West Elm Grand Opening »

On Wednesday, I went to the grand opening of West Elm {Pottery Barn’s more modern and slightly less-expensive sister} in Emeryville {next to Ikea}. It was totally worth the trip, because the store was beautiful! Every piece was modern-but-comfortable, and had touches of fun: glass butterflies hanging from the ceiling, suspended candles, and herb gardens spanning an entire dining table. It was definitely a place for inspiration. Upon entering the store, I hardly made it two feet before I fell in love with their Walton Sectional Sofa. It was comfortable and modern {I have no tolerance for ‘puckered’ couches or rounded arms}. Until Sunday, they are drawing names to win $500 gift cards, and since you have to believe to win - I’ll be getting my phone call sometime this afternoon.

Here are the pieces I enjoyed the most:

Walton Sectional sofa { Straight lines AND comfortable. }

Ceramic Solstice Hurricanes { I don’t normally like using candles in decorating, but these are a fun way to add texture. }

Parsons Desk with Drawers {Laquered is ‘in’… }

bond desk, small { I’m a sucker for mid-century furniture. I love the angles of this piece. }

poufs { I love it when ‘cool’ is comfy! }

curved upholstered chair { The softness of the fabric on these chairs is unreal. If I had to do my dining room all over… }

spine wood bookcase { I don’t have many ‘pretty’ books, but some wrapped in paper would look great on this shelf. Sometimes bookshelves look ’stuffy’ to me, but this one is definitely not. }

Love Print Giveaway »

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I’m giving away a Love Print. Leave a comment with which color you’d prefer: red or tan, and what your plans are for Valentine’s Day.

Winner will be chosen with a random integer generator on Saturday February 7th. Friday is your last day to comment!

More Great Wall Art »

I came across Jennifer Squires somehow, and found that she has a really great photography blog and etsy shop. I think she would make a great addition to the artwork in my house, and these are my favorites:

images from JenniferSquires.ca

Inspired By Design*Sponge »

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE refinishing furniture. I am one who would rather buy an old piece, paint and recover it, than buy something new that everyone else has. ‘Everybody’ doesn’t really have it, but NOBODY will have the piece that I transformed to fit my home.

I was re-energized and inspired by Design*Sponge’s recent Before & After Posts from projects their readers had sent in. These were my favorites:

Brian’s Dresser Turned Changing Table:

Jaclyn’s Lamp:

Kelly’s Yard Sale Chairs:

What caught my eye in all three of these projects is that these pieces of furniture were being seen for their form and shape, and were forgiven of their bad colors, and warped finishes. After reading these posts, I IMMEDIATELY jumped on craigslist in hopes to find some projects of my own.

Design*Sponge is a good resource for design in general, but I find myself most interested in their excellent display of Before & After projects from their readers.

images from www.designspongeonline.com

Dominoe Magazine Discontinues »

After checking Making it Lovely this morning, I was surprised with the news that Domino Magazine is shutting it’s doors due to the economy. This is the *one* magazine that I subscribe to, and I love the products and ideas. I’ll be doing some ‘best-of’ domino later this week to pay homage.

You can read the details on the Huffington Post.

image from www.dominomag.com

ohbrooke’s entry to Style Me Pretty »

Ok, we’re all a little addicted to blog contests, are we not? I’m no different. I’m a work-a-holic, and anything to keep my ever-growing rump placed firmly in my computer chair peaks my interest.

Style Me Pretty is a wedding blog that features really great ideas for DIY wedding projects and beautiful imagery. They recently had a call for entries for an inspiration board for a pretty pink wedding. I entered, and was chosen amongst some of the top entries. You can see the post here.

Cross your fingers… this one has a $500 CASH prize! I could laugh all the way to the Design Center…

It’s Been a Fun Week »

Besides some unpleasant news about layoffs and otherwise at my work, I have had a pretty fun week. Let me do a brief recap for you:

1. I made a self-proclaimed BEAUTIFUL pillow, and learned some new skills while I was at it. The elusive button-hole (my husband giggles everytime I say that…) and piping (with the help of my mom). I also discovered a fun line of organic cotton fabrics from Mod Green Pod. I used Butteryfly Jubilee.

2. I received an email from my kindergarden-aged nephew Jake. This is what the email said:

“Here are some pictures of me.”

3. On Tuesday, we had “brinner (breakfast for dinner)” with some friends.

4. I won a giveaway from Design Editor blog… cute all-occassion notecards from Push the Envelope. Now you can all race to do something nice for me so I can write you a thank-you note.

5. It’s Friday!

Amy Butler Gum Drop Pillows »

My mother’s children and their spouses total 12 people, so naturally we instated a gift exchange for Christmas several years ago. This year, my brother Lane drew my name. I was only privy to this fact a few days before Christmas when I saw the beautifully wrapped gift under the tree at my mother’s house. This excited me for many reasons, one of which is just because I love, love, LOVE my brother Lane. Let me give you a quick run-down on him:

1. He and my sister Paige compete for my attention to earn the title of ‘funniest sibling’. Now this may aggrivate my other siblings, but I made the title, so therefore I make the rules. For each funny quip, Lane or Paige is awarded a ‘1′ or a ‘2′… ‘2′ meaning the quip will be laughed about for days. For some reason Lane and Paige haven’t given this up, and it has been going on for years now. And I, of course, LOVE the attention.

2. Lane is an amazing dancer. He dances for BODYVOX in Portland, Oregon, who specializes in modern dance that is both beautiful and fun. Lane is breathtaking and his choreography is unmatched in emotion. SQUARED is a piece that was choreographed by Lane and performed by him and the beautiful Laura Haney. You have to watch it - it is breathtaking.

3. His name: Lane Hunter is synonymous with Path Finder and Way Seeker.

4. Lane is also a graphic designer and although he would deny it, an interior designer too. His home in Portland is filled with self-upholstered furnishings, murals, and faux wood. I keep asking him to send photos, but I might need to go over there and take them myself!

5. HE MADE ME AN AMY BUTLER GUM DROP PILLOW… and oh how I love it. THANK YOU LANE! I love my new gum drop buttons, er, pillow, and I will definitely make another one to keep it company!

Add ohbrooke To Your Sidebar »

I have added ohbrooke banners that are available to add to your sidebar. The new page, “Banners” has been added to the main navigation, and is equipped with step-by-step instructions on adding the banners to your sidebar.

Remember - This link in your sidebar gets you a $5 discount on custom blog designs! Be sure to email me if you are interested: ohbrooke{at}gmail.com.

Blog Design Giveaway WINNER »

The winner for the blog design giveaway, chosen by a random integer generator, is Belinda at Renovate + Decorate. She will receive a custom and unique header design and background image. Congratulations to Belinda!

If you would still like to have me design your blog, I am available for hire. I will be posting my price sheet later this week, but I am charging $60 for a custom header and background. Be sure to email me: ohbrooke{at}gmail.com, if you are interested. PLUS A $5 DOLLAR DISCOUNT if you display my ad on your blog.

I’ll be sure to post Belinda’s new designs when they are complete!