Summer Vibe–Weekend Wrap Up–Vol. 7

June 23, 2018

Happy weekend friends. It’s going to be hot aS blazes this weekend so I’m planning to enjoy a summer sip or two while I’m in Oklahoma. If you need a little cooling off, here’s a great line-up of Fresca Cocktails that will keep your refreshed. Cheers!

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SUMMER VIBE

** I’m loving the new Draper James + Crate and Barrel collaboration. This sun hat and these napkins are two of my favorite items.

** I recently started shopping at The Loft and absolutely love this swimsuit coverup. FYI–Loft has a great sale going on right now with lots of items 50% off.

What Every Bedroom Needs!

** I still can’t believe the death of Kate Spade. I own all of her books and will forever be inspired by her style. Her books Style and Things We Love are treasures.

** I found a new Etsy shop for stylish pillows. I love this Antelope pillow in grey.

** Instagram has become a real driving force for bloggers and influencers. I’m still a novice at Instagram and am always looking for ways to grow my instagram following. I came across these tips on building and growing your Instagram feed. It’s a good read with lots of valuable information.

** Zara Home is having an amazing sale. If you’re in the market for new bedding check out the sale items here. This tablecloth would be amazing as part of a 4th of July tablescape. And this tablecloth has me swooning.

** In case you missed it, here’s a little summer entertaining inspiration for you.

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

Spring Pillows { plus tips on building a pillow assortment}

March 9, 2018

Can you believe the weather that’s going on around the country? One day is balmy and the next it freezing or snow is falling. We are experiencing some frigid temps here in Atlanta and it only has me craving spring even more. Although I’m still working on decorating our house I’m working on infusing a touch of spring decor where I can.

One of the decor changes I like to make when the seasons change is to switch out my pillows. It’s quick, inexpensive and new pillows just have a way of making an entire room feel fresh and new.

I’ve spotted lots a beautiful pillows in HomeGoods lately and have also found some great pieces online. Here’s my roundup of favorite Spring Pillows–all under $50!

Shop these faves:

Fringe (available in 3 colors) // Crewel Spliced // Palm Leaf // Floral Velvet (available in 3 colors)

Shobori Velvet (hot trend!!// Jacquard Weave (available in 3 colors) // Cotton Throw (under $35) // Blue Marble Velvet

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Aren’t all of these pillows just gorgeous? The spring pillow trends are all about intricate details, lush textures, beautiful patterns and luscious colors. All of these design details make decorating so much fun.

If you’re looking to change-up your pillow game for spring, here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning an arrangement for your sofa…

PILLOW PAIRING INSPIRATION

Bring on spring!

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

Pillow Pairings | My Favorite Black and White Pillow Styles

March 7, 2017

Raise your hand it you own this black and white pillow cover from Ikea. I think half the world owns the Lappljung Ruta cushion cover, including me!

I think the appeal of this covers is the graphic design, the sturdy fabric and of course the black and white color combo. And let’s not overlook the $10 price which makes this pillow one of the best design deals around.

via Ikea

While I love the Ikea pillow, I think its time a new black and white pillow becomes the darling of the design world. To find a winner, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite black and white pillows/cushion covers along with the accent pillows I’d pair them with them when decorating.

Check out my pillow pairings and leave me a comment and let me know which is your favorite.

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No. 1

Black, white and greek key are always a winning combination and a classic look that will be around for years to come. The black velvet pillow pairs beautifully with this dusty blue Schumacher floral fabric and a tan and white mini animal print.

Black Velvet Pillow Cover with Greek Key Trim // Hot House Flowers Pillow Cover // Tan Cheetah Pillow Cover

No. 2

This woven black and white pillow has a casual vibe that is perfect for a sectional or sofa. Because of the texture, I’ve paired it with a deep yellow velvet pillow and an abstract floral so the look is relaxed and carefree. The black and white woven pillow would also look great paired with other black and white pillow designs.

p.s. the velvet pillow is available in 10 fabulous colors

Linework Woven Decorative Pillow // Watercolour Floral Pillow Cover // Brenner Yellow Velvet Pillow

No. 3

By far my favorite black and white pillow grouping! This textured black and white pillow cover is so versatile that you can easily pair it with other patterns. Since I love all things emerald green I used that as the accent color for this combo. The floral pillow keeps the overall look soft while the velvet green pillow with greek key keeps the look classic.

Ben Soleimani Textured Wool Nailhead Pillow Cover // Bermuda Blossoms Pillow Cover // Emerald Green Velvet Pillow

No. 4

If you like a more modern vibe, you’ll love this combo. I like how the bold design of the black and white grid pillow mixes well with a modern strip and Asian floral design.

p.s. there are a thousand shades of white so don’t think you have to have the exact hue in each pillow design. A little contrast is a good thing.

Modern Black Pillow // Black and White Dotted Stripe Pillow Cover // Asian Floral Pillow Cover

No. 5

I’m starting to see black and white buffalo check pillows all over Pinterest so it looks like this pillow design is a new favorite amongst designers and design bloggers. An oversized plaid like this works will with ditzy prints and florals and you can go with just about any color combo you want.

Buffalo Check Pillow // Dalmatian Spots Pillow // P. Kaufmann Candid Moment Pillow Cover

Tips For Pairing Pillows Like A Pro

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Ensure all pillows have a consistent color theme. If you’re using a black and white pillow as the foundation, pair it will other designs that include black, white or both colors so there is a connection amongst the pillows.
The scale of patterns should balance each other, not compete for attention. A good rule of thumb is one large , one medium and one small.
Texture is important and can be visual texture (what the eye sees) as well as tactile texture (what you actually feel). Texture adds warmth and depth to pillow pairings and should always be a part of your pillow mix.
The size of the pillows matter. Just like you scale the size of print, you want different sizes of pillows. Here’s a winning combo you can always count on…

For the sofa: (2) 24×24 pillows + (2) 20×20 pillows + (1) Lumbar pillow // For a loveseat: (2) 20×20 pillows + (1) Lumbar pillow

So, which black and white pillow is your favorite and which pillow pairing do you like most?

Design Chat: Accessorizing Bookshelves and adding the finishing touches

February 14, 2017

I received an email from one of my blog reader, Megan who was looking for help with the wall decor and accessorizing the built-in bookshelves in her family room. The bookshelves and the walls have been empty for 3 years and Megan doesn’t know where to start with a decorating plan. She is also struggling with the sofa, which she’s not a fan of but others in the family are.

Here’s a look at Megan’s family room…

And here’s my design vision for Megan’s room…

THE COLOR PALETTE

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The tan sofa, beige walls and white built-in shelves create a neutral color foundation for the room. The area rug has different tones of red, browns and green in it so that should be the jumping off point for accessorizing the rest of the room.

The expanse of white shelving surrounding the TV needs a major pop of personality. Beyond getting the right mix of accessories, I recommend that Megan either paint the backs of the bookshelves in an accent color or cover the backs with a grass cloth wallpaper. Wallpaper would achieve two things–1) color and 2) visual texture which would really enhance the space.

When painting the backs of bookshelves, I usually recommend that you go a shade or two light or darker than your wall color.

ACCESSORIZING

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When it comes to decorating bookshelves, the items you decorate with are just as important as how you arrange them. Here are a few tips on accessorizing bookshelves and a graphic with accessory groupings that always work.

Create depth ‘top to bottom’ and ‘front to back’. Arrange items so the pieces are not at the same level or position of the shelf. Your accessories should feel layered and not uniform.
Vary the size, scale and shape of your accessories. Decorate with a variety of items to create visually interesting arrangements. And also keep in mind that if your shelves are adjustable you can create wider openings which will allow for larger decorative pieces.
Create balance from shelf to shelf and side to side. As you arrange items, step back to make sure the overall look of each shelf and each side of the fireplace feels balanced.

For more bookcase decorating tips, read my post 5 Ways To Style Your Bookcase.

WALL DECOR & SOFA STYLING

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Wall decor is one of the most important elements of accessorizing a room. In many cases your wall decor will serve as the focal point for the room. In Megan’s room, the wall decor will provide a dominate impact statement within the room so it needs to be dynamic.

I recommend a large piece of artwork flanked by starburst mirrors for the most visible wall in the family room. A piece of art will add color and draw you in to the room. Mirrors will add a graphic detail and enhance the light coming in from the opposite window.

To enhance the sofa, Megan should add accent pillows and a small-scale bent arm floor lamp at the end of the sectional providing much-needed task lighting.

FUNCTIONAL DECOR

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The other decorative items I’d recommend is a console table behind the sofa, an accent chair near the built-ins and curtain panels for the windows.

A console table will visually extend the partial wall behind the sofa and create an additional surface for a lamp and accessories.

The accent chair will provide additional seating and create a more balance space, filling the now empty corner.

Curtain panels will add softness and another pattern element within the room.

THE LOOK

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Unique accessories and colorful wall decor is all that is needed to bring Megan’s room to life.

The Junk Gypsy Collection for Pottery Barn Teen

December 1, 2016

Thanks to the kind folks at Pottery Barn Teen, I now have a new set of beautiful sheets for our guest bedroom.

The Bohemian Geo Cuff Sheet Set is part of their new Junk Gypsy collection and is made of 100% percale which is so soft and cozy. And the embroidered diamond pattern that accents the flat sheet and pillowcases has a classic yet bohemian vibe.

The sheets are a soft off-white color that will mix easily with other bedding, adding to their versatility.

Upon opening the package I recognized how well made the sheet set was and it fit our queen bed like a glove.

I’ve stared to add holiday touches to the guest room and the new sheet set works great with the classic holiday decor I’m adding.

The Junk Gypsy collection for has lots of items that will work for adult spaces as easily as they do for a teens room. I love the Wanderer Fur Throw and the Tufted Lounge Rug . And the Country Blooms Duvet Cover + Sham are perfect for a soothing bedroom design.

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To check out the full Junk Gypsy collection head here. And pick up a copy of Amie and Jolie Sikes new book, Designing A Life at the Crossroads of Wonder & Wander. The book will make a great holiday gift for anyone that loves design and diy transformations.

I’ll be sharing another great piece form the Junk Gypsy collection next week so stay tuned.

This is a sponsored post with Pottery Barn Teen. Pottery Barn & Pottery Barn Teen are one of my go-t sources for stylish and affordable decor and gift items. I am happy to partner with them in sharing some of the products I love. All text and opinions are my own.

* this post contains affiliate links

Product + Inspiration: Decor Meets Christmas Tree

November 15, 2016

When I teach a holiday decorating workshop, the question always comes up about whether your tree decor needs to match your room decor. My response is NO but for a truly cohesive look its best if your everyday decor inspires your tree decor.

Take a cue from the tips you use to decorate a room in your home. You start with one or two key elements (art, rug, curtains) and use those as the building blocks to create the overall design. When it comes to decorating your Christmas tree, find inspiration within your decor and use that to build the theme for your tree.

Here are 3 holiday tree designs and the accessory and furniture pieces that could have inspired them…

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This is the Christmas tree I’d create if my inspiration was colorful and bohemian inspired space. The gold accents play off of the gold finish on the furniture and the bold mix of colors tie back to the textiles within the room. During the holidays, sparkly details are a must and a grouping of beautiful mercury glass candle holders would inspired the ornaments, ribbon and giftwrap I’d use.

Shop these items: Embroidered Floral Bouquet Throw Pillow // Gold Cole 3-Tier Rolling Bar Cart

Sabyasachi Print Round Tray // Mercury Glass Candle Holders //Tufted Ottoman

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If I were decorating a Christmas tree based on decor that included classic holiday colors like red, white and green, it would look like this. The varying shades green found in the jars and artwork, along with whimsical details like the fur pillow would inspire the ornaments and ribbon used on the tree.

Shop these items: Charlotte 3-Drawer Campaign Chest // Red Rhododendron Framed Prints // Oversized Wine Bottle

Reese Velvet Ottoman // Mongolian Faux Fur Pillow

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A neutral color palette relies on texture, a variety of finishes and a subtle graduation of color to bring it to life. This elegant and glam Christmas tree would be inspired by a mix of gold and silver decorative elements, antique surfaces, lots of visual texture and shimmery finishes.

Shop these items: Carys Hurricane Table Lamp // Diana Accent Table // Moravia Wall Mirror

Holston Area Rug // Baylee Aluminum Accent Table

So the question still remains–which comes first, the chicken or the egg. In the case of holiday decor, take a look around your home and let the pieces you live with everyday inspire you!