A Studio Escape

I've been craving creativity.  There's something to be said about finding a little fun in recreating a space with what you have and looking at something differently.  You take a step back, give it the benefit of the doubt and usually the moment you stop thinking about it, things click.  A refresh.  My studio and I had that moment.  So romantic, right!? 

I've always loved to be surrounded by pretty things, have baubles displayed for days and using a somewhat unconventional piece in a decor moment.  AKA a lion head door knocker next to my window because it can't be on my pink front door just yet.  And as I look around, my studio is kind of like living in a store, so it's no surprise I've ended up working in retail.  Everything has a place, a meaning (even if it's silly) but each piece plays a role in the vignettes I've created.  And funny enough, I love the element of whimsy in my home even though I tend to be a bit serious and analytical outside #203.  My hope is the space I've created makes you think about channeling your inner child, take a page out of a fashionable coffee table book or sling a coyote fur across your back while you stare out the window, hopefully with a glass of bubbly or four.  This apartment has become the vision board for what I aspire my future home to be.  

The mission.  I had two in mind when I spent a gloomy Saturday staring at the studio version of a Rubik's cube.  In a small space, you have to get crafty.  The first; open up the bay windows.  I wanted more natural light and luckily, my desk had already become an area I love to sit, write, sip a glass of wine and stare out into what every night is a different sunset.  Each window sill had something against it creating barriers.  I took a long running table under the furthest window, shifted it behind my couch and added a little reading area with an adorable white Acapulco chair.  I slung a serape blanket from the Saguaro Palm Springs hotel on it to remind me every day I need to make a trip back.... stat.  And I can't even tell you how this has changed the way light streams into my place.  It makes you linger just a little longer, or so I hope.  The coyote fur will always be special.  It was a fab find when I first moved to San Francisco in my Nordstrom days.  I think I've worn it twice outside this apartment but it's luxe, looks perfect against the desk that was a labor of lacquered love and reminds me of where I've been.  

The second mission; re-merchandising my bookshelves.  It's one of your first stops in my studio.  I discovered a major game changer with color coding books and I've cultivated quite the collection that will someday be featured in my walk in closet.  Don't worry, just geeking out over here but I love how it adds clean lines through the shelves.  Pretty sure during an earthquake this will crumble but until that moment happens, I'm just sitting on my palm print couch admiring this beauty.  

5 fun facts about what you can find in 5 stories of shelves. 
1)  The bottle of Veuve was from my 30th birthday.  I was ecstatic when I found giant palm leaves at Ikea to sit with her.  You can find a few sprinkled throughout my apartment.   
2)  The gold birds were a find from my mom, Kimmy.  I vividly remember her calling me at brunch during my sister's Bachelorette weekend when she discovered them.  I missed her call and by the time I reached her she left the store.  But of course, immediately asked if she should head back to snag them to which I screamed a resounding, "yes!"  They were destined to live with me.  Birdie beauties, I heart you and my inner old lady is swooning. 
​3)  I'm not the most experienced cook.  If it's not grilled cheese, scallops or poached eggs, I'm not your girl but the stack of colorful and pretty cookbooks inspires me to try new things in the kitchen.  Maybe craft something else besides a dirty martini.   
4)  A framed Leo's Oyster Bar menu.  You guys, I'm obsessed and made a girlfriend of mine steal it.
5)  The Chanel bag.  It was a right time, right place kind of thing.  She is vintage, special and has even met Palm Springs.

The color coded shelf needs it's own picture because includes books I gravitate toward.  I'm not the best reader.  I always start books and never finish them unless they are career related.  Snooze.  But they inspire me to be better and never settle in my job.  The latest teal one I can't wait to read.  I added a large stud of a necklace because these pages are royalty in my mind.  

When you change your perspective, things around you can shift even if it's something as simple as what you are surrounded with everyday in your home.  You can make change, be creative and escape.  For me lately, that's been key.  Take time.  Think about things and your next move.  Come back with fresh ideas.  It's what I come home to everyday.  It's the Taylored Approach​.