Good afternoon! Happy Friday. First of all, thanks so much for all the warm welcomes back to the blog. I'm so happy to be here! Today's a short and sweet welcome to spring. As I mentioned yesterday, the weather here in NYC (and throughout the East Coast I believe) is smashing. Yesterday was 75 degrees and I was soaking it in. But the most exciting part about warmer weather?

Spray paint weather!!! If you follow me on Instagram, you may notice that I have actually started posting on Instagram, including my plans for yesterday. My brethren with garages or who live in temperate climates may not fully understand the hell that is winter for a spray paint addict. It. Is. Hell. So as soon as it warmed up, I started digging into my stash of crap -I've-been-holding-onto-so-I-can-transform-it-with the-magic-of-paint. (Side note here, about our apartment: It's not fancy, and our direct view onto this rooftop and the opposite building's brick wall isn't exactly a selling point. But if we lived someplace a smidge more expensive, with, say, greenery on the roof, the neighbors might object to me climbing out the window and tagging the place. So it's a balance).

My goal with yesterday's spray projects was to liven up our dresser/nightstands in Bret and my room. I love my room, and everyone always comments on how soothing it is, but somewhere along the way, it took a turn for beachy cottage that I didn't exactly intend. So I've been thinking of ways to return to more my style -- which is a total mystery, but let's say boho-vintage-collected-graphic, mmmkay -- and this area seemed like a good place to start. Those lamps are lovely, but they're just not working for me anymore. And, though I love that pale blue Ikea pencil cup/vase thingy, I thought it could be a bit jazzed up too. I figured it would be fun to see how much of a transformation a couple coats of spray paint might make.

For this project, I tried out some new (to me) spray paint: Montana Black. It's for real artists, and expensive, at more than $7 per can. But you guys. It's amazing.

I wanted a super matte black and a super shiny gold for these projects, and it delivered on both fronts. Those inky black lamps just kill me I love them so. PS, those lamps used to be in our family room, if you'd like a "before" shot. My only question is, should I have gone navy? The rest of the room is more sea green/navy with just a few hints of coral...but I love the black. What say you guys? And how about the vase? Pretty cool with the gold bottom, no? A little edgier?

Here's a slightly more pulled-back shot, if that helps with your decision making. Oh, and I guess we should discuss the "art." I painted it, yesterday, too, inspired by this Anthropologie rug. I think I'll share more on it later, but suffice it say that I really, really respect people with actual artistic ability. I'm not sold on the painting, but I hung it up here to see what I think of the idea of it. The idea still wins, for sure. Now for some new plans as to the execution. Also on deck: sprucing up the dresser knobs, a new headboard, some hanging plants. Fun, fun, fun!

So that's a little Friday love for you! See you next week!