DIY Headboard

Right now my bed is just on a metal bed frame. I've been looking at various options from purchasing an entire bed to just a headboard, but new beds or headboards can be really pricey.

Lately I've been leaning towards making my own headboard. First I was thinking about turning an old door sideways, but now I think will use an old fireplace mantel as a headboard.

What's great about a fireplace mantel is that you can upholster a piece of plywood to fit in the opening to give you a softer place to rest your head. Plus you have a ledge for photos or knick-knacks.

I've been scouting craigslist and will also try Omega Salvage in Berkeley to see if I can find one that's not too expensive. Will post a picture once I find something.

Shower in Style

Patyka

I was excited to see that these all organic French bath and body products by Patyka are now available in the US. This company grows and extract all of the materials from it's products. I just bought the lime scrub ($14) and rosemary shampoo ($14). I love the bright and simple packaging. I purchased mine at Reform School, but you can also purchase through Patyka's online store.

Izola Shower

Izola has some of the coolest shower curtains. I love the artist series like this David Foote shower curtain ($60) I picked out for my daughter's bathroom. I also like their photo shower curtains featuring destinations like Vegas, Paris, or Venice (Italy).

Learn & Shower

Target carries great foreign language vocabulary shower curtains like this French version ($20). Also available in Spanish.

Or, if you are more science-minded check out the periodic table shower curtain ($29.99) available from ThinkGeek.

Stylish Storage

Let's face it, plastic bins may be functional, but they are certainly not very attractive for use inside the house. Here are a few storage choices I'm considering for those places where your storage container needs to be visible.

Wicker Hampers

I love these wicker hampers ($20-$26) from Bell'occhio which have flat tops so they can be stacked on top of each other. These would be great for paperwork in the office, or sewing/knitting stuff or craft stupplies.

Green Boxes

Another item from Bell'occhio, these green foil covered boxes ($18-$32) have that Parisian flair. I am thinking these would be great for photographs and mementos, or perhaps as sweater or shoe boxes in the closet.

Locker Room Baskets

These steel locker room baskets ($48) from Napa Style are salvaged from schools across the USA. Some date back to the early 1960s, and all show patina and wear. These would be great in the kitchen or maybe in a teenager's room.

April Showers Bring...

Okay, so it's only March. Still, after the weeks of rain we've been having in Northern California I am ready for Spring sunshine to break through. Here are some cute accessories to bring May's flowers into your home without waiting for mother nature to cooperate.

Flower Measuring Cups

This set of adorable flower measuring cup bowls ($36) from Anthropologie will bring a spot of sunshine to any kitchen. In fact, I think they are too charming to be stuck in a drawer. Set includes one cup, half cup, third cup and quarter cup. They are dishwasher and microwave safe.

Floral Apron

Cook in style with this super stylish Stockholm apron ($28)also from Anthropologie. Available in turquoise, lime and sunshine yellow all with contrasting tie and button. 100% cotton and machine washable. Why stick with a boring white apron?

Vintage Floral Decals

Customize furniture, walls floors, windows, just about anything with these vinyl decals. The great thing is that these decals are easy to remove so you don't have to commit forever. Availble in black, turquoise, orange, and lime green. From urbanoutfitters.com.

Kaftan or Caftan?

Nothing makes me think of lounging on a beach somewhere than a kaftan (according to wikipdedia the spelling "caftan" is also acceptable). Although, I would wear these kaftans below on any given weekend with a great pair of sandals or heels and some funky jewelry.

Garconiera

This gold and chocolate kaftan ($250) from Garconiera is your ticket to capturing that bohemian 70's vibe this spring and summer. I love the length and the the great indian print.

Dress is made in India. Also available in navy and pink and in a short poncho style from shopplanetblue.com.

Vintage

There are some great vintage kaftan and dashiki's out there as well. I love this vintage dashiki ($30) from etsy seller violetfolklore.

At these prices you can get a few of these beauties!

Or, there's this great vintage 70's golden caftan ($55.50) in a cotton print from Thailand. I may just have to snap this one up!

Rebecca Taylor

Finally, for a bit more refined look I like this shorter paisley print dress by Rebecca Taylor ($450). Night quite as dramatic as the long kaftans, but still with that cool bohemian vibe. It can be worn loose like a kaftan or cinched at the waist and dressed it up with heels. 100% silk.

Instructional Art

Maybe it's because I am a huge fan education and learning anyway, but I am loving the asethetic of educational materials as art. I love vintage maps, medical charts and models, taxidermy examples, you name it! Here's a few of my latest acquisitions and current obsessions.

Paint-by-Numbers Jesus

From Factory 20 comes this amazing paint by numbers Jesus, on canvas ($675). An Untitled Concepts original Monumental Art Exclusive. Limited to an edition if 12. Canvas Size- W: 44 x H: 62 in.

Palmistry Poster

This poster ($4) is provides a useful reference for palmistry fans in addition to being a great piece of art. Comes folded. Unfolded, it measures 11.75" x 20". From Curiosity Shoppe.

Botanical Scrolls

I love these vintage (or reproduction) detailed botanical scrolls. Maison Reve in Mill Valley has a couple reproductions right now ($150) or you can find them online at The Evolution Store for ($98).

Large Face Parts

These plastic models are for art and drawing classes, but make for great wall or sculptural art as well. They are approximately three times life-size and matte white in color. Only $28 from http://www.dickblick.com/.

Launch of DOM online store

I am so excited that hip German accessories and home store DOM, now has an online outpost! I visited the Paris store recently and was an instant fan. Doesn't look like there is an English version of the item descriptions yet, but with pictures you can get by in German, right? Visit: http://www.dom-ck.com/.

Here's a good finds from the online store:

Snake Armband

This snake bracelet/armband (19.95 EUR) is available in silver, gold or bronze. Would be great with a sleevless jumpsuit or halter dress for that 1970's vibe. The site also feature a belt in the same style.

Embroidered Pouf

I love this embroidered turquoise pouf (49.95 EUR) which has a vintage Mexican look to it. Also available in a bright fuschia that I like as well.

Aluminum Hanging Lamp

This perforated hanging lamp (119 EUR) looks like something from Morocco or the Far East. Love the way the light shines through the little holes.