Graphic Chevron Stripes

I once had a knit cap with red and camel colored chevron stripes and it was my favorite. There's something so retro and playful about this pattern. Don't know what happened to the hat... Perhaps it still in a tub in my parent's garage or maybe my sister has it. Anyhoo, the following room shots are full of chevron stripe goodness. Please enjoy!

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With a little painter's tape, you could have a lovely chevron striped accent wall or large canvas!

A large piece of wood, painted with chevron stripes, is much cheaper than a gigantic canvas,

while delivering the same look (only $8 at the Home Depot)!

How clever and cute (source).

Mobiles... Not Just for Babies Anymore!

That's right folks! What looks more fun and fresh than a cute mobile to birghten up a dreary corner of your home? Here are a few that have me inspired:

Love Birds Mobile by Etsy seller annjoyce, $22

Cloud Mobile Sky Blue by Etsy seller madeleinesargent, $50

Hanging Paper Comic Book Mobile by Etsy seller bookity, $24.50

The Retro Trees Felt Mobile by Etsy seller mollyannemake, $45

Retro Renovation in Nashville

Really, really love Etsy's current Get the Look feature on David and Carolyn's Nashville Retro Decor Renovation, check it out here. Their 1940's Tudor home has a great mix of mid-century modern and contemporary design and they have managed to pull it off without making their home look like an antique mall showcase. I think that is one of the biggest challenges-- incorporating vintage style into your home, while keeping it functional and natural feeling. To see room by room pics of their nest, take a look at the flickr album.

Decorating with Peach

Folks, it's time to bring peach back. It's had a bum rap the past two decades and most likely conjurs up images of bad 80's bridesmaid dresses, but this sunny variation of orange is ready for its comback. I just feel it!

I think I've always subconciously liked the color, but the liking turned into all out love when I lived in Chicago. I paid a visit to my local Salvation Army and found this gem of a chair, in perfect condition, for $25. I imagine it came from the parlour room of a lovely grandma and only saw use when company came calling. This chair became my favorite spot for morning devotions and Bible study and long phone calls with friends back home.

On the topic of peach, Jennifer Thoden from Decorating With Jen, says:

"When you add white to orange you get a peach. A rich peach to a subtle almost white peach. Using all these colors in this range will create a peaceful, tranquil interior design. It's also ideal for smaller rooms. Use a light peach on the walls. Add simple drapes with the same tint of peach. Have your chairs and couches in the same fabric as your drapes. And your area rug should have a nice range of soft pale peaches to rich peaches. Your room will be exquisite. Ground the entire soft palette with dark stained furniture... stay away from oak and light pine. Also consider using white as a fabric in your room... white pillows... white vases... white chairs."

Below are some shots of rooms that using varrying shades of our friend orange-- peach, salmon, orange sorbet, and apricot.

Photo courtesey of bisbee.co.za

Photo courtesy of Country Living

Photo courtesey of Deluxe Room

In November of 2008, Etsy spolighted a room in its Storque Blog that does a fabulous job of using whites, creams, tans, and a punch of salmon.

Photo courtesy of Canadian House and Home

The thought of thePeach/Salmon/Orange Sorbet or Apricot may seem like risky choices alone, but consider pairing them with some these colors:

Looking for peach accents? I've combed Etsy shops and online retailers for some new and vintage gems.

This salmon Flowerbud Lantern is on sale for $9.99 on PB Teen

Vintage California Double Leaf Dish by Etsy seller eclecticcurio $14

Audrey Hepburn Illustration by Etsy seller lakeillustration $19.00

Apricot Bird Pillow by Etsy seller persnickety home $13.95

Hand Crocheted Salmon Napkin Rings (Set of 6) by Etsy seller BouquetSpecialDesign $18

Peachy Keen Hoop Art Trio by Etsy seller Mostaza Seed (that's me!) $30

Champagne Peony Print by Etsy seller hadleyhutton $22.99

The Anthropologie Festival Rug

So, if you are looking for a new take on an old fashioned color, opt for peach and pair it with cocoa brown, pink, cobalt blue, aqua, or burgundy. You won't be disappointed!