Meant to Be

I added two new additions to my home:

The story goes:

I dropped by my favorite resale shop and saw these two beautiful mid-century globe lamps that happened to perfectly complement the color scheme of my home. I already had several things in my hands and had to relieve me of some items before coming back to grab the fixtures. When I returned to grab the lamps (less than 5 minutes later), they were already sitting in the arms of an excited young hipster and her mother. After discovering that the one lamp they plugged in didn't work (it didn't have a bulb in it), they gave up. I was spying on this situation the whole time and rushed in for the kill. Thank you to the girl who said, "They're cool but not that cool, right mom?" The not-so-cool lamps made my day.

Revolutionary Road

I recently watched Revolutionary Road, and although it was a pretty depressing portrait of the destruction of an American family, I couldn't help but stare at the sweet mid-century furniture and housewares in their home. Is it just me or do other people get distracted by the lovely retro design in movies?

(Source: All Movie Photo)

With Leo's boyish looks, I often forget how good of an actor he is. He does a great job playing the husband. As for the overall movie, I think the best parts involve their realtor's son. You must watch it to know what I mean.

My Apologies

Accck! Has it really been two months? Where has the time gone? I've learned it's not so easy running two blogs on top of going to school and working. (i.e.- Don't try this at home kids.) I was even seriously contemplating forgoing the ambitious project of maintaining two blogs, but every time I look back, it makes me feel guilty to leave this one behind.

Why? Because this is my baby. This is the blog that started it all. Sure, it began as an experiment in getting my fashion blog running, but it turned out to be so much more. When I think of the mentality I have when I'm posting for Invasionista, it's completely different from the perspective I have when I post for this blog. There is such a humbleness to vintage design and satisfaction from discovering new beauty in old houses around my neighborhood that I can't seem to get out of a fashion blog. Both blogs serve as therapy for me albeit two very different types. They are much needed therapy that help keep my hectic lifestyle sane. I am truly sorry for the lack of posts, but no more apologies for now. Let me begin where I left off...

Luckily, I've been hoarding plenty of ideas and inspiration for Birdfruit. When my motherboard crashed in December, I thought I lost it all, but I was able to get the motherboard repaired and keep my hard drive intact. Whew!

I've been admiring the works of Maruja Fuentes since I first laid eyes on her Green Pockets, ceramic tiles that incorporate nature in a truly unique way. The interlocking tiles act as planters and create a beautiful illusion of plants growing out of a wall.

Now how cool is that?

She also makes leaning molds that serve as both wall art and a support for standing and a seating & table system in bright, organic shapes which function like puzzle pieces. I'm always a sucker for clever design!

Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil

Sorry guys for the lack of posts. It's been pretty hectic especially trying to keep up with 2 blogs. So posts may be more sporadic (at least until after finals are over), so please bear with me. :)

Lately, I've been getting emails from the Jonathan Adler subscription list that have given me great ideas for holiday gifts. The sleek lines of his pottery mixed in with whimsical and retro details make for the perfect addition to any home.


These fun, stark white ornaments give a high contrast to darker-colored walls. And at only $24, you're not breaking the piggy bank.

For the opposite end of the color spectrum, Adler also has a Midnight collection to add a touch of sophistication (or cool goth vibe) to your space.

Home Sweet Home: Kim C.

Decent Exposure

I'm a major fan of exposed brick when it comes to loft spaces. It helps to balance out the modern with the rustic and gives the room a warm and cozy feeling. I remember having brick walls in my first college dorm room and trying to figure out if I could hammer nails into it to hold up my posters. Indeed they did!

I think the warm and fuzzy feeling I get is from associating brick with sipping hot chocolate next to the fireplace. Even though I had a chimney in the house I grew up in, my family never had to use it because we had such mild winters (if you can even call it that) in Texas. I wouldn't say exposed brick looks great in all spaces considering it can also make a house look outdated. Below are some examples of the kind of brick I would love to find in a home:

Apartment Therapy


Design Sponge


Apartment Therapy


Lavender and Lilies


House and Home

This Bullet Belongs in No Gun

I am totally digging these retro bullet planters from Hip Haven. I think every decent mid-century home needs at least a couple at their doorstep and back entryway. They come in 3 sizes and you can pick from an array of colors. I especially like the aqua and rattan one!

And if you're looking for a contemporary version, here's a stylish silver one to house your pruned bonzai!

available at chiasso

FIT

Today I discovered an amazing new store called FIT. My sister had told me that a cute Japanese dollar store had opened up, but I didn't really know what I was getting into until I went for the first time today. I think of it as a candy store for adults (even though there are plenty of things for the kiddos too). It also reminds me of The Container Store with its huge array of cute storage options and bento boxes. It's touted as a Japanese home products store, and they are not kidding. You will probably find almost anything and everything you use at home (shampoo, plates, crafts, storage, washing supplies, ...you name it). Best of all, nothing is over $5. You heard me. The prices range from $2-$5 based on a colored dot system, and if it doesn't have a dot, then it's 2 buckaroos.

It was difficult pulling myself away from the store, but I did grab several things that, of course, I didn't really need.


I've always wanted a clear umbrella! This one has a single pink panel and a pink plastic handle.


A cute Scandinavian-patterned oven mitt! So much better than what I've been using- kitchen towels.


Cute panda stationery. How can you say "no" to a panda that dreams of riding a camel some day?


I've been needing a pencil bag to hold all my highlighters for school.


I am getting super prepared for Halloween. Now I have a 5 different costume choices! I'll make Bryan wear one too!


Don't you just love this new set of bowls? The mid-century pattern is perfect!

Finally, for every 10 items you purchase, you get a spin at the bingo ball cage. If one of the lucky numbers fall out, you get 1 or several free gifts that you pick from a wall of stuff. I won 1 free gift and chose this nifty secret pen.

Can't wait to write ultra secret notes with this!

The employees also greet you and say goodbye to you in Japanese as you enter and leave the store. It's like having a little bit of Japan hidden in the middle of Chinatown.

Cotton Mill Conversion

Augie and Sherie both share a love for metal and sci fi, but it's Sherie's fondness for unique vintage items that is most evident in their retro abode.

I'm totally envious of their gorgeous dining table that they scored from a family member who planned on throwing it out.

Their eclectic display of retro trinkets, Transformers, and dried piranha on a stand.

Sherie's vintage bear collection.

This is a weird nook that only their particular unit has. Who knows what it was used for but the eerie orbs give me the chills!

Check out the Star Wars sheets. Heh heh.

These stairs lead to their bedroom loft (a.k.a. Sherie's Ebay & Etsy work area).