{new year's lessons: embracing the clutter}

inspiration to not only organize the clutter, but to embrace it, as seen in this month's lonny magazine. for example...


why not put your life's library on display? vary book sizes and placement on each shelf. work in artwork, frames & vases to add depth and interest. simple & symmetric chairs placed in the forefront add a respite from the organized chaos behind.


at a glance petite workspace appears open & free to work, but look closely...


corralling baby frames, knickknacks & smaller containers on one chic tray reads as one larger & deliberate item, rather than a million little trinkets all over the desktop.


ok yes, who has space (or budget) for a wardrobe like this?! but notice the unity of the chrome-tipped lucite drawer handles that add sophistication and glamour to the closet, which is really the heart of the clutter in our home.

{all photos from this month's lonny magazine, which is absolutely the new domino}


feels good to be posting again. my how i've missed you!

{the art in a library}

just last weekend the bookshelves that frame the fireplace in the bungalow {and oh wow, this is apparently the best photo of them, will try to add better view, stat.} took a very long bath {what you can see in that photo is the formerly card-boarded up window which --contrary to the former owner's beliefs-- did not actually provide the best defense against the elements/critters/general filthiness} and decided on a fresh coat of high gloss oxford white.

and books were finally unpacked. would like to now make a transition from haphazardly strewn to effortlessly styled. though now that i reassess the photos i'm drawn to, turns out the emphasis is more on styled and less on effortlessly. hmm. here are a few. thoughts, tricks, tips?

p.s. all 6 of you readers, don't forget to enter my very first giveaway...stakes are pretty low afterall. this could be yours.

{images :: sabrina linn via canadian house and home, domino, martha stewart}

{a place for all things dear}

before domino's website folds along with the magazine, i'd like to post a few of my favorite photos for room inspiration and style. And since i am a happy new owner of ikea's expedit white bookshelf, i figured what better place to start my picture cataloging, than exploring how i'd like to organize my own collection of books and trinkets.

above is the very ikea bookshelf, and in such a lovely space.

all photos from domino magazine