short chic hair at the oscars

The honest truth is that I've never been a girl who looks great in long hair, as much as I try and try again. So I was thrilled to see so many short, chic hairstyles on display on the red carpet last night. My fave had to be Scarlett Johansson, with a loose wavy beachy bob. It's such a soft, wearable style. Totally busting out my curling iron for this look.

Then there's Cate, who always look impeccable, and last night was no exception.

And Marisa Tomei rounds out the trio. I am in love with the smooth waves, but it'd be almost impossible (for me at least) to keep this style looking perfect for more than the length of a photo op. Oh, but those earrings! So stunning.

Did you watch, at least the red carpet (best part IMO), last night? What inspired you?

green curtains, i need you

This was the image that started it all.

bhg

And right then and there I decided I must have these chartreuse green panels in my living room redo. I have always loved this color, and since I want to keep the upholstery pretty neutral the curtains are a great way to bring more life to the space. Imagine something like these with the peacock blue console. Yes?

elizabeth dinkel design

hb

coastal living

I love the light green + white patterns above but the solids are also so pretty, I had to include some here.

fawn galli

decorpad

country living

via daily cup of couture

What do you have your heart set on today?

getting warmer

So what if it's still winter? Spring will get here eventually. In the meantime, we may have to create our own warmth. That must be why lately I'm finding myself drawn to all these tones from the side of the color wheel I don't normally go to: persimmons, corals, raspberries, tangerines, and fuchsia. Bring on the heat!

coastal living

How fun would it be to paint your front door coral?

tracery interiors

I love a good stencil, and this is one of my faves. Along similar lines, I am also really into the fabric below and would love to have it backed and made into wallpaper for my someday laundry room. ProSeal Plus is one of the only companies I know that does this.

trees raspberry

ehow.co.uk

That red chest is a standout, and it's always fun bringing color in with art.

Below: Another favorite red piece, cinnamon really, from Ruthie Sommers.

bhg

Orange and pink together make me happy.

homes and gardens

There is nothing about this room I don't like. Persimmon and taupe make a good marriage!

bhg

Happy kitchen with another favorite fabric, David Hicks' La Fiorentina. Am dying to use this somewhere in my house. Maybe upstairs will be my warm zone, since downstairs is purely the domain of cool blues and green? It is hotter up there...

sponsor invite

decesare design group

Excuse the blog housekeeping today but I have a little announcement: loft & cottage is now accepting sponsors!

If you have an Etsy shop or any small business related to the home, I hope you'll consider sharing your business with my loyal readers! Email me today for details and very affordable ad rates for March through May.

lanterns on the inside

I have long loved the classic, European look of carriage-style lanterns outdoors and have totally embraced the trend to take them indoors too. When you're used to seeing them on barns and outbuildings, how cool is it to see it in a bedroom or living room? Or bathroom or hallway or really, anywhere inside? Well, with my love of all things barn and European, I think it's pretty cool. Lanterns add a certain je ne sais quoi...and ooh la la. If you know what I mean.

lonny

nate berkus

bhg

pinterest

While it's very difficult to find versions that are both good-looking and affordable, I did find some, and I'm using this one in a guest bedroom I'm working on.

world imports light

Cannot wait to see it installed!

i'll be here if you need me

In my imagination, that is. I'm having a hard time with this winter (it's still sooo cold!) so today it is absolutely necessary for me pretend that I'm here, soaking in this beautiful tub, with the doors thrown open to lots of green and a balmy spring breeze. 74 degrees should do it.

arch digest

Come on, spring. Hurry up and get here.

discounts and free things to help freshen up for spring

As much as it's hard to believe, spring really is coming. I can feel it (despite seeing snow again outside my window this morning)! I am craving some color and just something new to freshen up my house and renew this space for spring. It's a good time to try new things, take a chance, do something to put a little smile on your face.

decorpad

One of the quickest, thriftiest impacts you can have is to dress your upholstery or a bed, which might be looking tired after a long winter, with some new pillows. It's funny that it was exactly this time last year (cold, gray, with spring so close yet so far) that I wrote this post about why your sofa needs pillows, and called new pillows an easy-as-pie update and an affordable treat. Amen!

To help you get started, Etsy seller Kassapanola is generously offering a discount for my readers. Enter coupon code LOFTBLOG for a 10% discount. She's got lots of goodies in her store to brighten your end-of-winter days right now. Here are some I would happily snag for my own place!

I also received a special package from Valspar the other day. Have you taken advantage of the free sample program they have going on right now? Well, it is awesome, and I highly recommend you check it out. Now who doesn't love getting free things, and who doesn't love getting a beautiful package in the mail? Seriously. The packaging made me at least as happy as the actual paint and $5 off coupon inside.

Nice box, makes me excited to see what's inside!

Oh, happy day. This is not just a sample. They give you a mini roller and tray, and there's the color chip I chose. I still love it!

They even added color chips to coordinate with the sample I chose. Now THAT is service! Very impressed.

 This sample is not tiny, and so Spring Azalea (or the equally happy color you choose!) will be perfect for a small spring-freshening project like...

msl

painting a tray

the nate show

giving new life to an old mirror

az central

transforming a thrift store lamp

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unifying a collection of random frames

What will you do with your new pilllows and new paint?!

buying good

Here are some things I'm really loving right now that make me happy every time I use them and do good for the environment. (Wait, maybe they make me so happy because they do good for the environment.) I'm a firm believer that if you have a choice between the old stuff and the new, natural, eco-friendly stuff, you should without hesitation choose the latter. The world, collectively, thanks you. I assure you you'll feel pretty good about spending your money, when you have to spend money, doing it this way too.

Aladdin insulated tumbler

You should not be going out and buying a new travel tumbler every week, but when it does need replacing (my old one lasted a year, and it was in pretty bad shape at the end; I'm pretty sure there was some bacteria lodged there that could not be scrubbed out) isn't it nice to know that the one you're buying was made completely from recycled materials? And that when you're done with it, you can recycle it again? That is peace of mind.

Neutrogena Naturals

I have always been a fan of Neutrogena products and now they have a new line called Naturals that goes one step beyond taking away everything you don't want in a product you put on your face twice a day. Yes, it's free of chemical sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and dyes. But it also gives you everything you do want. The Fresh Cleansing and Makeup Remover is a revelation. It's a rich and creamy formula that 1. feels like it costs a fortune and 2. left my skin glowing and soft, without a trace of residue. Oh, and as if that weren't enough, and it totally is, the smell is beyond incredible! Like a vacation. And who doesn't need that?

Have you found any natural products lately that you are dying to spread the word about?

more and more art walls

I don't know about you, but I could use some eye candy today. Lots of it. I have been thinking quite a bit about art walls and different ways to arrange large collections of frames on the wall. Despite the lack of wall space in my living room, I would like to incorporate some kind of gallery wall in my new living room. Which is your favorite look? Random, staggered, orderly, in a row, keep it minimal or go all out?

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