Ever year around mid-October I start complaining about the cold. This year I'm looking to beat the chill (and follow runway trends) with chunky knit and fur accents for my home.

Here's what I've been looking at this afternoon.

I found both of these images (above and below) on The Style Files. I love the crocheted look—reminds me of my favorite knit scarf I'd like to have around my neck right about now. You can find more info about the pouffe here, and more info about the wood raffia stool here.

Something about this faux sheepskin pouf from West Elm really appeals to me. It's large enough to accommodate cast-offs when you're too tired to hang up your clothes (not that this ever
happens to anyone), but small enough to not take up too much space in a small room. Better yet? It's portable, which is essential for those of us who have difficulty committing to pieces of furniture.

If it's flooring you seek, there's also this faux sheepskin rug.




If you really crave comfort, then this blanket is essential for you. Everyone in my family
has a Kashwère throw. We—pets included—frequently fight over them. They're super warm yet breathable and withstand frequent washings. In short, they're worth every penny.



This year, Pottery Barn turned your warmest sweater into a comfy throw pillow.



They also created an incredibly soft fisherman blanket and sham for those
in need of added layers for your bed.

Do you guys have any other suggestions?

Is anyone else as ready for a vacation as I am? For our anniversary this summer, my husband and I decided we were going to travel back to where our relationship began, London, England. In honor of our trip abroad I thought I'd get in the mood by gleaning a little inspiration from our sister Brit mag, Homes & Gardens.

In case you haven't seen it yet I recently posted a story called Color It Coastal, which features eight sea-inspired palettes and how to incorporate them into your home. So, below I pulled some images from Homes & Gardens in the same color families. Check out the info from H&G below then surf over to Color It Coastal for more interior inspiration.

All text and images below courtesy of Homes & Gardens

Coastal Colors: Seaglass

Allow one strong monochrome pattern, such as this bold turquoise window dressing, to take the lead in a room and use complementary patterns in the same palette as restrained accents. Sofa, Sofa Workshop. Chair and table, Revival.


Nautical stripes in blues and greens give this Suffolk dining room a suitably coastal look.

Coastal Colors: Citrus

Be bold and mix orange and turquoise, rattan and cane furniture, along with cafe-style tables and chairs add to the relaxed feel. Sofa, The Conran Shop. Rattan table, Oka. Armchair, Marston & Langinger.


This contemporary staircase uses a reinforced glass panel to act as a balustrade whilst maximising light in this open-plan space. The mix of wood and white surfaces adds a classic touch and gives the kitchen a clean, fresh feel. Chairs from Mac and Mac Interiors, try Ikea for a white dining table.

When it comes to getting a deal on furniture, sometimes I act impulsively. I did just that this past week when I purchased a china cabinet for next-to-nothing from one of my husband's colleagues. It's pretty hideous, but the potential...oh the potential. It's the perfect June project. I've been surfing around for inspiration, and here's what I'm thinking.

Photo: CreepinJen/junkmarketstyle.com

I found this on junkmarketstyle.com. I love the idea of replacing the traditional back with beaded board. Using a dark hue on the exterior and a lighter color inside really highlights what's inside as well.

I've never really had a place to put on makeup in the morning. Since college, I've been sitting on the floor in front of a mirror. My husband commented on this recently, and we decided it was time to do something about it.

We had purchased a small desk at a garage sale ($40) that we'd been using as a TV stand in our bedroom. We moved the TV onto one of our dressers, and an afternoon later and voila! A dressing table all my own.

This is an easy weekend project that's economical and requires minimal effort. Here's what we did:

 

1. We bought a can of spray paint ($3) and put two coats of paint on the originally bright yellow desk.

We just returned from the spring High Point Furniture Market and saw lots of great pieces. Lindsey Beatty, our market editor, and I were relieved to see a little color coming back - a major departure from all the neutrals of markets past. One color trend that seems particularly suited for the coast was new interpretations of classic blue and white pairings. Below are some of our favorite finds...

The Nadia Sofa in Bixby Blue, with throw pillows in Figi Blue, From C.R. Laine. I love the subtle pinstripe on the velvet upholstery.

And this sofa by Lee Industries, whose cushions are covered in Ikot Blue, a new fabric for them this market. The simple and classic blue stripe on the ottoman is the perfect complement to the more exotic ikat pattern on the sofa.

Assistant Photo Editor Kristen Shelton and I couldn't help but be inspired by Katie's octopus post yesterday. We found a couple more items that we love and had to share.

As promised, here are the looks Heather created for our March issue.

BATH #1 NAUTICAL CHIC

(All photography by Erica George Dines & Tria Giovan)

Elizabethan Classics English turn console lavatory sink in white, Strom Plumbing Sacramento bathroom sink faucet and cross handles in chrome, and Strom Plumbing porcelain-and-metal Sunflower Shower conversion set in chrome, Vintage Tub & Bath; vintagetubandbath.com
2" marble hexagon tile, Ann Sacks; annsacks.com

Recently, one of our fans on Facebook asked where she could find some great nautical shower curtains. You asked. We're answering.

(Image courtesy of homebytheseashore.com)

 Coastal Charts in blue; homebytheseashore.com