Artist: Amy Richards

One Saturday in October, when it happened to be my birthday, some of my sweet friends and I met for breakfast at our local go-to coffee shop. Every so often on Saturdays, the shop hosts "pop-up markets" in the parking lot where local creatives can set up a booth to market their wares. There are always a few hand-letterers, some jewelry makers, and several artists among others. But this particular Saturday, I discovered an artist/illustrator that I hadn't seen there before. I kept coming back to her table throughout the morning. I just couldn't get enough of Amy Richard's paintings because they are so sweet and cheery, and everything she had to sell was reasonably priced. Check out her Etsy shop here!

My favorite is her watercolor Queen Anne's Lace:

I love her fruit and veggie prints too! I would be so happy to see these hanging in my kitchen:

 And how cute would these farm animals be for a nursery? 

The next pop-up market at Sola Coffee Cafe is coming up! Check their events page for information on live music, their "Sola Hot-Mini 5K" race and more.

Recent Obsession: Kelly Green

I've always considered myself a blue and coral kind of a girl - navy stripes, light blue oxfords, coral scarves, etc. However, I recently purchased this shirt at Target, and have found myself loving the Kelly Green color! Since then, I've noticed my pinterest boards reflecting this newfound love for green. Here are some of my current favorites:

Tulip Top | Earrings | "Make Your Mark" Monogram | Tassel Key Fob 

Monogrammed Pennant | Wool Dress | Tassel Necklace | Throw Pillow

Monogrammed Plate | Coffee Table Book | Monogrammed Baseball Cap 

Artist: Emily Jeffords

I used to nanny for family who had some of the prettiest original paintings hung all over the house. Each one portrayed a coastal scene - sailboats moored to docks or dunes on a beach - which I loved! One day I realized that the signature on each painting was that of the mom of the little guy I was nannying! I was struck by how much of an impact a piece of original artwork has on a room, and I thought about her paintings when a friend of mine mentioned that she wants to invest in some original artwork for her new house. We both agreed that original paintings add so much warmth to a room. Not only that, but our conversation also turned to how much we would like to support artists whose work we enjoy.

Recently, I discovered Emily Jefford's artwork on Etsy. I am no connoisseur, but I do love the colors and textures that she uses. Maybe one day I'll be able to add a piece or two of hers to my decor.

Check out Emily's blog and Istagram!

Apartment Update: Staying

After living in our apartment for a little over a year, it's really starting to take shape and come together. When we first moved in, I went a little overboard as the self-proclaimed "decorator." I have since realized I am no such thing. (Shout-out to C for being so patient with me.) When it was time to either renew our lease or move to a new place, C and I opted to try a new look before deciding and we ended up loving it! We still have a couple of plans in the works, but the place is so much more cozy now!

Remember what it looked like before?

Apartment Update: Art

I was looking around the apartment the other day and realized how much art adds to the feel of a space. We still have a couple bare walls that could use a little frame or two, but for now, they are just fine the way they are. Here's a quick peek at some of the ways we've covered the walls around here so far.

{This one painted by my lovely roommate!}

 In addition to frames and art, having some greenery on the walls somehow makes the place feel fresh. I love the wreaths we have hanging around the apartment.

Also, who says every frame has to have something in it?!

This frame hung empty in my bedroom for years growing up. I kind of like it that way - just by itself.

Recent Obsession: Blue and White

My mom has a simple phrase she uses to describe her style choices. Her house is full of colors, patterns, furniture, and plates that "make her smile." I know that she doesn't consider herself stylist or decorator, but I think her philosophy is pretty solid: if it makes you smile, you can make it work. For some reason, blue and white - stripes especially - make me smile. The combination is just so fresh and clean, I can't help it!

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 

Apartment Update

I'm beginning to understand that wherever I live, I will probably never feel "finished" decorating - it's more of an ongoing (as in, forever) process. But, now the new place has begun to feel cozy and much more like home. The living room is definitely my favorite room in the apartment. My roommate and I didn't know we would have a fireplace until we walked in on move-in day, but, let me tell you, it has already been put to good use!

Here is a peek at what it looked like when we first moved in:

Here's a glimpse of my view nowadays:

The wreath above the mantel is by far my best purchase to date, despite what others may say about my hanging it over the mirror. You know who you are...

Inspiration

Moving comes with some major perks: deciding on furniture and decor, for example. All those hours on Pinterest will finally pay off! Here are a few living spaces that have caught my attention lately:

 Emily Henderson's adorable first apartment.

Keri Russel's Brooklyn living room featured on Elle.

Laura Bateman's D.C. apartment featured on The EveryGirl.

And this cozy little corner from Domino.

Hopefully, I'll be able to post pictures from my own little apartment soon!