Designer Closets–The Details You Can Use In Your Own Closet

February 19, 2016

DESIGN DETAILS FOR YOUR DREAM CLOSET

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One of my favorite things to do on Pinterest is look at designer closets. In fact, I have an entire Dream Closet board filled with images I love. Not only are designer closets pretty to look at but I love analyzing the storage and organizational details that make it stylish and functional.

During my latest round of pinning images, I took note of some of the style details that make a designer closet, a designer closet. I recognized that many of the elements are things that will work in any closet, regardless of its size. So while I continue to dream about my designer closet, here are 10 design details you can use in your own closet that will turn a humble closet into a hollywood dream.

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Creating storage behind closed doors is definitely and high-style trick that you can add to your own closet. Glass fronts will allow you to see the contents inside and preserve leather and hardware finishes on handbags and accessories.

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Even the smallest of vanity areas is a great design touch for a closet. Create your space above a set or drawers or add a small table or wall shelf between shelving or in a corner. And once you start decorating your vanity area, make sure to incorporate a few pretty but functional pieces.

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“To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail.” – Giorgio Armani

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Even a small stool will add stylish seating to your designer closet. If you don’t have open wall space where a stool can sit, tuck it into the shelving under hanging garment.

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I have to admit I’m a little ‘mommy dearest’ when it comes to matching hangers in the closet. Regardless of the type of hangers you use, using one style throughout the closet will instantly UpStyle the look and feel of your closet space.

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And if new hangers are not in the budget right now, shop thrift stores and spray paint the hangers to create a uniform look.

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“Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication. ” – Leonardo Da Vinci

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A little paint or wallpaper can go a long way in adding designer style to your closet. Even if you can’t paint or wallpaper the entire space, consider dressing up one accent wall or even the ceiling.

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One thing you’ll notice about most designer closets is that they use storage baskets and bins to keep things organized. Baskets can hold t-shirts sorted by color, accessories or even staples like jeans and sweaters. Use one or two basket styles to create a uniform look with your closet decor.

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Display hooks are definitely a designer touch but for just a few dollars and no physical labor you can add them to your closet. These shelf hooks from Container Store are great if you have a wire rack system in your closet and these hooks from Ikea work great on solid surface shelving.

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“Personal style is about taking classic pieces and reinterpreting them to make them your own.” – Frida Giannin

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It’s easy to add unique details to your closet space and give it a designer feel. I love the architectural look of these wood shelves for holding jewelry and other accessories. You can install your own with these wall cubes from Home Depot.

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Chic and efficienet lighting is a must for any closet space. A chandelier is always elegant and picture lights are ideal when you need direct lighting in specific areas. Ikea has a nice selection of unique wall mounted spotlights.

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I don’t know how many times I see someone that’s not dressed to impress and question whether or not they have a dressing mirror. Every designer closet needs them. You can hang an inexpensive full length mirror on a door or wall, or get creative and UpStyle the look with molding and trims.

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Every time I look at designer closets I’m inspired to make a few simple changes to give our petite space the designer touch. And I truly believe that a pretty closet space will put added pep in your step as you get ready in the morning.

So, which of these designer closet details do you love the most?

Thrifting Finds–All About The Brass

February 17, 2016

On Valentine’s Day the hubs took me out for a day of thrifting. Lately when we’ve gone thrifting we’ve shopped at my favorite antique stores and flea markets so this time around we decided to stop by several of our local Goodwill stores.

Shopping Goodwill is definitely hit or miss experience. Sometimes you can score some great pieces but more often than not, the shelves are filled with undesirable pieces. I’ve also noticed that over the last year or two, Goodwill seems to be increasing their prices so the deals you once could find are harder to come across now.

The stars and planets must have aligned for Valentine’s Day because I found several awesome brass pieces and a few blue and white gems.

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This tulip shaped brass planter was in perfect condition and I’m thinking I’ll put a maiden hair fern or orchid in it.

I also found these brass containers and will most likely sell these in my Etsy shop.

Here’s some vintage brass inspiration for you…

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These blue and white tea cups were too cute to pass up especially for less than $3.00.

I love this Chinoiserie blue and white flower frog/brick and can image it filled with tulips. After doing some research I discovered this piece was made in Portugal and was designed for the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

And I scored these petite brass pots for .50 cents and think they’d be great for succulents.

a little something like this…

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While I was thrifting, I also picked up a few pieces that I’m sending off to a fellow blogger as part of the Ciburbanity #SwapItLikeItsHot blog swap. I super excited to be participating along with a slew of other bloggers and can’t wait to share it all with you in April.

If you haven’t honed your thrifting skills yet, you can read my thrifting tips here and my flea market shopping tips here.

Happy hunting!

How To Get A High-End Look On A Budget

February 16, 2016

Hello friends. I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine’s Day and a great weekend. My Valentine’s Day was super casual and instead of taking me to Jared :), the hubs took me somewhere he knew I’d like even better…antique shopping. I found some great goodies which I’ll show you tomorrow, but today I wanted to address a question I get asked a lot–how to add high-end design style, on a budget?

When it comes to design, one thing I know for sure is that most people desire to have a high-end look for their home but want save money doing it. Of course to get a high-style look you can go out and buy expensive furniture, lighting and accessories but when that’s not an option, there are ways to get the look without breaking the bank.

If you’ve ever wondered what design tricks designers use to achieve high-style, today is your day because I’m sharing NINE Ways To Get A High-End Look On Budget!

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Get the Look: Valentine’s Day Table Setting

February 11, 2016

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Setting a pretty table is one of my favorite things to do and Pinterest supplies me with an abundance of creative ideas and inspiration. I’m typically not one to decorate with pastels but this gorgeous table decor felt like the perfect Valentine’s Day table setting. It exudes elegance but it’s not fussy. And I just love the warmth the mix of pinks and gold creates. With all this beautiful inspiration, I thought I’d show you how easy it is to recreate this look for Valentine’s or whatever special occasion you might be celebrating…

Silk Flower Arrangement // Gold Charger Plate // Brass Taper Candle Holders // Glass Votive Holders—1/2/3

Luminous Coupe Dinnerware // Gold Flatware // Pink Linen Napkins

Metal and Glass Terrarium //Pink Wine Glasses

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Three Styling Tips for an Elegant Table:

♥ Gold and metallic finishes will make the entire table feel more expensive

♥ For a dramatic centerpiece, arrange flowers to fill the table side to side and top to bottom

♥ Create layers with candles using different size, shapes and styles of candle holders

What’s great about all of these items is that they can easily be mixed and matched with seasonal decor to create a table for Easter, a ladies luncheon or even a New Year’s Eve celebration.

If you were creating this Valentine’s Day table for two, how would you put your own spin on the decor?

Design Crush: Anna Spiro

February 10, 2016

Do you ever have one of those fleeting moments when you see the decor in a home and it makes you think about redecorating your entire home. I have those moments a lot but recently I started delving in one of my design books and it really has me itching to change my look.

The book I’m talking about is Absolutely Beautiful Things by Anna Spiro. Anna is an interior designer and shop owner based in Brisbane, Australia. Her store, my Black & Spiro is filled with a unique collection of colorful, eclectic and interesting decor and accessories.

When it comes to designing rooms, you can tell that Anna’s approach is all about infusing color and vibrancy into the space. Let’s take a look at her style shall we…

The wallpaper above is just one of Anna’s designs available through Porters Paints.

You have to love this eclectic gallery wall arrangement.

Classic with a pop of color–yes please!

The white piping and monogram take these black end chairs to a whole new level.

Colorful pillows on a traditional settee is the perfect combination.

I’m crushing on bold sofas these days and love the decorative boxes on the coffee table.

A traditional chair with a twist–such a statement piece.

This entire banquette setting has me drooling. I just love the colorful mix. It’s such a happy place.

And if you ever questioned whether bright colors and traditional furniture could mix, here’s proof.

One thing I know about my personal design style is that I love classic styling, whimsical touches and pops of color so that’s why I’m so drawn to Anna Spiro’s style. A trip to Australia and a visit to Black and Spiro are on my bucket list but until that happens I’ll keep arming Anna from across the pond.

To learn more about Anna and Black and Spiro, you can visit her site here and follow her on Instagram here.

Trend Spotlight: Patterned Lampshades

February 9, 2016

Melodi Horne, London

The other day I was flipping through some magazines and I started to notice a design trend that appears to be coming back in a strong way–patterned lampshades. While I don’t think patterned lampshades ever went completely out of style, the last few years it’s been all about neutral, white and black shades.

When you look back at the history of patterned lampshades, I think they have gotten a back rap and are associated with old-fashion, dated decor. Given the right setting and in the right pattern, lampshades with a pattern are be a fabulous design accent. If you’re not already, here’s a few inspirational photos to get your on board with this trend…

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As in any decorative situation, an animal print always works to add a sophisticated and elegant look to any space.

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Patterned lampshades on a brass lamp can create an old-world feel which it totally in style.

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I love the idea of a patterned lampshade to match the theme of the decor.

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It’s aways good to have a variety of patterns within a room design and a patterned lampshade is an easy way to incorporate a fun pattern.

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A patterned lampshade that fits the color theme of a room just gives the room more visual depth and interest.

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A patterned lampshades can add color and energy to a neutral room.

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Patterned lampshades can unify the colors within a room.

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Patterned lampshades can add an unexpected twist to the decor of a room.

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If your crafty, you can make your own printed lampshades. Here’s a great tutorial that walks you through all the steps.

You can find patterned lampshades in most home decor stores, this is a great online source with a great selection of patterns. And I recently spotted several really great designs at HomeGoods. To make shopping easy, check out a few of my favorites in stores and online now…

Seedling–available in 16 colors / Watercolor Floral / Giclee Greek Key Lampshade–available in tons of colors

Northern Lights / Animal Print / Diamonds Giclee

Teal Bamboo Trellis / Birch Blonde /Jigsaw Drum Shade

Gift Wrap Inspiration: Valentine’s Day Hearts & Arrows

February 8, 2016

If I had the time I would find an excuse to wrap gifts everyday. I just love a beautifully wrapped gift and always want my gift wrapping to be part of the gift giving experience.

With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, I had the perfect opportunity to get creative and wrap gifts for the favorite people in my life. I decided to keep things simple and use embellishments to add the wow factor to my gifts.

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What To Put In A Decorative Bowl

February 5, 2016

Have you ever heard the saying, ‘decorating is in the details?’ I believe that the design details within your decor are the that bring it to life and give your home its personality. Take decorative bowls for instance. They look good on coffee tables, console tables, on bookshelves and just about any other place you put them.

The other day I was shuffling some of my accessories around and put a decorative bowl on the coffee table and one on the console table in the dining area. The bowls looked great where they were but the question of what to put in them popped up. After rummaging through my stash of accessories and crafts, I came up with a few options. Here’s what you might consider putting in a decorative bowl.

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Scrabble Pieces

I’ve bought a couple of old scrabble games at thrift stores, planning to use the tiles in other projects. Since that hasn’t happened, I decided to use them as decor and placed them in a beautiful blue and white bowl I have. The tiles add an eclectic and fun detail to the coffee table.

PINECONES

I’ve got two baskets filled with pinecones that travelled with us all the way from Seattle when we moved 15 years ago. They add a rustic and wintry feel to my decor this time of year and look really great piled up in a vintage brass bowl.

ALPHABET BALLS

When my store was open, these alphabet balls were a bigger seller. In the store I displayed them under a glass cloche or in a lidded glass jar but for my decor, I love them in this gold pedestal bowl I found at Hobby Lobby around Christmas. The balls are whimsical but still have a classic vibe to them.

DOMINOS

Here’s another look I created for my coffee table last week using Dominos in a gold leaf bowl. What I like most is the contrast of the black and white dominos against the gold bowl and animal print tray. The dominos also add a playful feel to the table.

If you’re looking for something to put in the decorative bowls in your home, these are just a few ideas. You could also try one of these decorative accessories…

DICE or VINTAGE POOL BALLS ( This set of dice is a great price and I just bought a set for myself)