Who makes this fabric??

Earlier today I mentioned that I wanted two of the Courbe ottomans from Ballard Designs for my birthday. I got the idea from this image: 

BHG June 2010

I've saved this image for over a year! I love the layout of the room and the fabric on the ottomans is gorgeous! If it was a Ballard fabric they no longer make it, but Ballard does allow you to send in a fabric of your choice. I have a few other ideas of fabric I would use, but if I could find this fabric or something similar that would be my top choice. To be clear, I have no official plans to buy these ottomans, but chances are we will be moving into a smaller home and small, functional pieces of furniture like this would come in handy if we have to sell some of our bigger pieces. 

Chic and CHEAP

Last week I popped in Wal-Mart for a few odds and ends. I know, I know, most people are not fond of Wal-Mart for home items. I have had a little luck there over the last few months though. Remember the placemats??  I'm loving their Better Homes and Gardens line- at least for candle holders! 

If you've ever seen my "Table Setting of the week" posts, then you've most likely seen these candle holders. They're available in three sizes: 

Other items of interest: 

Their HomeTrends line has a few fun pieces as well: 

Each of these pillows is $5. Yes, you read correctly. $5. 

Katie Brown's line at Meijer has a few great pieces as well: 

I might have to pick these up at some point.... for "work" purposes (i.e. Table Setting of the Week). 

So, what do you think?! Have you found any chic and cheap finds recently??

**TODAY is your last day to enter the MilesOfLight Giveaway!!! 

Mix and Match: Bedding

We've discussed mixing our china. Let's focus our attention on bedding today!! This is something that a lot of people already do, but when I saw this image in BHG it made me realize a few things:

1. I've never thought to mix the sheets! 

2. I like the look of lots of different pillows (of various textures, prints, colors). 

I also have a confession. I haven't changed out my "Christmas bedding". It's still red and green. Yikes. Oh, and I still haven't painted our bedroom either. I'm a bad person. 

The BHG article has inspired me to get my tush in gear (*on a side note, I just looked up the definition for "tush" and one meaning is "any of the canine teeth of a horse). !!! 

The article in BHG suggests starting with two sets of sheets and mixing them for different looks. I actually really like the sheets they used:

via here 

Definitely not going to fit in with the law school budget. Maybe they'll go on sale!! 

I'm loving the following shams:

via here 

via here

I also love these euro shams by Nate for HSN. They're sold out, but I'm betting you could find them on Ebay! 

Some other bedding pieces to consider: 

via here 

I'm a big fan of this bedding from West Elm (partially because the color is "poppy", and I just love to say that word)!! 

via here

There's nothing wrong with matching bedding sets, but it's rather boring, don't you think? Have I persuaded you to consider mixing/matching? OR is it something you're already doing?? Do tell. 

XOXO,

Kelly 

Design Crush: Amy Meier

I always like to pick up Better Homes and Gardens to look at the homes featured. I think BHG does a great job of showcasing homes that are "real" and "accessible". Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love looking at interiors that will forever be out of my price range, but it's fun to get ideas from homes that are  more realistic to what I can afford. 

For January, BHG featured the home of San Diego Interior designer Amy Meier. 

I'd have a big smile on my face too if I walked into that space everyday!

You have to read the article to fully appreciate this, but Amy managed to turn the dining room of her apartment into an extremely well organized office, with the help of an Ikea Expedit Bookcase!

My favorite thing about this room: the window treatments. Ikat with Greek Key trim. Love it!!! 

Amy blogs too! Check her out here. 

I've mentioned it before, but it's a goal of mine to one day have our home featured in BHG or a similar publication. 1551 isn't quite ready for publishing yet but maybe someday! 

Congrats, Amy! You've taken a one bedroom apartment and created a living space that's more cozy and inviting than a lot huge homes.