A 600 sq. ft. California Cabin Retreat

Stocked with finds from budget go-to's like west elm and ikea, this rustic retreat was made beautiful on a modest budget. Even the cabin (it's a rental) was found on craigslist! 

The cabin was built in the 1970's, but they've managed to make the wool paneling look fresh.

The chairs are by West Elm.  I have been scouring Craigslist for a similar table - I love it!

LOVE the chevron poufs - they add a punch of mod to the space.

I could read on this couch all afternoon.

Any retreat needs a well stocked bar. I am a coffee girl above a cocktail girl...so I might have a fancy coffee bar instead.

Read details about the cabin and the pics above on Country Living

Announcing the winner of the Sorting with Style giveaway and some organization inspiration

The winner of the Sort with Style giveaway is Kate Cunningham, chosen by a random draw. Kate - congrats! Thanks to all who entered. I'm hosting another giveaway right now - for a gorgeous Stella & Dot necklace. Enter here.

Below is some delish organization eyecandy...

1., 2. Apartment Therapy  3., 4.  IHeart Organizing, 5. Real Simple, 6. IHeart Organizing

Need a little extra wardrobe space?

I saw this in issue 3 of Lonny Mag and I really thought it was a cool idea. We could all use a little extra closet space - but what I really like about this is that it shows you how to create a little extra space for your accessories. I know I would love a closet specifically dedicated to shoes, handbags, and jewelry.

The wardrobe they use in this demonstration is called PAX from Ikea.

So nice!


I like the idea of adding a mirror to turn the wardrobe into a little vanity.



Go Lonny Mag, Archive, Issue 3 to see the project in the magazine.

Glamorous and pretty inspirational rooms from....Ikea!

Ikea's styling gets better and better. I love looking through their magazine for inspiration on how to better organize and create functional living systems. I was really impressed with the new 2010 magazine and the great rooms they shot. Here are some of my favorites. Which do you like?

Pretty and white, but still lived in

I love how this room shows that you don't need to always use pretty decorative boxes. Clear plastic containers are no fail, and even I use utility shelves in my office. For a busy lifestyle and tight deadlines nothing beats it. And this image shows that it can look nice as well.

Oh how I would love to have a daybed in my office...I'm just afraid that I would use it as a "sleep all day" bed


Amazing storage and workspace!



Isn't this bedroom glamorous?



All images via Ikea

A light-filled, inspirational apartment - and it's real! No designer, no professional photographer!

I was checking out the new Style Room (still in Beta), and discovered this lovely, lovely flat in Oxford. It's rented, and decorated on the cheap (amen for Ikea), but that doesn't take away from it's undeniable charm!

My fav. look - a predominately white foundation with bright accents...

Love the lucite side table..

What a lovely sunny spot to work



Plants are the best aren't they? Too bad I live ground level and get no light!

This place is pretty small looking I'm guessing, based on the multi-purpose dining room/home office - but it's pulled off really well!



look guys...real homes have power chords...who'd a thunk?


Vanina's apartment via Style Room
Also check out her blog, Dash of Milk.

A house tour from me!

Last year I conducted a house tour for Apartment Therapy. By lucky coincidence I went to pick up a desk I found on craigslist from the very congenial Leona and Kay, and I was instantly struck by the clean design of their top floor, Park Slope apartment. Around the same time, I was asked to conduct a house tour for Apartment Therapy. I instantly thought of their home, and they were kind enough to allow me to present it. Nice place isn't it?

Their apartment had great light!


This shower curtain was a hit - they acquired it at a local hardware store





This 50's dinette set is their prized possession

The headboard is actually an inexpensive Ikea mattress!






A day bed for guests. The curtain behind it acts as camouflage for storage



These sliding screens from Ikea make for pretty closet doors




Here was my original post:
I was shocked when Kay and Leona told me they had moved into their beautiful top-floor apartment only a month ago. They've hung art, curtains as partitions, and even come up with an attractive and functional closet system. The couple's furniture and décor comes from a wide variety of sources, such as flea markets, antique stores, Ikea, Art de vivre in France, Christie's, and Lumas. I was really impressed when they revealed that the headboard for the bed is actually an Ikea mattress. I thought it was a real upholstered headboard! The apartment has a surprising loft-like feel, as they've chosen to embrace a more open layout, including using what most would consider the bedroom as a living room, and the living room as a bedroom. They spend the most time in the living room, so they designated the larger room with better light to serve the purpose. Kay and Leona also enjoy the almost exclusive (nobody else ventures up there) rooftop with a great view of the Statue of Liberty!

Their survey for Apartment Therapy:

Your Style?

Although we like modern design, we wanted to give this brown stone (pre-renovation) apartment a special touch and combined modern and vintage elements. Because our lease is limited to one year, we couldn't structurally change anything in the apartment.

Favorite Element?

The open bedroom with fireplace, the kitchen that opens to the dining room. The almost exclusive rooftop.

Biggest Challenge?

The open bedroom without a door to the dining room and the lack of storage / closet space.

What do friends say?

Love it

Biggest Embarrassment?

He: The old IKEA sofa and the cheap lamps;
She: the 1995 Baywatch centerfold in the office

Proudest DIY?

The classy (we think) but inexpensive and easily removable walk-in closet.

Biggest Indulgence?

The art (photo art mainly). We love our custom-made walnut dining table from France, which combines a modern shape and warm wood color combined with chairs from the mid 19th century. And the 50ies modernist bar and all the photo art for the walls that is yet to come

Dream Source?

Christie's (they actually have very interesting stuff at their furniture auctions)

Furniture: Custom made dining table from Art de vivre with 19th century chairs
50ies Formica diner table and chairs for the kitchen
Chest of drawers, daybed and sofa from IKEA
Walk in closet a combination of Home depot & IKEA
Vintage and antique furniture shops in Brooklyn
Glassware and chandeliers from flea markets
Beds: Standard spring box and mattress with a twin mattress (our guest mattress) used as a headboard
Artwork: several galleries, Lumas

via Apartment Therapy via ashleywhitedesign.com -- me ;)