Showing posts with label design. 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: D-I-WHY

I spent the majority of my weekend staining and painting the NORNAS side table from Ikea. I have been loving the dipped legged trend and decided to try my hand at it. I purchased (waaay too much) Minwax wood stain in Walnut and Clark+Kensington paint in Yucatan Yellow. Before I began staining I lightly sanded the table with 120 grit sand paper and removed all the dust. I applied two coats of stain over 2 days to get my desired shade of walnut. I should have stained the entire table before painting but that would have made too much sense lol. So because of this I ran around like a crazy person trying to stop the stain from running on to the painted legs (smh). All in all I cant say that im crazy over this table but it certainly serves its purpose for now.





Mel's Life: Home Update

It has almost been a month since I moved and I am slowly getting things together. I have really been focusing on the living room because theoretically it is the space that I spend the most time in (once I kick my bed addiction). I envision myself hosting drinking  dinner parties and game nights. Honestly, this is probably just a fantasy but its a good fantasy darn it!

Anywho
 I have a confession...

I wasn't born a African princess (gasp...I know) and because of this I must scour the internet to find affordable furniture. I must say I have found some pretty amazing deals on Craigslist, Amazon, and good old IKEA.



 
I want to create a space that is bright, airy, and filled with greenery (yay plants!). I do not have a theme or exact concept. I do know what I want the space to feel relaxing. I want anyone who walks into the apartment to immediately feel like they've entered a stress free zone (unless they are helping put together IKEA furniture. Thanks Naddia!). 





I hope you guys enjoy my space so far. Like God...I luhhh it.

Until next update...

Wish List






2. Ikea Stockholm Media Console
3. Ikea FJÄLKINGE shelving

Mel's Life: #BTS DOKU Summer 15 Shoot

I put on my stylist hat for the second time this weekend and whew what a weekend it was. There were laughs, tears, sweat, and we all learned We Like to Cha Cha.  The theme of this shoot was a cross between music festival wear and every day city chic. Check out the behind the scenes pics courtesy of Lauren (thanks!!!). 







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!