a` la mode

Living Room Re-Do.

2009-11-17T08:41:00.000-08:00

I LOVED my living room with it's 3 tone paint and huge chunky molding on the ceiling, but something was always wrong with it.

Every time I walked by it, I was a little bugged.

As I was looking through an old magazine, I saw a designer who had a black and white color scheme throughout her whole house.

Then it hit me....

(Getting ready to paint- Artwork is painted by my father who is deceased, so the reason they are hanging up is more sentimental than for design reasons).

(Primer, yuck.)

(Before Shots)

After.

High gloss black ceiling and crown molding.

High gloss white stripes.

Love everything about it.

Now I just need to get the finishing touches, rug, table accents, wall decor, pictures hung and what not.

What do YOU think so far?

Losing Blogging Motivation

2009-11-02T13:59:00.000-08:00

I LOVE interior design

but keeping up with this blog is not helpful for me and the

10 bazillion things I need to do each day.

Does anyone read this?

Or should I just make it a contact page?

Let me know.

Yours Truly,

Meri

xoxoxo

Sign Me Up

2009-10-29T14:16:00.000-07:00

This is a complete healthy eating center for your kitchen.

All grown by YOU.

It's a concept.

I want one, don't you.

Check it out more

HERE

Getting the Feeling

2009-10-26T09:41:00.001-07:00

I can't help it.

I'm just getting too anxious for the Holidays.

Especially Christmas.

I just feel like I need to savor every minute of it.

Here are some neat finds that I'm thinking of this up and coming Christmas Season.

Tree Branches are such a cozy Christmas Decoration.

I have special ones (I'll post pictures when I actually get around to decorating for Christmas).

From BHG.

I HATE over the top gift wrap. What a waste. But I like this, so simple and do-able.

West Elm always has fun ideas. I love this one.

Natural weave star garland.

It's high time I buy this candelabra, I've had my eyes on it for about 2 years now.

So cute and fun. Easy to make on your own too! (Not so much the wreath, for me at least).

Mirror Garland will ad whimsy where ever you hang it.

Do you have any special Holiday Decor?

If so, email me and I'll highlight you!

Come on, jump on it.

mvsimp@gmail.com

sick.

2009-10-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry. Will post later.

The Ultimate "Green" House

2009-10-19T14:17:00.001-07:00

Thank you DWELL magazine, you make my life a little better.

This bathroom is a fun twist of whimsical and super cold, industrial. Not for me, but I love it.

"Which yard would you like to sit on today?"

"This rooftop one looks nice."

"Alrighty then. Lunch?'

Sweet lines.

You thought you had it rough mowing the back yard, how would you like to mow the roof and the stairs too!

I love people and their creativity.

So inspirational.

What inspires YOU?

Why Didn't I Think of This?

2009-10-13T21:59:00.001-07:00

I originally saw this staircase on DESIGN MOM

but all you have to do now is Google

"Mirrored Stair Case"

and you'll find 50 million blogs with

this picture on them

(mine now included. I'm such a lemming.)

No really though.

How SWEET is this?

"Why? Why? WHY!!!" was all I could say when I saw this.

I missed this boat big time.

Darn it.

Still makes me upset, but I had to share it with you incase you missed it on the other 50 million blogs.

P.S.

So, where ya from?

Do you like...stuff???

How to Lay Mosaic Tiles | eHow.com

2009-10-09T11:49:00.001-07:00

Want to cover YOUR wall in Mosaic Tiles?

How to Lay Mosaic Tiles | eHow.com

Shared via AddThis

Mosaic Heaven

2009-10-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

Stopped by this store in SoHo last week on a little trip to New York with the husband.

I couldn't stop marveling.

This place was insane.

(who's that giddy dork?)

Check out the company online

HERE

P.S. I am not a photographer, nor have I ever claimed to be so pardon the rough pictures.

Preview: Baby's Room

2009-09-28T13:13:00.000-07:00

Due to consistent requests, I am showing a bit of

my baby's room.

THIS IS NOT FINISHED!

(obviously, although it should be finished. Good grief.)

I still have more pillows to sew and more pictures to hang.

Enjoy.

I won't be posting again until next week.

Don't miss me too much.

BEFORE Decals Existed

2009-09-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

This picture is from my old house.

taken March 2007.

See, I wanted something cool and different on my dining room wall.

Looking through my favorite magazine -Domino-(sniff, sniff) I stumbled across something similar and thought

"Hey, I could do that".

About 2 days later and some lucky finds, VOILA`!

Hand Painted on the wall with Crystal Chandelier Strings hanging from it.

I was sad to have to leave it behind.

I wonder if the new owners kept it?

Probably not.

Decals (or giant stickers), eat your heart out.

P.s. I still love you Decals, you work wonders on my walls, don't be upset at me.

Offices Worth Working In

2009-09-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

I've been looking for office inspiration.

Although none of these are really doable (except the one below, YES PLEASE!) they are definitely inspiring and most importantly, different!

Have fun.

I REALLy want one of these. I don't really have the yard for it, but maybe someday...

This office is partially underground, but light and fun and one with nature.

The Cartoon Network offices.

You could have a private business meeting and talk about all sorts of secret things and no one would see your face. Sneeky...

Funky. Luxe. Glamour. Love it.

Indoor, with an outdoor feeling. Individual little houses for cubicles, genius.

Speaking of indoor/outdoor, this is that to the MAX. So neat!

Not quite sure that I'm crazy about this one, but you have to give it originality points.

Do you have an office space you want to share?

I'd love to see it.

I really would.

mvsimp@gmail.com

Bold and Classy. I Heart This.

2009-09-15T22:52:00.000-07:00

Last October, when I first picked up this issue of Domino Magazine I was

AMAZED.

The Paint.

The Furniture.

The Paint.

The Lighting.

The Paint.

The Artwork.

Did I mention the paint?

Wow.

Is it bad for me to want this paint in my room? Hello? Could that ceiling be more awesome? No.

Look for yourselves and maybe you'll love it as much as I do.

Or not. I won't hold it against you.

(P.s. I cannot tell you how sad I am the Domino Magazine is no longer. It's a crying shame, it is. Thank you Cookie Magazine for keeping the pics alive online)

Wallpaper Headboard

2009-09-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

Fun idea for the budget impaired.

Table Toppers and Stuff that Just Makes Me Happy

2009-09-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

I la, la, la, LOVE dishes.

I love anything that has to do with dishes. I would collect dishes if I could.

Anthropologie always has just what I need (more like what I want, although cannot afford).

Their kitchen stuff just puts a smile on my face.

Famous "Baby Cakes" cookbook. Healthy cupcakes? I'm all over it.

Spice jars. Although, I wouldn't remember what I put in them, I still love them.

Classic and ever so addictive, Latte Bowls.

These Carafes just might be making their way to my home as we speak.

Eggs are a breakfast favorite at our house. This would make them an aesthetic favorite too.

Perfect. Need I say more?

Blow Fish Bowl.

I promise I would drink more water, if I could drink it from these glasses. I swear.

My BFF gave me this mug for my Birthday this year. I use it almost everyday.

This color would send me off day dreaming, mid-meal.

Although I don't eat a lot of butter, I am the proud owner of this butter plate. It's just too cute not to own.

Happy little measuring spoons.

A table cloth that would make any meal taste better.

I'm in the market for cloth napkins. Since we've never used paper towels, we are making the switch to no paper napkins either. This napkin would look great wiping up pasta sauce from my chin.

Do you have a favorite kitchen item that you just can't live without?

"Under the Sea, Under the Sea..."

2009-09-09T13:45:00.000-07:00

(THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS PREVIEW FOR YOU)

This is an over the top, kids play room. Still working in it, waiting for carpet and other things.

The client did all of it, I just helped her put it together.

Completely her Idea and Everything :/

(before)

(now)

The Clients husband is painting this. Wow? Ya.

To be continued....

(I am fully aware these pictures are crappy)

Oh, to Be a Kid.

2009-09-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

I LOVE kids rooms.

You can do all kinds of crazy things in your child's room.

It's fun to live vicariously through them, but ONLY when it comes to design (Take note all you "Toddlers and Tiara's" Moms. Child abuse in disguise).

Anyway...

I love Cookie Magazine they are a "go to" for inspiration on so many levels.

As I paroozed through their site today, I just had to share a few of my favorite findings with you.

If I had a little more energy (and little extra cash), I would revamp a room or two.

Someday I will, and you know I will share.

Desks and Wallpaper=I like. A lot.

2009-08-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

Do this yourself at home!

Let me know how it goes.

Absolutely Scrumptious.

Things You'll Need:

Latex paint
Paint brushes
Paint trays
Wallpaper
Wallpaper border
Wallpaper glue
Wallpaper sponge
Water-based varnish

Step #1
Choose wallpaper that coordinates with the decor of the room where you'll place the desk. Consider using two or more patterns of wallpaper to create a designer-style decorated desk.
Step2
Remove the drawers and knobs of the desk. Clean the desk thoroughly inside and out so the paint and the wallpaper has a quality surface to adhere to.
Step3
Paint the desk with latex paint in a color that will blend with the colors in the wallpaper you selected.
Step4
Lay the wallpaper on the desk in the manner of your choice. Consider wallpaper meant for walls on the top and sides of the desk and a matching border on the drawer fronts.
Step5
Cover the desk surface, back and front, with wallpaper paste, and lay the wallpaper into place. Start in the center and work your way toward the edge for best results. Use a straight edge to trim away excess wallpaper. This ensures a sharp edge once the wallpaper is totally dry.
Step6
Coat the entire desk with a water-based varnish to protect the newly decorated desk.

Thank you eHow

Bar Tables

2009-08-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

I've been looking for Bar Tables for our Movie Theater

(Kids+Ice Cream+Any Food for That Matter+Darkness+No Table to Eat Off=HUGE MESSES THAT ARE NOT FUN TO CLEAN UP)

I wanted to share some of my findings with you...

Ok, not the red one. But the others are cool.

Nice. Basic.

Too small for me, but still very cool.

Oh my goodness....just insert me in this picture please.....

I like these with the tiny backrest.

This one stole my heart. I LOVE it.

These stools are cool cause you can can have them made with ANY fabric you want.

Nice and sleek.

I think we may have a winner.

How to Reupholster a Couch | eHow.com

2009-08-21T09:21:00.001-07:00

They make it sound so easy...

I need to do this with an old couch.

I'm too scared though.

One day I will be brave enough, and I will share.

How to Reupholster a Couch | eHow.com

Shared via AddThis

Fun "Do-It-Yourself" Decor

2009-08-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

Pom Pom Balls

These little gems are a decorating favorite. From weddings to bedrooms, these little Pom Poms add a whimsical feel.

I have made some for my oldest daughters room (I'll post pics someday, mine are NOT this pretty though) and I just LOVE them.

So I thought I would show you (rather,Martha Stewart will show you) how to make your own for your house!

Voila`!

(for more detailed instructions click HERE)

Ahoy Mate!

2009-08-13T12:31:00.000-07:00

Working on a little NAUTICAL theme room for a friend.

Will post pics soon!

A Little Vintage Never Hurt Anyone

2009-08-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you Anthropologie Home for making such pretty things. They make me want to dress up like June Cleaver to do my house cleaning.

What? You know you have though about it before too...

This Mechanic's beacon pendant light is really fun and fresh (yet could also be kind of creepy, no?).

This Bolster makes me happy.

Love this bedding above and the wall paper below, just never in the same room. Whoa.

Just a neat table. Nuff said.

What "they" would call "Vintage Modern" eh?

Dog Lovers and Dog Haters (ahem) can agree, this wall paper is "Best in Show". Oh, the puns.

I would definitely set my keys on this. I swear.

Yay for bright, fun bedding. This would make mornings a little less traumatic.

Heaven knows, a nice canopy bed is sure to make me want to crawl in and check out.

Do you have a vintage(y) space you'd like to share?

C'mon, don't be shy now....

Outdoor Spaces-India

2009-08-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

A fellow design lover and Twilight lover

(kindred spirits, I tell you)

Karen

(I didn't ask permission to share her blog URL, so I won't, but trust me- it's delightful)

sent me some pictures of an outdoor space from the place that she calls home

India.

So here is a typical Indian Village

"Outdoor Space"

Cute little kiddies. And Goodness Sakes, it's got to be HOT there. This looks like the perfect retreat.

THANK YOU KAREN.

Anyone else?

Outdoor Spaces

2009-08-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

First, let me apologize

with Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Food Poisoning

I haven't spent much time in front of the old computer.

So let's get on with this, shall we?

With Summer rapidly coming to a close, I am feeling like I should give a shout out to outdoor spaces.

I feel like someone invaded my dreams...

Email me pics of YOUR outdoor space, and YOU'll get a shout out on

a` la mode

mvsimp@gmail.com

Somewhere to Set Your Lovelies

2009-07-26T20:21:00.000-07:00

Lucky You. West Elm is having a sale. Most of these beauties are ripe for the picking. Ahhh.....I would love to own all of them but, you know how it is....

Really might get one of these for the living room. Too fun.

Do you have a neat side table?? Email me a pic at

mvsimp@gmail.com

and I'll feature it on A' LA MODE.

Back Splashes

2009-07-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

Kitchen lacking a bit of something?

Not sure what it is?

It's a back splash.

Here are a few (out of the million available options) that I thought were awesome.

I'm partial to glass and stainless steel, so that's all you'll get to see today. Sorry.

Classic Clear Glass Subway Tile

Recycled Blue Glass Squares.

A little on the safe side, but still gorgeous (with the right paint and cabinets or course).

This is a neat mix of clear and frosted Glass Tile and Stainless Steel Squares. Love it!

Gorgeous.

How fun are these oval ones?

This Yellow Glass Subway Tile makes me happy to look at.

Recycled Glass Subway Tile. J'adore.

These 2 Stainless options are by FAR my favorite.

In 10 years, I am ripping out my red tile and putting in something stainless.

See you in ten years, you beautiful stainless steel tile, you.

Give the Gift of Style-To Your Walls

2009-07-19T18:46:00.001-07:00

Wall Paper.

Biggest pain in the rear to put up AND take down, but man oh man, is it beautiful.

So much to choose from, so many directions to take. Way better than paint.

Nice Places to Rest Your Tookus

2009-07-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

I wish couches were disposable, so you could have one for a while then throw it out and get a newer, cooler one. Here are some seating pieces that I would LOVE to own for while. Some indefinitely.

I imagine a big party, with this couch being in the center of the action.

Smooth. Gorgeous. Yes, please!

One day I will own one (or two) of these.

Simple, stylish and oh so fun.

You can get this Le Corbusier lounge in a million different colors. Have you ever had the pleasure to lounge in one?

If not, you are missing out my friend.

Modern Refinement

2009-07-15T10:52:00.000-07:00

Modern twists on classic pieces.

Mirrored furniture is my favorite because you can put it anywhere, with anything. This night stand would be a great addition to your bedroom (Or mine! Yes please!).

Classic high back, but the gold upholstery makes it unique. Not kid friendly, but sure gorgeous.

Again with the mirrors. This 3-panel room screen could bring a nice punch to a boring hallway, or make your bedroom that much more romantic.

LoVe. Retro piece, all glammed up. Looks good on any wall.

Place this purple tufted couch against a wall painted Spring Meadow Green, add the wonderful retro mirror (above) and vOiLa! Masterpiece.

P.s.

I'm glad to say the PEOPLE are taking advantage of my FREE services. I'll will post pictures when we are all done.

You should take advantage of me too!

(That sounds so wrong....)

From Walls to Floors

2009-07-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

Not all art needs to be on your walls.

RUGS.

Wall Art

2009-07-11T06:12:00.000-07:00

Looking for something different?

Check out

c harmingwall.com

for some vertical delightfulness

Antique-like treasures

2009-07-06T09:51:00.001-07:00

Anthropologie's Home section always makes me want to gut my house and start all over again. These "Old-Yet-New" treasures would make any home proud.

This shower curtain is soft and subtle.

I love the wear and tear on this modern chair. The Barcelona Frame mixed with the worn/dirty canvas is wonderful.

Paired with a fun ottoman, wouldn't you love to cozy up and read a book in this chair?

I love this dresser. The sleek lines make this classic stacked set divine!

P.S.

Just answer this question:

"What makes you feel comfortable in a home?"

Any answer you give is the right answer.

Little Frills, Big Thrills

2009-06-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's the little elegant touches that can make a BIG difference. Here are a few I've been loving lately...

Add some punch to the end of a hallway, or your boudoir.

Love these. So many thing you could do with them.

This too..

Can we talk for a minute about how sexy this chair is???

Fun.

I'm thinking about getting this for our guest room (Future room of our oldest kid).

You could make this beautiful shelf your "dump" zone, and put it by your door as you walk in from the garage. That's one pretty "dump" zone.

I've had my eye on this table for years. Now I just need somewhere to put it.

Classic, yet modern.

This fun little shelve would make any bathroom proud, or you can use it to display your favorite collectables.

This blog will resume posting come July 6th, but you can contact me anytime at mvsimp@gmail.com

Until then, Au revoir.

More a la Maison des Simpson

2009-06-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

More.

This British WWII poster is a good moto for us as we walk out the door for the day. I chose an over the top thick gold frilly frame to funk it out a little bit more.

The Red and Orange kitchen. I LOVE this Red glass tile, because it looks Red from far away, but as you get closer you see Yellows, Oranges, Purples and even Magentas!

Kitchen Light. Look close, can you see the surprise?

A little woman shaped light! She helps me out in the kitchen by making me laugh when I see her.

Home Gym. Actually gets used believe it or not! Dual spinning fan light, for extra air movement.

Basement Half Bath. Orange again, I just like Orange what can I say? Little circle mirrors make one big mirror (this took me two tries-I ripped plaster off the wall on the first try!). Classic white pedestal sink.

Another view of the Basement Half Bath. A little circle art from Ikea to accent the mirrors.

Movie Theater kitchenette.

Movie Theater Stage. Many performances have gone here, kids love the stage(some adults do too!).I chose bright curtains to contrast the dark Navy Blue walls. The Sconces, with all the little holes in them look like stars when dimmed. And what Theater would be complete without Luv Sacs?

Sleek looking Theater Seats with comfy, colorful pillows tossed about.

I didn't want the Theater Room being a dark cave, so I had them put solid Wood Doors on a sliding rail so you can choose if you want to open it up into the Game Room or not. I'm so happy with they way it turned out, we really love having this option.

Fun Wall Decals in the Game Room, give it a more "kid friendly" vibe. The other game room walls are still a work in progress.

The Ping Pong/Pool table is center of the Game Room. I found really funky Pinkish/Reddish rounded Couches to go in this room and I love them. They are so different.

A good shot of the little Egg pinkish/reddish chair.

So, what do you think?

Can you believe that there is MORE to come? I still haven't shown you upstairs. Stay tuned.

P.S. I am SERIOUS about the free help people. Jump on it!

Desert Candy

2009-06-18T13:26:00.001-07:00

I don't really like HOT, HOT weather(I'm fully aware that I live in the desert), but I would LOVE to live in this house and homes like this one. Honestly, how cool is that?

To view more amazingly modern desert homes, click HERE (I only like the first 6 or so).

My Casa

2009-06-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of my home. I had fun putting together EVERYTHING that you see. I chose ALL colors, light fixtures, faucets, cabinets, counter tops, textures, wood stain, rock, flooring, furniture, accessories, YOU NAME IT. Enjoy.

The wall next to my kitchen, in my dining room.

The photo wall in my great room.

Some bookshelves and storage in the great room.

A view of our Living Room.

Another View of the Living Room.

Our Entry Way. Each of those lights were hung to my specifications, and it took a LONG time.

Another view of the Entry Way.

The doors that lead into my Husbands Office.

Love RED.

The Ceiling Fan in the Office.

Notice the Diamond Plate detail.

My Husbands custom made desk. Notice the Diamond Plate detail as well. So manly.

My husband rides motocross, so I decorated his walls with Vintage motocross photos.

More Vintage Motocross photos.

"The Blue Bath" Our half bathroom.

Master Bedroom. Kept monochromatic with a relaxing vibe. Square tea light Holders in a sporadic pattern on the wall.

Master Bedroom fireplace (concrete) and lounge area.

Master Bathroom.

Another view of Master Bathroom.

There's a lot more where this came from. Check back for more.....