Our first home!

I am so excited today, we decided to buy the house in Gaithersburg, MD.

We weighed pros and cons and did some back and forth and decided to take the leap! As soon as I agreed I knew we'd made the right decision. I've easily seen over 15 homes in the area, and this one just had a feeling right away - only the first house I saw and this one could I ever see myself living in. It has some quirks and character, but nothing we can't work with. Our settlement is late May.

 As you can imagine I already have a smorgasbord of ideas for the home. Here are the listing photos:

A summer shot of the front of the house

 Unfortunately the adorable German Shepherd puppy doesn't come with the home... Behind the wall with the TV is the kitchen, which we plan to open up and turn into a breakfast bar...

 Master bedroom.  We also plan on having hardwood throughout - my allergies can't handle carpet.

 Guest bedroom

 Another bedroom, which will be my office

 One of the two full baths...

The backyard is what is really special to us.  It by far and away is the largest and the mature trees give it a secluded feeling.  It needs a little love, but we're excited to get started!

It even has an outdoor fireplace!


I've already started my wishlist:

I'd love to have a settee or something like this in the bedroom,  since it's pretty spacious compared to what we're used to.

We're going to need some additional rugs now that we have more than two rooms

The lighting throughout the house is not our style, so we're going to be replacing it all

4 items above via Joss and Main

 I would like something similar for the diningroom, but perhaps a little crisper than this.

Love the end table.
2 items above via One Kings Lane

Hopefully a real bed! I've been using one of those metal frames with the wheels ever since I left my parents! via Rue La La

Some barstools for the breakfast bar via HauteLook

You won't believe where these beautiful rooms are from!

I was shocked - really - when I opened up the most recent issue of the Ballard Designs catalog. They've really upped the ante on their styling. It's relaxed and glamorous at the same time. (Click on each image for a larger view)

Love cream and light blue



I like the Moroccan style rug in the picture above. They have it in a couple other colors as well.









I like their home office setups


So what do you think?
via Ballard Designs

TIps for creating a superbly glamorous dressing room

Jane, a Decorology reader, wrote me asking for inspiration for a 9x9 room she wants to turn into a "fit for a star dressing room." So I've done my best to compile some super glamorous dressing rooms. I've also found a few "glam dressing room" essentials and where to find them. Even if you don't have a dressing room, I hope you enjoy this eye candy!

One of my favorite dressing rooms - the dressing room of JCrew Jenna Lyons as seen in Domino.
via Abigail Ahern

Another one I like -I guess I really like the windows with natural light, which is good for makeup.
via La Dolce Vita

I think the mornings would be easier to face with a beautiful wall of beautiful shoes.
via Qwikstep

via NestEgg

A dressing room is a great place to try out that bold wallpaper or paint color you've been eyeing as it's a more private, smaller space.
via La Dolce Vita


A super eclectic dressing room.
via La Dolce Vita


I adore this shot - a perfect vision of glamour.
via Country Living

Another one of my faves.
via Architect Design

via Apartment Therapy


Here are some items I would use to create a starlet dressing room.

Top left: A staple of any glam interior - a chaise or settee. This one is from Montauk sofa.
Top right: Chandelier, like this one from Graham and Greene
Center: A tufted ottoman, this one is from Serena and Lily
Bottom left: A mirrored vanity is quintessential glam. This one is from Graham and Greene
Bottom right: A pretty little table like this one from Oomph Online

Awesome furniture sale at Rue La La - great rugs!

Rue La La doesn't often have furniture/home decor sales, so I thought I had to share this one with you, as it has some good steals in it. The sale features Safavieh furnishing, and best of all, some really glam rugs. If you like what you see - click on the following link to log in to Rue La La, or if you aren't a member , sign up for free and get great discounts. Stuff sells out fast!

Click here to shop - http://www.ruelala.com/invite/decorology



I love this blue rug - reminds me of the rugs in Morocco. The rug prices vary, this one, at 3'9" by 5'9", is $129





The settee's on sale for $1,499

This set of tables is $139