I've mentioned before how I wanted a new living room rug but my search hasn't been going very well for quite some time. I'd find rugs I liked but they weren't offered in the size I needed or I'd find rugs that were available in the size I wanted but were way out of my price range.

Also, I have three dogs that like to carry their food in their mouths from the kitchen into the living room where they proceed to drop it onto the rug to eat it there. If I close the door to the kitchen while they're eating, they stare at the door until it's opened again, refusing to eat. It's something I've learned to live with it but because of it, I need a rug that's durable and can stand up to constant vacuuming and cleaning.

Today, I found that rug :)

It's the modern trellis rug in charcoal from RugsUSA.com. It's made of 100% homespun, hand hooked wool and should be arriving in about a week or so.

I purchased the 7' 6" x 9' 6" size (essentially an 8' x 10') at 40% off (using discount code WSCL40 - sale ends Monday 4/4) and got free shipping so the total price was $287.40 which is only $20 more than the regular, non-discount priced 5' x 8' rug!!!

A 100% wool 8' x 10' rug for less than $300?! Unheard of!!!

It's very similar to West Elm's Taksim Rug from 2008:

And Madeline Weinrib's Black Brooke rug (which was recently featured on Secrets from a Stylist in navy and pink):

But was much easier on my wallet :)

Over the weekend I hung an IKEA Ribba picture frame ledge above my oven to act as a spice rack/oven mitt/oil holder.

Now everything I use on a regular basis is just an arms reach away! Sometimes it's the smallest updates that make the biggest difference :)

I know I haven't posted any photos of my entryway hallway before because honestly, it's really long and really narrow (think bowling alley) and really hard to photograph.

I had a console table in the hallway but it was always hard to open the door to let anyone in or to go outside so I've moved it into my living room which has left my hallway empty. I've thought about painting the wall a fun color but let's be honest, black and white is kind of my thing :)

The next best option I thought of was a gallery wall for all of the art that hasn't found a home on one of my other walls yet.

[ Image via Houzz ]

[ Image via It's great to be home ]

[ Image via Switcheroom (cute blog name!) ]

[ Image via Design Scouting ]

[ Image via Young House Love ]

What do you think?

Happy Friday everyone! Welcome to the thirteenth edition of Fabulous Finds Friday!

Let's kick things off with the Brilliant Sconce from Z Gallerie:

[ Image via Z Gallerie ]

These sconces are on sale for $12.99 each. The faceted crystals reflect light for a dramatic effect and the overall sconce would bring an element of sophistication to any room. 

Next up are these App Magnets from Urban Outfitters:

[ Image via Urban Outfitters ]

I don't own an iPhone but I am a fan of these App Magnets from Urban Outfitters. For $16, you get a set of 18 magnets that would look great holding up papers or photos and would make a great gift for any iPhone fans.

The third fabulous find the Staggering Development Jewelry Holder from ModCloth:

[ Image via ModCloth ]

This jewelry holder is perfect for storing earrings in the base and hanging rings, bracelets and necklaces from the antlers. For $34.99, it'd make a sweet gift for anyone on your list!

Up next are the Cuff Candleholders from CB2:

[ Image via CB2 ]

I love these candleholders! They're $4.99 each and are made of silicone which folds over to form a cuff and holds a standard sized votive or tealight candle.

Last but not least is the Medallion Serving Tray from Target:

[ Image via Target ]

I've been a huge fan of this tray ever since I bought it about 2 months ago. It's $9.99, is made of melamine, is 10.5" in diameter and has a fun black and white medallion pattern printed in the center!

What did you think of this weeks Fabulous Finds Friday? What would you like to see included next week?

Just a quick reminder to let you know that there's only one week left to be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of five $25 credits to put towards your first purchase at the Foundary!

To be eligible to win, all you have to do is sign up to become a member of the Foundary via this link www.thefoundary.com/DesertDomicile.

If you're already a member, you can still be entered to win if you provide me with the e-mail address you signed up with so I can add it to the contest entrant list! On March 30th, the contest will end and 5 winners will be randomly chosen to win :)

Good luck!

I don't know about you but styling is my weakness. Whether it be a bookcase, a tablescape or a fireplace mantel, I can never seem to get things looking like they do in the magazines.

However ... I'm determined to tackle the built-in bookcase in my dining room since, aside from removing the holiday decor, I haven't done much to them since Christmas. Hopefully these inspiring photos will help!

[ Image via Flickr (although I think it's from Rue or Lonny) ]

[ Image via Elle Decor ]

[ Image via Secrets from a Stylist on HGTV ]

[ Image via Apartment Therapy ]

[ Image via Make Under My Life ]

[ Image via Young House Love ]

Happy Monday Everyone! I hope you had a great weekend and are ready to take on the week :)

Today's mood board was created for my best friend Amber. Amber is in the process of converting her guestroom into a playroom for her two sons, Rocklyn and Ryder and came to me for some advice on how to create a room that would serve multiple functions including creating, playing and learning.

Here's what I came up with:

1. Amber wanted to create a stage area for her boys so I thought that including some track lighting with adjustable spotlights would be perfect for illuminating center stage.

2. Rocklyn and Ryder's playroom is going to function as a learning environment and this globe would serve as a great decoration for now and as a learning tool for when they get older.

3 and 4. This beautiful giclée print would add a lot of color to the room and would look great framed in the clean-lined Ribba frame from IKEA.

5. Another piece of IKEA's Ribba line is this simple picture ledge that can be used to hold a variety of items including children's books, toys or framed drawings that the boys create as they get older.

6 and 7. To create the stage area Amber was looking for, I paired two of IKEA's Stuva storage systems together (left side with attached bench and right side). The top of the bench completes the stage area and the doors and drawers on either side provide plenty of storage for costumes and toys.

8. The Kritter table from IKEA is the perfect spot for the boys to work on their letters or coloring skills and would also function as a space for them to complete their homework when they start school in a few years.

9. The Kritter chair from IKEA comes in a variety of colors but I chose red to give the room a punch of color.

10. CB2's knitted pouf is the perfect spot for Amber or her husband Cory to sit down on and read to the boys and/or help them with their homework. The pouf is very soft but sturdier than a beanbag and I bet Rocklyn and Ryder would have a lot of fun climbing all over it!

11. The striped side by side tiles from FLOR would be perfect for the playroom since each tile can be picked up, washed off and be put back into place so there's no need to worry if some juice is spilled or if a painting spree goes wrong!

What did you think of these weeks mood board? Which room would you like to see next week?

By now I'm sure you've seen the images and videos of the devastation from the earthquake and tsunamis that happened in Japan. Life changed instantly for so many people which made everyone else realize just how short life is.

In memory of the victims in Japan, I'll be joining many bloggers tomorrow, March 18th, for the bloggers day of silence. The fundraiser, For Japan With Love, was created by Lydia from Ever-Ours and Lucia and Henny from Utterly Engaged. All proceeds will be donated to ShelterBox.

If you would like to learn more about For Japan With Love, or to get involved, please click here. To donate, please click here.

Fabulous Finds Friday will resume next Friday, March 25th.

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

Have you heard of the Foundary? If not, allow me to introduce you!

The Foundary is an exclusive, members-only daily sales site that offers items of substance for the home at prices up to 70% off retail! The website launched in October 2010 and features items from well-known brands as well as from up and coming designers like Marcia Prentice.

Marcia is a writer for Apartment Therapy and a member of the cast on HGTV's show, Design School. Adding to her list of accomplishments is her upcoming designer gallery event that will be hosted by the Foundary on March 21st!

The pillow above was my first purchase from the Foundary from their past Uptown Artworks event and I couldn't be happier with it! The retail price was $150 but I got it for $70, which is more than I normally would spend on a single throw pillow BUT I'm a native of Chicago and it reminded me of home so I had to have it :)

Awesome deal, right?!

Well I'm happy to announce that the Foundary and I have partnered up and for the next two weeks, when you sign up to become a member of the Foundary via this link www.thefoundary.com/DesertDomicile, you'll be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of five $25 credits to put towards your first purchase!

If you're already a member of the Foundary, you can still be entered to win if you provide me with the e-mail address you signed up with so I can add it to the contest entrant list! On March 30th, the contest will end and 5 winners will be randomly chosen to win :)

In the meantime, please feel free to socialize with the Foundary via their Facebook and Twitter pages!

Spring has sprung and St. Patrick's day is right around the corner so let's celebrate both occasions with some gorgeous green interiors:

[ Image via Domino ]

[ Image via Houzz ]

[ Image via Houzz ]

[ Image via Jonathan Adler for Domino ]

[ Image via Lonny ]

[ Image via Lonny ]

[ Image via Lonny ]

Don't they just make you green with envy? ;)

PS: Don't forget to check back bright and early tomorrow morning to read all about my exciting announcement!!!

Happy Monday everyone! Today's spring break mood board focuses on a modern Moroccan living room:

1. IKEA's Mongstad mirror comes in three different colors (black, white and orange) and is a bargain at just $99. It can be hung vertically or horizontally and would look great above a sofa as shown.

2. I recently hung IKEA's PS Maskros pendant lamp in my living room and absolutely love it so I wanted to incorporate it into this mood board because I think everyone with high enough ceilings should have one!

3. The ceramic lanterns from CB2 can be used indoors and out and would add a beautiful, soft glow to the room when the PS Maskros lamp is turned off.

4. A pair of Crate and Barrel's large Jules accent tables give this living room a little burst of character with their unusual details, including a one-of-a-kind antiqued mirrored top.

5. Z Gallerie's Benny sofa is modern, streamlined and tailored. It's upholstered in charcoal velvet microfiber and is accented with a variety of throw pillows.

6. The first throw pillow is the flash pillow from Chiasso and gives this living room some sparkle and elegance!

7. Paired with the flash pillow is Dwell Studio's yellow rosettes pillow from Target. I like that this pillow is double sided (two pillows for the price of one!) and also like how the rosettes mimic the dandelion-esque poofs of the PS Maskros lamp.

8. The tradig bowl from IKEA is the perfect coffee table accessory since it can be used to corral all of your remotes or hold a variety of decorative objects!

9. If I was in the market for a new coffee table, the Bengal coffee table from CB2 would be at the top of my list! The top is made of reclaimed Indian railroad ties which is supported by industrial tube legs and makes for a very modern and substantial piece of furniture.

10. The casbah rug (also from CB2) can be used indoors and out and is made of recycled polypropylene. I love the geometric Moroccan pattern and the fact that it's only $79.95!

11. The Stockholm footstool from IKEA doubles as a footstool and an extra seat and looks great paired with...

12. The Korndal medium blue Karlstand armchair (also from IKEA). I love the lines of this armchair but I'm not a fan of the natural colored legs and would probably end up staining them black to match the legs of the sofa and coffee table.

13. Last but not least is the gray hoot pillow from Chiasso. I love the graphic element of the screen printed owl and chose the gray version to help tie the color of the sofa into the other elements of the room.

What did you think of these weeks mood board? Which room would you like to see next week?

PS: Check back on Wednesday for a VERY exciting announcement!!!

Happy Friday everyone! Welcome to the twelfth edition of Fabulous Finds Friday!

Let's kick things off with the Michael Jackson Ensemble Print from Moxy Creative:

[ Image via Moxy Creative ]

I cannot get enough of these posters! I want to buy one of each of them and frame them all together to create a huge gallery piece in a long hallway! The Michael Jackson one is one of 21 prints, all of which are limited editions of 10.

Next up is this white ceramic vase from World Market:

[ Image via World Market ]

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a huge collection of white ceramic pieces and am always looking to add more to it. This vase is no exception! It's just $19.99 and is 14" high. It'd look great filled with a fresh bouquet of spring flowers and would give any room that extra sense of 'je ne sais quoi'.

The third fabulous find the Nova Throw from Z Gallerie:

[ Image via Z Gallerie ]

The Nova Throw is currently on sale for $49.95 from $69.95 and comes in two color choices - gray/natural and black/natural. The graphic pattern is contemporary and sophisticated and would look great draped over the side of a couch or the back of a chair.

Up next are the Mariposa Pillar Holders in aquamarine, also from Z Gallerie:

[ Image via Z Gallerie ]

These chess-like shaped pillar holders come in two different sizes (11" and 14") and come in several different colors but I chose to feature the aquamarine set because the color reminds me of the ocean and I thought it was fitting since Spring Break is right around the corner and many people will be flocking to the beaches for some fun in the sun. A set of these would looked great paired on a fireplace mantel, dining room sideboard or console table.

Last but not least is the Shar Pei Pillow from CB2:

[ Image via CB2 ]

I love how much dimension the wrinkly folds give to this pillow and although the color isn't my favorite, I can see it working if it were mixed in with some other throw pillows and a colorful throw.

What did you think of this weeks Fabulous Finds Friday? What would you like to see included next week?

I've always been a fan of inspiration boards but never started one of my own because I never knew what to put on it and always feared it'd become too cluttered for my taste. But not anymore thanks to Pinterest!

With Pinterest, I can virtually organize all of the things I find interesting (quotes, living room inspiration, wish list items, etc.) into different boards that I can categorize by topic.

I've been adding new pins to my boards over the past few weeks and it's been fun to watch my boards grow so quickly!

If you're on Pinterest too, leave me a comment so I can start following your boards :)

Who doesn't love an inspiring quote?

[ Image via A Beautiful Ripple Effect ]

[ Image via Sherbet Blossom ]

[ Image via FFFFound! ]

[ Image via French Knot ]

 [ Image via La Dolce Vita ]

What's your favorite quote?

Two posts in one day?! It's unusual, I know but there's a reason behind it :)

Two weeks ago when I was sourcing supplies for my DIY porcupine mirror, I went to Big Lots looking for cheap bamboo skewers and stumbled upon this lamp:

And thought that If I spray painted the base and replaced the shade (or recovered it in a new fabric), I could end up with a lamp that looks VERY similar to the Mariposa Lamp from Z Gallerie:

The curves of the Big Lots lamp are a little different than the Mariposa lamp BUT the Big Lots lamp is only $60 AND this Saturday and Sunday they're having a 20% off sale if you're a rewards member (it's free to become one).

If you were to buy two Big Lots lamps it would be $120 + the additional 20% off would make both lamps $96 (not including sales tax). A can of spray paint will run you about $3 - $5 so for about $100, you can get two Big Lots lamps for LESS THAN the price of one Z Gallerie lamp!

Guess where I'll be heading this weekend :)

Happy Friday everyone!

My weekend plans include trying to sell some of my unused furniture at a community garage sale, a trip to IKEA in Phoenix and a possible closet makeover. We'll see :)

But before all of that, let's start with the 11th edition of Fabulous Finds Friday with the Fizz Clock from Chiasso:

[ Image via Chiasso ]

The Fizz Clock is a steal at $38 and I love the contrast of the red hands against the white base. It would look great in any room and especially if it was mounted on a dark wall!

The second fabulous find is the Bejeweled Stripe Pillow Cover from West Elm:

[ Image via West Elm ]

Metallic sequins, stripes and circles - this pillow has it all! It's just $34 for the cover (insert sold separately) and would add a little extra modern glamour to your couch or your bed and who doesn't love a little extra bling?!

Next up is the Pivot Tealight Holder from Z Gallerie:

[ Image via Z Gallerie ]

I must admit I've had my eye on this tealight holder for a while now and since the priced dropped down to $7.99, I think I'm going to grab a few for myself and a couple extras to keep as gifts! Wouldn't it look great sitting on my new fireplace mantel? Hmmm...

The fourth fabulous find is the Oso Dinnerware from CB2:

[ Image via CB2 ]

I lovvve this dinnerware! The dinner plates are on sale for $3.95/each, the salad plates are on sale for $2.95/each and the bowls are on sale for $2.95/each. For $9.85 a set (less than $40 for four sets), you can have some fun new dinnerware that you can mix in with your existing set! It'd make a great gift for new homeowners :)

Last but not least is ELLE Decor Pillar Candleholder from Kohl's:

[ Image via Kohl's ]

I know, right? I'll be the first to admit that I was a bit surprised at all of the awesome home decor pieces Kohl's is carrying these days and this candleholder is no exception. I picked one of these up about a month ago and it is HUGE! It's on sale for $29.99 (from $59.99) and it's fabulous! It's made out of stoneware and is pretty fragile so if you have little ones, it's probably best to keep it out of reach (especially if you're planning on burning a candle in it).

What did you think of this weeks Fabulous Finds Friday? What would you like to see included next week?