enjoy looking at inspiring spaces such as this to be able to envision some of the ideas

IN MY OWN SPACE, IN MY OWN WAY.

For example, in lieu of a typical tv stand, I have been considering a long low shelving unit the entire length of the wall underneath the windows. Not only would it hold the tv, but could also be used as impromptu bench seating layered with pillows, storage for chopped firewood, and display for books and collected antiques. My first thought was to piece together inexpensive units from Ikea like the Besta or Kallax in order to create the appearance of one long unit. However, after seeing the below living room, I think I'll wait to spy an antique piece. Possibly even an antique church pew could do the job? 

My sectional sofa is a fitting size for the living room, but quite large for the size of the round coffee table that currently pairs with it. I like the idea of pairing another smaller table (or two) of varying heights with it to increase the scale and allow all of those sitting to have a table in range. 

And, do you spy the fantastic wall sconce of what looks to be a mans head blowing a bubble?!

The last thing I would want to do is install more curtains after just removing so many heavy drapes before painting - the view of the lake is so amazing with an unobstructed view! But, the living room does get a lot of bright sunlight, particularly in the morning. So, what a great idea it would be to make  an accordion free-standing screen out of rattan or cane that could be moved into place when needed.

I'm obsessed with having low bean-bag type seating in my main basement area in front of the fire for lounging similar to the striped triangle version below - more to come on that later! 

How amazing is the leather hanging chair in the background?! Perfect for sipping coffee and reading a book on the porch!

 

This kitchen with eat-in dining room has so much to love. I'll certainly be searching for the source of the circular ceramic modern pendant lights - such a fun display all grouped together in a line! The long wood peg rack is also perfect for not only display, but having handy, beautiful kitchen utensils.

Not sure I have enough room to dedicate an entire corner of my home for potting. But...I do have an attached screened in shed, which would make a great potting shed. 

While Minnesota's climate is a lot different than where I used to live in the South, I still get inspired by the lush feel of tropical plants grouped together, maybe best achieved here inside vs out.

discovered via Yellow Trace, design by Cacau Ribeiro Interiores, photos taken by Felipe Araujo