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The Art of Compromise With Minted

November 8, 2017 by jessica 1 Comment

Minted Art Review

As you may have gathered, we’re not exactly rushing things when it comes to our house. We’ve done a lot of work when it comes to the basics like painting (yet there’s still a ton to do) and refinishing the floors, but decided to ease into it when it came to furnishing and decorating our space. It’s tempting to add every piece we love from, say, West Elm and CB2, and do a quick turnaround that we’d be content with. However, we don’t want our home to look like the brands’ catalogs circa 2017 in a few years.

Sure, we did add a few West Elm pieces to our house (namely the coffee table we already owned, the bar cabinet, nightstands, and the duck lamp), but we’ve been seeking out other retailers as much as possible. We went to a local furniture store to pick out our couch, which is this beauty from Younger. We found our TV console/credenza from an L.A.-based designer on Etsy. We’ve picked up a vintage map of Denmark to frame. We’re also incorporating items we’ve picked up on our travels into our decor — and hope to buy more housewares when we’re traveling now that we actually have a house instead of an over-stuffed apartment! Basically, we hope that by taking our time to collect items we’re both crazy about will create a space that truly reflects our style.

That isn’t to say there aren’t challenges when it comes to creating a space as a couple. Dave and I agree on a lot of items that are Danish-inspired or mid-century modern, but that’s not always the case when it comes to decorations and artwork. After we had our offer accepted on the house this spring, I had the opportunity to work with Minted to choose an art print for our new home. Talk about the best housewarming gift ever! It hit on our design preference of adding a high-quality print by an independent artist to our home, so we were obviously on board. I spent hours scouring their incredible collection of prints from independent artists and came up with a few options for our living room:

Minted Art Review

Dave hated the direction I was going in and didn’t think a bright, beachy vibe belonged in a house in Wisconsin. While I insisted that it would be nice to come home and feel like you’re on vacation, it wasn’t a strong enough argument to sway him! So, I tasked him with coming up with some that he liked:

Minted Art Review

I liked some of the prints he picked, like the one of Stockholm, and the color scheme was similar to mine, but they just didn’t resonate with me. I was obviously disappointed, so he told me that I could just pick whatever I wanted and he’d be fine with it. It was awfully tempting to just go with a beach print and call it a day, but I didn’t want to do that. We were picking out a large print and I wanted him to love everything about our living room each time he came home. So, I was prepared to compromise and identified the things that were most important to us: I wanted something that had cool tones and either a beach print or an abstract; he wanted something that was sophisticated and reminded us of a place we’ve traveled to. During these discussions, we decided that we’d love to go with a 44″ square print so that helped narrow our search by size. We found this:

Minted Art Review

When we came across “Sombras” by artist Lulaloo with our compromise-criteria in mind, we knew it was the one. It had a sophisticated, cool color palette with an abstract design; and it reminded me, at least, of being en route to a destination. I’m actually surprised I liked it as much as I did because the print could come off as a cold, wet winter day. But I actually get a sense of coziness and warmth from the piece, especially of when it comes to the couple toward the middle. We placed the order immediately — before either one of us could second guess it!

When you’re ready to place your order with Minted, you have options to customize your print to your liking and budget:

  • Paper: You can go with the standard option of acid- and lignin-free paper with a deluxe pigment print, or the archival option on 100% cotton rag paper for a museum-quality archival pigment print. We went with the less expensive, standard option.
  • Size: Most, if not all, prints come in a wide range of sizes, giving you the flexibility to choose a statement piece to feature or find the perfect petite print to fill in a spot on your gallery wall. There’s also a size chart with a person holding the various-sized prints. It’s an easier reference point than gauging the size based on a room rendering.
  • Frame: Minted offers 15 frame options. We went with with the white frame because of its versatility.
  • Signature: If you opt for a white border around your print rather than a mat, you can have the artist sign the work. I love going with this option because it makes it feel more personalized.

The print arrived roughly a week later, which was a bit earlier than we expected! Our floors were beginning to be refinished, but I was able sneak the print into the house before the stain and polyurethane was applied to the floors. When we finally unwrapped it, it was even better than we anticipated. It’s well packaged so that the frame doesn’t get damaged in transport. The frame is well made and sturdy. It also comes with a hanging wire on back so that it’s ready to be displayed. I wish you could see the quality in person. I know it’s a gamble to order art online, but Minted surpasses all expectations.

Minted Art Review

Next week, I’ll talk about how the print works with the other pieces in the living room, along with a few progress photos of where things are at!

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Thank you to Minted for partnering on this post!

Filed Under: Home Tagged With: art, home decor, minted, minted art, review

The Coveted

June 6, 2017 by jessica 2 Comments

The Coveted 06.06.17 :: Bedknobs & Baubles

We finally picked out our first piece of art for our new home: Sombras by Lulaloo. It’s moodier than I had planned on, but Dave put the kibosh on adding more tropical-inspired artwork to our ever-growing collection of beach prints. I may have grumbled at our first design compromise for the new house, but it really is a gorgeous, sophisticated piece that will serve as the focal point of the room — especially since we’re going big with the 44-inch square print! I can’t wait to see it in person. Elsewhere in the house, we’ll do a gallery wall where I’d like to add this sweet print by Aspacia Kusulas.

1. J.Crew halter keyhole one-piece swimsuit | 2. Muuñ Cabana tote | 3. Lele Sadoughi Pendulum earrings | 4. Aspacia Kusulas I’d Rather Wear Flowers | 5. Julie Vos Soho ring | 6. Bauble Bar Evelyn ball drop earrings | 7. Topshop swing cami | 8. Topshop floral wide-leg trousers | 9. Sam Edelman Theodora velvet-trim satin sandals | 10. Kate Spade Shine On drop stud earrings

Filed Under: Style, The Coveted Tagged With: bauble bar earrings, dark floral, floral, Lele Sadoughi, minted, minted art, Sam Edelman, swimsuit

Late With Your Holiday Cards? Don’t Fret!

December 19, 2016 by jessica 4 Comments

Minted Holiday Card Review

I’m the worst at getting holiday cards out on time. I always try to have them postmarked before Dec. 25, but after years of failing miserably, I’ve resigned myself to sending New Year’s cards or, like one year, Valentine’s greetings. And you know what? They’re even more well received than the standard-issue Christmas card! No one expects an off-season greeting, which makes your card even more special. That said, I was still grateful when Minted reached out to me to see if I’d like to collaborate on this year’s holiday card. It was the kick in the rear I needed to start the project earlier than usual.

…and then I procrastinated.

Well, that’s not completely accurate. I had my parents take a photo of us over Thanksgiving for our holiday card, which I ended up hating, and then I spent entirely too much time criticizing all of the photos we’ve taken together over the year. Before I knew it, Christmas was right around the corner and I finally placed an order for my holiday greetings on Dec. 10. I chose the rush shipping and opted to go without a proof of my design to expedite my purchase. They arrived just a few days later on Dec. 14. Phew!

So, rest assured that if you still haven’t taken care of your holiday greetings, you don’t need to settle for generic store-bought cards. You can look like you had your act together with personalized ones. Just hustle to get them done today by 6:30 p.m. Pacific Time and use code SHIPNOW for free express shipping. You’ll have plenty of time to get them addressed and postmarked before the holidays. Or, just follow my lead and go with New Year’s cards to give yourself some breathing room and use code WINTER16 to save 15% on your order! And if you choose the same design I did, you can not-so-humble brag about your adventures from 2016! 😉

Minted Holiday Card Review
Minted Holiday Card Review
Minted Holiday Card Review

Minted cards (c/o) | Sugar Paper ribbon | Sugar Paper baker’s twine | Sugar Paper wrapping paper | Sugar Paper jingle bells | Target star ribbon

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guides Tagged With: christmas, christmas cards, Holidays, minted, new year's, new year's cards

Choosing Art With Minted

October 21, 2015 by jessica 8 Comments

Minted1

I’m a sucker for a good piece of art. Ever since I moved away from home, I would pick out a piece of artwork each summer from the annual art fair in Madison, and my 31st birthday present to myself was a Gray Malin print. So, when Minted asked if I’d be interested in checking out their stable of artists, I jumped at the chance to add a new piece to my ever-growing collection. And, while we should be spending our time looking at houses, isn’t it more fun to think of the items nestled inside once the mortgage is signed? (No? Just me?)

Even though I’m kidding about that, it does bring up a worthwhile reminder. Buying art as a couple is full of compromises. We sat down together and scoured Minted’s marketplace of independent artists, discussing the things we loved and didn’t love about each piece, eventually narrowing it down to a handful of favorites (or ones we could both live with), including (clockwise, starting from the top): Float, Morning Mist, Going For a Swim, Pining For Pineapple, Bits, Malibu Surf & Sky II, and Rainforest.

Minted2

Given my propensity for seaworthy prints and ocean hues, we decided to go with something that would complement our art collection and chose “Morning Mist” by artist Lindsay Megahed. The print has the color scheme I’m drawn to, while adding welcome contrast. Once that was settled, there were a few more decisions to make:

  • Paper: You can go with the standard option of acid- and lignin-free paper with a deluxe pigment print, or the archival option on 100% cotton rag paper for a museum-quality archival pigment print. We went with the less expensive, standard option.
  • Size: Most, if not all, prints come in a wide range of sizes. In the case of our pick, sizes start at 5″ x 7″ and go up to 44″ x 60″, giving you the flexibility to choose a statement piece to feature or find the perfect petite print to fill in a spot on your gallery wall. (We went with 18″ x 24″.) There’s also a handy size chart at the bottom that shows a person holding the various prints. It’s an easier reference point than gauging the size based on a room rendering.
  • Frame: Minted offers 11 choices to coordinate with various interiors. We went with the ultra sleek white option. (I’d like all of our art to have white frames, eventually.)

Minted4

The print arrived safely in a sturdy cardboard mailer approximately 10 days later. Artist signatures adorned the inside of the package. (You know I love good branding.)

Minted7Minted5
Minted6

You also have the option of having the artist sign the work in pencil in the lower, right corner of the piece. (Honestly, I’m not sure why anyone would decline this option. It makes the work feel more personal.) It comes ready to hang with wire attached to the back of the frame.

Minted9
Shop It: Minted art | Kate Spade couch, lamp, and table | West Elm glass knot | Zoya nail polish

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Thanks to Minted for partnering on this post!

Filed Under: Home, Sponsored Tagged With: Lindsay Megahed, minted, minted art, Morning Mist by Lindsay Megahed

Hello!


Jessica Hamm
Hello there! I'm a first-time homeowner updating a 1920s house in Madison, Wisconsin. I have a penchant for travel and a love of costume jewelry. Follow along for personal style, travel, and lifestyle content.

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Over the weekend, we drove to Michigan and welcome Over the weekend, we drove to Michigan and welcomed this little lady to the family! She’s a two-year old snow Bengal that was surrendered after being bullied by the other cats in her home. We’re pretty sure she’s a seal lynx point Bengal, which has Siamese in the lineage, based on her vibrant, slightly crossed blue eyes. She is the sweetest, softest, most playful, and unbelievably talkative little girl. We’re crazy about her! 

We haven’t picked a name just yet, though. We have some ideas, but we’re waiting to get to know her personality more. 😊

#bengalcat #snowbengal #snowbengalsofinstagram #schoolhouse #schoolhouseelectric #schoolhouseliving
Looking back at the changes we made to our home in Looking back at the changes we made to our home in 2022. 

#homerenovation #homedecor #home #ckstyleaccordingly #showemyourstyled #homeremodel #thisoldhouse #1920sHouse #dominomag
Merry Christmas! My own Christmas tree isn’t a Merry Christmas! 

My own Christmas tree isn’t as tinsel’d as this one from the Christmas museum in Salzburg nor does it rotate. Consider these goals for next year. 

@salzburgerweihnachtsmuseum @visitsalzburg #visitsalzburg #salzburgaustria #austria #salzburg #christmastree #vintagechristmas #tinsel #vintagechristmasdecor
I made @csaffitz’s raspberry almond thumbprint c I made @csaffitz’s raspberry almond thumbprint cookies and they’re delicious, but a lot of work and they don’t hold up well. If you’re planning on them this year, don’t add the jam dollop until just before you’re ready to serve them. The moisture gets sucked in overnight. Still good, of course, just softer than the first day. 

#whatsfordessert #dessertperson #clairesaffitz #clairesaffitzrecipes #christmascookies #holidaycookies #baking #cookies #bonappetit
I absolutely fell in love with the charming Austri I absolutely fell in love with the charming Austrian city of Salzburg. Head to the blog for a photo diary, sightseeing recommendations, a list of restaurants and bars we enjoyed, and where to stay if you’re planning your own getaway. 

#visitaustria #visitsalzburg #salzburg #salzburgaustria #travel #travelphotography #condenasttraveller #travelandleisure #feelaustria
The first snowfall of the year isn’t so bad when The first snowfall of the year isn’t so bad when it’s this pretty … and when the sidewalks and roads are still too warm for it to stick there. All of the aesthetics without having to shovel! ❄️
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