The Future's So Bright

Happy New Year (a bit belatedly), dear readers. I apologize for my somewhat unannounced blog break, but I'm back and ready for another year. I'm not a huge resolution-maker, but I do like to use the beginning of a new year to reflect on the past. Looking back over my posts from last year, I realized a lot happened . . . I opened (and later closed) an antique booth with another blog friend, painted some rooms, participated in a blogger tag sale, and diy'ed some furniture. I think having a blog has been a great way to keep me on task and finish some projects I might not have done otherwise (knowing people might be watching/reading is a great motivator) - so thank you for coming by and giving me your input. It really means a lot to me. Here are a couple of new additions to my house that I haven't shared yet . . .

Some black and white accessories (the throw and pillow) from IKEA purchased on my Atlanta trip. I think it pulls together the other black pieces in the room. And speaking of black and white, my friend Nikki in Memphis mentioned I never shared the after photo of this chair. 

The truth is I finally just got it reupholstered when I sent off my little benches. I absolutely LOVE the Joonas fabric and think this quirky chair adds a little something unexpected to my entry.

Stay tuned for more updates in the days and weeks to come (yes, I'm still planning on painting my mantel but thought I should wait till after the holidays). I'm also just finishing up the painting of my basement room. Two words: Hague Blue. Until I return, do yourself a favor and pick these magazines up if you don't already have them. 

They are both chocked full of some amazing eye candy. You won't be disappointed. Great inspirations for a new year. 

I'm very excited for the new opportunities and surprises that await me in the new year. Best wishes to you all for a very happy and healthy 2012!

It's Black and White

If you've read my blog over the past year, you've probably seen this chair.

As per usual, I have waffled back and forth over which fabric I should use to recover it. I thought I had settled on one. I ordered the fabric, and it sat neatly folded in my bedroom for months. I just couldn't pull the trigger. Something was holding me back. Recently, I painted the chair's legs black and threw the fabric over it to get an idea of what it might look like.

Premier Fabric's Chipper in black and white.

I like it, I just don't love it. Something was bothering me. It was guilt. You see, I have feelings for another. I might actually like him more. Here he is. Don't judge. 

I know it may sound crazy, but I've been loving this Marimekko Joonas fabric for quite some time. It's been in my inspiration files on some very similar chairs, as a matter of fact.

Christina Murphy

Elle Decor

And then, more recently, I saw that the ever-stylish Christine at Bijou and Boheme recovered her bergere chairs in Joonas.

And just the other day, when I posted this photo of my foyer with the chair in the corner . . . 

I got a nice comment from Nelya at Head Over Heels informing me that she used Joonas on a sofa and loves it . . . 

That's her littlest boy a few years ago. Isn't he a cutie? Even kids look good on Joonas.

I must say I'm a little obsessed with Joonas now. Maybe it's my Finnish heritage (Marimekko is Finnish, and I'm a quarter Finnish -  my Finnish maiden name has double vowels and all!) or my more modern leanings these days, but I think the answer is clear. There are no shades of gray on this one. The answer is in black and white.

Are you as taken with Joonas as I am?