Let me just say first, I love IKEA. I do. I really do. More often than not, they have the solution I’ve been looking for and at the right price. However, sometimes their finishes aren’t always ideal. However, the great thing about IKEA is that you can usually “hack” them for a more custom transformation. So, thanks to some fabulous inexpensive walnut woodgrain contact paper, that’s exactly what I did.

Project #1: ye ol’ classic ENETRI shelving unit. Do any of you have/remember this?

I loved it when it came out and it was such a versatile piece. Anyway- I actually bought two (in the light “oak?” wood veneer) and used them in a former office location. Since then, I’ve moved offices and they have been collecting dust in the garage. I really needed shelving so I figured, why not re-use them and give them a happy new home.

But for the look I’m going for here, the wood finish I got would work, but it needed to go a bit darker. Also, the metal frame would best be suited in black (as opposed to that cheapie looking wanna-be-chrome-but-is-not-so-it-just-looks-that-weird-IKEA-silver). So… out came the spray paint bandits and after a little contact paper madness- voila! Instant mid century modern inspired makeover!

Here’s how it looks with lots of pretty tchochkes on it:

So since I was already in contact paper mania, I decided to give another IKEA piece a little faux walnut sexy-ness: behold the MICKE.

I love the minimal drawers and the gloss white top. I bought it in the “birch effect” (love that description! lol)

Anyway- contact paper madness again ensued on those drawers and bam!…

I feel like the walnut finish just gives it such a different look. Subtle, but so much better no? Also the walnut color matches the vintage chair I have and looks quite nice with the painting. Subtle changes make all the difference right? Now I’m looking around to see what else I can contact paper!… my furniture be warned…

Well lookee here! Happymundane made the News! woo hoo! Big thanks to Umika and Ben for including me in this fun article about the Pinterest phenomenon on CNN.com. Check out the whole article here.

artist: coco morier

I’m so excited for this collection and also to see Todd Oldham’s creativity again! (and… get out of the way kid, those large diamond shaped crayons are mine!) (via A Bullseye view)

Happy friday my friends! Project SB is coming along… Here’s another sneak peek: I picked up this cute little fish cup at an antique mall that seemed the perfect catch-all for coins and other random things.

I just had a good ol’ friend stay over the past few days with me. The weather has been sunny but crisp, and we’ve been enjoying the walks with Pepé on the beach. I’m gonna leave you with a few snaps we took and hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Some nice graphics from Wellen. Available here.

Something really fresh about these pillows from Organic Shine Society (via mike mcdowell on Pinterest) btw, follow my pins here!

artist: the asteroids galaxy tour

Great fresh colors and clean modern shapes continue at Spring/Summer 2012 from Ferm Living. Check out so much more in their newest catalog called the “Bright Issue”. (images by fermliving)

I noticed the other night at Target, that their new home collections were being put out. There’s three main themes for Spring 2012: Modern Morocco, Bullseye Bodega, and Golden Days.

Modern Morocco is, well, modern morocco. Lots of red, black, ethnic inspired textures, but simplified and very graphic. My favorite pieces are the color blocked vases.

Bullseye Bodega feels like it’s catering to the more glam/Hollywood Regency customer, but updated in the red/turquoise palette. The geometric sculpted candles in grey and red had a real nice texture that I could see myself buying as a quick accent.

Finally, their “Golden Days” theme is the most romantic of the bunch. Very vintage inspired with a mix of picture frames, florals and birds. I love the gold graphic touches like the metallic pouf/ottoman and the chevron lampshade.

Have you seen these in-stores? You can check out the online selections here (Modern Morocco, Bullseye Bodega, Golden Days) See anything you like?

Sometimes I see smiles. Do you see ‘em too?

so epic. so amazing. have a great weekend y’all!

Subtly complex, deceptively simple, and all ’round stunning work of Kees Goudzwaard. Check out so much more here. (via present correct fb page)

sexy form. sexy colors. “hidria” vases designed by Stafania Vasques for Diamantini & Domeniconi

Oh so many pretty things in the new CB2 catalog. Love the happy colors. They’re making this back-to-work tuesday a little easier… (at least on the eyes!) Clockwise from top left: pixel rug, naxos dinnerware, scape pillow, broad stripe throw, hitch marigold stool

Happy New Year! It’s the first monday of the year and what better way than a bright happy fresh yellow kitchen featured on the cover of the January 2012 Martha Stewart Living. I love the cobalt blue tile backsplash with the light wood and white, but what I’m really drawn to is the lowered storage shelf action happening underneath the counter- genius! photo via Martha Stewart January 2012