Showing posts with label Decor. Show all posts

Mel's Life: Bridal Shower Madness

One of my dearest boos is getting married in two weeks and this past weekend we threw her a bridal shower. I have been planning this shower since December/January and i'm glad that I can finally take off my psychotic event planner hat. If you know me then you know i'm a perfectionist. From hand painting the centerpieces and favors to creating drink umbrellas my DIY skills were put to the test. By DIY skills I mean my sanity...my sanity was put to the test lol. Add that on top of the fact that I had a raging fever and the flu. Although I did not get to do everything that I wanted to do for Lauren's shower I think it came out beautifully. I really wanted her to have something special since she is such a special person to me and deserves it.  






A huge thank you to Kim, Arsiema, Ty, LP, and Janique for helping out! 

Mel's Life: New Space

So I finally moved and have slowly began decorating my space. It is kind of a surreal experience as I have dreamed of decorating a whole apartment for so long and boom here it is (so stoked!). I recently purchased a gorgeous dresser from Overstock.com. I am absolutely in love with this dresser! The lines are clean, and the detailed on the center drawers give it a little visual interest. I am not exactly sure of the direction that I am going with the apartment. I just want it to be an organic experience and I pray that it doesn't turn into a hot mess (lol). 



So far I am liking the new 'hood even though it is essentially a retirement community. I sometimes miss being a bus/train ride away from downtown and my friends. In reality, I am not that far at all but DC living really makes anything over a 15 minute commute seem like the opposite of a fantastic voyage. Other than that I have no real major complaints. 




I will be sure to update the blog when I get new pieces. 


PS this place has friggin' amazing natural light and I loves it!


Minimalism

I will be moving within the next two months (somebody say hallelujah) and have started the process of decluttering. By decluttering I mean getting rid of my stashes of Vogue, Elle, Bazaar, and W (you will be missed). After lugging about 100 pounds of magazines to the recycling I felt lighter literally and spiritually. Its amazing how spaces influence your physical being. I dumped a couple of old rags as well as some stress. I would like to carry this euphoric feeling of clutter free living to the new apartment by embracing a minimalist lifestyle (except for shoes...because duh shoes lol). Below you'll find some gorgeous minimalist spaces I found via Pinterest as well as 5 tips to start living with less stuff.







5 Tips to Start Living With Less 

1. If you can't remember the last time you used it..donate it
2. Keep counters clear (bath room, kitchen, dresser, etc.). Only keep out essential every day items
3. If you have two of something make it one. Try to keep duplicates to a minimum.
4. Think about your purchases and whether its something you actually need. (If its a necessity its a yes for me)
5. Keep a neutral color pallet (throw some pops of color in there to put some stank on it however)




Decor: Round Tables and Benches

Dining spaces have been on my mind a lot lately. Especially dining options in tight spaces (insert sarcastic joke about small DC apartments) and how to make them functional. On my quest for all things dining on Pinterst. I came across several round tables paired with benches (banquettes). I loved this option because it creates a space-saving cozy dining nook. Take a peek of some of the inspiration images I found on Pinterst.





Decor: Light & Bright

I have been gravitating towards minimalist sun filled rooms, by gravitating I mean craving. Lately, I feel like there is so much clutter (figuratively and literally) in my life and I am ready to get rid of it. There is nothing like a clean room that radiates with the glow of sunshine. I honestly am smiling just thinking about it. Could you imagine what living in a space like that would do to your spirit?! (Imagine all the cute puppies in the world in one room...it would feel like that)  I will be moving soon, and I hope to create a space that is both calming and inspirational. Below are some of the images that I am using for inspiration for my (future) new place.




Decor: Mid-century Modern

Lately, I have been leaning towards Mid-Century Modern (and by leaning towards I mean obsessing). What's Mid-Century Modern you ask? Well according to my favorite (non-source/source) Wikipedia, Mid-Century Modern is an architectural, interior, product and graphic design that generally describes mid-20th century developments in modern design, architecture and urban development from roughly 1933 to 1965.

What I love about mid-century pieces are the clean aesthetics and sharp lines. Its the furniture that looks cool without even trying. The natural tones mixed in with pops of color are great for creating a warm and inviting space. Couldn't you imagine yourself drinking delicious french pressed coffee in any of the spaces below (yaaassss!)? Check out my Pinterest to see more mid-century realness.



All images

Paneled Walls

Lately, I have been seriously crushing on paneled walls (yes, I am that weird). There is something old worldish about paneling that I just love. If you're looking to add instant visual interest and character to a room paneling would definitely be the route to take in my opinion.


Update: Cubicle Makeover

In my previous post I mentioned I was in the process of decorating my work cubicle and I promised I would update as I began to accumulate items. I picked up some relatively cheap frames from Ikea as well as artificial flowers and a pencil holder from Amazon last week. I also found some neat printables from Pinterest. I printed the images on some Avery's postcards that I had laying around from a previous project. The only thing left is for me to make a DIY pin board. I will hopefully have the pin board made my next week. Byebye boring workspace!




Creative Work Spaces

If you follow me on Instagram, then you know I recently got a new job! Exciting right?! However cubicles are are quite dull. Grey bleh dull to be exact and that's saying a lot because I looooooooooooooove grey but this I can not tolerate. I have been scouring Pinterest for ideas and have ordered some items from Amazon to pimp out my cube (ehhem HGTV that's a total show right there...and I am free).  I really want a clean and relaxing work space, after all I am here for 7.5 hours a day. You know what they say...treat yourself don't cheat yourself.  I always make sure not to go design overboard by keeping my items to what can fit in a reusable tote bag. Just in case I ever need to roll out it wont take longer than 5 minutes lol.  I posted some pictures of my inspiration spaces below.





Room Redo

I have neglected my room for years, and if you know me you might think that is oxymoronic as I live, eat, and breath interior design. Seriously, the only channel I truly acknowledge in this world is HGTV lol. I decided enough was enough enough and I have slowly began the process of decorating my room. I am going for a casual chic look. I have posted some of my inspiration photos as well as pictures of my room currently. I must warn you everything still looks pretty rough! With that in mind, I will be keeping everyone updated as I add new pieces as I find them.







Current Obsessions

                                            


I saw these shoes on Zara.com and knew immediately I needed them. I needed them soooo badly that I put myself on the waiting list to get them. On Thursday, I got the email saying they were available but I decided to wait until Friday to purchase them (payday duh) and to my dismay they were sold out! SOLD OUT!! So I cried on the inside for 1-5 minutes and then decided to call the ZARA down the street from my job and they had them in stock!  Im so obsessed with these shoes!!!! They're studded and black aka the epitome of all things Melanie!            

I also swung by H&M and picked up this decorative container for my desk/vanity (the one I don't own yet). I am finally getting around to sprucing up my bedroom. I cant wait to show everyone the final results.