Decor: A Dash of Hippie & A Dollop of Socialite

I've been decorating my apartment one day or shall I say one month at a time for about two years now. I love my space. It's a very roomy duplex and my landlord has no qualms with me painting, hanging, or even changing the cabinetry! In general I can be a bit of a perfectionist and now that I have a better vision on what I want my living room to look like, I went looking for help on Amazon and it came in the form of: Jonathan Adler on Happy Chic Accessorizing. Here are a few rules or pieces of advice that have and will help me perfect my little uppity Boho-Chic living room.

Plants Like to Party.

I found this perfectly shaped tree branch fit for quirky home decor while picking my son up for school. Walking home I had an idea of painting it gold, but when I got home I went for my always favorite chartreuse. I brush painted it using Americana acrylic paint; this one being pre-glossed. It was a little tedious and required 4 coats to finish, but it dries fast. If you don't have the luxury of time like I do, you could easily spray paint and add a spray gloss/sealer afterward. I haven't really decided where I'm going to place it yet, but it's an easy and interesting focal point that wont be hard to stand out wherever it's placed.

Restraint = Boredom.

I'm vaguely satisfied do with my living area, but I've always known that I was holding myself back and not letting my creativity run free. Boring Ikea book case, generic pillows, one single candlestick, ugh....I definitely am aiming for a little more eclecticism this next go around. There's just way too much order in this space. Not to mention the boring vase holding the spray painted flowers.

Good pieces...Bad placement. Green gator ceramic lamp, $24. Wood carved candle holder, $9. Both from Ross. A new lamp shade may be key in really giving the already unique design life.

Every room needs a dash of Hippie and a dollop of Socialite.

I actually think I'm on the right page with this one. I'm instantly drawn to anything vintage, bohemian, or "hippy-like," but there is a boughie person that lays dormant inside of me until I get to decorating or designing. I don't want Yoko Ono, I want Talitha Getty. No disrespect to Miss Ono, I adore her, but to me you don't want your place to look overly organic. 

Pictured is a thrift store table I got for $13 and spray painted mint green over top of a $1200 leather shag rug that used to belong to my mother. 

I definitely have a few ideas in store already for the next round of personalizing my living room. As for the book, you can purchase it on Amazon.com for like seven bucks used. It's a really cute, straight to the point how to book with tons of inspirational pictures, but don't expect any DIY projects in this one.

Love this frame I got from Pier One. Love the little guy in it even more.