TV is the Scourge of Humanity (and Decorating)

Yesterday we thanked The Rev for such a beauteous day off, and then we hit the San Marcos outlets in search of treasure. Because shopping is about cultivating peace and understanding, right? If we hadn't actually found something worthy of the trip, I would be depressed that I live such a miserable and shallow existence. On the other hand, have you seen what was happening with our tv situation?

RAGE. ANGER.

Also, WOW I really need to take some new pics of the house. But I am lazy and Ike is home sick, so no pictures today.

I suck.

Anyhow, this is what we bought to disguise our components and "blend in" with the wall. Say hello to the West Elm Niche buffet. It usually retails for $699, but we got it for $199 because it had a few tiny chips here and there. High five.

While I kept holding out for some amazing antique to come my way, it actually fits the space fairly well. And it was cheap, so when Better Half Ben figures out how to hide the components by running cable through 2x4s and bricks (probably never), I won't feel bad about abandoning ship.

Now I just need to figure out how to style this sucker.

I shamelessly stole this image from Naomi of Design Manifest's pinterest, which is a total douche move because she was probably planning to post it tomorrow but I need it NOW.

To put myself back in Naomi's good graces (fingers crossed), I'm showing her Ikea Rast hacks that she used as a tv credenza. Crafty as all get out. I'm thinking I should paint the hardware on the Niche gold, and then steal the shelf idea. Because I am a thief.

I find Celerie Kemble's tv set up both charming and hilarious. Should I just put a giant vase full of flowers in front of the tv, cross my fingers, and pray no one notices it's there? Awesome.

And then there's fabulous Laura Day. No matter how many times I post this picture, it's never enough. My take away from this image is to make sure I tune the tv to 2001 or A Clockwork Orange before I photograph it in situ. Oh, and to buy an amazing Ello mirrored credenza, stat.

File that one under #thingsthatwillneverhappen.

Now, if you will excuse me, I have some Downton Abbey to watch. Later, taters.

Back 2 Life, Back 2 Reality

Now that I have implanted a devious musical seed in your collective head that will surely germinate and take over the rest of your day, let me just say that it's good to be back. New Orleans was fantastic! Amazing! Splendiferous! But we're still in the process of home renovations, last minute repairs, and the inevitable move which is scheduled for next week. That's right -- D Day is one week from today and I'm shaking in my boots (because it's 56 windy degrees this morning and I can wear them -- who dat?!). We have NOTHING ready. Nothing. So, while I would love to regale you with tales of my trip, with pictures of my new floors, and with a big reveal of Sander's handipaintwork, I just can't this morning. Because I have to pack up my entire life into tiny boxes, taking care to leave toothbrushes and undergarments accessible at all times. Excuse my tres gauche patois here, but it's going to be a clusterfuck, y'all.

Nevermind all that. Let's look at this beautiful house designed by Tyler Dawson, shall we?

I don't get House Beautiful but I should, because the November issue was pretty swell. Thanks to my decor obsessed hairdresser Lisa for letting me slobber all over her copy.

I'm really trying to work up some nervy color palettes for New House. I think the paint color was a huge step in the right direction, but now what???

A colorful rug would be a chic, family friendly choice since pattern hides dirt (and strawberry jello) so well. I am obsessed with this Chinese deco rug. There are a few on craigslist I've been stalking for a while, but I have yet to find one under a grand. I'm also considering a non neutral couch...

I may even get some patterned curtains for the kid and guest rooms. I know? Who the bleep am I???

Perhaps I am experiencing some residual delirium from all the absinthe and jambalaya, but I don't think so.

What do you think about non neutral large pieces like couches and rugs? Crazy or crazy good?

Golden Globes

Update!  I am still totally in love with gold!  I thought that maybe I was leaving my go-to-gold-and-gray color palette for my new lover chrome-and-camel, and, don't get me wrong, C & C is totally my boyfriend on the side but Gold remains my long term love.  We're soul cell mates as my husband likes to say.  How was my burning desire for gold rekindled you ask?  I'm pretty sure it was the exact second I saw this puppy:

What is wrong with this picture?  Yeah, that's right:  Nothing.  This example of walking / talking perfection comes from the design duo meier / ferrer

While this is most certainly enough to rekindle a waning romance, I knew my love was never really gone since I can't seem to get this light out of my head:

The Sciolari ceiling light in Kelly Wearstler's own home is nothing short of amazeballz.  I have a few personal spaces I'm working on right now and I want this light for all of them.

I will also be willing to settle for this gold gem.   (BTW thank you Andrea for the find!)

Although I think I'm going to have to forego the $4500 light and spring for something more like this.  It's gold, I'll be fine.

Oh!   I'll especially be fine if it looks like this.  See, I really just will never get over gold.  And it is with every fiber of my being that I say: Yes, I absolutely would 100% live here:

Yep.  All over it.