Anyhoodle, last weekend Erin and little Ike sensed my misery and sent me a link to this (yes, Ike sent the link too, I have proof):

Egads!!!  The full color laser light show mural was almost enough to defibrillate my weak ass back into action.  I followed the link action Erin and Ike were hooking me up with only to find (wait for it)… more murals!!

Be still my beating heart!  Mad genius Matt W Moore takes LLS magic to a whole new level with his layers of color and distorted perspective.  And you know what, he doesn’t just do murals

He has his own typeface (swoon),

A series of surfboards with his art gracing the bottom (who doesn’t, right?),

Some sweet t-shirt graphics for clothing line blood is the new black

and, of course, good old fashioned art

who can guess who’s bedroom these would look awesome in?  Hint:  it’s mine.

But seriously, I’m starting to wonder if the days are just longer in Maine, where Matt is from.  Maybe it’s something about all that syrup and lobster that makes him 12,000 times more productive and awesome than us lazy bones here in Texas.  I don’t know, but it’s really making me need a nap.  Right in front of some reality tv.

Related posts:

1. Laser Light Show Wins!
2. Color me bad
3. Repost: Color Me Bad

Well, whenever you get around to reading this, just know that I’m rooting for you. And to show my support, I’m shining some bright lights your way. I hope this post finds you soon.

Blizzards suck, but white can still be alright. Bambi helps. via Damian Russell

Then again, nasty weather is the perfect excuse to get cozy and snuggle. via Andrea Ferrari

Charlotte Perriand fixtures light up my life. via Living Etc

I’m sure the view from below is thrilling. via OWI

Ok, is it just me, or do those pendant lamps remind you of skin? via Andrea Ferrari

Message to Mother Nature. via Designage

Might as well… SIT! Go aheaaaaaad annnnnd siiit. via Damian Russell

Calling all trapeze artists and lion tamers. via Sasa Antic

I love this headboard idea. via Style Files

Elton John is such a weirdo. via Pillow Mint

Nevermind the neon love letter, check out the hot Yves Klein gold flake coffee table. Hubba hubba. via Eye Spy

Matthew Williamson’s neon lit stairway is pretty much the sole reason Benny Franklin got crazy with a kite during a lightning storm. Electricity is a beautiful thing. via Damian Russell

Alright people, let’s work together to kick Mother Nature’s ass and ensure there are no more natural disaster posts, because the only disasters we should be discussing are entirely domestic. Disasters like: Erin desperately needs a new couch! Erin is dying to move baby Ike’s crib out of her room! When can Karly remodel her kitchen?!

You know. Important stuff.

Related posts:

1. Light and Bright Feels So Right
2. Laser Light Show Wins!
3. Light Up My Life

Or it could say one of these other things… I’m open.

via Internetwork

via mirumir’s Flickr stream

via Aquabotic

via You Have Been Here Sometime

via lisabella’s Flickr stream

via Internetwork

Portrait of John Giorno

via Wooster Collective (hilarious image!)

If you had a giant neon rainbow perched atop your house, what would it say?

No related posts.

“I vote let’s credit not only the blogs where we nabbed the photos, and the photographers who took the shot, but also the designer of the chair, the stylist who put the room together and the artist who made the sculpture. This, of course means a lot more work for us bloggers, but I think ultimately the result will be a community-led education in Art and Design…”

Hey, I like that idea! Problem is, I’m kind of a dummy when it comes to painting, because I’m just a photographer by training and trade (wish I could have written that part very small and tiny like). But I’m a good sport, so let me hit you with my best shot:

Ellsworth Kelly in Aerin Lauder’s kitchen, via Elle Decor

Josef Albers (a print, I’m guessing) via The Brick House

Another gorgeous Ellsworth Kelly in a horribly photographed home via NYSD (thanks for the tip, Raina!)

Awesomely shaped Kenneth Noland painting in an otherwise sleepy room, via Apartment Therapy

The other half of that amazing Vogue Living Australia spread, featuring the rad work of Gemma Smith

Ok, pals, hopefully this was educational (but not in a high school chemistry class kind of a way). Now I’m going to get to work identifying the art I showed yesterday… oh, this is going to be good times!

No related posts.

Right.

If you read the NY Times story about 94 year old painter Carmen Herrera, you know that it took a lifetime for Herrera to get recognized for her paintings. She worked in anonymity with no expectation of fame or fortune for decades. I’m in awe of this. My personal vanity would never allow for such a thing, and my self confidence could never survive working in a vacuum.

Anyway, Carmen Herrera, this post is for you.

Elle Decor

Met Home

Cote Maison

Desire to Inspire

If the Lampshade Fits

Marie Claire Italia

New York Social Diary

Miles Redd

If the Lampshade Fits

Cote Maison

Met Home

Fawn Galli

Karl Anderson

Carmen Herrera in front of her paintings. I want to be this cool when I grow up.

Related posts:

1. You Make Life Worth Living, Etc.
2. Express Yourself
3. Mural Mural on the Wall

I have found myself in quite the home decorating pickle.  My fireplace has become an eye sore and I do not know where else to turn.  As you can see in the pictures at one time I had a screen covering my fireplace.  The screen was made by my grandfather and painted by my grandmother.  However, my 11 month old daughter has just started to crawl and pull things down on her, like heirloom screens for example.  We removed the screen and now there is a big black ashy pit staring back at me complete with cheap chain shades.  I need some suggestions for something stylish and baby safe to replace the screen.  I have thought about having a mantle built but my fireplace is stone and I am not sure how I would mount it on all the texture.  Also, it may appall your readers, but I have a naked picture of Burt Reynolds above my fireplace.  He was fun for awhile, but I’m ready to replace him.  I have debated on a large piece of art (possibly by my sister), several smaller prints in a cluster?  I’m just not sure and this whole fireplace overhaul is where I am hoping Design Crisis will come in.  Please oh please can you and your readers save me and help me find a cute, eclectic, kitschy and kid proof fire place.

Here is a shot of Jen’s living room:

A few things have changed since this photo was taken:  the carpet has been removed and now pretty medium-toned hardwoods lay in it’s place.  I’m sure she’s probably moved other stuff around, cuz that’s how she rolls but I can’t say for sure.

You can see that the fireplace is free standing, there are openings on either side leading to her Florida room.  Let’s get a closeup of the fireplace:

Burt Reynolds picture:  check, ashy pit: check and check.  Jen!  You called us just in time, let’s see what we can round up to help you out.

I searched far and wide for a stone fireplace like your own with a mantel, this is the closest I could find.  I really like how the wood is clean and simple.  If you go with a mantel, I think this is the way to go, the sleekness of the polished wood is a nice contrast to the heavy-textured stone.  If you’re worried about making and installing said mantel, I bet my honey bunny could help you out.

What do I think you should do with the fireplace?  Paint that sucker.  Ok, I know I’m going to lose some readers here, but this is where I stand on painted stone and brick:  Is your stone insanely beautiful?  If the answer is Yes, don’t paint it.  Are you planning to sell your house soon?  Again, if the answer is Yes, do not paint it.  Otherwise, it’s your dang house and you should do what makes you happy.

PS, never mind the rest of this dullsville room

Here is a before and after I found via the magic of the interwebs.  See what a dramatic (and amazingly wonderful) difference a couple coats of paint will make.  I know this is brick, not stone, but whateves, it’s pretty, so hush up.

I threw this picture in for good measure so we could see what a lovely coat of black paint will do for ya.  Although I’m pretty into the white, myself.

Let’s talk about what goes over the fireplace.  You know I love Burt Reynolds and will promise him my allegiance until the very end, but I think it’s time for him to relocate.  I put this picture up because I really dig the scale of the mirror over the fireplace.  If you decide not to do a mantel, I’d pick a piece that is taller than it is wide.  It will make the space that much more dramatic.  And Jen, you have a giant panda head in that room, don’t try to tell me you don’t like drama.

Speaking of drama, check out this artwork that frames the ENTIRE thing.  How do you do such a thing you ask.  Read on.

Remember once upon a time I posted this before and after of Diana’s fireplace?  My sweet little mattybear built a frame around the old brick fireplace (so no brick was harmed, brick lovers) then coated it in plaster.  You could do something similar and keep as is… OR you could paint the whole damn thing.  Your sister could create her masterwork, or you could cruise over to the east side and pile a bunch of hoodlums into that fancy new car of yours then let them go graffiti crazy on your new digs.

Ok, moving on to the ashy mess.  I’m not sure if you have the ballz to light a fire in this Texas heat, if you’re like me, it probably lies dormant 99% of the time.  I say, why don’t you just go ahead and bump that number up to 100 and trick the inside of it out?

The now defunct Domino magazine suggested lining your fireplace with wallpaper then throwing in some hot pink logs for good measure.  I am in love with this idea.  Always have been, always will be.

Another Domino suggestion was to put a mirror inside the fireplace.  Could be good.

Or you could be a little more practical and fill it with logs.  Feel free to paint them multiple colors.

I saw this picture about a hundred years ago and thought of you, Jen.  If you do decide to do a mantel, I believe this is what the top of it will look like.   I imagine you pairing this with a fireplace filled with bowling balls or perhaps some trophies from your extensive vintage trophy collection, or, even better, you can use this as an excuse to start a whole new collection.  Swoon!

If, for some ungodly reason, you do use your fireplace here in the Lone Star state, I found a few screens for you to consider.  Both of the above are from Target and they’re both pretty lame but…

A quick coat of paint later and they’re pretty spectacular.  I’m guessing the option on the right is slightly more baby-safe.  Maybe just a little.

Also, if you decide to go this route, be sure to look into heat resistant paint.  I know they make it and this is probably the time to use it.

(ps, find these screens un-photoshopped at Target here and here)

Here are a few more screens I found on the interwebs, all varying in price and baby-safeness.  Feel free to paint as needed.  Clockwise from top left:

Muskoka Onyx Fireplace screen $79.99 at Target

Fireplace Screen by Peter Maly $460 at Unica Home

Handmade Lacquer Screen $231 at Overstock

Vestal Firescreen, price upon request (ahem) at Lyle and Umbach

And just for fun, I took the liberty of making some mockups of your new fireplace:

The most conservative option:  white stones with natural logs and a large piece of black and white art hung over the fireplace.  The piece shown here is by David Ostrowski

Still white, but now with a piece by Jen’s sister, Hope, over some hot pink logs

And finally, Jen’s fireplace with a white mantel and the crazy collection I know only she is capable of both finding and styling so it looks insane.  In a really really good way.

Alrighty readers, what do you think Jen should do with her fireplace?  Want to know more about what she has in her house before you can make a life decision?  Check out her home tour on apartment therapy here.

Jen, keep us posted!  We want to see the afters!

Related posts:

1. Before and (sorta, kinda) after: Diana’s Fireplace
2. Our Horrid Room: A Design Confession
3. Dear God, Please Let Everyone Like This Post

So we can get a sectional seduction
So I can get a sectional seduction
So we can get a sectional seduction
Sectional seduction

It might be high priced
But it’s all about me, me, me
Just can’t buy from the mall
I don’t want to get fleeced, fleeced, fleeced

And all that I’ll ever do
is lounge on her seat, seat, seat
And watch HDTV
And go back to sleep, sleep, sleep

Cause I done got a
Sectional seduction
Sectional seduction
Sectional seduction
Sectional seduction

I’m gonna take my time
I’m not gonna rush to buy
I’m gonna take it slow
I can’t spend out of control

If you don’t know by now
Erin Dogg is a freak, freak, freak
I keep a hot couch with me
Seven days out of the week, week, week

And all that I’ll ever do
is lounge on her seat, seat, seat
And watch HDTV
And go back to sleep, sleep, sleep

Cause I done got a
Sectional seduction
Sectional seduction
Sectional seduction
Sectional seduction

I was up in the store havin’ a look, loungin’ all sweet
When I peeped this little freak out
I was all on the sale when Togo corner couch came out
Then she hit the floor, now

With a low pitched seat, leather, bright white style
Lookin’ good enough to eat
And a playa know if I take her home
With that real soft squish, you so right I’m gon’ sleep

So I approached the sofa I liked the most
Nice curves on her with some hot lil pillows
I whispered in her ear, “Lil momma, what you cost?
I know that you’re not cheap
but for sure I ain’t gon’ say no”

My new couch is outrageous
We got into the crib and exchanged some love faces
And even though Hunny knows it cost a ton
Now he wants to buy me a matching one

Sectional seduction
Sectional seduction
Sectional seduction
Sectional seduction (all the time, any time)

Click to play the original song. I dare you not to think about couches.

(Sources: 1. Roche Bobois 2. Karl Anderson 3. Cappellini 4. Richard Powers 5. Living Etc 6. Shoot Factory 7. Ligne Roset 8. Elle Decor 9. Met Home 10. Ligne Roset 11. Light Locations 12. Met Home 13. De Sede)

No related posts.

Last night, Karly emailed to tell me that I have 674 Craigslist postings bookmarked. I thought to myself, “Ha, I’ve likely deleted more than twice that many.” So, let’s see… that makes over 2000 postings that have caught my gimlet eye in the last year.

I think I have a problem, people. But I’m pretty sure it’s not my fault.

(via Weather Sealed)

Just look at the history of Crayola colors. At the turn of the (last) century, there were only eight colors. EIGHT. Period. In the last 100 years, the choices have exponentially multiplied, so that I can’t even count all the tiny little bars to tell you how many colors there are now. See there? The choices are uncountable. The variations and combinations thereof — innumerable. And those are just stupid crayons. Imagine how many sofas, white paint colors, and wallpaper patterns, there are today.

Maybe I should time travel back to 1903, with its eight-color palette, and order my sofa from the Sears Roebuck catalog, whitewash the woodwork, and wallpaper… with the Sears Roebuck catalog. Which would be fine, except for one tiny detail.

There’s no Craigslist.

No related posts.

Tonight while cruising the interwebs I found these photographs of abandoned insane asylums by Rob Dobi.  His series, New England Ruins, restores hope that one day (cross your fingers!!!) enough of those ABQ knuckle heads will finally get their act together and vote that awesome institution into the #1 slot it deserves.

I put this picture first to remind you dudes not to be scared, despite the fact that the following pictures are so creepy that there is a 100% chance that our blog is haunted now.

Also, how bizarre is it that this message, stenciled onto a wall, was supposed to remind the cuckoo residents to keep it chill?

Rob has also shot several abandoned schools, hospitals, medical centers, homes, mills and other spaces in the New England area.  Every shot is stunning.  See them here.

No related posts.

My lighting obsession forced me to load up The Hunny and Ike and drive waaaaaaaaaaaay far away, to the southern wilds of Austin, where this golden whale of a lamp was patiently awaiting escape from its scary creepy, soon to be ex, owners. Thank goodness I was able to rescue it.

Happily it was not terribly abused, although it has some fritzy wiring issues (exposed wires: dangerous, or super dangerous for children?), and it’s a lil dented, and the odd scuff and scrape mar its gorgeously golden visage, but you know what? She is beautiful to me.

Look! Another picture of her… photo overkill? Well, too damn bad. I’m pretty excited about the way she frames the room. Also, the purchase of this lamp allowed me to get rid of two other lamps that were annoying me. Also, you are not allowed to make fun of the twisty lamp on the console, because even though it, too, is annoying, it’s only temporary. Let’s face it — next month this will probably look like a totally different room.

Since I bought the arc lamp, I had to do something with the living room lamps, so they went into our bedroom. But then I had to do something with the old bedroom lamps, so they went into Ike’s room. Aww, look, two bald eagles are keeping watch over the guest bed in Ike’s room — the room that doesn’t even have a crib in it because Ike is still sleeping in our room. That’s another, totally different, story, but it does explain why I don’t have any pictures of the lamps in our bedroom (because I didn’t feel like cleaning it, and also there is a giant crib in the middle of the room that will probably never, ever leave. Sigh).

Anyway, I couldn’t just stop with the lamp because I was getting used to the feel of money flying out of my pockets, so I bought this crazy ass smoked glass diamond mirror thing, which I thought was going in the hallway…

But duh, even a ding dong could tell that it’s way too big for the space. Now what am I going to do with that stupid mirror? It’s not wide enough to go over the console table. Obviously I am out of shopping practice.

For absolutely no reason I am ending this post with a gratuitous picture of Brian, because he is such a handsome boy, and he makes me happy.

Hope y’all enjoyed the fruits of my shopping labors. I worked REALLY HARD at buying these fine, fine items, but now I am broke and will have to make do with spraypaint and ingenuity for the time being. Don’t worry — I’ll find something to paint if it kills me. I’m on a roll.

Related posts:

1. Will I Ever Get Sick of the Horse Lamp?
2. Magical Mystery Tour
3. Magical Mystery Tour