It's like a gallery...

I'm just going to come right out and say it...I'm over gallery walls...I know, gasp. What can I say, they've been around for a couple years now and are almost always done wrong. It's time for change people...With that said, I will also say when done right, a gallery wall can still be sophisticated. If Pinterest has taught me anything lately, it's that there are definitely certain characteristics that make a gallery wall work.

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For instance, color balance. No you shouldn't have all the prints/photos matching, but it helps to have several of the pieces share the same tone to balance the others in the gallery. In this space you'll notice that most of the photos have a base of black, and those are spread out, but the gallery is filled in with a few pieces here and there with color. Also in this space, you'll notice the large black and white painting anchors the whole wall. One big piece, can be a great jumping off point, but should always be off centered, and relate in some way to other art in the space. In this case, the black brush stroke relates to the other black and white works on the wall. Basically, you should disperse the pieces equally. You definitely do not want all the prints with color on one side of the gallery and all the black and white pieces on the other side.....this would be bad. 

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Another good thing to keep in mind is size proportion. You should have all different sizes, and they should be dispersed throughout the wall. In this space, all the prints are larger, but are not all the exact same size, which keeps your eye moving and adds interest.

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Then there's orientation. Don't be afraid to hang both vertical and horizontal pieces. Again, this will keep your eye moving, making sure that all your beautiful pieces get the recognition they deserve, instead of stopping at one. 

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Now this is the trend, that I am loving right now. Why not, use photo ledges spanning the width of the wall, with leaning pieces. I can't wait to try this in our next home. You can switch out pieces whenever you like, and there wouldn't be nearly as much damage to your walls.

Now you tell me. What do you think about gallery walls. Are you over them, or do you think they are just getting started? Talk to me.

Father's Day is right around the corner folks...So I'm gonna help you out..you're welcome. Here's a quick Father's Day Etsy round up, to help you get your shopping done.

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What man wouldn't want a custom engraved Beer Carrier...I mean really. 

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My dad, wouldn't even know how to use an Iphone let alone a handmade wooden Iphone stand, but for all of you with tech savvy father's this would be perfect. In fact, I kind of want one for myself.

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Every father is a super hero, and if my hubby was a father, I would order these for him in a heartbeat...maybe from the fur babies?

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Personalized grill tools...any man would love these.

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Leather Ipad case. I want one too.

Now go, find your Pops the perfect gift, and let me know what you're favorite gifts for your deserving Dads are.

Curb appeal...

When your house is on the market, you will literally hear the term "curb appeal" all the time. Five years ago that term rendered images of hanging flower baskets and shrubs, but today's ideas of curb appeal are very different:

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No longer does curb appeal mean pink and purple flowers, wicker rocking chairs, and ornate house numbers. Now you can really make the front of your home reflect you and your family's personal style. 

What do you guys think? What does your home's curb appeal say about you?

So this is slightly late, but I was having problems with blogger this morning...

Urban outfitters is one of my favorite places to shop for clothes, has been for years, but I always found their home line a little too quirky...and this is coming from a lady who once painted a fish bowl gold...Lately, though I've seen a new sophistication in their home decor (not counting the toy soldiers or dino salt and pepper shakers). Here's a few of my favorites:

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I want this brass plant hanger so much it hurts...

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These small wooden boxes would be great on a dresser for all those small baubles. 

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I am crushing so hard on these toy soldier bookends...totally having flashbacks to Toy Story..I think they could be super sweet in a playroom, or even add a little fun whimsy to an office.

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This little wooden table would add so much dimension to a space. 

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I cannot lie. I love these dino salt and pepper shakers. They are so fun and keeping them black and white, makes them seem less juvenile. 

How about you guys? Have you found you are giving any specific design line a second chance?

I'm Lovin' It May...

Seriously....when did it become May?....

Here's what I'm lovin' this month:

GroopDealz...I must live under a rock, because I've just discovered Groop Dealz, and I'm seriously addicted. I'm sad to say that I get very excited when I get their e-mails.....its the little things in life. Anyways for probably the one person out there, that is not already aware, GrooDealz is a shopping website that sends you fantastic "daily deals." Here's a few of the fantastic deals I've scored lately:

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These designer Scallop stacking rings are only $5.99 right now! I may have ordered the pink...and mint...and gold. What can I say, I love them.

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Along with the mint leather bow bracelet for only $7.99.

and this Chevron ribbon in red for only $2.95, as well:

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Yeah...I may be addicted.

Then there's the new Novogratz Brasil Collection at CB2....OBSESSED:

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So many bright colors and patterns, with so many Brazilian influences. Love it.

There's just a bit of what I'm lovin' this month...What about you?