Pine Roping 101 – Concept to Installation

I’ve always loved the soft swags of pine roping I see in magazine photos.  I finally got the perfect opportunity at my client’s house last year!  See below for the process and the finished product!

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Here’s our concept photo!

So, the concept photo shows Mixed Greens roping which costs 3 times as much as the traditional White Pine roping and my client and I decided to go with the less expensive option, especially since it was our first time attempting this!

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(1) 75 ft bundle of White Pine Roping – is it enough?!?

I had my handyman meet me at my client’s house while she was out running errands.  I kind of wanted to play with this a bit without her feeling like we didn’t know what we were doing!  Plus I wanted the “wow” reaction when she came home!

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Laying out the bundle of roping…

When we started to lay out the bundle, it was a like a clown car that just kept growing and I really began to get a sense for 75 feet of pine roping!  At that point I was much more confident that we had enough to get the job done.

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The pine only goes one direction on the swag and we decided it was easiest to start at the top of the stairs…

While Joe was draping, I started making bows out of the burlap so we could see how long to cut each ribbon.  In order to secure the roping, we used plastic zip ties which wouldn’t scratch the wood railing and would hold the roping in place.

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1 row draped doesn’t make enough of an impact…
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2 rows draped and then we started adding bows!
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Loving how it is turning out!
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Burlap Ribbon from Pottery Barn – looks beautiful!
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Finished product! Couldn’t be happier!

My client and I were very happy with how it turned out and it added such a simple festive element to her entry.  Not to mention the smell of the live pine roping was amazing!  It didn’t cost that much for roping and the ribbon we saved which makes this something she can do every year.

If you have a concept for holiday decor that you need help executing, let me know!

Happy Decorating!

“the one”…my fave new desks for fall 2013!

It’s back to school time!  We all remember the joy of getting new supplies for school & I’m sure some of you are reliving it as you help your kids prep for their first day!  The ultimate “school supply” is definitely a stylish & functional desk, which can make even the biggest procrastinator  in your house put down the remote and get to work!  Here are a few of my favorite offerings for the fall season!

First up, the new Mid Century Desk in White from West Elm!  So glad we have a store in St. Louis, now!!

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Next up,  the stunning Emerson Secretary from Crate & Barrel – love the leather accents!

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Another showpiece and workhorse is the Patchwork Secretary by West Elm – love the mixed woods & clean lines!

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An elegant addition is the Sentinel Desk from Horchow – I’m always a fan of the spindle legs!

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Last but not least, modern & sleek with a feminine touch! – White Spur Desk from Horchow

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Hope you are inspired!  Happy Designing!

holiday 101: sparkle

Who doesn’t love a little (or a lot) of sparkle?  I am kind of obsessed with things that sparkle this year, in fashion as well as home decor!  What’s fun about the shimmery elements is that they work in almost every holiday theme as well as for other occasions like New Year’s Eve and year round cocktail parties.  Here’s my shortlist of fave baubles in holiday decor this year!

PB Florentine Mercury Glass
Pottery Barn Votive Holders
Pier 1 Glitter Rattan Snowman
Crate & Barrel Metallic Frost Plate & Platter Set
Crate & Barrel Mingle Bar Glass
CB2 Reversible Silver/Kraft Gift Wrap
Wisteria Wreath
Crate & Barrel Soiree Plates
PB Gold Stripe Cocktail Shaker
PB Gold Glitter Ball
Pier 1 Gold Glitter Ribbon

 

holiday 101: traditional

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!  Can you hear Perry Como’s rendition in your ears?  I love the traditional holiday songs and I love a bit of “traditional” elements in my decor, as well.  It’s really easy to add a little burlap, jewel tones and a dash of classic elements in order to make your holiday reminiscent of days gone by.   Here are a few of my favorite things this year!

Pottery Barn Jeweled Mercury Votive Holders
PB Jewel Cut Martini Glasses
PB Embroidered Pillows
Crate & Barrel Ornaments
West Elm Felt Mistletoe
Pottery Barn Tree Topper
West Elm Felt Decor
Wisteria Dove Doormat
Ballard Designs Vintage Glass Bead Garland
West Elm Paper Flower Wreath
Ballard Designs Burlap Bird Ornaments

Stay tuned for the 3rd installment – Holiday 101: Sparkle!!!

holiday 101: modern

How to do the holidays with a modern twist?  Well, the answer is bright colors and funky spins on traditional holiday shapes.  Get creative, go retro, be original!  Here’s some inspiration for you!

I have more in store for the holiday season…stay tuned!!

Bubble Glass Orbs from CB2
Ornament Assortment from CB2
Holiday cards from Kate Spade!
CB2 Crackle Glassware
Space Vases from CB2!!
Banded Glassware from West Elm
Kate Spade Holiday Cards
Glass Trees from Wisteria
Glass Trees from CB2
Glass Trees from CB2
“Cougar” Ornaments from CB2
Feather Ball Ornament from West Elm
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Twig Snow Wreath from C&B
CB2 Crackle Glassware