Holiday Gift Guide | Books To Inspire

December 5, 2017

The countdown to Christmas continues! I’m back with another gift guide and it’s one of my favorites. I’m sharing a few of my favorite books. Books that have brought me joy inspired me and taught me a thing or two this year.

♦ BOOKS TO INSPIRE ♦

“A party without cake is just a meeting.” –Julia Child

Pizzazzerie–Entertain In Style–Courtney provides how-to instructions for more than a dozen occasions, each complemented with full tablescape details; decor tips; and recipes for each party.

In Style Parties–This book has been completely revised and updated since its original publication. Page after page, you’ll find expert advice for hosting any type of party. This is a great resource book to own if you love to throw parties and entertain family and friends.

Veranda Entertaining–It’s the ultimate inspirational guide to throwing a sophisticated and stylish soirée. You’ll find ideas for choosing a centerpiece and selecting the right appetizers and cocktails to make your event stand out.

The Art of the Bar Cart–The Art of the Bar Cart features 20 different styled bar setups themed around favorite libations, personal style, or upcoming occasions.

“A home is much more than a mere shelter, it should lift us up emotionally & spiritually.” –John Saladino

William Yeoward–Blue and White and other Stories–William Yeoward reveals his passion for color, his inspirations and the ‘stories’ behind his unique use of color on a journey through a dazzling array of beautiful homes.

An Eye For Beauty–This fabulous design book is written by one of my design idols, Beth Webb. Webb explores the fundamentals of creating a home in which every element enhances our ability to live well.

Style Secrets–House Beautiful Style Essentials: What Every Room Needs is an inspiring and hardworking handbook that will show you how to create the rooms of their dreams by revealing what “every room needs.

The House That Pinterest Built–When Diane Keaton decided that she wanted to build her own home from the ground up, she took to the boards of Pinterest to find inspiration. This book is a compelling account of Keaton’s journey in building her home, from idea to realization.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” –Steve Jobs

The Crossroads of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your Passion–The Crossroads of Should and Must has a universal message—we get to choose the path between Should and Must. It’s about the difference between jobs, careers, and callings. The difference between going to work and becoming one with your work.

Girl Code: Unlocking the Secrets to Success, Sanity & Happiness—GIRL CODE is a roadmap for female entrepreneurs, professional women, and anyone in between who wants to become a better woman.

In The Company of Women–Over 100 exceptional and influential women describe how they embraced their creative spirit, overcame adversity, and sparked a global movement of entrepreneurship. The profiles paint a beautiful picture of what happens when we pursue our passions and dreams.

The Wisdom of Sundays by Oprah Winfrey–Organized into ten chapters―each one representing a powerful step in Oprah’s own spiritual journey and introduced with an intimate, personal essay by Oprah herself―the Wisdom of Sundays features selections from the most meaningful conversations between Oprah and some of today’s most-admired thought-leaders.

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Book Review: Fabulous! The Dazzling Interiors of Tom Britt

November 8, 2017

One of the legendary interior designers that I admire most is Tom Britt. He is a master of designing rooms with bold color palettes, strong graphic style contrasts and stylish innovations. When asked to describe his own design aesthetic and he uses words like brilliant, confident and sexy.

Fabulous! The Dazzling Interiors of Tom Britt written by Mitchell Owens and published by Rizzoli chronicles this legendary designers’ work over the past 50 years. From Exotic and Modern to Historical and Classic, each chapter in the book showcases his portfolio of work from around the globe. Take a peek at a few of my favorite images.

“Pretty rooms are pretty boring. My preference has always been something totally different: bold, brilliant, even monumental.”

Book Review: Fabulous! The Dazzling Interiors Of Tom Britt

“Ask yourself: Do you really want your house to look like somebody else’s? Do you really want to play it safe? I don’t think you do. Who would? Why not be fabulous? “

As one of the countries most recognized and awarded interior designers, the design advice that Thomas Britt has shared over the years is worthy of a mention…

If you’re a design enthusiast, you’ll definitely want to pick up a copy of this book to add to your collection.

New House Diary: Master Bedroom Design Plan

October 20, 2017

Hi friends. I’ve decided to start a new series here on the blog called New House Diary. The new series document the decorating journey of our new home. I’ll be sharing the design plans as well as before and after photos so you can see the spaces come to life. I’ve already shared the design plans for the office and the living room and today I’m sharing the plans for our master bedroom.

We’ve been in the house for two months and are moving at a snail’s pace when it comes to decorating. We have yet to hang artwork or curtains and we’re still waiting for our new sofa to arrive. Fingers crossed it will be here next week!

When we moved, I made the decision to take my time decorating. That decision has been both good and bad. The downside is that we’re still unloading boxes and trying to get closets, cabinets and drawers organized. The positive thing is that taking my time is helping me make the right design decisions.

Here’s a look at our master bedroom the day we closed on the house. The carpet was in desperate need of replacing and the paint colors were not at all appealing to me.

The bedroom is a good size but there aren’t many options when it comes to arranging the furniture.

Here’s the space plan for the room…

I want for the room to have a calm, sophisticated and warm look and feel so that’s what inspired the colors and design plan.

The walls are painted a soft grey, Whisper by Benjamin Moore and I absolutely love the color. All of the trim is BM Simply White (semi-gloss) and the doors are BM Black Satin also in semi-gloss. I’ll be introducing darker grey through some of the accent fabrics the fabrics which will give the space more depth.

We already own most of the furniture for the room but are purchasing a couple of new pieces to complete the space. And I’ve got new linens and decor on my shopping list too.

Master Bedroom Design Plan…

To add dimension and visual interest to the neutral color palette, I’ll use patterned pillows and textured linens. The neutral foundation will also make it easy to change the look seasonally, adding more color during the warmer months.

The plan is for velvet curtains and to use velvet on a bench that I’m having recovered. Brass lighting will add a touch of shine and glam within the room. I have one vintage brass lamp that I want to use on the nightstand and I’m hoping to luck upon a matching one at an antique or thrift store.

The pillows patterns I’m showing are the general direction that I want to go, using a plaid, floral and animal print together.

I’m planning to have our bedroom complete before Thanksgiving so stay tuned for the reveal.

Black Nightstand

Black Undredal Dresser (I’m planning to change our the drawer hardware)

Washed Percale Waffle Duvet Cover (also available in grey)

Charcoal Grey Plaid Pillow

Schumacher Linen Leopard Animal Print Pillow

Schumacher Pyne Hollyhock Pillow

Brass Chandelier

Charcoal Curtain Panels

Decorative Trim (similar here)

Upholstered Bench (I’ll be recovering one I already own)

Vintage Brass Lamp (similar here)

Medallion Rug

Design Guide: Mixing Metal Finishes In The Kitchen

October 18, 2017

Have you noticed that more and more kitchen designs are incorporating a mix of finishes in their hardware? Gone are the days of hardware, lighting and appliances all being one finish like brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze. Today it’s an eclectic mix of design details that bring a space to life.

When you’re planning your kitchen hardware selections, think of if like you would jewelry to an outfit. The style of hardware + the finishes you use all help to complete the look of your kitchen decor. Combining silver, gold, brass, or iron is also a great strategy for adding visual interest and depth to the kitchen or any space in your home.

Here are the do’s and dont’s of mixing metals to achieve the best results:

The Art Of Mixing Metals In The Kitchen

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This stainless steel backsplash makes a powerful focal point. image source: Traditional Home

Along with mixing metals, I also love the look of wood combine with granite or stone. image source: House Beautiful

A pretty patterned floor offset with a mix of finishes makes for a stunning statement. image source: Becki Owens

These brass pendant lights create a dynamic focal point against white cabinets and walls. image source: Elizabeth Lawson Design

How stunning is this copper range hood? Copper is a great alternative to brass especially if you want a rustic chic look. image source: Artofrain

It’s taken me a few years to warm up to mixed metal finishes but now I’m a convert. I’ve grown to love the look and I’m planning to incorporate different finishes into my own kitchen decor.

Caliente-Benjamin Moore 2018 Color Of The Year

October 12, 2017

This is the time of year when we start seeing color and design predictions for the coming year. Following a year of in-depth research and culling through thousands of colors, Benjamin Moore has picked a bold, dynamic red called Caliente.

Ellen O’Neill, Director of Strategic Design Intelligence for BM describes Caliente like this…

” Strong, radiant and full of energy, Caliente AF-290 is total confidence. It is pleasing, passionate and makes people feel special, like “red carpet treatment’!

And used these words that evoke the emotion of Caliente…

Back in the 90’s red was the go-to hue for dining rooms and occasionally used in a bedroom. Today, power colors are trending which makes Caliente perfect for any room in the house.

I love red on an exterior door. What a way to make a first impression!

Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you’re considering decorating with Caliente or other bold hues:

Determine whether you can commit to using an intense color in your home and just how much you want the tone represented. If you determine that an entire room painted in a bold statement would be too much, use it in a smaller space like a powder room, office or hallway. For dramatic impact with even less commitment, try painting an accent wall in your favorite bold hue.
Consider the lighting in the room. Rooms with lots of natural light can handle a bold color more effectively than dark spaces. Natural light can amplify the room without feeling overpowering. Darker space with bold colors can feel more dramatic and moody.
Contrast a bold color with a crisp white trim. Bright white will intensify bold colors and make them pop which providing a string contrast.
Once you select your bold color statement, make sure to incorporate accent pieces in the room that create a cohesive color statement. Artwork, rug and pillows that incorporate your color choice will tie the rooms’ design together.

I couldn’t be more thrilled about Benjamin Moore’s selection since red happens to be my favorite color. Even though I didn’t have red as part of the decor plan for our new house, I’m now rethinking that. To learn more insight on how Benjamin Moore selected Caliente, check out this video they created.

Benjamin Moore 2018 Color Of The Year–Caliente

The 5 Most Versatile Decorative Accessories You Can Own

October 11, 2017

One of the things I noticed when we were packing and again as we’ve been unpacking is that I have an overload of decorative accessories. One reason for my ‘collection’ is a result of my profession as a designer and the other I blame on my need to change-up my decor on a regular basis.

As I’ve been unpacking, I’m trying to focus on keeping only those items that can be used in more than one area of my house and are the most versatile. Taking the time to analyze each accessory got me thinking about which decor pieces I consider essential when it comes to decorating. I’ve narrowed down the list to 5 items that I think are worth their weight in gold and wanted to share the list with you.

Decorative Boxes are not only pretty to look at but they are one of the most functional decor pieces you can own. They can be used for storage, to contain clutter or simply as a decorative element on a tabletop or bookshelf. One of my favorite uses for a decorative box is on a coffee table as part for a grouping of accessories. And you’ll always find a decorative box as part of my bedroom decor on my nightstand.

Drive By Decor

ConfettiStyle

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Ginger Jars were originally used to hold spices when they were being transported across Asia. Today ginger jars are one of the most popular and trendy decor pieces around. Because ginger jars are available in hundreds of different designs, colors and shapes, you can easily find a style that will work with your decor. I’m partial to blue and white designs but love the impact that colorful ginger jars add to a room. My favorite place to accessorize with large jars is on top of a bookcase or armoire, or next to a fireplace. And I love using small jars on bookshelves or kitchen counters.

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I didn’t realize how many Glass Hurricanes I owned until I started packing for our move. I own clear glass hurricanes in a variety of sizes and recently added a pair to tortoise hurricanes to my stash. I’m always burning candles in my home so I use small hurricanes throughout the year to hold candles so the flame is contained (learned that trick from Anthropologie). And during the holidays, I love using large hurricanes to hold ornaments or other holiday decor. And a hurricane makes a great vase for flowers or greenery stems.

Crate and Barrel

CrushCulDeSac

Country Living

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Studio McGee

I think the next item on my list is a pretty obvious one. A Decorative Tray is an essential decor piece and one that I think belongs in every home. Like ginger jars, trays come in all shapes, sizes and colors which makes decorating with them easy. On a nightstand, a tray can be used to hold jewelry and bedtime essentials. And on a coffee table, a tray adds a layer of style for holding smaller objects like candles, decorative objects or books.

Decor Pad

BelleMaison23

The Everygirl

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I must admit that I have a bit of an obsession with Decorative Bowls. Silver bowls, chinoiserie themed ceramic bowls and rustic bowls are my favorites for decorating. If you’re looking for an impact statement on your coffee or console table, a large bowl filled with decorative spheres or flowers is nice. And small bowls are a stylish way to hold matchboxes or trinkets on a tabletop.

HGTV

How To Decorate

Design Indulgence

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The details are not the details, they make the design!

—Charles Eames

When it comes to decorative accessories, not all decor pieces are created equal. There are some accessories that are classic, timeless and stand the test of time against design trends.

So what do you think of my list of essential decorative accessories? Is there an item or two that you’d add?

p.s. if I were to add another item, it would be books!

Book Review: Making House | Designers At Home

October 3, 2017

You all know I love design books. I am constantly checking my favorite book publishers websites to see what new books are being released throughout the year. Getting a new book feels like Christmas morning so you can only imagine how thrilled I was when I received some happy mail recently. The great folks over at Rizzoli sent me a copy of the recently published Making House- Designers At Home to check out.

When it comes to design books, there are a few ways I can tell if a book is good or not. The first is from the cover image. I knew immediately that the simple chair vignette on the cover meant that the images and content in the book was going to be good.

The second way I can tell if a book is good is by quickly flipping through the pages. If the images capture my attention and make me want to dive into the book, its a winner. The images in Making House–Desgners At Home did just that.

Miles Redd

Written by Dominic Bradbury and photographed by Richard Powers, this book showcases the personal homes of some of the worlds best-known designers such as Jonathan Adler, Nate Berkus & Jeremiah Brent, Miles Redd and Neisha Crosland. The book gives you a look into their design process and the personal spaces in which they live and create.

All of the spaces in the book were photographed specifically for this book so the view into the lives and style of these designers is fresh and new.

As the story of each designers’ home unfolded, I found myself captivated and inspiring. I jotted down design ideas and took to heart the words written by this group of amazing designers. I especially loved this quote by Miles Redd…

“If you have a keen eye, then it doesn’t matter where you are buying–you can get great stuff anywhere. I am not a provenance snob at all, and if you are, then you miss out.

Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brant

Neisha Crosland, London

Frederic Mechiche, Morocco

Jean-Louis Deniot, Chantilly, France

Kelly Wearstler

Steephen Sills, NY

If you’re in the design industry or just have a love for design then you’ll definitely want to add this book to your collection. The book makes for an inspiring read and is a wonderful source for design ideas that you can use to create your own personal oasis.

You can purchase your copy of Making House–Designer At Home here {affiliate link}.

My Home Office Design Plan | The Vision

September 7, 2017

One of the rooms I need to get pulled together as soon as we return from our vacation is my office. I am going to be turning the bedroom on the lower level or our townhouse in my office and creative space. The room is fairly large and has a wall of windows that I love. When we bought the house, the room was painted an admiral blue and had carpeting that was in desperate need of changing. Here’s a before photo I snapped with my iPhone.

Before we began moving in, I had the entire house painted and choose a soft color palette for this room. I haven’t been able to take any after photos yet because the room is filled with boxes but I’ll share those when I start decorating this space.

The walls were painted Benjamin Moore Whisper and I freshened up the trim with BM Simply White and I used Black Satin for the doors. The biggest change came when we removed the carpet and had hardwood floors put in.

When I started thinking about how I wanted to decorate my office, I had several things to consider. In addition to providing ample space to work on design projects, I also need storage for my Etsy shop inventory. And I wanted the space to feel more like a living space and less like a traditional office.

I started looking around for inspiration and came upon several office space images that spoke to me.

Ballard designs

decor pad

source unknown

HOME OFFICE DESIGN PLAN

After finding my inspiration I’ve come with a design plan that I’m excited about. The general feel for the space will be sophisticated and elegant with lots of black and brass. I’m also planning to infuse pink and blue & white into the space to add pops of color.

A lot of the furniture I’m looking at is from Ikea and most of the accent pieces are items I already own. Here are some of the pieces I’m considering…

Ikea Ingatorp Table

Billy Bookcase with Glass Doors–Ikea

Brass Desk Lamp from Target (also available in black)

Black and White Herringbone Rug–Rugs USA

I’m looking forward to getting started decorating this space. Because I’ll be spending lots of time in my office, I’m making sure it is the perfect blend of style and function.