Get Inspired On Your Lunch Break!

While avoiding my lunch break visit to the gym yesterday, I decided to take a short walk to the Ferry building by the Embarcadero Plaza in San Francisco. I noticed that not only are the Embarcadero and Financial District areas great for a quick bite on your lunch break, but you can also find design inspiration everywhere.

For Example, walking by the Miette pastry shop, I couldn't help but notice the adorable pastel shabby chic tables and shelves that housed an
ornate display of cakes and pastries. It made me
want to turn my kitchen into a pastry shop!

Not only was I inspired by furniture, but walking by sculptures like the one in the picture inspired me to ditch the photos and actually go out and fill my empty frames with, well, art! Additionally, the silver is really in style right now, so a miniature version of this sculpture would probably look very trendy in a living room.

I just HAD to take a picture of the herb vases. This idea is brilliant! Not only can you keep your herbs fresh and easily accessible, you can use them to decorate your kitchen! Opening up your refrigerator to find a rotten bag of soggy greens is the worst! With these vases, you'll never get to that point because they will last longer and (in my case) be more readily used.

To compliment the weekly farmer's market at the ferry building, there are an array of "kitchen" shops to peruse. One of my favorites, Culinaire, offers a variety of kitchen antiques, from 16th century sword-like kitchen knives to 17th century french linens. This place has everything you need

If you're not up for taking the 5 minute walk to the water, try and find inspiration in your own office building. I was able to find a funky little shop with cute little paper lanterns (great for decorating a patio or backyard, perhaps?).

One of my favorite places to walk past in my building is Vanity, a nail salon. The decor in this place is so chic. Their mix of chandeliers, a mirror wall, and damask chairs really makes you want to pay $50 for a mani/pedi...or maybe just redecorate your bedroom ;)