What I'm Loving Now: Moroccan Poufs

[Photo credit: David Netto for Teen Vogue]

I saw it the other day via Desire To Inspire. It called out to me. It yearned to be mine. Do you see it? There. That little red-gumdrop-of-a-pouf tucked under the sleek white desk. Yes, that's the one. I haven't stopped dreaming about it ever since.

While some may dismiss Moroccan poufs as a trend that's so last year. I think these ottomans are in fact a beautiful basic - fun and functional for everyday living. And, I've rounded up my faves just for you. From the pricey square orange ottoman that will make your room to the smaller scale (and budget friendly) camel patchwork ottoman that's great for kids.

Clockwise from top left: Chocolate brown pouf, Mosaik$295; orange cylinder, Tazi Designs $120; red pouf, John Derian $265; camel patchwork pouf, Yurdan $25.50; orange square, Tazi Designs $450. See anything you like? They are all so yummy!

Last, but by no means least, a big thank you to Ancil at Kicker Inc. for the new Pretty*Practical banner. I love it! And of course to all of you, Happy Monday! :-)

What I'm Loving Now: Storage In White

[Photo credit: Chez Larsson]

Some of you may recall my post on Benita Larsson and her practice of buying everyday supplies in white. Today, I thought we'd explore this idea with storage.

Below, I've culled some white storage pieces that would work in almost any room of your home. My faves are CB2's lacquered Osaka boxes - great for stashing jewelry or even the remotes! I also love IKEA's Asker containers which can be wall-mounted to save kitchen-counter or even craft-table space.

Top (l. to r.): Drawer chest, Container Store; Osaka boxes, CB2; Wire storage cubes, WalMart.
Middle (l. to r.): Drawer organizer, Bed Bath and Beyond; Asker container, IKEA; Flyt magazine file, IKEA.
Bottom: (l. to r.): Clearview bins, Bed Bath and Beyond; Kassett boxes, IKEA; Elfa In/Out basket, Container Store.

Using a monochromatic scheme instantly streamlines your storage and creates a cohesive look. It also makes purchasing additional containers or swapping storage between rooms a snap. Of course, you can use any other color, the important thing is to be consistent and it will look great!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Celia

What I'm Loving Now: Slipcovered Sofas

[Photo credit: Pottery Barn]

To me nothing says laidback luxury like a slipcovered sofa. Even if a room boasts other precious pieces, the mere presence of a comfy, slipcovered sofa says, "My home is meant to be lived in and enjoyed. Relax and stay a while." That's a heck of a lot for a couch to say, right? ;-)

[Photo credit: Lisa Romerein, Sunset Magazine. Designer: Michele Adams, MiGi]

Anyway, I absolutely love this type of furniture in crisp white but I don't have the nerve to try it in my own home with two toddlers on the lam. However, I secretly admire those who do. Yes, you always hear that you can just throw a white slipcover in the wash or bleach it if it gets dirty/stained. But I am convinced I'd be doing that everyday! Can someone really spill the beans and tell me that white slipcovers are not as easy as folks claim? Nevertheless, it looks fabu. However, if you're a mere mortal like me, a darker neutral or even a bright hue may be more functional.

[Photo credit: Jean Allsopp, Southern Living]

Color aside, slipcovers are a great way to pull together mismatched furniture or to change the look of your room on a whim. Slipcovers are certainly easier to clean than regular upholstery and cheaper than reupholstering in general. In fact, what makes the pieces I have shown similar to upholstery is that they are customized to fit the shape of the sofa and also feature separate back and seat covers. This creates a tailored fit that is very elegant.

Photo credit: Overstock.com

Custom-made slipcovers are of course more expensive depending on the materials chosen and the complexity i.e. lots of curves vs. a clean-lined silhouette. However, if you are handy with a sewing machine, making slipcovers are a snap. Otherwise, pre-made slipcovers like the ones shown above (natural cotton duck cover, $49.99) and below (merlot cover with box-seat cushion cover, $89.99) are another budget-friendly choice.

[Photo credit: Overstock.com]

Feeling nifty? Click here for this tutorial (found via Apartment Therapy) that explains how to slipcover a reading chair. The directions would actually work for virtually any type of furniture and are quite detailed. So happy sewing!

Celia

P.S. I've been working on a slipcovering on my own sofas with the immense help and talent of my sister-in-law who is a sewing wunderkind. I will post before and after photos when it is complete.