Studio City

The phrase "Studio apartment" always comes off as a dirty word, but I've found a few promising pieces of inspiration that don't make them seem so bad.  In fact, these pics sort of make me actually want one...    {I'm definitely not in the market for a new apartment, but just daydreaming a bit}.

 I love pretty much every piece of furniture, every throw and each rug in this place.

The green couch is something very special.

Studios seem to be done best when there's a somewhat clear definition of what separates the "bedroom" from the living area.  In the photo above it's a curtain, in the other spaces it's just the way of arranging the furniture that gives it it's own central focus.  The only scary thing for me is wondering where the closets are... ;)

Recipes I'm Perfecting

I've never been much of a cook or baker, but I've been leaning into both crafts lately and really trying because it's so much better to be able to surprise your friend with homemade peanut butter pie for their birthday than anything else.  Check out a few of my favorite recipes of late, below.

I tried this Goat Cheese Pasta recipe from Two Peas & Their Pod last night for the first time.  The roasted mushrooms are the best ingredient, with goat cheese coming in at a close second.  It also involves fresh basil and spinach.  I'm excited to see how I can continually perfect this, and if it stands the test of time over the next couple of days as I finish it.  

The Quinoa Mac & Cheese from Around the Table has been a favorite in my apartment recently.  I typically add in broccoli and spinach and have just recently begun adding scallions, my only edit to this recipe is to sub in either goat cheese or cream cheese for the extra half cup of cheddar it asks for, it makes it just a bit more creamy.  It's delicious and feeds me over the course of 4-5 days.  

Grapefruit Margaritas are obviously not a meal, but are delicious nonetheless.  I am pleased to report that they were a hit during the cabin weekend of winter 2013.  Thanks to There Goes The Cupcake for the fantastic recipe! 

Last, but most certainly not least is my new favorite dessert, the aforementioned Creamy Peanut Butter Pie thanks to the lovely people at Spoon Fork Bacon.  When mascarpone cheese, peanut butter and homemade whipped cream come together in one recipe {among other things} it is a truly life changing experience.  This is a MUST MAKE for any upcoming event that requires dessert.  

You can find these and all of the other recipes that make my mouth water on my Pinterest board, "tasty, tasty," you can thank me later.

Homes at the Holidays

I skipped decorating for the Holidays this year due to a lack of tree space, and a lack of $$ to support a buying spree on all things festive.  But I deem this the last year that I'm willing to let it happen, there are simply too many cute ideas out there.  I found these ideas and many more on Pinterest and I have a feeling that I'll be pinning long after the Holidays are over!

 In case there's no room for a big tree, grab a mini and prop it up on a table.  This would have been the only way my roommate and I could have made a Christmas tree work.

 Love the use of neon ribbons to replace garland.

 Even without doors this beautiful, it's a super simple and easy decor idea.

 I love both of these ideas, no tree?  No mantle?  No problem, just paint one on and hang it up!

This is perfect.

Of course no Holiday season is complete without a few of your favorite Holiday movies.  I've already gotten my fill of Little Women, the Christmas scenes are my favorites from the entire movie.  And who could have Christmas without a screening of Christmas Vacation?  My family never misses it on Christmas eve!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Eame-ing High

Growing up in the region of Michigan well known for their innovative furniture design, one would think I would have known the magic of the Eames designs much earlier on, especially since my dad has worked closely with Herman Miller for years.  But alas, only within the last year have my eyes been opened to the magic of the mid-century modern chairs that to this day can transform a room into the space of ones dreams.

Whether in a neutral, or a bright and cheerful hue, they always bring a room's cool factor up to 100%.

These. Colors.

A table for twelve in various shades simply makes my heart melt, lest we forget that mirror that is so perfect, it almost brings tears to my eyes.

I've never seen this one for sale, but can you imagine?? 

photos via desire to inspire, design sponge, etc.

Step Up

 I feel like decorative staircases are a relatively new concept, and in my small scope of mind, are only a big deal because of Pinterest.  Thank you, Pinterest.  Well thought out stair design is how any old interior designer can really step up their game.

 Opening Ceremony does it best in their NYC location.

 The colors jump out so perfectly in both of these photos because of the stark white backdrop. 

 LOVE these stripes.  

 Ombre stairs are so whimsical and pretty. 

Let's throw in some natural looking stairs for good measure.  These are fantastic.  

Are you down to go a little crazy with your staircase?  It is definitely one of those accessorizing your space types of projects, where the tiniest attention to detail makes all the difference.  

photos via decor8, design sponge, desire to inspire

Blossoms, IRL

I've been infinitely inspired by blossoms lately, both of the 90's sitcom LOL status, as well as the petal filled, grown from the dirt IRL {in real life} variety.

 I stumbled on these photos from Charlottesville, Virginia taken by Jane of the blog Sea of Shoes.  I cannot get enough of the freshness, and absolute perfection that is represented in this field of wildflowers.

 Can you imagine if you could wake up to this view every day??

 This piece is by Ben Giles, I found it through Pinterest, and I love that it mixes a vintage photograph with such graphic and dimensional blooms.

 Another Pinterest find, I love that the imperfection of this is really what makes it so perfect and special in the end.

Chanel No. 5 - re-imagined.  

Find these, and other photos, illustrations, designs and more on my Pinterest board, "visual inspiration."

photos via sea of shoes, ben giles, nick knight

A Pop In The Kitchen

 My current apartment search is dragging on, and stressing me out to the max.  However, the one thing that I can't stop planning for {despite the fact that I may very well be homeless in 2.5 weeks} is the painting of my kitchen table.  I'm going for it, BRIGHT PINK y'all.  I think it's safe to say that I was inspired by the boldness of a few of these...

Thoughts?  I've been dreaming this up for a while, and with a bit of work I plan to make it happen.  Also this...

A garment rack DIY from A Beautiful mess, I love that this DIY version is so much cuter than most that you find in stores, probably more affordable too.  Find these pics & more on my "decor dreams" and "diy & more" Pinterest boards, and wish me luck on my painting {oh...and apartment hunting} endeavors.

It's My Party...

Happy Birthday to me...{sartorial roadmap}!!

All of these sweet treats come from my "tasty tasty" board on Pinterest...you should join me over there, it's always a good time.

Oh geez.  Exactly one year ago, I had been in Charleston for about 4 days, and I posted my first blog.  In one year I have met so many amazing people, have lived in 3 states (South Carolina, Michigan & New York) and I've made hundreds, no thousands, of wonderful memories.  This blog has been the best outlet as I tend to have an opinion on...most things...a blessing and curse for sure.  I've had the best time sharing my inspiration and travels on this blog for the last year and don't plan on stopping any time soon.  I can never stop thinking about the amazing world that we live in and how badly I yearn to explore every bit of it that I can in the time that I have.  As my second year on Sartorial Roadmap begins, I'm both scared and ridiculously excited to see where this road will take me.  Also a huge shout-out to the coolest people I know, my parents, my family and my friends for telling everybody they know about my blog.

Thank you for being the bomb.com and reading this little guy of mine.


Also, I should definitely treat myself to a piece of cake today.