ConfettiStyle

Your Guide For Stylish Living

Entertaining FLAIR

I love books, all kinds of books, but one on my  favorite book topics are books about entertaining and decor. And, the newly published book by Joe Nye, FLAIR, takes the cake. This is one of the most exquisite entertaining, design and style books I’ve come across. 

Flair

Exquisite Invitations, Lush Flowers, and Gorgeous Table Settings

Broken down in to four sections, Table Settings, Paper, Flowers and Essentials, FLAIR offers up detailed party planning information, accented by beautiful photos that will definitely inspire you to entertain. The Table Settings section will show you how to create beautiful centerpieces and unique place settings. In the Paper section, you’ll learn everything you need to know about invitations, complete with a great list of shopping resources.  When it comes to Flowers, Joe will show you how to use flowers to enhance your decor and creative ways to display them.  Finally, in the Essentials section, you’ll be reminded of all the basic party planning techniques, but will surely learn something new like I did.

As a Los Angeles based designer, Joe Nye has been named one of the 100 Best Decorators by House Beautiful every year since 2003.  Just looking through his book, I can definitely see why.

One of the things I love most about FLAIR, are the examples of how to mix old and new items together to create an eclectic and stylish look.  The book also gave me great ideas on how to mix home decor items with traditional tabletop/entertaining items, to create a real sense of personalization.  I’ve never been a big antique china fan, but this book has really given me a new perspective on how wonderful old china patterns are, and how they can really enhance a tablescape.

If you think Joe Nye’s design style is limited to the world of entertaining, think again.  He has an obvious love for interior design and has decorated his NY apartment with loads of personality and FLAIR.  Below are a few photos from the feature that appeared in House Beautiful. 

 

I can’t wait for Joe to publish his next book, but until then, FLAIR will be added to my favorite design book list!  This is definitely one book you’ll want to add to your bookshelf.

 

What’s your favorite design/entertaining book?

MY TEN COMMANDMENTS OF INTERIOR DESIGN

As a young child, I was one of those kids that wanted to challenge every “rule” that came my way.  I just didn’t get why some things had to be a certain way… 
 Why did I have to make my bed every morning?
Why did I have to be in the house before dark?
Why did I have to take woodworking class instead of sewing?
 Well, now that I am older, I understand that “rules” exist to enhance our lives and to make us the best that we can be.  
 
 In the world of design, the concept of rules are no different.  There are “rules” of design, but they too should be challenged in order to help us achieve the best look and feel for the space in which we live.  When designing, I love to think outside the box, challenge my creativity and  follow 

My 10 Commandments of Interior Design!

 1.  Discover Your Personal Style

Read shelter magazines and search design websites to find photos of rooms that simply make you feel good.  Once you begin to identify with room layouts, furniture styles, colors and accessories that appeal to you, you’ll be better equipped to create the living space that makes your heart sing. I’ve collected photos from magazines for years and have them sorted by category.  Over the years, my design style has changed, but the core of what I like and don’t like have remained the same.  Creating your own inspiration library is a great way to really stay in tune with your style. 
2.   Never Use Anything You Don’t Love
Whether it’s a piece of furniture, artwork or a simple decorative object, using the things you love, as part of your decor, will guarantee a beautiful and comfortable home environment.  I meet people all the time that feel like they have to use something that was given to them as a gift.  If you don’t love the item, it will never feel good, no matter where you place it in your home.  Your home is your haven so make sure everything in it is something you treasure!
image via william yeoward
 
 

3.   Don’t Buy Items That Aren’t Essential To The Way You Live

If your lifestyle does not require a traditional sofa and loveseat, then do something different.  Try a combination of arm chairs with a coffee table as your living room decor.  Make your home function for you and your family and it will please you for years to come.
 

4.  Embrace Color

More than just about anything else, color added to a room can transform it from plain to powerful.  If you’re not a red wall person, use color as your accent,  in accessories, fabrics and artwork.  Don’t know what color(s) to use, check out your closet and see what colors you’re attracted to in your clothing.  Your clothing colors are a great source of inspiration for the colors you’re comfortable with, and that make you feel good. 
 

5.  Always Have A Touch Of Black

Ok, this is a hard one to explain, but there is just something that black does for a room.  Black helps to ground a space; black helps to define a space; and black helps to add substance!  You can add black via a frame, accessory, lighting or as an accent on a piece of furniture.  If you have a room without a touch of black, try adding the color somewhere and see how it changes the room…for the better.  It really is design magic.
 
via traditional home

6.  Do Something Unexpected

If you really want to make a design statement in your home, try using something in an unexpected way.  I love that this antique farm table was turned into the vanity/sink counter in this bathroom.  And, the shuttered window, rustic wood framed mirrors, metal pendant lights and antique armoire give this space even more character. 
 
image via kay douglas

7.  Mix and Match

Nothing is more lack-luster than a room designed with all one style of furniture.  When decorating, I love to use different styles and finishes of furniture, so that the space has an eclectic yet stylized vibe.  The mirrored nightstand, traditional poster bed,  old trestle table and cottage inspired bed linens add such unique personality to this bedroom.  If you love stained wood finishes, try incorporating a painted piece of furniture to mix it up a bit.
 
image via traditonal home 

8.  Personalize Your Space

I love to walk into a home and discover a piece that really reflects the people who live there. Maybe it’s a color your love or a material you covet.
This turquoise chandelier from Marjorie Skouras Design is a real show stopper.  As  person who loves turquoise this piece would be right at home in my foyer.
 
image via house beautiful
 

9.  Always Use  More Than One Pillow

Yes, I am one of those crazy pillow people.  I just think pillows add so much to a sofa, chair or bed.  I love mixing patterns and shapes to create a wonderful and festive mix wherever I can.  Try it…I think you’ll like it!
 
image via hgtv
 

10.  Don’t Settle

 As my last Design Commandment, this is a big one.  Whatever you do, don’t settle.  It may take months or ever years to find that perfect piece of artwork or the dining table that fits just perfectly in your dining room.  If you have a vision for your home, take the time, however long that is, to make it everything you want it to be.

imave via coastal living

Do you have a favorite design “rule” you use when decorating?

Photo Source:  Kay Douglass, Traditional Home, House Beautiful, HGTV, Coastal Living 

WORDS TO INSPIRE

 Design is coming to grips with one’s real lifestyle, one’s real place in the world. Rooms should not be put together for show but to nourish one’s well-being.

                                                               –Albert Hadley 

   

THE BEAUTY OF YELLOW

As I walked around the Atlanta Gift Mart during the Summer Gift Show, I took notice that not only were lots of people wearing yellow, but there were alot of really great home decor products being shown in yellow.  I was thrilled since yellow,  the vibrant and intense version, is one of my current passions.

I love how yellow can lift the mood of a space and how as a color, it works brilliantly with so many other colors in the color spectrum.

Take a look at these rooms, fully dolled out in yellow or just adorned with a hint of the colors.  Either way, these are some great looking Yellow rooms.

via country living

I love how yellow plays against a strong white wall or molding.

via country living

This room feels cozy and comfortable with yellow walls, a yellow ceiling and all the cabinets painted yellow too.

via country living

Yellow and chocolate combined is a fresh and current color combination.Try substituting yellow in place of a khaki or camel color.  It will definitely give a room more energy.

via house beautiful

What can you say except lovely!

via verandah

Yellow by nature is clean and crisp, especially when mixed with white and other primary colors.

via elle decor 

via living etc.

A little touch of yellow goes a long way in making a statement.

via southern living 

via country living

Every outdoor patio needs a touch of sunshine yellow.

via southern living

Bathrooms and Laundry rooms are a great place to use yellow. Rooms with little light will appear larger and more open.

via cottage living

via elle decor

 One of my current obsessions is chairs upholstered in yellow fabric.  Aren’t these classic and fun at the same time!

via coastal living

via verandah

via coastal living

One of the hottest color trends right now is canary yellow paired black and white or grey and white.

via coastal living

via house beautiful

I am so glad that Yellow is part of a rainbow…it will always be in style.

Check out House Beautiful’s listing of the best shades of Yellow, here!

Photo Source:  Country Living, House Beautiful, Veranda, Elle Decor, Living Etc., Southern Living, Cottage Living, Jeffery Bilhuber, Coastal Living

MENTAL ESCAPE

I have been attending the Atlanta Gift and Home Furnishings Show for the last 9 days and I am a bit drained by all the mental and visual stimulation that occurs while I am at market.  Don’t get me wrong, I love to look at all the new furniture, decorative accessory and gift products coming to market, but nine days of  being “wowed”, “excited” and “thrilled” takes it toll. Since I have two more days of market, I need a mental escape from it all, if only for a moment.

I’m clicking my heels together, closing my eyes and wishing I could be here all day…

IMG_1302

until next time…

20 THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT SUMMER

1.  CUTE, SPORTY BICYCLES…old school style!

via amazon

2.  SASSY SUNDRESSES in nostalgic madras plaids!

via old navy

3. FUN & WHIMSICAL FLIP FLOPS–the ultimate go to summer shoe!

via amazon

Watermelon-Blackberry-and-Mint-Salad-5

4. WATERMELON AND BLACKBERRIES–alone or together, summer wouldn’t be the same without them!

via two peas and their pod

5.  FLIRTY SUMMER SKIRTS-Cool, Comfortable and stylish!

via forever 21

6.  CLASSIC WHITE KEDS SNEAKERS–A touch preppy and never out of style!

via zappos

7.  ICE SCREAM, YOU SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!

via martha stewart

The music being played by the approaching ice cream truck was one of the best sounds of summer.  I could hear it from miles away. 

8. EYELET FABRICS–Designs have become a bit more sophisticated now-a-days,  but eyelet fabric will always have a classic, youthful feel to it.

via mod cloth

 9.  HAMMOCKS–The best way to spend a leisurely summer afternoon, reading decorating magazines of course!

via ten thousand villages

10.  SUNGLASSES, especially ones that make a statement!

via nordstrom

11.  OLD FASHIONED SODA POP from a glass bottle!  How refreshing.

via amazon

12.  A “JUST BECAUSE” WATCH, in a bright, bold color.

via amazon

13.  GINGHAM!  A little bit country, and a whole lot cute!

via target

14.  A STRAW HANDBAG.  We’ll any new handbag is a reason to celebrate summer in my book!

via zappos

15.  A CLASSIC ESPADRILLE with a funky twist!  Too cute for words!

via zappos

16.  A SWIMSUIT…. a really cute swimsuit!

via spiegel

17.  A cute pair of SUMMER SANDALS will put pep in my step anytime.

via zappos

18.  FRESH LEMONADE is a summer staple.  When it’s served from a roadside lemonade stand it’s even better.

via apartment therapy

19.  CORAL & TURQUOISE JEWELRY.  What a wonderful way to dress up a simple summer outfit.  I love how organic yet refined these bracelets are.

via athleta

ConfettiStyle10

20.  SUMMER FLOWERS–Take a minute to stop and smell the roses flowers!

Happy Summer Everyone!

Photo Source:  Paul Frank, Old Navy, Havaianas, Flickr, Forever 21, Keds, Mod Cloth, Ten Thousand Villages, Afaze’s, Campri, Mossimo, Kate Spade, Zappos, Spiegel, Apartment Therapy, Athleta

DESIGN CRUSH: ERINN VALENCICH

I so admire the very talented design and lifestyle expert Erinn Valencich.  Not only does Erinn posses incredible interior design skills, but she is also a style expert in the field of cooking and entertaining. Having grown up in Northern California on a horse farm, and moving with her family to Los Angeles at the age of 9, Erinn’s style aesthetic mixes the casual, comfortable feel that can be found on the farm, with the stylish, glamorous design personality of LA.  I love that her designs are multi-layered and intricately stylized, while at the same time feel very attainable and real.

   

Erinn Valencich

As the owner of her own multi-faceted design firm, Omniarte Design, Erinn excels in designing spaces that are modern, eclectic and chic!  Her ability to combine colors and patterns, gives her designs a distinct edge.  I love the boldness of the red sofa and the graphic accent of the black and white throw.

I adore the mix of patters Erinn used in this space.  There is such a refined, yet comfortable vibe that this space gives off.  The upholstered chair, with the painted wood frame is to die for! 

With a love for gardening, Erinn often incorporates beautiful fresh flowers into her room designs. 

I love the button detail on this slipcover.  What a unique and unexpected touch.

Classic elegance defines the accessorizing of this bookshelf.  Simple and to the point!

Besides running Omniarte Design, Erinn has made regular appearances on HGTV and Entertainment Tonight, giving savvy style and decorating advice that inspires both the design novice and the design educated.  Her list of celebrity clients continues to grow and includes stylish stars such as Jaime Pressly, Mischa Barton and Jennifer Love Hewitt. 

The chartreuse walls give this classic black and white palette real energy.

The pattern mixing that in this space gives it an eclectic, high design feel.  I love the ornately framed mirror that has been painted high gloss red. Fabulous!

A mix of BOLD (headboard, duvet cover) and DEMURE (side table and lamp) are what define the personality of this space.

There’s  not much to say about this side table expect–LUSCIOUS!

Unexpected furniture additions like this ladder night stand are a trademark of Erinn’s.

 A few of Erinn’s decorating principles:

  1. Layer your Lighting–“The quality of light in a room not only affects color, texture and mood, but it can add architectural interest to a room. Having three sources of light in every room is a good rule to go by.
  2. “When choosing a color palette for your room, decide on two main colors and a third accent color.”
  3. “Don’t be afraid to mix styles of furniture in a room.”

Thank you Erinn for inspiring me and my design style. You make creating beautiful rooms, look so easy!

Photos:  HGTV Designers Portfolio

THE DRINKS ARE ON ME

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July weekend.  I took 4 days off and spent the weekend with by husband, at his family reunion in Alabama.  It was a jam-packed weekend full of socializing, eating, singing, talent shows and drinking. 

  After spending 4 days shuffling through ice chunks, in a plastic cooler,  to find a “cold one”, I returned to Atlanta thinking about the beauty of a classic bar cart and how they can elevate the style of any drink…bottled or canned. 

via Camille Styles

Bar Carts are a very popular furniture piece being used in homes today, not only because of their function but also because of their beauty.  Bar Carts come in all shapes, sizes, material and colors.  Here are a few of my favorite designs…

via erin valencich

via everything fabulous

I adore the classic, modern feel of this black and white bar table.  Not only does it make a stylish bar, but I’d love to use a pair in the bedroom as night stands.

via restoration hardware

via everything fabulous

The majority of bar carts available now have wheels, which makes it easy to move the party from one room to another.

via 1st Dibs

 I love the industrial feel of this bar cart.  What a great look for a rustic lake house or beach front cottage.

eddie ross via domino magazine 

 Eddie Ross found this bar cart at the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market and has set it up with vintage decanters and barware.

 via restoration hardware

via southern accents

via southern accents via 1st Dibs

The vintage bar cart above is so chic!.  I love the lines and the etched glass detail.

 So, the next time you’re planning a party, roll out your bar cart, dress it up with pretty decanters, liquor bottles and stemware and let the party begin!

Cheers!

 

 

Photo Source:  Erinn Valencich, Flickr, Everything Fabulous, Beau Gustafson, 1st Dibs, Eddie Ross, Restoration Hardware, Southern Accents
           

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