belle maison

What's New! DryBar

2010-03-11T18:07:00.001-08:00

This new hot spot just opened up in LA and the concept is sweet and simple: the idea is centered around a "blow dry bar" - no cuts, no color - just blow outs for $35 (wash included). They even have a "menu" of different blowout styles to choose from. And it gets even better...they serve cocktails so you can relax and sip on a cosmo or glass of wine they make your hair (and you) look fabulous. Stop by on the weekend between 10 & 2 for "brunch blowout" and enjoy a complimentary croissant and mimosa or pop in for "happy hour" before a big night out. I love the interior of the salon - fresh, bright with touches of sunny California yellow. Now, if only I lived just a little bit closer! Click here for more info. about drybar.

IMAGE CREDITS: DRYBAR

Photographer Richard Powers

2010-03-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

I just went on a mini mental vacation by scrolling through the portfolio of photographer Richard Power...his work is absolutely beautiful! It's obvious through his photography that he has a real passion for interior design and architecture. "I am self taught - I have been taking pictures for as long as I can remember, composing the frame in my mind then choosing the moment to capture the light, only now there's a camera." The fact that he's self-taught makes his work that much more amazing. Enjoy browsing through his work! Click here to view his website.

IMAGE CREDITS: PHOTOGRAPHER RICHARD POWERS

Fresh, New & Under $25...

2010-03-09T19:53:00.001-08:00

...from Modern Chic Home! I've been working hard to add brand new items to my online boutique for spring...here's a look at just a few of the many new items available NOW! Happy shopping :)

vintage chic coasters (set of 4) - $22

blossom tree heart dish - $12

coco crown doormat - $24

Quote of the Week

2010-03-08T10:08:00.000-08:00

"You may concentrate on appearances all through the rest of your house, but in the bedroom comfort should be supreme. I think that bedrooms should also be very intimate rooms - they should express your personal preferences in every way...Of all the rooms in the house your bedroom is yours." 

                  
- Dorothy Draper,                  In the Pink         

Etsy Finds for Spring

2010-03-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday everyone! Today's post is short and sweet - I've rounded up some of my favorite fresh picks for spring from Etsy. Enjoy and I wish you a wonderful weekend! XO - Julie

Sweet Potted Fabric Plants - Spring Romance

Primitive Robins Egg Blue Paper Mache Eggs

Lemon Drops Earrings Vintage Glass

Le Fleur Ring

Flutter in the Garden Necklace

Ceramic Egg with Hand Stamped Text

Joy Dove Tiny Text Bowl

You 'n' Me Tree Personalized Note Cards

Felt Brooch Hot Pink

Hydrangea Blooms Original Watercolor by Laura Trevey

Brown & Green Felt Applique Tree Pillow Cover

Sneak Preview: Pottery Barn Summer 2010

2010-03-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

I haven't been over to Pottery Barn's website in a while, but I was pleasantly surprised when I received the Press Preview for what to expect this Summer. Most of the new product is typical PB style - fresh, clean and beachy - with some really beautiful unexpected accents. I especially love the Natural Curiosity dinnerware collection and the coral colored beaded Lafayette Chandelier. After browsing through these gorgeous photos, the spring/summer seasons can't come fast enough! The new summer collection hits stores on March 23rd.

A Tiny Home Bursting with Color

2010-03-02T11:23:00.001-08:00

This sweet little house is located on Nantucket island off the coast of Massachusetts. At only 600 square feet with one bedroom, this tiny home speaks volumes with it's vibrant color palette and bright accents. I'd love to escape to this cozy spot every now and then as a weekend getaway - it looks as though you'd feel happy and refreshed the moment you walk through the front door! Click here to view the entire article via Country Living.

PHOTO CREDITS: COUNTRY LIVING

Quote of the Week

2010-03-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

"There's something about a clean house, a clean room. It does wonders for the psyche."

~ Brian Sansoni

PHOTO CREDITS: LIVINGETC.

New Online Read: Nesting Newbies

2010-02-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited about this new online magazine! Nesting Newbies covers everything from cooking and entertaining to decorating and resources on hot places to shop. Their 2nd issue for Winter 2010 is packed full of mouth-watering recipes, gorgeous themed tablescape ideas for your next party, how to create a modern vintage tabletop, girly-girl spaces, DIY lamp make-over and so much more. The vibrant photos seem to pop right off the page, bursting with color and inspiration! Flip through this sweet little online read sometime over the weekend and enjoy :) XO - Julie

IMAGE CREDITS: NESTING NEWBIES

What's New! Lumnique Candles

2010-02-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to share with you Lumnique, a new company specializing in personalized candles, which are made using a clean-burning soy wax blend and cotton wick, environmentally friendly color dyes, and natural essential fragrance oils. "Lumnique's soy candles are highly personalized and exceptionally thoughtful. Each custom-designed by the customer especially for the unique personality and lifestyle of the recipient." They were so kind to offer me a complimentary candle, which I customized online in just 4 simple steps. When it arrived, I was pleasantly surprised with the presentation of the crisp, clean black and white packaging. The fragrance I chose was Cucumber Mint, which smells so fresh and clean - it reminds me of a relaxing day at the spa! I love it! These candles make the perfect gift for a friend or yourself...click here to visit their website.

My new custom candle: Created for Abundance, in color Sky and fragrance Cucumber Mint.

Color 101: Green Interiors

2010-02-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

Green happens to be my favorite color, especially when it comes to interior design. For my own home, I always gravitate toward soft sage greens, blue-greens and turquoise...I've tried to be open to other palettes, but apparently, these are the colors I love to surround myself in! Green comes in hundreds of different shades, all of which have a different psychological impact on people. Here are some fun facts about the color Green:

Green is the color of growth, nature, and money.
It is the traditional color of peace, harmony, comfortable nurturing, support and well paced energy.
Nature shares several shades of green with us. From bright and almost fluorescent to pale and subdued. The color green is a natural color.
Green creates feelings of comfort, laziness, relaxation, calmness. It helps us balance and soothe our emotions.
Hospitals use light green rooms because they too are found to be calming to patients.
Green is the most restful color for the human eye.
It's the universal color of nature as well as represents fertility, rebirth and freedom. (That answers the question why it's the best background for birds.)
Bright green can be uplifting while dark green evokes a mental picture of a pine forest.
Street signs are painted a metallic green background contrasted with white letters because the combination is believed to be the easiest to read and recognize for the human brain.
As with most colors, green also brings forth some negative connotations...the phrase "green with envy" also gives way to guilt, ghastliness, sickness and disease.

What else do you associate with the color Green?

PHOTO CREDITS: COUNTRY LIVING; HOUSE BEAUTIFUL; LIVING,ETC;

Quote of the Week

2010-02-22T12:23:00.000-08:00

"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."

-William Morris

Lucas Allen Photography

2010-02-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday to you all! I'm so excited to share the fabulous work of Lucas Allen, a professional photographer based out of NY. He covers everything from interiors, still life, lifestyle, portraiture and fashion. His portfolio is beautiful! I had to stop myself from practically posting the entire thing! Click here to view more. Have a wonderful weekend :) XO - Julie

PHOTO CREDITS: LUCAS ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Color Concept: Blue & Soft Metallics

2010-02-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

When different shades of blue...such as teal, sky blue, turquoise, cobalt, aqua...are mixed with subtle metallic shades of gold and copper, the combination results in a fresh, luxurious, and even glamorous look. Depending on which shade of blue you center everything around, you can easily change the look and feel of a space from formal to casual and vibrant. I'm really loving this palette...how do you feel about it?!

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

ALL PRODUCTS SHOWN ABOVE FOUND VIA SHINE BY S.H.O

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

ALL PRODUCTS SHOWN ABOVE FOUND VIA SHINE BY S.H.O

MIRROR, TEA LIGHTS & GOLD PILLOW VIA TONIC HOME; TEAL PILLOW VIA CRATE&BARREL

Giveaway! Win $50 to Modern Chic Home!

2010-02-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

Modern Chic Home has teamed up with The Bright Side Project for an exciting giveaway! I need your help to reach a goal of 300 comments, and in turn, I'm giving away a $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE to TWO LUCKY WINNERS! Giveaway ends on 2.18.10 so please hop on over and answer one of two fun questions...it will only take a moment! Click here to visit the site.
Thank you for your support :) XO - Julie

On Trend: Lemon and Lime

2010-02-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

Everywhere I look, I'm seeing vibrant shades of yellow and green...in accessories, pillows, dinnerware, jewelry...and I'm loving it! The combination of the two colors is so refreshing and perfect for spring! Enjoy today's round of of my top lemon lime picks.

ANTHROPOLOGIE

1) bird & branch decoupage chandelier
2) glazed fondant vase
3) chayote jar

CRATE & BARREL

1) hamptons yellow dinnerware
2) botanical lemon print kitchen towel
3) cecelia green napkins
4) verna pitcher

1) citrus in bloom necklace via etsy
2) love candy lemon print via made by girl
3) hello stationery via paper source
4) jaded necklace via etsy

CB2
1) eco chair in green & custard

2) x-ray green pillow
3) knitted pouf

Quote of the Week

2010-02-15T11:47:00.000-08:00

"No matter what obstacles fill a room there's a way to paint, glue or slipcover over them"

-Edward Walker

PHOTO CREDITS: LONNY MAG; COUNTRY LIVING; HOUSE BEAUTIFUL; LUCAS ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY; POINT CLICK HOME

Sweet & Sinful Valentine's Desserts

2010-02-12T12:37:00.000-08:00

VALENTINE'S CRAYON HEARTS CRAFT IDEA

If anything, Valentine's Day is a good excuse to indulge in otherwise forbidden sweets and desserts! If you're in the mood to be "Martha Stewart" this weekend and whip up some delectable treats for your Valentine (or just for yourself :), here are some mouth watering recipes worth considering, right from Martha herself. Enjoy your weekend! Hopefully you have something fun, relaxing, romantic, or exciting planned...Cheers! XO- Julie

CHOCOLATE GANACHE HEART TARTLETS

CHOCOLATE-STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM SANDWICH

SPRINKLES' STRAWBERRY CUPCAKES

HOT CHOCOLATE WITH HEART MARSHMALLOWS

CHOCOLATE ECLAIR HEARTS

VALENTINE HEART POPS

CALIMYRNA FIG HEARTS

NEW! Trina Turk @ Modern Chic Home

2010-02-11T17:46:00.001-08:00

Raise your hand if you love Trina Turk and her fabulous designs! I sure do! She's one of America's most loved fashion designers and has expanded her talents into fabric design and home decor over the last year or two. Yesterday I rolled out her latest accent pillow and rug collection at Modern Chic Home, which is filled with fresh new prints in bright and cheerful colors. With spring fast approaching, this collection offers a variety of fantastic accents to refresh your decor in a snap. Please check out the entire collection when you have a moment (and don't forget to sign up to be on the Modern Chic Home mailing list while you're on our site, where you'll receive exclusive discounts and offers only available to subscribers!). I wish you all a fabulous weekend and lovely Valentine's Day! XO - Julie

Idea Gallery: Wall Decor Above the Sofa

2010-02-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

When it comes to thinking of fresh new ideas for wall decor above the sofa, it's easy to get stumped on anything other than a single piece of art or a large mirror...especially if your sofa is against a large wall with tons of extra space. I've run into this challenge in my own home and decided to search high and low for ideas that are a outside the box. One of my favorites would be decorative wallpaper that's interesting enough to stand on it's own or a series of small prints stacked above one another. What do you have going on above your sofa?

PHOTO CREDITS: HOUSE TO HOME; POTTERY BARN; LIVING ETC.

Home Tour: Bright & Beautiful

2010-02-09T01:02:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm in love with this house - it's like a breath of fresh air! The entire "backdrop" is white...white walls, doors, moldings...even the floors are white! This creates a totally blank canvas, allowing all of the bold, colorful accents to really pop. I don't know if I could actually live with painted white floors, but they sure do look fabulous. And that chandelier in the first photo...it's amazing! What do you think of this home?

IMAGE CREDITS: OTTHON MAGAZINE

Home Tour: Fresh, White and Blue

2010-02-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

This charming little home tour takes place in Copenhagen. The small apartment occupies two floors of a 4-story home built in 1905. The color scheme is centered around fresh shades of blue and white and accented with warm rustic wood finishes, keeping the overall feeling light, bright and relaxed. I could move right in to this sweet little home! Enjoy the tour...

IMAGE CREDITS: HUS & HEM

Quote of the Week

2010-02-08T16:58:00.001-08:00

"Don't buy a bedroom suite, but collect your
pieces separately - generally cheaper and always
the decorator's way of furnishing. 

    
             - Dorothy Draper         

PHOTO CREDITS: HOUSE BEAUTIFUL; POINTCLICKHOME; LIVING, ETC.

Fabulous, Fun and Affordable Finds

2010-02-04T22:56:00.000-08:00

If you're in the mood to do a little shopping this weekend without hurting your pocketbook, you may want to check out some of these fantastic items for the home...all chic, stylish and sure to add a little cheer to your decor :) Have a lovely weekend...see you back here next week!

Pier 1 Imports: Moroccan Lanterns; Vintage Inspired Trays, $24.95;

Striped Doormat, $18; Measuring Cup Set, $14.95

Target: Thai Silk Pillow, $49.99; Blossom Argento Thai Silk Pillow, $44

Target: City Block Dinnerware, 16-Piece Set; Chantal Mimosal Teakettle, $39.99

Home Decorators: Curves Hourglass Chair, $269

IKEA: Brarup Rug, $39

Laura Trevey's Etsy Shop: Perfect Pair Watercolor Print 14 x 20, $22

Urban Outfitters: Love Mug, $8; Steak Dye Bowl - Set of 4 for $20;
Union Jack Flask, $18; Love Mugs Set, $24

KMart: Studio Chrome Base Accent Chair - Set of 2 for $210

Inspiring Ways to Dress up Your Fireplace

2010-02-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

Fireplaces are an important focal point in a space - visually and physically. They are what draw people together for comfort and warmth in addition to being the center of a room, which can have a huge visual impact (good and bad). When it comes to what to do above a fireplace, the options are endless! You can hang a beautiful mirror, horizontally or vertically, a large painting, a series of small pieces of art, photographs, or a combination of art and wallpaper...there really are so many possibilities, as you'll see in today's round-up of inspiring spaces. And dressing up your fireplace doesn't just have to be about what goes on the wall, you can also add interest and impact with decorative objects placed on the mantle. Take a close look at each of these spaces and notice the accents and details (or the absence of) that make them so spectacular. I can't wait for the day I have a fireplace! What about you - do you have a fireplace (or wish you did) and if so, what have you done above or around it? Please share!

PHOTO CREDITS: HOUSE TO HOME; LIVING ETC.