THIS Desk

School is really picking up this week. It's exciting (a bit stressful), and all of the drafting is really making me crave a big enormous desk to spread out on. Specifically this desk:

via 

via

From the lovely office of Jenna Lyons and available at BluDot here. Happy Monday!

Favourite Furniture Fridays: Kae's Corner Design

Thank you so much for Sharing McKae! I think benches are one of the most useful pieces of furniture out there! Love the fabric on this one!  Be sure to stop by McKae's blog for more decor goodies!

Happy Valentine's Day

Hugs and Kisses to all of my wonderful blogging friends out there. Metaphorical kisses of course, it's flu season you crazy love birds.
Today's  Valentine's Day inspired house is an oldie but a goodie, and I couldn't resist sharing it in case some of you hadn't seen it before!

all images via Style at Home

 I mean, it's definitely over the top, but I'm a little bit (a lot) in love with that dining room.
Maybe it will be my Valentine since the boy is miles away? Who am I kidding...the room is even further! Also, don't worry..this is a show house, so no one actually lives in it year round.
Wishing you all a day of happiness, love and smooches (real ones).

^In case you missed my Valentine's Day outfit, click here!

Vintage Pink Glass Coasters

Just a quick post today as I run out the door to class! On a recent trip to my home town I picked up these vintage pink glass coasters at an antique shop for a dollar a piece.

 They are imperfect and the narrowed bottom makes balancing a glass of wine in them a little risky, but I like to live on the edge. I've used them twice while entertaining already and so they remind me of good times with the best girls. Wouldn't they be perfect for a Valentine's Day tablescape? Their subtle blushy hue is so feminine and delicate.
xox

My Adorable Winnings

The other week, I was so fortunate to win an adorable giveaway over at L.A. in the Bay, sponsored by Ashley Brooke Designs!

I've been a fan of ABD's cute drawings, stationary and blog for a long time, so imagine my excitement when I found an e-mail in my inbox announcing me as the winner!

The packaging they sent over was too cute:

 I've already been enjoying my mug! And I can't wait to use the adorable cards this Valentine's Day!

I can't thank Lauren and the ABD team enough! Love it!
xo

Valentine's Day Outfit

 

 sweater / coat (Dynamite - old) / jeans (similar) / booties / necklace (F21 - old)

Valentine's Day is only a few days away! This is my idea of the perfect Valentine's Day outfit...does it get any better than hearts and sparkles and a hot pink peacoat? To see my idea for a perfect Valentine's Day date, check out my feature over on Glamourmash today! xox

Geometric Block Love: Glamourmash The Shop

What do this necklace:

via Glamourmash The Shop on Esty

This wallpaper: 

via The Collection

And toss cushion:

via CCDeuxVie via Etsy

have in common? Geometric Block patterns of course (not to mention they are all gorgeous)! I'm absolutely loving this trend as of late, which is why I'm adoring my friend Holly's new Etsy Shop: Glamourmash The Shop.
 Her necklaces are right on point. I can't decide which color I like best!:

Go check out her shop (and her blog while you're at it, one of my faves!). You won't regret it!

Wednesday's Sketchbook: How to Colour in a Sofa

This term in rendering class, I've learned that colouring for interior design entails a lot more than staying in the lines. It's a whole layered, time consuming, and surprisingly difficult process!
Today I'm going to walk you through the steps to turn this:

 Into this: 

If you would like to follow along and give it a try, I got the outline image of the sofa here.

Step One: Using a dark brown pencil crayon, give the top of the back cushions a slight indent, and soften the outline of the corners.

Step Two: Using the Prismacolor Marker 'French Grey 10", fill in each section of the sofa with a uniform wash of color.

Step 3: Use French Grey 30 to create thick rounded outlines on each of the couch cushions, keeping in mind the direction of your light source (mine is from the right of the image).

Step Four: Use French Greys 50 and 70 in the very edges and darkest point of shadow.

Step Five: Go over the entire couch with a uniform wash using a tan marker. I used Prismacolor's 'Sand'. Repeat the application, pressing harder on the edges and areas of shadow.

Step Six: Use a dark brown pencil crayon to emphasize soft shadows.

Step Seven: Use a blade to shave a small amount of dark brown pastel in your areas of shadow, and then use a tissue to blend it, this will soften your pencil crayon lines.

Step Eght: Repeat the pastel shaving technique with white in the centers of your couch cushions, to create areas of light reflection. Blend with a tissue.

Step Nine: Use a white gel pen to create sharper areas of reflection on edges of the sofa that would catch the light.

And Voila! You've got a beautifully colored sofa!

I hope you enjoyed this little tutorial! Let me know if you'd be interested in learning how to color other things, like drapery, hardwood, etc! :)