Best of Craigslist: Chicago

Unique pieces and one-of-kind finds are just a few things that get my adrenaline going. And if you're a vintage-junkie like me, craigslist will surprise you with some of the best gems. I am constantly trolling the Chicago site looking for new additions and special pieces to bring home; statement pieces and items ready for some TLC. Here's a roundup of some of my favorite pieces posted this week!

1960s Vintage Modern Sarreid Brass Chest from Manly Vintage ($1250)

If you know me, you know I'm all about the brass! All this guy needs is a quick polish and he would make a great coffee table!

Vintage Mid-Century Living Room Chairs in Rogers Park ($90)

I'd recommend a good upholsterer to switch out the fabric on these. A neutral tweed or heavy cotton would work well. Use them as dining chairs or add them to your living room. 

Brass & Etagere Bookshelf in Arlington Heights ($160)

Always looking for a parsons bookshelf and this here is one glam tower to hold all your favorite books and decorative objects. 

Stunning Mid Century Dresser/Credenza in St. Charles ($575) 

Sometimes you need to see something styled to realize it can in fact fit in with the rest of your decor. This credenza looks like it has some good bones and would make an awesome entry table.

Antique Hammered Brass Wood Trunk in Edgewater ($125)

Having history in your house is always important. Everyone needs a conversation piece, and whether you travel the world or find it on craigslist, well...no one really needs to know ;)

Pair of Vintage Hollywood Regency Chrome Metal Bar Stools in Lincoln Square ($30)

So these may need the most work, but try and look at the bigger picture here. Once these are shined and reupholstered, these stools will speak for themselves. And you can't beat $30 for the pair--your budget now allows for some snazzy fabric! 

Campaign Kelly Green Dresser 6 drawer in Minook ($700)

Yes, it's hard for me too, but do something different and go with a bright color. Emerald and kelly green are some of the best colors to work with because they aren't too feminine or masculine (they also never go out of style). Plus, campaign furniture are some of the hardest items to find these days--grab 'em when you see 'em!

Let me know if anyone decides to go for any of these--would love to see how you work them into your space! 

Classic Entryway

Check out my Roomations post on how to create the Classic Entryway! 

Shopping List

1. Sandoval Table Lamp available at Home Decorators Collection  
2. Q&A A Day available at Anthropologie 
3. Voluspa Maison Candle available at Anthropologie 
4. Cole Chair (charcoal) available at Room & Board 
5. Rustic Storage Console available at West Elm 
6. Postcard from Paris Framed Print by Cindy Taylor available at Pottery Barn 
7. Metallic Texture Pillow Cover available at West Elm 

Pillow Talk

As I've continued pulling decor and accessories for the new apartment, I came to a crossroads when choosing pillows. There are so many options that it can become overwhelming, and expensive. I wanted to incorporate some pattern, but at the same time keep things simple enough to bring in artwork and decorative objects later.  I played around with some different textures and materials, but stuck with a neutral color scheme. Here's a list of some of my faves!

1. Alune Geometric Pillow // 2. Barneys New York Spot Pillow // 3. Furbish Studio Black and White Spotted Pillow // 4. Ryan Studio Greek Key Fretwork Pillow // 5. Z Gallerie Bois Pillow // 6. Caitlin Wilson Greige Greek Key Pillow // 7. Threshold Velvet Backed Geometric Toss Pillow // 8. Zannachi Birch Shaded Leopard-Skin Velvet Cushion // 9. Caitlin Wilson Gold Polka Dot Pillow //

Black & White Project

It's been two months since I moved into my new Edgewater apartment and I am finally getting a move on my living room design. When I left my last apartment, I went a little crazy and sold most of my furniture. A fresh start=shopping! So I decided to switch things up a bit and make this space a tad more modern, but also keep some of my beloved vintage decor. The easiest way to get started was to come up with a color scheme, or so I thought. But with my mind racing with a million color options, I decided to make this real easy on myself: black & white. How classic!

Through my search, I gravitated towards more neutrals than I did to bold blacks and stark whites. I ended up picking out a huge sisal rug, and some dark chocolate end tables from my fave, Joss & Main. 

I of course splurged and bought some gorgeous black and white pillows to tie back in my black & white design. But with my lucite coffee table and grey, velvet sofa from West Elm, things were coming together! 

Last but not least I threw in some classic chrome lamps, and a couple of my abstract paintings. While the room is still a work in progress, I'm excited to see the apartment transform into a home. 

Shopping List: 

1. Safavieh Natural Fiber Marble/Gray Rug- Sears

2. Eliot End Table (2)- Joss & Main

3. Abacus Table Lamp (2)- West Elm

4. Painting- Cocoa And Hearts

5. Black and White Spotted Pillow- Furbish Studio

6. Alune Pillow (2)- Joss & Main

7. Henry Sofa (76"in Dove Grey)- West Elm

8. Peekaboo Clear Coffee Table- CB2

I could not find the exact lamps I found, but put a similar west elm lamp in its place for the style board. I also included a Jen Ramos piece in there that is similar to my paintings. Check back soon for my next style board of living room decor! 

Style Board: Natural Meets Industrial

Snow may be coming early this year, but my favorite season of the year won’t be forgotten.  Embrace the fall season and make a change; spruce up your workspace with some cozy new goods for your office. Combining strong, statement pieces with softer items may sound like a clash, but trust me, Natural and industrial materials do in fact compliment each other. Take a look at this style board to help you get started!

Shopping List

1. Mini Pebble Wool Jute Rug available at West Elm

2. Cities 2014 Calendar available at Anthropologie

3. Petrified Wood Bookends available at Anthropologie

4.  Linen Office Storage Accessories in Sand available at Restoration Hardware

5. Tolixâ Marais A56 Armchair available at Design Within Reach

6. Atelier Task Table Lamp Polished Nickel available at Restoration Hardware

7. Brazilian Cowhide Pillow Covers in Sand available at Restoration Hardware

8. Emmerson Desk available at West Elm

Halloween Chic Style Board

Here's my blog post written for Roomations for Halloween--hope you guys like!! 

Decorating during the holidays isn’t for everyone. Luckily there is another way of celebrating! If you’re like me, and not into the faux cobwebs and jack o’ lanterns, then try this route. Shop for home décor that you can use inside the home even after the holidays over. It’s an excuse to shop, though we know that’s never an issue, and gives you lasting accessories.  For example, take a look at the chic collection I’ve picked out. All of these items have a haunted element to them, making them suitable Halloween décor. So, what’s my next advice? Dig up your secret candy stash and treat yourself to some Halloween shopping!

1. Glass Menagerie Screech Owl available at Jonathan Adler 

2. Capri Blue candles available at Anthropologie 
3. Skull Bookends-Set of 2 available at Z Gallerie
4. Herd Pillow available at Anthropologie 
5. Louis Ghost Chair available at Design Within Reach
6. Palais 3 Drawer Chest available at Z Gallerie
7. Artemis Bow Mirror available at Anthropologie 

Tips To The Perfect Art Collection

Here's this weeks post for Roomations!

Flipping through pages of magazines and drooling over your dream home? Believe it or not, it’s often the details and styling choices that can complete a design. So those bare walls can take a hike because after following these simple tips, the space of your choice will be transformed into an in-home art gallery!  

Pick A Theme 

The truth is beautiful art is everywhere and it’s easy to fall in love with all different kinds. But the best advice, and the advice I give myself everyday, is to remain cohesive. One of best ways to begin your art wall is to choose a theme. Architecture, nautical, abstract, and nature are a couple ideas to get the ball roiling. Now, once you pick a subject matter, don’t stray. For example, if you choose to work with a nautical theme keep your eye out for artwork with anchors, boats, oceans, and other sea life.

Match Your Frames

If you’re working with existing art in your home or want to work in some of your favorite pieces, tie the look together by matching your frames. Trust me: this consistency will keep your collection looking organized and clutter-free. Don’t worry so much about changing up matte sizes and colors, but stick to using all gold, all silver, or all black frames. Do feel free to use different styled and textured frames, this might even add some needed detail.

Choose a Color Combo

Palettes can be tricky so let’s make this real easy and stick to working with just a few colors. Keep in mind you have already selected a theme and monochromatic frames. Now it’s time to narrow it down and choose artwork with, for example, black and white, warm tones such as orange and red, or neutral tones involving browns and greens.

Go Eclectic

Another route is going “au-eclectic.” Have some fun and don’t sweat the small stuff! Hit the flea markets and pick up some antique frames and vintage artwork. Mix up the sizes, shapes, and colors. Sometimes throwing these things together is the best way to do it. You’d be surprised when the odd shaped pieces strangely have a way of fitting together at the end of the day.

Now, what are you waiting for? Get started on your own interior design spread!