Bookcases

For as long as I can remember, I have always loved curling up with a good book in a comfy armchair and spending hours enraptured by a moving plot and engaging characters. Of course, as a girl who is also obsessed with anything fashion and design related, this "hobby" logically led to an admiration for beautiful places devoted to reading. Case in point, I was amazed by the gorgeous library in the castle in Beauty and the Beast! Fast forward to today, and I think these two spaces represent a modern take on the traditional, dark wood library (complete with a ladder to reach the top shelves, of course).

Photos from dominomag.com

Reed Diffusers

My (very thoughtful) best friend bought me a Yankee Candle reed diffuser for my dorm room this Christmas. The idea is that the scented oil will be absorbed by the reeds and dispersed throughout the room. Since we aren't allowed to have candles in university dorm rooms (fire hazard!), this is a great alternative option. This item is available in a number of scents, including Autumn Wreath, Christmas Eve, and Sun and Sand (love it!), and it is perfectly affordable at either $10 or $19.99 depending on your choice.

Inspiration: The Container Store

If you're anything like me, then you're probably super-organized and can find any item at a moment's notice according to your own highly-developed System. And if you're not, then maybe one of your New Year's Resolutions was to finally organize yourself so that you won't have to rummage through packed drawers to find what you need anymore.

Either way, I highly recommend The Container Store for everything from office furniture to desk supplies to filing systems. The website will give you access to the full range of ingenious items for your home and office, but I definitely suggest paying a visit to the store if you have one near you. Every time I go in for a particular item, I walk out with a handful of other organizational supplies that I just "had to have."

PBteen Loft Furniture

Sleep and Study Loft, $1,799

Hmmm, does this photo remind you of anything? I just got the newest PBteen catalogue in the mail yesterday and was reminded of the amazing furniture at Espace-Loggia when I saw this great piece. Once again, I can definitely picture this in my 10 x 10 dorm room - stylish and space-saving! Maybe this means that cutting-edge European design will be more accessible to us in the U.S. sometime soon...

Bringing Paris Back Home

One of my favorite interior design/decoration catalogues has to be Ballard Designs. I love flipping through the pages to admire the stylish rooms accented with interesting details like vintage prints and decorative items collected from world travels. I spotted this unique perspective shot from underneath the Eiffel Tower in the most recent catalogue, along with a completely adorable (and affordable!) door stop in the shape of the Tour Eiffel. Perfect for francophiles like me who want to bring a little bit of Paris back home to New York!

Le Base de la Tour Eiffel Print, $279.95

Eiffel Tower Doorstop, $29.95

Interior Design for (Very) Small Spaces

When I was in Paris, I couldn't help but notice the posters for Espace Loggia plastered throughout the metro system. I was so fascinated by the tiny rooms somehow packed with all of the necessities of home that I just had to visit the website as soon as I got home.

The furniture is designed to fit in minuscule Parisian apartments, but my college-oriented mind imagined it in my own minuscule dorm room! Imagine being able to pack a bed, a sofa, a walk-in closet, a desk, an armchair, etc. into a 10 x 10 space, all by capitalizing on (wasted) vertical space. Does anyone else think this idea is absolutely genius?

Unfortunately, my college does not allow me to remove the uninspiring desk and dresser set from my room (although I am planning to sneakily hide my desk chair to replace it with a new office chair!). However, I could definitely see myself furnishing a small apartment of my own with a set from Espace Loggia in the future.

P.S. The site is in French, but don't worry if you're not francophone. Just choose one of the four categories on the top right and click through the pictures. Enjoy!

Work Spaces and Inspiration Boards

Sorry for my absence -- finals were keeping me busy the last couple of days. I am happy to report, however, that I am officially done with exams and will have more time for my creative projects now! With that said, my newest "obsession" is browsing the collection of photos of inspiration boards available on Flickr. I am always so impressed by the innovation and creativity evident in these work spaces, not to mention the inspiration bursting from the pictures and papers displayed on the boards themselves. Now that I have had a look at some of these gorgeous spaces, I am motivated to create my own inspiration board to brighten up my day a bit while I am studying or writing papers at my desk!




All photos from Flickr, Inspiration Board (pool)

PBteen

I just ordered myself a new office chair from PBteen (on sale from $179 to $149, by the way). I have been searching for a functional and stylish chair to replace the standard dorm room desk chair (which is neither comfortable nor good-looking). If you're looking for new seating, PBteen has a variety of desk chairs and lounge chairs on sale right now!


Speaking of PBteen, their website is always an amazing source of design inspiration for me. I love the way they combine items to create rooms full of personality, individuality, and youthful attitude. Of course, some of the rooms on display are a bit "over-the-top," but others are impressively sophisticated and full of creative ideas ready to be incorporated into your own space.

RedEnvelope

Whenever I'm looking for a gift that is sweet, thoughtful, and a little different, I immediately head on over to RedEnvelope. The catalog/website has a huge selection of delicate jewelry, luxurious pajamas and robes, and unique decorative pieces for the home. As a bonus, your gift purchases come in a gorgeous red leather case with your own customized message to the receiver.

For Mother's Day last year, I bought my mom this beautiful "pea in a pod" necklace. You have the option of one, two, three, or four pearls to symbolize the mother's children. How adorable is that?



I am a huge fan of Murano glass, and RedEnvelope never fails to have several stunning pieces. I also spotted this precious baby elephant ring holder -- could be a cute stocking stuffer! (Not to mention, it's a bargain at only $38.)




I almost forgot one of my favorite little details about RedEnvelope. Each item you buy comes with a charming story to explain the thought behind the creation. For example, here's the elephant's story:

They say an elephant never forgets, which makes this adorable silver-plated baby elephant the perfect partner for helping you remember where you put your rings. A delightful addition to your sink or bedside table, his elongated trunk safely holds your rings when not in use.

PBteen

I have always been fascinated and inspired by the concept of the college dorm room. Sure, they are typically cramped, badly air-conditioned, and often in less-than-perfect condition. But to me, a dorm room signifies a blank canvas, a chance to exercise those interior design skills (and shopping skills, too!). It seems like a fitting challenge for one of those reality TV shows (design a 100 square foot dorm room without painting).

So, I spent much of my summer purchasing bedding and pillows, comparing mini fridges, and planning out every last detail of my ideal dorm room. Since I have to give credit where credit is due, PBteen was a huge inspiration to me in sorting out my "design." In the end, 90% of the items in my room were ordered off of the PBteen website.

And yes, I absolutely love my dorm room, in spite of all its "flaws"!