I recently tried my hand at furniture restoration on a cute little craigslist find side table (with help from my trusty assistant, the husband)...

From this:

Complete with a million little scratches from the wear and tear of 50+ years.

To this:

Nice and smooth without a hint of a scratch. {ignore that wierd little plant of Dans and all the ugly cords!}

I posted up more about the story over on Elizabeth Anne Designs Living so head on over and check it out (and there are a few more pics of the process (and close ups) on flickr)!

I have been loving the work from Gilt Groupe lately.  While sometimes the items or brands they are featuring are either not my style or out of my price range, sometimes it is a perfect match.  So I am pretty excited to see that they are now going to have a fully dedicated home section. There have been a few home/nesty type sales in the past but now there is a full on Guilt HOME!

With brands like Andrew Martin,  Angela Adams, Cuisinart, Dayna Decker, John Robshaw bedding,  Kim Seybert, Kyocera, Ligne Roset, Menu , Missoni Home, Omaha Steaks , Rock & Republic pets, and  Voluspa candles how could one not want to see what is new for the day?! If you need one, here is an invite.

How pretty are these enamelware bowls?  I love that white serving bowl.  They would be so nice for summer dinners on the patio.

Looking for a solution to the piles of jewelry on the top of my dresser, I came across this pretty little jewelry stand with charming antique details...

It has such sweet details and I love this for the inspiration of a bedroom.  White, gold, brown/tan, and yellows with simple patterns would create such a relaxing environment.

{from the etsy shop of who made it}

These silver bowls would be absolutely lovely on a side table and filled with floating spring flower buds (or maybe a bit oversized peony for the small one). Or as a dish to collect guest wishes at a celebration.  Or as a vessel for holiday ornaments.  Just saying.

{via Sadie Olive}

Milk glass vases have been on the blog circuit for years but I can't get enough of them.  I think they are nearly a necessity.  They are instant pretty, right?

{1 & 2 via ethanollie, 3 & 4 via octaviabrown}

I love the approach of "use your personality as the guide" for decorating and where better to reflect your personal style than in the bedroom. 

Lately I have been loving light, white, and blue.  And simple always is a winner in my book!

That table in the first image has me swooning, even though it would not fit in with any of our current furnishings!  But little things like a pillow case with a pretty trim or a fresh patterned lampshade would be such simple ways to freshen up the bedroom.

{images via Real Simple}

How pretty are these little dishes from Cynthia Vardhan?  Lately I have been in love with pink and red color schemes.  These small plates would be so pretty filled with candies and scattered around for a party... (they are food safe)

{via the cynthiavardhan shop on etsy}