Swell Dwelling: Cuttin’ a Rug

With all of our new hardwood floors (!), we’re in need of some plush area rugs to keep our little toesies cushioned and our rooms a-swingin’.  Luckily, we got Sherman (pictured above), a vintage sheepskin rug, from Brian’s Grandma Jane.  Thank you, Grandma Jane!  (aside: I’m like an anthropomorphizing tornado, naming everything in my path…)  Sherman seems to fit nicely in the living room, but we’ve still got the bedroom and the man lodge (aka office) to pad, not to mention a welcome mat for the front door.  And you know what that means… shopping!  So, I’ve picked out a few dandies for said rooms.  Wanna help us choose?

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The Shopping Sherpa: Man Lodge, pt. 2

Sometimes the Shopping Sherpa just can’t help himself. Yesterday he found some great stuff for the walls of our man lodge, and today he’s back with some items for our desk and bar. Because what happens in a man lodge? Drinkin’ and Workin’.

On the Desk

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Swell Dwelling: This is not an Elks Lodge

{ Union Man: 1938 from Shorpy }

As we’ve mentioned previously, we’re moving. Now it just so happens, our new apartment will have a a bonus room! Sarah and I have decided to turn it into some kind of work room, but at first we were unsure of what exactly that would mean. Now we know. It will be a kind of throw back room: an early 1900s-ish men’s study or “man lodge” as we’ve begun to call it. Of course that doesn’t mean Sarah can’t play, too. I’ve been slowly gathering up items that would fit this style for awhile now, but our decision to go this direction hinged on re-watching There Will Be Blood, and thinking: “That was intense . . . and awesome.” So today, we’ll share some inspirational pictures for you, and in the coming days, the Shopping Sherpa will help us by digging through the interwebs for some essential man lodge items.

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Giveaway: Vintage Elephant Pencil Holder

EDIT: This giveaway has ended.  Enter our current giveaway here!

Readers, meet Lexington.  Lexington is an easy-going elephant who likes loud music, a warm, dry climate and holding your colored pencils.  Lexington may have been born over thirty years ago, but he’s a spry chap.  And guess what, folks.  Lexington wants to come home with you!  Richelle Davies, mother of a creative 8-year old (Spy-themed Birthday party, anyone?) and the vintage shop Hopgrasser, has kindly offered this vintage pencil holder for our first ever vintage giveaway!   Before we get to the rules, though, let’s have a chat with Richelle about the joys of thrifting.

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Swell Dwelling: Bliss in a Teacup

Now here’s a dwelling I can appreciate.  Bunting, crochet, teapots, and vintage portraits?  That’s a recipe for sweetness… a home fit for happiness!  Make room, Becka, cause I’m movin’ in!  Not only does Becka’s Flickr photostream boast romantic images of her home, she’s got a lovely blog full of happy adventures AND a swoon worthy shop with embroidered clocks and wooden bookmarks, all under the moniker Bliss in a Teacup.  How befitting.

Swell Dwelling: Kay Loves Vintage

Kay Loves Vintage is a lovely little blog I stumbled upon recently.  I especially love browsing through Kay’s flickr photostream, where I found these photos of her swank Dutch home.  Sweet and cozy looking, no?

Swell Dwelling: Trampoline

Not only does Kim Ludy have a great eye for vintage — she’s got a collection of treasures for sell at Trampoline — but her interior styling and sweet, simple photographs are a pleasure to behold.  The beautifully rich colors are balanced with a sparsity of ornamentation, which makes these spaces seem livable and lovable.  And there’s the toy fire truck!  Hello!  Two words:  Awe. some.

Swell Dwelling: Elisabeth Dunker

Hello, warm and cozy looking home.  You know what I like about you?  You don’t follow all the trends of mod simplicity, harsh lines and vast expanses of unwelcoming white.  There’s a fuzziness about you, like being sleepy on a Saturday morning, wearing the sheets like a robe as I pour my glass of good morning milk.  You’re worn and calm.  Let’s be friends.

{photos from Elizabeth Dunker of Fine Little Day }

Swell Dwelling: Mathilde Aubier

A colorful banner, a kitty cat and a creepy doll friend?  Mathilde Aubier is a woman after my own heart.

Swell Dwelling: Soft & Simple

These interior shots by Maryam Salassi are dreamy, no?  The styling is simple but not stark — there’s a lot of personality in the few items that adorn her home.  And the lazy morning light gives the photographs a comfy, vintage feel.