This series is well on it’s way to being one of our favorite posts to compose. We’re all about interiors so seeing the personal style of some of our favorite stylin’ ladies out there is just too much fun!! Now that Beth is settling into life on the West Coast, we thought it would be appropriate to feature a Dallas edition of our Design Duel. (we want to make sure that Beth is good and home sick!)

Here’s the idea… We ask some of our favorite design bloggers to go up “against” each other and share their own unique taste in an oh-so-friendly design duel! There are no winners or losers here; just a fun look at two different takes on the same space.

Today’s duel…

The Work Space

Joslyn Taylor of  Simple Lovely

Joslyn Taylor chronicles her love of design, fashion, art and food through her thoughtful blog, Simple Lovely. We could go on and on about Joslyn’s many talents and accomplishments but her most recent jump into the creative world by becoming the style editor for D Home magazine and the executive editor of D Family, is enough to leave us totally impressed!!

VS

Sam Reitmayer Sano of  style/SWOON

Another design triple threat, Sam Sano not only runs her successful graphic design firm, which boasts clients such as Neiman Marcus and the Dallas Cowboys, but she also dabbles in interiors and writes for Dallas fashion publication, FD Luxe. As if that wasn’t already enough, she also authors the super hip and always inspiring blog, style/SWOON. This gal has all the design bases covered!!

ding. ding. ding.

Joslyn’s Picks: Bond Lucite Desk |Eames Task Chair | Arched Marble Lamp | Nubuck Crocodile Leather | Studio Pottery Vases | Coffee / Cappuccino Cup

Sam’s Picks: Gold Leaf Desk (similar HERE) | Linen Upholstered Desk Chair (via One King’s Lane)| Rock Desk Lamp | Speck CandyShell for the iPhone | Brass Pencil Holder |Marrakesh Mint Tea

From time to time we like to tinker around with creating our own art for special projects. Remember the custom art piece that our amazing intern, Heather, did for the Dwell With Dignity Thrift Studio? Well, Heather’s at it again. And, this time, she did something more bold, graphic, and modern. When 3M approached us to review their new painter’s tape, we thought it was ideal for what Heather had in mind. Without further ado, here’s Heather’s Modern Tribal art boards and how she accomplished them in her own words…

Materials:

plywood cut to desired size

wood stain

ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape with Edge-Lock Paint Line Protector

paint

paint brush

paint roller

ruler

pencil

*Note: it’s cheaper to buy one big sheet of plywood and have them cut it down to the size you want rather than buying pre-cut and pre-sanded pieces.* 

Step 1:

Select a pattern to use. I selected a bold geometric pattern. You can find inspiration from fabrics, wallcovering, or graphic patterns online. Pinterest is a great resource for inspiration! 

Step 2:

Prepare boards by sanding surface and edges, then wipe down with dry cloth. 

Step 3:

With selected stain color, brush on in direction of grain. I did two coats of stain. Allow to dry until surface is no longer sticky feeling. 

Step 4:

Carefully measure out design so that you know where to place the painter’s tape. 

Step 5:

Tape off pattern. The ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape with Edge-Lock Paint Line Protector was perfect because it can be applied to most surfaces, so I knew it would be ideal with the stained wood. With such an intricate pattern using the correct tape is important so that it doesn’t look sloppy when the tape is peeled away.

Step 6:

Once all boards are taped, take paint roller and paint over entire surface of boards. I used 2 coats of paint to get a nice smooth coverage. 

Step 7:

Now the fun part! Once all boards are dry remove tape to reveal your pattern!!! ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape with Edge-Lock Paint Line Protector left no sticky residue behind, leaving a gorgeous result with little touch-ups needed.

This post was brought to you in partnership with 3M and ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape.

Hello again Splendor readers!

While Beth is busy settling into the Seattle lifestyle and Carolina is hustling with office updates in Dallas, I’m here to tell you that PULP is now on Instagram!! There is always so much happening behind the PULP scenes. Every day holds a unique and exciting mix of activities during the process of creating stunning interiors for PULP Design Studio clients.

You can get the inside scoop by following along with Beth and Carolina at @PULPdesigns! Or, if you don’t use an iPhone, keep up with all the fun online through Followgram. Either way, we’d love to have you join us!

Happy Valentines Day!!

Things are finally starting to settle down for me with the big cross-country move and I just couldn’t resist sharing this photo I took of my two valentines. This amazing beach is just minutes from our new place in Seattle and it’s my new happy place. Just wait for more photos when the sun is out and you can see the snow-capped Olympic mountain range. It’s just breathtaking.

Well, you’ll be seeing more of me now that I can see the light at the end of this busy tunnel. I’ll be hopping off the crazy train and back onto the blogging train. I hope you’ll still have me….

Have a Happy Heart Day! 

You may have noticed that the posts here have been few and far between lately… Well, I’ve been a little busy (and, so has Carolina for that matter)! If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you probably already know. But….

I moved to Seattle!! 

Pulp Design Studios is in the process of opening a West Coast office and we are expanding our business! It was a hard decision to leave Dallas, but knowing that my business parter and best friend would be running the ship in our home base made it easier. Of course, it helps that I’ll be back often for clients & other business we have in Dallas! But, the best part about all of this is the opportunity… We’ve got so many exciting things in the works that we can’t wait to share with you.

There have been so many huge changes in my life and my career since I first started this little blog. And with each step forward, it’s been amazing to have a platform and ‘friends’ to share each of our milestones with.

Stay tuned… this is gonna be a fun bi-costal ride!

So, are there any Seattle-ites out there?? Who out there has visited Seattle?

I want to pick your brains…

photos clockwise from the left: Our first day as residents of Seattle in the famous Pike Place Market / Sunrise from our backyard / The view from our hotel window / Max at a beach near our home

You did!?

Wonderful! Because I will be making an appearance here more often!

YAY!

So I’ve got another one for ya… quick and simple ways you can spruce up a space.

Let’s get started!

We all have them… the four legged beast that greets our guests and the UPS guy.

(No, I’m not talking about your spunky teacup yorkie)

My question is, why is your entry console being used as a landing spot for junk mail and trident wrappers?

Tame and dress up your naked entry console in 5 easy steps…

Step 1. Lighting is everything. Place matching column lamps on each end of the table. I can guarantee you no woman considers the dreaded recessed down facing can light a friend.

Step 2. Hello, gorgeous! Now that we have flattering lighting, hang a round or oval mirror and center on the table. It will create a bit of sparkle and makes the entry feel larger. Plus, everyone likes to glance at themselves when coming and going!

(Don’t lie, you know you pass by a store front window and check yourself out)

Step 3. Add an ottoman in an interesting shape or a cube in a funky pattern. This extra pop creates a nice balanced vignette and gives off a playful vibe.

Step 4. Books make wonderful accessories for any surface! Find 2 or 3 books with bold graphic spines and stack them largest to smallest. You can even top them off with a small object like a shell from your recent beach vaca!

Step 5. Stop and smell the roses. Flowers and plants add an organic and fresh feel to any space. Plus, they smell so good! But, if you are like me, you forget to water the entry plant. I stick with succulents, they are low maintenance and come in a variety of colors and textures. So you have a brown thumb? Don’t worry, faux plants make a wonderful substitute.

See, that wasn’t so bad and now there absolutely no room for those tempting pre approvals (shred ‘em!).

Like what you see?

Console and Sunburst Mirror by Made Goods* / Lamps by Arteriors* / Ottoman by Global Views* / Books, Tom Ford and Design Sponge at Home can be found at your local bookstore or online. / Faux Succulent by LDF Silk*

*Items available through the trade only.

Hello again friends! After a quiet spell here on Hello, Splendor we’re back at it again with an especially exciting post. Do you remember Beth and Carolina’s design duel posts from the PULP blog? Yeah, we thought so. It was one of our favorites too. Well, we decided to dust off the covers and start it back up again!

Here’s the idea… We asked some of our favorite design bloggers to go up “against” each other and share their own unique taste in an oh-so-friendly design duel! There are no winners or losers here; just a fun look at two different takes on the same space.

And that space is (drum roll)…

The Breakfast Nook

Erika Bretchel of small shop studio

Erika has a bohemian, chic style that is the envy of the entire PULP team. Her blog is stunning and her brand styling business is booming! (see more of her breakfast nook HERE)

VS

Elise Yetton of Pennyweight

Elise has collaborated with PULP favorites such as Kinfolk Magazine, operates an online vintage shop, and curates a gorgeous blog. Besides her online accolades, her modern, organic aesthetic is sophisticated and inviting!

ding. ding. ding.

Erika’s Picks: Saarinen Tulip Table | Chloe Acrylic Chair & Rens Sheepskin | Lucite Hoop Chandelier | Powerstone Dinnerware & Gold Triangles Drinking Glass | Agate Candlesticks | St. Germain and Champagne

Elise’s Picks: Docksta Table | Tolix® Marais A Chair | Unfold Pendant | Wood Bowl Set | Floral Arrangement (from Saipua) | Mimosa

In this series I will be sharing with you some of my
favorite cities and design inspired by those destinations!

First stop, London!

The thing I love about London is the mix of traditional and contemporary.

 A stunning example of that is my favorite museum in the city, the British Museum.

Starting at the top right:

A modern twist on a traditional Windsor crystal chandelier in this white Minka chandelier .

Keeping with the traditional architectural finishes,
this wood panel wallcovering by Andrew Martin should fool any guest!

This limited edition art print of HRH crown jewels by Ann Carrington was appropriately made
out of pearl buttons!

The timeless Chesterfield sofa in leather by Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams
is a piece that will never go out of style.

Speaking of style… this quirky coffee table book
of Britain’s own Vivienne Westwood is a library must have.

A simple and modern cocktail table with mother of pearl
inlay from Oly Studio is perfect for high tea and crumpets.

England’s own official flag makes a statement as
a bold and graphic area rug from who else, Jonathan Adler!

I always found pocket watches to be so charming
and just love this printed pillow from Square Feathers.

There’s just something so regal and proper about
this golden horse lamp from Barbara Cosgrove Lamps!

A modern interpretation of the wing back chair from Ironies and paired
with a whimsical lion paw foot stool from Oly Studio.

Don’t you just love this contemporary bar cart from Arteriors, also
known as a drink trolley?! Makes a perfect tea server… scratch that… stout
server!

Keeping the original character of a space is so important,
like this herringbone parquet wood flooring. Remember, not everything has to
look brand new!

Note : Not all items are available to the public. Please contact Pulp Design Studios if you are interested in purchasing.

1. Proof that blogging is good for something! My christmas loot that Kevin spotted on this little blog!

2. New Years Eve was beautiful here in Dallas! Who knew we’d get a day outside in the sun?!?

3. Since Kevin & I fell asleep before midnight on NYE, we made up for it with mimosas in the morning…

4. s’mores and wine by the fire & a Homeland marathon (Did you watch?)….

5. and, a bubble bath (with wine, of course)! We really made up for NYE with a day of relaxation & being home drunks.

6. The following day, Carolina and I had a double date with our hubby’s at La Duni (twice) & went to see The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Anyone read the books? Carolina is obsessed!

7. I found this awesome caricature from years ago of Carolina & I!! The Viking & The Mexican. I love it!

8. And, I spent a quick weekend jaunt on the West Coast this past weekend. Perfect place to be in the winter!

Can you believe the first week of the year is over?? Anyone else feel like we’re in a time vortex?

All photos by Beth using instagram!

photo by Julie De Waroquier

Can you believe it’s the year twenty twelve?? I can’t. Well, 2012, I have big plans for you!

I never do resolutions, because honestly, I never stick to them. Who wants to set themselves up to fail? I don’t. Instead, I’m just trying to be better. Better about everything. I want to empty the dishwasher when it needs to be emptied, take the few extra steps to the recycling bin, write that note I’ve been meaning to write to tell that certain someone that they are appreciated, file that paper that needs to be filed when I’m done with it rather than creating piles, organize my closet and purge what I really don’t need. You get the gist. I want to take charge of my life by doing things NOW, rather than constantly create pressure for myself with things that need to be done later.

So, what changes will you make this year?

And, ps, HAPPY NEW YEAR!