Hard to believe it’s been almost 6 months that I’ve been living in the DC area, my hometown. I moved here last summer, got married to my longtime love, have been enjoying real seasons, reconnecting with old friends and meeting amazing new ones. Of course I have also been exploring the neighborhoods and style of our nation’s capital.

When my friends at rue magazine asked me to share some of DC’s best shops for their January 2012 issue, I couldn’t have been more excited. I had already scouted the city’s design and fashion boutiques and was loving what I was seeing. Having been spoiled by the wonderful shops and design available in the cities I had lived in over the last fifteen years (LA, SF and NYC) I wasn’t sure what to expect out of DC, a town known more for political point of views than fashion and design statements. What I found were very passionate shop curators and owners and incredible style in both form and function. I also discovered (and am still discovering) a brewing creative community that is ready to shine in the (way overdue) lifestyle limelight.

I hope you enjoy the feature. I had a fantastic day downtown with amazing photographer, Katie Stoops, and sweet Holly E. Thomas (of Butler + Claypool). Read the feature right here and definitely check out these shops (in life or online.)

And click here to read the entire rue issue dedicated to small spaces // oh la la

I hope you all are enjoying the holiday season! I recently started a new job and am finally able to start blogging again. This lil blog is such a creative outlet for me .  As I often say, “If I can’t buy it, I blog it” and for almost four years I have been sharing my favorite things, small space DIYs, great interviews with tastemakers, design inspirations and more. I recently started using another awesome platform to share my fave things – instagram.  I love this app and the social sharing aspect too. I mainly love it because it’s a unique way to reinterpret my daily life (like the card my new husband gave me today that simply says “Wife” on the envelope to the LV book I recently purchased to the blue bridge that we drove over to get to our wedding venue to my new polka dot sweater to my friend’s large gold wishbone to a Saturday walk this fall with the changing leaves) I look at some of these photos and not only see these (pretty to me) things but color palettes, design ideas and inspirations for my small space. I encourage you to take photos all the time – of anything and everything that inspires you, makes you smile, makes you *feel*.

Would love to see you over at Instagram – find me at lovinglivingsmall. FUN!

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If you are like me, discovering something *new-to-you* can be an awe-inducing experience. That is what happened to me last week when I popped into new gift shop – Dalton Pratt – located in Georgetown. This shop, itself, is full of curated lifestyle goodies from gorgeous jewelry, handbags and candles to home style decor like lamps, throws, pillows, art, you name it. I loved everything in the 2-story townhouse shop and what got me most – the pieces by ceramicist Waylande Gregory.

Stunning. Gorgeous. Fabulous. Perfect.

To name a few thoughts I had.

I was blown away by the color combinations and graphic style of the patterns and shapes on the pieces. I also love the gilded tone, just enough to add a reflective detail that also exudes elegance and refinement. A little hefty on the wallet, picking up one of these pieces is worth as it will sure to be staple in your design space for a lifetime.

To check out more of the loveliness that is Waylande Gregory, click here to read his story as well as some iconic quotes throughout the years (Hi, 1941) by leading publications about the artist.

Want some more DESIGN INSPIRATION // Click here to enjoy many more posts about inspiring ideas and style for your best {small space} self.

:: top 3 images snapped by loving. living. small. at Dalton Pratt and bottom 3 image via Waylande Gregory ::

I am thrilled to share a peek inside {friend} and fashion designer, Geren Ford’s, brand new space – The Annex. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, The Annex is the new headquarters for Geren Ford and is “the only space where the public can experience and shop the entire collection merchandised as intended by Lockhart alongside curated product from like-minded purveyors, creatives, and resources around the globe.” – yes! I love how the space is used – really creating a harmony of style and soul. Let’s check out a few small space ideas right inside this pretty space.

Glass shelves – floating glass lets your eye keep moving and the space appears bigger

Balance – the clothes racks and armoire provide an anchor and balance in the space

Considered collections – Geren’s love of travel is infused throughout the space through collections. Best small space tip – display by color or height.

Neutral palette – this color style not only works for presenting the Geren Ford clothes and accessories but the space itself really opens up. The cement floor provides texture and the white walls and ceiling allow for seamless movement throughout.

Don’t you love this quote from icon Coco Chanel, “An interior is the natural projection of the soul”? YES! This really resonates with me and is what loving. living. small. is all about – creating a soulful and comfortable home that works for you {no matter what the size.) For small spaces, remember to design a space that suits your uses and lifestlye despite the traditional use of the room or the decor. For example, if you have a dining space but need an office, make an office. Your ottoman can become a table and your bedroom can become part-hallway.  Certainly budget and time play a role in creating a space you love but it’s important to make a home on your house. If you love a decor item – go for it. It you hate a piece of hand-me down furniture, upcycle it. There are no rules and no trends – if you love it, enjoy it – you are the one living there.H How have you created your home?