Interiors: Casa Viva

My very sweet friend Diana recently took a trip to Rome and gifted me with the Aprile (see what I did there, I'm learning Italian already) issue of Casa Viva, an Italian home design magazine. I had to share a couple of the amazing houses with you because although I can't understand a word in the publication, I can certainly spot an exceptional interior when I see it. The first house is a neutral palette combining industrial touches with  warm wood and and beautiful architectural details.

The blue space is a all about pattern and color and I adore the tiles around the fireplace and how the pattern is echoed in the pendants over the dining table. The colorful dining chairs are a nice touch as well (and a pretty simple DIYproject to boot). 

These last two images are from separate houses. I think the orange wall consists of framed scarves but I can't be sure. The collection of framed photographs is traditional and lovely and I like how the extra photos that don't have a place on the wall simply rest on the floor. 

Aren't these spaces amazing? You know what's even more amazing? Friends traveling across the globe and bringing home magazines for decor junkies like me! Which space do you like?  

images: casa viva april 2011

Mind Your Manners + Southern Flourish

The latest issue of Southern Flourish is out and by some misguided stroke of luck, the lovely ladies at Southern Flourish asked me to participate in a panel on etiquette. Any of you who know me personally probably recognize that I know as much about Southern etiquette as I do quantum mechanics, but alas, I did my best to answer the questions and not sound like a total jerk while doing so. Southern Flourish is one of the few subscription based online mags and the $10 a year charge is worth every penny. The other bloggers on the panel include Beth Dofolo of hello, splendor, Elise Yetton of Pennyweight, Elizabeth Ragland of the Southern Flourish Blog, and Sherry Petersik Young House Love.
Here are a couple of my answers to the questions:

I hope you'll check out the rest of the issue here. Thanks Southern Flourish! 

Interiors: Eclectic Barn

This weekend, I took some time to peruse the latest issue of Lonny and what did I find? This gem of a home which is actually a 200 year old barn lovingly outfitted with vintage finds and simple, modern touches. I find the eclectic mix in this home be exceptionally stunning. You must check out the full space here. Happy Monday and cheers to a new week!

images: lonny

Weekend Reading

I'm spending some time catching up on the newest online mags:

Adore Home British Edition

Matchbook Magazine (love p.38-43)

Rue (Alison Sudol's style is amazing p. 78-98)

Lonny (I spy a plate wall on pg. 92)

Covet Garden (the neutral palette throughout the issue is lovely)

Any new issues I've missed? 

Wrap It Up: Hello Sandwich

I love packaging gifts about as much as I like reading which is to say, I REALLY love it.   I also really like to collect packaging inspiration which is why when I ran across Hello Sandwich's gift wrapping zine on Oh Joy, I knew I'd need a copy immediately.

This gift wrapping zine does not disappoint.  Hello Sandwich provides numerous DIY projects (I'll be making those cute bows on the next gift I wrap) as well as links to tons of supply shops and recommendations for materials.  If washi tape makes your heart go aflutter and bakers twine makes you weak in the knees, then this is the mag for you.  Available in PDF and hard copy formats. 

Reader Discount: Southern Flourish

I've been a huge fan of Southern Flourish since their first issue in Spring 2010.  Since their last issue, Southern Flourish has become a subscription based mag which might be surprising to those of us spoiled by free online magazines.  I asked one of the editors why they've decided to go the way of subscriptions and this was the response:

"We've been super lucky to work with some amazingly talented stylists, photographers, and writers, and charging a small annual subscription fee will help us continue to work with such great people, as well as increase the quality of the content."

Fair enough, don't you think?
The annual subscription is a modestly priced $10 but by entering  "DOWNANDOUTCHIC" at checkout, you'll get a year subscription (4 issues) for $8 + a free issue if you subscribe in December.  The holiday issue is out today and the previous issues can still be accessed online for free if you need to test ride the mag before subscribing.  Trust me though, I think you'll be impressed!

Southern Flourish + Plate Walls

I'm excited to announce that I am a contributor for the fall issue of Southern Flourish.  I was asked to write an article about a topic I've been blogging about for some time - plate walls!

I'm really pleased with how the article turned out and I appreciate this lovely lady for asking me to participate.  Check out the full issue here.  I'd love to know what you think! 

Hello Rue!

 

The first issue of Rue is out, and I have to say, the lovely ladies behind this new online mag did a fantastic job.  It's lovely to see what a few bloggers can do when they put their minds and passion together. Wow! 

images: Rue

New Mag: Southern Flourish

As you've probably noticed already, online magazines are popping up everywhere.   If you're a Southerner or just a fan of southern culture, you'll be pleased to be find out about a new online mag called Southern Flourish. 

 

via Southern Flourish

 I dare you to take apeek, I bet you'll recognize some bloggers you already know like this lovely lady or this talented DIY couple.
For me, I'll always prefer the feel and smell (yes, I'm a sniffer) of the printed press but you can't argue that online mags are just so stinking convenient and they reduce the clutter around my house.
Which do you prefer? Online mags or printed ones?

Style Inspiration: Antler Magazine

The new issue of Antler magazine is out and it's devoted to all things vintage.  Have you seen it yet?  

all images via Antler mag, new issue notification found via eco-stylista

What better way to start off the week (and a new month!) than with some vintage inspired style?  Happy Monday!

Danish Mag and a D&OC giveaway!

Happy Monday dearest readers! If you're having an unhappy Monday, I want to encourage you with some pretty interior shots from Boligliv, a Danish Magazine I recently came across. Granted, I can't understand a thing that's being said, but when you have this many pretty pictures, frankly I don't care.

It appears that the Danish like pattern as much as I do.

{all photos via Boligliv}
If those didn't cheer you up enough, maybe the giveaway I'm offering on My Teacups in Peony will? Nicole is a very sweet person and I was honored when she asked me to do this.

Did you read that, it's my very first giveaway (of my stuff)!!! So yeah, go enter, it'll be fun.

{If you haven't entered the Artaissance giveaway, then you definitely should (it's worth $300!)}