In Defense of Amateur Decorating

I discovered this NYT piece called "How to Tell if You're Over-Propped" through Apartment Therapy, which is funny because they sort of slam Apartment Therapy, though quite indirectly.

When I first read the article, I was taken aback.  I felt discovered.  I read design blogs.  I find inspiration in other people's blogs and homes for my own home.  I placed a terrarium carefully on top of a pile of books chosen by color!  I own Grace Bonney's Design Sponge at Home and peruse the photos of beautifully designed homes! Now the New York Times tells me I'm "cliche," "insanely self-conscious," and an "amateur stylist."  Well, yeah.  Whatever.  It's cute, okay!

There are some good points in the article.  I've tried to imitate things in my home that seem appealing in a blog post, but then they just don't work for me.  It is important to be authentic and genuine.  To me, however, this doesn't mean you can't copy a little.  Everyone is copying something.  Haven't you seen Everything is a Remix?  You just have to be authentic to your own taste and personality.  For example, I would never hang any kind of taxidermied animal in my home, even a pink lucite or white plaster version (I've seen both in restaurants), because it's completely contrary to my own personality.

I've spent a good bit of time, energy, and money decorating my living room.  I recently hung curtains and made the cute and cliche terrariums a while ago.  I've rearranged the top of the bookshelf countless times.  But at the end of the day, I love being in this room.  I love spending time with people (and animals) I love in this room.  Yeah, when the terrariums were complete, they made an Instagram debut.  They were popular.  People liked them.  But that's not the point.  The point is to have a happy home.

Additionally, ever since I became more interested in design and decor, I've spent less money on me (clothes) and more money on things to be shared.  I love the DIY craze because it encourages us to get off the computer (yes, even if we get the ideas from the computer) and make something and spend time with people.

So, in the end, I don't think there's any harm is stealing a little cuteness from other people's homes if it gives you, your family, and your friends and happier healthier place to live in.

Home Office Makeover

I don't work from home, but I do a lot of work from home.  As a teacher, my work follows me home as often as I let it, and sometimes I really don't have a choice.  I'm also majorly involved in a local nonprofit and that work takes place at home, too.  Beyond these things, though, my mom always taught me to have a desk space to sit peacefully and read or work.

This is my desk space now.

The only things I enjoy about my desk space are my vintage kitchenette table ($25 from Dolly Python years ago) and my white Ikea paper tray.

I've been wanting to improve my office, but struggling with where to start.  I've also always found inspiration in Jenny Komenda's office at Little Green Notebook ever since she posted about her desk and beautiful arched bookshelf project a while ago.  So, I when I saw her recent post about home offices, I was totally motivated to tackle my own.

From her list of things to have in an office, I love the idea of looking for an armoire or cool cupboard to store the printer and a fun filing cabinet or storage piece with drawers.  I'm doing a pretty good job with clutter right now, but during the school year I accumulate everything from papers to markers to binder rings in my desk space, and I need a better storage and organization system.

My first project, however, will be to assemble a photo wall for my inspiring art.  I already have a small collection ready to hang, but want to find a couple more items to include.  Here's some great inspiration on Pinterest.

National Parks at Home

I am obsessed with these Pendleton National Parks blankets.  There's something I love about the simplicity of the design, the colors, and the connection to the outdoors.  I'm in the market for a new blanket (my cat continues to destroy mine on a daily basis), but these are wool and I think a bit heavy and warm for summer in Texas, not to mention a bit above my usual price range.  Nonetheless, I want one...

Pendleton also has gorgeous Native American inspired towels, like this one.