A Cottage Christmas

The holidays bring thoughts of tradition.....I'm loving the natural cottage spin of these holiday decorations - especially those burlap touches!

 Aren't these great?  Combine rough burlap with satin or lace add some greenery and voila - instant cottage chic!

Quilted white with embellished cuffs or knitted mohair stockings - wow. (My daughter once said she loves our knitted stockings because they stretch!)

How about that plaid, and more patterned knitted stockings - there is something about plaid and the holidays!

Mason jar votives lining the walkway.

A natural wreath made out of music sheets or vintage magazines. 

Combine succulents, seasonal flowers and pine cones for an unexpected arrangement

images:  1&2:  Holly Mathis Interiors  3 & 6: Inspired Room  4&5: Martha Stewart  7:HGTV.com 8: Paper & Stitch

New Laura Ashley Blog

I have been a fan of Laura Ashley "since forever," so naturally I am so excited to introduce you to their new blog. A recent post caught my eye - mixing or as they say "clashing" floral prints.

I'm a fan of neutrals and am smitten with this wonderful mix, I can see myself using a few of these prints in my next room makeover!

I love the repetition of the print from the pillow and lampshade!

Take a look at how the stylist over at StyleNV clashed/mixed other Laura Ashley designs.  This trend might not be for everyone, but you may be able to take an idea or two from them and make it your own. 

PS.  I also love the historical archive under their  "Back In Time" banner.

Images via Laura Ashley

How About a Mountain Retreat?

The Holiday Season is here and it has me thinking about snow, skiing, and warm toasty fires.  What a better place to experience all of this than in Aspen?  That's where Aerin Lauder (of Estee Lauder fame) and her family have created an amazing white on white wonderland!  Luxurious simplicity describes her home - a design collaboration with interior designer Daniel Romualdez.  I love the way the snowy landscape is repeated in the white decor.  Unusual ceiling - huh?

I love that throw and pillows in browns and blacks.  Hans Wegner's hoop chairs and George Nakashiona's sleek wooden table add natural elements and warmth to the space that bring the outdoors in.

A touch of wood and a big brown fluffy bear & pillows

Another luxurious throw on that platform bed!  I love the print!

 

Ahhh, now that's relaxation!

What a view of the slopes!  Another luxurious throw!  Wouldn't you love to sip hot chocolate or hot mulled wine on this deck?

 

Photographs:  Fracois Halard via Vogue Magazine

Give the gift of unique....

Need some unique gift ideas?  Check out some offerings from Anthropologie.

 How about tear off napkins in these cute colors/designs and the adorable owl shakers! From the "Preppy Collection"

Organize your favorite recipes with these darling bookmarks or trim your tree with the tie-dye ornaments.

"Boho Collection"

Mason jar snow globes! How "Classic"

"Glam" it up with a set of coasters in various colorways.  Made by hand from Minneapolis potter Kerry Brooks - they reminds me of geodes.

Fall Harvest On Display

Thanksgiving is all about casual, earthy and natural decor.  Leaves, branches and gourds.  The fall bounty on display.  It's not too late to create a casual but wonderful vignette!  Create your own piece of the fall harvest - you may want to use this as inspiration!

Images: via HGTV

A Glitz Thanksgiving

It's not too late to glam up your front door for Thanksgiving, grab some pumpkins and gourds, branches and fruit, spray all with metallic paint, arrange with bare branches and natural ribbons.  Wow, what a welcome! So simple, sometimes simple is best!

Image:  Country Living Magazine

Gobble Up

How will you set your table this Thanksgiving?  I use the same dishes year after year, most of us do - but wouldn't it be fun to have a whole new set of dishes to celebrate the harvest feast?  

I love this place setting from West Elm, the pattern is unique and would easily transition from everyday to holiday and back again.  The pattern from David Starke is so unique  and appropriately named "Wood-slices."  Hand sketched in shades of browns and umber, they harken fall and winter days - schleping in logs for a warm fire!

Now that may not be possible, at least in my household (my husband tells me we have way too many dishes), however, I could spring for a couple of pieces to complement my existing place-settings.....

These dessert plates would be so fun!

Or how about these great serving platters?

Maybe these beautiful  olive wood paddle boards?  Serve cheese, crackers or veggies on one of these!  They can even be monogrammed!

Source:  West Elm

Mirror Mirror On the Wall

When it comes to bathroom vanity mirrors, I definitely see an ongoing trend to incorporate individual framed mirrors as opposed to the mirrored wall of years past.  They are easier to incorporate side sconces that are so important when considering lighting for the bathroom and create more importance and interest to the basin area.

I love this example of the floating basin; and look at those sconces that are added to the mirror instead of on either side.  This allows for more of the mirror surface to reflect light into the room.

Wow, what a room!  The brushed metal framed mirrors repeat the ceiling treatment and tub.  So zen....

The rectangular mirror stretches across the entire length of the vanity, and is tied to the cabinetry in color and finish. The stark contrast to the white walls and light aqua glass tiles makes a dramatic statement.

Another elongated rectangular mirror - this time with sconces integrated into the mirror - 

This is interesting - framed mirrors atop a mirrored wall.

 

This simple unframed mirror used here doesn't detract from the metal wall tiles behind.

What style of mirrors are your favorite for the bathroom?

Credits:  HGTV Designer's Porfolio - 1,2,4,&7 Sara Richardson; 3 Nancy Mikulich; 6 Dan Enberg Design; 8&10 Jennifer Charleston.

Lessons from J Crew

Have a neutral palette and need to liven it up with a pop of color?  Take a look at this gorgeous living room!  It's in the home of Jenna Lyons of J Crew fame.  The house is newly up for sale and way beyond my price range, but what I like about this room is the lesson that it can teach us.  Look at the way that yummy yellow sofa commands your attention!  The color is unexpected and stands out in an otherwise all neutral room. 

Now most of us wouldn't want to commit to such an expensive piece of color, but we can achieve the same affect by using  colorful throws, pillows, or accessories that allow us to incorporate that pop.  The added bonus, they are easily changed when we tire of the color or want a new look!

What do you think?

images 1)via Apartment Therapy  2)via  www.nuevo-estilo.es,brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com

  3) Atmosphere Interior Design Inc. via Houzz.com   4)Massuccu Warner Miller Designs & Decoration via blog.HGTV.com

Be On Top of the World

What a great idea - I love this hand stitched topographical globe bean bag chair!  My grandkids would love this! It is made from recycled tents and tarps, then hand stitched.....available in random natural colorways.....

Source:  Uncommon Goods

Play With Your Dishes

How fun is this!  I was just browsing over at the Anthropologie website and stumbled upon this fun tool.  Find it at the "For the Decorator" tab or go to the"Table Design Tool."

Play to your hearts content!

Thanksgiving Leftovers

Isn't this a great alternative to the traditional paper plates and plastic bags that we traditionally send home with our friends toting their Thanksgiving leftovers?

Today I'm Loving

I am always drawn to a gray color palette, so when I came upon this wonderful article in the the latest issue of California Home and Design I was smitten.  Interior designer Cari Berg saw the potential in this fixer upper in Encino, CA.  From the description of the  condition "before" the renovation, she has created a wonderful design that works for her busy family life.  Take a look...

 

I love the round fireplace. 

For the full article go here.