For the love of design

February is the month to celebrate love so I thought I would celebrate my love of design.  Pieces that are well designed serve a function while being aesthetically beautiful.  They evoke a feeling in us and represent a part of our soul.  Sometimes you can’t explain why you love something, you just know you do.  A little like the people we love, too.  So, here are a few things that have captured my heart this month…

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Red Envelope – Sugar Bean Love Ring
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Crate & Barrel – Cameo Glassware
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West Elm – Wood Tiled Buffet
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Pottery Barn – Hailey Mirror
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PBTeen – Alston Loveseat
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PBKids – Jordan Side Table
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West Elm – Tiered Tower Bookcase
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Crate & Barrel – Avery Table Lamp
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West Elm – Heart Bowls
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West Elm – Canted Rug Salmon

Choose things for your home carefully & it will come alive with your energy!

Happy Designing!

holiday 2013 – colorful whimsy

As a kid, and even sometimes as an adult, I have an impossible time falling asleep on Christmas Eve.  It’s easy to pinpoint the root cause as a child – the anticipation of the unknown wonders to behold on Christmas morning.  All our presents magically appearing under the tree and finding “evidence” of Santa’s visit in half-eaten cookies was enough to satisfy my youthful curiosity.  It wasn’t even so much about the presents, but really the “magic” of it all.  So what keeps me awake now, as an adult?

I’d like to believe the holidays bring out a little child wonderment in all of us.  Even though I hate the commercialization of the holidays, I think there are a few things that capture the whimsy we experienced as children.  See below for a little inspiration and a few nostalgic favorites for this year!

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I have to start off with the ever-increasing antics of the “Elf” assigned to families all over the US.  In the name of Santa, parents have stretched their creativity to the limits to capture his nightly shenanigans!

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West Elm – Felt Wreath
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Pottery Barn Kids – Advent Calendar
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Crate & Barrel – Felt Garland
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West Elm – Owl Ornament
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West Elm – Bunny Ornament
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Crate & Barrel – Assorted Stockings
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Pottery Barn – Advent Calendar Pillow
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Crate & Barrel – Yuletown Platters
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Crate & Barrel – Snowflake Coasters

 

holiday 2013 – neutral luxe

I am obsessed with white rooms and the layer of textures which translates into a winter wonderland atmosphere for the holidays.  Starting with a neutral base and adding in shimmery textures makes for an enchanting space.  The ambient lighting achieved with candles and starry lights completes the effect for entertaining!

See below for inspiration photos and a few of my pics for luxe this holiday season!

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Mercury is a given for neutral luxe and these new ornaments from RH don’t disappoint.  They are gorgeous!

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Venetian Glass Ornaments from Restoration Hardware

Everyone needs a little faux fur/snow in their “wonderland”…perfect backdrop to beautifully wrapped gifts!

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Faux Fur Tree Skirt from West Elm

I love the energy of this sculptural wreath and it pairs well with white!

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Modern Tinsel Wreath from West Elm

I am kind of obsessed with this lantern and it’s simple clean lines.  It would look stunning all year in your home!

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Lillian Lantern from Crate & Barrel

These unique snowflakes have an origami feel and could definitely be displayed beyond the holiday season.

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Geometric Snowflakes from Wisteria

 This fabulous brushed gold bowl would make a statement to any dining or cocktail table.

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Ophelia Bowl from Crate & Barrel

Love the octagonal shapes and modern edge of these candle holders which would fit in to almost any decor.

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Mercury Octagonal Hurricanes from West Elm

Adding a little bling to your sofa just got easier with this glitzy geometric pillow!

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Maddie Beaded Lumbar Pillow from Pottery Barn

These string lights are amazing and are available in gold or silver.  Where are you going to use them in your home?

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Starry String Lights from Restoration Hardware

Love the graduated beading effect on these candles; bet they look beautiful as they burn down.

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Silver Beaded Pillar Candles from Pottery Barn

holiday 2013 – modern festive

So, you love the holidays but you don’t love the traditional decor elements?  Luckily, there are many other ways to dress up your space for the season without OD’ing on plaid & pine trees.  Unique color palettes, mod stylized shapes and unusual accents like peacocks and gemstones are building blocks of a non-traditional scheme.  Feel free to make a statement with your decor!

See below for inspiration photos and my favorite things on the market this season!

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 Shiny silver balls tied with a pink thread make for a festive entrance!

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Silver Ball Garland from CB2

 Amaryllis stems flourish in the peacock-inspired hues of these stunning vases!

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Faceted Glass Vases from West Elm

 Clear tree silhouettes grouped together would make a statement for a dining table or entry.

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Acrylic Trees from CB2

 Agate drops offer a hint of nature and can be hung anywhere or tied on a package for a color pop.

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Agate Ornaments from West Elm

 Spinning shapes in silver & gold delight audiences young & old!

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Wire Ornaments from CB2

Love the unique colors in these capiz shell ornaments!

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Capiz Paillette Ornaments from West Elm

Functional & retro in bold colors, these glasses are durable for kids & tipsy adults!

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Stacking Acrylic Wine Glasses from Crate & Barrel

Faceted cocktail glasses are great for retro entertaining with a twist…Manhattan, anyone?

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Cassiopeia Glassware from West Elm

We all love flameless candles and these new string light versions are a fun alternative!

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Embedded String Light Pillar Candles from Pottery Barn

Stemless flutes make great gifts and since they don’t scream “holidays”, they can be used all year round.

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Birch Flutes from CB2

 

holiday 2013 – rustic traditional

One of my favorite things about the holidays and winter in general is the transformation of the outdoors.  Sleigh rides and skating outdoors amidst pine trees, snow and barren branches makes warming up next to a fireplace all the more appealing.  Adding rustic traditional elements to your decor can take your interiors through the holidays and into the abyss of winter.  Pops of red, lots of textural elements and plenty of candles aglow will warm your spirits!

See below for inspiration photos and a few of my favorite things to buy for this season!

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I love this new collection of lit twig animals!  The polar bear is by far the cutest!

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Lit Twig Polar Bear from Pottery Barn

Who doesn’t need a sleigh that has no function other than to look pretty?

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Red Metal Sleigh from Pottery Barn

I love burlap and red plaid and together they make a festive combo!

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Burlap & Red Plaid Stockings from Ballard Designs

I had a cocker spaniel growing up and one of their signature features are their eyes.  PB captured the essence of them plus a few other breeds in these quirky ornaments!

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Bottlebrush Cocker Spaniel Ornament from Pottery Barn

I love this handwritten effect of the sentiment on this platter; perfect for a hostess or holiday gift.  Also, the warm color makes it ideal for fall and winter entertaining!

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Shanna Murray Platter from West Elm

With the upswing in craft breweries, these would make a great gift for your favorite beer drinker this season!

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Hoppy Holidays Beer Glasses from Crate & Barrel

With its traditional font, this festive runner feels as much at home on your dining room table as in your kitchen!

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Jingle Sentiment Runner from Pottery Barn