What what? It’s tour time!

I’m sure you had nothing better to do than refresh your browser 800 times a day until I posted the latest tour, right? Or, if you’re like me, you barely have time to eat and sitting down at the computer for three minutes is a major luxury.

Thanks for spending that three minutes on me. Let me try to make it worth your while.

Much like the rest of our house, this room was a hot mess when we moved in. Tobacco green carpet that reeked of tobacco, hideous paint, a weird booby light fixture that hung long and low from the faux wood fan… it pretty much had it all.

For a while it was Ben’s office, but then I got knocked up and the baby had to sleep somewhere besides our bedroom, duh.

Except, guess who’s never ever ever in his entire seven months of life slept here?

Thanks a bundle, pyloric stenosis and insane food allergies. I hated sleeping, anyway.

But it’s kind of ok because that means I can keep my sock monkey shrine unbesmirched by snot, and also the hot air balloon sheets that I am unnaturally fond of are still clean months after their debut.

Plus I doubt very much that Luke will appreciate the brass overload that’s going on in here as much as I do.

Brassssssssss.

But I’m betting he will totally love the vintage Dufy screenprint I snagged for him at a thrift shop.

He’s probably not my kid if he doesn’t.

That was a joke since I vividly recall squeezing him out of my lady center.

Some things stick with you.

Things like this guy.

Speaking of sticky important things, do you remember The Great Rug Debate of 2012?

Solved.

I hemmed and hawed over a handful of 8×10 rugs until I stumbled upon the West Elm Souk at the outlets for $70.

Score one for poverty.

It’s cute, but it’s also a mess. I do not recommend it for high traffic areas unless you like to hoard leaves.

Detailz.

I have to say, I love designing kid rooms. There are so many fun details, like this totally crazy chair I had sitting around forever. New upholstery made him a mega comfy scene stealer.

Almost as cute as the dude who lives here. Or sort of lives here. Or will live here someday.

I hope.

Thanks for hanging out for Luke’s grand tour! Sorry the writing is so sleepy, but I am whipped. I’m so tired I’m going to lazily paste the source list from a previous sneak peek I posted.

Paint color is Benjamin Moore Frappe, courtesy of the amazing Sanders.

Chair is vintage Milo Baughman that I had recovered in Togo fabric. This was the big splurge for this room — about $450 total.

Curtains are super cheap Ikea Ritva onto which my sweet MIL spent two nights sewing ribbon trim… LOVE THEM! Four panels cost $65 plus time. Can’t beat that.

Mongolian fur pillow came from the West Elm outlet for $5.

Light fixture came from Ebay.

Vintage Raoul Dufy screenprint came from Room Service for $28. I cut a new mat for it.

Bookshelf is Ikea Expedit.

Sheepskin rug is old news.

Everything else is thrifted. I really tried to reuse as much stuff as possible to keep the cost down.

And that’s it!

I hate to be a ho, but if you want to see another tour please please please let me know. Because in my house, the menu of options goes something like dinner OR shower.  So I’m hungry and dirty. But I wrote a post.

Yay, me!

Until next week.

[all images copyright ERIN WILLIAMSON]

It must look something like this:

Kind of heavenly. Pristine. Not in the least defiled by poop or vomit.

I’m pretty sure I’ll never be able to pull off anywhere near this much white ever again.

And yet… I might be ridiculously happy. I might feel like my heart will burst every time I look at my handsome boys.

I might have the most awesome life ever right now.

I’m working my way back into blogging but it may be slow going for a bit, distracted as I am by googly eyes and tiny toes.

I should probably admit that I am also distracted by constant cleaning of the aforementioned poop and vomit.

Tiny babies aren’t easy, but damn if they aren’t adorable x infinity.

Anyhow, I hope you all have a magical long weekend filled with lake parties, sunburns, and hangovers.

Know that I am with you in spirit.

Happy Labor Day!

Yesterday I had dreams of meticulously cataloging our bedroom with my camera. To that end I hid all the extra pillows required to comfort a huge pregnant belly to sleep. I stuffed the cardboard boxes full of maternity clothes into the bathroom (I patently refuse to integrate that disgusting crap into my actual wardrobe). I made up the bed. And then… I was tired. Exhausted, actually. Apparently I only have about 30 good minutes left in a day before I start getting shaky and weird.

But I am a warrior, so I took a few pictures anyway — just not as many (or as mind bendingly awesome) as I had hoped for. But pictures, nonetheless. Let’s do this.

First of all, THANK YOU SANDERS! for enduring sample harvest 2012, in which I set out to try every Benjamin Moore color ever made. I’m actually really happy with Dior Gray. Sometimes it’s purple, sometimes bluish, sometimes just gray. Always soothing and comforting.

So, this is not the ultimate configuration for our tiny bedroom… the rocker will probably get switched out and I need new lampshades and I did not style the space at all.

But you know what? I don’t like a lot of shit cluttering up my space. It makes me nervous. And while I’ve been in a mad rush to acquire big basic pieces before baby arrives, I do believe in slowly collecting only accessories that you really really love. So it will all get there. Someday.

But let’s talk about that ho-tastic bedding. You know, I don’t buy a lot of brand spanking new stuff. I like vintage, thrift, antiques. But I draw the line at undies and bedding. I mean, if you want to get crabs and bedbugs that’s your decision. Me, I like the delicious feeling of unconquered territory when I lay me down to sleep.

That meant new bedding, because my old linens were looking pretty haggard. I’m not sure how I feel about those crazy coral sheets — I did order a new set in “blush,” hoping they might be a little less HEY STRIPPER!. And then there is the giant faux lynx blankie. Practical? Yes. It will hide a multitude of sins, like leaves and maybe even baby vomit.

But maybe I like it better without?

Or with? I’m on the fence. It’s twin size so I could always use it to cover Ike’s new big boy bed or a sofa.

Anyway, that’s what I have going on so far. I didn’t really buy anything except for paint, Ikea linen curtains and bedding, so it wasn’t an exorbitant makeover. I painted the frame around the Pop Chalee print… I think that’s it. Minimal effort sans the endless repainting.

Ok, so maybe not minimal effort.

In case you’re wondering, all the bedding came from Overstock and it was super cheap. I think I got a bedskirt, sheets, new pillows and the fur blanket for $200. Not bad.

What’s bad is that our bed looked like this for five minutes before Ike came in and tore everything up in a mad frenzy of trampoline inspired gymnastics.

And that’s why I can’t have anything extra nice. So this will have to do.

I’m off to cut mats and other unfun stuff.

Hope you enjoyed the tour!

*** UPDATE ***

I forgot to include a before pic…

My eyes!

Last week I was experiencing a serious pressure related block up/meltdown, and pretty much as soon as I (you) gave me permission not to decide, I decided a whole bunch of decor related stuff. I also decided not to worry about the house so much anymore, mostly because I am now 35 weeks pregnant and I look like I swallowed a whale and I have a sad little waddle going on. Apparently a tiny human will be rocketing out of my hoohah in five weeks or less and I should maybe probably focus on preparing for that, too.

At least now Baby X won’t have to spend his first month or two of life staring up at a patchwork quilt of peachbluegraypurple paint samples in the master bedroom, because that shit is DONE.

Sadly this is not our bedroom, but the color is a very similar medium purple gray. I took the advice of Anita and Christian and revisted my sample of Dior Gray. Sanders gave me his blessing (because Sanders is a saint and is totally allowed to bestow such things upon mere mortals), so we did the deed and it is good.

Climaxxx!

I also ordered some desperately needed new bedding… old bedding may or may not have gotten caught in the painting crossfire.

In a reversal of my usual hatred for contrast, I’m planning to go mostly light and bright against the moody painted walls. Like so:

Because a basic white quilt and shams can be dressed up in so many ways.

Pretty, simple pillows and ikat blanket.

I might have ordered some coral sheets…

And a giant faux fur blanket to cover up our new quilt, because kids and cats (and lazy parents) are murder on white.

Details and pictures to come when I can stand long enough to take them.

In the meantime, let us bask in the glory of my decisiveness…

because it won’t last for long.

[Images via my bedroom files on pinterest]

I am so. damn. tired. Yesterday I took a picture of my basketball sized belly so you could see that I’m headed into the misery stage, but I’m too tired to upload it. I even took pictures of my crazy curtain debacle but I’m also too tired to deal with that.

This is shaping up to be an exciting post. Let me spice things up a bit.

I am obsessed with every single thing in this room. I’m not sure I would be happy living here 24/7, but as a cozy library it KILLS. Those window treatments put all other window treatments to shame. The paint color and glossy built ins are ridic. The textile combo is absurdly good. And I’m going to steal that light fixture… as soon as I can figure out where it comes from.

This room by fellow Austinite Bailey McCarthy touches my happy place (visuals not necessary). The glow in the dark constellation wallpaper may make an appearance in the kid’s bathroom at our house.

GLOWS IN THE MF DARK, Y’ALL. If I were really brave, I would paper Ike’s ceiling with this bizness. But that sounds hard and I may have already mentioned that I’m tired.

Instead I think I’m going to just order this cute print for Ike’s room, glue some glow in the dark stars to the ceiling, and call it a day. (Thanks for the poster link, Katie!)

In other news, I might paint our bedroom this color:

Or maybe this color:

Dede Pratesi’s bedroom is pretty much my idea of perfection.

And as if this post weren’t already disjointed enough, you need to head on over to MFAMB and check out the room Jenny Andrews just decorated for her precious kidlet.

Awesome real people decorating on a budget makes me SO HAPPY.

What is not making me happy is my curtain situation.

Still working on it. I don’t understand why this stupid room has to be so difficult.

Yet another trip to Ikea is in the works, and a trip to the West Elm outlet already happened.

Pictures to follow. Soon.

So I right now Erin is knee deep in boxes and furniture piles in her new home.  She did come up quickly for air with an email that mentioned nothing fitting in her new house and a trip to the doctor thanks to the flu I so graciously passed on to her.  Let’s all send Erin happy, relaxing thoughts and home that she finds sweet dreams somewhere like this soon

Ok, maybe not quite her style but I bet she’d nap in a cardboard box right now if she could so she should really be sending us all a big fat thank you for being so thoughtful.

Sweet Dreams Erin!

Your comments and feedback have been the wind beneath my wings, yet I have repaid you with petulance and neglect. All I can say is that it’s 100% nutz up in here, what with trying to sell our dopey old house (actually it’s awesome — I’m just getting tired of this shit), destroying my back, plus choosing paint, wood, and carpet all in the span of a week or two. That’s right — I said the C word. Because when I saw the numbers attached to my fabulous wood floors, I decided to do carpet in the upstairs bedrooms. And let me tell you what: carpet has been the easiest choice of all. Not only that, but I’m kind of in a fever for the flavor.

Sorry to repost this old picture, but hopefully you won’t remember my musings on carpet way back when, so this is all fresh and clean like a summer’s eve to you. I was considering getting seagrass or sisal installed wall to wall, but the price scared me. Well, that and the texture — harsh like a bag of stems and seeds.

Anyhoodle, I’m getting something that looks a lot lot lot like sisal — so much so that it’s even called “Sisal” — but it’s carpet. Soft, delicious carpet.

In case you are concerned for my mental health, rest assured that the effects of huffing paint fumes are known to be totally reversible.

At least that’s what I’m telling myself.

Headed out to play paint party with Karlyface. Updates tomorrow.

Thanks for your continuing support of Paint Color Waffler’s Nonanonymous.

It is a sweltering 106 degrees here in Austin with zero zip zilch signs that summer will end any time soon (I have my sights set on you, November) but the interwebs tell me that the rest of the world is taking that last jump off the rope swing into the lake ‘cuza schools starting soon and, for the lucky majority of you, leaves will be (gasp) changing color.

Well, I want in.  I am ready for a seasonal change.  One so imminent that I hold tight to the last days of summer, sadly watching them zoom by.  Squeezing in one last summer vacation before I snuggle into my boots and jacket.  Yep, I’m shutting my eyes tight and pretending that summer is about to end.  I’m spending the last days here:

Oh, did I forget to mention that I own a fantasy summer home in Portugal.  So sorry, let me go on:

Back in the real world I do actually own a giant green lamp much like this one, as well as a handmade woven stool.  Maybe If I ask Erin real kind and nice like she will spend the next several weeks on craigslist finding me all the other goodies I need to bring it all together.  The lamp is, like, a huge start, right?

A quick reminder:  while Erin is shopping craigslist, I will be laying here.  poolside.  at this very real summer  house that i very much own.

I also own a hanging chair almost identical to the one shown, so I’m feeling like recreating this in austin really isn’t much of a stretch.  are you with me?

Look!  I’m not the meany you thought I was.  I’ve laid down a second towel for erin to come join me once she has found everything on my list.  I’m pretty much the image of altruism.

A double dose of dastardly just opened a can of whoop ass on me, and I fear the only way to survive Monday + a face melting high of 108 degrees is to… hide. One of these places should do.

I actually have a super busy week of shopping with the inlaws coming up, and I’m hoping to shower you with progress pics of my own home as well as theirs very soon. I promise things are happening, but when it’s 108 degrees outside, things just happen verrrrrrry slooooooooowlllllly.

Later, taters. Have a great Monday!

[Roger Davies, Chahan Minassian, Ghislaine Vinas]

Wouldn’t it be nice if I actually bought something instead of just talking about buying something? Well, today is my birthday and I think I’m going to spend that capital on a fancy new bed. I’m currently agonizing over two options, and I know you fine people will happily tell me what to do. Let’s check out the playas:

I know I know, the styling and photography make me want to claw my eyes out, too. But this sucker is only $255 for a king from Overstock. I have black nightstands so I would definitely go with the black frame. It’s only 11 inches high which is ok, but it could be lower… maybe I could saw the legs off? I’m also worried about the corners jabbing my shins in the middle of the night.

Then there’s this guy from West Elm (thanks for the tip from kind commenter DMS). I love the proportions, and it’s only a shade over nine inches high, which is perfect. But it’s $400 (plus shipping and tax), and I’m not sure how I feel about the white with my black furniture…

You can kind of see my nightstands in this ugly picture I took for craigslist when I posted our bed for sale.

So, what do you guys think? Black or white? Or something else? I’m open to anything cheap and low slung platformy. Headboards need not apply because I think once lowered the bed will sit just beneath window. Then I can switch out the curtains for some roman shades and this room will be done. Hooray!

But first I need to choose a bed. Help.

Our bed keeps getting bigger, and something must be done about it. We upgraded to a pillow top king years ago and it was a life changing decision, but I wasn’t prepared for the rather epic proportions of our new purchase. I got over it. More recently we purchased a giant gel foam mattress topper, and it’s getting princess and the pea comical up in here… pretty soon I’ll be able to touch the ceiling while laying supine. I mean, the bed is so big I think it may go supernova on us. Critical mass time, dudes. What do we do?

So, I’m thinking the answer might be to put our bed on the floor. I just ordered yet another rug from ebay (rugaholics anonymous), and I be loving it. Except that the bed looks kind of like a houseboat floating adrift on the Persian Sea. Let us consider this conundrum and look at some options.

I don’t actually know if this bed is on the floor, but it may as well be.

I’ve long since given up on the idea of a headboard. Screw it.

It’s just going to be me and the bed. Oh, and Better Half Ben.

So what do we think? Should I pop that puppy off the supposedly low profile box springs and hunker down even lower?

Or is that look too dormy? Maybe I should get a platform?

Like, a 6″ tall platform?

[Mikel Irastorza, Magnus Persson, MR Architecture]

1!  Let me start with an update:  I bought a Persian rug!  I’m very excited and it should be arriving any day now.  I have a few other new items slowly making their way in and I’m looking forward to giving you a living room update very soon

2! Instead of looking at my crib, I’m going to take you on a pictures-only – zing! – tour of a house that will always and forever be better than mine, no matter how many Persian rugs I buy.

Ok, so not totally word-free.  I do want to say that this room has spoken directly to my heart.  The message:  you and me were made for each other.  The hanging chair and the blue rug with the blue stones are working for me in every way.  Also, I think Erin wants the couch in the back corner.

You know you want it.

Ok, so the kids room is a little too country-sweet for me.  But the rest has stolen my soul.  Next time I redo my house I’m going to do it like this one.  Brick by brick.