Project Nursery: Seeing Stars

These amazing hand-painted gold stars, contrasted against Light Mint (Benjamin Moore), are the starting point for a Whimsical Woodland themed nursery for a little girl.  I love that the mom-to-be (MTB) choose unexpected mint-green for her daughter's nursery.  The nursery is in progress, but I'm infatuated with these stars and just had to share (stay tuned for an update on the finished nursery).  For the step by step tutorial on the stars, see below. 

But, first, here's the overall vision for the nursery.  Whimsical Woodland foxes, feathers and arrows mixed with chevron graphics for a modern twist.  See the full Pinterest mood board for the nursery at: https://www.pinterest.com/lilpavotcitron/as-nursery/

Inspired by this Sissy+Marley Lucky Star wallpaper but not wanting the permanency of wallpaper, the MTB (after much debate with the DTB) designed a strategy for painting crisp stars in an organized chaos pattern.  Beginning with star stencils, the MTB layed out the stars in a grid pattern on the wall and then painstakingly painted each stenciled star.  Disclaimer from the MTB, this project required a staggering amount of man hours.

To create your own starry room, here's what you'll need:

• Ralph Lauren Gold Regents Metallic Finish 1
• Star stencils (create your own out of contact paper)
• Green Frog tape
• Elmer's Glue or Mod Podge
• Yardstick

Step 1: Lay out the stencils on the wall using a yardstick to equally space the stars, and secure stencils to wall with painter's tape. (Hint - start in the middle of the wall and space outwards and stagger top star of each column, placing star at top of wall for every other column and placing star in the middle of the row for the next column)

Step 2: Seal interior edges of stencil with two coats of Elmer's glue or Mod Podge to ensure crisp painted stars.  If using Elmer's glue, dilute with water so that the ratio is 3 parts glue, 1 part water. (Tip - Mod Podge is more expensive that Elmer's glue, which can be found at the Dollar Store)

Step 3: Using a mini rolling paintbrush, roll three coats of paint over the stenciled star outlined. (Hint - allow paint to dry at least 1-2 hours between coats)

Step 4: While the paint is damp, remove the stencil.  Voila! Starry perfection. (Hint - allow paint to dry for 1 hour and use a razor blade to remove star-tips of stencil)

Stay tuned for pics of of the finished nursery.

A Simple Valentine's

Last weekend at the Flea, I stumbled upon this lovely Valentine's table setting - antique French tartine pans turned into chargers, layered with old fashion goodness.  I love it's simplicity, rawness, and subtle homage to Valentines with the red stripes in the antique linen.  This raw setting is the perfect counterbalance to a holiday known for its manufactured love.  To all you love birds, enjoy today and everyday.

{Image by Brooklyn Boheme}

{Obligatory} Posh Pink

It's the Friday of Valentines weekend and pink is formally upon us.  While I am not a pink kind of girl (grey generally suits my mood and fashion...hence, "j'adore Dior"), I would be remiss if I did not recognize the decor phenomenon of pink posh.  A vibrant dramatic hue that pairs well with modern graphics, gilded details, crisp whites and even moody gray, and reads anything but juvenile.

{via 1stDibs}

{via Marcus Design}

{via La Dolce Vita}

{via Pretty Pink Tulips}

{via The Southern Eclectic}

Dreaming of Spring - Fade to Blue

I don't know if it's the break in the El Niño rain or the glorious sunshine we're experiencing this weekend in San Francisco, but I'm dreaming of Spring.  Nothing says Spring to me like a faded blue - from robin's egg to Marie Antoinette-worthy blue.  These ethereal blues are singing to me right now, and I feel like cocooning myself in their soft chalkiness until Spring actually arrives.  You won't find any moody blues here! 

A blue ceiling brings life to this otherwise monochromatic room.  {via MyDomaine}

This is Spring - Marie Antoinette blue, delicate lacework and baby flowers. {via Haute Design}

Modern blue tile reminiscent of a Moroccan riad brings a youthful providence to this room. {via Apartment Therapy}

Blue freshens-up this antique armoire.  {via Haute Design}

Saturated in blue and grounded in gold - what's not to love? {via Elle Decor}

{via House of Turquoise}

Dreamy blue drapes paired with antique French chairs, set against a Chinoiserie wall - add a tray of macaroons and this is my decor dream sequence. {via Haute Design}

An inviting blue entrance - love that milky glass modern chandelier. {via Atlanta Homes}

These blue mid-century chairs breathe life into this antique white space. {via Happy Interior}

I love the muted Asian screens against the blue sofa. {via Veranda}

How could you not feel happy walking through this blue threshold? {via House of Turquoise}

These blue chairs contrasted against the dark brown wall are like Spring emerging from Winter...oh, and those books in the fireplace, pure genius. {via Jonathan Adler}

Bold Stripes: A Kid-Friendly Living Room Transformation

This weekend's treasure haunts yielded two boldly striped interior finds and a new favorite store in Sonoma that I'm excited to share with you.  It all started with this black and white stylish teepee (who knew that was possible!) that I found at Home Goods for $40.  Trolling the post-holiday clearance aisles of Home Goods is one of my favorite weekend workouts, and boy did it pay off this weekend.  The teepee transforms a corner of my living room into never land for my toddler, yet somehow still manages to meld with its surrounding decor in a non-offensive juvenile way.  The black and white gods must have been smiling down on me because then I stumbled upon this amazing black and white striped Moroccan pillow in Sonoma from what might be my new favorite store - Nomad Chic.  I love the chunky yellow tassels - not fragile and kid appropriate.  Two serendipitous black and white striped goods = a kid-friendly living room transformation on a decor dime.  All in a Sunday Shopping trip.

Nomad Chic is located in Sonoma's Cornerstone and features artisan works from around the world.  It's the second outpost of the successful outpost in Todos Santos, Mexico.
Nomad Chic, Cornerstone - 23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, California