VIDEO: PURE DESIGN

From delectable bites to inspiring retro design, Pure Taqueria brings more to the table than fabulous fare.

Photography by Katlyne Hill

Located in the Inman Park community of Atlanta, Pure Taqueria has quickly become one of my favorite hotspots for some of the freshest authentic Mexican dishes. Every since Dayka turned me on to this place about 2 weeks ago, I've been back three times! In addition to falling in love with the food, I was completely smitted by the decor.

 

Meredith Fords of the Atlanta Journal Constitution described it best when she said, "Eating here feels like a day at a Mexican beach." The restaurant has whitewashed planked walls as well as accent walls of watery mosaic tiles like sea glass found on the shore. The ceilings and duct work are exposed but are painted a beautiful seafoam green. 

Vintage signs, furnishings, fabrics, and retro appliances make this place feel welcoming and familiar. Upon entry, one of the first things you see are the employees' lockers painted in a sunny yellow. As you continue further into the restaurant with its retro fabrics, tables, chairs, and barstools, you will see it has an undeniable schoolhouse charm.

Here are a few examples of homes that incorporate a bit of the retro vibe:

houzz.com

 Bosworth Hoedemaker

David Churchill

Fiorella Design

Feeling a Little Peacocky

This weekend I received an email from Tonia over at Chic Modern Village with a photo of this awesome find.

She purchased this pair for only $12! By the looks of the photo it appears that do not stand alone and would perhaps be wall decor.  This morning I performed a search for "peacock wall sculpture" and found the image in the inset. Hmm....

I searched a bit more and found it in excellent condition and for sale on a vintage dealer's website.  This 1960's Peacock Wall Sculpture is selling for $650.  And look, Tonia's piece originally had a snazzy jewel encrusted headdress! 

Even though someone snatched her peacocks' bling, I wonder if there is still antique value there?  If she could at least get $200 for them that would be enough for me to "shake a tail-feather"...If not, she could give them an extreme makeover with a fresh coat of paint with a high gloss enamel. The paint may be a step down from their previous lifestyle, but hey we're all downsizing a bit, right?  The "rehabbed" peacocks could get a new job as her wall sculptures or even stand proudly in front of a fireplace.  My first inclination would be to paint them white, but without knowing her home's decor the options are endless.  What do you think she should do?

Mid-Century Chic Office Space

In lieu of today's Tastemaker Tuesday post, BluLabel Bungalow presents Day 1 of The Home Office Series. This series was formed as a result of your emails regarding last week's Facebook post soliciting your design dilemmas. This first letter comes from Pam...

Hi Erika! I love your blog/website and have added you to my favorites. I need some advice. I have a small, windowless office with white walls in which I would love to jazz up with retro (60's,70's) decor. I love color! It has to be functional and most of all INEXPENSIVE! I have an old desk, a metal file cabinet and metal bookcase (yuk). Any ideas? Pam

Pam, I'm so glad you enjoy reading my blog and thank you for your email! Let me start by saying that decorating in a workplace can be a lot like decorating in an apartment. Often times you are not allowed to paint the walls but there are many more ways to add life to those pale walls. For starters, try framing a colorful piece of fabric or wallpaper for instant art. If you have chairs for visitors, recover the seats in a complimentary fabric or the same fabric as your framed art.You may also consider buyinginexpensive gallery frames from Ikea and spray painting them in a color of your choice. Then, establish a gallery-like feel by transforming your color photographs into black and white or sepia tone.

Rugs add color as well as storage boxes and desk accessories. Try just a few retro pieces and avoid being too theme-y for the workplace...you must maintain a certain level of professionalism. Get color inspiration from retro posters, product packaging, or maybe one of your favorite retro clothing items. Shop thrift stores, flea markets, and yard sales for accessories and accent furniture if you are trying to keep the budget low. Look around the house for items that you are no longer using and try them out in your office. A coat of spray paint (after the proper prep) will revive just about any tired object.

Just to get your creative juices flowing, I've put together a sample color palette, fabrics, and wallpaper ideas. Below the project images, you will find a link to instructions for each DIY project.

The above palette offers a wide range of colors to choose from. The inspiration came from the fabric below recommended for the covered lampshade project .

The above lampshade is from Ikea and costs only $5! This fabric offers lots of color direction and is such a steal at $10.95 yd. The chocolate trim can be found here at M&J Trimming. CLICK HERE FOR THE DIY.

This next project is super-simple! CLICK HERE FOR THE BULLETIN BOARD DIY!

And for my favorite DIY of all...the File Cabinet Overhaul!

Thanks again Pam for your letter. Please keep me updated on your progress!