Home Decor

Apartment Pictures: Before and After!

A couple weeks ago Joanna shared some photos of our teeny 500 square foot apartment on A Cup of Jo. I have a lot more pictures and details about hunting for the apartment and renovations so this week I’m going to share some of them. I love a good before and after and this one was pretty crazy. When we signed the lease we agreed to manage the renovations ourselves and we spent two weeks (with the help of Paul’s parents) painting the whole apartment and hiring contractors to do floors etc. It was an exhausting project but we were thrilled with the results. (Just a warning there are some scary “before” pictures.)

Click through below to take a peek…

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A Housewarming Party Kit

This post is sponsored by Glad. Visit Facebook.com/Glad for a chance to win $10,000 for your own One Bag Party.

I had already started planning a little housewarming party when Glad approached me to participate in their one-bag challenge. I really loved the concept and agreed right away. The idea is to reduce the waste from your party down to one garbage bag or less. They asked me to put together a party kit of everything you would need to throw a party.

For our housewarming party I just wanted a chance for friends to stop by and see our apartment and chat. Since our house is so small I realized it might be tricky if I invited everyone we know over at the same time. So to prevent a crammed apartment I decided to have an open house for people to stop by throughout the day. I’ve thrown parties like that before and I love that no one feels rushed and you actually get a chance to visit with everyone. I also love that there isn’t the same kind of pressure when you entertain for an hour or two. The items I chose for my party are reusable pieces that you can invest in and some compostable and recyclable one-use items. I’m a big believer that a party doesn’t need to be complicated. You usually just need a few unexpected elements that make the party feel special and that your guests will remember. I am so excited to host a party in our small apartment. I’ll be sure to share pictures afterwards.

Inspiration photo from Kinfolk Magazine. A. Glass Beverage Dispenser B. Striped Tablecloth C. Single Use Veneerware Plates D. Compostable Cups E. Dipped Pitcher F. Slate Cheeseboard G. Blocked Dot Napkins H. Clear Globe Lights I. 3 Tiered Stand

Calligraphed Eggs DIY + Free Template

I love the idea of decorating simple and beautiful eggs through calligraphy. But let’s be honest, it’s difficult to write in a pretty font on a rounded surface. So, this year we had Julie Manwaring make us some templates to apply using tattoo paper. They were easy to make and even easier to clean up. Now, that’s a project I can get behind.

PS - Remember this fun confetti egg game ? I’m hoping we play again this year!

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Nesting

Last week my friend Jaimie Meares was in town and helped me finish decorating my apartment. I had gotten the main pieces into place last summer but felt like it still needed some art, plants, lighting and pillows before it was “done.” One thing I’ve learned about living in a small apartment is when you add art and furniture the space feels so much bigger. I can’t wait to share the photos of our teeny tiny place.

Zara Home is Here!

I remember hearing rumors about Zara Home years ago. It was one of those brands where you could get good design at reasonable prices but it was only available in Europe. When I moved to Paris last year I bought all of the bedding for the boys room there (it was little silver and fluorescent yellow stars!) So I was so excited to hear they would be opening an online store in the US! Well, it is finally here, their new US site went live today! They have lots of neutral patterns and subtle designs that are harder to find in the United States. Now we won’t have to head to Paris to pick up sheets, you’ll have to think of another excuse to go.

Kids Cotonia Throw/ Anouk Throw/ Silver Pillow/ Sequin Pillow /Polka Dot Bedspread/ Gold Star Bedding