2nd and Strand

I've got a pouf, you've probably got one.  What's the deal with poufs?  Well; they're crazy practical for adding flexible seating options to a room, inexpensive, they are a great pop of color and pattern, a unique shape, a great DIY, and they can be stashed under a coffee table or in an awkward corner.  All around they are pretty great and might be just what a difficult area of your home is screaming for .  I've collected a few of my favorites but if I've missed one you love please let us know in the comments!

I wanted to start with the iconic pouf, John Derian's moroccan pouf.  This baby has been featured everywhere and for good reason.  People love it in the metallic, but I think it's pretty timeless in white.  I am not doubting that it's worth$345, but if you don't have that to spend, know that there are a lot of other more budget friendly options out there, specifically HSN.  

I also think it's important to acknowledge the knit trend.  The coolest version of this that I've seen recently is one by Kumeko.  I love the thickness of the weave, and the break in white with the added band; so sharp.  There are some great budget versions of this style at West Elm and cb2.

I also love the global look that poufs often showcase.  Have you seen the Ernest Pouf at DWR?  This would look so so good in my living room. 

And a source not to be over looked...etsy.  Lots of options there, and so many customizable features from size, fill, fabric, and shape.  I was drawn to this frenchy one below...

Do you use a pouf in your space?  
                                                                                                                                -Andrea

Do you all remember when Carly sent in a picture of her living room wall?  

Well, Carly has been hard at work putting together her living room and I have to say - it's totally worth all the effort!  The space looks great, take a look for yourself!

She took inspiration from a few of our suggestions and really scaled the compilation to fit the size of the sectional.  I love the balance she achieved with the frames; similarly toned, but not too matchy matchy.  It really looks collected and interesting.  The flowers are a great pop of color and the family pictures are just the right amount of intimacy.  My feeling is that in a public space, like a living room, there should be a good representation of the people who live there, but also a complete representation - not just the people but things they generally consider to be beautiful outside of themselves! 

I am also so glad to see the pendant hanging in the corner.  This height in the corner not only draws your eye up, but it also puts emphasis on the farthest space in the room, which makes the room feel bigger too.  Great work Carly, thanks for sharing your space with us!

*Every other Friday we do a post called '2nd Opinion'. These posts are based on reader submissions on home dilemmas for which they would like a 2nd opinion. Here at 2nd and Strand we will give our opinions, and invite readers to do the same in the comments or by a poll. To see past 2nd Opinion posts, look on the right hand sidebar at '2nd Opinion' under categories. If you would like to make a submission, follow the link on the left hand side of our homepage! We'd love to hear from you!  

I've been very inspired by mostly neutral spaces, with pops of color. This has been where my personal design aesthetic has been for a few years now, but ever since Andrea's post on neon colors, I can't get bright accents out of my head. Also, since fashion seems to seep into my inspiration for blog posts at times, I recently received this coral sands necklace in the mail (I thought I might as well make a shameless plug for my sister's nonprofit company she started...) and may or may not have worn it three days in a row. It gives my usually more neutral outfits a great pop it needs, and I can't really get enough of navy + coral right now anyways!

The room below has a pleasing analogus color scheme (if you imagine a color wheel, analogus color scheme is when you use three (usually) colors that are all touching each other, as in, three in a row). This room is beautifully done, with a mix of textures and patterns to add visual interest to a calming color scheme. But whats that on the wall? Oh yeah, that's an awesomely bright accent piece that adds a needed pop to the room. I love it. 

I pinned this picture on Pinterest a few days ago. Like I mentioned before, I can't seem to get enough of navy blue + coral + white lately. This room has a lot of pattern going on, but the pops of coral is what makes your eyes move around from the stools, to the pillows on the sofa, then the pillows on the side chairs... then having your eyes settle on those amazing drapes. Using the same color around a room is a great way to bring cohesiveness to a space, but also to make your eyes move around the room.

When it comes to making a bright color really pop, pairing it with white is an obvious choice. I really love white kitchen's, and I love the one below because you can always keep the base color (white) the same, but give the kitchen a new feel and look by introducing a new accent color (like, repainting the stools a different color).

What are you inspired by lately? Are there certain color schemes that you are drawn to?

Everybody knows it is true, Massachusetts is full of history lovers! We particularly love our Revolutionary War Heroes, but we also love our Kennedys.  Who wouldn't right?  Well, when I was browsing this article about Steve Penley's House on atlantamagazine.com I noticed a few things that really resonated with me.  Penley is an artist, married to an interior designer; and their home shows it.  Every picture of their home is extremely balanced, purposeful, and focused on Steve's art.  This is the sort of home I dream of creating as there is room for people and activity in each room. 

Their dining room above highlights one of Steve's collages; the Kennedys.  It is THE pop of color in this very neutral room.

This image above is totally exciting to me.  It's clearly the Penley family, chillin' on their sofa in the living room.  But what a mural!  I love the action packed brush strokes combined with very muted furniture and softened edges on the lamps and the furniture.  They are truly living with history in a way that most families don't.  What a bold move, and it has really paid off.  I don't expect to see another room like this ever again.  
                                                                                                                                 -Andrea

Andrea and I are really excited for today's post. If you are a frequent reader, you know that on Friday's we have a segment called 2nd Opinion, where we answer reader submitted questions about problems they have in their home (for examples of previous 2nd Opinion's we've done, click here). We are passionate and LOVE the response we've received from this. 

But, we know that you, dear readers, have some great tips, tricks, and advice you can give as well. And because of this, we'd like to introduce a new segment we are starting today, which gives you, as the reader, the opportunity to share something from your home that you are proud of here on 2nd and Strand. Did you have an old piece of furniture that you've given a new life to? Do you have a well functioning, organized space in your home? If so, we'd love to see it, and know our other readers would not only love to see it, but will be inspired by you as well. Andrea and I will share aspects from our homes on this segment, and if we see an inspirational image in a magazine or online that has amazing functionality we'll share those too. 

We are so excited for this new segment, and that's partly because we have a guest post to kick things off! Stacy has three kids of her own, and created 19 Butternut as a way to chronicle the process of making their house into a home, and shares great design tips and inspirations. We are so excited to have you here today, Stacy! 

Hi everyone! This is the story of how several small pieces came together (with the help of a lot of paint) to make one very useful part of my home. When my grandparents moved into a smaller home several years back, I was lucky enough to inherit their china cabinet. A beautiful, solid piece it was, but it just didn't suit my home or my style in its previously dark, walnut stain. Knowing my grandmother would prefer I love and use the cabinet, rather than store it away because it didn't suit me, I decided to paint it. This shot was while we were removing that stairwell wall, so pardon the mess, but here it is half-way through being painted (you can see the bottom is not painted yet). 

This picture also shows how and where the cabinet stood for a few years... UNTIL I had an epiphany one day. I was looking at this bar/server that I had bought on the cheap at the Christmas Tree Shop and an idea popped into my head! 

Do you see where I am going with this yet? ;) Well, I decided to paint the bar/server the same white as the china cabinet and use it as the base for a cabinet that would echo the china cabinet. Doing so would allow me to have an anchor on either side of the window. This led me to devise a plan to add a window seat bridging the two. So, using some MDF to make a cubby tall enough to store/display liquor bottles, four unfinished cabinets from Home Depot, some trim pieces, and lots of  paint, I was able to make my own "built ins" and window seat. Here is a shot of it in progress(before the fourth cabinet was added and hardware was purchased):

And here she is all (mostly) finished!

I still have some crown moulding to add to the tops of both towers to bring them to ceiling height, I am awaiting a custom cushion and pillows for the bench, and the inside of the china cabinet needs some awesome wallpaper or a different paint color (as soon as I decide on one), but the whole thing is quite a work horse. We doubled our storage space by building this unit! The cabinets above the bar hold assorted drinking glasses, as well as other bar needs. 

All of the other cabinets hold various serveware and accessories like napkin rings, extra salt/pepper shakers, linens, etc. The window seat also gets used a lot when we entertain. Extra seating is always helpful! So, there you have one of the most useful, and one of my favorite, spots in our home!

Thank you so much, Stacy! What a fantastic area you created in your home. Extra storage space is always needed, and its extra beneficial that you were able to create it from pieces of furniture you already had (and some fine handy work!) to give that great built in look. The wall is balanced, beautiful, interesting, and frames the window so well. Great job! And ps- I'm obsessed with your hand towel shown in the bottom picture! 

So there you have our very first guest post, and introduction to our new segment. We know all our reader submissions wont be this big of a home project, so don't be intimidated from sending your own masterpieces in no matter how big or small! And be sure to check out 19 Butternut to see what else Stacy has been up to!

Today's post is all about a popular trend in fashion and home design.   I think a little neon this summer is totally fun and easily accomplished on a variety of budgets.  I've selected a few items from around the web that will add a POP of color to any decor.  

First we have a few pieces from everybody's favorite inexpensive stop, IKEA.  They've got two new textile lines that have some great brights going on.

Design Public has some GREAT shower curtain rings and curtain; not inexpensive, but definitely NEON.

Urban Outfitters has so many pieces to pick from that I am only highlighting my favorites, there are LOTS more options if you are looking to add some neon to your home.

And last, but certainly not least we have FLOR's Groovy Button Rugs - always a blast, but even better in a blast of neon color!

Do you have any neon in your home?  We've got a few items, mostly kid things.  But I will definitely consider neon as I buy new home goods this season.                
                                                                                                                               -Andrea

You may not remember, but I love maps. I can't wait to live in a space that I can put an awesome map up on a wall. And since globes are in the same family, they, as decorations, are growing on me as well. Although I'm not sure I'll ever have my own collection, the pictures shown below make me want to start to keep an eye out for cool looking globes. 

I guess I should also admit part of the reason I'm drawn to these photos is because of the super organized, well constructed, contents on these shelves (and yes, all the shelving looks the same... probably from here). But sticking with my current interest of globes - I think I'm drawn to them for many reasons. First off, I love the mix of styles (the second picture is a great example) because it gives the display added interest while still looking coherent. Also, I love pretty things that promote education. I've always enjoyed spinning a globe to see where my finger lands, and in the process learning some geography. 

What are your thoughts on globes? Like them as decorations or no?

Remember to vote for 2nd and Strand for the Top Home Design Blog for Moms!! The voting stops in two days, and you can vote every day. Click here (or the button image to the side) and vote now!

Who is Tammy?  She's my momma!  Unfortunately my Mom lives far far away and I can't help her with the day to day tasks of her very busy and fulfilling life.  But I want to.   So for Mother's Day I asked her to let me post a picture of her command center in hopes that I could inspire her to something greater!

This is where my Mom runs her household, she also helps run my Dad's campaign for State Senate, participates in so many charitable activities I can't keep them straight, and helps run my Dad's medical practices.  Yep, she's an all-star who really needs a hard working home office. 

There are a few things I really like about this office space.  The carpet is nice and neutral, the chair is graphic and interesting, and the drapes are beautiful.  We've got lots of positives to work with.  There are some things that aren't working; I don't like how the chair is shoved into a tiny space between the window and the pull-out,  a general lack of workspace, and far too many cords.  I have a few different directions she could go, why don't y'all tell me which one you like best?   Don't worry Mom, all of them involve getting rid of the armoire!

#1.  Paint the back wall of the niche Sherwin Williams Argyle.  

And add in a desk, white storage mounted to the wall, some lighting, and ta da!  You've got a fantastic new office space.  

 #2 I thought it would be great to pull the desk out from against the back wall and replace it with storage in the niche.   I would move the desk out about three feet from the storage unit and have the chair in between the desk and the bookcase.  This way Tammy could see people as they walk in the door to the office, as opposed to having her back to the door.  I really like this desk with this bookcase.   

#3This option is all custom baby!  I saw this picture and thought that something like this on a more narrow scale would also work really well.  There is a ton of height in this room that is not being used, and these book towers would really capitalize on that square footage.  I would recommend not having any storage at the base however.  I think my Mom's niche is too small for that.  Just go up!  

Which is your favorite?  I think I know which one Mom will pick!

Mother's day and flowers go hand in hand, don't you think? Since Mother's day is this Sunday, I thought I'd share some great ways to give flowers that have a more personal feel. Not only more personal, and pretty, but then the recipient doesn't have to worry about trimming the stems and finding a vase... it's nice to give a gift where no added work is involved (not that it's much work... but I'm lazy...). Of course, the ideas shown below are also good ideas for birthday presents, saying thank you, congratulations, get well... and many, many more! Check them out - 

I love the jar used below. It sort of reminded me of this post we did about reusing food jars as vases. If you can't shop for a cute glass container in your home, you can look at the grocery store, thrift stores, or antique fairs. I really love that label... thats what really makes this look feel unique and authentic.

If you buy a potted plant or flowers, I think this idea of wrapping a cute fabric around the base and tying it off with ribbon is a very cute idea. It definitely helps give it that personal touch.

First can I just say how beautiful I think this picture is? Seriously... I love it. I'm a sucker for all things white, which definitely includes flowers. I love that the variety of flowers don't compete with those amazing tinted glass vases. Those are seriously cool. Here and here show two different methods to do this yourself. You can also paint the inside of vases, just be aware of what kind of paint you use cause it may not be waterproof.

Mason jars. Thats probably all I need to say since I know most everyone has seen this look... a lot. But I still love it. The main reason I love it is because it can be customized in so many different ways. Leaving it bare still looks classic and lets the flowers be the main focal point. But you can wrap it in twine (like whats shown below... which is my current favorite), fabric, ribbon, japanese masking/washi tape, paint, cute labels (like the first photo)... anything you can think of to help dress up the jar. 

What do you think of these ideas? Do you have any ideas to share that you've done or seen for ways to give flowers in a personal way?

When my husband was in graduate school we had two bathrooms where the builder had glued big mirrors over both the vanities.  We didn't want to take the mirrors down for a few reasons; there was very little light in these rooms and the more reflective surfaces helped the rooms feel brighter and cleaner, and we had heard horror stories of people cutting themselves trying to break the mirrors off the walls - that glue is STRONG.  

So what did we do? Nothing.  We have since moved and no longer have this exact design dilemma, trust me we have others.  Well I recently came across a company that could have solved all my mirror woes.  Mirror Mate.  They offer stick-on frames for your bare, design challenged, mirrors.  

I love this idea!  They have a wide selection of frames to choose from.  I think my favorite is Tribeca burnished bronze.

Have you used this company?  Done your own DIY framing of your mirrors?  Braved the removal process of an adhered mirror?  Do share your own experience in our comments.