I am finishing an interior design degree. I am back in undergrad (after graduating with a Bachelors of Art in 2004) at 27 with 19-20 year olds, returning students much older than me and in the middle of what, I’m sad to say, is not a booming metropolis of wonderful interior design.

This morning in class a man my father’s age began talking about the current designer showhouse here. He was horrified and disgusted that this 19th-century mansion had, in some rooms, been decorated somewhat contemporary (and just as ugly as the vintage-inspired rooms!). This man, mind you, is taking the class with his wife after working in a completely unrelated industry for forever, doesn’t allow his wife to speak for herself (at first day introductions he introduced the both of them, not letting her say a word!), is the first to admit he doesn’t understand anything to do with art or design, and only took this class to see if he and his wife could make a career change! The nerve, right?! He has no passion or real concern for interior design, yet feels it necessary to be annoyed when what he perceives are rules of design are being broken.

Much to my surprise, everyone in the room was in full agreement, including my teacher! They all fully believed that an old mansion HAD to be decorated old. Really? So, since my house was built a hundred years ago, I have to decorate in only antiques and make it look dated and like something my grandmother would love? To hell with that! You people piss me off and I’m so glad that I don’t want to work for any of your firms!

Mister in my class, you suck. You have no style and I resent you telling me I need to do something because you think so.

This is why HGTV is the death of good design.

Just because I have a puppy now, doesn’t mean I have to have a bunch of ugly crap hanging out in my house, right? On the other hand, I am NOT Paris Hilton and have no desire to dress up my pup in loud collars and obnoxious clothes (does a freakin’ dog need a sweater?!). But, a couple of chic doggie accessories are certainly on my shopping list.

First up, a new dog bed and I have found a couple of cute choices for your furry family member.

Super cute and great price for this red one:

Via PETCO: $19.99 (on sale)

This very cool graphic print bed would be a good addition to an artist and her pup. Alas, a bit too pricey for me.

Via Pet Super Store: $74.99

This lovely Target bed is my pick and will probably get purchased in the next few weeks. Love the stripes and they totally go with my new living room decor! (Oh, by the way, I’m moving and get to redecorate!)

Via Target: $29.99

I spent most of yesterday at Diane Von Furstenberg’s Studio helping out my friend Barbara as they set up for the BRANDAID Project. This is how they describe themselves: “BRANDAID Project is a global initiative committed to closing the market divide. We partner with artisans in the developing world to get their art into global markets and turn poverty into prosperity.”

The space is amazing and everything is looking fantastic! I’m really excited to see it all come together. Saturday’s event (which is the launch of the exhibit) is sponsored by DVF and Vanity Fair. Here is a video from the LA show, and Saturday will mark the New York launch! There are some great personalities involved and I can’t wait to share some photos with you after the event in two days. If you live in the area, I highly recommend stopping by anytime September 13-27. If not, please check out their website. The handcrafted pieces are amazing and available online as well! Noël Marie always tries to promote affordable and inexpensive, but when it comes to things like this, I think spending a bit more than you normally would is permissible and encouraged (my opinion). Please spread the word about the BRANDAID Project to anyone who you think might be interested in having these beautiful pieces in their homes.

For me, finding a quirky, adorable item at a thrift shop with a wonderfully inexpensive price tag is what I assume it must be like for a crackhead to take their morning rip off the pipe… simply euphoric. Seriously, I cannot tell you how excited I get when I find pieces that seem so perfectly meant for me and my home.

Let’s start with a basic.

My favorite vintage baskets. I use this one to store vegetables and I use another one for office supplies. I bought them at a second-hand store for $6 apiece.

Movin’ on Up.

Yes, you all have seen this guy before, but come on – how can I not brag about the awesome fixture I got from World Market’s going out of business sale?

A little bit cooler now.

I always wanted a bar cart. I think they are so sexy and glamorous. So when I stumbled upon this beauty at another second-hand store for just $40 I thought I had died and gone to Heaven.

The pièce de resistance.

This vintage set of booze decanters stopped both my husband and myself dead in our tracks. The glass is etched with Gin, Scotch, Vodka and Bourbon. For again, just $4o we found a really unique accessory that is a wonderful conversation piece at parties. Love it!

I am beginning to work on another living room project and I really want to incorporate a ottoman as a coffee table. I have this sort of ugly table and I think I can slap some foam and fabric on it and see if it works.

Wish me luck and let’s hope that it will turn out something like this.

Well, who knows, because I am not sure what fabric I want to use, but you get the idea.

I have been wanting a dress form for some time now. One, because I think vintage forms look very cool in a studio/workroom. Two, because I keep swearing up and down that I am going to learn to sew, dammit! Maybe if I get a dress form then I will be so inspired that I will instantly learn how to sew and spend hours every night making gorgeous dresses, skirts and blouses. In fact, I am sure that would be just the inspiration that I need to get me going. Oh Hell, I am amazing at this rationality game.

Anyway, these spaces are putting a little smile on my face. And the form in the last picture was free because she  found it… in the alley! Lucky gal.

Via This is Love Forever

Via amyla174

Via Making It Lovely

I love books and I love decorating, so it might be obvious that decorating books are my porn of choice. In the last several months I have been picking up books here and there and I thought I would share those picks with you.

First up, Flip For Decorating.

This book takes you through every step of setting up a room. Good tips and cute spaces.

Next, The Nest Home Design.

Simple advice on decorating and setting up your home.

Lastly, Celerie Kemble: To Your Taste.

She has impeccable style and a more attainable attitude toward design. A nice overview of her work and processes.

And, the 2 non-design related books on my nightstand complement each other like peanut butter and jelly.

My gorgeous husband got this for me for my birthday and I have ’til Monday (my actual b-day) to finish it. Then we are going to the movie. So far, I love it and can’t wait to see it on the big screen.

Another birthday present from the husband. Jane Austen + Zombies = Awesome.

Ok, I have a bit of an eclectic taste. But who doesn’t like decorating, cooking, Jane Austen and zombies? It is shaping up to be a wonderful birthday.

Yes, I am taking this opportunity to send a shout-out to myself. I am so very excited to share my new business with all of you. Today is the official launch of Birdhouse Interior Design Consulting. Woot! Holla!

If you are so inclined (I’ll send you delicious cookies, cupcakes, money) to spread the word, I certainly wouldn’t object. Thanks for the love, friends!

This past weekend I went down to my husband’s (and globe-trotting partner, Jules’) hometown of Shenandoah, Iowa. I spent most of Saturday wandering around my favorite little vintage shop, Serenity Studio and Spa. This is the adorable store where I registered for much of my bridal goodies. But, it isn’t just a homewares studio, it’s a spa offering massages, yoga and pilates lessons, and also a flower shop.

If you are ever in Southwest Iowa, you must check it out!

I’m obsessed with the photos I got back from my amazing photographer, Dana Damewood. If you are in the Omaha area, you must check out her stuff and maybe hire her to shoot your wedding, shower or anything you like.