bethy2183's Profile

Carrie, I absolutely love your apartment! I was eying those hot pink lucite trays, and very impressed to see that you had them created! I'd love more info on how you made that happen!

A sequined Bloom Theory camera strap is on my Christmas list... well my "Christmas in July" list, that is (http://www.riotfordesign.blogspot.com/search/label/Christmas)!

Barcelona is fantastic! Definitely tour all the Gaudi structures your schedule will allow- they are all amazing.

I'd recommend La Manual Alpargatera- a shoe shop in the Barri Gotic where they sell handmade espadrilles.

Also, go see the flagship Zara on the Passeig de Gracia- it sells homewares, unlike the U.S. stores

Finally, Quimet e Quimet is a tiny tapas bar. I believe it's highly regarded but relaxed and very authentic!

Oh I wish I were on my way back there right now!!!

Thanks for this! I, too, just started a design-related blog. The field is definitely saturated, and of course AT sets the gold standard, but I think one way to set a blog apart is through a unique voice and writing style. Since I work in comedy TV, I try to incorporate humor into the blog, while still keeping the focus primarily on design. I hope I'm succeeding! www.riotfordesign.blogspot.com

Definitely agree with the regular posting though- blogging is not easy! I've learned firsthand that f you want a successful blog you definitely have to put in the work!

Such a charming, playful and exuberant home! I love the bold, graphic elements and the Buddha sculpture is rockin! I actually just did a round-up of Buddhas used in design on my blog (http://riotfordesign.blogspot.com/2012/07/tuesday-trend-buddas.html) and wish I could have included this one!

Ugh, I know the feeling! (here's a pic of my unfortunate rental kitchen: http://riotfordesign.blogspot.com/2012/06/pb-loft.html)

I think you have 2 reasonable options: the first is to just live with it- add a fun red & turquoise rug and some cute accessories. The second option is to try to negotiate with your landlord- maybe you can convince them to let you paint, which wouldn't cost that much.

I've been skeptical of the "temporary" cabinet cover options just because I wonder how temporary they really are and how durable/stain resistant. However, it seems some people are really happy with this option so it might be worth a try!

This apartment looks like a show stopper! I think as long as you float your living area furniture you'll be golden. Make the windows the focal point and perhaps use some large bookcases as a room divider between your sleeping area and living space (perhaps you can place/hang on the structure too). Here's my studio apartment with an example of shelving as a room divider: http://riotfordesign.blogspot.com/2012/06/life-is-grand.html

BUT the bed area HAS to go by the closets and the bathroom. You'll drive yourself nuts walking across the entire apartment every morning or middle of the night.

Couldn't agree with you more on the pillows AND the Keep Calm signs. I'd also add perfectly symmetrical styling- as someone who works in production I can say that stylists do this for commercials where they want the room to NOT STAND OUT in any way, so I always find it funny when people style their homes this way. Also can't stand the everything MCM. It's the room equivalent of a costume!

But I do think it's impossible to avoid all trends in your home- I, for one, am guilty of the color-coded book shelves and the gallery wall, but they are meaningful and practical to me in my home. I think that's the most important thing! Here's a couple pics of my space: http://riotfordesign.blogspot.com/2012/06/life-is-grand.html

Sigh- I did this with the Paolo Piva Alanda coffee table (B&B Italia, 1982). After scouring Google Images for "pyramid coffee table" I finally found it... out of production and on 1st Dibs for several thousands. Perhaps some day one will find it's way to me :)

Great post!

I have an equally tiny rental BR with a pedestal sink (so no under sink storage). I use hanging wire baskets for towels, an over-the-door shelf w/ Ikea metal bins.

My latest bathroom storage solution is a 6 ft. tall vintage gym locker I found on Ebay (only about 1 foot wide). It has 6 cubbies, three of which I am removing the doors to, so it will use height to store all our things, with space for display and it fits nicely in a tight corner.