Friday, May 17, 2013
If there’s one thing I enjoy it’s knowing I am treading identical turf as supremely talented individuals. It’s why I get a little flutter in my tummy whenever I come upon a stellar person living in Seattle. I get all, “O.M.G! They’re here too! Maybe I’ll bump into them on the street. Maybe we’ll become friends. Maybe I’ve already walked past them on the street!”
Pulp Design Studio. One part Seattle, one part Dallas, if we’re being technical. Let’s get abreast what they’re all about.
Here’s a sweet bedroom with a pink vibe that appeals to the young female set but doesn’t make you want to barf. There’s just enough quirk to make it interesting, as well.

The same goes for this next dressing room area. The art is all, “tra-la-la, I’m a lady,” while the chair remarks, “Konichiwa!” Or something.

This next shot is a real winner– I happen to massively enjoy the sunshiny yellow desk amidst the otherwise neutral palette.

Direct your attention, if you would, to this credenza, and, in particular, the detailing on its front. I can’t help but be reminded of those things I love so tenderly called jigsaw puzzles. Have I mentioned I’m hardcore into puzzling?

Okay, so to be fair, it’s difficult to judge whether this room draws its delightful charm from the well-appointed decor, or from the small person parked bed-side, but either way, you know?

Two more bedrooms, this one featuring a color contrast I quite enjoy by way of bedside table and lamp:

And this featuring a sort of rebellious take on the gallery wall. It’s like, “Who needs art when you’ve got frames?”

I have saved the best for last. Throw on your ski socks and graduation gown cause you’re about to get schooled in killer design.

The sunburst mirror, the chaise, the panelled walls peeking out from the room over.

And then I reach this final picture which causes me to say, “Oh, Pulp, I wish you would stop showing off.”

Okay little readers, so ends another week. Choose happiness, would you please?
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Hi there buds. Today I am so jazzed (I just wanted to see how it would feel to use that word) to be featuring a new series– Simple Systems.
Most everyone, organized and not, has developed ways, tactics, and solutions that are seemingly small, but that have a much larger impact, as they significantly increase the ease with which one functions in daily life. Those simple systems are almost always the most helpful content to share, as they illustrate how Living Simply begins with one small change. My hope is that by reading about others, you will find yourselves inspired to create Simple Systems of your own.
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Hi, I’m Amy and I live with my husband in a small townhouse without much extra space – the front door opens directly into the living room as you can see below. Here are 3 tiny tweaks we’ve made that are so easy and truly make life easier and more efficient each day.

1. A key bowl on the buffet/sideboard, and a tiny bowl for cuff-links. I used to loose my keys literally every single day – being one of those people who occasionally finds my phone in the fridge (like, what?) – but now we dump them there every time we walk in, and it has totally eliminated that problem.

2. A shoe rack. I never thought something like this would be a life changer, but it is. No more crazy last minute shoe-picking-up sessions before guests come over, and the living room rug stays cleaner.

3. Hooks. Again, crazy simple, but changing our lives especially in winter with scarves and coats.

From now on these things will be getting set up immediately in any house we move into! Game-changers.
Thanks for having me here to share, Annie!
For more Amy–> Five Kinds of Happy
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
A couple of weeks ago I wrote a post about Repurposed Wood Soda Crates. Today’s post is in a similar vein. Or grain.
Sometimes it feels like various storage and organizational trends are stalking me, popping up around every corner and on every screen until I finally succumb all, “Fine! Fine. I’ll write a post about you, relentless sonofa–. “
So, vintage letterpress drawer/typesetter tray/printer tray. Whatever the precise terminology you prefer, it turns out they reincarnate quite successfully as jewelry organizers (at least in some people’s opinions).
They’re trays or drawers (the latter of which, divorced from dressers, are ostensibly trays) with many small compartments. It follows that baubles, being many little bits, would present as a prime candidate for residency.
You may, if you choose, mount them to a wall, although that route does most likely necessitate the adding of small hooks.




Or, if you’re a traditionalist, keep them lying flat.


It seems a stellar idea to me, with the exception of one thing: I abide nestling one’s gems in a soft and supple bed of material such as velvet. Swaddle those diamonds, you know? Wood–it’s not quite what I would classify as swaddling surface. Perhaps some more experienced can speak to this?
At any rate, jewelry. Organized! Hurah!
Image credits: 5 Letter Design, Chris A. Dorsey, Rebecca Leigh Ann, Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, A Fashion Girl And A Fireman, Lulu Frost-Matchbook Magazine issue no. 19
