Entertaining Inspiration: Spring Flowers

March 13, 2014

Don’t you just love a beautiful party table? This image caught my eye and represents the perfect blend of sophistication and fun.

If you study this image you’ll notice three things that set the tone for this table. These three elements are great to keep in mind when you build a tablescape and want it to be dynamic.

1) CONTRAST–a stylish party table brings together contrasting elements in a way that makes the table come to life. The graphic pattern of the table runner contrast perfectly with the bold impact of the flowers. The two elements balance each other perfectly.

2) SHINE–Every party table needs elements that add a bit of shine and glimmer. The silver cups are a simple touch that adds elegance while also offering another element of contrast.

3) COLOR REINFORCEMENT–when you multiply the color statement on a table the entire table setting will be more dynamic. The mass of flowers down the center of the table is a visual pop and energizes the entire table arrangement.

I loved the look of this table so much that I went on the hunt for items that would make this tablescape a reality. Here’s how to get the look…

The best part about recreating this tablescape is that it won’t cost you a ton. Creating the table runner from $7.99/yd Ikea fabric is an easy no-sew project and looking on-line for the best deals will lead you to $9.99 silver mint julep cups at Staples (Staples, not just for office supplies).

When shopping for dinnerware invest in plates that can be mixed and matched with other items you have and use decorative bowls (less expensive) to add the pattern.

And fancy glass goblets are always in style, mix great with other stemware and can be used in both a formal and casual table setting.

Your Shopping List:

Floral Mums Invitation—Paper Source /Black and White Stripe Fabric–Ikea / Nomad Flower Bowls–Cost Plus / Baroque Ogee Plates–Cost Plus

Silver Mint Julep Cups–Staples / Baroque Scroll Goblet–Pier 1 / North Satin Silverware–Pier 1 / Raspberry Flower Crochet Napkins–Cost Plus World Market

Tablescape image via

Design Bloggers Conference 2014–Lessons Learned and the good times!

March 8, 2014

Sorry…I couldn’t drag myself to the computer yesterday as promised but I didn’t forget about filling you in on the Design Bloggers Conference I attended last week. (sorry in advance for the blurry photos).

First let me say that I am so glad I invested in attending this conference and after spending some time reflecting my 3 days of learning and networking, I can honestly say that I’m going to be a better business owner, person AND blogger because of the conference.

The Design Bloggers Conference takes once a year ( the last couple of years in LA) and is geared towards design bloggers and interior designers in particular. Adam Japko, the president and founder of Digital Sherpa is the mastermind behind the conference and brings together a stellar line-up of design and blogging talent for the event. Speakers like Jennifer Boles, Candice Olson, Jeffery Alan Marks, Timothy Corrigan, Tobi Fairley, Susanna Salk, Suzanne Kasler and Paloma Contreras shared their design philosophy as well as great business and blog advice.

…

Read the Post

Blog Crush: Hadley Court

March 3, 2014

One of the things I’m looking forward to most at the Design Bloggers Conference is meeting new bloggers. I know that many of the women and men that author some of my favorite blogs will be in attendance. I am especially looking forward to meeting Leslie from Hadley Court.

If you don’t read the Hadley Court blog you are missing out. Leslie’ started her blog just two years ago, along with starting an interior design business and has really made a name for herself in the past two years. The Hadley Court blog celebrates gracious living, timeless design and family traditions with post dedicated to Decorating, Organizing, Celebrating, Shopping and Gifting.

Leslie writes about all the things I’m passionate about and does so with simple style and grace. Her blog post, along with contributors who write for the blog are refreshing and full of tips and inspiration.

Here are a few of my favorite Hadley Court blog post.

The Gracious Dinner Party

Tips for Organizing Your Clothes for Gracious Travel

A Well Organized Linen Closet

Stop by Hadley Court and say hi to Leslie. You’ll definitely enjoy her blog.

For more Hadley Court inspiration…

Follow Hadley Court on Pinterest

Connect on Twitter

Like Hadley Court on Facebook

If you are attending the Design Bloggers Conference please look for me and say hi. I’d love to meet you and connect.

images pulled from the Hadley Court blog

THREE TIPS FOR DECORATING WITH BLACK & WHITE WALL DECOR

February 27, 2014

I love the look of black and white wall décor but often times if your décor style is something other than modern or contemporary it can be challenging to decorate with. Here are three design tips that might make the task of decorating with black and white wall décor a little easier!

1. BLACK and WHITE WALL DECOR DOESN’T HAVE TO BE ALL ART

With a more transitional or eclectic décor style mix things up a bit by combing traditional artwork with other decorative objects or mirrors. The wall grouping below is a great example of traditional botanical prints being paired with a black framed mirror and tortoise shells. There is a traditional undertone but the overall feel is more eclectic and personalized.

via

2. USE BLACK and WHITE ARTWORK TO CREATE UNIFORMITY & RHYTHM

Black and white artwork hung as a collection and hung close together creates symmetry and balance within a room. This option is also great when you have a large wall that needs impact but you don’t want to invest in a single piece of over-sized art.

* Ikea is your best and most economical source when you need to buy multiple frames in the same style

via

3. MAKE THE BLACK and WHITE STATEMENT EVEN STRONGER WITH A COMBO OF BLACK & WHITE MATTS

A great way to make your black and white wall décor statement even stronger is by framing your art in wide black AND white matts. Alternate the matt colors for visual balance and keep the picture frames all the same color so the look isn’t too busy.

via

Need a little more black and white wall décor inspiration, check out these stunning wall statement and rooms.

via

Do you like the look of black and white wall décor or are you into more color?

DIY Glitter Striped Notecards

February 26, 2014

Next week the Design Bloggers Conference is taking place here in Atlanta and I’m excited to attend and hear some of my design idols speak. In preparation for the conference and as part of rebranding my blog I had some new business cards made. I decided to move away from brighter colors and go with a black and white pattern that feels classic and modern.

After receiving my cards (thanks Zazzle) I was so thrilled with them that they sparked a creative project. I decided to make a set of notecards that have the same classic design but reverse the color focus with gold stripes and a black message box.

Notecards are one of my favorite paper products and creating my own is something I love to do.

To make these cards you’ll need to following supplies:

Blank Notecards and Envelopes–available from any craft store or Paper Source

Chalkboard Stickers–You can punch your own using this chalkboard adhesive paper and this scalloped punch or you can buy these pre-made chalkboard labels.

American Crafts Glitter Tape (also available at Michael’s)

How to:

Once you have all your supplies you need to decide the number of stripes you want on the front of your card, cut you tape and adhere to notecards. Once all your stripes are in place add your chalkboard label to the center of the card.

The chalkboard label allow you to customize the card for whatever occasion you need–Thank You, Happy Birthday, Thinking of You or even a name.

After my notecards where made I decided to make a storage box for them. I painted a paper mache box using Martha Stewart gold metallic paint.

To finish off the box I added a ribbon tie to the front using May Arts black and white chevron ribbon.

And because I wanted a little something extra I made some stickers to use as envelope seals.

To make the stickers I attached a piece of vellum paper to double-sided adhesive paper. I then punched circles and glued a decorative image, cut from an old catalog to the front of each circle. Because the paper is double-sided you simply peel the paper from the back to use your sticker.

Chic notecards to go with my chic new business cards!

p.s. You may have noticed that I also updated the header for the blog to coordinate with my business cards and made some changes to the sidebar. I’m trying out some new things and will be making even more changes in the months to come.

To learn more about the importance of branding your business here’s a great article.

Color Crush: Mint and Gold

February 25, 2014

COLOR CRUSH:

Mint & Gold

We all have colors that we consider our favorites (red and hot pink for me) but every season there are one or two new colors that make my seasonal Color Crush list. This spring I’m head over heels in love with Mint & Gold.

via

Even though pastels are really not my thing but this combination is just so beautiful that I can’t help but be drawn to it. On the pastel scale mint is one of those colors that sits between soft and feminine and modern sophistication. When paired with gold, mint takes on a whole new feel and becomes really elegant.

On the color psychology wheel, greens in general offer a feeling of freshness, tranquility, and calm. It can also signify wealth, stability, growth, and abundance. All pretty good reasons to love mint green.

…

Read the Post

One Sofa, Three Pillow Options

February 24, 2014

Hi everyone. I hope your Monday is going dandy and that you are doing good things.

Today I wanted to share some thoughts on what can sometimes be one of the most challenging aspect of designing a living space…..pillow selection. The good news is that there are so many stylish pillow options available from every home décor, big box and online retail shop. The bad news is that there are so many stylish pillow options available from every home décor, big box and online retail shop. Sometimes having more options available to you can make the decision-making more difficult.

…

Read the Post

Design Trend: Basket Lights

February 20, 2014

Baskets are one of my favorite decorative elements and I have them all over my house. They are good for holding things, hiding things, storing things and can even be used to make a bigger and bolder statement in your home.

How about a basket light?