belle maison

Reader Makeover: New Life for an Old Loveseat

2012-05-24T00:30:00.000-07:00

Today's reader makeover was sent in by Annie. I love what she's done with an old, dated looking loveseat! It's amazing what a difference new fabric can do for a worn-out piece of upholstery! Have you tried this on any of your own furniture? In Annie's words, here's how she transformed this piece...

I'm an interior designer specializing in textiles in Auckland, New Zealand. I bought the sofa via TradeMe (New Zealands' 'Ebay') and had covered in Quadrille's Lyford Background in Raspberry. I am the distributor for the Quadrille Fabrics range for New Zealand and Australia so the choice of fabric was somewhat predetermined! I had the sad foam seat cushions replaced and plumped with down which I am really pleased with. The upholsterer I use is fabulous and takes so much pride in his work which helps too! This is my favourite part of my design business...clients coming to me and saying they need a new sofa as they can't stand their current one. Most of the time, a good upholsterer to fix the integrity of the sofa and a fresh fabric transforms it into what they wanted. I figure that they bought that sofa in the first place because they liked it once...it may have been because it fit the budget too, but that's where a good upholsterer can make good on cheap cushions and make them comfortable. Thank you also for the opportunity to be a part of this! ~ Annie

Before...

After!

Thanks for sharing Annie! Stay tuned for more reader makeovers on Belle Maison.

******

Reader Room Design: A Chic Nursery for Twins

2012-05-22T00:30:00.000-07:00

Today I'm excited to share with you an adorable nursery submitted by Niki Rubin, co-owner of Papery & Cakery, for her baby boy and girl twins. With being a new mom myself, I've enjoyed looking at nursery designs over the last 9 months for ideas and inspiration. Niki did a fabulous job and has been so kind to share the details on how she pulled the look together, along with her shopping resources. Enjoy!

"We moved into our new home last summer with our 4 month old boy/girl twins and this was my very first undertaking {with babies you are a lot more of a time crunch to accomplish things so my usual procrastination didn't work, luckily}. The nursery is painted aqua which is not only my favorite color, but also a great neutral shade {I didn't find out the genders so I needed neutral}. The highlight for me are the giant photos above the bed which we framed in the wide white frames. They were taken by our fabulous photographer Shelley Armenio. She also shot the pictures of the room. Both make me smile! So excited for you and your upcoming nursery plans!" ~ Niki

The framed art to the left of Raya's crib are postcards from an Italian paper shop that I matted with papers from Michaels and framed in Ikea frames.

I am into clean lines and crisp white furniture. The cribs are Oeuf Classic Cribs in walnut. The glider is Pottery Barn Baby and the xoxo pillow is from Pottery Barn Teen {sadly discontinued}. The rug is chevron from West Elm. The mobiles above the crib are Pottery Barn baby.

The changing table is Bellini with knobs changed out with turquoise/aqua ones from Anthropologie. The graphic art above the changer and in the bathroom was designed and printed by me. I run a stationery studio and blog in Boca Raton. I also created the tray on the changing table (see below).

The Pear Mirror is Jonathan Adler, representing our "pair" of babies. The sheep mobile above it is from Genius Jones in Miami and is a great distraction for them while getting dressed!

Both the giant scrabble letters as well as the adorable Whale tissue box are from Etsy.

Thank you for sharing your fabulous nursery with us, Niki!

******

Fashion & Decor: The Two Run Parallel When it Comes to Trends

2012-05-18T00:30:00.000-07:00

Today's guest bloggers are Lauren and Marika, or better known as "The Golden Girls," from the fun and fashion forward blog, Golden White Decor. Today they've put together a fantastic post, just for you! Enjoy!

We are so excited about our feature on Belle Maison and cannot thank you enough for thinking of us and asking us to be a part of your beautiful blog! We styled two "modern chic" outfits wearing Kitson, and are thrilled with how they turned out!! What we feel is so important about Fashion and Decor is that the two run parallel when it comes to trends. It is fun for the two creative outlets to play off each other in the ever changing fashion world. Belle Maison is super girly chic. We were inspired by this level of sophistication in the use of colors and patterns. With Spring in full bloom, pops of neon and bright colors are perfect for both home use and apparel. A simple white dress or pillow cover can be brought to life with a pop of color or an innovative pattern. We used this same idea when dressing for the shoot. We wanted to fuse classic tones and cuts with bright girly splashes of color and design. We made it fun by keeping it super girly, super chic, and super fresh much like the design you find at Belle Maison :)! ~ Lauren & Marika

Meet the Golden Girls

Lauren: Dress- Quontum, Jacket- Renzo + Kai, Shoes- Dolce Vita, Clutch- La Cabana Los Angeles, Jewelry- Assorted Kitson

Marika: Jacket & Pants- Alice & Olivia, Blouse- Tolani, Shoes- Jeffery Campbell, Clutch- La Cabana Los Angeles, Jewelry- Assorted Kitson

{ALL IMAGES PROVIDED BY GOLDEN WHITE DECOR}

Reader Project: Bright & Fun Girl's Bedroom

2012-05-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I'm taking some time off from blogging and working to spend time with my new baby boy. Last month I asked my readers to submit their own personal home tours, DIY projects, etc. and the response was amazing! Today I'm sharing a young girls bedroom, designed by Mary Olvera. In her own words, here's how Mary pulled this adorable design together...

I'm a HUGE fan of your blog and have been following it for several years now. I'm an interior designer in Lodi, California and have recently finished a room in my own home that I absolutely adore - my 11 year old step daughters bedroom. It was one giant DIY project and completed on a tight budget. I painted all the hand-me-down wood furniture glossy white and replaced the hardware, I made an upholstered headboard for the bed, a nailhead trim inspiration board over the dresser and sewed a couple of custom pillows. I purchased a Bertoia look-a-like chair for the desk from Home Decorators and the sunburst mirror came from Home Goods. The rug and curtain panels are from IKEA and the floating shelves are from Ross. I love the way the room turned out - it's fun and colorful and perfect for a spunky 11 year old girl! ~ Mary

Thanks for sharing Mary! Stay tuned for more exciting reader projects :)

******

Checking In...

2012-05-16T00:30:00.000-07:00

Hello lovelies! I'm just popping in to say hi and show you some recent photos of Luke (we've taken a gazillion so far!). He's 2 weeks old today and I'm enjoying motherhood so much! I'm more tired than I've ever been but it's all worth it. Luke is such a great baby and my husband I are adjusting to life as new parents pretty well. I hope you're enjoying the guest posts I've lined up so far, and there are many more to come over the next couple weeks, so please continue to visit. And THANK YOU for all of your thoughtful comments and emails - I love you all and appreciate you allowing me to share this exciting time in my life with you! xoxo - Julie

{My first Mother's Day}

{My cousin is a photographer and did a newborn photo shoot as a gift to us...here's a sneak peek!}

{Proud parents}

{The new love of my life}

{Napping with dad}

nature & light: how do you let your light in?

2012-05-15T00:30:00.000-07:00

hi friends, it's robin from avant garde design! i'm more than happy to be a guest today on julie's blog, one of my favorite blogs! if you know me then you know that when it comes to designing interiors, residential or commercial, choosing the perfect lighting is my absolute favorite part. it's also the very first thing i notice as i enter into any finished space. i wanted to ask you today, how do you let your light in? i've rounded up a few favorites, all of which, either by design, material or color palette, evoke nature. another words, the light does not fight its way into the space, it's as easily placed and naturally received based simply by its natural qualities. have a look...

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

another way i enjoy separating, not only myself as an artist or designer apart from the typical or the traditional approaches, is also separating out the truly extraordinary product and designers which are out there in abundance. product and designers who are offering or doing things just a little bit differently. after all, that's what it's all about. right? enjoy ;)

The Height of Chic - Spaces that will Make You Say “Oh, la, la!”

2012-05-11T00:30:00.000-07:00

Today I'm happy to have Ashley from the fabulous blog Decorology, as a guest blogger. I love what she has to say about "glamming" up your home - it's so very true. Enjoy!

Every girl needs a little glam right? Even though I work from home, I still try to put on a little make up or some gorgeous shoes from time to time. The same goes for your abode – neglect it long enough and it shows. Even if the glam you give your home is small, it can go a long way – and you and your space will look and feel fabulous for it! ~ Ashley

You can’t go wrong with a little touch of metallic either, like these gold dipped goblets and the table base…

A little (or big) pop of bright color in an otherwise “sensible” room screams style and class.

There are two handy tricks for making a space look luxe in this room. The large gallery canvas adds edge and sophistication, as do the matching sconces.

{IMAGE SOURCES: ADORE HOME MAG; IVY & PIPER MAG; DECOR PAD; HOUSE OF FIFTY}

Reader Makeover: A 70's Wet Bar Gets a Fresh Update!

2012-05-10T00:30:00.000-07:00

Today's post features an amazing space transformation by Belle Maison reader, Kasey (check out her blog here). She recently transformed the super dated wet bar in her home into a fresh, bright and modern space, all on a budget. In her own words, here's what Kasey did to give her bar a much needed makeover...

"My 1970's wet bar was just hideous and it's our living room separated only by bi-fold doors (that stay open most of the time). I couldn't look at it any more so I ripped down the prohibition newspaper themed wallpaper and took down the mirrors. I painted the cabinetry to match the trim, and then I painted and stenciled the walls with a metallic scallop pattern. The old forest green laminate had to go but since replacing it with natural stone was not an option, I painted it a cheerful aqua color using left over paint from my kitchen. I finished the space off by adding in glassware, accessories, and one of my own paintings. Overall it was a very inexpensive project but made such a difference - now I don't mind if the doors stay open all the time!" ~ Kasey

Wet Bar BEFORE...

Old wallpaper & countertop...

Wet Bar AFTER!

Kasey painted the counter top instead of doing granite or stone, to save money.

The scalloped detail was painted and stenciled by Kasey! It looks like an expensive wallpaper or tile back splash, don't you think?!

Thanks so much for sharing Kasey! More makeovers to share on Belle Maison so stay tuned!

*******

Reader Room Design: Sweet Nursery for a Baby Girl

2012-05-09T00:30:00.000-07:00

To kick of a month of awesome guest bloggers and reader home tours while I take maternity leave, I have Karla from The Purple Bow, sharing the beautiful nursery she designed for her daughter! Be sure to visit Karla's lovely blog when you have a chance. Enjoy!

Hi! This is Karla from The Purple Bow Blog, I couldn't believe Julie invited me to guest post on her blog, I have been her loyal reader ever since I discovered the blogging world...now that she is going to be a MOM and will continue fulfilling her life as a designer, as a shop owner and as a wife, I can't help but to admire her even more! Well, I haven't shared my little daughter's place in my blog yet, so I thought this was a good time (talking about future moms) to share...

That glider was an old one, the wood was dark brown and the fabric was brown as well (see the before picture here), so I painted it white, bought this yellow chevron fabric and asked my seamstress to reupholster it, the little lamp was also painted by me and "reupholstered" by my seamstress. The "L" monogrammed pillow is from Pottery Barn, the sheep skin rug from IKEA, the little side table from Harlow's Nest and the yellow LOVE paint at the back from Made by Girl.

This is my daughter's bookshelf, the bunnies were all gifts, the yellow lacquer boxes from The Container Store, the L letter from Michaels and the storage bin from The Container Store as well. I decorated it with so much love and we use that glider almost daily before sleeping... one of my favorite moments with my daughter is there, when her head lays on my heart while I read and I feel her close again. Thanks a lot Julie for having me here! ~ Karla

Thank you for sharing your fabulous nursery with us, Karla!

******

Baby Update :)

2012-05-07T00:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! I announced Friday that my son, Luke Ryan Thigpen was born last Wednesday, May 2nd at 11:48am, weighing 7 lbs.,13 oz. and measuring 19.5" long. He was 11 days early but is healthy, happy and doing great. I ended up having an emergency C-section but everything turned out fine and I'm recovering well. We finally got to come home yesterday and I'm planning on taking a few weeks off to enjoy the new love of my life. I've lined up a ton of fabulous guest bloggers as well as reader home tours and reader DIY furniture makeovers for the entire month of May, so be sure to continue visiting for inspiration! Here are a few pics of my new bundle of joy. He is such a blessing from God and my husband and I couldn't be happier. Thank you for all of your warm wishes last Friday - your thoughtful comments mean so very much to me. I'll be checking in soon with updates! xoxo - Julie

Baby Thigpen Has Arrived!

2012-05-04T00:23:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone! I'm blogging from my hospital room to share the good news that my son is finally here! Luke Ryan Thigpen was born on Wednesday, May 2nd at 11:48am, weighing 7 lbs.,13 oz. and 19.5" long. He was 11 days early but is healthy, happy and doing well! I'm so in love with my little man and my husband and I feel so blessed to have this new addition to our family. I'm blogging from my iPad and for some reason I can't post photos at the moment, but stay tuned and hopefully I'll have some up later today or over the next couple of days. Have a fabulous weekend! xoxo - Julie

Interior Styling Wednesdays: The Home Office

2012-05-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

Today I'm kicking off a new weekly series called "Interior Styling Wednesdays," where I'll be highlighting different areas of the home and the best ways to accessorize and style them. One of my favorite parts of working on a design project is at the very end, where I get to accessorize my client's space - it's what gives the overall design personality and style. Like I always say, accessories are like jewelry for an outfit - they're the finishing touch can really make or break the overall look! I've rounded up several inspiring home office spaces to get your creative juices flowing. Most of these tips can be applied to a home office, craft room, or sewing room. Let me know your thoughts and if you have any ideas to add!

1. If you have bookcases or shelving in your home office, fill the shelves with books that you'll be using and style them with interesting objects and small art prints or framed photos.

2. A tray can work wonders in keeping a desk organized, especially if has a narrow top. This bright yellow tray adds a pop of color, which holds a box, task lamp and cup of pens. And of course, a vase of fresh flowers always adds a fresh touch!

3. Make the most of a small desk and work space by adding a corkboard or something similar to pin notes, photos, reminders, etc. The desk lamp is small scale and there are minimal items on the surface to keep things clean and uncluttered. I love the Lucite tray - it practically disappears!

4. What a fabulous workspace! Again, the use of trays for organization is a must, as are cork boards for keeping projects, tasks, etc. organized.

5. A neatly organized bookcase is filled with magazine holders, textured baskets, stacks of books and larger lidded baskets on the top of the bookcase (don't forget about the top - it's a great opportunity for more storage and / or accessories). The desktop is kept clean with a tray white lamp.

6. Surround yourself with things that inspire you! Especially if your desk is against a wall, hang your favorite paintings, encouraging words, or anything else that makes you smile when you look up from your desk.

7. This office space looks almost too pretty to actually work in it! It's important to surround yourself with beautiful things, especially if you spend several hours a day in your home office. I love the gold leaf screen in this space, along with the layered area rugs and mercury glass accessories.

8. This eclectic office space is small but very organized. The trunks under the desk provide extra storage without leaving things looking cluttered. Additional magazines are neatly stacked on an extra side chair. Instead of taking up space on the desk top with a table lamp, they've hung a small task light from the ceiling!

9. This small office space creatively uses the window sill for a place to hold boxes, binders, etc.

{IMAGE SOURCES CAN BE FOUND ON MY PINTEREST BOARD: LIBRARIES & HOME OFFICES}

*******

Domino Magazine Special Feature on One Kings Lane this Week!

2012-05-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

Since closing its doors in 2009, home design enthusiasts have yearned for Domino’s inspiring editorial to make a comeback (myself included!). Well, good news...to celebrate the launch of Domino’s special issue, One King's Lane has dedicated a week of sales to inexpensive and easy home décor, with the Get the Look: Domino Quick Fixes Sales. One Kings Lane will host three themed sales throughout the week beginning with yesterday's “Enliven Your Walls” sale, followed by Wednesday’s “The Power of Neutrals” sale and Friday’s “(Re)Style Your Spaces” sale. Shoppers will receive a complimentary copy of Domino Quick Fixes with all purchases from the sales. I've included a sampling of what kinds of fun and affordable products you'll have a chance of purchasing! Do you miss Domino magazine?! Will you be shopping the sale? Have fun :)

{ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF ONE KINGS LANE}

Quote of the Week

2012-04-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

“Growth means change and change involves risk, stepping from the known to the unknown.” 

- Author Unknown  

 {IMAGE SOURCES: 1|2|3|4|5}

I chose this quote today because I've been facing a lot of change in my life lately, which can sometimes be scary. But we'll never grow if we don't step outside of our comfort zone, right? This quote is so great because it can be applied in many different ways...change in the home / your decor; change in your career; change in yourself...

Happy Friday!

2012-04-27T08:24:00.001-07:00

So glad to have made it through another week! I'm running out the door to meet a client this morning, so for lack of time to do a proper post, I'm sharing some recent pins that caught my eye and inspired me in one way or another. Have a great weekend! Any fun plans? Meet you back here next week :) xoxo - Julie

{Amazing flowers!}

{Gorgeous Living Room}

{Words to Live By}

{Roasted Strawberry, Brie and Chocolate Grilled Cheese}

{Outdoor Entertaining Bliss}

Kitchen Makeover: A True Transformation!

2012-04-26T00:30:00.000-07:00

We all love a good makeover, right?! It's just so fascinating to see how something can go from ugly and dated to shiny and new, whether it be an entire home, room or piece of furniture. This kitchen makeover is one of the best transformations I've seen in a while. It was designed by Style at Home editor-in-chief, Erin McLaughlin. She took the cluttered, claustrophobic kitchen with patterned wallpaper, brown wood cabinets and dingy ivory accents, and breathed new life into it. Focusing on white as the main color, Erin incorporated soft shades of watery blues to add contrast and keep the space from feeling too stark. What do you think? It's hard to believe that the before and after photos are of the same space! Click here to view the entire kitchen and read up on exactly how she transformed it.

Before....

After! Amazing, right?!

{IMAGE SOURCE: STYLE AT HOME}

Photography by Virginia Macdonald

Inspiration Snapshot

2012-04-25T10:19:00.001-07:00

I stumbled across this gorgeous living room and immediately pinned it for inspiration! Designed by Annsley McAleer of Annsley Interiors, this living room is fresh and inviting. The simple color palette really pops against the white walls and beautiful ceiling detail. Notice how she used (2) rugs in the space? It looks like the room has dark hardwood floors and she lightened things up with a large neutral rug then a small accent rug to bring in pattern. I'm always drawn to these colors...they're in my apartment (accented with pops of orange) and similar to what I did for the baby's nursery, which I'll be sharing SOON! What do you like about this space?

{IMAGE SOURCE: ANNSLEY INTERIORS}

Getting it Right: How to Successfully Mix Patterns

2012-04-24T00:30:00.000-07:00

I met with a young couple last week for a design consultation and one of their main frustrations was how to mix patterns in their living room without it looking like a hodgepodge. I find this to be a common issue with many people, especially since there isn't one single "formula" to successfully mix and match various patterns and colors. However, if you take into consideration a few tips and things to look out for of when selecting pillows, rugs, and upholstery, it may be easier to pull off than you think! Once you start taking a closer look at spaces that successfully mix pattern, you'll notice that there will always be a balance of small, medium, large prints. I usually try starting off with the largest pattern first (usually on the drapery panels, area rug or upholstery), then layer in the medium-scaled pattern, followed by the smallest and / or solid patterns. Here are several great examples on how this can be done...

This eclectic living room has several different patterns going on but they all work together well. The largest is on the drapery panels and the design has more of a whimsical feel. The rug features a medium-scaled geometric pattern to give the room a modern touch and anchor the space. Smaller geometric printed pillows are mixed with a bold stripe on the upholstery. (Image source)

The subtle paisley pattern on the duvet cover keeps the space feeling feminine. It's paired with simple toile pillows banded in a bold navy blue. And the largest pattern is on the bench - you can never really go wrong with zebra print! (Image source)

The dining chairs have (3) different fabrics - a neutral one on the back, solid texture on the seat and bold geometric on the inside back. The tablecloth has a small pattern which adds to the eclectic mix. (Image source)

The bold chevron patterned rug really anchors the room and is where the designer used the largest pattern. Next wold be the medium sized lattice print on the chair. Then they layered in solid and smaller printed accent pillows in pops of color. (Image source)

The large-scale wallpaper print creates a focal point in this dining room, which is balanced out by medium scaled drapery panels (large polka dots and medium stripes), and a nearly solid green rug. The solid rug and simple furniture keeps the room from feeling overwhelmed with pattern. (Image source)

How do you feel about mixing together several different patterns in a space? Any other tips or tips you'd like to share?

*******

Quote of the Week

2012-04-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

"Color, texture and pattern, when combined 

with even just a few accessories, are every 

captivating room's secret weapon." 

- Susanna Salk, Be Your Own Decorator 

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

Design Book Review: French Flair, Modern Vintage Interiors

2012-04-20T05:48:00.000-07:00

You can never have too many gorgeous design books, right? There are stacks of them all around my apartment and I refer to them often for inspiration. When Rizzoli offered to send me an advanced copy of a FABULOUS new book that just hit the market, I was thrilled! The book is called French Flair, written and photographed by author and photographer Sébastien Siraudeau. This book brings together the most unique and stylish interiors across France. From over 100 locations, it's packed with hundreds of stunning images (700+ pages worth!) of rooms decorated in an array of styles, each a fantastic find to take away design inspiration from. If you love the look of vintage and flea market finds mixed with modern and eclectic pieces, you will want this book! I took a few photos of my copy to give you a taste of what to expect...I know many of you will love what you see :) Pick up your copy here. Have a lovely weekend. Hope you're doing something fun! xoxo - Julie

"Let yourself be guided through the extraordinary destinations replete with French panache and inspiration...from rural guesthouses to charming antique shops to seaside retreats; enjoy them from the comforts of your own home or use the address book to plot your course to visit these rare and exceptional places in person." (Taken from the introduction).

{All images from the book French Flair}

Decorating Publisher: Flammarion / Distributor: Rizzoli
ISBN: 978-2-08-020094-5

Baby Bump Update + Fashion Cravings

2012-04-18T00:30:00.000-07:00

Only 4 weeks left until I'm due! It's hard to believe my pregnancy is almost over. It's been an amazing experience and one that I've enjoyed very much (thanks to zero morning sickness and feeling great 99% of the time!). Everyone has told me the last month is the most uncomfortable and I'd have to agree. Simple things like putting lotion on my legs, getting off the sofa, or sleeping comfortably have become increasingly difficult. Aside from being able to move around freely once the baby is born, I'm really looking forward to wearing NORMAL CLOTHES! As soon as I can, I plan on hitting the gym full-time to work on getting my body back to what it was pre-baby (or close to, hopefully).

It's been hard seeing all of the adorable spring / summer clothes and not being able to buy anything, so today I've rounded up some fun items that I look forward to wearing in just a few short months (don't know about the bikini, but I had to include it for motivation!). What summer styles are you looking forward to wearing? What's your go to outfit on a warm spring or summer day?

A recent photo of me, taken just 2 weeks ago. I got a great deal on this dress last year at Loehmans and I was happy to discover that I could squeeze my pregnant belly into it! The shoes are from Target (comfy, cute and totally affordable).

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13

*******

Designer Spotlight: Samantha Pynn

2012-04-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered Samantha Pynn and adore her work! She's a decorator, stylist and the host and principal designer of Summer Home on HGTV Canada. She's also the Contributing Design Editor for STYLE AT HOME magazine. Her work is fresh and modern with a classic twist - right up my alley! I sifted through her portfolio and wanted to share some of my favorites with you. What do you think about Samantha's style? Click here to view her website and complete portfolio. Who are some of your favorite designers? I'm always looking for new names to feature right here on Belle Maison!

{ALL IMAGES VIA SAMANTHA PYNN INC;
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Virginia Macdonald}

Quote of the Week

2012-04-16T00:30:00.000-07:00

"The greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.”

- Bill Bryson

 {IMAGE CREDITS: 1|2|3|4|5}

Home Tour: Stacey Cohen's Posh Condo

2012-04-13T00:30:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy it's Friday and to close out the week, I wanted to share a fun home tour I came across via Style at Home. Owned and designed by up-and-coming interior designer Stacey Cohen, this 965-square-foot condo is located in downtown Toronto. "Her vision for the condo was to stick to a cohesive, neutral palette and add pops of color – her poison is turquoise – through home decor accessories. Doing so would allow for an easy switch-up, since all of the larger pieces are neutral." I adore the fresh, clean look and feel of her home, accented with bold pops of black and turquoise. The front door has to be one of my favorite features of the entire condo! What do you think? Click here to read the article and view the entire home. Enjoy and have a fantastic weekend! xoxo - Julie

{IMAGES & QUOTE VIA STYLE AT HOME}

******

P.S. - There's still time to submit your personal home tour / DIY project to be featured on Belle Maison next month! Click here for details.

Also, don't forget to submit your design dilemma to interior designer Tobi Fairley for a chance to win a room re-design AND gift from Modern Chic Home! You have until tomorrow night! Click here for details...

Styling 101: The Kitchen Countertop

2012-04-12T00:30:00.000-07:00

I've received several emails from readers asking for ideas on accessorizing their kitchen counter tops for a look that's stylish yet functional, so I decided to dedicate today's blog post to this very topic. When it comes to styling the kitchen, there are a few rules of thumb I've come to follow...

1. Store appliances you rarely use in a cupboard and take them out only when you need them
2. Take a visual inventory of your kitchen and identify where there's unnecessary clutter - maybe it's a corner filled with paperwork and mail, boxes of cereal or bread on top of your fridge, excessive accessories on top of your cabinets, or mismatched jars and vessels? Do this every few weeks!
3. Clean out your cupboards and pantry (throw out old food & sell or donate unused dishes, etc.) to make room for the items you need to find storage for.
4. Keep it simple - leave out only the items you use on a regular basis; store spices, food, etc. in cupboards.
5. Change things up every once in a while to keep your kitchen looking fresh and updated.

I've rounded up some fabulous images along with design tips to give you some inspiration on styling your own kitchen. Enjoy!

{Accesorize the counter top or an empty corner with a bowl filled with fresh fruit, vase of fresh flowers, and /or an art print leaning up against the back splash for a decorative touch. Image source}

{If you have a large island, a big wooden or wicker tray is a great way to neatly display stacked dishes or accessories; a tall vase of fresh flowers in a bright color adds cheer. Image source}

{Keep a colorful pot or kettle on the stove for a decorative touch and neatly store cooking utensils in a simple container. Image source}

{For a long or large island, arrange colorful fruit in long vessel, like this natural wood tray. Image source}

{If you enjoy cooking with different oils, arrange them neatly on a tray, paired with your favorite cookbook displayed on a stand. Adding a plant helps complete the vignette. Image source: designed by Julie Thigpen}

{If you have any open shelving, neatly stack dishes and mugs - it looks great and is functional. Image source}

{Plate stands are a great way to stack extra dishes, especially if you have limited cabinet space. A small tray on the counter is perfect for neatly displaying pasta, jars, vessels, etc. Image source: designed by Julie Thigpen}

{Glass jars are a kitchen counter top's best friend! Store pasta, rice, flour, etc. in a simple glass jar. It's convenient and looks great. Image source}

{Again, plate stands and glass jars make great kitchen accessories. Image source}

{If you're a wine drinker and/or love to entertain, create a small vignette with a tray (or wooden cheeseboard, like the one here), styled with bottles of wine, glasses and maybe a cheese dome or small jar of wine corks. Image source: designed by Julie Thigpen}

{This kitchen counter has large jars of pasta, along with a small collection of cookbooks, where they used a picture frame as one of the book ends. Image source}

{Rattan or wooden trays are fabulous for holding a collection of bottles - whether it be olive oil, alcohol, or ingredients for a coffee bar. A plant placed in the corner brings in a touch of greenery. And another great use for plate stands is to hold fresh fruit. Image source}

{Another great idea for styling a large kitchen island - this image shows a more decorative approach with a large glass jar, tall orchid, and smaller accessories to balance everything. Image source}

Do you have a design dilemma or challenging area of your home you'd like help with? Shoot me an email or leave a comment about it. Maybe I'll answer it in a future blog post!

*******

P.S. Don't forget to submit your design dilemma to interior designer Tobi Fairley, for a chance to win a room re-design AND gift from Modern Chic Home! Click here for details...