Show Off Your Design: Ann Ueno

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Today we are showing off the lovely design from Ann Ueno who blogs at House and Host (not to be missed!). Check out her space and what she has to say about her design process:

Entryway – I LOVE wall galleries and the inspiration for this space was to be inviting, attention-grabbing supported by stories.  This gallery features all of my own personal photography (great way to create cheap art) of places my husband and I have traveled, combined with smaller accent pieces that welcome people into our home.  Our last name initial.  The ‘chateau’ sign from Anthropologie.  Small trio mirror (of course, you always need some mirror in entryway to apply lipstick, right?).

Dining – the next two shots are our dining area.  The main asset here is the table.  I was very inspired by one of my favorite authors, Shauna Neiquist and the importance of hospitality, hosting and feeding friends and family alike.  In order to do that, you have to have enough space and a welcoming space.  So when I saw this amazing farmhouse table, which was relatively inexpensive and plus when I bought it, it was on sale (from Restoration Hardware).  The moments and memories we have had around this table will forever be stamped on my heart.  There already stains and spills and I love it.  It’s the way it’s supposed to be.  Imperfect, with incredible stories shared. (the chairs are Z Gallerie and I always get asked where they are from!!)

Master BR – since becoming married, a challenge I face is trying to make sure our house isn’t TOO girly.  Of course, some areas still are.  But, I really tried to ensure our master bedroom had a balance of masculinity and femininity.  And the inspiration was from a hotel room.  My husband and I are both in the hotel business so that was my vision.  Dark navy walls, personal artwork and photography in the form of a gallery, clean white linens.  It works perfectly for us and I do think it creates a nice balance and a personal touch with our hotel backgrounds. 

Last – just a fun styled shot of our living room coffee table.  I change this often so no big story here, other than taking cues from blogs and Pinterest on how to style a coffee table!

Isn't Ann's space fab? Don't forget to submit your Design to Show Off here on Decorology (See Instructions here)!

The Pinterest Problem

FREE IMAGES Who doesn't love Pinterest? 

If you are living under a rock and don't know about Pinterest send me an email and I'll invite you. (You have to be invited to join, they are fancy schmancy like that.)

I have to say it took me a little while to warm up to Pinterest, it wasn't that I didn't like it, I just kept forgetting about it.  But as I've learned how to navigate it better I have become kind of addicted.  It is a super awesome place for eye candy and inspiration.

You already know this. 

How do I know?  

Because you have also spent too much time pinning and re-pinning away an hour when you just meant to check your email for 5 minutes.

I know how it goes... it's a time sucking monster.

But being a time sucker is not my real problem with Pinterst.  My problem is all of the inspirational lovely-ness causes me to be indecisive. 

I've been dragging my feet working on this Master Bedroom makeover ever so slowly.  I think I have it all planned out and then I go on Pinterest and start second-guessing when I see things like:





 



*All pics found on Pinterest 

I find myself falling for the popular and trendy gray and yellow color scheme.

I start questioning my current monochromatic redecorating plan... am I doing it in neutrals because I won't have to paint a room with a vaulted ceiling?  Because I already had some neutral bedding and decor?  Because it's "safe"?

Pinterest is making me a bit indecisive and slowing me down. 

It's not Pinterest's fault, it's mine. 

It's not like this didn't happen before Pinterest, it did.... when I'd come across a great room on a blog or HGTV or BHG or even a great piece in TJ Maxx.  I'm just easily distracted by beautiful decor, I can't help but want to recreate it and put my own Chic on a Shoestring Decorating spin on it. 

Pinterest makes me want to decorate my butt off like crazy!

Am I going to give it up because of the Pinterest problem?

No. Stinking. Way.

How about you... do you play the second-guessing game when you're decorating?  Has Pinterest made it worse (or am I just a crazy person)?  Yes, I know I'm kind of a crazy person but that's why you read this, right?!

Happy Weekend!

PS:  Check out my other blog The Besties HERE, it has fabulous "best of's" from mostly newbies around blogland.