Vintage Ginger Jar

I am completely smitten with ginger jars! Historically, ginger jars were used to hold provisions such as ginger, salt, and oil. Today, especially in the Western world, ginger jars are usually used as decorative accessories. They are an adorable little chinoiserie element that can be incorporated into almost any room. We all know the stately blue and white jars (which look especially good in multiples), but the other day when I was at the antique store I found this little yellow, mint and red beauty:

For only $13, this little treasure came home with me!
It's little items like these that truly make a space feel special.
Do you have any ginger jars? Can anybody tell me what the chinese character means?

Watercolor Wednesday's: Bookshelf Style

Last night I took a few quick minutes to paint this week's watercolor, inspired by my absolute fave room feature in my Design*Sponge at Home coffee table book.

Michelle Adams's entire apartment stole my heart, and I especially loved the way that she styled her bookshelf! If I ever flip my Expedit the other way, I will be using this picture as a styling guide.

And thank you for all the good lucks yesterday. In case you are wondering, the presentation went wonderfully and the design pitch was a success. I wish I could say more, but at this point it's still confidential! Your support means the world to me! xo

Styling my Shelf

Since moving in, I've slowly been gathering pieces to add a little extra style to my shelf, which doubles as a TV stand in my studio apartment. Last week I promised to show you guys the entire shelf, so here it is! It's still a work in progress (I think I need a footed bowl, or something similar), and I definitely need to find a solution for those unsightly cables and wires, but I love all the bright and fun elements!

It currently houses (from top left clockwise) my design school textbooks, my dvd player and buddha head, a geometric notebook and "Good Bones Great Pieces", my agate bookends, design magazines and my pretty toile plate, more design magazines, my Audrey Hepburn coffee table books, and my dvds.

It really is no surprise to me that the EXPEDIT unit from IKEA is so popular! Its clean lines and simple shape make it easy to style and make your own. Such a versatile piece of furniture.
 Do any of you own the Expedit? I'd love to see how you have it styled! E-mail me a picture and maybe I'll do a feature!