Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Peak Inside ~ Mandy's Living Room
My best friend Mandy has always been an inspiration for me fashion wise, so it was no surprise that when she and her husband Bryan purchased their first home, I was very inspired by her design sense. An Interior Architect by trade, Mandy has always had a keen eye for detail, and pairing unexpected elements. I love how she incorporates mid century pieces that play off the architectural details in the home, while still keeping everything fresh and modern.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Designer I Heart ~ Kelly Wearstler
Kelly Wearstler has been heralded as the Queen of Hollywood Regency, styling the iconic Viceroy Hotels, and The Avalon, in her signature, multi dimensional style. Known for commissioning bespoke furniture when she could not find the right piece on the market, her originality has led to the creation of many lifestyle products, including her lines for Schumacher and The Rug Company. Unusual statues and decorative accents will always have a place in her rooms, and her signature fabrics have become a staple in modern regency styling. Never one to shy away from the bold and graphic, Kelly's rooms will always make me smile.
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| Kelly in her hand painted foyer via New York Times |
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| Kelly Wearstler |
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| Kelly Wearstler |
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| Kelly Wearstler |
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| Kelly Wearstler |
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| Kelly Wearstler |
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| Kelly Wearstler |
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| Kelly Wearstler |
Monday, March 28, 2011
DIY Trays Part Two ~ Monogrammed Tray
Yesterday we covered DIY marbled clay trays, and today we move on to a customized monogrammed tray. Monograms are something I've been crushing on for a while now, and I wanted to incorporate one into our decor in an inexpensive way.
All that you need for this project is Gloss Enamel paint,a paint brush, a white plate ( I got mine at a dollar store for $2) some cotton swabs, and an oven. (Hint, dollar store cotton swabs work best because they seem to be more compact than the name brand options)
First, clean the plate with rubbing alcohol to remove any grime that may be left on it and prevent the paint from sticking. I found it quite difficult to apply the paint in an even layer ( I used Americana Gloss Enamels in Razzle Berry), so I decided to go with it and used short strokes to create a textured surface. When the paint is still wet, take the cotton swab and trace out the monogram. After the top dried, I flipped it over and painted the bottom gold, using short strokes to create texture.
After letting the paint dry for 48 hours, it was time to put it in the oven for 30 minutes.
The finished product
All that you need for this project is Gloss Enamel paint,a paint brush, a white plate ( I got mine at a dollar store for $2) some cotton swabs, and an oven. (Hint, dollar store cotton swabs work best because they seem to be more compact than the name brand options)
First, clean the plate with rubbing alcohol to remove any grime that may be left on it and prevent the paint from sticking. I found it quite difficult to apply the paint in an even layer ( I used Americana Gloss Enamels in Razzle Berry), so I decided to go with it and used short strokes to create a textured surface. When the paint is still wet, take the cotton swab and trace out the monogram. After the top dried, I flipped it over and painted the bottom gold, using short strokes to create texture.
After letting the paint dry for 48 hours, it was time to put it in the oven for 30 minutes.
The finished product
Sunday, March 27, 2011
DIY Trays Part One ~ Marbled Clay Tray
So this weekend I ended up going a little tray crazy on the DIY front. The first technique I'm going to feature is using oven bake clay.
I came up with this idea after wandering the isles at Michael's and seeing these three beautiful shades of purple clay, and gold enamel.
As soon as i saw these colors, I was instantly reminded of Kelly Wearstlers pink office that I featured in my monochromatic room post. I immediately got to work ,mixing up the colors to create a marbled effect. I found the best way to get a marbled look without mushing everything together into one color, was to start with long rolls of each color, and then rubbing them together in my hand, folding it over, and continuing until the colors had dispersed to my liking.
After flattening out and shaping the trays, I used gold gloss enamel paint to rim the edges. After letting the paint cure for 48 hours, they were ready for the oven.
After 15 minutes (Check your clay for specific cooking times) they were ready for a coat of clear gloss coating. I used Krylon Low Odor Clear Gloss spray, which you can get here.
The finished products
Come back tomorrow to see our DIY monogramed tray!
I came up with this idea after wandering the isles at Michael's and seeing these three beautiful shades of purple clay, and gold enamel.
As soon as i saw these colors, I was instantly reminded of Kelly Wearstlers pink office that I featured in my monochromatic room post. I immediately got to work ,mixing up the colors to create a marbled effect. I found the best way to get a marbled look without mushing everything together into one color, was to start with long rolls of each color, and then rubbing them together in my hand, folding it over, and continuing until the colors had dispersed to my liking.
After flattening out and shaping the trays, I used gold gloss enamel paint to rim the edges. After letting the paint cure for 48 hours, they were ready for the oven.
After 15 minutes (Check your clay for specific cooking times) they were ready for a coat of clear gloss coating. I used Krylon Low Odor Clear Gloss spray, which you can get here.
The finished products
Come back tomorrow to see our DIY monogramed tray!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Trend I Love ~ Striped Walls
A few weeks ago I started re-designing our master bedroom and guest room. The only thing they have in common is that I am painting stripes on the walls of both rooms (pics to come). In our master bedroom we did a feature wall in Benjamin Moores Raccoon fur, a deep charcoal Grey, in wide vertical stripes , alternating between eggshell and high gloss finish. In the guest bedroom we will be doing two large stripes in a high gloss version of our existing wall color, horizontally , that will wrap around the entire room. I love how the tone on tone stripe adds interest to the room, without being too bold.
I thought I would share some of the photos that inspired me to go a little stripe crazy in our bedroom renovations. I love how striped walls can be preppy, bold, graphic or subdued.
I thought I would share some of the photos that inspired me to go a little stripe crazy in our bedroom renovations. I love how striped walls can be preppy, bold, graphic or subdued.
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| Domino Magazine |
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| Elle Decor |
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| Elle Decor |
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| Lonny Magazine |
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| Massucco Warner Miller Interiors |
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Brighten up your kitchen
It's finally starting to feel like spring here, which is inspiring me to brighten up my kitchen. Sunny yellows, bright greens and shades of honeysuckle will brighten even the darkest kitchen. Adding a few pops of color , in the form of everyday accessories, is an easy way to change the feel of your kitchen and welcome a new season.
1. KitchenAid Stand Mixer 2. Anthropologie 3. Anthropologie 4. Michelle Smith 5 to 8. Anthropologie
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Little Luxuries...Voluspa Candles
Words cannot express how much I love Voluspa Candles. If you told me a year ago that I would be waxing poetic about a candle (pun intended) I would have told you that you were crazy.
I was first drawn to how beautifully packaged they were, they are accessories in their own right. Then comes the smell...oh the smell. I have never used a candle that dispersed scent so well throughout the house, all without ever seeming overpowering. All their scents are complex ,sophisticated, and inviting.
My current favorite is the 2 wick metallo in Lichen & Vetiver. Its beautiful on my coffee table and ,when lit, the scent from just one candle wafts from my main floor all the way up my staircase to the second floor. I have yet to have a visitor that has not commented, more than once, on how amazing it smells. I actually have to stop myself from opening it up and smelling it every time I walk by.
With scents such as Apricot & Aiprilla, Laguna, Pomegranate Patchouli, French cade & Lavender, and Santiago Huckleberry, its very hard to choose just one favorite.
I was first drawn to how beautifully packaged they were, they are accessories in their own right. Then comes the smell...oh the smell. I have never used a candle that dispersed scent so well throughout the house, all without ever seeming overpowering. All their scents are complex ,sophisticated, and inviting.
My current favorite is the 2 wick metallo in Lichen & Vetiver. Its beautiful on my coffee table and ,when lit, the scent from just one candle wafts from my main floor all the way up my staircase to the second floor. I have yet to have a visitor that has not commented, more than once, on how amazing it smells. I actually have to stop myself from opening it up and smelling it every time I walk by.
With scents such as Apricot & Aiprilla, Laguna, Pomegranate Patchouli, French cade & Lavender, and Santiago Huckleberry, its very hard to choose just one favorite.
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| 1. White Currant Quince porcelin2. Makassar Ebony & Peach 3 wick in decorative tin 3. Gardenia Colonia two wick Metallo 4. Warm Perique Tabac Classic Maison Candle 5. Japonica travel set |
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
My DIY Console Table
There are many design blogs that I love to check out everyday. One I particularly like is Johns Journal. Maria's console table DIY on Design*Sponge inspired me to follow suit when I couldn't find a table for our entry way that was just right.
All it took was some hardwood from Home Depot, some faux leather Contac Paper, and some nail heads.
Voila! All for under $30
My Version
Maria's Version
Check out Maria's blog here and tutorial here.
All it took was some hardwood from Home Depot, some faux leather Contac Paper, and some nail heads.
Voila! All for under $30
My Version
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| House of Movi |
Maria's Version
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| Johns Journal |
Check out Maria's blog here and tutorial here.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Sometimes you need a little opulence
Happy Weekend!
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| Elle Decor |
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| Rue Magazine |
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| Elle Decor |
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| Rue Magazine |
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| Elle Decor |
Thursday, March 10, 2011
DIY Curtains For An Oversized Window
As I have stated before in this post, I love the 11 ft ceilings in our dining area, but they do pose a few design related challenges. When we moved in, one of the main challenges we faced was finding drapery for the oversized windows. It seemed simple enough, all I wanted was two toned curtains that I could hang near the ceiling to play up the rooms height. I quickly discovered that it is next to impossible to find 132" ready made curtains, and custom quotes came in at around $1000. Although I could have bought fabric, it still would have been pricey, and I'm barely what you would call a whiz with a sewing machine.
Our DIY solution ended up costing a whopping $140 including the curtain rod! Best of all it's no sew, all you need is an iron and a pair of scissors. It's so easy I feel bad even calling it a DIY.
1. I bought two sets of Ikea Ritva curtains, one in white, one in grey.
2. Decide which color curtain you want to be dominant and lay it face down on a flat clean surface.
3. Subtract the length of the curtain from the height of your wall/window to figure out how much you need to cut from your secondary pair of curtains.
4. When cutting the secondary curtains, be sure to cut above the bottom hem to keep it intact(remember to add a few inches to allow for shrinkage and to let it pool a little on the floor)
5. Flip up the hem of the dominant curtain and iron a crease in it so it lays down flat.
6. Lay the enclosed iron on hemming strip on the hem, and place the cut side of the secondary curtain on top, and slowly iron, fusing the two together. Work in small sections, making sure enough heat is being applied to fuse it properly. (Before you start, be sure to check that the secondary curtain is facing down.)
7. Once you are finished, flip the curtain over, and iron to create a crease on the secondary curtain so it lies flat against the primary curtain.
8. Repeat, hang and enjoy!
A great affordable long curtain rod is the Crystal ball curtain rod from Martha Stewart Living that you can pick up at Home Depot. It's longest length is 144" and only costs $59.99
The finished product
Our DIY solution ended up costing a whopping $140 including the curtain rod! Best of all it's no sew, all you need is an iron and a pair of scissors. It's so easy I feel bad even calling it a DIY.
1. I bought two sets of Ikea Ritva curtains, one in white, one in grey.
2. Decide which color curtain you want to be dominant and lay it face down on a flat clean surface.
3. Subtract the length of the curtain from the height of your wall/window to figure out how much you need to cut from your secondary pair of curtains.
4. When cutting the secondary curtains, be sure to cut above the bottom hem to keep it intact(remember to add a few inches to allow for shrinkage and to let it pool a little on the floor)
5. Flip up the hem of the dominant curtain and iron a crease in it so it lays down flat.
6. Lay the enclosed iron on hemming strip on the hem, and place the cut side of the secondary curtain on top, and slowly iron, fusing the two together. Work in small sections, making sure enough heat is being applied to fuse it properly. (Before you start, be sure to check that the secondary curtain is facing down.)
7. Once you are finished, flip the curtain over, and iron to create a crease on the secondary curtain so it lies flat against the primary curtain.
8. Repeat, hang and enjoy!
A great affordable long curtain rod is the Crystal ball curtain rod from Martha Stewart Living that you can pick up at Home Depot. It's longest length is 144" and only costs $59.99
The finished product
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| House of Movi |
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Artist I love ~ Jen Lobo
Although I tend to prefer abstract art, there is something about Jen Lobo's surreal paintings that never fail to stop me in my tracks. Her color selections, and the mood of her work, constantly inspire me.
I would really love to purchase Nantucket Sleigh Ride, The Amiable Octopus, The Tangle, or Chroma Thieves for our living room.
To check out more of Jen's artwork, visit her awesome website or blog.
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| Nantucket Sleigh Ride |
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| The Amiable Octopus |
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| Chroma Thieves |
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| The Tangle |
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| Encounter |
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| The Journey |
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| Tug |
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| No Such Thing |
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| Discomedusae |
To check out more of Jen's artwork, visit her awesome website or blog.
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