Beyond

My (NEW) Favorite Way To Create Flower Arrangements

April 26, 2018

Don’t you just love decorating your home with fresh flowers? Me too, but buying fresh flowers can be expensive especially when you like lush arrangements like I do.

Earlier this week I was feeling a bit guilty for what I was spending on fresh flowers so I decided to jump on the faux flower trend.

If you follow interior designers and design bloggers on social media, you’ve been seeing more and more faux flower arrangements in their room designs. The faux flower trend is no longer taboo they are being used right alongside fresh flowers.

One of the main reasons faux flower decor is making a comeback is because the quality of has gotten so good. In many cases it can be hard to tell a faux stem from the real thing.

On Tuesday I created this arrangement mixing faux and real stems and I am over the moon with how it turned out.

The beautiful chinoiserie foot bath was a lucky find at an estate sale and I love using it on my dining room sideboard. Because the piece is large, keeping it filled with fresh flowers is not budget friendly so the mix of real and faux is a perfect solution.

Can you tell which flowers in my arrangement are real and which are fake? Keep reading to find out!

Today, I’m giving you tips and tricks on how to style real + faux flowers and where to buy faux stems.

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Where To Buy Faux Flower Stems

You can find quality silk flowers at Michael’s and Hobby Lobby but for the most realistic looking faux stems I like to shop online.

Petals.com has a large selection of stems as well as pre-made flower arrangements. Their peony and cherry blossom stems are my favorite.

At Afloral you can shop flowers by color or variety which makes it easy to create a unique floral arrangement. They also have a great selection of bouquets that can be dropped into a vase for a quick and easy centerpiece. The peony & ranunculus bouquet is one of my top picks.

Balsam Hill recently introduced a line of silk flowers designed by blogger Courtney of French Country Cottage and they are just beautiful. They also sell a high quality (and a tad more expensive) collection of flower stems. My favorites are the set of 7 dahlia stems are set of 4 hydrangea.

Pottery Barn is another place where I buy faux flower stems. Even though the selection is small, their prices are good. If you’re looking for a good quality faux eucalyptus stem they have one currently on sale for $19.

What Look For In Faux Flower Stems

Material–the best faux flowers are made silk or polyester that have a soft, velvety life-like feel to them. Avoid stems that look and feel like plastic.
Details–look for stems that are bendable, have realistic stems and texture in the petals and leaves.
Color–when you look at a real flower you’ll see that it is not all one color. Real flowers have color variations throughout the petals. These are the same color details you should look for in faux stems.

Now that you know where to buy faux flowers and what to look for, here are my tips of styling a beautiful flower arrangement.

Ok, now its time to real the real vs faux stems in my arrangement…

Today’s design tip: Don’t Be Afraid To Fake It:)

Thanks for stopping by the blog today.

Weekend Wrap Up: Vol. 4

April 21, 2018

Hi friends. Hooray for the weekend. It’s been a busy week so I’m planning to spend most of my weekend indoors tackling a few projects. I have a few pieces of furniture to paint and I’m hoping to get some flowers planted on my deck. And the last piece of furniture for my office arrived this week so I can finally put the finishing touches on my office.

To kick off the weekend, I’ve rounded up a few things that caught my eye and inspired me (or not) this week. Enjoy the links and your weekend.

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STYLE INSPIRATION

Once I looked through designer Lindsey Lane’s interior design portfolio, I headed to her Instagram feed and was just as smitten. She’s definitely one to follow.

images via Lindsey Lane

Have you guys been watching the reboot of Trading Spaces? If so, I’d love to know what you think. I was so excited for the relaunch but so far I’m a little disappointed in the room designed. With a $2000 design budget and more affordable and stylish decor on the market, I was hoping for an elevated level of design. So far I’m a bit let down by the rooms that have been created. It’s only episode 2 so I’m holding out that we’ll see some amazing room designs in future episodes.

** Want to see how the designers have decorated their own homes? Take a peek inside the homes of the Trading Spaces designers.

Have you noticed that a silk scarf is the hot new accessory to add to a handbag? I love the look and found a great source for silk scarves that are just .99 cents each.

Since we’re on the topic of shopping, you might want to check out the One Kings Lane warehouse sale. There are so many great deals including this pillow set, this gorgeous headboard and this amazing crystal candelabra that’s on sale for $45.

I’m so excited about the new Good Company magazine by Grace Bonney of Design Sponge. If you loved Grace’s book, In the Company of Women you’ll definitely want to subscribe to this The magazine will hit newsstands on May 1st but you can pre-order a copy here (affiliate link).

Tips on How to Stretch Your Decorating Dollar from two of my favorite designers. Great advice no matter what stage of decorating you are in.

PHOTO: Julie Holder; DESIGN: Nate Berkus

Anatomy Of A Well Style Room–Revisited!

April 20, 2018

The key elements are in place and now it’s time to add the finishing touches to your decor. Where do you start with styling a room and what elements are needed to pull everything together?

Today I’m answering that question and outlining the key components to a well-styled room.

The first step in to putting the finishing touches on the decor of a room is to have a plan. Developing a vision for the space even before furniture has been purchased will go a long way to creating the space your desire. Create an inspiration board with fabric and color swatches, photos of accessories you like and images that reflect the overall feel you want the space to have.

Next, clear the room of all your current accessories so that you are starting with a clean palette. Take time to go through the things you own and decide which pieces you really want back in the room. Use only the items that work with your design vision and that you love, otherwise the room won’t bring your ultimate joy.

Once all the key elements like furniture and window treatments are in place, create a plan for accessorizing. Pull the existing items you’ve kept back into the room and begin placing them where you want. Once that is done, take stock of the room and create a list of the new items you need to buy. New pillows, a throw and even something a simple as a decorative tray can make a space come alive.

As you place accessories around the room keep these tips in mind:

Place accessories so that they enhance the focal point within the room, not compete with it. Hang a dynamic mirror over the mantel instead of placing it on another wall within the room.
Create groupings with your tabletop decor to add impact and interest. And remember that smaller accessory items look best with grouped together versus scattered around a room.
Group items of different sizes to create visual movement. Use books to elevate objects and create balance.
Spread collections around the room unless you have a dedicated display piece for them.
Accessorize so the eye has different levels to look at. This includes accessories on the floor, walls and in even the lighting at the ceiling.
Incorporate a living element like a plant or flowers to add softness and a sense of energy.
A well-styled room is about balance. Don’t fill every square inch of space–leave spaces where the eye can rest.
Use color as a unifying element within the room.
Every accessory mix should incorporate a variety of finishes, textures, materials, styles and a touch of black to help visually anchor the room.
Add a corky element to delight, surprise and bring a sense of playfulness to the room.

Don’t rush the styling of your home. The accessories and finishing touches are often the elements that take the most time but have the greatest impact of how the room looks and feels.

“An empty room is a store waiting to happen, and you are the author.”

Every room in your home is different so look at each area for what it has to offer and make the most of each space so in the end you’ll have a well-styled home.

all images via Domino

5 Decor Trends I’m Totally Over (and those I’m loving)

April 18, 2018

You know the saying, all good things must come to and end! Well, that’s how I’m feeling about a few decor trends these days.

Some of the decor trends I’m sharing have been around for years and were very popular at their peak. Others have come on the scene in the last couple of years thanks in part to Pinterest and the DIY movement. Regardless of how long these trends have been around, they have run their course and now need to fade away.

No. 1–Bohemian Tapestries–I love eclectic decor and the exotic patterns and details that bohemian style is known for. I am however over the woven tapestry wall hangings that you’re seeing everywhere these days. In fact, I was kind of over them back in the 80’s when they originated. I vividly remember making one of these in a crafting class back then. When it comes to textural wall decor, I’m more a fan of abstract art or framed architectural findings to add personality to a room.

No. 2–Succulents–One of my design mantras is that every house needs greenery or florals as part of their decor. But instead of small succulent, I suggest for big, beautiful plants and fresh flowers. Did you know that plants help to keep the temperature down in a home and also reduce airborne dust levels? Yes they do! That’s even more reason to add a few plants to your decor.

No. 3–Bell Shaped Lampshades–As one of the most traditional lampshade silhouettes, bell shades have been popular for decades. While they may still be the best option for some lamp styles, taped drum shades are a more updated option. Tapered drums create the same visual effect but have softer lines and a less rigid look. fyi–for more tips on lighting check out my Lampshade Design Guide.

No. 4–Chevron Patterns–Chevron patterns need to be banned, not just on rugs but on every design application you can think of. Today there are so many more interesting patterns for textiles like rugs, pillows, curtains and bedding. I’m currently loving abstract designs and vintage inspired patterns.

No. 5–Chalkboard Walls–I actually like the function that a chalkboard wall offers but think they should now be reserved for more private spaces like a playroom and laundry rooms. And I’m certainly over a full chalkboard wall unless you’re an artist and you use it as a canvas. To replace the chalkboard trend, I vote for a fun wallpaper or a stenciled wall to add pattern and visual interest to a space.

So there’s my take of what’s hot and what’s not in the design world. I know there are other trends on their way out but these are the ones at the top of my hit list.

Are there any decor trends that you’re totally over?

I Know Where I’ll Be On April 8th–Shopping the OPALHOUSE collection at Target.

April 2, 2018

Hi friends. I hope everyone had a great Easter and a relaxing weekend. We spent most of the weekend at home installing wallpaper on the ceiling of my office. Boy was that a job! It’s going to take me shoulders a couple of days recuperate but the pain is was worth it because I am absolutely in love with the ceiling. You can catch a sneak peek over on Instagram.

Besides the wallpaper, I’m also excited that April is here and that April 8th is fast approaching. Why you ask? Because my birthday is just a week away and there’s a really exciting product launch is happening at Target this Sunday.

Target’s newest home collection, Opalhouse launches in stores and online on April 8th and man are there some gorgeous pieces.

The new collection is right up my alley with bold colors, lush textures and handcrafted details. According to Target, there are more than 1,300 pieces in the collection spanning bedding, bath, décor, tabletop and furniture. Target’s design team traveled far and wide to cities like Aix-en-Provence, Lisbon, Paris and Mallorca to gather inspiration to create a collection of authentically inspired, eclectic pieces. And along with all of the amazing items, one of the best thing about the collection is that most items are under $30!!

As soon as the email announcing the launch landed in my inbox, I did some virtual shopping and created my shopping list. Want to see which OPALHOUSE items I’m going to be stalking?

This Green Striped Tasseled Rug would be a fun accent in a bathroom or doorway. It’s available in 3 sizes starting at just $19.99.

I can’t believe the price ($79.99) of this gorgeous Tole Chandelier. It’s the prefect size to hang over a bathtub or in a closet.

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love the glass candle holders in the collection. The green glass candleholder is also available in orange and is only $14.99. The pink glass taper holder is $12.99 and a shorter teal taper holder, also $12.99.

How cute is this rattan elephant basket. It could be used to hold magazines, remotes or as a plant basket. $24.99

I definitely don’t need another tray in my life but I just might have to pull the trigger on this handcrafted rattan tray. It’s just $24.99 and would make an ideal coffee table accent or desk tray.

The Opalhouse pillow collection is going to create some major havoc to my already out of control pillow collection.There are so many great styles and the colors are so vibrant and pretty. And there are some really great black and white and natural designs for those of you that aren’t into bold and bright.

Round Pleated Velvet Pillow–$26.99–6 colors // Tufted Diamond Skinny Lumbar Pillow–$19.99 // Pleated Yellow Velvet Lumbar Pillow–$12.99 // Velvet Fringe Pillow–$24.99–3 colors // Green Velvet Medallion Pillow–$24.99

I could go on and on about the chairs in the Opalhouse collection. If you’re in the market for accent chairs you’ll definitely want to check them all out. This rattan arm-chair caught my eye and I just love the silhouette and lines on it. It would also be easy to have a cushion made for it to add even more style. $149.99

I’m always on the hunt for small side table and love the look of this hexagon wood table. It’s hard to believe that its only $79.99 especially with the white marble top.

Round coffee tables are getting lots of love right now in the design world. This round coffee table is actually part of a set–it comes with a matching side table and the set is only $199.99. Don’t love the black–it’s also available in natural.

I really can’t believe that this caned double-door chest is only $159.99. I’ve seen similar styles for double and triple the price. This piece would be ideal for a small entryway, hallway landing or to hold linens in a bedroom.

You all know I love pretty tableware. There’s lots in the Opalhouse collection so if you’re like me, hold on to your wallet.

First up on my shopping list are these green canary melamine plates. The individual plates are just $1.99 each but this design is also available as part of an assorted set of salad plates ($7.96) and dinner plates ($11.96). Perfect of outdoor entertaining.

Aren’t these wood planters cool? I love the rustic yet refined they are. There are three sizes with prices from $19.99 to $59.99. The planters can be used indoors and outdoors. And I think they would make great serving vessels for chips and snacks or wine in the larger size.

I can never pass up a pretty dinner napkin. These navy blue cloth napkins have a mini pom pom trim around edge making them great for dressy or causal entertaining. $2.50 each and also available in orange.

I’m thinking of using this mango wood carved tray as a platform to hold items on my kitchen counter. It would also be a great riser for a plant. $19.99

My two favorite colors in a dinner plate–its doesn’t get much better than that. This scalloped edge melamine plate is just $2.99 and is designed to mix and match with other designs in the line.

I adore the color combination of this linen table runner. The teal and Chartreuse color combo is so refreshing and just $17.99.

I love adding a fun summer weight throw blanket over my chairs during the warm months and this woven stripe throw is perfect for that. There’s a teal and green color combo too that is just beautiful. $29.99.

It’s hard to resist a kitchen towel with pom poms. I’m loving the sunny yellow color of this one and wouldn’t hesitate to also use it as a dinner napkin. $3.00–also available in pink with navy pom poms.

It’s hard to find embellished sheets with a little pizzazz. This set features a bohemian inspired black print along the top edge. Sets start at $26.99.

And finally, this velvet tufted stitch quilt just might be my favorite piece in the entire collection. The color and stitching detail are just so yummy. The full/queen $79.99 and there are 6 amazing colors to pick from including the beautiful emerald green.

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Have I got you intrigued and ready to spend a wad on new decor?

You can preview the entire Opalhouse collection here and start your very own shopping list before the April 8th launch date. I’d love to know what items you can’t live without so leave me a comment and let me know.

And if you have an idea of how I can get this all in the house without my husband noticing, share that with me too!

Happy shopping!

Tassel Obsessed–One of my favorite details

March 22, 2018

Is there a certain design detail that you’re kind of obsessed with? It might be floral patterns or maybe it’s mercury glass finishes. For me that one design detail that I just can’t seem to get enough of is Tassels. I’ve been crazy about tassels for years and when I opened my home decor store back in 2003, I even named it to reflect my love for tassel–The Scarlet Tassel. I closed my store in 2011 but tassels continue to be one of may favorite decor and fashion accessories.

A recent round of online shopping turned up lots of great tassel adorned decor and fashion. I knew you would never forgive me if I didn’t share it all with you so here, my friends are a load of tassel goodies.

TASSEL MUST-HAVES:

I’m actively starting to shop for spring and summer shoes and these suede tassel loafers are on the list. I love the bold color and stylish black tassel charms. You’ll want to grab a pair of the fast because I know they will sell out. p.s they are currently on sale for $79.88 and also come in a brown toffee color.

Pillows are one of the easiest and budget friendly ways to update your decor from one season to the next. This Kate Spade Tassel Pillow would look great on a sofa or as an accent on a bed. There are 2 yummy solid colors to choose from as well as a boho inspired black and cream stripe. $129

If you look around your house I’m sure you’ll spot multiple places where this cute white stool with tassels could go. It’s the perfect footstool next to a chair or as an accent next to the bed. $139.99

I’m a bit of a throw collector because I’m always cold. This chic marled grey knit throw will work with any decor style and is perfect for spring and summer nights watching movies on the sofa. And I’m pretty smitten with the $69 price tag too!

Is there such things as having too many tassel earrings. The fashion trend is still going strong so I say why not add these tassel drop earrings to your fashion lineup. They are also available in a blue colorway and will only set you back $38.

Several years ago I wrote a post about shopping at Pottery Barn Kids for fun decor pieces. This adorable Boho Tassel Storage Tote is just one example of an item that bridges the gap between kids and adults. It screams magazine basket or blankets storage to me. There are two sizes available–Small: $39 and Large: $59.

I love dressing up a simple summer dress or t-shirt with bold jewelry like this Cardo Tassel Necklace ($52). The combination of tassels, pom poms and black and white is definitely a winning combo.

Have you noticed that patterned bath rugs have been trending up for the last few years? Rugs with an all-over pattern are a great way to add visual interest to a utilitarian space like a bath or laundry room. This striped bath rug with tassels would be a fun option to give your decor a pop of color. And it’s under $40…$39.99 to be exact.

This amazing Justina Blakeney Fela Tassel Chandelier takes tassel decor to a whole new level. What a statement piece for a living space, bedroom or office. I love the natural color ($193.50) but also found it in navy here and in pink here.

And finally friends…what do you get when you pair a classic decor piece like a decorative box with a tassel, this set of 3 decorative boxes with tassels. You could use these boxes stacked as shown or break them apart to decorate a coffee table, bookshelf or night stand. The set is only $73.99 and is available in 8 gorgeous colors.

Anyone else have a tassel obsession?

Happy shopping.

top image–wood bead garland necklace

Spring Pillows { plus tips on building a pillow assortment}

March 9, 2018

Can you believe the weather that’s going on around the country? One day is balmy and the next it freezing or snow is falling. We are experiencing some frigid temps here in Atlanta and it only has me craving spring even more. Although I’m still working on decorating our house I’m working on infusing a touch of spring decor where I can.

One of the decor changes I like to make when the seasons change is to switch out my pillows. It’s quick, inexpensive and new pillows just have a way of making an entire room feel fresh and new.

I’ve spotted lots a beautiful pillows in HomeGoods lately and have also found some great pieces online. Here’s my roundup of favorite Spring Pillows–all under $50!

Shop these faves:

Fringe (available in 3 colors) // Crewel Spliced // Palm Leaf // Floral Velvet (available in 3 colors)

Shobori Velvet (hot trend!!// Jacquard Weave (available in 3 colors) // Cotton Throw (under $35) // Blue Marble Velvet

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Aren’t all of these pillows just gorgeous? The spring pillow trends are all about intricate details, lush textures, beautiful patterns and luscious colors. All of these design details make decorating so much fun.

If you’re looking to change-up your pillow game for spring, here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning an arrangement for your sofa…

PILLOW PAIRING INSPIRATION

Bring on spring!

How To Incorporate Black Into Your Decor

March 6, 2018

I’ve shared on the blog before that I’m pretty flexible when it comes to design. For the most part I believe that if you love something and it feels right then it’s right for your decor. On the flip side, there are some tried-and-true design rules that whole-heartedly believe in and feel should be a part of every good room design.

One of those design rules is Every Room Needs A Touch Of Black. In 2016 I created a Design Guide all about this rule and even shared my favorite black paint colors. As a follow-up to that design guide, today I want to share a few tips on the best ways to incorporate this color into your decor.

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♦ Black is a classic color that will never go out of style. And because black is made up of all colors, it’s a universal color that pairs beautifully with any color hue. There is simply not a color scheme that doesn’t benefit from the presence of black.♦

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How To Incorporate Black Into Your Decor

♦ Accessorize With Black–Even though the color has a lot of depth, it is considered a ‘neutral’ so don’t be afraid to use it as an accent in a room that has little color.

A black decorative accessory or one with a black detail is the easiest way to subtly infuse the color into your decor. Think bookends, pillows, a chandelier or a sculptural object.
Dark picture frames against a light-colored wall will draw the eye in while allowing the artwork within the frame to stand out.
A black lampshade instantly upgrades the elegance of a table or floor lamp.
For a dramatic statement in your living room or foyer, consider a black rug which will visually anchor the space.

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Elle Decor

♦ Decorate Around Black–Incorporating a black furniture piece into a living space adds substance, depth and helps to ground the entire furniture grouping.

An armoire, side table or an accent chair are three great black furniture options to consider.
Painting your interior doors black is a quick and inexpensive way to add a bold statement of black within your decor. Go with a semi-gloss finish so the doors with have a reflective nature and any details will stand out.

tip: if the contrast of deep, rich black Is too much, look for a piece of furniture with an ebony stain (darkest brown with a hint of black undertones)–the impact will be the same.

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♦ Accent With Black-A black accent wall or painted ceiling is not only dramatic but one of the best ways to make a small space appear larger. Forget what you might have heard about painting a small room in a light shade. In actuality, dark rooms feel larger because the room lines disappear. Black also makes details come to life, colors more vibrant and patterns pop.

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Now that you know how to add black within your decor its time to go shopping. Here are a few budget-friendly accessories that I’m currently loving.

SHOP MY FAVORITE BLACK DECOR PIECES

Garden stools are a good accent piece next to a chair or sofa and look great tucked under a console table. I love this style and glossy finish on this shaped ceramic garden stool. {affiliate link}

This black and cream rug would look great in a bedroom, foyer or as a runner down a hallway.

I can just envision a lush green plant or beautiful orchid in this gold banded leather vase.

I love the lines and classic shape of this white lamp from Target. A pair of these would look great in a bedroom or on a buffet in a dining room.

Isn’t this botanical art from Minted just beautiful? The bold color against the dark background give it a little bit of an edgy feel.

Buffalo checks seem to be a big trend in home decor right now. This plaid armchair would be a fun accent in a living space or bedroom.

You can never go wrong adding a decorative box to your decor. I love this decorative box with agate stone as part of a coffee table arrangement.

I hope the tips and inspiration I shared today gives you some ideas on how to use black to enhance your decor.