My Fall Coffee Table {inspirational ideas}

September 9, 2013

Good day to you! I jumped right into work this morning and after churning away for hours, I realized I hadn’t posted my blog post for today. Sorry for the tardiness. Seems that my days have a mind of their own and I just might have to start posting in the afternoons rather than the mornings. It is my goal to post at a regular time each day so if you have a preference, morning or afternoons, leave me a comment and let me know.

Now on to the good stuff. How many of you have starting decorating for fall?? I’m definitely in the mood and plan to get a few fall vignettes in place this week. One of the first areas I want to infuse a little fall into is my coffee table. I tend to like more vs less on my table but can’t decide what look I want to go with. These are some of the images that are inspiring me but the only thing I know for sure is that my décor will include a candle (or two), a tray, books and this!

I really like the look of a dark candle hurricane and am thinking about this tortoise candleholder or using this paper to diy my own.

A lantern is always a great look for a coffee table. Love the look that Kim over at Savvy Southern Style pulled together for her table.

I do love flowers on the coffee table and this mix of fall colored stems and greenery is really nice.

It wasn’t so much the coffee table décor here that caught my eye, but the idea of using a knit throw as a coffee table cloth? Interesting!

There’s my gold sphere and books. Just needs a some true fall touches.

I’m so loving the idea of different boxes on the table. HomeGoods or diy??

And finally, I really like this wood piece and cloche that Donna from Funky Junk Interiors styled for her coffee table. And just think, I happened to stumbled across these tree slabs on-line. {lumberjacking is not on my skills list, so this is definitely not a diy for me}!

So which look to do you like best and have you starting decorating for fall?

Party Inspiration: Pink & Green

August 5, 2013

Cheers to Monday! I hope your weekend was good. My weekend was very productive. I spent a lot of time purging my magazine collection (only 20 more to go) and have lots of new inspiration photos to file way and new DIY projects to add to the to-do list. I also cleaned the carpet, started working on some new gift wrap inspiration and an easy fashion accessory DIY project which I’ll share with you later this week. With all the time I’ve spent indoors, I’m itching to go thrifting and the timing couldn’t be any better since the Scott’s Antique Market is this weekend.

One of the other things I did this weekend was to play around with some party theme ideas. Since summer is winding down I came up with a party theme using colors that are perfect for transitioning from summer to fall. Just in cast you want to have an impromptu gathering before summers over I hope this inspires you.

A little pink and green inspiration mixing feminine details with bohemian patterns and colors. Funky and Fun!

Here’s how you can get the look:

Linley Linens

Quadra Dinnerware

Rouge Flatware

Classique Glassware

Bali Jar Candle

Agua Fresca Beverage Server

Great White Tiered Stand

Paper Lanterns

Mariko Cocktail Napkin

Satin Ribbon

Inspiration + Weekend Reading

July 13, 2013

Today I celebrate my 22nd wedding anniversary and these are just a few of the things I’ve learned over the years! Happy Anniversary to my Love!

Enjoy these weekend reads….

Pure Loveliness!

Beautiful images captured on film.

I love everything about this office!

This is a pretty amazing jewelry station.

A pretty simply and fabulous diy projects.

Five inexpensive ways to update a room.

Some great furniture makeovers.

Yum!

Have a fab weekend!

A Crazy Week Ahead + Timeless Design

July 8, 2013

Happy Monday! Did everyone have a fabulous 4th of July and a good weekend? I hope so. Our 4th was rained out and with all the rain we had over the last 4 days, the hubby and I felt like we were back in Seattle. I’m glad the sun in shining today and that I got a good nights sleep last night.

I’ve got a super busy week ahead working on pulling together the details for a non-profit fund-raiser I’m heading up, going to the Atlanta Gift and Furniture Market on Wednesday, attending an event with designer Bunny Williams on Thursday, making the trek to Scott’s Antique Market and the United Methodist Children’s Home Flea Market on Friday and celebrating my 22nd wedding anniversary and the hubs birthday on Saturday and Sunday! Oh, and there’s work to be done in between all of that. You can rest assured I’m going to be eating my Wheaties this week.

One of the design projects I’ve worked on recently had me going back to design basics. I found myself working with a client that likes traditional décor and wants a classic and timeless interior. With so many of the design trends today leaning toward creative paint treatments, bold colors, artistic elements and eclectic looks, it can be challenging to develop a look that is really timeless.

To give us all a little refresher in classic design, I’ve pulled together a little summary of 12 Timeless Design elements I always rely on!

#1 Curtains Hung High—Every room can benefit from hanging curtains as close to the molding/ceiling as possible. No only does this make a room feel taller but it also enhances the scale of the furniture in the room.

#2 Built-in Bookcases–Whether bookcase are used for books or decorative elements (a combination of both is my formula) , built-in bookcases add architectural detail, storage and visual impact in any room of the house. {to get the look on a dime, check out all the Ikea Billy Bookcase DIY projects on my Ikea Inspiration Pinterest Board}!

#3 Woven Shades–If anything can replace wood blinds in a home it’s the woven shade. This window treatment offers just the right amount of texture, color and privacy while adding to the style of a room. Alone or paired with curtain panels, woven shades are here to stay.

#4 Window Seats–Who doesn’t dream about having a window seat in their home? Window seats are the perfect design element for that often neglected space in front of a window, not taking away from the view but making a room feel cozier and more intimate.

#5 Seagrass, Sisal and Jute Rugs–I know there are those of you that don’t like these natural textured rugs because of the feel or a fear of keeping it clean but for me a sisal and seagrass rug is the best way to add visual texture under foot while keeping a room feeling open and airy. My go to source for seagrass rugs here in Atlanta is Myers Carpet.

Emily A. Clark

#6 Ceramic Lamps–Lamp styles evolve but a classic round ceramic lamp will never go out of style. Ceramic lamps provide a visual contrast in rooms with lots of wood furniture and are a great balance against metal and iron. And the color options are endless (especially with a can of spray paint)!

#7 Sofa Tables (or console tables in general) are one of my go to pieces of furniture. This is one piece of furniture that will work in just about every room of a home and a piece that is just as functional as it is stylish. I love placing a console table next to bed and using it as a unique nightstand/writing-table option.

#8 Baskets–Baskets can hide a multitude of design sins (paperback books on a bookshelf, DVD’s) and are a great way to fill the space under tables, in corners or above cabinets or armoires. One can never have too many baskets in my book. My go to source of chunky woven baskets is HomeGoods, World MarketandIkea!

#9 Medium Tone Wood Floors–While I personally like the trend of darker espresso wood floors, mid-tone wood flooring will never go out of style. The color is versatile and works with just about every color of textile or paint you surround it with.

#10 Oversized Mirrors–Just like a sofa table, an oversized mirror is one of your best design investments. Opt for a black, gold or silver frame to keep the look classic and be creative about where you place it in your home. Oversized mirrors work great in a dining room, foyer, over a sofa, above a fireplace, at the top of a stair landing and in a bedroom.

#11 A Neutral Sofa–A neutral sofa will not only stand the test of time but it gives you the perfect backdrop to make seasonal color and accessory changes. Timeless design gives you options and the look never goes out of style.

#12 An Upholstered Coffee Table–Since wood furniture is the foundation of so many rooms, an upholstered coffee table/ottoman is a great way to add softness without giving up a functional surface area in the room. Plus, additional seating is ready when you need it.

So there you have it, my take on Timeless Design! When you look around your home is your design style timeless or are you on the trendy side of design?

Inspiration + Weekend Reading

June 22, 2013

Yesterday was the first official day of summer and what better image than this to inspire you to relax and enjoy the sun filled days ahead!

As a few blog friends and I prepare for a yard sale next weekend, I can’t help be inspired by this amazing tag sale!

Yet another great summer bag!

The art of being a Goal Getter!

Such a beautiful magazine!

Seven steps to achieving your dream!

How to Accessorize Your Front Porch

June 21, 2013

How much attention do you give to your front porch? During the summer months, the hubs and I often take evening drives to look at the flowers blooming and to enjoy the sunshine. As we tour through neighborhoods, it amazes me(well, not really) how many homes have lack luster front porches. I know that the front porch is often the last thing on the to-do list but it is the first impression that your home (and you) make to anyone that comes for a visit. Like many people, you probably have a flower pot or two out front and maybe even a door mat but that’s where the decorating of your porch stops.

Summer is the perfect time of year to give your front porch some attention and love and doing that is easier than you think.

ADD FLOWERS

Accessorizing your front porch really doesn’t get any easier than this. You can buy pre-assembled flower pots at the nursery or create your own. Mixed arrangements add a lot of charm while a single variety arrangement like these hydrangea are more classic. Go for something tall and wide to add drama to your porch.

Look for ways to up-style simple flower boxes like adding a decorative iron grill to the outside.

PAINT THE PORCH CEILING

I’m seeing more and more bloggers doing this with their front porch. A little paint on the ceiling can give your porch a cozy feeling and add visual softness.

PAINT THE FRONT DOOR

If you did nothing else to your porch, I’d suggest an accent color on your front door. A bold color won’t work for everyone but I know there’s a color in the paint deck that will work for you. A painted door adds so much impact and curb appeal to your home. It’s also a great way to visually frame your porch area.

ADD A DOORMAT

A decorative doormat is an easy and inexpensive way to add a little style to your front porch. You can buy one with a pattern already on it or DIY one for cheap. I’m hoping to finish up a doormat project over the weekend and will share it with you on Monday.

Here are a few of my favorite DIY doormat projects:

Colorful Doormat via Furnish Burnish

Diamond Doormat via All of the Fish In The Sea

Chevron Doormat via Moonpie Dreams

HANG A WELCOME WREATH (or a plaque)

A boxwood wreath is a simple sign of welcome and hospitality and an inexpensive chalkboard plaque will allow you to convey a welcome message in a fun way.

(if you are having a party for someone special use your plaque as a party element and write Happy Birthday, Cheers to the Graduate or Let the Party Begin)

UPDATE YOUR LIGHTING

I can’t even begin to tell you how many homes I’ve gone to where the lighting is old, dated and practically falling off its hinges. Lighting is a safety necessity on a front porch and stylish lighting should be a design necessity. Add lighting that mimics the style of your home or that fits with the design statement you are making on the porch.

Lighting doesn’t have to be expensive to look good and here are a few of my fave outdoor light fixtures to prove that point.

Carriage House Ceiling Light from LampsPlus–$95.91

Bellagio Outdoor Hanging Light from Lamps Plus–$89.95

Progress Lighting Resort Wall Lantern from Home Depot–$59.97

CREATE A LOUNGE SPACE

No matter the size of your porch, you can create an area that feels welcoming with the addition of seating. On a small porch consider a garden stool or small bench and if you have a larger porch space, a larger bench or chairs will do the trick. Come. Sit. Relax!

Remember that indoor/outdoor fabrics work best but on a covered porch you can get away with an everyday fabric as long as it’s not exposed to the elements.

ADD DESIGN STYLE WITH A RUG

Have you ever considered a rug on your front porch? A bold patterned rug will help contain a sitting area and add some real personality to your porch space. Also consider a runner that can run from the edge of the porch to the front door as another way to decorate with a rug.

This happens to be my favorite outdoor at the moment.

Simple touches go a long way when it comes to decorating a porch but the message it sends is worth the effort.

images via pinterest if not otherwise noted

Fashion Focus: Summer Tunics

June 19, 2013

Do you have a go-to summer outfit?

One of my favorite clothing pieces during the hot summer months is a Summer Tunic. Lightweight, cotton, comfortable and classic are just a few words that I’d used to describe this staple in my closet.

What I love most about summer tunics is how versatile they are. You can wear them with shorts, pants, a long skirt or alone as a beach cover-up or easy summer dress (just make sure the length is right for a dress).

Lilly Pulitzer, known for her bright colorful prints and patterns established the summer tunic as one of her trademark designs and as an icon of summer beach resorts. While I’d love to be wearing a tunic while sitting poolside with a cocktail in Palm Springs, tunics work just fine for my lifestyle here in Atlanta.

This hot pink style above is pretty classic but I love how the Chartreuse embroidery around the color gives it some added style. Most of the summer tunics you find in stores today have 3/4 length sleeves and an open collar. Just perfect for showing off some summer jewelry.

I also love the embellished neckline and cuffs of this solid black tunic. Great with white pants or shorts.

Sleeveless tunics are perfect for a day a summer shopping or strolling around town.

Here’s are few more looks to consider…

The white collar trim really makes this pattern pop.

C. Wonder (one of my favorite stores) has a few fun summer tunic styles this year, some knit and some woven cotton. You can check out their selection here!

So now that summer is here, what are you waiting for? Pick-up a summer tunic this weekend and head to the pool.

images via pinterest and C. Wonder

How to Look Stylish When it Hot as HECK Outside!

June 13, 2013

Is anyone else out there suffering in this summer heat. It seems like one day is was a nice and comfortable 75 degrees and then the next it was sweltering in the 90’s! While I love summer and love the sun, this extreme heat is making me a bit wonky!

The last couple of mornings I’ve gotten up, taken a shower, coiffed the hair and proceeded to get dressed only to sit there wondering what do I wear in this heat, not only to stay cool but to look stylish as well! While my go-to clothing piece this time of year is a summer dress, the heat got me thinking about the best accessories to wear when its hot, hot, hot outside. Here are my thoughts….

STATEMENT EARRINGS

If I know I’m going to be outside running around town, I often forgo a necklace and wear bold statement earrings instead. Something colorful and dangly will give a simple summer dress that wow factor.

A CANVAS OR STRAW BAG

When hot weather strikes, its time to put the leather handbag away and pull out a cute canvas or straw bag.

I adore this bag from ArdenB. but unfortunately they are sold-out all over the country (I checked all over the country). Here’s another bag that made my favorites list.

A HAT

Because it’s cute, because I don’t have to spend lots of time curing my hear and because its fashionable! I just picked up this bargain priced summer hat and am in the process of making interchangeable bands out of ribbon to work with anything I wear.

PRETTY NAIL POLISH

So you might not think of nail polish as an accessory but during the summer months, a beautiful color on your nails is a fashion statement.

SANDALS

This probably goes without saying but I did want to specify the type of sandals I’m talking about. While flip-flops have their place, I can’t stand hearing that “clacking” sound that goes with wearing them. Plus they are not good for your feet people! Instead, opt for a cute strapy sandal that looks more polished and stylish.

SUNGLASSES

I L.O.V.E. me some sunglasses and think they are probably the one accessory you can’t go without during the summer. And, being the age where ‘readers’ are becoming a necessity, I am so happy to have discovered sunglass readers at Steinmart. Oh what a joy to keep the sun out of my eyes and be able to read at the same time.