House Beautiful

Tag Archive for 'bixby and ball'

Currently Loving…

You guys know this drill… it’s that time of the month (no, not that one) where over coffee & with Gus underfoot, I unload all the design // fashion // life inspo goodness from my phone onto our little blog.  There’s great stuff in here, but it’s organized in an obnoxiously overstuffed Nordstrom Rack-rack fashion (sahhhhreee)… meaning yoooou lucky little ducks (!)  Yer gonna have to pick through all of it to get to the goods 🙂  You can turn on Karrie’s latest & greatest Spotify mix and grab yourself a cup of coffee before you get rollin.  Here she blows:

Tee up the U-Haul.  I’m moving in immediately.  LOOK AT THE SHAKES, and the copper gutters, and the blue shutters which are the most perfect shade of not-navy-but-not-marine-blue I’ve ever seen.

front window and shutters

front window, shutters and replacing gutters

Same goes with this.  What in the..

dream house

This tile slays me to no end.  I’m sort of confused about the rotating mamas in these pics (next thing you know, there’ll be a pic of me giving Gus a bath in that tub floating around Pinterest), but I’m obsessed and can’t pin down the source.  It’s some kinda encaustic tile… any ideas?

this tile that tile again

encaustic tile

WHAT IS IT????  Is this it?  I pulled this from the archives of my phone from the last time I was at Ann Sacks:

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And this one (similar but clearly a different breed) from Amiel’s desk at Country Floors (WHAT UP HOLMES??!)… love him.

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The best upholstered bed EVA, on the cheap, courtesy of Tar-jay.  We just put this in Karrie’s master at Casa CL.  Normally, buying things like upholstered furniture from Target would give me the scaries, but this proved to be an amazing score.  We did it in Linen Talc.

Skyline Upholstered

All I ever wanted to wear, all summa long.

spaghetti strap

Major truth.  And majorly scary.  But chances are, majorly worth it.  Can’t think of a time I’ve ever shut my eyes and taken a leap when I’ve regretted it.  Something good always comes.

scary to jump

I lied.  I’d like to wear this on Saturday nights.  To a tea party.  In Neverneverland.

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Please take me to there and tee me up a latté.

makes me so happy

There are trends out there that – albeit beautiful – have been did more times than Debbie Does Dallas… Moroccan rugs (I have one – guilty!), batik pillows (I love them but I seriously can’t see another one) and the like.  But you know what I’m not sick of yet?  African sea glass beads.  I ran into oodles of noodles of these at the Pasadena Flea Market a few weeks ago, and I wasn’t one bit mad.  I want these lilac bad boys to hang over my big fat gold lamp base.

african purple and sea glass beads

Just a super unique ceramic lamp via Mark D. Sikes, who does no wrong, ever.

lamp mark d sikes

It doesn’t matter how many times Pinterest goes: “Psst!  You’ve already pinned this pin!”  I always repin it anyway b/c that’s how much I love this kitchen.

kitchen

Snug as a damn bug in a rug, I love him so much it hurts.

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Something to remember.  In a sea of Instagram chicks who are legit stunning and a dating pool that’s like The Hunger Games, it is NOT hard to feel like you wanna airbrush your whole self, and maybe your life.  But, mmmmaybe don’t.  My best friend from college told me the other day that I was cute, but that that was the absolute dumbest thing about me (meaning, I have way better qualities that have nothing to do with that).  Maybe the nicest semi-backhanded compliment ever, and twas a good reminder to be yourself and be kind, and that that’s all that really matters in the end.

good heart

Those chairs.  I die.

chairs

As cement tiles go, there are a few patterns that are REAL played out.  This isn’t one of ’em.  I would think seriously about installing this vertically, maybe behind a bar.  With floating shelves over it.  And an unlacquered brass faucet.  OMG, I just let out a little pee.

cement tile shop

Only the best outfit I’ve ever seen.

best outfit ever

Another good reminder.  It’s not easy to do, but not one bad thing has ever happened when I’ve done this.

don't be in a rush

These might weigh more than me and split my earlobes, but I think they’re worth it.

moda operandi earrings

Love this Robert Allen fabric, posted up here for $13/yard.  RUN.  Now.

robert allen fabric

I need some purple mascara in my rotation, stat.

purple mascara

Probably some of this too.  You know I love my Burt’s Bee’s in Wink, but in pics it makes me look washed out.  Like my lips blend in with mah FACE.  This might not have a much different effect, but it’s worth a shot.

perfect lipstick

Please let my backyard magically transform into this.

patio haven

Painting your trim & baseboards isn’t for the faint of heart, but I do love how this turned out.

paint the trim

A kermit-tipped mani also isn’t for the faint of heart, but I’d take it for a spin.

nail ideas

OMG, I die every time I see this.  Karrie affectionately refers to me as “Wabbit.”  If I ever procreate, I’m dressing my kid in this Peter Cottontail get-up.

my kid

Love the mustard off-the-shoulder number.

mustard off shoulder

HOPERS – can we do this for our next Boho Yard Party??!

boho camp

I snapped this lamp up from a yard sale down the street from Karrie’s new house. Fun Fact: the lady who owned it was Lionel Richie’s old assistant, and it came from his house.  It’s about four parts hideous and one part amazing.

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The pendant lights – I CANNOT EVEN.  I get a tickle in my shorts when I spy lighting I haven’t seen before (because when you have to source for clients all the time, you get sick of seeing the saaaaaaaaame thing 900x).  These two-toners are money in the bank.

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My new favorite textile line / designer.  Hey girl heeeeeeeey.

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You know I can’t stay away from anything white, white or beige with a funky texture. Love this guy.  By way of my home slices at DRC San Diego.

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Can. She. Ever. Do. Wrong.

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Get in my house.

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Get on my ear lobes.

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Literally looks like what my life in So Cal feels like.

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I do miss Charleston.  I always thought I’d move back there someday… never say never, but for now, I’m great OD-ing on nostalgia a little every time I see a pic like this of downtown.

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Processed with VSCO with e2 preset

Snapped these up a few weeks ago at the Rose Bowl Flea Market for Karrie’s master bedroom.  They’re enormous and so lovely in person.

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Shouldacouldahwouldah snapped up these vintage lamps, too.

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This girl had her flea marketing outfit on point.  I won’t even bother showing you what mine looked like that day, which was a cross between soccer mom function + Fraggle Rock.  But for reals.  It’s like, 110 degrees out there.

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New favorite nail color that’s (are you sitting down for this?) not Essie Adore-A-Ball, but a still-neutral perfect for summer peach… (Cuccio’s “Life’s a Peach”).

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Dangerously close to trying to put this into a kid’s bath in a Vegas remodel I’m doing, for the coolest client EVER with Anthro-Refined-Boho taste.  I’ve seen a similar pattern at Ann Sacks (see below), but love the green in this one that Jessica Risko Smith mocked up.  Kudos, GF.

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Let’s go on a tile tangent, shall we?  I have no idea where I’d put this, but Sonoma Tilemakers’ colors and materials literally knock me down with a feather, every time.

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GASP.  I hate to go so bananas about brass but man.  Insert brass + some bleached wood and you’ve got a party.

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Kelly Nutt is another designer with a dreamy Insta.  Follow her for sho.

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Kelly Wearstler for Ann Sacks.  #nomnomnom

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Love the cute baby hex tile almost as much as I love that chick’s shoes.

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TRUER WORDS HAVE NEVER BEEN SPOKEN.  The struggle is real, people.

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LOVE.

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Kantha pillows I snagged from the flea market for Karrie’s nook.

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I forgot this is THE BEST CHEESE EVER until I ate the entire display at the market across from Casa CL a few weekends ago.  Whoops.

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Good fillers for accessorizing beachy bookshelves.

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Kate Marker is a good insta follow.  I always end up loving what she posts, like this little ditty.

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A burl wood bar + that tile?  Yah.

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Kelly Nutt for the win.

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Je voudrais, via DRC San Diego.

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Je voudrais aussi.  And aussi via DRC.  I’m a franglais poet for realz.  In a wee wallpapered closet or powder bath??  C’MAHHHN.

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What is this glorious tape/trim that costs more than my left nut?  Love.  Down the lead edge of some drapery panel done in a small contrasting print?  Done.

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Another case for open shelving.  As if we ever needed more.

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Super cute and a bit Les Indiennes, sans le price tag.  OMG j’am on a roll.

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This dining room is everything.  It’s not even totally my style but I can’t help myself.

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My girl Betsy at Bixby doin’ it right!!  This marble-topped pedestal table is perfection.

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Via the most perfect(ly snooty) lighting shop on Melrose that makes me feel like a kid from the other side of the tracks every time I go in, cuz nobody will EVER talk to me. It’s like the Julia Roberts / Pretty Woman scene where the ladies who work there are like: “That wouldn’t fit you… it’s VERY EXPENSIVE.”  I care not one flip.  Look how amazing their lighting is.

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Like trying to choose a favorite star in the sky.

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Shouldahcouldahwouldah bought these from the Arteriors on Melrose when they were on super clearance.  But, I bought Gusgus diapers instead.

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Uh, I’d like to take a nap there please.

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Always a great reminder, ‘spesh when you’re not sure what’s what.

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Love, love love for summer.

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I popped into this boutique on the Jersey Shore a few years ago during a work trip, and their buyers have cherry picked the most amazing batch of clothing & accessories, ever.  Thank GYAH you can buy stuff off their insta.  And this sweater makes me ALL KINDS OF STOKED for Fall.

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If you aren’t following my friend Erika Gervin of South Harlow Interiors on Instagram and in real life, you’re missing out.  She’s one of those people you meet and instantly love… last summer, I was at a girls (or, I guess we’re ladies – whatever) networking thing (that culminated in a Magic Mike II viewing), but the point is, I was talking to her in line for popcorn, and she had just left her super big girl marketing job to branch out on her own in design.  She had no formal training, just major talent and major confidence in herself.  I started reading through my mental laundry list of why it would be so scary for me to branch out on my own and she goes: “GURL.  Just do it.  If I can do it you can do it!”  And I tell you.  When I was about to jump off the little cliff and go out on my own, what she had said to me 6 months before was ringing in my ears.  Anyhow.  She bought this rug for herself and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so perfect, or ever seen anything like it again.  See?  Girl’s got great taste.

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The sweet Gus-cousin who took a nap on my feet last week on the street in Crested Butte.  Look at those eyes (!)

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That’s all I got!  Happy Sunday to you sweetie pies.

xoxo,

Steph's Scanned Signature

 

Goodwill Hunting, San Diego Style

Palm Trees, San Diego | Covet Living
If you’ve ever sniffed at this blog, then you know I have a deep affinity for scouring estate sales, antique stores and thrift stores for diamonds in the rough.  All over my house(s) lie shiny turds that I’ve polished into golden nuggets.  Like these guys:

(BARNWOOD FRAME, $10, via a pile in some antique store.  DRESSER, $125, via Habitat for Humanity in Mt. Pleasant, SC.)

Antique Dresser and Barnwood Frame

(BUFFET before version via a Salvation Army somewhere in Columbus, OH that I should’ve NE-VER walked into without a bulletproof vest, $25)

Goodwill $25 buffet

(BUFFET after version – see it behind the settee! – in my C-bus dining room.  The table was $30 on Craigslist and I refinished it the night before Thanksgiving Day one year for extra seating…  gold tipped flutes were $0.50 from Goodwill…  you get the idea.)

Columbus Dining Room

(VINTAGE DRESSER, $40 via High Street consignment shop in C-bus, sandblasted and shellac’d in green.)

Green Dresser 1

Green Dresser 2
…you get the idea.  It pays to go thrifting!  It had been awhile since I’d ventured out and waded through piles of misfit furniture, or had one of those perfectly indulgent fiddle-faddling weekends, so that’s what I did: made zero plans except to sleep in, take Gus dog to the beach, go to yoga, drink a whole pot of coffee while I get lost in the glistening sea of Pinterest, peruse the Cedros Design District, hit up Mexican + Margs with a girlfriend…  then hit a gaggle of new thrift stores on Sunday.  Those kind of weekends are to me what March Madness is to dudes – utter bliss.  Anyhow – kids (!)  Purell your hands & put on your big girl pants – cuz we’re going thrifting.

CEDROS DESIGN DISTRICT, Solana Beach

First, let’s clarify: there’s nothing entirely thrifty about this little North County slice of heaven – peppered with vintage finds and John Robshaw pillows and sparkly gems – but it’s a good source of inspiration, and it’s where I spent my Saturday afternoon. Plus Solo was having their annual sale, so that counts… sorta.

SOLO

I bought that vintage “pas de bon cafe sans chicoree williot” jar.  $88 $20.

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I need to find candlesticks just so I can pop some of these pretty tapers in them.

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Salvaged metal turned cool frame.  Solid addition to any Bachelor Pad.

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These are kinda funky but a friend of mine in Charleston used to make them, too. They’re decorative vinyl “rugs” – perfect if you have a rental with a godawful/unsightly, say, kitchen floor you can’t do anything to overcome.  Just cover it up with one of these.  I think they were about $45.

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The sweetest little peanut who wanted to take Gus home with her.

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Little hearts to corral your jewelry on the bedside table.  Or coins.  Or gold teeth – whateva.

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I always scour Solo for kantha quilts, since they did me so proud on the prettiest one I ever saw that I made into euro pillows.  This bluesy denim-hued one was cool, but pricey at $148.

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PS – this is also the place where we got the Bolivian blanket to re-do Karrie’s dining chairs in.  Did you miss that post?  Here she blows.

karrie's dining chair redo

Kinda greyish/kinda greenish seeded glass margarita glasses.

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Kewl tumblers.

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Sharon & Gus also fell in love – right by the back door and the Bolivian blankets. She’s one of the sweet ladies who works at Solo.

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Favorite sighting of the day.  These glorious occasional cane chairs.  Which would be perfect anywhere… opposite a living room sofa, as host chairs in a dining room, in the window in a bedroom with a little footstool.  I die.

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BIXBY & BALL

Love the shape and patina of these wood trays.

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The Wall of Robshaw never disappoints.  I usually just walk in that little vignette and stare at it awhile.  The kaleidoscope of color is also a reminder that sometimes, when you put together all the things you love in one space, it just works.  And the curtains don’t *always* have to match the drapes if you know what I mean.

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That chair + that pillow = serenity.

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-BRICK LANE-

…the little shop next to Lockwood Table – always good to peruse while you’re waiting to be sat for brunch.  They have a good selection of kanthas as well (a huge stack)…  some are new – which also means they’re stiffer/not as soft, and that they haven’t been washed a million times and the color could bleed or fade, so I skip those and go for the vintage ones.

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Hey Gus – make yourself at home, buddy.

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I found this one at the bottom of the stack.  The colors are perfection, and it’s gorgeous on both sides – usually kanthas are fugly on at least one side.  This is one of the best ones I’ve ever seen.

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I bought it thinking I’d upholster something with it, but I think I’m gonna leave it as is at the foot of my bed.  Oh hey Gus!  Comfy?  Can I get you a cocktail?

Steph's Cali Bedroom | Covet Living

CASA MACHADO

If you haven’t been to this little hidden gem that overlooks the Montgomery airport, you gotta put it on your list.  If only for the jet fuel margs and the carnitas tacos.

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That’s my friend Hope before we hit up the Mexican joint (note how gorgeous she is sans makeup).  Gus feels like he has to clobber her every time she comes over.  Also super pumped that he dug for treats in the dirty clothes basket to bring her.

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RARE BIRD CONSIGNMENT HOUSE

This place is a good little staple that should be in everyone’s diet.  Not cheap but not unreasonable.  Always has great finds.  Someone should go snag these little mirrored cubes stat.

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This is also the place where I found these cane chairs a few months back.  See what I mean?  The owner/buyer/whomever has a great eye.

vintage cane chair - rare bird

EMPIRE CONSIGNMENT & THRIFT

This is one where you’ll wanna bust out your Purell, cuz yer gonna haftah dig and it may not be pretty.  And it kinda smells like the mothballs in Grandma’s attic.  But everything is currently 20% off of already reasonable prices.  So there’s that.

I bought this 6-piece set of Midcentury campaign furniture (there’s also an armoire, headboard, and a chest of drawers).  It was a STEAL.  Plus it’s been awhile since I dusted off my power sander and pulled a Bob Vila, so I figured it was time.

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Chair – about $69.  That sucker’s begging to be spray painted and reupholstered.

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Funky artwork / an easy addition to a gallery wall.  I think this was <$10.

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Demi-lune entry table, just over $100.  If I needed one, this would’ve been a goody to revamp.  But the finish is in great shape as is.

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MATTSON CO ESTATE LIQUIDATION & THRIFT

I didn’t buy anything here, but there were a few cool pieces.  It’s a consignment shop downstairs and a thrift store upstairs.

Asian brass coffee table, $150.  I don’t need one, but it was definitely boss.

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Antique walnut headboard.  It wasn’t priced, but the ones around it were not $$.  Maybe $25.  I’d lacquer this thing in white and pop it in a sweet little girl’s room.

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I mean, maybe if Cleopatra had a baby this would be fun hanging in a frame over the crib?  I love the colors.

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Antique armoire.  There were a pair of these and this was the smaller of the two.

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I think you would have to juxtapose this with something modern and a little edgy in the room to keep it from going too WWII era-Granny (like this baller Mid-Century Modern Lucite + String fella from Chairish, or some Tord Boontje garland lights hanging over the nightstands or something – know what I mean?)

Midcentury Lucite and String Light, Chairish | Covet Living

Danish console, $1499.  NOT a thrift store-esque price but solid, in great shape and definitely worth the $.  About 90″ long which makes it a perfect living room console.  They’re getting ready to have it professionally refinished, which will drive the price up some.

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I was surprised to find a few antique Turkish Kilims there too.  The light was funky in there so the photos don’t reflect how rich and gorgeous the colors really were.

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That’s all I got!  Hope you guys had a great weekend 🙂  I’ll keep you posted on my Geppetto-esque progress on the campaign furniture.  I’m going to have to buy out Lowes’ stock of sandpaper, and probably rent out an industrial space to do it, but they’ll be fab when they’re finished!

xoxo,

Steph's Scanned Signature