Acapulco Chair – Reading Nook

Acapulco Chair c/o AllModern

Creating a reading nook is 100% personal. To be honest, I created this one to fill an empty space. Our master bedroom is huge and personally, could be much smaller. Being that it is so large we have two very awkward corners to fill. I have been debating buying matching chairs and tables but thought that might be too obvious and too cohesive. So these two corners have been neglected for months as I gave up the search and energy to try to figure out what to do with them. However, when I received this Acapulco Chair from AllModern the first space that came to mind to place it was the corner in the master. Since we have very neutral furniture and very dark wall I thought the contrast would be perfect. Also, the other pieces in our room are pretty retro which makes this the perfect companion piece.

Now, I don’t know the first thing about reading nook because I am not the biggest reader. I keep trying to force myself to finish a new book every so often but I always have the hardest time staying awake – usually because I am in bed and bed signals sleep. I always loved seeing pictures of rooms which would have a little chair to drink coffee in or catch up on your latest book. I never jumped to creating this space for myself because I wasn’t a reader and didn’t know exactly what I would need but it was always in the back of my mind. When this Acapulco chair arrived and I put it in this corner I was instantly inspired. Not only to finish that book which is still sitting on my night stand after months of neglect but also to create a space which was conducive to doing so. The one thing I think a reading nook MUST be is comfy. And the one thing I know about this chair is that it is SO.DAMN.COMFY. So I knew I had the perfect solution.

I originally started designing the space around a lucite side table I own but I wasn’t obsessed with the way the angles were hitting each other. Growing quite frustrated I called my interior decor savor, Molly, for suggestions. She recommend a pile of books. Being that I am a slight hoarder when it comes to coffee table books I thought this was genius. I really love the way the books add pops of color to the otherwise monotone space and also represent what the indented purpose of the space is for – to read. I definitely think the corner needs a little rug or something but for now I am so inspired to cuddle up with this snuggly throw and open a book.

Like I said, reading nook are 100% personal to what your taste and style are. But I do recommend trying to create a space which is not only unique but also stays true to the decor around it. If you are struggling with making it cozy and cohesive I suggest grabbing a pile of books and a garden stool (I love this one) to stack them on or a great blanket and fresh flowers (in similar tones to your paint).

I hope you have enjoyed this mini-series of different ways to style your Acapulco Chair. Wherever you decide to place your Acapulco Chair and however you style it I am positive it will be a hit. It is one of the most unique and versatile pieces in my home and I am so excited to use it for years to come! For more colors or styles check out this selection and feel free to e-mail me with any questions!

Airbnb For First Timers

(my Parisian flat last year via Valerie on Airbnb)

As I sit here finishing up my plans for this summer I am a wee bit frustrated. I have my flight book, my school booked, my travel dates planned, andddd no place to live. I have literally been checking every apartment rental website each morning in hopes the God’s put forth the “perfect place.” And today was going to be the day I found it. However, here I am a few weeks out and while I have some very viable options I haven’t found the perfect apartment yet. I did believe I had found it yesterday and even put in the offer but she decided to stay in Paris for the summer. Really bia. Give me your flat!!!!

One thing I have learned while searching every rental website imaginable is hidden fees. While you think you found the deal of the century it is always very important to look at any realtor fee, cleaning fee, deposit, and so on. I had no idea all of the in’s and out’s that go into utilizing these online tools. Since the first time I used Airbnb (for this trip) went so fabulously well I decided to put down into words what I have learned.

Always Add a Filter
Filters are your best friend. But really. The entire time I was finding all of these “amazing” Parisian flats I realized they were a pull-out sofa and there was no washer. If I can find a flat with a bed and a washer I will try my hardest. To make it easy I narrowed down every “noncomprable” on my list and checked it off the filter. Must have wifi: check. Must have a bed: check. And so on. It will take your search from thousands down to a few – which is very helpful. It is also smart to add the filters for your max price and area. Falling in love with a flat that is incredibly outside your budget is never fun. Trust me, I have done it. Save time and heartache by only looking at places within your means.

This Isn’t Your Home nor a Hotel
Seems obvious. However, on a lot of reviews I read people do not seem to grasp this idea. What do you mean they don’t have a Nespresso machine? No, robe and slippers? What kind of place is this? These amenities may or may not be included in the description of the apartment. It all depends on what the host has to offer. Make sure you read and re-read everything which is on the listed description so you are not disappointed upon arrival.

Engage
Airbnb makes it extremely easy to ask questions and engage with your potential host. Utilize this. I send questions to each flat I am interested in. Is your check-in/out policy flexible. What does the security deposit include? How often do you check on the place? Is the cleaning fee set? Every question you can think of, ask. It is better to over-communicate initially than be confused or angry upon check-out. I also love to ask for local advice. Where do you go shopping? Where is the best Italian restaurant. Where is the nearest cafe? They always have very insightful answers which will help you adjust to your quarters quicker and make your trip even more enjoyable.

Feel Protected
A lot of people are weary of booking an apartment online through a third party. I agree with a lot of this anxiety. Searching for this Parisian flat has made me realize how many websites out there are not reliable. I was about to book an apartment through a certain website but had a nagging feeling to search for their reviews. Come to find out there is no protection for the renter/rentee. Apparently renters were never getting their deposits back even though the flat was left in immaculate shape. THIS IS HUGE. Always make sure you are renting from a reliable website (like airbnb) which protects both parties. Another great thing about Airbnb is they verify each listing. You must adhere to very strict reviews and verification process to list and to rent. The best advice I can give you is to reach out and get to know the host before renting. This will help you feel more comfortable going forward. If you have further fears Airbnb has an entire section to help answer your questions.

Always Review
When your trip is over review your experience. Honesty is key but remember to not pick out every little detail. Future travelers want to know if the apartment was described properly, was it noisy, was the host honest, did you enjoy your stay, and if the area was good. Taking part in the “community” of airbnb will help your rating and future travels!

** Also, I am being featured on Artizone Dallas’ blog this week! I absolutely love their services and have enjoyed getting to know them over the years! To read my feature click here.

Spring Whites

photography by Molly Miller

I first wanted to say thank you to everyone who reached out yesterday. Your calls, texts, comments and e-mails so genuinely touched me. A majority of you mentioned how lucky I am to have such a supportive husband (which I am) but I am also so lucky to have such amazing readers, friends, and family. So thank you, thank you! From the bottom of my heart!

All white is sleek. It is chic. It is timeless. And it is easy! When I don’t want to overthink my outfit but I want to look decent, I turn to white. White can be a bit intimidating. I have a friend who REFUSES to wear white jeans in fear it will make her look bigger. But au contraire my friend. I am not sure I have seen many people (with the proper fitted clothing of course) ever look horrible in white. Have you? Okay, so maybe I can think of one but really, white is so universally flattering! Since I am trying to save money for my up coming adventures I am really trying to only buy staple items. Pieces that can be worn over and over and mixed with other pieces. I believe they call it the “french wardrobe.” No joke. Those people are pros when it comes to mixing-and-matching a few pieces many different ways. Since we could all update one or two of our white staples (you know that white t-shirt from years ago isn’t so white anymore) I have pulled a few of my favorite white pieces for every spring/summer wardrobe below! I hope it helps you find something your closet needs!

The T-Shirt
the classic // the cute // the versatile // the comfy // the sporty // the boyfriends

The Dress
the cover-up // the sweet // the business // the boho // the year round // the warm // the summer // the sexy // the classic // the date night

The Jean
the bootcut // the legging // the girlfriend // the flare // the boyfriend // the skinny

The Blazer
the beautiful // the girlfriend // the classic // the brunch // the dinner // the sailboat // the cocktail // the youthful // the unique

The Blouse
the bib // the tie // the waist // the classic // the day to night // the sheer // the silk // the lace