Shades of White and Gray

This past Monday evening was spent with my best girlfriend, Shannon, lounging on the bright pinky-purple sleeper sofa in my office/guest room, catching up on episodes of "True Blood" and "The Killing". As I struggled to get comfortable, sprawling out to make full use of the chaise, I realized what was missing: pillows.

Lots and lots of fun, cozy, necessary pillows.

The couch is quite the color. Bright and unapologetic -- everything I could hope for in a sofa. So that got me thinking about incorporating some grays and whites for contrast. Today, I found a handful of fun pillows at Urban Outfitters that I think fit the bill, not to mention they would add a soft and plush texture. It's shocking how hard it is to find cute pillows on a budget! When did pillow covers become a thing only for the upper echelon?! If only I were better at estate and thrift shopping.

But that doesn't stop me from fantasizing of a couch gilded in pillows of gray and white.

{pictured: the rise and fall cat pillow, cable-knit pillow, rounded pintuck pillow, waterfall ruffle pillow, texture diamond pillow via Urban Outfitters}

Wares & Things: Light and Ladder

hanging ceramic planters | Light and Ladder

I don't know how many of you live with cats. But if you do, you'll certainly empathize with the dangers of placing potted plants on tables or counters. If the plants don't get eaten (that's our kitty, Hobbes' thing), it's only a matter of time before the pot gets scoot scoot scooted right off the edge of the bookshelf (Bartleby's M.O.)

So when I saw something about home accessories & design company Light and Ladder (via Elephantine) and their use of air plants and succulents in hanging wall planters, I immediately perked up. Handmade ceramics and metal, with organic leather or rope detailing, add a completely different look to a bare white wall. (I actually can't stop imaging the bright white planters against a vibrant burnt orange or turquoise accent wall -- mmm... like a Moroccan oasis.)

Owner and designer Farrah Sit is based in Brooklyn, and her studio has grown to include works by other local craftspeople. I may have spent all morning looking at her Etsy shop and eyeing that hive planter (pictured on the top-right). She also designs other home wares and one-of-a-kind exhibit pieces that are unbelievable (don't even get me started on her forged silver flatware!)

Given our cats' proclivities for destroying houseplants, these ceramic planters seems like a brilliant solution to keep the surfaces clear -- and add some unique decor to a bare wall or corner.

Wares & Things: Cotton & Flax

trivet, coasters, tea towel, pillows from Cotton & Flax

My sister has told me repeatedly that I need to get a good set of felt or fabric coasters.  My current ones, while beautiful, are glass and do nothing to keep pooling water from spilling onto our wood coffee table.

When did I become someone who cared about water rings?  Is that just a sign of adulthood?

In an effort to find something fun and unique, I scoured the net and came upon Cotton & Flax, an independent textile shop.   Not only did I find gorgeous geometric-patterned felt coasters, but a handful of other housewares that would be perfect for my living area and kitchen!  Considering these are all handmade items, they are pretty affordable!

And, much to my surprise and delight, it turns out that "owner, maker & designer" Erin Dollar runs her home studio right here in Los Angeles!  It's always an added bonus when you come across artists and creators that also happen to be local.

Her coasters are also available at Mignon Kitchen (along with a discounted price tag), which features a fun collection of goods for your kitchen & pantry from a variety of independent makers.

Aren't they just perfect?

My Favorite Pouf

Gretchen enjoying the Threshold pouf

Since John and I moved into our new place together, I knew that I wanted to start hosting dinners and parties for friends.  But that meant plenty of seating.  I'm sort of a design novice, but I'm learning and getting inspired. So what kinds of pieces should I be looking for?

For myself, I know that a good sofa and armchair are musts.  But what about floor seating?  Personally, when I'm at friends' apartments, I love when they have cushions or great carpet, because I prefer to sit on the floor.  When watching movies, writing, blogging, whatever!

I had purchased four of the fun and colorful Urban Outfitter floor pillows (I plan on buying more - they just stack so easily!).  Next, I wanted to get a pouf or two.  Normally, poufs are so uncomfortably to me.  Hard as a rock or completely unstable.  Who wants to sit on fabric that feels like wood?

But shockingly, I found one that is perfect.  And it's actually affordable!  Right now, Target has an amazing array of poufs, and I highly recommend the Threshold pouf.  The one I purchased (see above; my Mini Dachshund is a big fan) is soft and wide and - above all - comfortable.  And now they're on sale!

You just can't have enough places for people to sit.  And I may just have to claim this new pouf as my forever spot.