Mix and Chic

Beautiful living room ideas in every style!

2013-05-17T05:31:00.000-07:00

I am drawn to the rooms above for various reasons whether it is the overall design style, color scheme or simply the room's layout. Is there a particular room you gravitate to?

Home tour- A stylish and sophisticated Los Angeles home!

2013-05-16T07:10:00.001-07:00

This beautiful Los Angeles home belongs to Lauren Weisbarth and her family of four. They wanted something young, fun, bright and energetic with a beachy vibe but didn't know how to pull the look together. With the help of One Kings Lane co-founder Alison Pincus and interior designer Hillary Thomas, they transformed her home into a sophisticated, family-friendly haven. Let's take a tour of this stylish abode below!

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Isn't this home gorgeous? I really enjoyed touring this stunning home. The dining room vignette with the trellis wallpaper and blue chest look absolutely chic and is definitely my favorite spot in this home. Anything catches your eye, my lovelies?

Guest post: Five Decorating Ideas For Your Child’s Bedroom!

2013-05-16T06:43:00.000-07:00

Looking to redecorate your child’s bedroom into the dream space they have always wanted? Below are some ideas that cover everything from bunk beds, bedroom furniture to accessories so you and your child can get truly creative.

Bunk Bed

If your child shares a room with a sibling then a bunk bed could be the perfect space saving solution for you. They came in different shapes and sizes so there are bound to be one that suits your needs. But this can make buying a bunk bed mattress tricky as sometimes you will need a single and small double for your bunk bed. The bunk beds compact and multi-functional design will bring harmony and order to your children’s bedroom.

Themed Bedroom Furniture Sets

Choosing a themed bedroom furniture set is a great way to update your child’s bedroom without having the hassle of repainting or wallpapering the entire bedroom. There are numerous different themes to choose from including Arabian Nights, Princess, Dinosaur and the classic Boy Car Racer. The one you choose is entirely dependent on your little ones personality.

Novelty Beds

Nothing makes a bigger or bolder statement than a novelty bed. The bed is the heart of any bedroom so choosing one that suits your child’s tastes is no mean fete. For boys the obvious choice is the car bed, but there are choices as diverse as ships and rocket beds. Whereas girls have the pick from princess carriage beds that will make them feel like Cinderella to pink car beds. As you can see both girls and boys have a variety of novelty beds to choose from.

Wall Art

Wall art is the ultimate way to put your children’s personal stamp on your child’s bedroom. It is inexpensive as either buying stencils or creating your own stencils is more cost effective than hiring a decorator. It can also be a fun project you can do with your child. So roll up your sleeves and grab brush and turn your child’s wall into a truly unique piece of art.

Toys & Games

Finally no child’s bedroom would be complete without toys and games. The traditional choices are a rocking horse, cuddly toys and the quintessential train set. But if you fancy something more vibrant why not use the icons of kitsch and retro games for inspiration. You can buy Ppacman duvet sets or twister rugs to bring a touch of this fun style to your child’s bedroom.

Written by Nicola who writes about home furnishings on behalf of Wedo.

Disclaimer: I have received compensation in return for publishing this article.

Home tour- A textile designer's colorful home!

2013-05-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

Textile designer, Erin Flett pulled together her Maine home using many colorful secondhand finds, bargains, hand-me-downs and textiles from her own line. Let's take a look at her cheerful, budget-friendly home below!

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I really enjoyed checking out this charming and cheerful home. The bright, happy colors and layering of patterns certainly put a smile on my face. Do you enjoy touring this home as well? Which room is your favorite?

Cool designer alert- Kristen Cone!

2013-05-14T05:33:00.000-07:00

Introducing Charlotte-based designer, Kristen Cone. At an early age, she has been exposed to design and style, thanks to her family legacy of textile manufacturing. Growing up, Kristen was inspired by her mother's beautiful mountain home and gardens, which were highly regarded in Southern Accents Magazine and later in the 2001 book The Southern Garden. As a world traveler, she is influenced by her exposure to textiles, furniture and decor abroad, especially in Sweden, France and Belgium. Let's take a lot at her beautiful work, shall we?

The designer: Kristen Cone

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Her interiors are warm, neutral, cozy and sophisticated at the same time. I am particularly drawn to the casually elegant living room with the black and white map above the sofa and the chic and contemporary living room with the Louis Vuitton trunk coffee table. Which room gets your vote?

To learn more about Kristen Cone and her work, please visit http://kristenconeinteriors.com/.

Home tour- A designer's chic and eclectic high-rise Atlanta condo!

2013-05-13T05:35:00.000-07:00

This three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath high-rise Buckhead, Atlanta condo belongs to interior designer, Lee Kleinhelter that she shares with her husband, Kevin and her 14-year-old stepdaugther and her 3 1/2 year-old son. Check out how she expertly mixes furnishings from her fabulous design shop, Pieces to create her chic home below!

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What do you think about this home tour? Personally, I am drawn to her fresh and eclectic dining area. The unexpected gorgeous mirrored folding screen creates such a huge statement in the space. What do you love most about this home? I would like to hear your thoughts!

Happy Mother's Day!

2013-05-12T14:12:00.004-07:00

Some fun facts regarding Mother's Day: Did you know?

Mother’s Day was founded in 1907 by a West Virginia woman as a tribute to her own mother. In her 40s, Anna Marie Jarvis, a college graduate, quit her job and incorporated herself as the Mother’s Day International Association.

Jarvis was so passionate about her vision that she succeeded within 6 years in persuading the governors of nearly every state in the union to embrace Mother’s Day. By 1914, she had won over the U.S. Congress. That year President Woodrow Wilson signed a Congressional resolution declaring the second Sunday in May the nation’s day to honor mothers (for their role in the family, however, not the public sphere).

Rampant commercialization of Mother’s Day has kept it alive for a century, but the strong-willed Jarvis, ironically, detested any profiting from the holiday. She believed offspring should honor mothers with handmade gifts and letters, rather than with printed greeting cards and floral arrangements.

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Quite interesting, isn't it?

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Happy Mother's Day to all mommies especially to my mom!

Today is the day to celebrate all wonderful, loving and hardworking moms! Hope your special day be rewarded with lots of love, big hugs and sweet kisses.

Home tour- An exotic eclectic Lake Michigan home!

2013-05-10T06:28:00.001-07:00

Instead of taking the expected nautical approach while designing this Lake Michigan home, designer Martin Horner decided to fill this home with cultural pieces and exotic elements using layers of color and pattern. Let's take a tour of this exotic eclectic home, shall we?

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This home just blows me away! The way the designer uses patterns in this house is beyond impressive. He is truly a master of mixing patterns. Did you notice the gorgeous tiles he uses throughout this home? The fireplace with the blue trim and Moroccan motifs are my favorite! Which element in this home tour catches your eye?

Beautiful bedroom ideas!

2013-05-09T05:42:00.000-07:00

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I am greatly inspired by the beautiful bedrooms above whether it is the layering of patterns, the use of a fresh color palette or an unexpected element. Which bedroom are you most inspired by and why?

Guest post- Soundproofing Misconceptions Explained!

2013-05-09T05:41:00.000-07:00

This article is provided by Jane Stevens.

Soundproofing has become very essential in today’s stressful society because it helps individuals who want to accomplish sound sleeps. Due to its importance, many people commit the mistake of making wrong investments just to obtain the level of soundproofing that they want.

It should be noted that the mentioned undertaking is a very complicated ordeal that requires expert skills. There are just many things that need to be taken into consideration.

Soundproofing is not about keeping sound inside

Many people think that investing on wall noise insulators and installing sound-removing panels to keep noise inside is a good move. Sad to say, they are just wasting their time and money on them because effective as well as efficient soundproofing also includes keeping outside noise from going in.

The real answer to how to soundproof windows is to ensure that there is no sound that will come out and escape outside.

Simply soundproofing walls has its flaws

Contrary to many beliefs, relying on soundproof panels or wall noise insulators is not the highest form of soundproofing. This is because floors need to be soundproofed as well. This is crucial since it ensures that no sound or noise will come out or come in a particular room. For this reason, many people also utilize thick carpets and install soundproof flooring.

Not all soundproof panels are the same

A vast majority of manufacturers will lead potential clients to believe that their cheap products are state-of-the-art and can well deliver unwavering soundproofing. The truth is they won’t!

There are various types of panels out on the market and they deliver different levels of soundproofing based on their materials. Simply put, more effective ones are more costly but they well worth the investment.

Hiring professional companies

Because of the abovementioned complexities, individuals who want to know how to soundproof windows and achieve consistent soundproofing are encouraged to employ the services of professional companies such as CitiQuiet.

They are made up of expertly trained individuals who well-versed in soundproofing and utilize innovative materials that are designed to deliver unwavering soundproofing.

Investing in the said companies is essential because they are known to deliver consistent soundproofing without charging inappropriately high rates.

Conclusion

It should be noted that soundproofing is just about installing fancy panels and sophisticated walls—the whole thing—requires expert skills and knowledge. For this reason, it would be best to rely on professional companies since such simple undertaking can go a very long way when it comes to achieving unfaltering soundproofing.

Disclaimer: I have received compensation in return for publishing this article.

A product review- eShakti Vintage-Inspired Women's Clothing!

2013-05-08T08:10:00.004-07:00

Recently, I had the privilege of working with eShakti again for a product review. Knowing the great quality and amazing selection of women's clothing on their website, I agreed to do another review! You can check out my previous review here. In case you are not familiar with the brand, please allow me to do a little introduction.

eShakti provides vintage-inspired women's clothing, 1950s and 1960s fashion, updated in retro modern style clothing and offers both design and fit customization for women size 0-36W. Customers can easily tailor any item to their specific requirements ensuring a flattering fit. Built-in customization tools guide women through a simple 3-step design and fit page where they can increase the size of a bust, shorten the length of a skirt and modify sleeves or a neckline! Just to give you an idea the kind of customization available, here are the options available for sleeves. (Some designs have more sleeve options than others, though.)

The great news? eShakti clothing is very affordable. You will find hundreds of styles from fun and girly outfits to feminine and elegant dresses in a variety of colors and styles! Sounds incredible, isn't it? You should check out their website pronto!

Here is the one I picked for this product review!

Contrast Trim Sash Belt Dress

Here I am, trying to rock my new stylish dress!

Please note: This dress is out of stock at the moment.

If you have noticed, I have done a little customization on my dress. Instead of the original cap sleeves design, I chose an elbow length sleeve.

I adore this beautiful dress for its simple, casual and chic design! The contrasting trim details makes all the difference because it takes an ordinary dress from simple to stunning! The front pockets is another wonderful addition to the design. It instantly makes the dress feel more fun and youthful! The sash is removable so you can wear it without the sash if you choose to. Great quality fabric and the workmanship is impeccable. The bonus? This dress fits like a glove! My dress was delivered promptly considering it was made to order. What else can I say? I absolutely love my dress and would recommend you to get it when it is back in stock!

*I received this product to review for free but the views and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Here are some of the eShakti dresses and tops that I love!

Contrast Bow-Tie Sheath Dress

Victoria Dress

Retro Style Gingham Check Dress

Bow-Tied Chambray Shirtdress

Mixed Print Tie-Neck Top

Embellished Trim Butterflies Tunic

Chloe Dress

Contrast Trim Knit Tunic

Which one is your favorite? I would love to hear your thoughts!

By the way, eShakti is running a promotion. When you buy 3, you get one for FREE. Buy 2, you get the second one for 40% off! Offer is valid till May 12 so don't miss the chance to get something pretty for yourself!

Cool designers alert- Hillary Thomas and Clara Hendon!

2013-05-07T06:38:00.002-07:00

Introducing talented Los Angeles-based designer, Hillary Thomas. In 2010, she co-founded Hillary Thomas Designs with business partner, Clara Hendon. Their design style is a juxtaposition of the old and new, infused with a layered, worldly and sophisticated style. Let's check out their beautiful portfolio below!

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These rooms are chic, eclectic and gorgeous, aren't they? I love the way the designers layered patterns and an unexpected element in many of the rooms. What caught your eyes? Are you in love with their sense of style too?

For more information on their work, please visit http://www.hillarythomas.com/.

Home tour- A bright and preppy Miami guest house!

2013-05-06T05:32:00.000-07:00

Designed by Toronto designer Anne Hepfer, this 750-square-foot Miami guest house receives a Palm Beach-inspired palette, thanks to the homeowners who are not afraid to go bold. Let's check out this chic and preppy home below!

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This home is bright, beautiful and bold. However, the bold design scheme is not for everyone. Personally, I am greatly inspired by many elements from this tour especially the gorgeous custom tropical headboard, the pretty curtains, the custom upholstered sofa and pillows. However, the strong colors would be too much for me to handle on a regular basis. If I were to live in a home like this, I would tone it down with more neutrals so that my eyes can rest. Could you see yourself living in a home like this? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Home tour- Danielle Moss's bright and beautiful Chicago apartment!

2013-05-03T05:32:00.000-07:00

Check out Danielle Moss's (co-founder and editor of The Everydaygirl) bright and beautiful Chicago apartment below!

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I really enjoy this home tour and love Danielle's design style! While her home is mostly neutral, it is visually interesting, thanks to her use of different textures, black and brass accents and her great eye for styling. Light and airy, feminine and chic, what's not to love about this gorgeous home? Your thoughts?

For resources found in this home tour, please click here.

Home tour- A glamorous and historic New Orleans home!

2013-05-02T05:39:00.001-07:00

When adman, Peter Rogers decided to relocate to New Orlean's French Quarter, he wanted to put his own stamp on the historic property. To achieve his vision for his new home, he enlisted the help of restoration expert Chuck Ransdell and Baton Rouge-based interior designer Carl Palasota for his newest home project. The results? A glamorously beautiful home! Let's check it out!

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There are so many things to love about this stunning home! I am falling head over heels for the gorgeous and fanciful trelliswork in the garden room in a color I couldn't resist (my favorite color, GREEN!). Couple that with the stylish leopard print stair runner and zebra hide on a classic black and white checkboard floors, I am in design heaven! The living room is equally fabulous as well. Did you notice how the wall color, molding, trims, curtains and sofa meld seamlessly together using a tone on tone color palette? It's perfection. I found this home tour to be truly inspiring, what about you?

Guest post- Hidden Storage Lifts Take Home Decor Out Of Sight!

2013-05-02T05:39:00.000-07:00

Every interior designer knows that what you hide is just as important as what you display in your home. Whether a client wants a room that is warm and cozy, sleek and modern, or sophisticated and classic, clutter can instantly ruin the effect. Creating open spaces means taking advantage of out-of-the-way places for storage. However, homeowners do not want stored objects to be too far out of reach. Traipsing up to the attic or digging around in the shed in the backyard would not do. Even bending and reaching under kitchen cabinets or climbing up on a step stool to reach a top shelf can be inconvenient for frequently used items.

Create Balance Between Space-Efficiency and Accessibility

More and more, interior designers are turning to home automation for solutions. Automated storage lifts help hide almost anything. Lifts can keep countertops clear in the kitchen while taking advantage of “dead” corners. Or, they might prevent a state-of-the-art media center from clashing with a living room design by keeping audiovisual components tucked out of sight. Even bedrooms and bathrooms can benefit from concealed storage.

How Well-Hidden Is an Automated Storage Lift?

A well-made and properly installed popup lift can be very effectively camouflaged. A floating lid design is particularly easy to hide since there are no hinges. Lifts can be hidden in a wide variety of ways:

· -In customized or prefabricated lift cabinetry

· -In repurposed antique cabinets

· -Inside walls (such as below a window)

· -Below kitchen or bathroom countertops

· -In kitchen island

· -Inside upper kitchen cabinets

· -At the foot of a bed (or the foot of a bathtub)

· -Below the floor

· -In the ceiling

· -Behind furniture such as a sofa

Here are just a few of the items homeowners might want to store on a popup or drop down lift:

-Kitchen appliances (especially heavy mixers or coffee makers)

· -A spice rack or wine rack

· -Extra dishes or cookbooks

· -Valuables such as a jewelry cabinet, home safe or firearm collection

· -Shoes, purses, and other accessories that take up too much closet space

- -Television and other entertainment center items

Automated storage lifts save space, reduce clutter and enhance the view while adding a “wow” factor to any project.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post from Nexus 21.

Cool designers alert- David Powell and Fenwick Bonnell!

2013-05-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

Introducing talented Toronto-based designers, David Powell and Fenwick Bonnell. Leading a team of designers at Powell & Bonnell, an award-winning design firm, their work is not confined to a signature design style. Essentially, their designs exudes understated luxury. Let's check out their magnificent work below!

The designers: David Powell and Fenwick Bonnell

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Bridging classic and modern elements, each spaces they create exudes a sense of relaxed, understated elegance. What are your thoughts? Do you find this kind of decorating style appealing as well?

For more information about the designers and their work, please visit their website at http://www.powellandbonnell.com/.

Sponsor- Thank you!

2013-04-30T14:51:00.002-07:00

Thanks to my fabulous and supportive sponsors for keeping my blog up and running!

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Please visit my wonderful sponsors when you get a chance.

A fresh and beautiful Asian-inspired bedroom!

2013-04-29T05:32:00.000-07:00

This stunning bedroom is designed by the very talented Tobi Fairley for the Hamptons Showhouse. I hope you enjoy her beautifully designed Asian-inspired bedroom as much as I do!

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Tobi Fairley is known for her chic, colorful and cheery designs and this gorgeous bedroom is no exception. The chinoiserie fabric used on the custom headboard is the first thing that caught my eyes but I am in love with every element in this room especially her fresh use of color palette. Your thoughts?

Home tour- A textile designer's vibrant Georgia home!

2013-04-26T03:08:00.002-07:00

This Georgia home belongs to textile designer and artist Susan Hable Smith that she shares with her young family. What was once a dilapidated Victorian cottage was transformed into a vibrant and cheerful family home which Susan describes as "Alice In The Wonderland". Curious what it looks like on the inside? Let's find out!

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Colorful and quirky best describes this lively home. Each room has something unexpected that catches your eye. What caught my eye? The artwork in the girl's bedroom because it's so bright and beautiful! What are you drawn to?

Home tour- A vibrant Toronto condo!

2013-04-25T07:31:00.002-07:00

This vibrant condo belongs to Toronto couple Amar and Bhargavi Varma. After getting married, Bhargavi Varma moved into her husband's 1,100-square-foot condo and decided to redecorate. However, the couple has different ideas about design. With the help of designer Montana Burnett, she blended the couple's design aesthetics and create a vibrant space for the homeowners using plenty of color and pattern. Let's check out this fabulous two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo below!

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Love the designer's use of ethnic prints and bold colors in this lively home! Are you drawn to any design elements in particular?

Home tour- A designer's rustic and refined mansion in Houston!

2013-04-24T05:32:00.000-07:00

Designer Pamela Pierce incorporates the refined, the rustic and many shades of white to update her French-style home. Let's take a tour of her beautiful Houston mansion below!

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Although the designer chose to keep her color palette neutral, there is not a dull moment in any of her rooms. In fact, each room has an unexpected piece that stands out. Her restrained use of neutrals throughout her home helps to create flow and a sense of calmness. I really like how the designer keeps her designs fresh and interesting by mixing iconic contemporary pieces with antique furnishings. I am inspired by her gorgeous work, what about you? Do you design your home in a neutral color scheme or otherwise?

Cool designers alert- Paula Caravelli and Martha Angus!

2013-04-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

Introducing award-winning designers, Paula Caravelli and Martha Angus. They met while working at Naomi Leff & Associates and launched their own bi-coastal firm, Paula + Martha in 2005. New York-based Caravelli oversees the firm's East Coast projects while Angus commands the West Coast office. With an extensive background in fine art, Caravelli has a strong affinity with color, texture and proportion. Angus, on the other hand has a remarkable career that spans almost every type of dwelling including projects as far away as the Hawaiian Islands, Europe, Asia and Australia. Let's take a look at their fantastic portfolio below!

The designer: Paula Caravelli

The designer: Martha Angus

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What do you think of their designs? I thought their work is gorgeous, refined and exciting at the same time! I really like their use of sculptural pieces and statement artwork in all their interiors. Are your a fan of their designs as well?

For more information on the designers and their work, please visit http://www.paulamartha.com/.

Home tour- A girly and charming Raleigh home!

2013-04-22T05:35:00.000-07:00

Check out this lovely home of the talented Jessie Epley Short, featured in The EverydayGirl recently!

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Her room evokes a great sense of style and girly charm, don't you think? I am drawn to her pretty dining room and love how she beautifully styled her table and bar area. What catches your eyes, my lovelies? I would love to know!

Home tour- A fabulously eclectic California home!

2013-04-19T09:43:00.001-07:00

This beautiful 1920s Spanish style California home belongs to homeowner, Carmen Lopez. With a gift for decorating, the advertising director for People en Español magazine also "works" part-time as a decorator for family and friends. A collector at heart, she collects an assortment of enchanting curiosities, which reflects her life, her memories of peoples, places and travels. Let's take a tour of her fabulously eclectic home below!

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Carmen truly has an incredible eye for design, don't you think? Her home is an absolute eye candy! There's one thing I was surprised to learn is how she cleverly converted her bathtub into a spa-like daybed, which she upholstered in terry cloth instead of replacing the dated tub in her master bathroom and it works! No matter how many times I have looked at it, I just couldn't take my eyes off her chic and dramatic tangerine breakfast nook. I am also swooning over her gorgeous wallpapers and love the way she beautifully displayed her wonderful collections in her hutches. This home tour is really inspiring! Do you find this home inspiring too? Which room catches your eye? I would love to know!