Favorites Of The Week | Decorating & Entertaining

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I’m back with another round of favorite posts, pin and products to share with you. Enjoy!

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FAVORITE POSTS

A couple of days ago I shared a few of my favorite spaces from the One Room Challenge featured bloggers.  Here’s one of my favorite makeovers from a guest participant, Design Enthusiasm.  If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times…the power of paint is amazing when you’re decorating !

Favorites of The Week--Design Inspiration from With Love from Kat

 This home tour shows you how to infuse an insane amount of decorating style into 650 sq. ft.

Favorites of The Week--Design Inspiration from With Love from Kat

With Love From Kat

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FAVORITE PINS

One of my go-to sources for tabletop inspiration is Celebrations At Home.  Chris creates some of the most beautifully style party and entertaining tables.  This blue tablescape she styled for a bridal brunch is just so pretty.

Favorites of The Week--Entertaining Inspiration from Celebration At Home

Favorites of The Week--Entertaining Inspiration from Celebration At Home

Favorites of The Week--Entertaining Inspiration from Celebration At Home

When I think of a mountain retreat I envision a home that looks just like this.

Favorites of The Week--Design Inspiration from Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

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FAVORITE PRODUCTS

I’m really trying to justify purchasing this gorgeous blue and white ice bucket by Aerin for William Sonoma.  I mean after all it’s more than an ice bucket as demonstrated by Lucy of Craftberry Bush who styled it as a flower vase. #ineed

Favorites of The Week--Shopping at William Sonoma Home

Favorites of The Week--Shopping at William Sonoma Home

Have you checked out the Zara Home website yet?  So many cute items for home and personal use.  The bright pattern on this floral cosmetic bag caught my eye.

 Favorites of The Week--Shopping at Zara Home

I just noticed that TJ Maxx has started to sell window valances in store and on-line.  They have some nice designs and you can’t beat the price–$16.99.  This Water Medallion Valance from Nicole Miller is one of my faves.

Favorites of The Week--Shopping at TJ Maxx

 Have a fantastic weekend!

Inspiration Overload–One Room Challenge Reveal Day

Hi friends. I hope everyone is having a great week.  My week has been one meeting, project and to-do list item after another.  and I haven’t had any quality time to sit down and blog.  I’ve gotten a lot accomplished in the last few days so I’ll be back to a regular blogging schedule soon.

Even though I haven’t had time to blog, I did manage to find time over lunch yesterday to check out the One Room Challenge Room Reveals.  Holy Moly, so much design inspiration in one place.  In case you don’t know about the One Room Challenge (fyi–it’s a big deal), here’s the scoop…

The One Room Challenge is a bi-yearly event where 20 designers and bloggers participate in a challenge to transform a room in their home over a 6 week period.  Each week leading up to the reveal, they share the design plans and the work in-progress to get the room done.  It’s a lot of fun to see each participants spaces come to life.

Like past One Room Challenge events, this round of room transformations is drool worthy.  You’ll definitely want to check out each of the blogs but today I’m sharing a few of my favorite spaces.

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ONE ROOM CHALLENGE FAVORITE {featured bloggers}

Christine Dovey transformed her dark basement into a light, bright and beautiful living space.  The fireplace wall is one of my favorite features. You can see the full transformation here.

2017 One Room Challenge--Christine Dovey

2017 One Room Challenge--Christine Dovey

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Will and Susan of House of Brinson gave their guest bedroom a makeover and it looks like it’s straight out of an English mansion.  You can see the One Room Challenge makeover from start to finish as well as the other spaces in the house over on their blog.


2017 One Room Challenge--House of Brinson

2017 One Room Challenge--House of Birnson

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The dynamic design team of J & J Design Group designed JoAnn’s living and dining room to have loads of color, style and personality–WOW!  There are so many design elements I love like these blue chairs, the rug and the doors.  Check out all the beautiful details here.

2017 One Room Challenge--J & J Design Group

2017 One Room Challenge--J & J Design Group

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Abby from Abby Manchesky Interiors took her perfectly fine kitchen and elevated the style by painting their cabinets a gorgeous shade of emerald green.  Head here to see the full transformation that includes even more than the kitchen.

2017 One Room Challenge--Abby Manchesky

2017 One Room Challenge--Abby Manchesky

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One of the things I love about the One Room Challenge is discovering new blog and design talent like Dab from Old Brand NewDabito (everyone calls him Dab) did a job on his dining room.  Those gorgeous yellow walls and that light fixture–no words!

2017 One Room Challenge--Old Brand New

2017 One Room Challenge--Old Brand New

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I’ve been reading The Pink Pagoda blog for sometime and it’s one of my favorite blogs.  The ORC they undertook involved not one but two spaces that open up to each other–dining room and sitting room.  Just one glance at the after photos and you know they had me at blue & white.  What I love most about the makeover is the classic simplicity that each of the rooms have.  See every detail of the rooms here.

2017 One Room Challenge--The Pink Pagoda

2017 One Room Challenge--The Pink Pagoda

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Jennifer from Rambling Renovator’s worked on her living room for the ORC and boy is it stunning.  There are so many design details like the built-in bookcases that gave her space high style. Hard to believe this was all done in just 6 weeks!

2017 One Room Challenge--Rambling Renovations

2017 One Room Challenge--Rambling Renovations

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To see the all of the projects created by the 20 featured bloggers, head over to Calling It Home where Linda, the creator of this amazing design challenge has links to all the blogs.

2017 One Room Challenge

And be sure to check out all of the room makeovers from the over 200 guest participants in the design challenge.  Links to those posts can be found here.

Design Lessons From The 2017 Met Gala Fashions

Did you watch the Met Gala last weekend?  It is one of the most anticipated fashion events of year and always delivers amazing (and not-so-amazing) looks.

If you’re not familiar with the Met Gala, here’s a little about its history…

From 1948 to 1971, the benefit wasn’t pegged as an exhibition, and was held off-site at the Waldorf Astoria or the Rainbow Room. Guests, mostly New York society indulged in fine dining and were entertained by “skits, raffles, and pageants of models in historic costume. In 1972 New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art opened its doors for the Met Gala when former Vogue editor Diana Vreeland joined as a consultant. Vreeland curated some of the most ambitious and heavily publicized exhibitions and used the gala as an opportunity to inaugurate them. Today the annual invitation-only fundraiser hosted by Vogue editor Anna Wintour benefits the museum’s Costume Institute, and serves as a launch party for its spring exhibition.

The 2017 exhibition is dedicated to 74-year-old Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo, one of fashion’s most revered creative visionaries. The exhibition sets the tone for the formal dress of the night and guests are expected to choose their fashion to match the theme of the exhibit. 

Now that you know a bit about the gala, here’s a look at some of the 2017 fashion statements and what they can teach you about interior design.

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Inspiration Notebook | May 2017

You might have noticed that I didn’t share my inspiration notebook with you last month.  Last month was a blur and I just didn’t have time to pull it together.  Things are still crazy busy but I did manage to log an insert in my inspiration notebook this month.  I enjoy taking the time to pull these pages together and recognize the things around me that provide inspiration.

When I looked at the calendar the other day, I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that it is May.  We’re almost half way through the year and I’m already exhausted just thinking about everything thing I want to accomplish before the year ends.  While I can’t control the future, I can enjoy today so the pages in my notebook for May are filled with things I’m enjoying on a daily basis.  Here’s a look at what’s inspiring me in work, home and my personal life.  Enjoy!

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DESIGNING:  I’m hoping that a new design client I’m working with will love this Gabby Clay Chandelier as much as I do.  It’s the inspiration for the entire dining room.

READING:  I couldn’t wait to find dive into this gorgeous entertaining book, Veranda Entertaining.  It was everything I expected and more–beautiful images, inspiring ideas and drool worthy tablescapes.  One of my top 10 design books ever!

RELAXING:  I haven’t been sleeping well lately so I’m trying to make sure I spend time winding down at the end of the day.  The Nest Blue Garden Candle is my go-to spring candle scent that helps me to relax and unwind.

INSPIRED BY:  I’ve been seeing lots of floral arrangements in old wood boxes popping up on Pinterest.  I love the look for a spring and summer tablescape.

LISTENING:  Most days when I’m at my desk working I have jazz music or a podcast playing.  The Clever Podcasts are a favorite and every episode has great takeaways for career and life.

CRAFTING:  I love crafting and recently I’ve been drawn back to jewelry making in my spare time.   One of my new sources for unique chain/hardware is my local lighting store for chandelier chain.

SHOPPING: We’ve got a cruise planned for early September and I’ve already started shopping for a dress to wear on formal night. I’m channeling my inner Carolina Herrera and thinking of pairing a crisp white shirt with this Red Floral Ball Skirt or this Black Floral Ball Skirt.  Which would you choose??

LOVING:  Just when I thought BaubleBar had it all they come out with these super cute Caicos Pom Pom Earrings.  

CRAVING: Now that fruit season is here, I’m loving my morning meal–yogurt and fruit parfait. My ingredients include plain vanilla yogurt, granola, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries.  Yum!

MAY INSPIRATION NOTEBOOK | 2017

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Designer Tricks of The Trade | Ideas To Inspire

Designer Tricks OF The Trade

Have you ever wanted to know what tricks designers use to create unique rooms?  Well, today is your lucky day.  I’m sharing TEN designer tricks that you can easily incorporate into your own home to get a custom look with your decor.

Some of the ideas require a little DIY, the others are quick, easy and affordable decorating ideas.

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DESIGNER TRICKS OF THE TRADE

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No. 1  REVERSING RUGS

Did you know that some rugs are designed with a defined pattern on each side?  That’s like getting two rugs for the price of one. Rugs with two usable sides are great because with a quick flip of the rug you can change the look of your decor.  The next time you’re rug shopping check the back side and see if it has a usable pattern.

tip:  pay attention to the weave and feel of the back side to make sure you like it

Designer Tricks OF The Trade--Reversible Rugs

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The same ‘reverse’ trick works with some fabrics too.  Designer Jamie Meares used the reverse side of this dot fabric as the welt providing the perfect contrast to give the chair a real designer touch.

Designer Tricks OF The Trade--Reversible Fabric

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No. 2  CHANGING OUT or UpSTYLING LAMPSHADES

Have you ever come across the perfect lamp but it has an awful shade?  It happens all the time.  It might be that the shade is the wrong shape or color, or maybe the lamp needs a shade with more style.  The trick here is to buy the lamp and change or UpStyle the shade!

 One of my favorite sources for lampshades online is Lux Lampshades. Lux has a quick ship program with in-stock shades of all shapes, sizes and fabrics.  And their custom program allows you to design a custom shade from a range of fabrics and  frames they have available.

Designer Tricks OF The Trade--UpStyled Lampshade

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No. 3  USING OUTDOOR LIGHTING INDOORS

Did you know that the only major difference between outdoor lighting and indoor lighting is that the finishes on outdoor lighting are created to withstand weather elements?  Beyond that outdoor lighting is suitable for indoor use.  Some of my favorite outdoor lighting styles to use inside are scones and lanterns.  Check out this chic outdoor light used in a bathroom by A Beautiful Mess.

Designer Tricks OF The Trade--Outdoor Lighting Used Indoors

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No. 4  MOUNTING A FRAME WITHIN A FRAME

I’m always taking about how important layering is when decorating and that concept even applies to wall decor.  If you have a framed art piece that’ to small, think about hanging it inside of a larger frame.  The two pieces combined will provide the impact you’re desiring and also give your wall decor statement a custom look.

tip:  don’t overlook ugly artwork at a thrift store because the frame might be of value

Designer Tricks OF The Trade--A Frame within A Frame

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No. 5  CREATING A LARGE RUG FROM TWO

Did you know that designers sometimes create one rug from two? Let’s say you find the perfect rug but it doesn’t come in a  large enough size.  If the pattern works, you can actually use rug tape to create a larger size from two smaller rugs.  And if you want a more permanent fix, some rug companies can actually glue the rugs together.

Designer Tricks OF The Trade--Two rugs from one

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No. 6  A TOUCH OF BLACK IN EVERY ROOM

This is one of my tried and true design rules.  Black adds a touch of drama to a room and helps to ground the decor.  Don’t think that it has to be a piece of black furniture or a wall painted black, all it takes is a touch.  A lamp base, a decorative object or a textile with black in it.  If you have a room in your home with no black, add the color and see the impact it makes.

Designer Tricks OF The Trade--A Touch of Black in Every Room

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No.7  MIX HIGH END WITH LOW END

Because I’m an avid vintage shopper, I love mixing high with low.  A high-quality sofa paired with inexpensive pillows or a budget friendly rug paired with a statement coffee table are just two ways to mix it up.  Mixing high and low will give your decor distinct flair, add personality and save you money.

My favorite budget friendly pieces are side tables, pillows and decorative objects.

Designer Tricks OF The Trade--Mix High End with Low

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N0. 8  MIX OLD & NEW

Just like mixing high and low, mixing old and new is a great way to customize your decor.  Pair a vintage coffee table with a new sofa or a new lamp with a thrifted cabinet.  The days of shopping at one store for all your decor needs are gone so have fun mixing it up.

Designer Tricks OF The Trade--Mix Old and New

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No. 9  PATTERN MIXING

Ask any designer and they will tell you that pattern-work is key to any design statement.  You don’t have to go bright and bold because subtle colors and patterns can have just as much impact as bright colors and bold prints.  The key to pattern mixing is to pair patterns of different scales and styles.  You can read more of my tips on pattern mixing here.

Designer Tricks OF The Trade--Pattern Mixing

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No. 10  EMBELLISHING OFF THE SHELF FABRICS

I love designer fabrics but they aren’t always in the budget.  One of the tricks designers use to UpStyle off-the-shelf textiles is to add trim.  There are some many affordable trims that can be applied to curtains, pillows or just about anything.  Check out that seat cushion below that has been transformed with some greek key trim.  #brilliant

tip:  my favorite trim source are this, this and this

Designer Tricks OF The Trade--Add Trim

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Designer Tricks OF The Trade--Add Trim

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Designer Tricks Of The Trade--Add Trim

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So there you have it friends.  A few of the tricks designers use when creating and decorating a space.

A little creativity goes a long way so get crafty, think outside the box and give your decor a unique spin.

HIGH/LOW OPTIONS: Black & White Outdoor Umbrella

Creating an outdoor space that is as stylish as the interior of a home is something I strive for whenever I get the chance to design an outdoor living space.   Here in the south an umbrella is an essential part of outdoor decor and can serve as a dominant design element.

In my latest high/low shopping post I’ve rounded up what seems to be a hot commodity for outdoor decorating– black & white striped umbrellas.  Stripes are one of my favorite design details for a patio or deck and nothing beats a classic awning stripe design.

With temperatures on the rise and summer just around the corner, I’ve found four options to fit any budget.  And you know I had to include some design inspiration for you as well.

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BLACK & WHITE OUTDOOR INSPIRATION

How pretty is this white furniture with a black and white umbrella?  And the blue and white planter adds the perfect finishing touch.

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If you love a colorful outdoor space, black and white is the perfect companion to add impact but not take away from your color statement.

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Surrounded by lush landscaping, black and white adds a dramatic and sophisticated Parisian vibe.

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Now that you’re inspired, let’s go shopping…

HIGH/LOW OPTIONS:  BLACK & WHITE STRIPED OUTDOOR UMBRELLAS

♦  BUDGET FRIENDLY: The wide stripe Round Black and White Stripe Umbrella from CB2 is a great value at $69.95.  It measures 108″ in diameter, is made of spun polyester and has a classic shape with no details or embellishments. If you’re looking for a budget friendly option with more style details, I’d check out this cute black and white gingham umbrella with fringe

♦  MODERATELY PRICED: Home Depot has upped their game when it comes to stylish outdoor decor and they too sell a black and white striped umbrella. The Italian Bistro Umbrella cover is made in Italy, measures 7.5 ft (90″) diameter, has a three-position tilt and a wind vent. And the simple scallop detail is kind of cute. Although a bit smaller than the other styles, the price is affordable at just $169.00.

♦  HIGH STYLE: Ballard Design carries a similar style umbrella with more designer details and a higher price tag.  For $349 you get a 9′ diameter classic black and white stripe umbrella made from UV-blocking, fade resistant Sunbrella fabric. The umbrella also has a tilt feature which allows you to position it for maximum sun protection.  Also available in a 11″ diameter and additional colors.

♦  DESIGNER FIND:  If your budget allows here’s an umbrella that has a lot of design detail.  The Daiana Two-Tier Umbrella has a pretty scalloped edge and the top tier adds a unique design detail.  This oversized umbrella rings in at $489,  measures 102″ diameter and is made of Sunbrella fabric.

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I don’t think I’ll every get tired of black and white outdoor decor.  What about you?

Color Crush: Decorating With Yellow

Color Crush: Yellow

Cheers to another week friends!  Did you have a great weekend?  I was ripping and running on Saturday and had a much needed day of relaxation Sunday.  I’m ready to hit the ground running this week and tackle my long to-do list.

I’m popping in today to share some colorful design inspiration with you.

I’ve also love the color yellow and have used it in my decor over the years but I’ve found myself gravitating toward it more recently.  As I’ve been working on design projects and looking to change our some pillows in my own home, this is the color I’ve been seeking.

My love for yellow runs the gamut from bright and sunny to deep, rich amber tones.  I love the soft and pretty shades as much as the warmer tones.

Yellow is one of those colors that mixes well with other colors and it also feels right at home with silver or gold finishes.

DECORATING WITH YELLOW

Color Crush: Yellow

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A pop of yellow adds an instant dose of cheer and vibrancy to room and just a small statement goes a long way in making an impact.

Color Crush: Yellow

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A brighter shade of yellow can be a good choice for an accent piece of furniture.  Against white walls, the color looks fresh and modern and against a dark wall the color feels dramatic and sophisticated.

Color Crush: Yellow

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Yellow has been a color used in traditional decor for decades and will be around for decades to come.

Color Crush: Yellow

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If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you know I love a colorful sofa.  Next to emerald green, a yellow sofa is on my design wish list.  I love the look of the sofa below against the soft grey built-in cabinets.

Color Crush: Yellow

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And in a sunroom, yellow is the perfect color to pair with neutrals and white for a relaxing and polished feel.

Color Crush: Yellow

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And kitchens are one of my favorite places for the color yellow.  The yellow cushions on this banquet seating add so much life and energy to an all-white kitchen.

Color Crush: Yellow

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If you like bold statements, why not a yellow oven or a statement piece of art to punctuate the room?

fyi–artwork by Bobbi Burgers

Color Crush: Yellow

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Since painting interior doors and accent color is such a big trend, yellow is definitely a fun way to add an unexpected pop in the kitchen.

Color Crush: Yellow

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As with all paint colors, selecting the right shade for your decor is key.  To help you out, I’ve rounded-up six of my favorite yellow hues with suggestions on where I’d use the color when decorating.

Color Crush: Yellow

Happy decorating!

Bookshelf Styling Workshop with Steve McKenize’s

Bookshelf Styling Workshop at Steve McKenzie's

My passion for decorating goes beyond helping my clients with their design needs.  It also includes sharing my knowledge about design and decorating with others.

When my home decor and gift store was open I taught design workshops throughout the year.  Topics ranged from space planning and accessorizing to styling tabletop vignettes and creative ideas for entertaining.  I’m excited whenever I get the opportunity to lead a workshop and when I get to do it in partnership with one of my favorite stores, it’s even better.

BOOKSHELF STYLING WORKSHOP

I hope you will join me at Steve McKenzie’s on Saturday, May 6th from 10:00-11:00 am. 

Creating a dynamic bookshelf display involves picking the right accessories and knowing how to arrange them with flair and style.  During the workshop I’ll share my tips and tricks for styling bookshelves and my list of ‘must-have’ items that every bookcase arrangement needs.

And to make the event even more special, one lucky attendee will receive a custom piece of artwork designed and painted by Steve.

Click here to register for the workshop.  Space is limited so sign up today!

Bookshelf Styling Workshop at Steve McKenzie's

To shop Steve McKenzie’s online, head here and be sure to check out their blog.

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