Monday, April 26, 2010

DIY Artwork

We just received these images from a really great customer, Necia! She became a fan of ferm LIVING when she purchased the Velo tea towel. She told us it was too nice to use, so decided to frame it. She then ordered some samples which she also framed - so pretty!

After checking out the samples, she contacted us about buying a remnant, which we were glad to sell. She decided to rock the wilderness wallpaper in black lacquer and just used adhesive spray to attach it to the screen. She then painted around the edges. A true work of art. We love it! Thanks so much, Necia!

*Please feel free to email us at info@fermlivingshop.us if you're interested in buying remnants by the yard!

Friday, April 23, 2010

Field Trippin'

Just thought I'd share a couple of my Rose Bowl flea market finds which I'm super proud of due to their inexpensiveness. Before I get started though, can I mention how excited I was to pass Los Alamos, CA on the way to LA from SF? Growing up in the other one, I can only imagine how different this place is. Yet the signage is pretty much the same. I wonder if the kids in Los Alamos, CA have a decent place to hang out? We used to congregate in the parking lots... Yep, and then pretty much stay there.

Anyway, I'd been looking for something to soften up my acrylic vanity and this 70's.ish wicker mirror from Japan seemed like just the right thing. [Not the nightmare inducing doll, though...why so glum?]

One day, I will arrange this better, but see how it'll work in the mix? It barely cost a thing, so if you don't like it, I won't be offended. I will also be wallpapering the back of it with this.

I found this set of champagne bowls at the very end of the day. They were just what I've been looking for, except even cheaper. I also liked how the man selling them said they had "chipless rims," and then when I pointed out how one of the rims was chipped he gave it to me for free. That's called using the evidence to your advantage. I can't wait to go back to the Rose Bowl! If only I had cash to burn and way to get things back to MN. There's an amazing vintage Louis Vuitton trunk with my name on it!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Happy Earth Day!

Found this cool picture here and thought it might be a nice little reminder to always turn off the lights when you leave a room :) If you find the look of bare light bulbs hard to resist, not unlike myself, consider our light bulb wall decals - same effect, less energy!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Lobby Fail

On my way back from California last week, I unexpectedly ended up spending the night in an airport hotel near Chicago, Midway. When I first arrived there late at night I was struck by the sadness of the lobby. I blew it off thinking maybe I was just tired. The morning was no better. First. That neon sign above those readily lockable doors scares me. I would not go back there (unless the drinks were free, of course, and then I'd think about it...).

The exposed nails in the wall were a clear cry for help.

Rocks in glass. Now, they do show an effort had been made at some point. But they are sad.

That caution sign had been there all night. Not sure why. No signs of mopping. A pop of color though wouldn't hurt in here. Just not one that is quite so cautionary... not a very welcoming vibe for a lobby.

I love a day with nothing planned so you can see where it takes you. But if you're a lobby, I'm thinking you should play a little hard to get. Fake some plans till you make some plans, you know.

Even the flowers have given up. But, I won't give up on you lobby. Here's what you need: WALLPAPER!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Spring Cleaning Sale!

We just put this series of tea towels on sale for $12 (regularly $19). It is a close out sale, so prices are available only while supplies last. And, I'm about to get some of the watercress, just so you know :)


We also gave a few wall stickers on sale as well, so get 'em while they last!: fly on the wall, sparrow, finger print, cherry tree and hexagons!

Monday, April 19, 2010

A Bright Idea

Alex from Bright Ideas by Martinec just sent over these pictures from a recent project they just completed. We LOVE the modern wildflower wallpaper mixed with the traditional built ins.



Definitely, a bright idea! So cool!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

A Fully Loaded Pantry

When I was back in California, I stayed a few nights at the lovely home of my friends Sarah and Bob. They recently redid their kitchen and used some family tree in petrol to add a pop of color in their pantry. I was excited to check it out in person. I was very impressed not only with the wallpaper handiwork, but also with their fully stocked bar. Bob is a mix master.
Here's their kitchen looking out from the pantry. I just love it. So simple, elegant and cheerful. Back behind that black bar is where I spend most of my time :) Thanks for having me to stay! See you soon!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Rise and Shine

Just heading back after a fantastic weekend in California. One of the highlights was checking out the flea market at the Rose Bowl. Why did I wait so long?! We got there at 6:00 am, and to start things off we grabbed donuts and coffee. Needless to say, a day that starts with donuts is bound to be a success.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Fabulous Accents


We LOVE these two accents walls recently added to Jenny's beautiful home in San Francisco! The branch wallpaper in the bedroom is a perfect backdrop to the wooden headboard, and the ribbed wallpaper in the bathroom adds a lovely touch of nature to the modern sink. So fun! Thanks so much for sending over these photos, Jenny!

Monday, April 5, 2010

Black and White and Pretty All Over

Abby just sent over this picture of Little Leaves wallpaper in her bathroom. I think it looks fantastic with the black vanity. Just perfect. Thanks so much, Abby!