OK, so we’re in Chicago, been living with my in-laws for almost two months now. But tah-dah – we’re finally in position to find our own place. This weekend we’re looking at a TON of apartments and I. Cannot. Wait. to find a place!
No offense to my in-laws, they are ridiculously awesome, so kind and warm and sweet. Seriously, I won the in-law lottery. But I need my own space and I miss my cat so much it aches a little.
Plus, I’m a bella who loves to decorate! Anyone who read the great interview with me featured in Get Togetha knows this. I’ve been dying to get my stuff out of boxes, unpack, and start our Chicago life anew. I am itching to decorate my new place! And you know I’ve got decorating ideas galore! Here’s some of what I’m daydreaming about, to make my new home inviting and filled with love. I bet you’re gonna love these items too!
First stop, Yum Yum Candles. Don’t let the innocuous metal tins fool you — contained within is some of the most beautiful, potent smelling candle goodness you’re likely to come across.
Here’s why you should support Yum Yum Candles instead of going to Marshalls and buying giant scented candles on discount — unlike those big heavy glass jar candles, Yum Yum Candles are made by three entreprenuerial sistas who have been friends since high school. Their soy wax candles are enviromentally delicious! My favorite scents are pineapple punch — SO delicious and tropical! Strawberry Cotton is available in a room spray or reed diffuser. For bedroom sensuality, I recommend chocolate strawberry for your nightstand. Mmmm, mmm!
For other home decor items, I’m heading straight to Springcart Designs. Their range of items is so wonderful and up my alley, it’s ridiculous. Jewelry, tea, and gorgeous home accents. Heaven! I’m in heaven!
For my personal decor, Imma need a pair of these Fulani earrings, OK? And for my home, I am in love with the Brown Bella Tea Towels. I need a set dangling from the handle of my new stove, stat. Isn’t it just darling?
I can’t imagine a life with bare walls, and I find so much inspiration in images of women who look like me. Afrobella art is a MUST. I adore thestunning AfroChic wall decal —
at the top of this post. But is it too much? I absolutely love it, but it’s so ginormous!
For bright color and Caribbean afrolicious flavor, I love the MaCuMere art byShayGon. (In Trinidad we say Macomere, and it means “godmother.”) Her Swell Up Yuh Face painting is so peaceful, and Leh Go is so vibrant and fun!
For more literal and stunningly lifelike depictions of afrobellas, check out Adebanji’s shop on Etsy. I just featured this incredible artist in my most recent AOL Black Voices hair blog — all about hair care for little afrobellas. His work is phenomenal!
What’s your home decor style, bellas? I’m continually seeking inspiration!
That wall decal is the business!! I must have!
Great post. You have motivated me to get a bit more creative with my space.
xo,
CC
I hear ya…nothing like your own space; can’t wait to see what you’ve found and how you decorate it.
I have some afro haircuts for you and your guests …
regards
Studio Elite
Thanks for the mention in you post (decal).
If that decal is a bit much for you, I could custom create something for your new place if you are interested.
If you can think up a concept, I will work up a design.
Oh… And I can make it other sizes too. I custom make each one to order.
My home decor style is global. I am really into Moroccan and Indian styles. My bedroom is inspired by Sari fabrics and my libing room has rich, spice market colors of cocoa, curry yellow, paprika red, and orange with lots of wood and art glass. Hope you find a great space!
Bella – what happened to your cat?
aww. I so want to move so i can put my personal stamp on my place. private lanlords are such pains. you do have great ideas
Caribbean Girl – my mom in law is allergic to cats (and he really couldn’t be in their home, he’d destroy so many things!) so he is staying with two of our best friends in North Carolina on a beautiful 12 acre spread. He’s gonna have to adjust to being a city cat soon!
I’m so inspired.. I can’t wait to get my own place.. In the meantime, my bookmark folders are getting larger by the minute!
I’m currently decorating my living room and I love visiting thrift shops to find great sturdy furniture pieces that you paint and add your own design flavor. I also love Etsy–there are so many great indie designers on there with unique craft works.
Bella… sigh of relief – I thought you had to leave him behind permanantly! Poor tuck no more roaming in the wide yonder.
Like Niki, I am all about India and Morocco. Jewel tones abound all over my living room.
For the bedroom, I’m trying to go with the hotel look and doing white with a black backdrop.
Those tea towels are giving me everything I need right now! *swoon!*
Putting in any real trees or shrubs in pots on balcony and inside – fichus or what have you?
What about map of Trinidad that could be framed and hung?
Pieter Janssens Elinga painted interior Dutch homes with almost one person in the room. His anatomy appears off at times but very skilled.
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