Blue and white

Blue and white is such a classic combination–and so versatile. It can be traditional, country, preppy, modern, pretty much anything you like. Here are a handful of blue and white items that show the color combo’s range:

Ceramic lamp:

Asking: $25 $20
Condition: “Good”
Dimensions: Ceramic base: 17″ tall; with shade: 30″
Location: Potomac, MD
Thoughts: Classic. Pretty. Affordable.

Check it out.

Side chair:

Asking: $250
Condition: “Like new”
Dimensions: Not provided
Location: Takoma Park, MD
Thoughts: Sweet without being saccharine.

Check it out. No longer available

Set of 9 ceramic balls:

Asking: $35
Condition: “Like new”
Dimensions: 5-6″
Location: Fair Oaks, VA
Thoughts: Am I the only one who’s been bought to baskets/vessels that look ridiculous once you get them home and display them empty? This would be a quick (and attractive) way to remedy that. Way better than the bag of potpourri balls you were considering.

Check ’em out. No longer available

Chippendale sofa:

Asking: $225 $200
Condition: “Good” … “Shows some slight wear but still looks great”
Dimensions: 7′ long
Location: Springfield, VA
Thoughts: This is such a lucky find for the right space.

Check it out. No longer available.

Pair of Pottery Barn striped curtains:

Asking: $40
Condition: “Excellent”
Dimensions: “Not certain” … “Most likely the standard 44″ x 84″ size”
Location: Leesburg, VA
Thoughts: Perfectly preppy.

Check ’em out.

Porcelain tea set:

Asking: $45 (includes tea pot, creamer, sugar bowl) price raised to $75
Condition: “Perfect … with no chips, cracks or wear”
Dimensions: Teapot: 7.5″ tall, 10.5″ wide, 4.5″ deep;  Sugar bowl and cream pitcher: 4″ tall, 5″ wide, 2″ deep
Location: NW DC
Thoughts: Yes please, with a spot of cream and two sugars!

Check it out.

Set of 6 parsons chairs with slipcovers:

Asking: $190 (~$32/piece, which includes the chair and the slipcover–not too shabby!)
Condition: “Amazing”
Dimensions: Not provided
Location: Manassas, VA
Thoughts: For the country mouse in each of us.

Check ’em out. No longer available

Vintage Japanese porcelain basket/bowl:


Asking: $45
Condition: “Flawless: no chips, cracks, or scratches”
Dimensions: 9″ circumference
Location: Springfield, VA
Thoughts: Lovely. Really lovely.

Check it out. No longer available.

Ticking stripe fabric:

Asking: $5/yard
Condition: “Never been used and in good condition”
Dimensions: 13+ yards available
Location: Reston, VA
Thoughts: Whatever DIY project you’re planning cannot go wrong with this fabric.

Check it out. No longer available

Tell me–what’s your favorite color combo?

Advice, please

When I walk into my apartment, I feel happy. It’s far, far, far from being finished, but I feel like it’s on the right track, and that’s exciting. When I walk into my bedroom, on the other hand, I feel a little deflated. I’ve done nothing. I put in my bed and dresser, but that’s it. There’s nothing on the floor, nothing on the walls, no window treatments–nothing. I need to get to work.

Right now I’m focusing on making drapes and an upholstered headboard. I’ve successfully made no-sew drapes for my parents (using the YHL tutorial). I’m a little intimidated by the headboard, but there are a bunch of tutorials online (including another from YHL, which I’ll probably start with), so I’m thinking I can handle it. The question is: What fabrics do I want to use??

I can tell you what I fantasize about. Peter Dunham’s Fig Leaf fabric:

I’m completely obsessed. It’s perfect. I’m imagining dark navy walls, Fig Leaf drapes (available through Amber), a natural linen headboard and tons of art. Unfortunately, the fabric is way out of my price range. Like $700+ per panel. I only need two panels, but still, I can’t justify that right now. I can’t tell you how sad this makes me. But such is life … so, moving on!

My next choice would be Lauren Liess’s Magnolia fabric:

Like the Peter Dunham fabric, it reminds of something Dorothy Draper would use if she was designing today. I love it. Lauren’s also local and I’m all about shopping locally, so that’s a plus. But unfortunately, the Magnolia fabric is also out of my current budget. Sad face. It’s $120 per yard, if you’re interested.

So where does that leave me? Discounted fabrics, obviously. I’ve used Fabric.com a couple times before–once for the drapes mentioned above and once for upholstery fabric for my new not-yet-in-my-possession sofa–and had very positive experiences. It takes a lot of looking because there’re so many options (most of which aren’t awesome / my style), but there are some decent finds. There not Peter Dunham / Lauren Liess caliber, but that’s okay.

Anyway, I’ve narrowed it down to some options, and I want you to tell me what you think.

Option A: Tommy Bahama Swaying Palms in Key Lime with Premier Prints Vertical Stripe in Chartreuse/Denton

Option B: Richloom Solarium Eastbluff in Cobalt with Richloom Solarium Manzi in Kiwi

Option C: Amy Butler Soul Blossoms Bliss Twilight Peony in Azure with Premier Prints Vertical Stripe in Chartreuse/Denton

Option D: Tommy Bahama Swaying Palms in Aloe with Sultana Burlap in Sage

Option E: Richloom Emily Garden with Richloom Solarium Laguna in Cherry

I’ll probably order a few swatches before I decide, so I’d love to hear your thoughts! (By the way, I’d rather hear what you like best, as opposed to which is closest to the more expensive options.)

Elaborating on your preference in the comment section is also appreciated–even if you just want to say you don’t like any of the options. Thanks, friends!