Favorite Posts, Pins and Products Of The Week

August 20, 2016

It’s been a long week and I’m so happy that the weekend has arrived. I’ve got more than my fair share of stuff to get accomplished this weekend including some social media work, creating my packing list for our cruise and doing a little painting. Even though it’s going to be jammed packed weekend, I’m planning to enjoy every bit of it because Monday will be here before you know it.

To kick off the weekend, I’ve rounded up my favorites from the week. Enjoy!

FAVORITE POSTS

Small space decorating tips

via

How to Perfect Your Flat Lay Photos

This is a stunningly beautiful outdoor space.

I’m going to try my hand and making my own customized cocktail napkins.

If you love beautiful closets you’ll want to follow Lisa’s you tube channel.

via hgtv

FAVORITE PINS

This beautiful arrangement has me in the mood for fall decorating.

I’m loving the details in this black and white bathroom.

FAVORITE PRODUCTS

These earrings! And I’m also wondering if I could DIY these??

The perfect end of bed bench x 2. And it would be easy to customize with your own fabric too!

In case you missed it, you can read all about the Atlanta Tastemaker Summit I attended last week here.

Enjoy your weekend my friends!

Design Crush: Profiling Jenny Wolf Interiors

August 18, 2016

Jenny Wolf

Do you love looking through the portfolios of interior designers as much as I do? Recently I came across the work of Jenny Wolf, a New York based interior designer and was utterly impressed with her design work. Jenny grew up living in New Orleans and on the coast of South Carolina and eventually made her way to New York where her design career began. After landing in NY, she worked in retail development for Ralph Lauren (dream job) where she managed visual merchandising and shop installations for RL women’s shops. After a 5 year stint at RL, she left to attend Parsons where she earned her degree in Interior Design.

Flipping through Jenny’s website, is it clear that her design aesthetic reflects a co-mingling of southern flair with big city style.

Here’s a look at one of my favorite projects from her portfolio.

♦ Jenny Wolf Interiors–The Hubert ♦

As you tour this home, you’ll notice simple and classic styling infused with beautiful detail. The trim on the curtain panels and the nail-heads on the sofa are little touches that make the decor special.

I love the cozy arrangement Jenny created in this the living area and the eclectic mix of materials and design styles. The accessory mix is perfection.

The ‘X’ benches are to die for.

Throughout the home, Jenny combined different textures with the furniture, rug, textiles and accessories. All of the textural elements in the dining area bring the neutral palette to life.

The bedroom is soothing and fun at the same time. Pattern mixing adds color and personality. I love the combination of red and navy mixed with khaki and white.

A textural statement was also added in the bedroom through the linen lampshades, bamboo chest, natural woven rug and linen curtains.

And throughout the house, you’ll see accents of black which help to add that city sophistication.

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Another one of her projects that really stood out to me is the Hudson Street project. This decor in this home is the perfect mix of cottage, boho and traditional design. You can tour the entire home here.

I’m so glad I discovered Jenny’s work. The spaces she creates are beautiful and inspiring and she is definitely one to watch.

You can view Jenny’s entire residential portfolio here and her commercial work here. And be sure to follow her on Instagram for more design & style inspiration.

all images via Jenny Wolf Interiors

Design Guide: Every Room Needs A Touch of Black

August 4, 2016

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When it comes to design rules, some rules hold more weight than others. Some rules like the ‘ideal placement for furniture’ or ‘throw pillows need a karate chop’ are flexible and can and should be adapted based on personal preference and the function of a space. Then there are rules that I think are essential to good design. One of the rules I believe in whole-heartedly is… every room needs a touch of black.

Explaining the logic behind this design rule is pretty simple. We all know that color is a powerful thing in design and the color black is one of the most important design colors you can use.

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Favorite Design & Entertaining Posts of the week!

July 30, 2016

I came across so much great design content on the web this week so today in my Saturday Favorites post, I’m sharing some of the goodness with you. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and sit back and enjoy. There’s lots of eye candy and inspiration coming your way.

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I’ve been a fan of lighting designer Barbara Cosgrove for years and loved this look into your beautiful home.

I like simple. I like form. I don’t like piddly little statements. If you’re going to do it, do it.
— Barbara Cosgrove

The art of layering your decor happens before your eyes.

These are the colors that are dominating the design world in 2016.

Life should be chic, glamorous and colorful, and so should your home.

–Jonathan Adler

Summer entertaining secrets and a beautiful table setting.

Celebrity designers spill their decorating tricks.

Be a ruthless editor of what you allow into your home. Ask yourselves, “what does this object mean to me?”

–Nate Berkus

No more ugly clay pots…especially when you can UpStyle them in a flash.

Enjoy your weekend friends.

Favorite Post, Pins and PROJECTS!

July 16, 2016

Hi folks, I’ve got a great round-up of links for you today with a little twist. Instead of sharing some of my favorite pins, this week I decided to share some easy and inspirational diy/craft projects for you to check out. I loved all of these projects so much that they have made it onto my ever-growing craft to-do list. Enjoy these links and most of all enjoy your weekend!

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FAVORITE POSTS

This is how to have fun and give back to others.

This home tour had me swooning…every inch of it.

My girl KariAnne shows you how to create really stunning centerpieces with these 5 unique centerpiece ideas.

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FAVORITE PROJECTS

This DIY Pom Pom Door Hanger is so fun and I can think of a million different ways to use it (ie: gift wrap, wine bottle charm, curtain tie-backs….)

I have a thing for mugs and this Alcohol Ink Project is a fun way to create your own designs.

This DIY Tassel project will make you want to add tassels to all your summer sandals.

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FAVORITE PRODUCTS

I just ordered this Crossbody Clutch and can’t wait to get it. And it’s on sale for $39!

Love these Hexagonal Pillar Candleholders. They are also available in a silver finish.

This Multicolored Striped Knit Bag would make a great weekend bag when out shopping. Don’t miss out on the $5.99 price.

The Chinoiserie Melamine Plates are selling quick so don’t hesitate to snag yours.

Design Guide: Color Rules

July 11, 2016

I hope everyone had an ok weekend. I know that with all the turmoil going in these days, it’s hard to find a sense of peace and calm. One way I did that was not watching the news and spending time doing things I enjoy. Sometimes it the simple things in life that can brighten our day. Anyhow, todays post is all about color and decorating, two things that definitely impact your world.

Last week as part of my Design Guide series, I talked about picking the right paint finish. Several of you asked for tips on starting at ground zero and picking the right paint colors for your home. Last year I shared 4 tips to picking paint colors with you and today I’m going a little deeper and talking about Color Rules. I think giving you a better understanding of colors will help you have more confidence in selecting colors for your home.

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♦ Start with a color you love. Are there colors you consistently wear in your wardrobe? Or maybe every time you see emerald green pillows you heart flutters. Take note of what colors you have a positive response to and those that make you feel good. These are the colors (or color families) that you will fee most comfortable with in your décor.

my domaine

♦ Once you hone in on the colors you like, keep in mind the feeling that specific colors will convey. Warm colors like red, yellow and orange have an energizing effect and will feel more vibrant. Blue, green and gray are calming colors and will add provide a soothing feel to the rooms you decorate.

via bhg

via ralph lauren

♦ When it comes to pairing colors use a color wheel to guide you in picking color families that work best together. Colors close together on the color wheel are analogous and will make a room feel calm. Colors that are farther apart are complementary and are more dramatic when paired together.

Here’s an example of an analogous color scheme…

via apartment therapy

And here’s an example of a complementary color scheme…

via Laurel Bern Interiors

♦ In open floor plans where rooms open on to each other and avoid choosing radically different colors and color families or the space will look choppy and disconnected.

source unknown

♦ If you find a color that you love but you feel it is too dark, ask the paint counter to do a 50 percent tint of the color.

♦ One of the best color rules to follow is layer bold colors with mid-tones and neutrals to create balance within the room.

via hgtv–Photo By: Allison Corona Photography, Let It Shine Photography, Doug Petersen Photography

♦ If you love bold colors but don’t want to overwhelm a room by painting all the walls in that colors, pull those colors in through decorative trims on chairs, curtains or pillows. Small doses of vibrant colors can be easier on the eye and you won’t tire of the color as easily.

via Society Social

♦ Always sample the paint colors you are considering and try them on your walls. Look at the color in the morning and at night and put test swatches near your furniture. I just started using these ingenious paint sample boards with clients and boy oh boy are they great way to try colors on the wall without damaging your current wall color.

via Elle Decor

♦ As you consider the color for your walls, make sure to also consider the trim and ceiling color to make sure it all works together. White trim color can reflect or absorb the tones of your wall color and in some cases make it look brighter or duller.

via bhg

Selecting the right colors for your home is just as important as selecting your accessories so spend the time it takes to find the right the colors that brighten your world and your home.

I’ll be back tomorrow with a fun gift wrap inspiration post using two of my favorite color combinations.

top paint image via bhg

Behind The Blog: Erika Ward Interiors

July 8, 2016

Today I’ve got another edition of my Behind The Blog series. This time around I talking with my friend and fellow-designer, Erika Ward of Erika Ward Interiors and BluLabelBungalow blog.

I’ve been a big fan of Erika and her design work for years and have been honored to contribute articles to her successful blog, on several occasions.

Erika’s career as a designer started after years of working for a design-build firm and she eventually made the leap and started building her independent design business, Erika Ward Interiors.

In addition to her blossoming design career which includes features in national publications and brand partnerships, Erika is a wife and mother to 5 adorable kids. I’m continually in awe of how she does it all.

I posed few questions to Erika to learn more about her design philosophy, where here inspiration comes from and how she does it all.

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How did you get into the interior design profession and when did you start Erika Ward Interiors?

I began my career as an accountant managing multi-million dollar construction budgets for an internationally known design-build firm. In 2006, while still working in a corporate setting, I bravely started Erika Ward Interiors to satisfy my creative side and brought my business acumen and professionalism to the residential market. After three years of performing this balancing act I decided to fully commit to building Erika Ward Interiors and never looked back.

What do you love most about being an interior designer?

I love the newness of each project and working closely with individuals. Getting to know them and their family intimately helps me feel like we have a more authentic relationship.

We’d love to learn more about your design philosophy so tell us what design elements you think every home needs?

Every home needs a combination of something old and something new otherwise each room feels like a furniture showroom. That’s not exactly the look I want to bring. While I certainly want the room to feel polished, it also has to feel livable and approachable.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I find inspiration in client’s stories (career, travel, family history etc) and how they live in their home. I’m also fascinated with learning about different cultures. It’s important to me that we open our minds and even “try on” a few of their customs. I bring more depth and richness into our own lives.

How would you describe your personal design style?

The foundation of my personal style is very traditional. I love classic silhouettes paired with bright color or pattern on upholstery. Mix this with clean lines and a few organic elements like teak, woven textures, or weathered wood and I’m sold.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

My late grandparents were incredibly business savvy. I admire them both for establishing themselves during a time where it was much more difficult for African-Americans. They always stressed the economic importance of time and money, I’ve written about this on my own blog, and they always encouraged me to work as I’m working for Christ himself and not men.

In addition to Erika Ward Interiors, you also have a popular design blog, BluLabelBungalow. Tell us how you came up with that name and what readers can expect from your blog post.

I came up with the name after purchasing our first house, a Cape Cod style bungalow in 2005. In the beginning I wrote about the intersection of fashion and interior design and was obsessed with Ralph Lauren’s Blue Label collection. I pretty much dropped the e, combined the two words and added bungalow.

The blog has evolved since then to show before and after makeovers from my client projects, trend reports, decorating advice, travel features, and most recently started a series called “Devotions for the Decorator.”

You’re a mom of 5, a wife and a business owner—can you share 3 pieces of advice for other working moms out there?

Yes!!

Create a village of people who love your family and support your journey. We have caregivers who love our children so much which gives my husband and I a piece of mind. We can work without the worry.

Make time for self-care. I’ve recently lost 55lbs in an effort to preserve my health and no longer take it for granted. The physical transformation also came with great, unexpected mental and emotional benefits too. I’m not only healthier but I’m certain it has made me an even better wife and mother.

Pray everyday, several times a day. This helps you stay connected to your purpose, stay grateful, remain humble, and provides you with the strength you need to handle life’s toughest issues.

If you could lunch with any famous woman, who would it be and what burning question would you want to ask them?

I’d love to have lunch with Ivanka Trump. I admire the balance she strikes between career and motherhood as well as her presence as a wife. On a superficial level, she’s always very poised, polished, and modestly dressed.

What 5 thing you can’t you live without?

My faith in Jesus Christ

My husband

My five children

Quiet Time

Travel / Exploration

What’s your favorite way to unwind?

Sitting in a quiet room with a hot cup of something.

I always like to throw a quirky question into the mix so tell us about your favorite things…

Favorite Book: Currently reading (again) the Five Love Languages

Favorite Movie: Steel Magnolias

Favorite Food: Mexican Cuisine

Favorite Store: Amazon Prime

Favorite Color: Blue

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Thank you Erika for sharing a little bit about your life and style with all of us!

View more of Erika’s design work here , follow her blog here and join her on Instagram here.

And join Erika and I at the Atlanta Tastemaker Summit next month for a day of design inspiration and learning.

Design Guide: Choosing the Right Paint Finish

July 5, 2016

I hope everyone had a great 4th. Today I’m sharing my latest design guide focusing on paint finishes.

When it comes to painting any room in your home, picking a paint color is just half the battle. The bigger challenge for many people is what paint finish to use.

The first consideration when contemplating finishes is how the room will be used by you and your family. And then deciding what type of look you want the room to have.

Just like design trends, paint finishes are also susceptible to trends. High gloss finishes are a popular look right now but classic finishes like satin and eggshell remain the most widely used paint finish in home décor.

Here’s what you need to know to pick the right finishes for your home.

Design Guide To Selecting The Right Paint Finish

Flat & Matte Finish

Flat paint finishes are available only in latex paint have a low-sheen, non-reflective surface which is great for low traffic areas, ceiling and some interior walls. This finish will provide the lowest level of sheen and is ideal for rooms that don’t require frequent washing or cleaning. Use flat finishes on older wall surfaces that may have minor flaws because the finish will not bring attention to those areas. If you ever have to wash or scrub a flat paint finish, you’ll probably remove some of the paint requiring a paint touch-up.

Flat and matte finishes are an ideal choice for the dining room, living room, powder room, guest bedroom and closets.

the image above uses a flat fnish on the walls and satin trim

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Satin and Eggshell Finish

The velvety, pearl-like appearance of satin and eggshell finishes are easier to maintain than a flat finish and perfect for high-traffic are like hallways, living rooms and bathrooms. A satin and eggshell finish is your best choice fo kitchen and bathrooms where there is some exposure to moisture. It is easy to clean a painted surface with a satin finish without fear of removing paint and destroying the wall surface.

Semi-Gloss Finish

A semi-gloss paint finish is sleek and radiant along with being highly durable, easy to wash and scrubbable. Semi-gloss finishes are ideal for high-moisture areas, trim, windows, woodwork and cabinetry. This is the paint finish I recommend for built-in bookcase wall units as well.

Gloss Finish

A few other things to keep in mind when selecting paint for your home:

always get a mildew-resistant paint formula to use in bathrooms and laundry rooms
the higher the sheen, the darker and more intense the color will be
high-gloss finishes reflect light and make imperfections more noticeable
if you desire a lacquered look, go with a high-gloss finish or buy paint specifically formulated with a lacquered finish
tone-on-tone striped wall designs are achieved by alternating between gloss and flat finishes
most finishes are available in latex and oil-based paints but latex is easier to apply than oil-based
buy supplies that are made to work with the finish you select. Oil-based and gloss finishes typically require specific brushes, rollers and tools