the nook

Looks to Love : Coachella

tarafry — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:00:21 +0000

Each year, Hollywood’s trendiest celebrities and indie music lovers alike descend on the deserts of California for the famed “Coachella” music festival. And each year, I look forward to seeing what they all wear. Here are some of my favorites from Refinery29 and Style.com:

Patriotic Kate

Makes me excited about summer – I can’t believe spring has sprung and summer is on it’s way!

Monday Mantra : Week 6

tarafry — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:15:50 +0000

If you surrender to the wind, you can ride it. ~Toni Morrison

artwork via

Inspired By : Easter Colors

tarafry — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 18:55:20 +0000

I hope you all get a chance to get outside this Easter weekend and hunt some eggs!

image via

Build It – Bench Seating for the Kitchen Nook

tarafry — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:44:53 +0000

So…. project “build the bench” is officially underway and ALMOST complete! We started working on it 2 Sunday’s ago thinking it would take only a few hours to complete. Wishful thinking. More than a week later, we are finally finished with the “build” part and are on to the finishing touches. In the meantime, I thought I’d share my progress:

INSPIRATION: This is actually a picture I took of the television screen, so I apologize for the poor quality, but I was watching HGTV (as I always am on the weekend) and saw this on an episode of Bath Crashers. I really like the storage cubes underneath as opposed to the typical bench seat with piano henge top and storage inside:

FIRST : We gathered all the tools for the installation and outlined the general shape on the floor with tape :

THEN : We built the frame out of 2×4′s and secured them to the wall for support :

NEXT : We finished out the frame using sheets of plywood :

THEN : We added the support structures for the interior to help support the weight of the ‘sitters’ and create the cubbies for storage :

FINALLY : We finished the whole thing out with base board trim and a fresh coat of semi-gloss white paint:

One of these days, this lovely graphic fabric will be our cushions:

I am so happy with the way it’s turning out. We’ve already taken advantage of the additional seating and I can’t wait to go shopping for baskets/accessories for the cubbies! Stay tuned for when the cushions are completed and I get to do my favorite part – decorate!

Wednesday Wishlist : Add a little Quirkiness

tarafry — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:27:26 +0000

Happy Hump Day everyone! Right now, I’m loving all the quirky creativity out there! Especially new takes on old ideas and items with a sense of humor and a definite point of view… and of course I’m also drawn to the classics and comfortable pieces. I’d love to one day have my home and closet filled with only things that are truly me … Maybe this week’s wishlist will inspire you to add a little quirkiness into your home, wardrobe, and accessories. Enjoy the rest of your week!

Felted Birds, Jersey Knot Bracelet, Round Shades, High Waisted Skirt, Bridges Artwork, Sequin Skirt, Coral Baubles, Black Dress, Yellow Bag, Harmonica Necklace, Vintage Feather Pin holder, Hello

Cleverly Classic Wedding

tarafry — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:46:16 +0000

Have you ever been to a wedding or event that just feels a little bit too formal? Maybe even uptight or stuffy? Sometimes I think people get carried away with traditional, classic wedding plans and forget that you can be fun, even if the event is formal. After all, what says “black tie affair” like being greeted by a dog in a top hat? So clever.

Images via C&K, SR, C&C, and MSW

Monday Mantra : Week 5

tarafry — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:00:03 +0000

A day is Eternity’s seed, and we are its Gardeners. - Erika Harris
Such a simple statement, but so true. I saw this quote and it reminded me of this photo of my good friend, Sara’s, baby girl. Isn’t she precious?! The photographer was Sara’s old neighbor and she does beautiful work. You should check out her blog here.

We had great weather here in Dallas over the weekend – perfect for gardening – if only I had a green thumb! Hopefully one of these days I’ll figure it out. Until then…Wishing you all a wonderful week!

Color Inspiration

tarafry — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:37:11 +0000

If you can’t tell by now, I’m a bit obsessed with this tomatoe-y red, coral color at the moment. It just looks good with everything…mint, sky, grey, merlot… you name it, I love it. How pretty would this combo be for a winter wedding or a bedroom? Maybe I’ll find a way to work this into my own home… Happy Tuesday friends!

Monday Mantra

tarafry — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:10:06 +0000

I don’t know where I found this, but I’ve needed it’s encouragement on multiple occasions over the past few years. I love the feistiness (is that a word?.. it is now). Makes me want to get out there and show the world what I can do! Have a great week everyone!

Inspired By : Paul de Luna

tarafry — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 17:06:17 +0000

Love the dreamy colors of this photo by Paul de Luna. Would make for a really relaxing color palette in a bedroom…

Happy Friday friends! Hope you all have a great weekend!