[kreyv of the day]

image from Country Living

The Monogram: Still a Fave

I am still in love with a good monogram, especially one that is different and dramatic. Although I'm a little jealous of those of you who have a flat-bottomed and/or symmetrical monogram, I will still proudly rock the "J" (and the J and J...both hubs' and my initials). Unfortunately, I could never have a giant "J" on my desk, it would just fall right off, or rock back and forth, back and forth...but those of you who can, you better get on this. This is maj.

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image from Lotta Agaton

image from Annaleenas Hem

[so cheap, so easy]: Monochromatic Names

Sometimes Pinterest and this wonderful thing we call the World Wide Web make us think we are over things, because we have seen them so many times. Case in point: monograms and children's names on walls. I love Stella's "S", and I love the idea of a personalized space...I've just seen it so many times, that I'm ready for something different. You? How about painting your letters the same color as your wall? I'm really digging the simplicity and texture it brings to a space, and letters are super cheap and easy to find. What do you think? I love it. And, because I care, I saved you some time: bibliotheque (bee-blee-aw-tek) means library or bookshelves. I can't possibly be the only one that didn't know that, right?  Once again, the fact that I quit french after seventh grade bites me in the butt...

image from Erik Olsson via 79 Ideas

image from Houzz

Monogram Love

I absolutely love adding a monogram (or two) to a room. It's cool and classic and sophisticated. Me likey. (Phrases like that perfectly illustrate that I clearly need more sophistication in my life.) My monogram is probably the trickiest letter. It's not symmetrical, it doesn't stand up on its own, and, well, it's just a line with a curly tail. The only cool thing about my monogram is that I have three lines with three curly tails. And even cooler? So does the mister. JJJ & JJJ. Is that meant to be, or what?! But still. I'm a little jealous of the rest of you with your M's, H's, T's...you get the point. I'm jealous. With a J.

image from Restoration Hardware

image from Elle Decor

image from Pottery Barn

[so cheap, so easy]: Striped Monograms

Don't be jealous, but my favorite sister and her cute, little Presley are coming to visit next week. Let the shopping marathons begin. Yes, marathons...with an s. I'm a machine in the mall. Most people can't keep up with me. Just sayin.' Anyway, since the sister is coming, and she recently updated Gage's and Talon's bathroom, I thought I'd help her with some art to put over the toilet. These are made from 15x15 pieces of plywood and the 3D cardboard letters from Hobby Lobby. I had originally gone with my favorite chip decor letters, but then decided on these to give more dimension. Paint it, tape it, paint it again, paint your letters, and hot glue. Easy. The most difficult part of this project will be getting them both into a suitcase. (Britt, make sure your suitcase is at least 15x15!)

Linking up at the following:

Mom on Timeout

The Dedicated House

[so cheap, so easy]: Nickel Letters

Ok. Are you dying right now because of how cute this is? Me, too. Spray painted letters covered in nickels, come on. So. Cute. Now, I do have a few disclaimers. I've thought of using coins in a project before, but I'm not sure about the whole defacement issue. And, my second disclaimer is that I'll stand by my easy label, but I'm not sure of the actual dollar amount on this project...feel free to count the nickels in the picture, and let the rest of us know how many are there! (I know someone will do it.)

image from Justine Smith via Pinterest

Timeless Trends

I must say that I've missed seeing Nate's beautiful, smiling face every day on The Nate Show. How dare he take the summer off. I'll forgive him. After all, Nate can do no wrong in my eyes. I do hope, however, that when the new season starts again, the shows are more centered around design than they were last season. I'll have to talk to Nate about that next time we go to lunch. Anything else you'd like me to tell him?

On a past episode, Nate had Michelle Adams from Lonny Mag as his guest. She highlighted three timeless trends. Here they are (by the way, I think I need monogrammed soap):

(1) Animal Print Accessories

image from Southern Accents

image from Jena Williams

(2) Nailhead Trim

image from Isabella & Max

image from Kwinter

image from Pottery Barn

(3) Monogrammed Home Accessories

image from Pottery Barn