Leopard: Trend or Classic?

Remember when zebra rugs made everyone go all swoon! and lurve! and heart it so much! Ah, the 80s. Kidding -- that was just a few days ago. The internet in all its infernal efficiency has shortened the trend cycle almost to death, as in it's busted before it even begins. Case in point: I find myself yearning to jump on the leopard band wagon because it's trendy and I have been inundated with eight trillion hot ass pictures of fancy leopard sundries that make me want to run out and tattoo leopard spots all over my face. But if I invest in reupholstering a pair of wingback chairs in leopard velvet (something scalamandreish that magically costs about $40/yd hahaha), or -- even more attainable -- a leopard rug, will I regret hitting a wave that's already crested?

But I'm also lusting for leopard because it's dirt colored. Thank you, evolution, for considering the unavailability of showers in the wild for our feline friends. I, for one, support all things invented by necessity. And if you have a toddler you know patterns and dark colored fabrics are a necessity. Toddlers are a lot like wild animals.

Also leopard is just really pretty.

So what do you think? Is leopard a classic -- worthy of an investment piece? Or is it better used in small, easy to swap doses -- like pillows and throws?

Due to a major case of analysis paralysis (and a very tight budget), the fate of my living room decor depends on your opinion.

[via This is Glamorous, Barclay Fryery, via My Interior Life, Aerin Lauder's couch two ways, Miles Redd]

Wherein I Tell Stories About the House Using Other People's Pictures (OPP)

Being a photographer is a double edged sword. Yes, I can make my pictures look very pretty, but it's a lot of work and I get incredibly annoyed/enraged/depressed when the pictures aren't perfect. So I talk myself out of posting house pics A LOT. Also, I am sick as a dog, Ike has been home sick all week, and I have a doctor's appt today, so computer usage has been at an all time low (sadly I have yet to figure out how to write a post on my phone). What I'm trying to say is, I'm sorry I'm such a crap blogger. I have great hopes of being better in the near future. But the future is later so in the meantime, look at these random pictures and let me tell you about my adventures.

Yesterday I braved all manner of hideous setbacks to buy a Maitland Smith tessellated coral cocktail table set, just like the one you see in this here 1st Dibs picture. I got the coffee table and a pair of end tables for $175. BAM. Or I could have paid $3750 for just the table from 1st Dibs (WHERE do these prices come from?!).

The end tables look great, but the coffee table has a few etched in rings and a dull surface. Anyone know how to polish those out and reseal the top? I'm guessing whatever would work on marble or travertine would work on this.

The shape and scale are a vast improvement over the old Pace Collection stainless steel and glass number:

It's a really cool table, but I really wanted something square for our new seating arrangement. I'm about to put it on Craigs, but if anyone wants to buy it shoot me an email or leave a comment. It does have some dings and scratches, and is generally... well loved. But it's still built to withstand the apocalypse, so local buyers only. It's easily the heaviest thing I own.

See what I mean?

In other news, I am kinda liking this wallpaper for the upstairs hallway:

It's by Little Greene wallpaper; the pattern is pines.

little greene wallpaper

Here's a closer look at the colorway I have taped up right now. It's teal with subtle golden pine needles.

So has anyone ever hung Little Greene wallpaper? I'm starting to freak about hanging real wallpaper by myself... you have to book and soak it. I'm not even sure it's pre trimmed. Scary thoughts. Deep breaths.

Ok, that's all my news for today. Please tell me how to fix my life, or at least how to hang wallpaper and polish my new table.

Thank you.

Jamie Bush

A while back my pal David John of the uberfantastic blog You Have Been Here Sometime casually informed me that he had worked for Jamie Bush, architect and designer extraordinaire. I shouldn't have been the least bit surprised because David John is ultra talented, super educated, and lots of other important stuff. And then I started stalking Jamie Bush... dude has some genius solutions for odd spaces, and he knows how to work materials like nobody's business.

Just when I think I'm over Mid Mod, this comes along to remind me that I'm only over erstatz Mid Mod -- the ugly lovechild of fleabitten avocado green upholstery and big box espresso veneer.

I would happily sell my soul to live in a place like this -- half baked neotrad aspirations be damned.

I never said I wasn't a fickle beast.

[Pics via Remodelista]