Design Confession: I’ve never owned a “real” bed

It’s true! I, Brittany of brittanyMakes, have never owned a ‘real’ bed.  What do I mean by ‘real’? You know, the bed of adults… of mature adolescent people who spend their evenings leaning against a cozy headboard while reading before falling asleep; a bed free from the horrible squeaky metal bed frames you can get for $5 at Goodwill.  These unstable metal frames are so awful you have to slap a bed-skirt on ASAP regardless if the bed-skirt actually matches the bedding.  I’ve done this before.  It’s embarrassing.

I feel like I’ve been chatting a lot about bedding lately, particularly starting fresh with white linens and now my woes of never owning a real bed.  So, in the spirit of bed dreaming, here are a few of my all time favorites:

// ONE I love a simple frame and a simple yet classic headboard shape.  You can find this bed from Layla Grayce, but for almost $2K this bed is too DIY worthy to purchase brand new.   // TWO I’ve always wanted a four poster bed, and this gorgeous four poster also has storage! This bed was once found via a Joss & Main event, and will forever remain in my dreams. // THREE The ‘keepin-it-real’ option is to head over to Ikea and pick up something more affordable than these other beds listed.  I love a good storage bed, and I imagine this Brimnes bed with darling brass pulls. // FOUR I will never be able to stray away from the French lover in me, the patina on this Isabella bed is jaw dropping, and I could snuggle all day between its head and foot-boards.  // FIVE After all these other options, the bed I’d probably end up buying is something similar to this velvet tufted bed from Zulily.  I’m drawn to it’s straight lines and flirty nail-head trim.  I also LOVE the elegant wings on the sides, making the bed space feel a tad more intimate and cozy.

Friday I’m in Love {my favorite things!}

//ONE You can never go wrong with a uniquely shaped gilt mirror, snag this Moroccan style mirror at Urban Outfitters for only $64! What to the what! // TWO Tiffany blue hands down is one of the happiest shades of mint, and I’m absolutely smitten with this mint & white lacquered serving tray from C.Wonder.  // THREE Who doesn’t want a bulldog figurine, in gold no less! You can find this bad boy at Urban Outfitters // FOUR I’m a firm believer that every lady needs a utility tote, and this beige and white color blocked tote is simple and stunning! // FIVE I must have been shopping at only 2 places this week! More from C.Wonder are their extensive collection of bright and classy pillows

Catch me on Instagram this weekend, I’m working on some fun things! Like my very first headboard, and possibly a sneak peek of some brightly lit wedding decor.

Have a fun filled weekend!

Catch the latest DIY at 6th Street Design School

In case you missed it – hop on over to Kirsten’s blog to see my latest project, vintage scroll frames!

Up next – Friday faves comin’ in hot!

Shadow box turned jewelry display

Friends! Followers! Blog lovers! First off, I want to say sorry for being a bit quiet these last couple weeks. There’s so much going on behind the scenes, mainly personal stuff (like wedding planning, 32 days ACK!) that I’ve had to re-prioritize.  I SOOO look forward to getting back to normal, if there is such a thing.  I have some fun stuff to share, but mainly it comes down to editing the content and writing the post – do you ever feel like that’s the hardest part? Well anyway, I’m in the calm before the storm so the plan is to get back on track these next two weeks before things get crazy serious.

OK OK, now to the fun stuff! I went to pick up something quick at Michael’s yesterday and saw this GORGEOUS gold shadow box on sale, 40% off, for $25! I love it as a shadow box, it’s modern yet sophisticated, very West Elm meets BHLDN.

It’s so silly to call this a DIY, since all I did was lay the shadow box on its back, open ‘er up, and throw my jewelry inside.  I seriously can’t believe how pretty this shadow box is! And for $25! I seriously might go get another.

Regardless if you use it as its intended purpose, a shadow box, or as a jewelry display like I did, it’s perfect for your most delicate pieces of jewelry.  I put all my bridal jewelry inside.  I’m actually undecided on which pieces I’m going to wear while walking down the aisle.  I feel like it’ll be a last minute day of decision.  Do any of you make decisions like this too?

The I bought the bridal sash is from Curio Road, the gold chain pieces are from Forever21, and the crystal bib necklace is a J.Crew piece (currently on sale!).  The tear drop earrings are Kenneth Jay which I bought off MyHabit.

What sort of things would you display in this beautiful shadow box?? I’d love to know!

Friday I’m in Love {my favorite things!}

// ONE Blues must be my color this week! I’m totally crushing on this scalloped edge aluminum side table, perfect for an outdoor patio, or a pop of color in your bedroom // TWO I’m such a fan of Jonathan Adler’s collection of animal figurines, and this silver fox is the cutest! // THREE Oh these adorable candy striped baskets! Perfect for your dirty laundry, or a cute cozy for that indoor plant of yours.  (PS, someone please diagnose me with a basket obsession) // FOUR swap out your winter/spring throw blankets with this bright & airy mint knit throw  // FIVE forget ghost chairs, get these GHOST STOOLS, 2 stools for only $173! If only I had a bar to use them…

TGIF!!! My man and I are off to a weekend long retreat so our church can judge us for our sins, then give us the go ahead to get hitched.  I’m pretty sure we don’t have anything to worry about, but it will be more than interesting! Wish us luck that we survive

A fresh start is: White bedding

There are probably a million things I should tell you about me, but for the sake of this post I’m going to reference only two!

First – I’m THE WORST at keeping my room clean and putting away my clothes on the daily.  I usually pile my week’s worth of wardrobe on one of the many chairs I have in my bedroom, until the weekend, where I feel obligated to clean since I have a day off of work.  Second – I can’t seem to keep the same bedding for more than a year.  It’s been a year since we moved into our loft, and I at that time I bought a set of soft linen bedding from Crate & Barrel at a price I thought was decent.  That is until Ikea came out with their linen bedding, which made me hate myself for not being just a tad more patient.

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 I had a bunch of my girlfriends in town last weekend, and the preparation for their arrival forced me to took a good look at my bedroom.  In the most PG way possible, I said to myself “this mess needs to change!” So, instead of deep cleaning, I did a much needed re-org of my bedroom and made a to-do list of all the changes I wanted to make.   I wanted my bedroom to feel fresh, open and clean (even if it’s not entirely clean! Ha! Good luck with that, right?)

Well, there’s nothing better than white bedding for a fresh start!

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 Could I go all white, like this gorgeous room above? Knowing me this would probably start a war with my man and dogs.

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 I could go almost all white.. just add a hint of color like this yellow stool and striped rug

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 Or a bold contrast with white bedding and glossy black doors.  Love this look!

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 Keep things au-natural with original woods, brown colors and textures

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Go classy with a bit of black & white.  I actually registered for bedding similar to this… crossing my fingers I get it!

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 Hopefully my ideas work out, and that I’ll have something to share with you soon! It’s all in the spirit of a fresh start.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s faves!

thrifted brass floor lamp!

I L.O.V.E. the days I score something absolutely perfect at the thrift store.   I try to rummage through my local salvage shop at least one a week, sometimes more, sometimes less (depending if my man has scowled at me that week or not). I’m actually helping my soon to be sister in law move in and decorate her new bakery, which has me at thrifting almost daily, which I love!

On a recent trip to the salvage shop, I found his vintage brass pharmacy floor lamp that I just couldn’t resist.  I bet you know the feeling! The minute I laid my eyes on it I already picked out the perfect place for it in my home…

…right beside my snow leopard bergere chair!

Now I have a perfect little reading/blogging nook.

It’s so rare to find such a treasure! Most times I come out empty handed, but it’s moments like these that make the hunt worth it.

Friday I’m in love {my favorite things!}

// ONE I have a mighty affaire with chairs, and Ikea seriously just knocked me off my feet with these handmade ALMASTA chairs. I need these in my life ASAP // TWO black, white, and floral fabrics are on my mind lately, and I just can’t get enough of these three! Specifically that raspberry floral, deeeeelish. (fabric1/fabric2/fabric3}// THREE I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect cobalt blue accessory, and this side table is such an inspiration! Could be an easy hack with an old table and a bit of cobalt paint // FOUR this super chunky weaved basket is calling my name // FIVE I’m obsessed with this starburst statue, someone please, save yourself $154 and DIY this! If it were me, I’d use a styrophom ball, some tooth picks, gold spray paint and a block of wood wrapped in marbled paper! Lets do eet!

Wow, this week has completely got away from me.  As much as I love Monday holidays, it really threw a wrench into my schedule.  Not to worry though, I made sure to pick out some of my favorite things while browsing the internet this week. If I had to choose, I think my favorite of the faves are those 3 fabrics! Or the ALMASTA chairs… such a tough choice!

Have a stellar weekend everyone!

Sadie & Stella Feature!

HELLO!!! Check me out today over at Lindsay’s blog, Sadie & Stella! Lindsay is featuring our living room today, and all the super secret details that went into designing this space.

Not gonna lie, this feature came just in time, as I’m still recovering from a long and busy weekend.  I still have so much to share with you! I blame it on wedding brain.

Friday I’m in love {my favorite things!}

// ONE Shades of mint always strike my fancy, this parrot pillow is just too perfect to pass up // TWO I’m so fascinated by this tiered stool, If someone doesn’t DIY it, I just might have to volunteer! I’d love to use it as a side table to my snow leopard chair // THREE someone please let me design a living room centered around this crazy cool black & white patterned Ikea sofa! The best part? It’s only a cover! You have the power to switch it up if you’re mood changes // FOUR I’ll never tire of unique industrial lamps, and this minty green enameled pendant lamp from Ikea is almost free! It’s only $20! // FIVE it wouldn’t be a favorites list without something gold! These gold tufted cubes would be so awesome if paired together as a coffee table, they’re so glam!

Have a fantastic holiday weekend everyone!