{tink makes art}

Jillian and I moved into a cute, little bungalow last November, and I am finally getting around to telling you about it! It is the most adorable house you’ve ever seen with a full basement and full attic, large front and backyards, original wood floors, and a sweet retro kitchen. We love it! Jillian and I are both artists, so, of course, our house is full of artwork (both our own and our friends). Our styles fit nicely together creating a mid-century modern meets bohemian style meets rustic farmhouse. Maybe? Ha.

See more photos of the living room, breakfast area, and kitchen after the jump. I’ll save my bedroom for a future post…

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As a portrait artist, I’ve often struggled with the saleability of my work. Do people really want a huge graphic portrait of someone they don’t know or even someone they do know taking up a substantial amount of wall space? Popular icons, family pets, and loved ones are always best sellers, but how exactly do you decorate with such a huge face?!

I’ve come across some pretty fantastic examples of the use of large portraits – in most cases, colorful, graphic portraits – displayed in the home. It is important that the style of the artist and the mood of the painting fit with your aesthetic. In most cases, one large portrait is best left to stand on its own, since it’s already making a loud and proud statement. I’d also recommend purchasing a portrait of someone who won’t bore you in a month; or, if you’re commissioning a painting, selecting a person/pet that will stay on your “favorites” list for a while.

Do you have a large portrait hanging in your home? Send me a picture! I’d love to see how you’ve displayed your art. If you don’t, would you consider hanging a big face on your wall? Why or why not?

Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

in this outfit

in this apartment

in this city

with a GREAT job I LOVE
(I’m looking! Let me know if you know of something!)

For YEARS, I’ve heard folks rave about IKEA but never visited the store…until last weekend! Hip home goods and furniture for extremely inexpensive prices? YES! I didn’t really need anything – gulp – but I bought a couple items that I couldn’t resist!

These lovely VILMIE FIGUR pillows for only $10! Yes, $10! And, the inserts were only $2!

 This HOL side table for only $18! (It was a showroom sample in perfect condition!)

The faux version on the RENS sheepskin for only $9.99 (instead of the RENS price of $29.99)!

Have you ever been to an IKEA? What have you purchased, and do you still have it?

For only $10 a quart, chalkboard paint will go a long way both materially and creatively. In my old apartment, I painted one wall in the kitchen, which ended up being this fabulous work of art that evolved over time. I’ve also used it to paint the frame around a mirror to write encouraging statements like, “You look beautiful.”  Here are a few more ideas. The possibilities are endless…

herb labels via Pinterest

large, beautiful art piece via Middle Child Complex

pantry organization via Wit & Whistle

Think of Brooklyn. Now think of a treehouse. Now try to put those two thoughts together. Difficult, right? Well, Alexandra Meyn envisioned it and then made it a reality. She built a treehouse made with $400 worth of recycled wood and secured it to a mulberry tree in her Brooklyn backyard. Quite impressive.

via Parker, Etc.

Often times you hear the titles “interior decorator” and “interior designer” used interchangeably; but did you know these professions differ in their training as well as the services they offer?

“Many U.S. states and Canadian provinces have passed laws requiring interior designers to be licensed or registered—documenting their formal education and training—and many of them specifically require that all practicing interior designers earn the NCIDQ Certificate to demonstrate their experience and qualifications. By contrast, interior decorators require no formal training or licensure.”

Interior decorators offer creative solutions to improve the look of a space through surface and decorative changes. Interior designers offer that same service, and in addition, are able to provide technical solutions to improve the functionality of a space (think remodeling a kitchen or creating an open-floor plan by removing a wall). They are trained to offer structural updates that must adhere to building codes and regulatory requirements.

As an interior designer with equal parts talent in designing and decorating, Heather Garrett has completed many kitchen and bathroom remodels that offer not only functional space but also exceptional beauty. Custom cabinetry, finish and fixture selections, lighting, and project management are among our firms specialties when it comes to renovations and remodels. We work with top-of-the-line vendors and contractors to deliver unique designs with exceptional results.

quote from NCIDQ
photos by Briana Brough