When I moved into my first home in the US, in San Francisco (a long time ago),  I looked all over the nation for good gray linen to turn into 12 (!) non-frilly roman shades for my many living room windows. Ended up schlepping linen with me from Sweden and had shades custom made — simple Euro style. I don’t have to tell you that that little design adventure came with one hefty price tag…

I am happy to see that Restoration Hardware now offers wonderful ready-made roman shades in all kinds of pretty linen — incl. gray. Looking good! And the prices too.

Also liking Ikea’s new gray linen style fabric for its classic upholstery line, Ektorp (sofa, ottoman, chair). Bullet proof for rooms where kids (and messy husbands) rule! In my opinion, great value for the price.

And speaking of Ikea. My friend Erika Storm Wasser (also a good friend of Splendid Avenue) is on a roll. She hosts the design show “Spaces” on YouTube which quickly attracted some 3 million views. One of her fun segments is called “Splurge or Sweden“.

You can view it here. Pop over and say hello from me if you have a moment.  She is one fun gal to hang with!

Hugs to you all.

Note: to all my blog friends. I have had absolutely zero, zip, zilch time for blog hopping lately. Whatever you think, it is not you!

Somehow, somewhere I need to find more hours in the day…

Splendid! Must try! I might not do an entire room, but what a wonderful detail around a key door frame. (I am a little bit of a precision freak, so the idea of measuring and nailing feels soothing to me).

Carolina Herrera Baez in her lovely Madrid apartment.

Some pretty jute trim here.

And burlap trim here.

I will let you know when I find the perfect trim. I am looking for something timeless and a tad more formal than the ones above (= I really want Carolina’s gorgeous trim!).  Let me know if you have a good source.

Hugs to you all.

Images 1-3 scanned via Elle Decor  - October issue 2012.

I said I was returning to blog land on Monday but after a grand (and fun!) Easter party at our house, I was stuck with dishes up to my ears… So, my Monday post turned into a Tuesday post — sorry about that.

The day before our Easter party I came up with an idea to use my Mod Podge concoction once again. I usually come up with my own little personal projects but this one I totally copied from another blog — without any shame!. Thank you Danielle Oakey Interiors! I thought it was a fun and clever idea. (Would be interesting to know though, why I always seem to come up with new ideas right before big gatherings and events. With this little project, I postponed my much more important Ginger Cookie Cheesecake baking until way after midnight! Go figure…).

So, Danielle decoupaged some white plates with black animal silhouettes. And that became my inspiration. (Her project below).

Off I went and equipped myself with some simple, new, white plates. Then I trotted down to a great local craft store. They carry these die-cuts which you crank through a machine you use at the store and get perfectly shaped motifs. (They had many to chose from). Using a sharp knife could have been an option but wouldn’t be my cup of tea. All I got were a couple of sheets of black of non textured card stock and the machine did its magic.

I also bought some new decoupage finish called “Royal Coat 1402 – clear” and home I went to get started on my own plate project.

Here are the plates right before they have received the royal decoupage treatment (glue & seal).

I think it is a simple and fun way to get some very personal wall decor. If you are interested I will show you the decoupaged plates on the wall when they’re all done.

Warm hugs to you all.

Image no. 1 via Chicago Tribune, image no. 2 via Danielle Oakey Interiors. All the rest via Splendid Willow.

I am not a jealous person at heart. Far from it. But I am a tad envious of this fabulous Salvation Army find. This chest of drawers just makes me drool. The lucky owners have the best home for the dresser that nobody saw or wanted.  I am so going to pay a visit to a local consignment shop this weekend. Wish you all could come with me!

Image: Martha Stewart

I came across this photo yesterday and I just had to share it with you. (Sorry for the poor image).

I don’t know about you but I remember when postcards were a standard (and lovely!) way of sending greetings to each other. I have accumulated a lot over the years and have saved them all. But I get none, zip, nada, nowadays (and I don’t send any either!). The internet has taken the personality away from corresponding and I am the first to admit – I miss the old way! (And from now on I will be a better postcard writer).

So, for those who still have saved postcards, or maybe for you who travel and can pick up postcards from fun places around the world. Here is an awesome way of displaying them. In my opinion, this could be more important than any 6 figured art piece! (I am thinking all Swedish related for my wall).

The lamp is lovely too.

Image from Inside Out.