Wedding Blues (and Peaches!)

I have a few friends that are currently planning their weddings. I hear the highs and the lows... I found my dress!... or... I just want to elope!... Aaah, the joys of wedding planning! 

I came across a wedding palette which offers the perfect balance of richness and subtlety...jade blue, peach, and cream. I may be biased since I'm a Georgia Peach from Atlanta, but I love subtle colors like peaches and cream against a bold color like jade blue. This color combination works in all seasons... fall, winter, spring, or summer. I think I might use this for my future wedding!

Zara at Home

I have to admit that I'm obsessed with Zara. This fashionable chain offers cute, affordable, and basic pieces that you can dress up or dress down. If I'm in a pinch and need a new dress for a last-minute event, Zara always has something stylish on the rack. 

I was soooo happy when I found out that Zara is now offering furniture and accessories for your home... what a brilliant idea. Their international customer base is strong so it makes sense to expand. I took a peek at the site and loved what I saw. I will definitely order a new piece soon. Check it out today!

Tabletop DC

The streets of DC are lined with so many cute shops for home accessories and gifts. One of my new faves is Tabletop DC in Dupont Circle. I L-O-V-E this store. The location is very convenient, right off the Dupont Circle metro and just a few blocks from my office. If you're looking for modern home accessories and quirky gifts (for kids too!), this is the store for you. You will find designers Jonathan Adler, Daphne Olive, Joseph Joseph, Perch! and Xenia Taler here, just to name a few. There's a good chance you will not walk into someone's home and find the same accessory that you just purchased (I hate it when that happens!). If you're in the DC area, drop by Tabletop DC.

Bottle Opener

Vase

Teapot

Ceramic Frame

A Few of My Favorite Things...Today

I found a few items over at Jayson Home today. Jayson Home offers really unique and interesting pieces. Most items would be considered a splurge, but there are several nice accessories at reasonable prices. Check out a few of my favorite items: Moroccan Appetizer Plates, George Cocktail Table, Pagoda Chandelier, Snakeskin Pencil Tray, Brass Link Boxes, Gold Suzani Pillow, Solarium Frame, Bullseye Ottoman, Monty Desk Lamp, Bund Console Table, Sargent Box, and Basque Wine Rack

Sargent Box

Basque Wine Rack

Time to Get Clean

My favorite room in a house is the master bathroom. Many activities take place in the bathroom, of course all of the obvious activities like showering, taking a bath, applying makeup, brushing your teeth, etc. One of the reasons I love the bathroom is because it reminds me of my childhood. My best friend and I spent so much time in this room! We sat on the vanity counter for hours talking about school, makeup, clothes, music, and what most teenage girls talk about -- boys! Some of our best talks were in the bathroom and I will always cherish those memories.

The bathroom is a great room to design because it's such a personal space. Take a look at Design Aspirations -- Bathroom Edition on MSN from Elle Decor magazine. Maybe this will inspire you to refresh your bathroom!

Designer Faceoff

Peter Som's New York City West Village apartment

Diane Von Furstenberg, Tracy Reese, and Marc Jacobs... these are a few of my favorite fashion designers. I've always wondered how fabulous their homes are designed. Would I be able to see Tracy Reese's ultra-feminine style in her home? Would floral graphic prints dominate Diane Von Furstenberg's walls as they do in her dresses? With Marc Jacobs, you never know what he will do next, harem pants to ultra chic suits are present on his runways. His home may surprise you! 

I came across several designers that were featured in Elle Decor. Peter Som, Anna Sui, Nanette Lepore, Jill Stuart, Michelle Smith, Ralph Lauren, Brian Atwood, Reed Krakoff, Adam Lippe, and Badgley Mischka have let us into their homes to take a peek at their style. After looking at the fabulous artwork, colors, and texture, I decided to do a quick search (stalk) for my fave designer's homes. Check out them out below.

Diane Von Furstenberg

 

Tracy Reese

Marc Jacobs

Holiday Gift Delivered: 2012 Color and Design Trends Report

I just received a treat in my inbox!

My holiday gift to you - Sensational Color for Your Home 2011/2012 Color and Design Trends Report. Lace, Plaid, Tribal, and Homemade Goodies are just some of the new home trends!

Happy Holidays and Happy Decorating!

Give Them Something to Talk About

The holiday season is here and dinner parties are in full effect. One of the most important elements to planning a successful dinner party is creating opportunities for your guests to converse. Each guest should feel comfortable and included in a conversation. Not only should you create the perfect table for dinner, but also create intimate seating areas throughout your home.  

After you put the finishing touches on the holiday dessert and mix the specialty drinks, don't forget to create a seating arrangement that will truly get the party started! Cheers and Happy Holidays!  

Rooms of the Month: The Home Office

For the past three weeks, I've experienced the joys of working from home once a week. I've also experienced the pains of working from home, specifically in my upper and lower back. In my next home, I hope to have a space designated as "the home office". All I need is a quirky little desk, comfy chair, really cool office supplies, one statement piece, photos, and a window with a little sunlight to make me happy. For now, my couch will do... Take a look below at a couple of home office designs that I love. 

I love the blue and orange, statement lighting, wall angles, and the sunlight!
A comfy feel...

A home office in Paris. The desk is the statement piece in this room.
The room is very simple, yet still very interesting.

Good use of color. Again, simple and clean is the way to go.
You need enough room for paperwork and books, don't waste the space with tons of accessories. The furniture will make the statement.

2012 Color Forecast: Faded Jeans, Field Grains, Glowing Embers, and Algae

 

  

Whew! It's amazing how time flies. I can't believe it's almost September! Soon the fall weather will roll in, the trees will turn to beautiful shades of reds, oranges, and yellows, and comfy sweaters will keep us warm on cool nights. My favorite time of year!

Since the year is whizzing by so fast, and fall and winter are just around the corner, I wanted to share the 2012 color trends just in case you're planning a decorative refresh at the top of the year. 

It seems like Mother Earth is planning to take over our homes this year since water, earth, fire, and air are represented in the color forecast for 2012. Take a look at the upcoming color trends over at Sherwin-Williams. Neutrals, shades of reds, blues, and greens all dominate. Download a Color Card!

Think Mother Earth!

Neutrals: field of grains, pile of pebbles, weathered wood, earthy clay, raw organic materials

Reds: a brilliant flower, a glowing ember, the colors of fire and passion, earth's molten core

Blues: clear water, American faded denim, rivers, lakes and sea, crisp blue skies

Greens: depths of sea and forest, seaweed, algae and moss, and rooftop gardens

Room of the Month

This past weekend I stumbled across the Jonathan Adler store on my way to brunch. The photo above is a beach house that he designed. I wish that was my beach house! Love it!

Guest Blogger: Giovanni Brooks

Revolutionize Your Home

People who know anything about my personal evolution in recent years know two things: 1) that I love politics; and 2) I love urban living. From the busy streets to the great people watching, living in an urban enclave is a far cry from my down south Georgia girl suburban upbringing. Because of this personal juxtaposition, the ability to be this close to the excitement of city living is amazing to me. Living in downtown Pittsburgh, in particular, with its few relics of the old “steel city” moniker as a backdrop for a growing technological metropolis, is exhilarating;  it is a medium sized city with big city amenities. The city is walkable and you don’t need a car. There are great restaurants, a thriving art and culture scene, such as the cultural district, the Carnegie Institute, which includes the Andy Warhol Museum, and every part of the city is within walking distance of all the major sports stadiums, Heinz Field, PNC Park, and Consol Energy Arena. I am constantly looking for ways to recreate this same energy with my apartment decor, whether it be with black and white photography or pop art.


One of my favorite aspects of living in downtown Pittsburgh is the mural art—it is like living in a breathing and growing museum. On several street corners, there is mural art commissioned by the city and local urban renewal organizations (like the Sprout Fund) for both its artistic and functional flare. However, what is most intriguing about mural art to me, for all of its appeal to popular culture, is its political significance. A mural is any piece of artwork painted or applied directly on a wall, ceiling or other large permanent surface. A particularly distinguishing characteristic of mural painting is that the architectural elements of the given space are harmoniously incorporated into the picture. 


Mural Art as a political statement first became popular in the United States during 1930s. African American, Mexican, and Chicano artists used murals as protest art-- as a way to empower economically impoverished communities. This form of protest has gained more resonance in the 1960s and 1970s, when pictures of slain civil rights leaders and freedom writers were painted on exterior walls to remind communities of struggles and the triumphs experienced in the pursuit of equal rights. In communities where children were getting slain by gun violence, murals have been used a memorials for the community around which people could congregate, mourn, and reflect. 


Today, we face government budget cuts and the global economic crisis. These monumental experiences have reverberated throughout our communities. There is increased unemployment, increased poverty and rampant despair. Art has always been a way to uplift communities and provide it hope in troubling times; however, due to these challenging economic times, the federal and local governments have had to defund the arts and arts programs. Thus, with the youth population fighting being labeled with the moniker of the “Lost Generation” due to high unemployment and economic and political uncertainty, it is no surprise that murals have resurfaced as a form of political or protest art. From Shepard Fairey’s installations to graffiti, urban murals and public art, mural paintings are not only seen for their beauty and as a cornerstone of urban revitalization but also as a catalyst for economic and social change. With this renewed movement of sorts, many people, including myself, are seeking new and inventive ways to bring the energy created by the urban murals to life in my own dwelling. Luckily, there are somewhat easy to complex ways to accomplish this from buying prefabricated mural wall paper to getting one commissioned yourself. While the commodification of such an expression may not seem that revolutionary,  the desire to surround yourself by art in such a dynamic way is.  

Learn more about mural art in Pittsburgh or bringing mural art into your home: Shepard Fairey's Pittsburgh Murals, Pittsburgh Murals, Murals Your Way


Read more of Giovanni Brooks' thoughts on Art.Culture.Politics.

                       

My Happy Place... Part 2

I'm happy to report that my sad balcony is slowly but surely turning into my oasis. If you remember in my previous post, I promised to give updates on the transformation of my balcony. So, I finally bought two chairs with terra cotta colored cushions for my patio table (all from the fab Pier 1 Imports)! I tested the chairs out tonight to measure the comfort... all is good. Next purchase... more seating, probably an outdoor sectional from West Elm.

Tonight I soaked up all the sights and sounds of city life while enjoying a glass of wine in my new oasis - candles and music blasting from my BB topped it off. Hmm... this really is becoming my Happy Place. Part 3 to come...

P.S. - This is a horrible grainy shot... I'm definitely not a good photographer. I should have consulted Colby Photos!

Million Dollar Decorators

My latest TV obsession is Bravo's Million Dollar Decorators! I wish wish wish this was my job!! You can check out past episodes and meet the designers on the Million Dollar Decorator page on Bravotv.com. Between the wealthy clients and quirky designers, there is a lot of cooky behavior going on, but what show on Bravo doesn't include drama? Check out the show on Tuesday's at 10pm.

Astrology and Home Design

If you know me, then you know I love astrology. I check my weekly horoscope every Sunday and forward random astrology facts to all of my friends (even if they don't care!). It's kind of an addiction (lol). I came across an article that describes which colors and design style matches with each sign. I like to share so I decided to search the web for the best photos. Check out this gallery of photos to see the room that fits you!

BTW, I'm a Cancer... I guess that's why I appreciate a well designed home! If you don't know anything about your sign, you can learn more here. Enjoy.

Featured Designer: Nate Berkus

I really appreciate interior designer Nate Berkus and his eye for design. The way he puts together a room appears effortless. It seems as though he threw together a few pieces and it just magically came together in the most amazing way. His work inspires me and I would love to work with him! I'm totally okay with fetching his coffee, just as long as I can soak up all of his knowledge. He's an accomplished businessman with many successful ventures. Check out his design firm Nate Berkus Associates, as well as his bio that details his amazing accomplishments including a TV show titled The Nate Berkus Show. He is a regular on Oprah, so... he's kind of a big deal. 

Just Passing Through: Hallway Designs

Need help with your hallway? Check out this gallery of hallways for inspiration. Also, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when planning for this type of space.

In the mood to share? Send me a photo of your hallway design!

Take a Little Trip

A couple of months ago I ventured into the world of hotel marketing. So naturally, I am now obsessed with hotel interiors. I work for a hotel group that has some of the most beautiful hotel properties across the world.  Personally, I like to visit boutique hotels that have a unique flair and style, especially those that carry a localized feel. When I visit a city, whether it's in the U.S. or abroad, I want to be able to feel the essence of that city.  I came across a few hotel images while browsing online and wanted to share. This makes me want to take a little trip ASAP!

Pool, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai

MIXX Bar & Lounge, ANA InterContinental Tokyo

Room, Serinn House, Turkey

Pool, W Hotel, Hong Kong

Bathroom/Room, W Hotel, Midtown Atlanta

What's Your StyleScope?

Have some fun and take the StyleScope quiz... you might be surprised at the results! I just took the quiz (again) and my style is Bohemian Classic. Click here to find out your design style and how you can get started in putting your style to work.

Room of the Month

Simplicity...