Beyond

Let’s Get Crafty: No-Sew Stripes and Leather Cosmetic Bag

April 21, 2015

The other day I was switching handbags from a leather piece to something with more spring style. As I was doing that I realized how unorganized the contents of my handbag were. I had items floating around in the bottom of my bag and stuff jammed in the pockets. Time for a fix and a quick diy.

Over the years I’ve found that the best way to keep my handbag organized is to have several cosmetic bags or pouches to hold all the little things. Since my current ~~stash~~ hoard of cosmetic bags wasn’t moving me, I decided to get crafting and make a couple of new pieces.

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Design Trends Come Alive at the ASO Decorators’ Show House

April 20, 2015

Hello and welcome to a new week! As you may have noticed, the blog has been a little silent the last few days. Last week was one of those weeks when my schedule got the best of me and blogging got pushed to the side. Despite everything and a week of rainy days, I had a good week and got lots accomplished.

One of the fun things on my schedule last week was a preview event for the Atlanta Symphony Decorators’ Show House. Along with select designers and bloggers, I was invited to a private tour of the home before it opened to the public. Having attended many of the ASO show house over the years, I must say at this years’ show house, Chateau Soleil is one of my all-time favorites.

Let me take you on a little tour….

Built in 1998 and designed by architect William T. Baker, the 14,000 sq. foot French style estate sits on 2 beautifully landscaped acres. Named for its sunny, golden façade, Château Soleil is a show-stopper both inside and out.

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Fashion Focus: Building A Classic Earring Wardrobe

April 1, 2015

I love me some jewelry. If I ever leave home without earrings on, I feel naked and jewelry is one of my favorite impulse purchases. (tip: I always keep a pair of classic silver hoops in my wallet just in case)

My first buying job out of college was as an assistant buyer in the jewelry department for a department store in Seattle. This was back in the day when Monet was the ‘it’ fashion brand, Swatch watches were the style statement and it was trendy to only wear one earring like Janet Jackson did. (I know I’m not the only one who wore a key as an earring:)

Times have changed and so have the styles of jewelry that are now considered basic wardrobe elements. I thought it would be fun to take a look back at a few styles that made the 80’s great and what earring styles are considered an essential wardrobe staple today.

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Product + Inspiration: Vintage Brass Trays

March 31, 2015

I’m loving my new series, Product + Inspiration and I’m really excited to bring you this latest post which marries my love of vintage, brass and trays.

Brass trays are always on my radar whenever I’m antique shopping and in my book they are one of the best values when it comes to vintage decor. Trays in general top the list of practical and versatile accessories and the list of decorating ideas using trays is endless.

My favorite brass tray style is faux bamboo because of the classic details but if that look is not for you, there are lots of other styles you might run across.

Let me inspire you…

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Shopping Wayfair.com–Starburst Mirrors Under $200

March 18, 2015

via Robeson Design

One of my favorite decorative accessories is a starburst mirror. I love their shape and classic yet modern feel they add to a room.

The other day I was on the hunt for a budget friendly starburst mirror and found myself on Wayfair.com. If you’ve never shopped at Wayfair before, you’ve been missing out.

Wayfair is one of the world’s largest online resources for furniture, home furnishings and accessories, kitchen and bath decor as well as outdoor and home improvement products. They also carry a large selection of baby and kids items and offer free shipping on purchases over $49.

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Handmade Gold Leaf Necklace

March 13, 2015

My love for gold leaves started when I found this gold leaf tray to go in my guest bathroom. Ever since then I’ve been spotting leaf themed items everywhere.

The other day I popped into Michael’s to pick up some craft paint and I spotted these cute ceramic leaves in their dollar section. The leave came in a pack of two and were meant to be used as ornaments. Ornaments would be cute but I immediately imagined these little leaf gems crafted into a necklace.

One coat of gold leaf paint and a few vintage jewelry supplies and I had crafted this chic pendant necklace.

I’ve got a couple more necklaces in the works and I’ll be sure to share them when their finished.

Have a great weekend!

Defining My Accessory Formula (plus design tips)

March 10, 2015

Have you ever looked around your home and discovered that you have an accessory formula? I know I have a definite design style, Eclectic Glam but I didn’t fully recognize that I have a ‘formula’ when it comes to the accessories that I decorate with. My formula is a combination of classic styling, pops of color, graphic patterns, lots of black, touches of gold, texture and more design books then you can imagine. Here’s a visual of what my accessory formula looks like and a little bit about why I gravitate towards some of these elements.

Bold lighting is one of my favorite ways to create visual impact in a room and I love the drama that a black lampshade gives a space. Tip: the diameter of the bottom of the shade should not be greater than the height of the lamp body (to the bottom of the socket).

When it comes to mirror styles, starburst mirrors are at the top of my list. You can hang larger starburst mirrors by themselves or hang smaller mirrors in the center of a large rectangular or square mirror to create dimensional decor. Starburst mirrors are also great to incorporate into a gallery wall display.

Colorful artwork is my artwork of choice. I have lots of original black art that my mom brought back from a trip to Africa and definitely adds a personal touch to my decor. I prefer watercolors or more traditional art but abstract is slowly growing on me. Tip: in general, when hanging art over a piece of furniture it should not be longer than the width of the furniture. You want the art and the furniture piece to feel balanced.

I am a confessed pillow addict and have more than my fair share. I love mixing graphic patterned pillows with solid textures or florals, and that pillows are an inexpensive way to change the look of my decor each season. Tip: always buy pillow inserts one or two sizes larger than the pillow cover so that your pillow is plush and full.

Baskets are my friend. I used them not only as decor but for organization in every room.

My rule of thumb when it comes to decorative accessories is buy what you love and you’ll always find a place for it. I love decorative boxes, vintage pieces and always try to incorporate a whimsical accent into my decor. Tip: when decorating tabletops, group accessories in odd numbers. The basic idea of the rule is that details and objects that are arranged or grouped in odd numbers are more appealing, memorable, and effective than even-numbered pairings.

Over the year I’ve tried decorating in neutrals and more muted colors and every time I’ve felt uneasy. I love color and use it to add a signature feel to my decor. Tip: decorate with the colors you wear and your decor will feel a stronger connection to your decor. If you want to learn more about the impact of color in your life, here’s a great article.

When it’s all said and done, my accessory formula is definitely a reflection of my personality!

When you look around your house, can to tell if you have an accessory formula that guides you when decorating?

Shopping Source List: Possini Euro Design Lamp / Virginia Picture Frames / Sole Starburst Mirror / Surya Tobias Throw Blanket / Dreams in Floral Art / Kisanii Pillow Cover / Bubble Knit Pillow / Cowhide Rug / Gold Wishbone / Black Box with Agate / Braided Storage Basket / Pizzazz Area Rug

A Lighting Company that’s so much more!

March 5, 2015

On a daily basis my mailbox is filled with catalogs. I try my best to flip through each one but often times they get laid to the side and then in a moment of de-cluttering they get thrown in the trash.

The other day I received the Rejuvenation Lighting & House Parts catalog in the mail and immediately stopped, dropped and looked at every page. The cover image is what caught my attention and I couldn’t wait to learn more about this lighting and home line.

Butte Faceted Pendant / Butte Cone Pendant / Butte Dome Pendant / Galaxy Wide Chandelier / Carson Rod Pendant / Haleigh Pendant

Rejuvenation House Parts was founded in 1977, but the story really begins in 1975 – when Jim Kelly purchased a condemned saloon in a rough-hewn Portland, Oregon neighborhood for $1,000. During two years of extensive renovations, Kelly had a difficult time finding the lighting and house parts he needed to preserve the historic character and details of his small building.

Recognizing an opportunity, he decided to use his small storefront to serve the needs of like-minded old-house renovators. After borrowing $2,500, he opened what was essentially a specialized junk store selling architectural salvage – things like doors, windows, light fixtures, clawfoot tubs. Using antique fixtures as models, he hired his first “manufacturing” employee to start making basic reproduction Victorian and early 20th-century ceiling fixtures and wall brackets.

By 1982, strong demand encouraged Kelly to create a mail-order catalogue. In 2011, Rejuvenation joined the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. portfolio of brands. Today we offer a wide range of products, including furniture and home décor, and have four retail stores.

At first glance Rejuvenation is a lighting company but boy-oh-boy do they have so much more to offer.