Shopping CB2 | Budget-Friendly Modern Decor

March 7, 2019

I received the new CB2 catalog in the mail a few days ago and boy or boy are there some amazing new pieces in it.

CB2 is one of my favorite stores to shop for stylish and affordable home decor. Until a few years ago, we had a CB2 store here in Atlanta but sadly it closed. Now I have to do all my shopping via their catalog.

If you’re not familiar with CB2, it’s the sister brand to Crate and Barrel. The design aesthetic of the two brands is similar but CB2 has more of a modern edge and prices tend to be lower than Crate and Barrel.

Some of my favorite product categories at CB2 include lighting, pillows and their selection of knobs and drawer pulls. I used their brushed hexagon knobs in my kitchen and love them.

As I flipped through the newest catalog, there were so many pieces that caught my eye so I thought I’d share 10 of my favorites with you today.

♦ Tarte Tiered Chandelier–it’s hard to find oversizied, modern chandeliers that make a bold statement. The tiered shape and the brass finish make this a real standout. I can envision this hanging over a dining table or in an open foyer.

♦ Tatum Black and White Basket–Anything black and white is my favorite so it shouldn’t be a surprise that I love this basket. The size and shape make it perfect for holding blankets in a family room or guest bedroom.

♦ Grid Hand-loomed Rug–You really need to click the link and see this rug in person. The weave detail is really beautiful and makes this rug really unique. This would look so pretty as a foyer rug or in a living room with lots of neutral decor.

♦ Frond Jute and Velvet Pillow–I’ve been on the hunt for unique accent pillows and love this one. The design combines jute and velvet which gives this pillow so much texture. Two of these pillows on a grey or black sofa would look stunning. t also comes in a natural and navy combination.

♦ Artemis Frosted Chandelier-This chandelier took my breath away. It’s so unique and would really make a statement over a dining table.

♦ Halo Globe Table Lamp–If you’re looking for a unique accent lamp on a hall table or nightstand, this is it. Just image the beautiful light reflection that the diamond-cut glass will create.

♦ White Marble Handles–Just think how great these would look against white, grey or black kitchen cabinets. The handles come in four sizes and are also available in a black marble.

♦ Aluminum Barware–I am absolutely in love with these drinking glasses and am having a hard time picking my favorite color. Just think about how great these would be for outdoor entertaining this summer. Available in two shapes and 4 colors. I’m definitely ordering a set of these for myself.

♦ Brass and Acrylic Towel Bar–Acrylic and brass are always a winning combination. These towel bars would instantly update a bathroom or could be used in closet or bedroom hold jewelry and scarves.

♦ Glass Beverage Dispenser–I love the vintage feel of this gorgeous glass beverage dispenser. It feels like it was plucked right out of a European home. Another reason to love it–the removable top can be flipped over and used as a pedestal bowl. This piece is a steal at under $70.

There’s even more amazing pieces in their newest catalog. If you didn’t get a copy in the mail, you can flip through all the pages here.

New Chandelier & Pendant Lighting

September 10, 2018

August 20th marked one year since we moved into our new house. Before we moved in we made some big changes like painting all the walls, ceilings, doors and stair rails. We added hardwood floors on the lower level and gave the kitchen a facelift by painting the kitchen cabinets white.

With all the cosmetic changes made, we’ve slowly been tackling our long decorating list. Among other things, the list includes new kitchen hardware, new light fixtures throughout and decorating my office space, which I finished last month. You can see the before and after of my office space here.

Our townhouse was the model unit and had a few upgraded features. Unfortunately lighting was not one of them. All of the fixtures were builder grade with little to no style. Changing out the lighting was on the top of our to-do list and slowly we are making progress.

In February I was fortunate enough to win a giveaway that Kristy Wicks had in partnership with Lamps Plus. Since I source a lot of lighting from Lamps Plus for design clients, I was thrilled to win a $500 credit from a company that I love. I immediately went shopping and selected a new chandelier for our dining space, new pendant lights for the kitchen and a ceiling mount for the lower entryway.

Lamps Plus processed the order in a flash and my new lighting arrived on my doorstep a few days later. That was back in March and FINALLY we got around to getting the lighting installed last month.

Our kitchen counters are black granite and all of the interior doors in the house are black, so I selected black and gold lighting for the dining area and kitchen.

Here’s a look at the dining room chandelier from Christmas. The original fixture was a grey color with dingy white lampshades.

NEW DINING & KITCHEN LIGHTING

Our new fixture is a beauty. It’s the Lufkin 6-light Chandelier with black shades and an antique brass frame. I love the combination of black and brass which speaks to my love for traditional decor and the rounded shape adds a modern vibe that I love.

**sadly the chandelier is no longer available

With an open concept main floor, our dining area and kitchen are right next to each other so the kitchen lighting had to coordinate. I choose three of the George Kovacs Gold Mini Pendants to hang over the peninsula.

fyi–the gold arm and collar on the pendant lights was bight gold so I used antique gold Rub-n-Buff to tone down the color. One coat gave me the finish color that matches the chandelier perfectly.

I’m thrilled with our new lighting and the transformation it made to our dining area and kitchen. The final decorative piece for the dining area was a new rug which I ordered a few weeks ago. I shared a glimpse of it on Instagram and will have a full reveal later this week. Stay tuned because it’s a beauty and a great price!

Our project list is getting shorter but I’m glad to have a few things checked off.

If you’re in the market for stylish and affordable lighting, definitely check out Lamps Plus. In addition to an amazing lighting selection, they also sell furniture and home decor. One stop shopping at its best!

5 Decor Trends I’m Totally Over (and those I’m loving)

April 18, 2018

You know the saying, all good things must come to and end! Well, that’s how I’m feeling about a few decor trends these days.

Some of the decor trends I’m sharing have been around for years and were very popular at their peak. Others have come on the scene in the last couple of years thanks in part to Pinterest and the DIY movement. Regardless of how long these trends have been around, they have run their course and now need to fade away.

No. 1–Bohemian Tapestries–I love eclectic decor and the exotic patterns and details that bohemian style is known for. I am however over the woven tapestry wall hangings that you’re seeing everywhere these days. In fact, I was kind of over them back in the 80’s when they originated. I vividly remember making one of these in a crafting class back then. When it comes to textural wall decor, I’m more a fan of abstract art or framed architectural findings to add personality to a room.

No. 2–Succulents–One of my design mantras is that every house needs greenery or florals as part of their decor. But instead of small succulent, I suggest for big, beautiful plants and fresh flowers. Did you know that plants help to keep the temperature down in a home and also reduce airborne dust levels? Yes they do! That’s even more reason to add a few plants to your decor.

No. 3–Bell Shaped Lampshades–As one of the most traditional lampshade silhouettes, bell shades have been popular for decades. While they may still be the best option for some lamp styles, taped drum shades are a more updated option. Tapered drums create the same visual effect but have softer lines and a less rigid look. fyi–for more tips on lighting check out my Lampshade Design Guide.

No. 4–Chevron Patterns–Chevron patterns need to be banned, not just on rugs but on every design application you can think of. Today there are so many more interesting patterns for textiles like rugs, pillows, curtains and bedding. I’m currently loving abstract designs and vintage inspired patterns.

No. 5–Chalkboard Walls–I actually like the function that a chalkboard wall offers but think they should now be reserved for more private spaces like a playroom and laundry rooms. And I’m certainly over a full chalkboard wall unless you’re an artist and you use it as a canvas. To replace the chalkboard trend, I vote for a fun wallpaper or a stenciled wall to add pattern and visual interest to a space.

So there’s my take of what’s hot and what’s not in the design world. I know there are other trends on their way out but these are the ones at the top of my hit list.

Are there any decor trends that you’re totally over?

Treasure Hunting At Scott Antique Market

April 16, 2018

I did something last week that I haven’t done in a very long time. On Friday the hubs and I met up with my friend Montina and her husband JP at Scott Antique Market. Guys, I haven’t been to the market is over a year and was so happy to carve some time out of my schedule to finally make it back.

Shopping Scott Antique Market is one of my favorite things to do. The market is open in Atlanta the second weekend of every month and shopping it always leaves me inspired and lighter in the pocket book. I did buy a few small items and spotted a couple of furniture pieces that might work in our house.

Let me show you the goodies I saw…

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Read the Post

Tassel Obsessed–One of my favorite details

March 22, 2018

Is there a certain design detail that you’re kind of obsessed with? It might be floral patterns or maybe it’s mercury glass finishes. For me that one design detail that I just can’t seem to get enough of is Tassels. I’ve been crazy about tassels for years and when I opened my home decor store back in 2003, I even named it to reflect my love for tassel–The Scarlet Tassel. I closed my store in 2011 but tassels continue to be one of may favorite decor and fashion accessories.

A recent round of online shopping turned up lots of great tassel adorned decor and fashion. I knew you would never forgive me if I didn’t share it all with you so here, my friends are a load of tassel goodies.

TASSEL MUST-HAVES:

I’m actively starting to shop for spring and summer shoes and these suede tassel loafers are on the list. I love the bold color and stylish black tassel charms. You’ll want to grab a pair of the fast because I know they will sell out. p.s they are currently on sale for $79.88 and also come in a brown toffee color.

Pillows are one of the easiest and budget friendly ways to update your decor from one season to the next. This Kate Spade Tassel Pillow would look great on a sofa or as an accent on a bed. There are 2 yummy solid colors to choose from as well as a boho inspired black and cream stripe. $129

If you look around your house I’m sure you’ll spot multiple places where this cute white stool with tassels could go. It’s the perfect footstool next to a chair or as an accent next to the bed. $139.99

I’m a bit of a throw collector because I’m always cold. This chic marled grey knit throw will work with any decor style and is perfect for spring and summer nights watching movies on the sofa. And I’m pretty smitten with the $69 price tag too!

Is there such things as having too many tassel earrings. The fashion trend is still going strong so I say why not add these tassel drop earrings to your fashion lineup. They are also available in a blue colorway and will only set you back $38.

Several years ago I wrote a post about shopping at Pottery Barn Kids for fun decor pieces. This adorable Boho Tassel Storage Tote is just one example of an item that bridges the gap between kids and adults. It screams magazine basket or blankets storage to me. There are two sizes available–Small: $39 and Large: $59.

I love dressing up a simple summer dress or t-shirt with bold jewelry like this Cardo Tassel Necklace ($52). The combination of tassels, pom poms and black and white is definitely a winning combo.

Have you noticed that patterned bath rugs have been trending up for the last few years? Rugs with an all-over pattern are a great way to add visual interest to a utilitarian space like a bath or laundry room. This striped bath rug with tassels would be a fun option to give your decor a pop of color. And it’s under $40…$39.99 to be exact.

This amazing Justina Blakeney Fela Tassel Chandelier takes tassel decor to a whole new level. What a statement piece for a living space, bedroom or office. I love the natural color ($193.50) but also found it in navy here and in pink here.

And finally friends…what do you get when you pair a classic decor piece like a decorative box with a tassel, this set of 3 decorative boxes with tassels. You could use these boxes stacked as shown or break them apart to decorate a coffee table, bookshelf or night stand. The set is only $73.99 and is available in 8 gorgeous colors.

Anyone else have a tassel obsession?

Happy shopping.

top image–wood bead garland necklace

Design Resource: The Sofa & Chair Company

November 13, 2017

As a designer my job is to research and source stylish, high-quality furniture and decor to fit my clients needs and lifestyle. Often times my search leads me to my favorite stores locally. And other times my search for beautiful furnishings and decor might lead me across the pond.

The Sofa & Chair Company is the UK’s leading manufacturer of luxury sofas and hand-crafted furniture. Their extensive furniture collections boast luxurious fabrics (silk, leather, velvet and cashmere), sleek finishes (chrome, brass, marble), and refined details (feather and down cushions, tufting, welt trims)–all elements that speak to style and quality. In addition to carrying in-stock items which are available for immediate shipping, all of the items in their designer furniture collection are available for customization. Working with their design team, you can create a one-of-a-kind piece to fit your exact size, fabric and finish specifications. And with delivery services available worldwide, their items are accessible to everyone.

To inspire your decorating dreams, I’ve created several mood boards using furniture, lighting and decor from The Sofa & Chair Company. And I’m sharing a few design and styling tips as well.

SOPHISTICATED LIVING ROOM

The foundation to any beautifully designed living space is a cohesive color story the has visual interest and depth. The Sofa & Chair Company makes it easy to create a sophisticated space with their wide range of furniture styles and fabric options. Here I paired a lush velvet sofa in navy with lighter toned occasional chairs. The gold accent color represented in the artwork, lamp and vase create a cohesive story within the room. And the subtle pattern in the rug ties the color story and room design together while adding another layer of design elegance. design tip: It is best to use an accent color in at least three places around the room. You want to color to look intentional, not accidental.

SHOP THE LIVING ROOM: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // RUG

The living room would take on a slightly more eclectic feel by using this framed botanical textile art by US designer Aviva Stanoff.

ELEGANT DINING ROOM

A space like a dining room can be both functional and elegant by combining classic furniture designs with artistic accessories. For this mood board I used a combination of wood finishes to create sense of masculinity and depth. The addition of a softy tiered chandelier, brushed brass accessories and a pastel hued dining chair soften the room while adding elegance. When entertaining, classic tabletop decor in silver and black will stand out without commanding attention. design tip: a light-colored chandelier and rug will visually make a small dining space appear bigger. And mixing metal finishes (gold with silver) will make a dining room feel elegant in an instant.

SHOP THE DINING ROOM: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 //5 // 6 // 7 // 8

SHOP TABLEWARE: silverware // napkin rings // dinnerware // glasses // charger // tray

To add a touch of femininity to the dining space, I’d replace the sculptural piece with a beautiful Tulip Vase.

CHIC ENTRYWAY

A beautiful and chic entryway sets the tone for your home and introduces your home’s personality. To welcome guests with style, I designed this space around an sculptural console table. A pair simple lamps allows the shaped mirror and dramatic artwork to pop. And a pair of plush fabric ottomans with a gold-tone metal base anchor this welcoming vignette. design tip: a small entryway can appear bigger by visual extending the width of a console table with artwork and furniture flanking each side.

SHOP THE ENTRYWAY: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

In a small house or apartment, an entryway is a great place to add additional storage. Replace the console table, mirror and lamps with this chic Torrington Cabinet for an entry way that pulls double duty with style and storage.

STATELY MASTER BEDROOM

Combining dark and light tones is a great way to create a bedroom that feel stately and elegant. A light-colored rug keep the space from feel dark and heavy. And the black night stands help to visually ground the room while adding a bit of drama. design tip: framed photos like this shot of the Parliamentary Building in Budapest, Hungary make for a unique art statement in any room.

SHOP THE BEDROOM: 1 // rug // 3 // bedding // 5 // 6 / 7 // 8

In a larger bedroom, the addition of this beautiful Erasmo Leather Topper Dresser would highlight the lighter tones within the room. p.s. I am madly in love with the tassel drawer pulls!

POLISHED HOME OFFICE

Home offices often get neglected when it comes to decor. I designed this office to include a mix of traditional and modern elements creating a space with interest and character. The Sofa & Chair Company has a great selection of abstract artwork and rugs that mix easily with any of their desk styles. And if you’re looking for to add a unique design statement to your office, switch out the desk chair for an upholstered bench. design tip: black is a great furniture color to use in an office space because it creates an instant focal point in a room that typically has lots of visual chaos going on.

SHOP THE OFFICE: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // rug

One advantage of decorating with classic colors is that you can easily change out elements of your decor to give the space a new look. Replacing the black and white rug with this pink Vivian Fringed Rug would give this office a whole new vibe.

When it comes to creating sophisticated, elegant, stately, chic and polished spaces, The Sofa & Chair Company makes it easy with their collection of fine furniture, lighting and decor. You can view their entire collection of products, learn more about the company and how to contact them for deliveries here.

disclaimer: This post was sponsored by The Sofa & Chair Company. All opinions are my own and all design boards represented in this post are my original concept and design.

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.

Four Overhead Lights I’m Loving {plus where I shop for lighting}

August 25, 2017

I’ve been sourcing a lot of lighting lately and one of my go to sources for affordable and stylish lighting is Ballard Designs. Ballard’s mix of lighting ranges from
traditional styles to trendy pieces. I came across 4 awesome overhead lights while shopping their site recently and wanted to share them with you.

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Four Overhead Lights To Love

1 // The Gigi Pendant from Ballard Designs is such a fun take on a traditional quatrefoil design and the brass and cream color combination is just stunning. I would hang this in a dining room, bedroom or office space. And it would look great in a small foyer space too. On sale for $246.75.

2 // Gone are the days of the flush mount ‘boob light”. Now you can find super chic flush mount lights to fit any decor style. I am especially fond of this Starburst Ceiling Mount Light and think it would look fabulous in a powder room, kids room or hallway? On sale for $ 261.75.

3 // If you’re looking for a causal lighting style, the Kiki Pendant with its bohemian vibe would be a great option. A pair of these wold look stunning in a sunroom, over a kitchen island or in a causal breakfast eating space. On sale for $111.74.

tip: you could probably paint this if you wanted a more colorful statement.
4 // The Urchin 12 Light Pendant is one of my favorite takes on this popular Sputnik design trend. I love the slender arms and antique gold finish and would hang it in a foyer, office space or large bedroom. On sale for $ 674.25 which is a savings of over $220.

Lamp Plus is the nation’s largest lighting retailer. They carry a wide range of lighting from all of the top brands in the country. I love shopping them for chandeliers, table lamps and outdoor lighting. In addition to lighting, they also sell home decor and furnishings.

Wayfair carries a large variety of lighting brands with looks to fit every decor style and they have a great selection of outdoor lighting. I love the look and price of this outdoor wall lantern.

Overstock is one of the best sources for affordable and stylish interior lighting. And this is a great place to shop If you like crystal lights. This gorgeous chandelier would look awesome in a walk-in closet or over a garden tub.

HomeGoods has always been a great source for affordable table lamps and the last two years they have really upped their style game. Their assortment is constantly changing so if you see something you love, buy it.

Crate and Barrel is our source for lighting with a modern, contemporary design aesthetic. By hovering over the lighting image on their website, you can also see what the light looks like lit up. This brass desk lamp is one of my all time favorites.

Pottery Barn has a good selection of moderate-priced, transitional lighting that will work with just about any design style This tapered metal flush mount light is a classic design that would look great in a hallway or mud room.

Rejuvenation has an online store as well as several retail stores across the country. Their speciality is reproduction antique, Victorian and period-authentic lighting. The story of how the company was started is pretty interesting–you can read it here.

School House Electric is much more than a lighting company. Their portfolio of products include furniture, decorative accessories, kitchen & bath products and hardware. The Satellite Sconce is one of my favorites from their lighting collection.

Target really does have it all when it comes to lighting, from table lamps and floor lamps to outdoor lighting and desk lamps. In addition to selling their private label Threshold collection, Target also sells popular brands like Uttermost and Safavieh. tip: always check their pricing on-line because I’ve noticed several styles that are cheaper on-line than in-store.

Shades of Light is another online source with a vast array of lighting options. Their contemporary collection is my favorites and I’ve got my eye on this light fixture.

Ballard Designs has a nice collection of lights and their price points are very affordable. They have a great selection of glass and ceramic table lamps and I also like their lantern styles. Ballard’s is also my source lighting accessories like cord covers and chandelier chain sleeves.

As you think about the lighting in your home, look at it like you do jewelry to an outfit. Stylish lighting can be the finishing touch to your decor.

all images via Ballard Designs