belle maison

Styling 101: The Nightstand

2012-02-15T09:43:00.000-08:00

Accessories are one of the most important parts of the design process. They complete the overall look of a space and add the fine little details we all love so much. Your bedroom nightstand should be no exception to receiving fabulous accessories. Yours may currently have a lamp, stacks of books and an alarm clock (that's what mine looks like and there's nothing pretty about it!). While that might be functional, you may want to consider sprucing things up a bit. There are 3 key elements to consider when accessorizing a nightstand: The Lamp - make sure it has a beautiful base and shade OR mount a sconce to the wall. The Accessories - use frames, a tray, beautiful vases, objects, books...things you love. The Wall - don't forget the wall space above your night stand. It's a great opportunity to hang a vertical mirror, small piece of artwork, etc. Today I've rounded up several photos of different ways to inspire your nightstand make-over (or maybe the one in your guest bedroom). What other ideas do you love when it comes to accessorizing the nightstand?

{IMAGE CREDITS CAN BE FOUND ON MY PINTEREST BEDROOM BOARD}

Sweet, Romantic Interiors

2012-02-14T09:59:00.000-08:00

In honor of Valentine's Day, I've put together a post of Romantic Chic interiors along with their coordinating color schemes. Do you have any special plans for today? My husband is going to make me dinner (he doesn't cook, so I'm excited to see what he comes up with :). This is our last Valentine's Day with just the two of us - next year we'll have a 9 month old baby boy with us! I wish you lots of love, sweet treats and a some extra romance today. Happy Valentine's Day!

{IMAGE CREDITS: VIA MY PINTEREST BOARD "ROMANTIC CHIC INTERIORS"}

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I also wanted to pass along the special Valentine's deal we have going on at Modern Chic Home! Click on the image to enlarge for details. Treat your home to something sweet - you deserve it :)

Quote of the Week

2012-02-13T10:09:00.000-08:00

"So civilized...a wing chair makes the perfect place for coffee or cocktails. Modernize this blast from the past with a solid fabric. Nail heads lend a graphic touch."

- Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams, The Comfortable Home

{IMAGE CREDITS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5}

What's Hot! Mattie Luxe: Hip, Fun & Stylish Placemats & Trays

2012-02-10T00:30:00.000-08:00

Hello and Happy Friday! Today I'm excited to introduce our newest Premiere Sponsor on Belle Maison: Mattie Luxe, "Where Style Meet the Dinner Table." Andrea Hrcnir is the founder and creative genius behind Mattie Luxe. "Being the mom of three kids, and always using place mats, I felt there was a real need for hip, fun, stylish place mats that weren't just for kids. So, with that in mind, I decided to design a line of custom place mats to give people an endless amount of options to design the perfect place mat."

With over 35 designs and tons of color and personalization options, you can design exactly what you want, whether it be for your kitchen or dining room, a party favor or a gift for a friend. In addition to the fabulous place mats, Mattie Luxe also sells customizable Lucite trays, which I absolutely adore! Ideas to personalize the mats or trays include: First Name, Last/Family Name, Monogram, Fun Saying, First or Last Initial and much more. Right now SAVE 25% off all place mats (discount is automatically applied upon checkout)! Happy shopping and have a fantastic weekend! xoxo - Julie

Mattie Luxe believes that...

Your table should always look hip and stylish.

Place mats should not be boring…they should be bold, beautiful, colorful and something that you want to leave out everyday.

Giving a thoughtful gift that is personalized is something that people always remember!

{IMAGES COURTESY OF MATTIE LUXE}

*****

Styling 101: Accessorizing Console Tables

2012-02-08T00:30:00.000-08:00

Accessories are one of the most important parts of a well designed space. They are what completes the overall look and feel of room. This is an area where many people get stuck and find themselves at a loss for how to successfully combine different objects into something looks great and makes sense. Today we're going to look at console tables. If you have a console table or chest in your hallway, foyer, or living room, I've rounded up several great examples of how you can mix together different accents, artwork, lamps, etc. As you'll see, layering is key, along with combining objects in different shapes and heights. A few ideas you may want to try include leaning / layering art against the wall, stacking thick coffee table books to prop up / display objects, adding a lamp or two to create balance, using a large tray to display interesting accessories, hanging a unique mirror...the possibilities are endless! You just have to open up and be creative! Do you see any ideas below that you'd like to try? Do you find it easy or challenging to style / accessorize a space? I love hearing your thoughts and ideas!

{IMAGE CREDITS: 1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10|11}

Glamorous Elle Decor Home Tour

2012-02-07T09:50:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the latest issue of Elle Decor (March 2012)? It's a good one! As I was flipping through the pages at the gym this morning, I came across the home tour of stylist and editor Jackie Astier and fell in love immediately. Her Upper East Side apartment is filled with vintage treasures, lots of different textures, unique lighting, accents and all sorts of wall treatments. The dining room is painted with 10 coats of custom lacquer, the living room is covered in a deep charcoal grass cloth and the master bedroom in a dusty pink grass cloth. The bedroom is absolutely gorgeous! It's feminine, modern and inviting - 3 things my bedroom is not (it needs serious work, especially after yesterday's Quote of the Week). Here are a few of my favorite snapshots from Jackie Astier's home...

{IMAGE CREDITS: ELLE DECOR MARCH 2012; PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERIC PIASECKI}

Quote of the Week

2012-02-06T09:43:00.000-08:00

"Don't let your bedroom be the last room you decorate. Even if it is a private space that guests rarely see, it is just too important when it comes to quality of life. This is the place that sets the tone for the beginning and end of each day."

- Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams, The Comfortable Home

 {IMAGE CREDITS: 1|2|3|4|5}

Loving Poufs

2012-02-03T00:30:00.000-08:00

Poufs have been a longtime favorite of mine. They're versatile, stylish and practical - three very important factors to consider when selecting anything from furniture to accessories for a space. Poufs are a little different from ottomans. They're more like over-sized upholstered pillows or floor cushions, inviting anyone who comes near one to plop down and get comfortable. They're great for additional seating in a living room or bedroom. They're also great for kid's rooms. Do you own a pouf? I don't, but after seeing some of these, I may need to get one!

Happy Friday! Have a lovely weekend. Tomorrow my sister and I are meeting for brunch then off to register for the baby! Can't wait :) xoxo - Julie

{FABULOUS POUF ROUND-UP: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5}

{IMAGE CREDITS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5}

Timeless Trend: Tufted Upholstery

2012-02-02T00:30:00.000-08:00

When it comes to upholstery, I'm a total sucker for anything tufted. Adding just that one special piece to a space can really make all the difference. Whether it's a luxurious tufted headboard, ottoman, accent chair, sofa, or even a tufted wall (like the one in the closet in image #7 below - I DIE!), you just can't go wrong. And it's a trend that's been proven timeless - a style that we've seen carried over through centuries. Although it may be considered more of a "traditional" style, a tufted piece of furniture can easily transition into a modern or eclectic setting, if mixed with the right pieces. Here's a round-up of some fantastic examples of this timeless trend. How do you feel about tufting? Are you a fan?

{IMAGE CREDITS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 12}

A Few of My Latest Pins...

2012-01-31T10:25:00.000-08:00

Pinterest has become one of my new best friends! With all of the images I find online on a daily basis, it's great to have a place to save them all, complete with a link to where each image came from. Over the weekend I rearranged some of my boards and added lots of fresh new photos. Here are some of my favorites! And if you haven't joined Pinterest, I encourage you to do so! Follow me and I follow you back :) Now I'm off to Old Towne Orange to do some shopping for the upcoming One Kings Lane Blogger Tastemaker Sale I've been asked to be a part of! I'll share more details later this week. Wishing you a fabulous and productive Tuesday.

{Photo from my Bathrooms Pinterest Board}

{Image from my Kitchens Pinterest Board}

{Photo from my Living Rooms Pinterest Board}

{Photo from my Bathrooms Pinterest Board}

{Photo from my Outdoor Living & Dining Spaces Pinterest Board}

{Photo from my Living Rooms Pinterest Board}

Quote of the Week

2012-01-30T00:30:00.000-08:00

"Decor must have sentimental value. 

A house must tell a story." 

- Mark Hampton

 {IMAGE CREDITS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5}

Baby Bump Update

2012-01-27T09:18:00.000-08:00

It's been a couple months since I announced the big news so I thought I'd give you an update. I'm 25 weeks pregnant and feeling great :) So far, I haven't had ANY nausea, there aren't any foods that turn me off (it's actually quite the opposite!), and I've managed to continue exercising, which makes me feel good. I do have my days of extreme fatigue, but other than that, I love being pregnant! The baby is doing well and everything is on track as it should be. My mom and sister have begun planning the baby shower and I chose the color scheme turquoise and orange. I haven't registered yet...I'm waiting for my sister (a mother of 4) to take me since I have NO IDEA what to get (who knew a baby came with SO much stuff - it's mind boggling). I've started thinking about how I want to decorate his little area of our bedroom (we're hoping to move into a bigger place sometime this year so he can have his own room). If any of you mommies out there have suggestions / recommendations on baby 'Must Haves" or favorite things (stroller brands, car seats, anything!), I would greatly appreciate it. *** Now I'm off to visit my girlfriend up the coast to celebrate her birthday and have some girl time. Have an amazing weekend! xoxo - Julie

Me @ 25 weeks with my kitty Oliver. I just bought the chevron pattered scarf last night at Forever 21 for $9! And for any of you mamas-to-be, I splurged on these Hudson maternity jeans, which was worth every penny! I haven't had to buy any other maternity clothes yet (it works out perfect that the style right now is loose, blousey tops), but I wear my Hudson's just about everyday, so it was well worth the investment.

Baby Thigpen at 20 weeks. I can't wait to see his little face!

Painted Wood Floors...Would You Do It?

2012-01-26T00:30:00.000-08:00

Every time I come across a painted wood floor, I ask myself, is this something I would ever commit to doing? I love the way painted floors look - whether it's a large scale pattern or solid color, there's something very unique and original about these floors. According to interior designer Scott Yetman, “It’s a great way to add interest to a room since you still get the texture of the grain but with a much more uniform colour (and it’s easy to touch up scuffs or scratches).” “It creates a very contemporary Zen feel in a room.” (quote from Canadian House & Home). I guess the only thing that scares me what a serious commitment it is to slap down a coat of fresh paint on a stained hardwood floor. You know what I mean? Designer Mary McDonald is famously known for her boldly painted floors, often times in large scale geometric patterns (and they always look amazing!). How do you feel about this idea? Is it something you would try or have you already done it? I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you're ever interested in attempting it yourself, here's a great DIY article with step-by-step instructions.

{IMAGE CREDITS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12}

Runway Inspired Dining Room

2012-01-24T12:55:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite blog post topics to cover! I love to search the latest looks from the runway and match them up with the appropriate interior and color scheme. Fashion is definitely a great place to look for inspiration when creating a new color scheme for a design project. Just take a pattern (such as the one from the dress below) and pull out maybe 3 - 4 colors from it to center your scheme around. It's always a good rule of thumb to start with a neutral "backdrop" for your space and build on that with layers of color, texture and pattern. Designing a room is a lot like putting together an outfit. You start with the main piece of clothing and build on that with coordinating colors, accessories, shoes, etc.

A cool palette of vibrant jewel tones set the scene for the dining space below. (Model / Dress Image Credit)

Neutral floors and furniture serve as a fresh backdrop for colorful accents like the light fixture, accessories and accent paint / wallpaper in the background. This dining room is absolutely gorgeous, don't you think?!

Quote of the Week

2012-01-23T09:51:00.000-08:00

“Matchy-matchy is not for me. I don’t want things to be too perfect. It’s like pairing a matte top with a shiny skirt, so they play off each other. I want there to be relationships with texture and color, and sometimes it’s more about the contrast that chimes." 

— Fashion designer Peter Som

{IMAGE CREDITS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5}

QUOTE FROM ELLE DECOR

Modern Chic Home Winners + New Product!

2012-01-20T10:26:00.000-08:00

We made it to the weekend! I'm happy it's Friday and even happier that it's supposed to rain this weekend. It's been a pretty dry and warm winter here in southern California, so a little rainy weather is much needed. A couple of weeks ago I asked you for your input on blog post topics you'd like to know more about in 2012. I really appreciate your positive feedback and excellent ideas, all of which I'm using to inspire fresh content on Belle Maison! And to thank you, I offered to giveaway (2) $50 gift certificates to my online shop, Modern Chic Home. Today I'm announcing the WINNERS...Congratulations to Tia Brumbelow & Penny Barns! (shoot me an email to claim your gift certificate - julie[at]modernchichome[dot]com). Thanks again to everyone for your input :)

Now, on to the second part of today's post...we've been busy adding fresh new product to the shop and I wanted to give you a peek at what's new for 2012! I also wanted to extend an exclusive discount to my fabulous Belle Maison readers to receive 15% off your next order over $50 (excluding wallpaper). The offer is valid through Friday, January 27th, 2012. Just use discount code BELLE15 to redeem. Enjoy the weekend! xoxo - Julie

{Shop Accent Pillows @ Modern Chic Home}

{Shop Lighting}

{Shop Mirrors}

{Shop Accent Furniture}

CLICK HERE TO SHOP ALL NEW PRODUCTS @ MODERN CHIC HOME

Home Tour: Bright & Happy Brooklyn Living

2012-01-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

I came across this fabulous home tour via Interior Design, which belongs to their editor-in-chief, Cindy Allen. The apartment is located in Brooklyn Heights and was renovated and furnished by Cindy and her husband. The overall style is a little more modern that what I usually post on belle maison, but I appreciate the mix of different period pieces, colors, textures and interesting objects. I think the overall feel of this apartment is fresh, happy and inviting. What are your thoughts? To view the entire slide show, click here. Enjoy!

{ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF INTERIOR DESIGN / PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERIC LAIGNEL}

{7} Ways to Refresh Your Decor NOW

2012-01-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

It's a shiny new year, which gives many of us the urge to clean, organize and change things up around our homes . If you're looking to spruce things up, you don't need to spend thousands of dollars on a complete overhaul / design renovation to do so. I've rounded up several simple and affordable ways to revamp your decor so you can feel refreshed and happy in your home again. I've also included several links to my online shop, where you can take a look at tons of fabulous new items we've recently added. Are any of you in the mood to make some changes around your home? If so, please share your ideas / goals / challenges!

{1} Try a new paint color - paint is one of the EASIEST ways to instantly update a space. If you have a room that needs to be given new life, paint an accent wall (or all walls, if you're feeling courageous) a shade of color. Seriously, a little bit of color can do wonders!!! (Image Credit)

{2} Wallpaper - wallpaper the back of a bookcase, armoire or built-in cabinet with a fun print or textured paper. Just like paint, a little bit of pattern can go a long way and really add that special "custom" touch. (Image Credit)

{3} Hang a Mirror - A great way to open up a room is with a beautiful mirror. Mirrors can brighten up the dullest of rooms and add instant style. Hang one above your sofa, bed, in your entry, or at the end of a hallway. (Image Credit)

{4} New Lamps - Take a look at your current table and / or floor lamps...are they looking outdated and boring? Maybe it's time to replace them with brand new ones to cheer things up. If you don't feel like spending the money on new ones, spray paint the one(s) you have and / or add a fresh new lamp shade. (Image Credit)

{5} New Artwork / Wall Decor - if you're tired of what you currently have hanging on your walls, take everything down, step back and re-look at the wall space. Sometimes this allows you to visualize new ways of either displaying what you already have or inspires you to look for something new and exciting to liven up the decor. (Image via Rue Magazine)

{6} New Accent Pillows - Accent pillows can do wonders for a sofa or chair that needs a style update. Sometimes just one or two pillows in a new pattern can do the trick. For the sofa, try pairing a solid pillow with a print (place the solid pillow behind print). (Image Credit)

{7} New Rug - Breathe new life into your living room or bedroom with a new accent rug! Go bold with a zebra or geometric print or keep things simple and elegant with a subtle pattern or stripe. (Image Credit)

Quote of the Week

2012-01-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

“Kitchens should be designed around what’s truly

important — fun, food, and life.”

— Chef/restaurateur Daniel Boulud

 {IMAGE CREDITS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5}

Terrariums: Mini Indoor Gardens

2012-01-13T10:34:00.000-08:00

Modern terrariums are a fantastic way to incorporate "live" greenery into your home without the hassle and upkeep of typical houseplants. They're low maintenance and pretty easy to create, which is especially great news for those of you who can't keep an indoor plant alive to save your life! I read that most terrariums won’t need watering for four to six months - you’ll know it’s time when the plants look wilted or water stops condensing on the sides of the container. You can pretty much use any glass vessel of your choice - a jar, fish bowl, vase, glass cloche, etc., depending on the type of terrarium you'd like to create. For step-by-step instructions on how to create (3) different types of terrariums, check out this article via Real Simple. It gives you a list of plant types and supplies needed. Have you tried creating one for your home? What do you think about this idea? I'm a huge fan of succulent plants and would love to make one to place on my family room coffee table. *** Have an amazing weekend! xoxo - Julie

{IMAGE CREDITS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9}

DIY Project Gallery: Furniture

2012-01-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

I asked you all last week what you'd like me to blog more about in 2012 and many of you suggested DIY projects. Thank you so much for your input and thoughtful comments! (If you haven't put in your two cents yet, please do by clicking here, you'll automatically be eligible to win a $50 gift certificate to Modern Chic Home!). Today I've rounded up several DIY furniture projects to inspire you. If you're feeling creative and crafty this weekend, maybe you'll want to take a stab at one! Just click on the name of each project to view the instructions.

DIY Nightstands
Turn an unused table into a pair of stylish and useful nightstands with these easy-to-follow instructions (via DIY Network)

DIY Tray Table
Couple an adjustable-height stool with an oversize tray to create a chic side table (via BHG).

DIY Bookcase Buffet

Convert bookcases into a custom store-and-serve buffet. The bonus to this project is the fantastic wallpapered accent wall, which really makes everything pop! (via BHG)

DIY Dog Bed

Create a stylish place for your dog (or cat!) to relax by building a bed made from an unused side table (via BHG).

DIY Bar Cabinet
A fantastic idea, especially for those who are tight on space. Transform an armorie into an open bar cabinet, equipped with everything you need to serve and store liquor and wine (via BHG). I'd add a patterned wallpaper or mirrored panels to the back of the cabinet for a special touch!

DIY Bookcase & Door Desk
Create your dream desk by attaching a door for the desk top to open bookcases for the legs! Paint it the color(s) of your choice and display books, baskets and accessories on the open shelving (via Martha Stewart).

Inspiration Snapshot: Chic & Cheerful Kitchen Nook

2012-01-11T12:53:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the latest issue of House Beautiful?! This gorgeous kitchen nook is on the cover and there are several reasons why I'm loving it: the yellow accent wall - normally I'd stay away from yellow paint but this color totally works with all of the neutral grays and whites; the fact that the designer used an actual sofa instead of a built-in bench seat (and the fabric is lovely!); the bright citron dining table; the cute wire stools, which are actually side tables - the designer just added a custom cushion to the top. And did you notice the floor? It used to be dark brown and was transformed with a painted pattern in gray and white. I'd love to start my day off in this cheerful space with a cup of coffee and my morning paper. How about you?!

[IMAGE COURTESY OF HOUSE BEAUTIFUL]

What's New: Haus Interior Boutique in Los Angeles

2012-01-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

If you live in the LA area, I'm excited to share with you the opening of Haus Interior's 2nd retail location (the flagship store is in NYC). I'm absolutely loving the clean, fresh, neutral color palette, along with the mix of different textures like glass, jute, linen and natural wood. I can't wait to visit the store in person! Have any of you been to the NYC location? Here are the details from the press release: Interior designer Nina Freudenberger is pleased to have launched an LA location of her NYC boutique and interior design firm, Haus Interior. The store, located on trendy W. 3rd Street in Los Angeles, officially opened just a few weeks ago and as with its NYC counterpart, features mid-century pieces with Haus Interior’s signature warm, modern touch, offering both new and vintage furniture, decorative accessories, books and art.

In addition, Haus Interior LA is doing a special collaboration with 20x200, selling many of their exclusive prints by a variety of artists – many of the pieces are already sold-out online, so this is the only chance people will have to purchase this “accessible art.” It is the first collaboration of this nature that 20x200 has done and a very exciting aspect to the store’s debut.

IMAGES COURTESY OF THE COLLECTIVE AGENCY

{SOME ITEMS THAT CAUGHT MY EYE FROM THEIR WEBSITE: SILVER GLASS BOTTLENECK LAMP; ROPE & NICKEL SERVING PIECES; MIRROR W/POLISHED NICKEL HANGER; BROWN MUSTARD STRIPE PILLOW}

Quote of the Week

2012-01-09T10:08:00.000-08:00

"Luxurious living is not about having the most expensive furniture and a fancy dress. It's about comfort and happiness."

- Celerie Kemble, To Your Taste

{IMAGE CREDITS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5}

Belle Maison Wants to Hear From You!

2012-01-06T10:09:00.000-08:00

{IMAGE CREDIT VIA PINTEREST}

As we ease into 2012 and I head toward belle maison's 4 year anniversary in March, I'm taking some time to re-vamp and refresh my business and blog. I'd like to make this year more successful than ever, but in order to do that, I'd love some input from my fabulous readers. You are the reason I blog week after week, year after year! I so enjoy reading your comments, recommendations, thoughts and ideas after every blog post. So what I'm asking you today is, what topics are you interested in learning more about this year? For example, more DIY projects, organization tips, styling accessories...food, fashion, giving back? After writing 800+ blog posts thus far, I sometimes find myself stumped on what to cover next. Your suggestions would be much appreciated! And to thank you for your input, I'm going to be raffling off (2) $50 Gift Certificates to my online shop, Modern Chic Home! I'll announce the winners on Friday, January 20th. Thank you for your continued support of my blog. Another goal of mine is to spend more time visiting all of your blogs! Have a great weekend. xoxo - Julie