Mad Men inspired...

Mid century modern style has made a huge comeback, due in large part to T.V. shows like Mad Men. The style back then, was clean and simple, juxtaposed with pops of color and patterns; the perfect balance.

It isn't hard to create the perfect modern day- mid century modern space.  The key is to look for pieces that are timeless and classic...that will never go out of style and will integrate easily with pieces you already have.

I was contacted by the people at chairish.com to design a Mad Men inspired, mid century modern space.  If you aren't familiar with chairish, it is a huge, online consignment marketplace where those of us who love design can buy and sell gently used, pre-owned pieces...or just browse...for hours...and hours...like I did.

After...hours, of searching their website, I whittled down my top choices of must have pieces to the handful you see below.

I've created a collection of mid century modern pieces, that will translate perfectly into a current and relevant living room space.  The pieces can stand on their own, or can be mixed in with contemporary pieces just as easily.

There's something about this "room" that makes me want to pour myself a martini {and I don't even drink}, turn on some tunes and put my feet up and relax.

The pink sofa was a no brainer.  That girl is just plain gorgeous.  And the marble coffee table is like a piece of artwork.  Every room needs something earthy to warm it up and ground it; cue marble coffee table.  The turquoise chairs are just fun and add a much needed pop of color, while the gold accents add a little bit of glam.  The picture is the final touch and ties the whole room together.

Tip of the day:  visit chairish...like now!  You'll thank me later.  Whether your new to the mid century craze, or as "mad" about it as I am, you'll love looking at all of the beautiful things just waiting for a new home.

Meant to be...

Before I get into the whole "meant to be" thing I just wanted to say that I made a terrarium...or at least a variation of one.  It's more of a bowlarium.  Anywho, I, the serial killer of all things green decided to give the whole green thumb thing another go.  This time I opted for succulents.  Apparently they are much harder to murder than regular house plants, but only time will tell.

Looks like I'm already off to a rocky start.  Note the sad, almost completely leafless plant in the upper left hand corner.  Whoops! 

When Studs and I were in Bora Bora I gathered up a bunch of shells and coral I found along the beach and brought them home not knowing what I'd do with them.  I decided to toss them into my bowlarium to see how they would look and it turned out great, methinks.  I like the homage to my first and probably last trip to paradise.  It's a fun reminder for me every time I look at my plants now.

{bowl is by Threshold from Target...$12.99}

I came across this cute terrarium on pinterest the other day.  I love how fun it is.  Just goes to show you that you can put well, anything, in a terrarium. 

yellowbrickhome.com

In other, more important news, I ran to Ikea a few days ago.  I wanted to look at some lights and grab some straws {yes, we love Ikea straws}...nothing major. But, I always make a point of stopping by the AS IS section before I leave.  It's become my ritual every time I go to Ikea to make sure I don't pass up any waiting gems. And look at what I found...

a shiny red, metal cabinet {most likely a TV console} that I put out on my deck.  I think it may have given me the motivation {and inspiration}to create a fun little "hanging out" space for summer.  Did I mention she was only $60.

I also came upon my new precious...a mid century mod surfboard table.  I have been eyeballing one of these babies on ebay for weeks but just couldn't bring myself to spend $500 on it.  Granted this little gem is not vintage, but I love her still the same.  And I love even more the fact that she only cost me $125.  Ba-Bam!

Studs was conveniently out of town during the, uh hum, transaction.  So, that left me and darling daughter to load up the car with these bad boys.  I know I'll never be smart enough to join MENSA, but with my mad packing skills and puzzle solving I should at least be acknowledged...even if that meant one of the kids had ride all the way home with a giant coffee table resting on their head.

 So, my trip to Ikea for $2 straws turned into $200 trip instead.  Whatevs!  You can't thumb your nose at fate...cause that's what my little Ikea trip was, methinks.

Have you ever discovered a fabulous find only to feel like the design gods were watching out for you?  Don't you just love that?