belle maison

Quote of the Week

2013-05-20T12:20:00.003-07:00

"I start every project with color. Fear or uncertainty about color leads many people to overdo neutral - cream walls, beige sofa, muted brown-toned furniture - which is not bad but it can certainly be boring. Don't let a fear of being tacky render you tasteless."

- Celerie Kemble, To Your Taste

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'Five Things" Friday - B. in the Know Edition

2013-05-17T11:24:00.002-07:00

Happy Friday! Today's "Five Things" edition is by one of my new contributors, Brittany. Enjoy her fun round-up of 5 things and be sure to check out her blog! Have a happy weekend.

Hello, lovelies! My name is B of B. in the Know. It's so fun to be here sharing what I have been loving recently with you, to give you a little more of a look into the life of B...

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One. I am a huge lover of denim and cannot get enough of the denim on denim trend as of late. This is probably my favorite pairing - a good pair of dark skinnies with a light chambray shirt. I have been found meandering around the streets of Minneapolis in this look with my favorite pair of TOMS on a Saturday afternoon.

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Two. I love packing my schedule full, which often means making my day look transition to the evening without getting time to run home and freshen up. My best kept secret (well, until now) to make me look wide awake and fresh that I absolutely love - bright red lips. I never leave the house with at least one of my red lip options, though I typically have at least three options so I can choose according to my mood. Sometimes a lady wants a gloss finish and sometimes it is more of a matte night.

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Three. Rings, rings and more rings. I love them so much and have no problem stacking them on. I sure love a good arm party or pretty necklace, but rings are what get me every time. I love that with such a little accessory a person can share so much of their story. For each of my rings there is a story - and they always seem to strike up a good conversation with new acquaintances.

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Four. Frolicking outside in the sunshine is one of my favorite things to do in Minneapolis. We have to soak up every minute we get because it only last for so long. I am not a huge fan of winter, but one thing I do love about it is that it makes me that much more thankful for the sunshine.

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Five. I love elephants. They seriously melt my heart every time I see a picture. Though I typically stick to fashion, elephants always seem to find a way into a post from time to time. What I love about this picture is knowing that I hopefully will get to do almost this same thing in four short months when I go visit a good friend in Thailand.

Well, my new lovelies, it has been an honor to get to share some of my loves with you. What are you loving most these days?

Much love,
B

P.S. Don’t be a stranger - I would love to have you come say hi and share more of my world over at B. in the Know.

DIY Project :: Fabric Wrapped Mason Jars

2013-05-16T00:16:00.000-07:00

Fresh flowers are my absolute favorite and I really try to have them around my apartment as often as I can. My husband had flowers delivered to me on Saturday for Mother's Day and the arrangement of multicolored roses was beautiful! I left the bouquet in a large vase for a couple days and then decided to cut the roses down and arrange them in mason jars - my favorite way to display flowers. Ball recently came out with the limited edition Ball Heritage Collection Pint Jars to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Ball brother's "Perfect Mason" jar. I received a case of the gorgeous vintage-inspired blue jars and was asked to do something fun and creative with them. I have a ton of fabric scraps and samples in my design library that I can't bring myself to get rid of and decided this was the perfect opportunity to put them to use! The project was very simple and didn't take much time at all. It's great for one arrangement or 20, depending on the size of your event. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to create your very own fabric wrapped jars. And if you're interested in purchasing a set of these lovely limited edition blue jars, be sure to do so before they're gone forever!

The beautiful limited edition Ball Heritage Collection Pint Jars in vintage blue

1. Simple supplies needed: scrap of fabric / tacky glue (or hot glue) / raffia or twine / mason jar / scissors
2. Cut fabric strips wide enough so you can fold over each side to create a finished look
3. Glue down each side or use fabric hem tape - I used Tacky Glue and it seeped through the fabric right away (but it does dry clear, it's just a little messy)
4. Fold over glued sides to create a nice, even fabric band
5. Wrap the mason jar with the fabric and secure the 2 ends with glue (mine barely fit around the jar so it was tricky) / Wrap the fabric tightly with raffia or twine and tie in a knot along the seam where you glued both ends together (I double wrapped the raffia but you can do whatever you wish)
6. Finished wrapped jar - now we just need to add the flowers!
7. I love using roses for small arrangements like this one. They look so beautiful when bunched together! I measured the stems to the height of the jar, leaving a little room to trim them down if needed. You don't want to cut them too short right away, or you won't be left with much to work with.

Voila! A simple, affordable and stylish way to dress up a mason jar or vase.

[ALL IMAGES WERE TAKEN BY ME, JULIE THIGPEN]

Spring 2013 :: High Point Trend Report

2013-05-15T00:30:00.000-07:00

I'm ecstatic about today's post by one of my new contributors! Jeanne did an incredible job capturing her experience at High Point and after reading her post, I feel like I was there myself! I feel so inspired and excited about all of the new trends emerging in the world of design. Did any of you attend? What was a highlight for you? Enjoy!

Hello there! This is Jeanne from Cozy•Stylish•Chic . For my first contributor post, Julie asked me to talk about High Point Market, the World's Home for World Furnishings, that takes place twice a year in High Point, North Carolina. I could not be more thrilled, as market was such an incredible experience for me. Never mind the tired and blistered feet. I had a renewed sense of what was going on in the world of interior design, and I returned to LA inspired!

COLOR

Crisp black and white combinations

"The energizing power of black and white is not confined to apparel," says Ron Fiore, Bernhardt creative director, "Black and white combinations are easy to live with, grounding, and mix with any palette you've established." This held true not only for Bernhardt, but for the majority of lines I came across.

Barnsley Dining Table, Bernhardt Interiors

Not only was black and white well represented in the Bernhardt Showroom, but inlay also seemed to make an appearance in each room I walked into. Each inlaid furnishing was intricately detailed and outfitted with a simple, almost architectural base that was equally as stunning as the inlaid detail above but surprisingly did not detract from its beauty.

C.R. Laine

According to C.R. Laine, "Black is back" and there is no in between. Here, black and white is paired in stark contrast to one another with a little chartreuse accent to add a little bit of pop.

Stanley Furniture

The white lacquered Charleston mirror from Stanley is such a treat when displayed as a group and put against a black background, as seen above.

Bernhardt Interiors

More bone inlay from Bernhardt, but that's a good thing, because I can't get enough of it. Often seen in ethnic Indian furniture designs, Bernhardt makes bone inlay look contemporary and chic by pairing it with a chrome X-base chair, a herringbone sofa, and black and white photographs on the wall.

Worlds Away

Glossy black lacquer against white - a glamorous ensemble from Worlds Away.

Bright, Saturated Oranges and Corals

Oranges and corals are used as accents in the home either as an accent chair or with accessories to add a touch of color and vibrance to a room.

Stanley Furniture

This beautiful coral lacquered bedside table from Stanley Furniture would be equally at home in a traditional setting as it would in a more contemporary or eclectic setting, which is why this is one collection to keep an eye on. Notice how the handles on the bottom drawer are offset - it brings a little whimsy to the table, which I love.

Studio A

Bright, glossy accessories from Studio A - used in conjunction with bone and gold, and other neutrals to give a little pop of color.

Bernhardt

This look from Bernhardt integrates orange accessories into a classic room of browns with brass trim.

Bungalow 5

Orange and brown lacquered trays and accessories with a nod to classic Hermès.

Festoni

Other notable color trends:

• Blue (cobalt and peacock) is the new Emerald • Lavender/Thistle and variations of Purple

TRENDS

Tufting Following in the footsteps of the wildly popular tufted Chesterfield, but now incorporating new contemporary styling, color, and materials.

Kim Salmela Atelier

The color of this chartreuse ottoman from Kim Salmela Atelier lights up the room with its presence.

Image from Wesley Hall

Emerald, Pantone's color of the year gives this traditional shape a contemporary twist.

Image from Wesley Hall

This pair of Martini chairs is from Wesley Hall, and is seen upholstered in "Keyhaven-Vintage", an exclusive print from Ian Sanderson Textiles.

Wesley Hall

I adore the quilting on the sides and back of this buttery soft leather tufted sofa. Wesley Hall went the extra mile to make this piece a stand out . The bright canary yellow color makes sure that this sofa does not go by unnoticed.

Return to Classical Antiquity- Busts and Portraits

Both two and three dimensional busts and portraits were seen throughout market in a range of styles, time periods, and mediums.

Global Views

Stanley Furniture

Global Views

Woodson and Rummerfield House of Design for Stanley Furniture

This room in the Stanley Furniture showroom, which pays homage to classical antiquity, was designed by the dynamic design duo, Ron Woodson and Jaime Rummerfield of Woodson and Rummerfield's House of Design. Two photographs of ancient Greek statues are shown on the center wall, in profile and facing one another as though in conversation, and several busts are gingerly placed atop the dressers and armoires that line the perimeter of the room. Classical antiquity was definitely on Woodson and Rummerfield's minds when designing this room!

Chinoiserie Chinoiserie has always been a staple of fashionable interior decor. It is a European style which reflects the Chinese artistic influences on the western world. Even though blue and white ginger jars seem to be an ongoing trend for the last 30 years, this season marked a renewed interest in Chinese artistic influences on the west, with styles being pushed to the limit with more flair and sass than before. It marked the return of high gloss lacquer, but this time in bright and saturated colors, the presence of pagoda shapes, hand painted wallpaper, and porcelain reproductions, all hallmarks of classic Chinoiserie.

Bungalow 5

C.R. Laine

This red lacquered pagoda top mirror and pair of birds seen in the C.R. Laine Showroom gives this room that little bit of "oomph" it needs.

Four Hands

Blue and white ginger jars in a contemporary setting at Four Hands Showroom.

Stanley Furniture

Stanley Furniture uses classic blue and white ginger jars to accent pieces from the Charleston Regency collection. Traditional yet at the same time, contemporary.

Other notable trends seen at High Point Market:
•Morocco - a little touch of ethnic, but with a twist of modern
•Hexagons and Honeycomb patterns
•Lucite - either alone or mixed with other materials such as cowhide, leather, and velvet
•Animal Kingdom - antlers, animal heads, hides
•Inlaid bone furniture
•Quatrefoil shapes

I hope you enjoyed my recap of the trends from High Point Market. If you haven't already, I'm sure you'll start to see these same trends pop up all around you. Until next time, ciao!

Unless noted, all images are my own.

Summer Color Love :: Lemon Yellow

2013-05-14T00:30:00.000-07:00

Lately I've really been loving the color yellow. The bright, zesty and sunny hue just makes me happy and puts me in the mood for summer. It makes me crave ice cold lemonade and lemon meringue pie. It also makes me want to add some pops of yellow in my apartment to liven up my decor. Yellow is definitely a color where a little goes a long way - sometimes just a small accent, like a pillow or lamp, can be just enough to energize a space. How would you incorporate yellow into your decor? I've rounded up some fantastic examples of successful ways this color can be used, along with some of my favorite product picks for summer.

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Marni Euro Sham // Palmer Stool in Lemon // Mariposa Pillar Holder in Lemon // Yellow Framed Mirror // Abbie Table Lamp - Lemon // Bright Shapes Melamine Platter // Monroe Yellow Tray // Spider Coat Rack Threshold Indoor/Outdoor Rug in Yellow // Ombre Chevron Pillow

Quote of the Week

2013-05-13T00:30:00.000-07:00

"Decorating golden rule: Live with what you love."

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Happy Weekend!

2013-05-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

I'm skipping my usual 'Five Things' Friday post today for lack of time, but wanted to share this amazing bouquet of flowers with all of you mom's out there. Mother's Day is on Sunday and it will be my second one celebrating. Last year at this time my son was barely 2 weeks old - my, how time has flown. Being a mother has been such a blessing and I feel privileged that God has given me such an incredible little boy to love and care for every day of my life! Motherhood is definitely a challenge and probably the hardest job in the world, but it's worth every single moment. To all of you moms out there, enjoy your special day - you deserve it!!! xoxo - Julie

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April Showers Bring Forth May Flowers

2013-05-09T06:40:00.003-07:00

Today I'm excited to introduce on of my new design contributors, Jessica Mugavero of the blog Color the Burbs. She's put together a beautiful, inspiring post to share with you today. Enjoy!

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“I must have flowers, always and always.” – Claude Monet

My sister and I spent many a spring morning under my Nanna’s covered porch, swaying on her swing while eating raspberries and listening to the birds that would perch in her backyard in Milford, PA. She would listen attentively to our stories of school and friends as she sewed dresses for the Raggedy Ann dolls made by hand for the both of us. The air always smelled sweetly of the many flowers she planted along the path leading up to the porch, and she took such pride in explaining how to care for each variety. Flowers and sewing were how Nanna expressed her love to us; from the floral pillowcases and blankets she made for our home, to an “I love you” stitched over each Raggedy doll’s heart.

Late spring always reminds me so much of her – when we move on from the soggier days of April to the warmer ones of May – as purple blooms abound and lavender gardens thrive (her favorite color and scent). And so, as I stood in my living room yesterday looking at my dated pillowcases and desiring a fresher look, Nanna’s floral prints came first to my mind.

Nanna was a pioneer woman of her time – nothing was ever “masculine” or “feminine” to her, as she thought that most things a man could do, she could do as well. So too was her design aesthetic: gender neutral, modern and fresh. Despite floral prints often times coming across as drab, dated and overly-feminine, her usage of them was refreshing and simple (and before her time!). So much of what I know about flowers in the home, I learned by her example.

Here are a few tips for you to try: Start off muted. Try splashing busy floral printed wallpaper in subdued hues to emphasize the clean lines of an otherwise neutral color scheme. The use of the pattern will actually make the lightness of the linens and trim pop, which creates a soothing feel. Adding a tiny bunch of buds and blooms to a tablecloth or pillowcase can also add color without overwhelming (and makes transitioning to a new look in the future a snap). I enjoy starting with a neutral base with my rooms and dressing them up with different objects and fabrics as my tastes change just as rapidly as the seasons do.

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Go bold. Alternatively, if you are looking to make a little more of a statement with your room, you can do so with vibrant hues. The key, however, is to focus your color scheme on one dominant color. This is where often folks can be led astray with floral, as too many colors can overwhelm your space and make it appear antiquated. Notice the different use of fabric in each design; the first example captures the wallpaper precisely in the chaise, pillow cases and drapes; the second and fourth use completely different patterns yet match the same color; and the third takes the design on the wallpaper and blurs it on the fabric of the chair for a modern touch.

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Add whimsy. Perhaps the easiest way of all to incorporate floral décor in your home is to add touches of buds throughout your china, silverware, rugs, pillows and framed prints. Tiny elements can give off whispers of spring, without dominating the room.

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Add the real thing. I always like to display fresh flowers throughout my home in atypical vases. My mother-in-law came up with the idea to place the flowers for our rehearsal dinner in vessels taken from various stages of our lives (such as a little porcelain jewelry box from my great aunt, or a mug my best friend brought back from a trip she took while we were in college). It adds personality to an otherwise commonplace accent, and their smell brings me sweetly back to those springs of my childhood.

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Inspiration Snapshot :: Cheerful Kitchen Nook

2013-05-08T00:30:00.000-07:00

One of the best ways to make use of an awkward or tight corner in a space is to build a custom bench seat or banquette. This one is awesome for a few reasons - it provides ample seating, extra storage underneath with large drawers and is comfortable with a thick seat and back cushion. If you go this route, a pedestal table works best because it gives maximum leg room. I love the colorful artwork - it really brings the space to life and keeps the overall feeling more on the modern side, don't you think? And the amazing red lantern light fixture with subtle gold accents is the perfect eclectic piece to break up the "matchy" look of everything. The color palette is simple - gray, light blue and magenta, with pops of yellow and red. I don't know about you, but I'd love to enjoy my coffee and breakfast in this bright and airy space every morning! What's your dream kitchen nook / dining area?

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Mother's Day Gift Guide - Feminine & Sweet

2013-05-07T00:30:00.000-07:00

Hello lovelies, it's McKenna Ryan here from the blog Lynn + Lou! I am so excited to be sharing a gift guide to Mother's Day today with all of you. Here are some really special pieces that are both pretty and the perfect addition for any mother on this special day.

Every mother deserves a day of relaxation, why not treat her to a day of luxury by starting off with a yummy batch of Mother's Day pancakes using these gorgeously crafted measuring cups? While you adorn her with this lovely pink necklace or even this gold heart necklace, have her relax with a good book, on this floral pillow in the aroma of this lovely candle. There is just something about candles that bring an immediate comfort to any room. And just to top of her special day, you can gift her with this lovely printed hankie.

What is on the agenda for your mom on Mother's Day?

Cheers,
Lou {Lynn + Lou}

Quote of the Week

2013-05-06T10:22:00.002-07:00

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'Five Things' Friday

2013-05-03T00:37:00.001-07:00

Today I'm excited to introduce you to one of my new contributors, Kelle Howard-Deane. She's the owner of Habitat + Beyond Kids and has an amazing eye for design. I've invited her to share her current "five things" today so you can get to know her a little better. Enjoy and wishing you a fabulous weekend. I'm throwing a huge 1st birthday bash for my son Luke...wish me luck!

Happy Friday! It’s Kelle from Habitat + Beyond Kids here. One of my favourite Belle Maison features is “Five Things” Friday, so I was pleased as punch when Julie asked me to put together my own 5 Things for my first post as a Belle Maison contributor! Then it hit me...I. Can. Only. Choose. Five. Things! So seeing this is my first post I thought I thought I’d narrow it down and just let you know a little bit about me...

One. While we’re getting to know each other one of the most vital things I can tell you about myself is that I’m ADDICTED to leopard print! In saying that I do like to use it in a casual way (and not top to toe). This room is kind of perfect to me. Image Source: Sally Wheat Interiors

Two. I love a bit of arm candy. As a busy Mum and business owner choosing (and remembering to put on) arm swag isn’t always high on my priority list but I do love to accessorize and this gold CC Skye cuff is next on my wish list because it would go with everything I own!

Three. One of the great things about owning my own business is that I get to work from home. So it was very important to me as an Interior Designer that I have a space that reflects my style and is an inspiring and energizing place to come to work! I love everything about my office, it has all the essentials... flowers, candles, pink walls, my iMac, a skull and, of course, some animal print! [Image Source: Kelle Howard-Deane]

Four. I love to travel, and I took this photo last year outside a Louis Vuitton store while we were in LA with our (then) 4 month old son Xavier. Our last holiday after that was a week in Fiji and seeing as Xavier was nearly one by that time, the flight was horrendous (a one year old does not want to sit on his parents lap for four hours)! So while we are planning another trip o/s in June, I’m silently dreading the flight! [Image Source taken by Kelle Howard-Deane]

Five. One of the projects I’m working on at the moment is for a soon-to-be-two year old girl. The brief I have been given is COLOUR! When working with a client I love to gather lots of inspirational images to make sure we are on the same wavelength, and this is one of them. I love to use neutral pieces such as the furniture and add colour and contrast through the accessories - like these tangerine curtains and lime green dresser - this way it’s easy to make updates or changes to the room in the future, without breaking the bank! [Image Source: Decorpad / Amie Corley Interiors]

Let's Celebrate :: Brunch'n With MOM

2013-05-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today we're kicking off the first guest post of my amazing contributor team! Meet Nycia Emerson, a very talented event planner, designer and blogger. Her post today is so inspiring and has my head spinning with ideas for Mother's Day. Enjoy!

Hello, It's Nycia Emerson here with the first "Lets Celebrate" series. Are you still trying to figure out how to "WOW" your mom this year? This post is all about celebrating mom in a fun and unique way, that allows you to get creative at home. What better way to show mom how much you care, then with an intimate outdoor brunch.

Start off with fresh spring flowers, such as tulips, lilacs and daisies or moms favorite blooms of course. Place them in clear vase or pot in the center of the table, then build your table from there. After you decide on your flower color you can bring in unique napkins and other details to compliment your color palette. I chose pink tulips for our inspiration table and then added a floral fabric from my local Hobby Lobby for the napkins. Which gave the table another splash of spring.

Pull out your simple white plates and glassware and build your setting from there. I added details to small simple glasses with cut dollies and jute; trust me, mom will love the handmade details. Also mom's place setting includes handmade cards and a special gift was laid out for her to feel special as soon as she takes her seat.

Gather some of mom's favorite recipes and beverages, and then you are ready to celebrate!

Images by C Thompson Photography

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And on a side note, I just have to mention that today is my sweet baby boy's FIRST Birthday! I seriously cannot believe that one year ago today, I was in the hospital with a newborn in my arms. My life changed forever that day and I've loved every moment of being a mother. Luke is so precious and brings me a kind of joy and love that I've never before experienced. Happy Birthday to my sweet little love! You melt my heart!

Baby Luke - 7 days old

Luke today - One Year Old!

Bored with Your Decor? Try Something New!

2013-05-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

A little bored with your current decor? Spring is the perfect time to add new life to a stale space. My advice is to be open to change, think outside the box and just go for it! We get so stuck in our ways and sometimes it helps to take a step back and really look at things with a fresh eye. Just don't over-think things too much. Decide what you want and make it happen! Here are several ideas that will get you inspired to love your home again. What other ways would you spruce up your decor?

Colored Upholstery - ditch your neutral sofa for a vibrant upholstered piece, which will bring a sleepy room to life! [Image via UrbanComfort]

Create a Bar Cart - I'm waiting for the day we have enough space for a real bar cart! Pull out all of your favorite tumblers, decanters, bottles of liquor, and fun accents and style a bar cart or console table to look cocktail ready at a moments notice. If you don't drink alcohol, you could stock the cart with pretty bottles of lemonade, sparkling water and other non-alcoholic beverages for a refreshing summer drink. [Image via Emily Henderson]

Paint an Accent Wall - Just go for it and paint one wall in your home a crazy color, like peacock blue or lime green...it could change your life, seriously. And if you hate it, it's only paint! [Image via Lonny Mag]

Go White - If you've been living with lots of color or beige walls, perhaps it's time to make a drastic change and go all white! I'll admit, pulling off crisp white interiors is no easy task, but when done right, it can be a fresh and uplifting update to a stale space. [Image via Adore Home April/May issue]

Chalkboard Paint Accent Wall - Great for kids or adults! Turn an awkward wall in your kitchen or office into a functional spot to write notes, reminders, etc. [Image via Caitlin Wilson Design / Style Files]

Add Indoor Plants - There's nothing like adding a few fresh green plants to a space. Greenery does wonders for a lifeless, boring room. Scared of killing them? I found this helpful article on the 8 best plants to grow indoors. [Image via Pinterest]

Glam Up Your Closet - This spare room was converted into a dressing room - the best idea ever! But if you don't have an extra room to spare, try sprucing up your closet space. Even a little paint on the walls and/or ceiling, a cool rug or small chandelier can make a world of difference. [Image via Adore Home April/May issue / p.61]

New Art + Accent Pillows - Two of the easiest ways to make a dramatic change! Switch out your current pillows for some fresh new ones in unexpected colors and prints. Get some new art on the walls, whether it's a piece you purchase or a DIY canvas. [Image via Caitlin Wilson Design]

Paint Your Front Door - I would LOVE to have a coral front door, wouldn't you?! If you can't paint your front door, try painting an interior door. [Image via Pinterest]

Mother's Day Gift Guide :: Ex Voto Vintage Jewelry

2013-04-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is just a couple weeks away and it's a great time to start thinking about what to get mom (or grandma or sister...). Ex Voto Vintage is a fabulous company that sells incredibly unique jewelry, inspired by vintage lockets, keys, medals and pendants. If you're searching for something unique and extremely special for a Mother's Day gift, Ex Voto Vintage is a great place to look. All of their pieces are designed by the owner Elizabeth Adams, are made in the USA and a portion of all sales goes to fund pediatric brain cancer research. Elizabeth was so sweet to send me a necklace a few months ago (which you can see here) and I absolutely love it! It's beautifully crafted and a total "statement" piece - people always stop me when I wear it.

After spending (way too much) time on their website, I narrowed down some of my favorite pieces that I think would make the perfect Mother's Day gift. There are so many different styles to choose from, it's easy to find something for the young trendy mom, or the classy mom and/or grandmother! Check out my gift guide picks and click here to view their entire collection.You can also check out more Mother's Day picks from various bloggers (including me) on Ex Voto Vintage's blog.

From top left: 8"Ellie Bracelet // Examples of layered bracelets // Carrie Bracelet - Gray Pearls // Shield Earrings w/Turquoise Tassel // Tassel Earring in Sterling Silver & Pearl

Clockwise from top left: Emily Turquoise Tassel Necklace // Lulu Necklace with Felder Cross & Sparrow Pendant // Margaret Necklace w/Owl Pendant // 18" Classic Necklace in Sterling Silver w/ Terrace Locket // Claire Necklace w/Gray Pearls & Ellen Locket

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*This post is sponsored by Ex Voto Vintage, a Premiere Sponsor on Belle Maison. All thoughts, opinions and product selections are my own!

Quote of the Week

2013-04-29T07:04:00.003-07:00

"Style is understanding who you are and
knowing how to say it in your own language."

- India Hicks, Designers at Home

[IMAGE VIA PINTEREST]

[IMAGE VIA BRIGHT BAZAAR]

'Five Things' Friday

2013-04-26T00:30:00.000-07:00

Yay, it's finally Friday! How was your week? Mine flew by, as usual. I hope you enjoy today's 'five things' round-up and as always, feel free to share anything that's inspired you, moved you, or is on your mind! I always love reading your comments. Have a happy, relaxing weekend.

One. This cozy kitchen nook is beyond fabulous. Designer Montana Burnett did an amazing job balancing bold color and pattern, creating an illusion that the space is bigger than it really is. LOVE the horizontal stripes! [Image via Style at Home]

Two. My father-in-law came over for dinner last night and I decided to make this Vegetable Tian dish that I found on Pinterest, to accompany grilled chicken and steamed brown rice. Let me tell you - it turned out amazing and everyone loved it. It was super easy to make, was bursting with flavor and actually very healthy. You must try it! I promise you'll love it. (Note: I omitted the cheese on top and broiled the veggies for about 3 minutes instead once they were done roasting). [Recipe and image via Simply Gourmet]

Three. I can't help myself from sharing snapshots of my son Luke. He brings so much joy to my life! [Photo via Instagram / juliethigpen]

Four. My down comforter has been "naked" for waaay too long and is in desperate need of a duvet cover! I'd love something with pattern but this fluffy white Pintuck Duvet from West Elm is calling my name. Doesn't it just make you want to crawl right in and sleep for days? [Image via West Elm]

Five. Even at 32 years old, I still dream of having a tree house. This one is pretty incredible, right? Forget building one for the kids, it's the adults who really need one! I'd escape here with a stack of design magazines and a bottle of wine whenever possible. [Image via Pinterest]

xoxo,

Current Project: Kiyonna Corporate Headquarters

2013-04-25T07:16:00.001-07:00

I've been working on a challenging project the last several months and wanted to show you a sneak peek of the progress. My clients purchased an old office building and the interior was beyond disgusting (it was a former factory and FILTHY in every sense of the word). After basically taking the place down to the studs, moving walls, tearing everything out, etc., we focused on designing the reception area first. I took a few snapshots of how it's looking so far. It's the corporate headquarters for a women's clothing company called Kiyonna, and have to say I'm pretty darn happy with how it's coming along! Please note these photos aren't styled and the space isn't completely finished, but you get the idea.

BEFORE

Main reception wall

AFTER

We decided to keep the ceiling exposed and painted it a nice charcoal gray color. The wallpaper really sets the tone of the space and is such a fantastic focal point upon entering the building.

We had the desk custom built and I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out!

I'm in LOVE with this wallpaper by Clarke & Clarke. The darker color is a deep plum / purple (it's kind of hard to tell in the photo)

BEFORE

This is the opposite wall that leads into the clothing boutique showroom.

AFTER

My clients decided not to do doors leading into the boutique, so I made sure to create an opening that was nice focal point. We did white walls (Dunn Edwards Swiss Coffee) with custom wall moulding that tied in with the reception desk. More of this project to come!

Book Review :: Designers at Home by Ronda Rice Carman

2013-04-23T00:30:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite parts of writing this blog are book reviews! Rizzoli has been so kind to send yet another fabulous design book for me to share with you. This one is called Designers at Home: Personal Reflections on Stylish Living, by Ronda Rice Carman. Ronda is founder of the very popular blog, All the Best. In this book she gives the readers a guided tour through the houses of fifty distinguished designers, including Jan Showers, Tobi Fairley, Bunny Williams, Amanda Nisbet, Barry Dixon, Charlotte Moss, Philip Gorrivan, and Vicente Wolfe. I really enjoyed perusing through the personal homes of each designer and learning about their personal style, design choices, and details on the things that are most important to them. So often we only get to see the work of these incredibly talented designers for their clients homes, but rarely do we get to see inside their own homes. Ronda was so clever to put a book together that showcases the unique and personal havens of this incredibly creative and diverse group of designers! I took several snapshots inside Designers At Home of some spaces that caught my eye. Enjoy and let me know your thoughts. Is this a book you'd consider adding to your library? Click here for more info.

BOOK REVIEW: DESIGNERS AT HOME BY RONDA RICE CARMAN, RIZZOLI NY 2013

FOREWORD BY MARTHA STEWART | PUBLISHED APRIL 2013 | 304 PAGES

xo,

Quote of the Week

2013-04-22T00:30:00.000-07:00

“I don’t regret the things I’ve done, I regret the things

I didn’t do when I had the chance.”

– Unknown

IMAGE SOURCES: 1 / 2 (pinterest - can't find link) / 3

'Five Things' Friday

2013-04-19T08:53:00.003-07:00

Happy Friday all! I hope you had a great week and thank you for stopping by to see my latest "five things." Enjoy and feel free to share anything on your mind, I always love hearing from you!

One. Let's continue praying for the victims of the Boston bombings that rocked the entire nation earlier this week. Such a horrific tragedy and my heart goes out to all of those directly affected. Also pray for the capture of one suspect currently on the run (details here).

Two. My living room may be a disaster of toys most of the time, but this fabulous chevron rug keeps the place looking somewhat pulled together! Rugs really do make all the difference, don't they? [Image via Instagram / follow me: juliethigpen]

Three. Spotted this photo on Pinterest and was immediately inspired. What an easy way to instantly brighten up a window!

Four. Succulents are one of my favorite plants and they are so perfect for spring. This Aquatic Bowl from Crate and Barrel makes a beautiful vessel for floating succulents, don't you think?

Five. Coming up next month is the 5th Annual Legends of La Cienega: a three-day design event that has drawn more than 10,000 designers, media and design enthusiasts from around the world. Today, LEGENDS is a prominent fixture on the national design event calendar. A fusion of art, fashion, design and culture, LEGENDS provides unique combination of education and entertainment for those who appreciate design. Anyone planning on attending? I'm seriously thinking about it! Let me know and maybe we can connect. Click here to view the schedule of events and to RSVP.

Have a beautiful weekend! xoxo

Get the Look :: Tabletop Inspired Room

2013-04-18T00:30:00.001-07:00

This beautiful tabletop spread from the latest issue of Ivy & Piper inspired me to create a room around the color scheme and theme. That's the awesome thing about design - you can draw inspiration from just about anywhere. I adore the traditional toile wallpaper in the background mixed with the modern geometric printed table runners, along with the shimmery gold accents and unexpected tortoise shell glass vases. The space I envision is fresh, feminine and modern with a touch of chinoiserie glamour. This is definitely a space that would make me feel happy, relaxed and refreshed! See my top picks below on how I'd pull together a room inspired by this gorgeous tablescape! What do you like about this look?

[IMAGE VIA IVY & PIPER]

Shop This Look: Toile Fabric // Geo Links Pillow Trina Turk // Floral Chinoiserie Pillow // Appletini Striped Sofa // Worlds Away Treillage Gold Leaf Mirror // Jonathan Adler Preston Cocktail Table // Ralph Lauren Safari Tortoise Vase // Small Rectangle Lacquer Tray

Inspiration Snapshot: Styled Bookcase + Amazing Wallpaper

2013-04-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

This amazing photo caught my eye today on BHG. The wallpaper is unbelievable! And it creates such an amazing backdrop to this beautifully styled bookcase. Are you loving it too?

[IMAGE VIA BHG]

Spring Cleaning :: The Organized Kitchen

2013-04-16T11:19:00.004-07:00

Is it really possible to have a super organized kitchen, where you can always find what you need and have plenty of space for everything? Is it possible to open your pantry and smile because it's not only functional but looks amazing as well? I'm challenging myself to find out! After nearly 6 years of living with a small apartment kitchen, the cabinets are starting to bust at the seams and I've literally run out of even an inch more of space...I've had to start putting things in my bedroom closet because I'm flat out of room. However, instead of just accepting that I have a small kitchen with limited space and continuing to live in chaos, I've decided it's time to take control and tackle each cupboard, one by one, maximizing what I have to work with. Currently, I don't have any cabinet or shelf organizers and after researching online, there are endless gadgets and solutions for the kitchen. Why haven't I been using any of them?! I guess when you live in chaos for so long (like a messy closet), you rarely take the time to step back and assess the mess. It's time to start over and here are some ideas that have my brain spinning. I'll post my before and after photos as soon as this project is completed! What about your kitchen? Is it neat and organized or messy and chaotic?

Tip #1: Your pantry can be organized and look pretty too. I love the idea of wallpapering or strnciling the back wall. Even a solid paint color would look great. [Image via House of Smiths]

Tip #2: Maximize the use of shelving by creating dividers to store pans and trays on their side. This was created using curtain tension rods! [Image via Martha Stewart]

Tip #3: Keep food fresh longer and make it easy to find what you need by putting everything in a plastic or glass container. You can use a label maker or print clear labels with your computer to identify each container. This maximizes the use of shelving space by allowing you to stack and place things side by side more efficiently. [Image Source]

Tip #4: Use valuable wall space in a pantry by mounting bins to store snacks, supplies, etc. [Image via Poppytalk]

Tip #5: Use the back of cupboard or pantry doors for even more storage! There are many easy-to-install shelving systems out there. [Image via BHG]

Tip #6: Again, using clear jars to store food, pasta, spices, flour, etc. is an excellent way to maximize shelving space. Small baskets are great for holding smaller items and allow you to slide the basket in and out for easy access. [Image via Pinterest]

Tip #7: Maximize drawer space with dividers and containers to keep everything separated. [Image via Real Simple]

I planned on doing a round-up of several great storage gadgets I'd love to purchase, but my son just woke up from his nap so I must run :( Maybe I'll share another day! In the meantime, some great places to shop for kitchen storage are: The Container Store // IKEA // Rubbermaid // Amazon // Target. For more ideas, visit my Pinterest board: Organizing.

*******

xo,

Quote of the Week

2013-04-15T12:54:00.001-07:00

"The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places."

- Author Unknown

[IMAGE SOURCE VIA PINTEREST]