Shape: Moorish Arches on Curtains

my wool semi-sheer panels from the company store

For several years now my wool curtains have needed replacing. Moths have eaten them through. It isn't noticeable since there is seating in front of each panel now. But when I go back there the holes are shocking. How dare something eat my beauties! The search for the same curtains has been fruitless. I got them on clearance in 2007. Nothing like them has really surfaced: both sheer enough to let the light in and with that exotic flair until recently.

But they're missing one important factor...

Exotic Beds: Fall Color in Bloom

the company store's highland paisley duvet (or comforter)

'Tis the season for deeper tones, the kind that temper brights into soothing vibrance while complementing their base colors. Those that play off hot pink, orange and amethyst will always be my favorites. And when they come balanced in strong, energetic patterns, I love them all the more. 

Single-Girl Style: Global Mod Living

move-in ready, just needs one tweak

Seeing this livingroom in Cottages & Bungalows magazine last year was a jolt. What a an inspiring room. It's very casual and comfy, heavy on paisleys and blockprints, the colors are fresh and feminine and the bones have simple lines for a simple, modern feeling. 

The only thing I would change is that stuffy rug. 

Color Texture Pattern: Jewel Tones

rich indian bedroom with boldly painted walls

I gravitate toward warmer colors in my home choices. Even my teals tend to have warmer undertones. But there's nothing like some jewel tones for luxurious intensity that doesn't burn your retinas.

Chez Moi: Zara Floor Runner has Landed!

It's here! The runner shipped very quickly (and dropped $10 in price the same day mine arrived, but okay). At first, the pattern seemed really huge and overwhelming, but now that it's down on the floor it feels like a really good choice.

Cozy Under Foot: Zara Home Runner

istanbul runner: my hallway can't wait

I finally did it! Ordered something from Zara Home. The Istanbul runner has been on my mind for quite some months and it's finally gonna be mine. My jubilation over the availability of Zara Home goods is too much to chronicle - and I do mean chronicle - in this post. After failing to set foot in either of Paris' two Zara Home stores during my solo vacation back in 2007, I have been eating my heart out browsing their website over and over again! 

But no more. At last, a little Zara for me.

Chez Moi: Curtains on the Wall

color texture pattern: curtains for any season

Last weekend I decided try something new: putting curtains up in the corner behind my bed. Some years back I tried this with some diaphanous sheers from Spiegel website. It was okay, but the curtains really only worked with the matching sari coverlet. I sold them off. This time I was longing to put an amethyst sheer up on the wall instead (really wish to paint the whole apartment this color).

Retail Odyssey: Target's Global Shower Curtains

Saw some great shower curtains in Moroccan and Indian patterns recently. From paisley to key lattice to peacock and more modern prints, the range is pretty impressive. And the colors are largely cheerful and refreshing - something I prefer in a bathroom, no matter the size.

I took some photos of the store displays because the website photos are just too small to really appreciate:

Retail Odyssey: Global Designs at Target

Like a good girl, I've been staying out of stores unless I need something. What an aboutface! Five years ago, I went shopping every weekend to make sure I didn't miss something good or to get out of the house and get a little 'exercise.' Wow. Anyway, so I was looking for a good low price on a book and swung through the whole store besides. Some very cute things for good prices (that is Target's specialty, no?).

First, there were these awesome lampshades:

moroccan lattice - floor lamp size shade

Exotic Beds: Matthew Williamson's Butterfly Home

duvet sets, comforters, throw pillows and lanterns

Why is fate so cruel? Why does it deny me us simple things like access to Zara Home? Is it really fair that Matthew Williamson's decor line, Butterfly Home, is only available at Debenham's in the UK? Are we North Americans not fans? Do we not deserve bright, bold patterned bedding and accessories? 

Revel in the lushness:

Paper Goods: Jot This Down...

world market's spice route pad; awesome palampore lotus flower

Several years ago, I decided that anything I have to own might as well be pretty.  This was during the phase when I was thinking very seriously about decorating my apartment and doing Apartment Therapy 8-Week Cures. My ideas about style and color were finally coming together so that actual decisions could be made. Instead of admiring things and walking away, I began to buy them. Furniture, dishes, bedding... Even little things like notepads.

Exotic Beds: Global Designs for Fall

The time to snuggle is now. The days are short, evenings are chilly, the heat won't be on for a month. Already I'm slipping into winter tendencies having grilled cheese sandwiches and cocoa for dinner. After which I want to retreat to my cushy, soft bed with a good book and nestle under piles of colorful blankets. And the fact that it's fall and jewel tones are in season does not alter my desire for brightly colored, well-patterned bedding. Thank heaven for brands like Echo who bring it like it's already been brung.

My favorite new collection, Mayan Geo, features my favorite colors, hot pink and orange, on an excellent tribal pattern. This looks like it would mix and match well with any John Robshaw you've got laying around.

all good things: echo brand mayan geo

Exotic Beds: Light, Bright & Darn-Near White

White bedding is not my friend. Historically, it has leeched color from colorfast blankets, the mattress and drawn the ink from uncapped pens with the gravitational pull of a black hole. But most annoyingly, my white bedding tends to get dingy. What in the world causes white cotton to take on a grayish cast? My incredibly handy mother suggests simply using something called "blueing" to put an end to this nonsense. 

Maybe when I'm 40 I will have finally matured enough to simply take Mom's advice without question. She is always right... Until then, here's to airy, exotic, white bedrooms...(with a pop of color).

embroidered paisley overhead, that gorgeous carved headboard and the cool, silky silver-gray quilt