You Can’t Pour From An Empty Cup (ushering in the new year)

January 5, 2017

Hi there friends. You may have noticed that it’s been quite here on the blog since Christmas. I took a break during the holidays to relax and enjoy the season which I did in a major way. After Christmas I found myself motivated to clean, purge, organize and refocus. Boy does it feel good. So good in fact that that’s what’s been keeping me away from the blog.

Part of my end-of-year clean-up has included outlining my goals for the year, both personal and professional. I want to reach new heights this year with my design business, my Etsy shops and also here on the blog. All of that starts with clarity and a refueled spirit about what I want to achieve and how I want to go about achieving it.

When it comes to the blog, I am going to be making some changes, all in an effort to bring you fresh, informative and inspirational content. I’m still outlining exactly what they will look like so that’s why there has been radio silence. As a creative person, there are times when my creativity is soaring and other times when I’m feeling empty. Slowly but surely the my cup is filling up and I’ll be back Monday ready to tackle the new year with a vengeance.

Until then, enjoy this round-up of some of the most read posts in 2016. I love that some of these are oldies but goodies.

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HOT TOPICS FROM 2016

You all seem to love my Design Guide posts so I’m planning to deliver more in 2017. If there are specific design challenges you’d like me to address, just leave a comment.

Design Guide: How To Style A Sectional Sofa

Design Guide: Styling A Super Sized Sectional Sofa

Design Guide: Curtains 101

It seems lots of people are looking for tips and ideas to decorate their bathrooms so if you fall into that category, you’ll want to check out the next two bathroom posts.

Anatomy of Accessorizing A Bathroom

How to Make Your Bathroom Look More Expensive On A Budget

Even in the design world Michelle’s quote of “when they go low, we go high” has meaning. Check out my tips of decorating the tops of bookcases and armoires.

5 Decorating Tips for Tops of Bookcases & Armoires

Upholstered Headboards: The Pros and Cons

The Great Frame Debate

I love pulling together these part shopping , part design Product + Inspiration posts so you’ll continue to see more of these in the new year.

Product + Inspiration: Hemnes Shoe Cabinet

Of all the posts I’m sharing today, this one really surprised me. The ideas of living small is gaining in popularity and the TV show continues to be a top rated show. Not only do I love seeing how they pack tons of style into such a small space but the show if filled with design ideas and inspiration for everyone.

The Tiny House Movement

Happy New Year!

Merry & Bright Holiday Home Tour–And All Through The House…

December 14, 2016

It’s the final post in the Merry and Bright Holiday Home Tour. If you popping over from Chic On A Shoestring Decorating, welcome. And if you missed part 1 and 2 of the blog tour you can find my post here and here.

This is the second year for the blog tour and it has been pure joy to partner with my fellow bloggers and friends to bring you loads of holiday inspiration. Be sure to check out all the other bloggers on the tour (links at the end of the post).

So let’s jump on in to the finale’ of the Merry & Bright Holiday Home Tour.

Even though I started decorating late this year, I’m really enjoying our decor and I’m excited to take you on a tour today.

A pop of red and green in my blue and white bedroom.

I love adding holiday themed vignette in every room, mixing Christmas decor with everyday items.

It’s always fun to add a holiday skirt to my dress form.

I switched out everyday art for these fun Christmas themed prints I found on Etsy.

Ginger Jar // Wreath // Ornaments // Potted Tree

Pretty ribbons and paper are always a part of my holiday decor.

A bowl full of ornaments on the coffee table.

The Poinsettia gift wrap from Paper Mart inspired my holiday decor.

My decor this year incorporated lots of bright, bold colors. And I used accent of black to add contrast and drama.

Wrapped presents are accented with handmade fabric gift tags.

Big ribbon bows hang on the Christmas tree.

Black and White Fun Plaid Ribbon

Handmade holly leaf swizzle sticks were a fun addition to my cocktail bar.

The dining table is dressed out in a mix of patterns and pops of red and black.

Bohemian Geo Cuff Sheets

One for my favorite holiday decorations is this beautiful preserved Boxwood Wreath from Silk Plants Direct.

Pinecones & Poinsettia Gift Wrap // Red & Gold Satin Ribbon

DIY Gift Wrap Crate

Multi Holly Leaves Ribbon

Gold Metallic Arabesque Ribbon

Mason Jar Matches

Here’s wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

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The next stop on the Merry & Bright Holiday Home Tour is Life and Style at 60. Head on over to Sheila’s blog for more holiday cheer.

And be sure to stop by all the participating bloggers to see how they’ve decked out their homes for the holidays…

Positively Southern
Wife In Progress
Design Asylum
Chic On A Shoestring Decorating
ConfettiStyle
Life and Style at 60
M. Jones Style
My Life Well Loved
The Home I Create
Refresh ReStyle
Green With Decor
Love Your Abode

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A big thank you to the generous Merry & Bright sponsors, Paper Mart & Silk Plants Direct who provided products featured in this post. All images and opinions are mine.

Visit Paper Mart on Social Media: Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google Plus // You Tube

Visit Silk Plants Direct on Social Media: Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google +

I’ll be back tomorrow with more gift wrap inspiration but this time is has noting to do with wrapping gifts.

2017 Color Of The Year: Greenery (a classic Christmas Color)

December 9, 2016

Pantone, the color authority for the fashion and home decor industries announced their pick for the 2017 Color Of The Year–Greenery. Coming off a year where pastels ruled, I expected a dark color for 2017 so I was with their pick.

I do love the energy and vibrancy that Greenery has and I’m excited to see this color shake up the fashion and decor industries a bit.

Greenery is a shade that works well paired with neutrals or more saturated colors and I love it combined with black.

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It’s also a great accent color for walls, upholstery and textiles.

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Here’s how Pantone described their 2017 Color Of The Year….

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I expect Greenery, which I’m describe as apple green to have a big impact on holiday decor this time next year. The color has been used in Christmas decor for years and it will only gain in popularity in 2017.

To celebrate Pantone’s color pick, what better way than with some ‘Greenery’ inspired Christmas inspiration.

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I really love with that executive director of Pantone has to say about the color and couldn’t agree more…

“This is the color of hopefulness, and of our connection to nature. It speaks to what we call the ‘re’ words: regenerate, refresh, revitalize, renew. Every spring we enter a new cycle and new shoots come from the ground. It is something life affirming to look forward to.”

—Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone Color Institute executive director

Ok, it’s your time to chime in. What do you think about the 2017 Color Of The Year? Love it or hate it?!

Favorite Posts, Pins and Products (of the week)!

November 19, 2016

Enjoy your weekend and my favorites from the week.

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FAVORITE POSTS

If I do life all over again, I’d live in New York for a few years and my apartment would look something like Emmy Rossum’s Manhattan home.

Here’s a fun and inspiring interview with designer Christiane Lemieux.

Loved this easy idea to glam up holiday garland.

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FAVORITE PINS

With Thanksgiving just a few days away and Christmas right around the corner, I’ve been thinking a lot about holiday table settings.

Here’s a really fresh take on a holiday tablescape. You’ll definitely want to click here to see the other elements that were used on the table.

I’m loving this black and white table setting and those turquoise candles are a perfect unexpected pop of color.

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FAVORITE PRODUCTS

These initial stickers are such an easy way to UpStyle a tote, handbag or just about anything else you can think of.

This is just one of the great holiday prints available from this Etsy shop. And they are all between $2.00 and $5.00!

I spotted the adorable Pineapple Tumblers in Bed Bath and Beyond the other day and immediately added them to my wish list. Set of 2 for $19.99!

Enjoy your weekend friends. I’ll be back tomorrow with a fun and easy DIY hostess gift idea.

Product + Inspiration: Decor Meets Christmas Tree

November 15, 2016

When I teach a holiday decorating workshop, the question always comes up about whether your tree decor needs to match your room decor. My response is NO but for a truly cohesive look its best if your everyday decor inspires your tree decor.

Take a cue from the tips you use to decorate a room in your home. You start with one or two key elements (art, rug, curtains) and use those as the building blocks to create the overall design. When it comes to decorating your Christmas tree, find inspiration within your decor and use that to build the theme for your tree.

Here are 3 holiday tree designs and the accessory and furniture pieces that could have inspired them…

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This is the Christmas tree I’d create if my inspiration was colorful and bohemian inspired space. The gold accents play off of the gold finish on the furniture and the bold mix of colors tie back to the textiles within the room. During the holidays, sparkly details are a must and a grouping of beautiful mercury glass candle holders would inspired the ornaments, ribbon and giftwrap I’d use.

Shop these items: Embroidered Floral Bouquet Throw Pillow // Gold Cole 3-Tier Rolling Bar Cart

Sabyasachi Print Round Tray // Mercury Glass Candle Holders //Tufted Ottoman

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If I were decorating a Christmas tree based on decor that included classic holiday colors like red, white and green, it would look like this. The varying shades green found in the jars and artwork, along with whimsical details like the fur pillow would inspire the ornaments and ribbon used on the tree.

Shop these items: Charlotte 3-Drawer Campaign Chest // Red Rhododendron Framed Prints // Oversized Wine Bottle

Reese Velvet Ottoman // Mongolian Faux Fur Pillow

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A neutral color palette relies on texture, a variety of finishes and a subtle graduation of color to bring it to life. This elegant and glam Christmas tree would be inspired by a mix of gold and silver decorative elements, antique surfaces, lots of visual texture and shimmery finishes.

Shop these items: Carys Hurricane Table Lamp // Diana Accent Table // Moravia Wall Mirror

Holston Area Rug // Baylee Aluminum Accent Table

So the question still remains–which comes first, the chicken or the egg. In the case of holiday decor, take a look around your home and let the pieces you live with everyday inspire you!

Favorites Of The Week (all from the One Room Challenge)

November 12, 2016

Hi friends. Sorry it’s been a bit quite here on the blog this week. I made several attempts to sit down and finish this weeks blog posts but things just kept getting in the way. I’m going to be back on schedule next week with an eclectic (don’t you just love that word) mix of posts. I’ll be sharing some holiday gift wrap inspiration and wrapping tips, my first holiday gift guide and a DIY project that has been on my to-do list to ages!

I’m closing out the week my usual ‘favorites’ post but this time it’s all about the One Room Challenge which is now in its 10th season. Have your had a chance to check out all the spaces that were transformed over the last 6 weeks? I haven’t made it through all the participating bloggers posts but what I’ve seen so far is WOW! Holy Moly, there are some truly amazing design ideas, before and after transformations and a whole lot of inspiration. Check out a few of my favorite spaces (so far)…

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First up is Burlap and Lace. Shannon did an amazing job adding style and detail to a long narrow room with lots of bookcases.

{all images via Burlap and Lace}

The before…

And the after…

a coat of black paint made those simple bookcase look like high-end custom-built shelves

the faux fireplace adds another focal point within the room

impeccable styling

You can see the full Burlap and Lace reveal here.

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Next is Kris from Driven By Decor. Kris was also working with a room that had lots of bookcases but instead of going dark and dramatic, she created soft and soothing space.

{all images via Driven By Decor}

The before…

And the after…

one of the prettiest gallery walls I seen in a while

pillow mixing at its best–bold pattern + texture + small print

this color palette is a breath of fresh air

You can see the full Driven By Decor reveal here.

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The next space I absolutely love was designed and transformed by Kristin from The Hunted Interior. She was also working with a long narrow space and added a wall of bookcases to create drama at the far end of the room.

{all images via The Hunted Interior}

The before…

progress..

And the after…

i love the bohemian vibe the comes from the pattern and texture mix

Notice that mix of materials? That’s a design detail all rooms need.

You can see the full Hunted Interior reveal here.

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I love every space that Nancy of Marcus Design creates and the bathroom transformation she completed is just stunning.

{all image via Marcus Design}

The before…

And the after…

Blue + white + gold=perfection.

drawer lines are such a simple detail that adds so much style

Classic details that will stand the test of time.

You can see the full Marcus Design reveal here.

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This is just the beginning of so many more beautiful spaces created by the featured designers participating in the One Room Challenge. You can see each and every one of the featured spaces here.

And then there are over 200 additional room transformations from the Guest Participants you’ll want to check out too. You can find all link to all those space here.

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Happy weekend and I’ll see you back here Monday!

The Nate Berkus Fall 2016 Collection

November 7, 2016

Every season, Nate Berkus develops his product line for Target and every season it gets better and better. His fall collection is filled with texture, chic design details and metallic elements. And I am truly astonished at the affordable price points.

As I looked through the collection on the website, it was hard to narrow down my top picks. I did and came away with a list of 12 items that will elevate the style of any home in a flash.

The Nate Berkus Collection For Target–Fall 2016

No. 1–There is so much to love about the Screen Door Nightstand, from the door detail to the brass handles. Its easy to envision it next to a bed but I could also see it used for storage in a home office or even in a bathroom.

No. 2–I’ve been looking for a small console table for a client and this Brass and Gold Console Table might be it. The size is perfect for a small hallway, next to the front door or in a guest bedroom. I can also envision this table with small stools nested underneath it.

No. 3–This Marble and Gold Console Table is a great option for a small wall space between windows or on a stair landing. I’d also consider using a pair flanking a bed with wall mounted sconces above them.

No. 4–If you’ve shopped for small side tables you know how hard they can be to find. The Brass and Hexagon End Table is ideal next to an upholstered chair or sofa to hold a cocktail.

No. 5–Rattan stools are a classic design piece and I love the two-tone detail on this Rattan Stool. I’d place a pair in front of a fireplace for additional seating or use them as side tables in a sunroom.

No. 6–The Equestrian Side Table might be my favorite piece in the entire collection. I love the idea of a pair used as a coffee table alternative or one or two under a console table in a foyer.

No. 7–This Braided Woven Storage Basket is just begging for a couple of throw blankets or a lush plant. Or you could use it in a kids play space to hold toys.

No. 8–I’m a sucker for pretty bowls and this Faceted Mini Bowl is perfect for snacks or used to hold jewelry and trinkets in a bedroom.

No. 9–You can’t beat the elegant style or the $19.99 price of this Gold Mirror vanity mirror.

No. 10–I’ve talked about my love for letter organizers here on the blog before. This Gold Hammered Letter Sorter is great because the scale will hold letters, file folders or magazines.

No. 11–The black and gold color combo plus the price of this Brass and Gold Coffee Table made it an obvious choice for my list. Just imagine this in a reading/lounge area flanked by four upholstered slipper chairs.

No. 12–Black and white is a hot design trend for bathrooms so this chic Graphic Bath Rug is right on target. I think it would look fabulous in this bathroom.

After I checked out the collection online, I visited my local store to check them out in person. Everything looks great and the furniture pieces are well-built for the price.

p.s. as I was writing this, I noticed that many of the items in the collection are on SALE. You’ll want to act fast if you see anything you like.

You can shop the entire Nate Berkus collection here.

Favorites Of The Week (things I’m loving, reading and shopping for)!

November 5, 2016

Happy Saturday friends. I’ve got a great round-up of my weekly favorites for you to today. I think you’re going to really love the products I’m highlighting–just in time to get your holiday shopping started. Enjoy and I’ll see you back her on Monday.

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FAVORITE POSTS

Why we go all in at the holidays!

via At Home

Choosing Creativity over Criticism

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FAVORITE PINS

I love this design space and everything in this design duo’s portfolio.

This pantry will put a smile on your face and make you want to bake something. You can see the full kitchen tour here.

This grey and white bedroom set-up I spotted from Pottery Barn is just stunning.

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FAVORITE PRODUCTS

It’s becoming harder and harder to find unique gifts for family and friends but with the help of Oprah and a few of my favorite stores, holiday shopping is going to be easy.

Oprah’s Favorite Things list is out and I’m loving this, this and this to name a few!