Looking Up: Lighting

When I bought my house back in October, it came with some very basic, but doable lighting. Over the last few months, I've been adding artwork to my walls and (for lack of better words) making my house a home. My lighting seems to be less fitting more and more daily. Remember this little guy?

Mi Casa #boringlamp

Well it's still here, hanging above me as I type. It's rather bland to be honest, but until now it didn't really bother me. However, I've been seeing affordable pendants and DIY lighting that makes me think this update might be an easy one. Check these out.

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This lamp, believe it or not (!) is made from those paint stirring sticks that are free at Home Depot. Are you kidding me? People are so smart. 

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This weaved lamp is actually made from a flower basket (upside down) then weaved with a sisal rope that can be found at none other than... your local Home Depot. 

This lamp would probably cost me about $20.00 to make. Tops. You likey?

But then I think, "I love DIY, but do I want to add yet another project to my DIY list?" 

-"Yes, probably."

But these West Elm lamps have really got me asking that same question over and over. 

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Ah, the classic drum pendant. This guy would offset my square table with its soft chic look. 

Well hello there pretty. I love this. With an awesome Edison bulb to pair, this one is just lovely. But I wonder, would I need two? This one seems sort of small. If that's the case, how does the electrical work?  I think the last thing I can afford is an electrician (note to self: I gotta befriend one of those). Have any of you had experience with updating and adjusting your lighting? 

xoxo

Catholic girl gone Buddhist

As a child, I was raised Catholic. I have always had a spiritual outlook on being religious and having a relationship with God, but over the years I have grown to admire the Buddhist religion and, if it's safe to say, the culture that encompasses Buddhism. Throughout my college studies, we learned about different religions and Eastern and Western outlooks on life. The idea of Buddhism really inspires my life. The belief that there is no hierarchy in nature embraces a very open and natural culture. I've always been a fan of different cultures and very open to various outlooks on life and have tried to reflect this free and natural notion when decorating my home. Recently my parents travelled to Thailand and picked up this hand-carved, three piece Buddha face. It's beautiful, simple and the wood is so raw that it really compliments my style.

Below are some items I found in local stores that I find would be contemporary accents to enhance my appreciation for nature. 

Buddha Fountain available at Z Gallerie

Tea Pot Available at Cost Plus World Market

I feel like such a West Elm advertiser - but their product line is really just my style!

Tribal Rug 

Tree Stump Side Table

XoXo,


Nina

Pattern Obsession: Chevron

I know everyone discovered chevron about a few years ago but being that I just became a homeowner, I've absolutely fallen in love with the pattern. For all of you who may not be so familiar with this lovely pattern, here are the chevron bath rugs I just purchased from West Elm (aside from the fact that my lovely blog header is complimented with a grey chevron)

Given my new exciting lifestyle I've pathetically gained the unhealthy habits of hours of blogging while watching the latest episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians. When did my life get so amazing? I digress...

Anyway, back to chevron - my pattern obsession. I guess you could call my blogging habit somewhat useful as I have found plenty of items and ideas that awakened my imagination for decorating my white and bare home. Chevron just happened to be one of those patterns that is simple in it's complexity. It's bold but subtle. Check out some of the inspiring rooms I've discovered over some time....

El Mueble Magazine via MadeByGirl

MadeByGirl blogger, Jen Ramos, recently posted this amazing kitchen featured in El Mueble magazine. El Mueble is a Spanish based design magazine that boasts latin-inspired modern home designs. The kitchen above has white cabinets that compliment the teal chevron backsplash that is homey without being obnoxiously colored.  I would love to have something like this in my house but my thoughts are that my complex granite countertops will just clash with a backsplash like this - great inspiration though. What are your thoughts?

Via Design*Sponge

This "wallpaper" was actually a home DIY project featured on Design*Sponge. I cannot fathom the time and attention to detail this took to complete. You can see the DIY process featured in the link below the photo.  As a girl on a budget, I love finding new DIY ideas that I can do at home - it keeps me busy in a productive way and saves me tons of money. This chevron-inspired wall would be something I'd love to tackle but think wallpaper may just be easier. 

This room is a bold one. I'm definitely impressed although I would never be able to pull this off in my own house. However, on many days I find myself staring off onto my walls thinking of ways to liven them up. I've been thinking of some drapery and think that a bold pattern like this would seriously brighten any dull room.

What are your favorite patterns? Do any of you have recommendations of where I can buy modern fabrics for window coverings?

XoXo,

Nina