i have a special place in my heart for guy pads.

perhaps it's because most of the fellas in my life have a unique knack for utilizing and streamling even the smallest of spaces (the broom closet office, anyone?) and they tend to get quite crafty in the DIY department (turn a discarded headboard into a wine glass rack...why not?).

which brings me to the solona beach pad of jonathan lo. if you don't know jonathan, you need to. he's the brilliance behind happy mundane and j3 productions, and has over a million followers on pinterest, because mr. lo knows a good thing when he sees it.

check out jonathan's diggable digs, which are brilliantly photographed by dabito of old brand new. his comfy, airy, and beachy pad is composed of vintage pieces and a few furnishing from IKEA that were cleverly turned into I-KANDY. can you spot them? (hint, hint -- bookshelf and desk).

the mix of vintage/new ceramics, blues, brass, and glass is perfect oceanside. makes me want to sip mango cocktails, take up pottery, and hula hoop on a surfboard. actually, most decor makes me want to do that.

also, if you want to know how to make a popcorn ceiling work, check it out. it's all about keeping it breezy and light and turning your overhead into a textured feature. and a ball light doesn't hurt.

neither does a whale.

view the entire gallery at old brand new. thank you, jonathan and dabito!