{Apartment Inspiration: Phantom Forest Eco Reserve}

One of my favorite places to stay in South Africa is Phantom Forest Eco Reserve, just outside of Knysna. Aside from the treehouse suites and amazing, remote location that overlooks a river and lagoon, the decor is really great, as is the incorporation of outdoor elements in indoor spaces: 

Here are some pieces that echo the decor of Phantom Forest:

jossandmain.com

Urban Outfitters          Anthropologie

                                  Anthropologie           Urban Outfitters

Dot & Bo

Creating My Happy Place by Renée Foster

The journey to creating my happy place was a long one, but not a complicated one. As far back as I can remember I have loved displaying my favorite people, things, and memories (photos) all over my walls.

This was my desk when I was 14. My love for Ricky Martin was real, and it was well-represented in my room (as you can see). You'll also see other gems such as Freddie Prinze Jr. and Chris Kirkpatrick (of *NSYNC).

Zoom out to see I also had an appreciation for Leonardo DiCaprio, X-Files, and Jesus. Anyway, a mere 5 years later, I got married at the ripe old age of 19. I quickly learned that the way my home looked was no longer solely up to me. I have one of those husbands who really cares what is on our walls and where furniture goes, etc. As a result, for the past 10 years I have been gathering a lot of decorative items that only I like into boxes--hoping that one day I would again have a space that is ONLY mine. Finally, we have a house where I have my own home office (a necessity, as I work from home and have two kids).

Along with the blessing of having a space that is 100% my own came the challenge of turning my childish collage-style tendencies into a space where adult-me could feel clean and organized, while still somehow displaying everything I love.

Here's what I came up with:

I have about 1 million pictures that I love that have been saved and viewed on my computer only, so I decided to have one gallery-style wall, and three large photo collages.

Almost all of the furniture and frames are from garage sales. The rest is from Ikea. That shelf is where I put all of my journals, yearbooks, trophies, and books that I love. I chose periwinkle as the color of the walls because it's feminine, but different, and it changes colors depending on the light (sometimes it's blue, sometimes it's purple). Then I added all of the twinkle lights last because the room needed a little more magic.

It's so delightful to see my little girls run and play around among the many pictures of my ancestors, my childhood, and my favorite things.

{Creating a Personal Space}

Since I spent my 20s moving between continents and U.S. cities, I have a difficult time making big purchases that anchor me to a place. I've been in the mindset of thinking that in a few years I'll be somewhere new anyway, so what's the point. Lately, though, I've been trying to buy a few things that make my apartment feel more comfortable and inhabited. Here's my inspiration.

Celine's apartment in Before Sunset

Photographer Noa Azoulay's home in California:

I love the feel of both of these places, mainly because, while there's an element of thematic cohesion (e.g., boho/eclectic), the overarching feel of each one is natural, relaxed, and personal. 

Here are a few pieces that emulate the style of these apartments. (I've bought a few and will post pics if I ever get my place organized.)

Faux Cowhide Rug: Rugs.com
Canvas Map Print: Dot & Bo
Cushions: Dot & Bo
Coffee Table: Anthropologie
Couch: Anthropologie

{Tillandsia Dreams}

Today, I found this awesome website that sells and ships tons of different types of air plants (tillandsia).  Basically, I want to get my apartment to resemble this: