Chinoiserie Pillows–Best of Etsy

March 11, 2016

image via Jamie Meares

I’ve been quite obsessed with all things Chinoiserie of late in part because it’s a design style that is super popular right now and also because I just love the eclectic feel the style lends itself too.

Chinoiserie also speaks to my love of color, vintage and bold pattern work. The Jamie Meares image above just says fun to me and really represent a collected home filled with unique treasures.

The Ralph Lauren image below is another take on Chinoiserie with a more subdues color and pattern statement but with just as much personality and visual interest.

Some of my favorite Chinoiserie styled decorative elements include blue and white pottery, bamboo styled furniture, mirror and lighting and also Asian motif pillows.

image via Ralph Lauren

Recently I went on the hunt for some Chinoiserie pillows for our bedroom. I started my search on Etsy and was thrilled to see that there are lots of pillows available on the site.

One of the things I like about shopping on Etsy is that you can get handcrafted items in designer fabrics for a great price. I also like that shopping Etsy is a way to support independent artist and small businesses, many of which are run out of the home.

Here’s just a sampling of the pillows I found…

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Product + Inspiration: Bamboo Flatware

March 4, 2016

With spring knocking at the door and Easter just a few weeks away, my latest Product + Inspiration post is dedicated to pretty tables capes and a key component that makes each one great, Bamboo Flatware!

I’ve been on the hunt for vintage bamboo flatware for over a year and haven’t lucked upon any yet but have it on my shopping list for my big trip at the end of the month. When I reviewed my list with my husband he asked me what the big deal was. Well, let me tell you and remind him.

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Tile Trend: Dynamic Tile In The Kitchen (plus design tips)

March 3, 2016

Statement Tile In The Kitchen

Even though Pantone’s colors of the year and soft, subtle and pastel, the trend in kitchen design is bold and dynamic. You’re seeing more and more kitchens moving away from classic white subway tile and using larger design in big patterns and fun colors.

While patterned tile isn’t for everyone, it’s a great way to enhance your kitchen walls. Here’s some inspiration:

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Pattern between the counter and cabinets add so much punch to a kitchen space.

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Taking tile from counters to ceiling is a great way to add drama and impact behind the stove.

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I recently went on the hunt for some patterned tile and found lots of great options.

Both Home Depot and Lowes have a nice selection of classic patterns and their prices are really good. Another great source is Overstock.com which I recently discovered has a large selection of decorative tile.

Here’s a round-up of some of my favorites…

#1 Merola Twenties Classic from Home Depot. Check out how amazing this looks in Cassie’s kitchen.

#2 Merola Twenties Crest. Amazing price for such style.

#3 This Revival Memory tile is the perfect accent for a french country-style kitchen.

#4 I love the soft hue of Kings Seagate and think it would look great on walls or on the floor.

#5 This Agdal Blue and Grey Tile is just one of the dynamic patterns they sell on Overstock.

#6 If you love blue and white in the kitchen, this Somer Tile is great.

#7 The color combination in this Borough Mondo is one of my favorites for a kitchen.

#8 Black accent tile like this Argana Black and Grey is a classic that will work in any kitchen.

#9 And maybe my favorite black and white tile of all times, Medina Black and White Ceramic.

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Design Tips for Tiling Your Kitchen:

A complex or colorful backslash looks best with solid counters–that way they don’t clash with each other.
Wrapping the backsplash around the entire room gives a sense of visual continuity, which can help a small space seem large.
Changing the orientation of run-of-the-mill subway tile can create an expensive look for less. Run the tile vertically for a modern look or lay it on a diagonal in a place you want as a focal point, such as cooking areas.
Before you install a backsplash, try “walking” tiles up a wall to make sure you aren’t left with a thin sliver where the tile meets cabinetry. Hold the tiles against the wall at the bottom of the backsplash area and move them hand over hand up the wall following your desired pattern until you get to the top. You may find you have to start with a half-tile at the bottom to be sure at least a quarter-tile fits at the top.

When it comes to kitchen design, is your style clean and classic or do you like a bold statement?

Spring Inspiration–Decorating Ideas and Tips

March 1, 2016

I can’t believe the weather we’ve had the last couple of days here in Atlanta. Spring is definitely in the air and I’m super excited for its arrival. The other day I was driving and noticed that a few cherry trees had started to bloom and that daffodils are popping up everywhere. All these signs of spring have me thinking about decorating for the season which is not typically something I do a lot of. This year though, I want to add a few more spring touches to my decor and rounded up a few ideas and inspiration that just might inspire you too.

When we lived in Seattle there were tulip fields about 60 miles outside the city. Every year we’d take a drive to look at the beautiful rows of tulips and buy bundles and bundles of tulips for $5.00 ea. The tulip festival took place around my birthday in April so tulips hold a special place in my heart.

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Design Chat: The Perfect Pillow Formula

February 29, 2016

image via BHG

Happy Monday friends. I’ve got another round of my Design Chat series for you today and I’m answering a question about selecting and styling pillows for your sofa.

Deziree is having trouble selecting pillows for her living room sofa and posed the following question to me…

” I have had the hardest time styling my living room. I have purchased probably 8 sets of curtains, multiple pillows, hand-made covers, and I still have not finished it. My walls are a grey taupe and my sectional is tan and I currently have natural ivory off white linen curtains. I would love help with picking pillow colors, patterns, shapes and amounts for my sectional. Any suggestion”?

I’ve gotten this question on more than one occasion from readers and I hope the tips I’m sharing will help you if you’re struggling with your pillow decor.

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Dream Home–My Favorite Rooms From The 2016 HGTV Dream Home

February 24, 2016

Have you had a chance to check out the 2016 HGTV Dream Home? Every year HGTV decorates a beautiful home and holds a contest to give the fully furnished home plus a car and cash prize away to one lucky person.

Every year I look forward to see the beautifully decorated home and every year I enter the contest and cross my fingers that I’ll win.

Every year my sweet husband who happens to be a tax man reminds me that if we did get lucky enough to win we couldn’t keep the house because of the enormous tax liability that comes with it!

And every year I continue to dream. This year was no exception.

p.s. it’s reported that only one winner in the history of the giveaway has kept the house. Most winners have sold the home or taken the cash option which allows them to pay the tax debt and still have some mad money left over.

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Let’s go on a mini tour of the home and check out my favorite spaces in the home…

For the first time ever, instead of building a brand new home, HGTV decided to remodel an existing one for the 2016 Dream Home. Located in Merritt Island, Florida, this years home has undergone a total transformation thanks to designer Brian Patrick Flynn and has a style and vibe perfect for its Florida setting.

OUTDOOR POOL & LANIA

I love a beautiful outdoor space and this outdoor patio and pool area of this home are gorgeous. The area was designed for entertaining and lounging, all centered around a gorgeous pool.

BACK LANIA

I love that multiple seating areas were created which make it ideal of large gatherings. The paint color on the windows and doors is a perfect match to the outdoor furniture creating a harmonious feel between the indoor and outdoor space.

LIVING ROOM

The living room has a causal vibe because of the soothing colors and abundant seating. I love the trio of light fixtures that serve as a focal point for the room and mirror the details or the coffee table.

KITCHEN

I’ve written about using furniture pieces in a kitchen before so you know I love the cream cabinets that were used in this space along the windows. What a unique was to incorporate storage and a serving area into a functional kitchen space.

MASTER BEDROOM

While the coastal colors used throughout the home are not my style, I love that Brian painted most of the ceilings in the home. The master bedroom was dressed in a bold aqua color and along with the white furniture the room really pops. You gotta love the beaded chandelier and the gallery wall which was designed to incorporate the TV.

GUEST BEDROOM

And the last area of the home that I love is the guest bedroom. Again, dressed in coastal colors the peach + neutrals is really pretty. I’ve always liked the idea of a desk as a night stand alternative and love the accessorizing that was done in the bedroom.

The entire Merritt Island home is stunning but these are the spaces that really stood out to me and where I’ll be spending all my time if I happen to win!

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You can hop over to HGTV to check out the entire home and see all of the before pictures. You won’t believe what the exterior of the home looked like before they started the transformation.

Other facts about the Dream Home:

The home is 3,100 sq. feet and has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms
Ethan Allen is the primary source of furniture and décor
All of the paint used in the home is Glidden
The entire second level of the home is the dedicated to the master bedroom retreat
The prize package also includes a 2016 GMC Acadia Denali, $250,000 provided by national mortgage lender Quicken Loans, and a brand new boat
The winner of the giveaway will be chosen in March

Kitchens–Easy Ways to UpStyle Your Kitchen

February 23, 2016

EASY WAYS TO UP-STYLE YOUR KITCHEN

Given the amount of time we all spend in the kitchen, it’s one of the rooms in your home that you should love. Loving your kitchen is more that liking how it functions for you and your family, it also involves how it looks and feels. After years of use, a kitchen can sometimes become dull and lifeless and before you know it the space has lost the style it once had.

When it comes to the investment you have in your home, kitchen remodel are one of the best investments you can make but they can be expensive. So what are you to do when you want to add the life and energy back into your kitchen but want to do that on a budget? You employ one or more of these design tricks.

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Paint Something

Paint is definitely the easiest way to change the look and feel of any room in your home and there are several ways paint can transform a kitchen. Your kitchen island is a prime candidate for paint and painting it give you a great opportunity to infuse a color accent into the space. If you want to go one step further, consider painting your cabinets. You don’t have to paint all of them, paint just the uppers or lowers which will add a dramatic design contrast. And a final and easy paint option is to paint the walls.

Better Homes and Gardens

House and Home

This Old House

Open Up The Shelving

The trend of open shelving is still a hot one and for good reason. Open shelving creates visual depth and can make your space feel larger while providing visual impact and interest. Open shelving can be achieved by taking the doors off of cabinets, replacing solid doors with glass front doors or installing floating shelving in place of traditional cabinets. The only downside of open shelving is that you have to keep the shelves looking neat and tidy.

Better Homes and Gardens

Re-Accessorize Your Countertops

I know kitchen counters can become a drop zone of all types of things and that combined with small appliances, your kitchen can easily become a hot mess. The easiest way to keep your counters neat and organized is by creating groupings of items at key spots along the countertop instead of allowing every inch of counter space to be filled. Store what appliances you can behind closed doors and then use baskets and tray to corral tems out on display. As you go about re-accessorizing your counters, think about the types of accessories you use. Use items that create a style or color theme which will add style to your space.

Simple Details

Shabby French Cottage

Better Homes and Gardens

Accent With A Rug

Don’t limit your rug shopping to traditional kitchen rugs. Look at fashion rugs as an option for your kitchen. Rugs are a great way to infuse pattern and color, and they can add energy and style to your kitchen. And don’t skimp on the size of rug you use–where the space allows, go big or use multiple rugs to anchor and define different zones within the kitchen.

Emily Henderson

Coastal Living

My Domaine

Up-Style With Lighting

Lighting is one area where you can really have fun when decorating your kitchen. Go big and bold, hang a unique fixture and consider a countertop lamp to add accent lighting. If your space can accommodate a larger light fixture, look at outdoor lighting as an option since many outdoor lantern styles have the heft and scale that can work in a larger space.

Brooke Berry

Style Estate

Home Bunch

When is the last time you gave your kitchen a facelift?

Shopping Ikea–New decor and fabrics!

February 22, 2016

Hello friends. I hope you all had a great weekend.

Since I hadn’t been shopping at IKEA in a while, I decided to stop by the store on Saturday to see what was new. Whenever I plan a trip to Ikea, I try to go early in the morning or an hour or so before they close because the crowds are usually at a low point during those times. Well, I must have missed the email announcement that Saturday night was ‘kids night’ because the store was packed with families and there were kids running around everywhere. What usually takes me an hour to get through the store took me a lot longer because I was constantly dogging little ones.

Despite the crowd and super long check-out lines, we made it out in one piece but did have to stop and get ice-cream on the way home to calm our nerves:)

Anyway, back to my shopping trip. I spotted several new items I wanted to share with you including some of the new fabrics Ikea is selling.

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One of the first things I spotted were these glass jars. I love the cork tops and the simple shape. These would be great on a kitchen counter to hold snacks and staples and I can even see them being used as a terrarium or to hold seasonal decor like the photo below. If I remember correctly, the largest size was $24.00 and the medium was $14.99.

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When I spotted these wood boxes I immediately thought of a thousand different ways to use them. And they are the perfect piece for a DIY project. Unfortunately the store was out of this size but did have a larger/longer size available. It think the price was $5.99.

Another great piece I saw was this woven side table. The top is a metal tray and it comes off to reveal storage space inside. I didn’t much care of the white stripe around the center but that could be fixed in a flash with spray paint or stain. Just image this in a bold, bright color for summer. $79.99

I loved this black planter and will probably go back and get one. The textured pattern on the outside is really nice and the inside is painted gold which you can see in the website photo below.

I never pass up the pillow aisle at Ikea and it never fails that they have something I want. This blue and cream striped pillow cover was really nice and I loved the watercolor effect the stripes had. Like most of the pillow covers, this one was a great deal at just $8.00.

Next up was the fabric department at Ikea. If you’ve never looked at the fabrics that Ikea sells, I suggest you do. Their fabric department is set up with a cut-it-yourself station so you cut the yardage you need and take it to the register to be rung up. You won’t find designer patterns or designer quality but many of the fabrics are great for decor like pillows, table linens or even drapes. And you can’t beat the price with most of the fabrics under $10 a year.

Here are a few favorites…

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Berta Ruta–a classic red and white plaid $8.99/yd Also comes in other classic colors.
Emmie Ros–this is a vintage inspired floral design and would be great in with shabby chic decor–$6.99/yd.
Sofia–a classic black and white stripe for only $7.99/yd. I used this fabric to make a skirt for the file cabinet in my office and love the weight and quality of it. Also available in other colors.
Pilorf–I love, love, love the floral design on this fabric and think it would make a really pretty table runner because of the way the pattern runs. $5.99/yd.

Blue and white products are a big trend at Ikea and they have some great blue and white fabrics for sale. This Sommar pattern is modern and classic and is only $5.99/yd.
At first I didn’t know if I like this abstract foliage fabric and then I remembered that Sherry Hart used it to make pillows for one of her projects and I was sold. It’s a great design that in the right application can look high-end. $9.99/yd.
This Sommar blue and white grid pattern is another classic design they sell. I can envision this as drapes with a beautiful trim detail or made into a duvet cover. $5.99/yd
Classic black and white floral design with an antique washed look. $7.99/yd.

And another new item I spotted in the fabric department was a bundle of fabric swatches that were on sale for $4.99. Each swatch measures 8″ x 8″ and there are 50 pieces in the bundle, 10 each of 5 designs. I immediately thought of making dinner napkins from these or using them in craft projects. I might be going back to get these as well.