It is time that the two of us get serious about a new sofa. We’ve been living with hand-me-downs and curbside finds for the almost nine years we’ve lived together and I think after years of complaints about the current sofa it’s time for an upgrade. Currently there are three sofas in the running:

1.) The Blake Sofa from Macy’s looks pretty fantastic! I love it’s clean lines, modern look and the tufted back cushion. The only thing I’m not sure about is the fabric. While I love that they have it in charcoal gray, the material is microfiber polyester. I haven’t the slightest clue what that might look/feel like in person and the closest store that has a sample is in New Jersey. Another plus is that the low armrests look perfect for lounging and it’s currently on sale for $699.

2.) The Corona another Macy’s favorite that we have actually gone to look at in person. Again we have clean lines, a tufted back cushion and a mid-century modern look. My only issues here are they don’t have it in gray and the fabric was a bit on the nubby/possibly itchy side. This is basically the same look as the Blake but with higher and narrower armrests. Also on sale for $699.

(image via Little Home Corona in brown)

3.) The final contender is the Ikea Karlstad in Sivik Dark Gray. Last time we were at the store we sat on this and found it to be pretty darn comfortable. Hard to say whether it is indeed comfortable or just felt that way after an almost three hour drive. I like the fact that it is more than reasonably priced at $499 and that the cover is removable/washable.

Charles & Ray Eames show their then-new masterpiece on the Arlene Francis “Home” show broadcast on the NBC television network in 1956.

I’m taking an extra long time to enjoy the holiday weekend. For now here are some of my inspirations for our Christmas decorating this year.

images via kate spade, charlie3engineer, Smile And Wave and weheartit

This ceramic owl has been sitting around our apartment for a few years now. I rescued it from a thrift store and never got around to fixing it up. It had little cracks and an overall dingy appearance no matter how many times I tried cleaning it up.

I saw an article in Lonny Magazine the other day showing how to use metallic gold paint to perk up inexpensive decorations. Cute! I decided to go with silver and bought a can of $3 Krylon metallic spray paint. Simple enough and there is plenty of paint left for other projects. I think it will be great for the holidays and now Mr. Owl is being proudly displayed on our bookshelf.

I’ve added a small collection of housewares to the etsy shop tonight. This week I’ll be adding more vintage items for your home as well as some gorgeous jewelry and accessories.  Stay tuned!

I love this set of 4 flour sack tea towels will be available from Claudia Pearson Illustration.  Each set comes in a drawstring bag which makes them the perfect holiday gift.

Her etsy shop is also full of gorgeous prints for your home.

claudiagpearson.etsy.com