MAKING A STATEMENT

Melrose's hallway is currently pretty bland and I want something cool to add interest to it. I definitely want to do a framed collection of our wedding pictures along the wall, but that doesn't seem like enough. So, I have been thinking of unique ways to paint it and I have found some pretty interesting inspiration ... more than just a pretty color! These pictures add interest and make a statement in an easy way.

Like I have mentioned multiple times, black is huge right now. I like the contrast of the walls versus the white ceiling. It is interesting how they just stopped the black paint at the ceiling corners and there is no crown moulding. 

via lonny mag

I am looooving this soft mint color. Espeically paired with the white, gold, black, and brown - so simple and classic, but modern. You could easily mount your own moulding a few feet from the ceiling to achieve this look. 

elements of style

 And, more black. This painted chair rail is amazing and so unique. The double stripe paint job could be combined with either of the top two pictures. The second tiny stripe adds just the right amount of drama to the room. 

via lonny mag

Black trim ... looks like a white ceiling with cream walls. So sophisticated! 

a life's design

 Another example of painted trim. This bold yellow makes a big statement in this room. Such a great, and easy way to bring in a touch of color. 

la dolce vita

I will have to decide what will bring the most interest to the hallway and compliment the framed wedding photographs, but I am leaning towards a high chair rail with a tiny stripe - no moulding. What do you think?  

INDOOR TREES

I am not very fond of fake indoor plants, but I do love the color and natural element an indoor plant can lend a room. I want a fairly large and pretty tree to place in a tight corner of our study. I had no clue what type of tree would survive indoors and be busty enough to fill this area so I started researching. I know I want something beautiful since you will see the tree from the entrance of Melrose. 


Through pinterest and other blogs, I discovered the fiddle leaf fig tree trend. These beautiful trees can grow easily indoors and up to 12 feet tall! Their large, waxy leaves can create awesome canopies in a room if pruned correctly. Here are some pictures of fiddle leaf fig trees in homes.

la dolce vita

elle decor

The fiddle leaf fig tree would be perfect except that I can't find a reasonably priced one. Not to mention that I want it a few feet tall now and not a seedling. Laurel-Dawn at abode love also did an excellent post on these trees if you want to check out more pictures. 


Along with the fiddle fig leaf, I have found these quaint olive trees in several homes. These can be easily pruned like a single ball topiary at 3-4 feet tall. Other varieties can grow taller.

So, after a little more research I found that a lot of people grow citrus trees indoors and they can have a similar shape to the fiddle fig leaf, but they also produce fragrant flowers and fruit! One that has especially grabbed my attention is the orange tree (there are lots of different types). I found a good post at Little Green Notebook on calamondin orange trees if you are interested.

and Martha even did an article on growing orange trees indoors ...

all sources via my pinterest board

I like how you can prune the olive and citrus trees to have a tall skinny trunk with a fuller top. I think one of these will be making its way into Melrose soon. I saw some for sale at Lowe's this weekend and Williams-Sonoma and Amazon also sell them! 


Do you have an indoor tree? If so, what kind?

GUEST BATHROOM: inspiration

I stumbled upon this fabulous room color the other day via pinterest and I knew right away it would soon make its way to Melrose's guest bathroom's walls. Currently the bathroom has a high, solid white chair rail with faded mint green walls to the ceiling. Nothing exciting. 


I posted this amazing black bathroom a while back and I love the dark, rich feeling the color conveys, but I just don't think black will do with Melrose's scheme. So, when I saw this deep teal I knew it would be perfect for our bathroom that is overpowered with natural light and white. I now introduce you to Melrose's future friend, Benjamin Moore newburg green. 

Here are some pictures of rooms painted newburg green.

all images via

What do you think? Paired with whites and creams and a pop of color, it really makes a statement in these rooms. With the color only extending about 3' above the chair rail to the ceiling, I think newburg green will be a beautiful, bold color to play off of. The existing tile in the bathroom is a white and pale pink square pattern so I think this rich teal will help neutralize the girl-y pink. 

This is the tile along with the other colors I hope to include in the bathroom (fyi, it is hard to match swatches on the computer so don't judge me too much). 

newburg green, white dove, pale gray, soft emerald green, pale pink (existing tile)

I'll post pictures once the progress begins! Wish me luck.

WISH LIST :: 26th birthday

There are a lot of summer birthdays floating around and mine just so happens to be next Saturday! Yay! It really snuck up on me this year, but I am excited to celebrate it at the beach -- along with our nation's independence.

Just for fun, I have put together my "wish list" for my birthday. I have been trying to focus on Melrose lately, so I have only requested a nice meal out ... but anything is much appreciated! A girl can dream, right?!

1 zgallerie orange pillow :: 2 anthropologie necklace :: 3 cuisinart ice cream maker :: 4 pink and tortoise shell belt :: 5 watercolor painting :: 6 watercolor print :: 7 deer wearing gym socks :: 8 upgrade to 4g white iphone :: 9 overstock chandelier :: 10 pottery barn registry

LOOK WHAT I FOUND

As most of you know, I have a fascination with all things gold and rose gold. I was browsing one of my favorite wedding blogs, 100 layer cake (besides ruffled of course!), and found this awesome post on rose gold rings. The rose gold has such a vintage feel to me and I love the unique combinations of stones. 

I love numbers 1 and 10 ... and number 2 is pretty identical to one of my wedding bands. See the full post here to get all the details. Which one is your favorite?