Show Off Your Design: Ann Ueno

Today we are showing off the lovely design from Ann Ueno who blogs at House and Host (not to be missed!). Check out her space and what she has to say about her design process:

Entryway – I LOVE wall galleries and the inspiration for this space was to be inviting, attention-grabbing supported by stories.  This gallery features all of my own personal photography (great way to create cheap art) of places my husband and I have traveled, combined with smaller accent pieces that welcome people into our home.  Our last name initial.  The ‘chateau’ sign from Anthropologie.  Small trio mirror (of course, you always need some mirror in entryway to apply lipstick, right?).

Dining – the next two shots are our dining area.  The main asset here is the table.  I was very inspired by one of my favorite authors, Shauna Neiquist and the importance of hospitality, hosting and feeding friends and family alike.  In order to do that, you have to have enough space and a welcoming space.  So when I saw this amazing farmhouse table, which was relatively inexpensive and plus when I bought it, it was on sale (from Restoration Hardware).  The moments and memories we have had around this table will forever be stamped on my heart.  There already stains and spills and I love it.  It’s the way it’s supposed to be.  Imperfect, with incredible stories shared. (the chairs are Z Gallerie and I always get asked where they are from!!)

Master BR – since becoming married, a challenge I face is trying to make sure our house isn’t TOO girly.  Of course, some areas still are.  But, I really tried to ensure our master bedroom had a balance of masculinity and femininity.  And the inspiration was from a hotel room.  My husband and I are both in the hotel business so that was my vision.  Dark navy walls, personal artwork and photography in the form of a gallery, clean white linens.  It works perfectly for us and I do think it creates a nice balance and a personal touch with our hotel backgrounds. 

Last – just a fun styled shot of our living room coffee table.  I change this often so no big story here, other than taking cues from blogs and Pinterest on how to style a coffee table!

Isn't Ann's space fab? Don't forget to submit your Design to Show Off here on Decorology (See Instructions here)!

Timeless Inspiration

Finding that perfect piece of furniture to fit your space isn't always as easy as it seems. Luckily there are plenty of timeless iconic pieces that have been making statements and creating inspiration over the years.

This chic colorful armchair adds a little hint of playful to a room but keeps the glamour alive! Perfect for small spaces where you are looking for a little more seating but you don't want it to just blend into the wall!

Looking for something a little more rustic and original? This coffee table would definitely be the talk of the room and pull together your room for a finished touch. The gorgeous wood taps into the traditional design but the wheels keep it modern and almost give it an industrial feel!

Going for a rich luxurious look? A desk like this would make anyone feel like a professional! I love the sleek look of the drawers and the rounded edges of the legs. It screams elegance!

If comfort is more you style then sit back and relax in this gorgeous simple armchair. This seat may not steal the scene in your room but it will definitely be a favorite among many! 

All of these pieces have been acclaimed iconic design and will be timeless additions to your home. You  might even consider them a piece of art! Each of these pieces have been found via Infurn who is known for providing great classic pieces of furniture at affordable prices.

Living Room Must Haves

Our living room is the first thing one sees upon walking through our front door. Since moving in in June, we've made some progress making it ours, but it's slow going since we're still trying to decide exactly what it is we're going for. We have a small sofa now, which I like, but I've been considering a sectional because our current sofa isn't really comfortable for those late nights snuggling on the couch. I used to not like sectionals at all, but more and more you're finding them in smaller sizes with cleaner lines.

 Love that coffee table too!
via Pinterest via Houzz

via SoHaute

Some of my favorite sofas are the ones that look clean and modern but still have a great comfort factor!

I've also been faithfully searching craigslist every day for a worn leather chair.  I think they're so beautiful!

via Pinterest via Keltainen Talo Rannalla 

via One Kings Lane


A coffee table that is both useful and stunning is another must have, though we've been living without one for 3 years, so I guess they're more like a "should have". I've been looking out for one that I like for a while now.  A coffee table is something you don't need to splurge on, and there are so many creative ways to create your own coffee table.  Just search on google or pinterest "DIY Coffee Table" and you'll see hundreds of ideas returned!

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

Lighting is also extremely important. A lot of natural light is ideal but unfortunately might not be a reality for you. Since the living room is the main gathering room at most homes, you want it to be the most well lit when occupied, so make sure you have plenty of lamps.

via hometalk.com

Overhead lighting makes me sad.  Table lamps are pretty and cast a more relaxed glow so use those on end tables instead, or place a floor lamp behind a couch for the nights you curl up with a book.

via Joss and Main

this post is in partnership with scs.co.uk

Awesome deals on some mid-century mod. pieces

I can't decide if I want a glass console or coffee table. This furniture is great for keeping an open feel to a room, because since you can see through them they don't take up much visual weight.

$285 for the console

only $295 for the coffee table - can't really beat that.

and only $139 for the nesting tables - I'm trying to decide if I want to go with two small tables, like the nesting tables, to serve as a coffee table in my living room, or the clear coffee table...hmmm... Anyway, if you want to snatch up one of these great deals, it's on sale at HauteLook (but only for the next two days or so!)

Lovely living room potpourri

I am moving tomorrow and have been painting our new place for the last two days and I am EXHAUSTED. Starting fresh in a new place is exciting, but moving as an act is horrible. So, I won't be posting tomorrow, but want to wish everyone a great and hopefully much more relaxing weekend than I'll be having.

Two images above via Real Simple

Simple and pretty
via The Nest

via Sweet Home Style

via Schibsted Forlag

so gorgeous and dramatic 
via Scandinavian Chic

via Pinterest

I really like the shutters and colorful accents on the couch. Really anchors things.
via Pinterest

A historic country home done up in a modern way

I'm writing you guys from Chicago today, where I'm visiting a friend before heading over to Spain to visit my boyfriend for a month. I saw this house in Elle Decor and thought it was really nice - and worth a share. What do you think?

Looovvee those weathered leathered chairs, the oversize ottoman/coffee table, and the hydrangea arrangement.




I would never think to paint my bedroom such a dark brown, but it's actually looks quite relaxing.

via Elle Decor

Gorgeous reclaimed wood - do you have some?

I was introduced to Forest Dickey's work the other day and it's just stunning. He uses reclaimed barn wood -of which I've always been a fan. The unique thing is that with this historic medium he creates contemporary furniture! I particularly love his benches -



*gulp*

gorgeous walnut

via Forest's studio Varian


Cabinetry in reclaimed wood if you the substance and look of a rustic kitchen
via Gurniture


A special attribute of reclaimed wood is that it means your piece will be completely unique. I can think of a space for this hutch in every room (of my dream house, that is.)
Cottage Home Maine

ohhh. I seriously want one of these vintage factory carts as a coffee table...one day...
via Restoration Hardware

see!
via Marie Claire Maison

via James Merrel

Of course, most furniture in reclaimed wood will probably be made one of a kind by craftsmen, which equals big bucks (and rightfully so), but you can find more accessible furniture - like these shelves made from old railroad tracks at vivaterra.
via vivaterra

Do any of you have furniture (or anything) made from reclaimed wood? I'd love to hear about it - what it is and how you like it.

Sweet Scandinavian Style for a sweet price (and a few steps up from Ikea)

I'm starting to like CB2 more and more these days. They seem to be offering more versatile furniture and accessories, instead of all cold steel modern furnishings. Here are some things I'd love to have from their first look 09 catalog.

I *love* this Platform coffee table - it has two drawers (hello storage), and I love the modern retro design. I also love the $399 price tag. The Dane table lamp - only $99, and oh so pretty. I'm not usually one for wall decals and wall "sculpture," but I thought these rubber decor forms were sort of pretty. They'd look nice down a hallway wall.

Those cute and simple tea light sconces are only $2.50! One also can't have enough simple cylindrical vases in various sizes. Sadly mine broke last time I moved, and I've been meaning to get more. They're a great option for people who only get flowers occasionally, because in between bouquets you can fit all sorts of interesting objets d'art. The Darjeeling dining table is a favorite of mine, the wood grain is gorgeous. Rare saal wood is reclaimed from old Indian railroad ties, restored, and pieced in a natural plank mosaic.

via CB2

Image background swatch from Scandinavian Design Center

House Beautiful Potpurri

I've had a few House Beautiful scans I've been meaning to share with you guys, some are from this past month's issue, and some are older. Enjoy!

I love the coffee table with natural objects, wooden bowls, and books.


Love this humble cozy bedroom

If anyone knows where I can get a blue striped rug like this please do tell!

An artist's easel as a flat-screen TV mount. Genius!

A cozy nook to read the morning paper and have a cup of coffee