Sprucing Up the Home.

We spent a lot of time and energy working on outfitting our new apartment just after we moved in back in October and then we let time get away from us between visitors, the holidays, and that strange way in which you can mentally adjust to clutter or gaps in a room until suddenly you have guests over and you realize, “OMG. We still have that trio of area rugs rolled up against the wall over there.” Yikes.

I made it a point to go slow and steady with decorating this time around, but now I’m feeling frustrated with the fact that we still have awhile to go. We got some major pieces in place (my favorite and, surprisingly, my second favorite) and picked up a lot of practical items, like a new vacuum, a shower caddy, a Simple Human recycler, and a flatscreen TV for our kitchen, which Mr. Magpie then mounted to the wall (I was very impressed with him and I love being able to watch the news while making breakfast in the morning).

Anyhow, now I’m back on the wagon, determined to find the remaining big items for our home in the next few weeks. In my search for missing pieces, a couple of finds I’m in love with:

THIS STORAGE BENCH or THIS ONE FOR MICRO’S NURSERY

THIS PENDANT FOR MINI’S ROOM

THIS STUNNING LAMP FOR OUR DINING ROOM, WHERE WE WILL BE HANGING AN ENORMOUS PORTRAIT WITH A LOT OF GREEN IN IT

DON’T HAVE A HOME FOR THESE SCONCES BUT THEY ARE EPIC

WOULD DIE FOR THESE SCONCES IN MINI’S ROOM (THERE IS WIRING FOR THEM!)

EITHER LOUIS XIV CHAIRS (INSPIRED BY PHOTO FROM AN AMY BERRY INTERIOR ABOVE) OR BAMBOO CHAIRS FOR OUR DINING ROOM

CONTEMPLATING A ROUND TABLE — MY FRIEND AND INTERIOR DESIGNER JEN HUNTER SUGGESTED IT BECAUSE OF THE ROOM’S DIMENSIONS…COULD THIS BE IT? OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE!

A CHIC INEXPENSIVE HEADBOARD FOR A GUEST ROOM

THIS FUN SCALLOPED RUG

THESE PRETTY KNOBS

KIND OF DIE OVER THIS UNEXPECTED CHANDELIER/PENDANT FOR OUR DINING ROOM

OMG THIS SKIRTED CONSOLE

THIS STUNNING MIRROR FOR A LITTLE GIRL’S ROOM

THIS SLEEK SIDE TABLE FOR OUR LIVING ROOM (DRAWN TO THE STORAGE, BUT ALSO LOVE THIS)

THINKING OF SWITCHING UP THE PILLOWS IN OUR LIVING ROOM TO THESE

P.S. There is a great sale going on at Boden. Love this for a little girl and this pack of onesies would make a great layette gift and a cable-knit sweater always makes my “capsule” wardrobe approach for winter. Meanwhile, mini will essentially only wear “pretty nightgowns” to bed; some of these prints are adorable!

P.P.S. Eyeing these short and sleek rainboots as an alternative to my “tall” Hunter ones (more of my favorite rain gear).

P.P.P.S. So many incredible sale finds at Net-A-Porter. This lovely is 50% off and would be so pretty in an engagement portrait in the spring…more bride goodies here.

P.P.P.P.S. Inexpensive ways to personalize your home.