Blog it Forward

Maybe you've heard and seen on some of your favorite blogs the Blog it Forward project that Victoria from Sfgirlbybay has created.

I have also raised my hand to be a part of it and am excited that today is my turn! The question is What inspires me?

Do you ever get that feeling that you have so much to say you try to get it out all at once? That's how I feel now, I find inspiration everywhere it's so hard to narrow it down to a few things but here goes:

Magazines and blogs are tremendously important to me, so many beautiful images I see these gorgeous rooms, projects and ideas and I get a fire lit under me. I love blogging and to be able to share with other people is terrific. The blogs on my blogroll are ones that I visit everyday and gain countless ideas and inspiration from.

One of my secret aspirations is to be a photographer. It's a hobby and sometimes I'm daunted by so many great talents out there that I doubt myself but I love taking pictures and I love finding neat subjects to photograph. I rarely take photographs of myself because I'm usually too busy pointing the camera elsewhere:

 I've got a thing for old trailers. I'd love to get my hands on an Airstream and trick it out.

 This is a liquor store sign in Oakland. Why a heart? It doesn't make sense but It was strangely cute.

 My newest pair of shoes, orange and teal? yes please!

Almost every time I get flowers I have to photograph them.

 Ah, The Parker. There was lovely images around every corner. I can't wait to get back!

I did not take this picture but it's very special to me. This is my parents. It is my favorite picture of them and I absolutely love it. It is so 70's and so them.

I'm so honored to be part of this blogger mashup project! I am also excited to be able to direct you to two blogs in this project; Yesterday's inspirational post from Reading My Teal Leaves and check out tomorrow's post from Red Bird Style. A special thank you to Victoria for putting all of this together!

Lighting Dilemma

I had been searching for additional lighting for the living room. After much searching I finally settled on a new floor lamp from Ikea, The Vate. Then I went and visited my brother and he gave me a great Mid-C floor lamp (with brass accents!).

So now my conundrum is which lamp?

I have a chair that I plan to put in the living room, it's a low slung teak chair and I'm either going to angle it kind of where the lamps are or put it at a right angle with the couch. I haven't decided yet and I'm still a few months from getting the chair back in my possession.

I, personally, am leaning toward the ikea lamp. It's a little less obtrusive and doesn't get in the way of the drape like the pole lamp does.

Your thoughts?

Kitchen

I've been sick for a week and I'm just starting to feel better! I spent five days inside with no human contact other than my husband. I went out and ran errands today and it was weird, kind of like having to relearn social skills. The blog and my shop were at a stand still due to this cold and I'm just getting on track.

I'm glad to be back in the land of the living and happy to share my new kitchen with you!

The kitchen is not my favorite part of the house. While it is big and has so much storage, more than I know what to do with really there are a couple empty cabinets, The floor, cabinets and counters could use a re-haul.

I am totally in love with that microwave. It's the Sharp Half Pint. I swear it was on every episode of Small Space Big Style and I fell in love. Of course it was discontinued. I found one on ebay for a bit more than I wanted to pay for a microwave but the guy was so thorough in his cleaning and refurbishing of it and every microwave we've ever bought has broken within a year I was given the go-ahead to get my dream microwave (who would've thought someone has a "dream microwave"? What is wrong with me?).

Since our old kitchen table is now my sewing table I had to hunt down a perfect small table for the new place. I really wanted a Muddus table in orange but Ikea has discontinued that color and there are NONE on any craigslist near me. So my second choice was the Melltorp which I found for $20.

Yes, that is a much detested "Keep Calm" poster but you know what. I like it and it covers the breaker box perfectly. I have no issue with so many folks having that poster and the "For Like Ever" posters. Everyone wears jeans too. Most homes I see on blogs have an Eames or two and there's no backlash against that.

Anyway, I'm loving having all this space and being able to play around in it!

House Tour

Name: Ania

Location: Cracow, Poland

Square Footage: 688sq ft

Years Lived in: 5

Rent or own: owned

Describe your style: cheerful sentimental miscellany

What's your favorite free/found item?

My favourite free item is definitely my Grandparents 50's kitchen cupboard, which was in the kitchen from the beginning. Recently I've renovated it with fresh coat of paint and new knobs. I love it for it's history, sentimental charm, practicality and last but not least - presence;)

What's your favorite purchased item?

Well, it's hard to choose my fav purchased item. Usually I buy things which I love at first sight so I like them all, but the things I couldn't part with are my posters, lamps and desk.

 

What has been your biggest obstacle in decorating/design?

The biggest obstacle in decorating has been my roommates, who live in one of the rooms and who don't like changes. Plus there is another thing - in one year I'll be a Mrs. so, together with my Husband-To-Be, I will need to redecorate the whole place and I don't want spend too much money now.

Is your design style organic or planned?

I'm not good at planning, so my design style is rather organic. When I like/want something really badly I'll wait to get it, no matter how long it takes or if it doesn't fit anywhere.

 

What is your favorite spot in the house?

It would be my kitchen. It's cozy and inviting. Every single piece of furniture is filled with so many memories. Almost every item in this room is a witness of my mother's childhood, youth and betrothal.

How has your style changed in the past 5 years?

Oh, my style has gone through diametrical changes. When I moved in all I needed was a comfortable mattress on the floor, Rambo poster in the window and some source of light. Now I live surrounded with so many items that it bothers me sometimes (usually when cleaning).

 

What is your favorite resource or store?

My favourite resource is flea market near my place and Polish ebay - allegro.pl. My number one store is still Ikea.

What is your biggest decorating/design pet peeve?

The thing I really hate about my place is the kitchen floor - is sooo old and disgusting. But, hopefully, this summer I'll have a fresh new colourful floor :)

 

What has been your favorite design trend?

I'm not very good at history of design, but mid century modern I suppose and I really do love Polish design from 50's to 80's and our folk art.

What is the biggest influence on your design/decorating style?
Maybe my origin - I come from Polish mountains where I lived in a small town surrounded by great pieces of regional folk art and now I try to find a place for them in my ^bourgeois^ apartment with a bit of sense of humour.

 

What in your home dictates how you design/decorate?
I suppose that the main reason why my place looks like it does is my Grandparents' heritage and that I wanted to retain the spirit of the home.

What is the simplest thing you have done that has made the biggest impact?
Painting. I love to paint the furniture and walls, it's great fun and, usually, a great effect.