lighting love: square lanterns

Oh, what a weekend it was here in Austin. The ACL festival has taken this town to another level. I love the energy that Austin gets during festival seasons, it reminds me of my beloved NYC. Now that things have calmed down a bit, I can focus again on work. I've been looking at lighting for a new project and have fallen absolutely in love with these square lanterns. I just love what they do for this modern space. 

Now I am all about these bad boys. They are sized just right for huge ceilings, but also can freshen up a more quaint space like this cheery little bathroom.

Natalie Clayman

There is nothing more romantic and dreamy than a rustic kitchen, especially in a town like Austin. This is totally the place for this wooded vibe. I fell in love with these wood square numbers, they're just so fun and I adore how they look in this kitchen. 

I've been looking for just the right one for an entryway. Here are my favorites so far...

How to care for your fiddle leaf fig tree [4 ways]

If you haven't heard of the fiddle leaf fig tree then you are totally missing out. Pretty much everyone in the home decor glossies has one, they are everywhere. However, anytime they get brought up in conversation or I suggest them to a client, I hear super negative reviews. The thing is, these babies are exactly that, babies. You have to give such intentional care to these houseplants and they require a LOT of love. I don't have kids yet, so I looooove taking care of my beautiful girl and I've had her for coming on 6 months and she's just as gorgeous as the day I got her, if not more. I've read a lot of blogs and reviews out there with tips and tricks, so I wanted to share a more simple list of what actually worked for me. 

TIP 1: Place your baby in indirect sunlight. What does that mean exactly? Well, I keep mine right by the window with the blinds half closed casting off the light from the sun. If she sits too far away from the window, she doesn't really get adequate light. So, try your best to place her by the window, just cover up the light a bit. 

TIP 2: I usually water her every 3/4 days, then I let her go a week. You can judge how thirsty she is by her leaves, the second they get brown. I like her to get a little thirsty so when she gets that way, I drench her with water and she tends to perk up quickly when its quenched. It's my little trick for keeping her looking perky and fresh always. 

TIP 3: Twist her according to her lean. When she sits in one place too long, her leaves will start to lean towards the window and the sunlight. That's when I know she is ready to turn. This keeps her standing up straight and pretty. 

TIP 4: Show her some sugar. I literally talk to my fiddle leaf and I pet her. It sounds a little weird but I swear it works. I tell her how pretty she is and how fab she is looking. Then I get a damp paper towel and wipe her leaves down, take out any that have browned, etc. 

There you have my secrets for taking care of the most sensitive houseplant. I got mine at Home Depot for about $50, she is short and pretty. You can get the tall ones for about $300 from your local nursery. 

If you don't think you are up for all the work, you can always get a faux fiddle leaf. Here are sources: