moodboard

Apache is functioning normally

So, I’m not quite sure how this all happened, but in approximately eight short! weeks, there’s going to be a very small human in the loft! And I’m kinda freaking out about it. After soaking up every one of the 72 glorious babymoon hours over the weekend, reality is now crashing down around me. It’s officially time to turn our attention to the to-do list. Diapers, bottles, something for the little thing to wear, maybe something for it to sleep in…yeah, I’ve really gotta get on all that.

But of course, rather than concern myself with practical issues like what a breast pump actually does, I’d rather focus on the aesthetics of it all! On the tippy top of my list is figuring out how to incorporate a baby into our physical space. There’s certainly no room for a nursery where all baby-related items can live behind a closed door. It’ll be a good long while before our new house will be done and I can have a space like this:

For the time being, I’m going to have to make due with everything being out in the open. And while I really don’t want all things infant to invade our space, I also don’t want to completely ignore the fact there will be a wee-one in our presence. So I’ve started hunting for subtle ways to incorporate baby-related decor. My starting place is this cool alphabet poster we happened to pick up a few years back originally intended as a baby present for someone else – whoops!.

It already fits into our very neutral color scheme perfectly and feels like something I won’t get sick of looking at! Thankfully, the new online framing company Framebridge was able to help me design a custom frame for it. I simply sent them the print in the mail and their framing experts emailed me back mock-ups of mat and frame suggestions. I just selected the final style and the print showed back up on my doorstep – ready for its spot on the wall! Can you guess which framing option I picked…

I decided to go with the classic modern style of the Marin frame with the white mat to really make the lighter tones in the poster pop. While I haven’t quite figured out where we’ll be hanging this lovely guy just yet, the print is currently the anchor piece for my baby-decor moodboard!

Think yummy warm browns from light natural wood to camel and touches of black with a minimalist undertone. I’m also really loving the anchor motif and mixing in a touch of metallic. I’m open to a few sweet accessories like that crazy adorable stuffed bunny hanging around too! Even I’m a sucker for something that cute and cuddly.

I’m not sure where or how I’ll incorporate these little baby-themed moments into the loft yet. Maybe I’ll create a little gallery wall around the bassinet. Or perhaps we’ll carve out a little play corner that can have our baby-themed art and some fun accessories. Or maybe I’ll just scatter a few aesthetically pleasing kid-friendly things here and there. Plans are now starting to form, so I’ll be able to share what we finally decide with you soon!

Even gathering just these few small inspiration items does get me excited to incorporate le bebe into our world! I’m thinking some instagram mini-frames will definitely be in my near future!

Right now Framebridge is also offering you a great opportunity to get your frame on. Simply enter the code APARTMENT34 at check out and enjoy 20% off 2 or more items!

nursery image via live loud girl // photography for apartment 34 by bianca sotelo

This post is in partnership with Framebridge. All thoughts, opinions and styling are 100% our own. Thanks for supporting collaborations we’re excited about and that help keep Apartment 34’s doors open! 

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Apache is functioning normally

I realize it’s been a hot second since we provided an update on the remodel of our San Francisco Victorian. That’s because there really hasn’t been much to show or tell for quite a few months now – unless you’re fascinated by plumbing, electrical work or the art of insultation. It’s riveting stuff, let me tell you. If you’ve ever gone through an extensive remodel, I’m sure you can relate. There’s an extended amount of time where it really looks like nothing has happened. But, I’m pleased to report we finally have real progress! There are walls. Rooms are starting to look like actual rooms. Flooring is about to go in. These are major milestones for us. Here are a few sneak peeks!

this taken from our living room looking into what will be our kitchen! We removed two walls to create an open concept space.

 I love the curviture of our staircase. Now I just have to design a banister…

 We’re keeping all the original molding and those killer archways throughout the house.

Looking from the dining room into living room/kitchen. I’m just dreaming of those oak floors being laid. 

Now that all the ugly stuff is done, we’re moving onto the fun – finish work! Think light fixutres, counter tops, cabinet design. I’ve been obsessing about our master bathroom lately. It’s a bit of a holy grail of homeownership after all. We actually took an extra bedroom to create the master suite of my dreams. Here’s what it is going to look like!

All the dream bath ingredients are here. His & Hers vanities. A little room for the toilet to call home. We’ll enjoy the modern revelation called a linen closet. No more shoving towels and sheets where ever the heck I can find space. We’re also creating a dual-headed shower, with a rain showerhead – what I hope will be my tiny oasis from the rest of the world! My goal is to create a spa-like atmosphere. These are a few of the inspiration images I pulled onto my moodboard.

As with most other things in my day-to-day, I’m drawn to a neautral color palette. Natural materials like stones and wood will have a soothing feel. One of the bathroom’s biggest features is going to be the shower. It will be the first thing you see as you walk from the bedroom into the space. At 12″ tall, it’s got to be eye catching!

To create something modern, but also timeless I headed to Fireclay Tile – an amazing San Francisco-based tile maker. Working with their in-house design team, we decided to do a play on the classic subway tile look. To take a modern approach, the shower will feature an oversized version their Edge tile line. The tile is crisp and clean with sharp edges. I love the color Feldspar – it’s just a touch warmer than white and looks gorgeous in a matte finish. You can see the sketch of the final tile design below.

I am so excited to see that oversized subway pattern stretching 12″ tall! We’re also tucking in a teak bench and a hidden products storage cubbie behind the wall. I know California is in a drought but it’s going to be really hard to not spend hours in that shower!

links: white towels, fouta towels, waffle towels, jute basket, petrified wood stool

link: toilet paper holder, towel hanger, toothbrush, candle, container, toilet brush

When it comes to accessories this is where I want to warm up the space with super cozy towels, woven baskets and a natural stump stool. Modern towel racks in black will add a touch of trendiness.

There’s still quite a bit I’m debating. I haven’t nailed down a paint color. I’m also hunting for great bathroom mirrors (any hot tips?!) and have yet to fall in love with a wall sconce. But all in all, it’s coming together! I can actually envision getting ready in this room everyday.

The countdown is on!

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Source: apartment34.com

Apache is functioning normally

It’s official. We’ve turned the corner into the heart of fall. Can you feel it? The light is changing – blue, cold-weather-tinged hues are coming in strong – the air is turning crisp and the leaves have proceeded to show off their autumnal spirit. All of these November changes have us in the mood to hunker down, sip on tea, sneak some extra seconds in bed under worn-in linen covers and cozy up our style with layers of texture and our favorite color of the month – silver!

We’re loving all of these greige tones with a monochromatic pop of silver. It feels cooly fresh and modern who’s ready to shy away from gold or brass this season? and a perfect inspirational palette to take us deeper into the holiday months. We’re going to savor its calming and cozy effect as we prepare for the craze ahead!

images left to right: 1, 4 + 6 via Linkdeco // 2 via Canelle et Vanille // 3 via Collage Vintage // 5 via Tracie Cheng // 7 via // 8 via My Paradissi

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Source: apartment34.com

Apache is functioning normally

Today we’ve got a little interruption to gift guide-palooza. Even with all the holiday hoopla, our remodel must go on! It’s been a few weeks since we concluded the One Room Challenge, but work on our house is trucking along. I’ve been focused on our bathrooms of late. We’re going to enjoy a master bath, a guest bath and a little powder room in this house. The designs have now been finalized and the finish work is underway! If you need to catch up, I gave a little sneak peek of my inspiration here.

My goal for our bathrooms was to go big on tile – it’s the perfect way to pay homage to our house’s 140 year old heritage, yet do so with a modern touch. But the sea of tile is vast. Overwhelming to say the least. You can wander big box aisles or head to super expensive showrooms but it’s really hard to know what the heck you’re getting. That’s why I decided to work with San Francisco-based Fireclay Tile. You know I love me a local business! I’m lucky enough that their gorgeous showroom is only blocks away from our loft. It doesn’t get much more local than that.

It made for a great mama-son field trip!

Fireclay’s tile is so beautiful. All tiles are made by hand at Fireclay’s factory in Aromas, CA, using recycled and locally sourced materials (including: curbside recycled bottles, discarded glass, bathtub porcelain and the like. Gotta love that.

While I’d taken the time to gather a ton of bathroom inspiration images, I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted our tile to look like. And like I said there are SO many choices. Fireclay offers over 100 colors and 30+ sizes so finding the “perfect” design seemed a tad daunting. Thankfully, Fireclay helps you get exactly what you want from idea to execution. So many options and specifications could seem overwhelming, but that’s where Fireclay’s design consultants come in to streamline the process. You can begin with free samples of literally every tile they make. Then you get to consult a tile expert to help nail down the specifics. They’ll even provide free renderings to help you visualize installation, whether you’re simply adding a backsplash or tiling an entire bathroom. I was lucky enough to get to do my entire consultation in person, but you can do a consultation via email, phone or on their website.

I’m thrilled with how all our designs turned out, but I’m not ready to reveal them just yet. It’s no fun without before and after photos but I’ll give you a one word clue: Ombre.

Any guesses?!

If you’re playing catch up, check out the plans for the house’s media room HERE. And my moodboard for the remodel is HERE!

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Apache is functioning normally

I don’t know about you, but after the overload of red and green during the holiday season, my eyes are ready for some serious downtime. I’m craving soothing neutrals, soft nudes and creamy whites. They’re fresh and ready for whatever the new year has to bring. They feel cozy but light all at the same time.

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Apache is functioning normally

If last week was all about being green, everything is coming up roses today. Rosy-pink that is.

 

Yes, I realize it’s the Pantone color of the year and all, but pink doesn’t usually catch my eye. I usually dismiss it as too girlie. Too soft. But a touch of pale, dusty pink feels so right right now. Maybe it’s because I can’t stop staring at the lovely bouquet of pink tulips I picked up this weekend or the fact that it’s officially spring (wha!!). Whatever the reason, I like the idea of adding a hit of pink to an otherwise neutral color palette. It pairs particularly well with charcoal gray. Perhaps some rose-colored bedding will be in the cards for the new house? Or a sweet pink table lamp…

But what say you? Would you let a little pink sneak into your world this season?

image 1 / 2/ 3 / 4 / 5 / 

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Apache is functioning normally

As I begin to unearth from mountains of moving boxes, the only way to stay sane right now is to keep the vision of the final product in mind: turning our newly renovated house into our home. While I loved our San Francisco loft life, it was really more of a holding pattern. Buying this crazy old house was about creating a family home, a place for our son to grow up – a place that becomes a hub for family dinners, drinks with friends and holiday gatherings. No pressure!

But I’m excited to cultivate a considered home. This time it’s about the journey. It’s about creating an environment that reflects who we are now and creates a calming, welcoming environment that nourishes mind, body and soul. And that all starts with taking a measured approach to designing each space. To kick off that process, I’m continually banking inspirational home tours for ideas and this Australian stunner is one of my current favorites.


I think this table vignette might be one of the most pinned of all time. But I totally get why.

Designed by Whiting Architects – this home is the perfect example of decorating with intention. The space features all white walls, but they’re anything but stark. They instead highlight the well placed artwork, wall decor and furniture pieces that are works of art in themselves. It’s getting me very excited to make strategic use of our all-white walls. It’s like curating a gallery.

Despite this home’s muted color palette, the space doesn’t feel cold. Rather, the warm wood tones dotted throughout – the floors, bathroom vanities and side tables and kitchen table – add a homey feel. The pops of black in each space feel modern and cool. And I love the strategic use of my color du jour – dusty pink! I’m into the idea of taking a single color and sprinkling it through your home in unexpected places (and I’m now obsessing about what my color might be…).I’m also obsessed with the oversized tile in the bathroom, obviously! The Muuto knobs are another fun touch. I can’t wait to repurpose mine.

The house also feels decorated without being crowded. The secret to achieving this look is to layer without cluttering. Objects are considered, grouped together in tonal patterns and given space to breathe. Slubby linen bedding and cozy textiles add an additional layer of texture and a homey feel throughout the house. I love the dark moodiness of the bedroom. It’s inspiring me to find a dark bed coverlet and rug for our master to really anchor the space.

Once I get a few more boxes unpacked I’m going to be going moodboard crazy. I think this house is going to be a moodboard all on its own.

What do you think? Does this space inspire decorating ideas for you?

For more of my favorite home tours CLICK HERE.

images via whiting architects

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Apache is functioning normally

Mondays are never easy to face, but it’s always better when you have a inspiring space to work. Now that we’re getting settled, I’m turning my sights on my home office. I guess I should call it my home office to-be since the space is completely empty currently. I’m typing this sentence from my couch on my teeny tiny laptop. And this just cannot go on any longer!

I’m definitely suffering from home office envy.

There are a few key things I’m coveting for my new work space. I’ve got a major crush on trestle desks at the moment. Inspired by architects drafting tables, they’re utilitarian but chic at the same time. Keeping a desk drawer free also forces you to keep clutter to minimum. Because no one really needs staplers or paperclips anymore!

I’m also loving the look of warm woods mixed with monochromatic accents. It feels timeless. There’s been a bit of an acrylic, gold and white glut in home offices of late – bouquet of peonies included of course. I’m in the mood to take more understated approach with classic pieces that I’ll love right now, five years from now and even twenty years from now.

I’ve long been a fan of picture rail shelves. They offer a unique way to create a moodboard of sorts. You can mix art, magazine tears and your favorite objet. I’d just have to keep myself from rearranging on a daily basis. I’m not sure that’d be great for my productivity.

Finally, you can add a shot of individual personality to your work space with your office chair selection. I prefer a-typical office chairs. Vintage pieces, old dining chairs, a funky side chair. This is where I really want to spend time treasure hunting. You just want to ensure that you select a chair that is high enough to give you proper posture and comfortable enough for you to sit for long periods at a time. Trust me, I made the mistake of prioritizing aesthetics over proper alignment in the past and paid the price.

Now that I’ve got a vision for my new office, I’m off to pull this space together! If you have any favorite sources for great office pieces please send them my way. Of course I’ll be sharing what I find in my search.

Find reams and reams of home office inspiration right here.

images 1 waiting on martha / 2 dust jacket in the attic / 3 my domaine / 4 lark & linen / 5 tumblr /6 stil inspiration / 

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Apache is functioning normally

Apologies for being a little tardy today friends. I don’t know if you followed along on my Italian adventures last week, but I’m finally back home now and still battling major jetlag. But at the same time, I feel refreshed, energized and so ready for all that the new season brings. It’s always interesting how travel helps you look at things through a new light.

Right now, everything I see has a warm, golden glow. There’s something about the light in Italy that gives everything a beautiful patina. Colors appear more saturated, richer – they envelop you like a familiar hug. It has me craving a similar color palette this month.

As much as I love the washed out Scandi whites and blues that have been dominating my Pinterest and Instagram feeds, I’m loving the earthy, grounded vibe of this palette. Carmely browns mix with deep black, touches of copper, hints of burnt sienna and just a pop or two of white to create an atmosphere that feels layered, endlessly interesting and deeply personal. You want to just burrow in and explore. That’s how I feel about September. I’m ready to dig deep – to invest in what and who I love, in what fuels me, in what I hope to offer you. While summer is often the season to reinvigorate your spirit, fall is the season to reinvigorate your soul.

Care to join me?

For more color palette inspiration CLICK HERE

image 1 figr / image 2 canellevanille / image 3, 7 st frank / image 4 luisa brimble / image 5 tracie cheng / image 6 burberry prossum / image 8 vogue living

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Apache is functioning normally

Have you ever wondered what happens when you move into a house undergoing renovation before the work is complete? Well, it’s certainly not the glossy beautifulness that I typically share around here. While I usually keep daily life’s messes off the interwebs, I thought it might be refreshing to give you a glimpse of what my reality is looking like these days. That’s why I’m excited to partner with Clorox over the coming months. They coined the phrase “life’s bleachable moments” after all. Our never-ending remodel certainly presents an endless supply those less polished real life moments. I’m thinking it’d be fun to give you some peeks behind the curtain of what I’m doing to (finally!) complete our dream home. I hope you don’t mind the less than perfect – I find a life well lived often happens in the messy!

Case in point – my laundry room. As you can see in the pic above, the room is currently in a functional, but not terribly inspirational state. Our LG Twinwash washer and dryer are holding court (thank gawd because we survived six weeks without laundry but just barely) but very little else is going on in the space thus far. It’s a vast improvement from our washer/dryer residing in the kitchen of our loft, but there’s currently no storage, no organization and certainly no design happening in this room. And you know with an 18 month old boy I’m in this room a LOT so I’m ready for it to make me smile.

So I’m challenging myself to get this room in tiptop shape ASAP. Since there are so many things about finishing this house that remain out of my control (subcontractors’ schedules, backordered fabric and oh yeah, a budget!), I want to organize and beautify whatever I can. It gives me a sense of calm. For the laundry room, I’ll feel so much better once I have a proper place to store all my cleaning supplies. I want to decant my detergents, put all my bleach capsules in a pretty container (apparently you can get virtually anything out of a kid’s white shirt with the right stain remover!) and use some aesthetically pleasing storage for my stain treaters. And I need a cute hamper! Perhaps a dry rack and somewhere to put my ironing board? And maybe an eye catching design element or two. I’m planning a lovely upgrade for this room that will take it from utility to utterly beautiful. Here are some of my current inspiration images.

For some reason I associate laundry with all things white (maybe because it’s one of my favorite colors) so that’s why I selected a white washer and dryer. I’m definitely going to stick with a light and bright theme for the space. To improve the organizational side of things, my current plans include adding a waterfall shelf to enclose the washer and dryer and provide counter space, mounting a hang bar for air dying delicate things and adding a bit of wall storage for chic bins and baskets. Just because laundry rooms are utilitarian spaces, that doesn’t mean you should skimp on fun design elements. I’m planning on adding more personality to the room with a throw rug, a killer piece of art and an eye catching accent wall (but I’m keeping the accent wall inspiration under wraps until I can reveal the final result!). My laundry room is a fairly small space, especially when considered in the context of our entire renovation, but sometimes baby steps towards progress actually feel like a giant leap.

Here’s my moodboard for my dream laundry room:

SHOP THE POST: ceiling mount light fixture / laundry basket / storage basket / art print / steamer / sweater stone / felt dryer balls /LG Twinwash washer and dryer / clorox control bleach packs / clorox 2 stain treaters / clorox 2 laundry booster 

I’ll be partnering with Clorox to give you peeks into my progress along the way!

inspiration images: image 1 / image 2 / 

This post is in partnership with Clorox. All thoughts and 0pinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations that I’m excited about and that have kept apartment 34’s doors open

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Source: apartment34.com