The Stylish Desk

As the old saying goes, "When you look good you feel good.." well, when things around me look good, then I really feel good. If I am going to maintain my sanity and spend forty grueling hours a week at a desk then it just has to be stylish.

If your office permits, the addition of a few personal touches can turn your cold desk into a warm and welcoming home away from home. 

1. Lighting. Most offices are lined with fluorescent lights. Putting a small lamp on your own desk will instantly cozy-up your little nook.

2. Get a candle...a pretty one. (Preferably from Henri Bendel.)

3. Coordinate your desk accessories. I'm loving Dransfield and Ross right now- particularly the nailhead collection. It's great for the office because it's chic, not cute.  

4. Pretty pictures, in sleek frames. Not just pics of your dog or lover, but maybe even a picture of a dream vacation spot or whatever it is that you personally find motivating. 

Check out these these stylish desks ( from seejanework.com). If only I could spin my wheels from 9 to 5 at one of these...

The Holiday Table

Setting the table in many ways sets the mood for the evening. I personally think candles are the most important element in table top design because they are so warm and inviting and work well in all settings. The second most important element is the stemware since it ultimately will set the tone- champagne glasses call for a celebration, crystal signals formality and stemless wine glasses create a casual vibe. 

Candles + gorgeous stemware= tabletop heaven. 

Did I mention I LOVE the holidays?

I'm Dreaming of a Colorful Christmas....

It's by far the best time of the year. I absolutely love getting in the holiday spirit the weekend after Thanksgiving and I took full advantage of it this weekend by drinking champagne and decorating my apartment to the tunes of Michael Bublé.  Since red and green would severely clash with my light blue-green walls I opted for a colorful christmas theme and decked out my tree with every shade under the rainbow. I didn't go as far as colored lights, but the eclectic array of ornaments on my Christmas tree turned out to be surprisingly festive and fun. Here's some photos that inspired my holiday look and some places where you can pick up the goods! 

Images via HGTV.com 

target.com

 etsy.com

Wedding Wednesday: Planted, Potted and Pretty

It's always a toss up between decking my apartment out with live plants and flowers or taking the easier route with faux floral arrangements. I've tried a number of different types of house plants and potted flowers in my place and outside on my balcony- and all of them have had a shockingly short life. I haven't given up on my dream to turn my thumb green yet so I started looking for ways to give my greenery some stronger roots and a little more sunshine. Here's some idea's I stole from wedding reception décor that I love love love. It's all so easy to do yourself and it makes me feel so happy just looking at it.

I'm obsessed with rustic ladders and although I might not want to put one inside, it would be perfect to put on my balcony so that my plants can get maximum sunlight . So obsessed!

This is such a great idea- these tin tubs are so versatile and you usually see them stuffed with beverages but I love this idea of using them for a planter.

Moss is low maintenance and an easy way to get some greenery inside. Moss piled high in a cylinder and topped off with a glistening candle just looks whimsical to me.

Trendsetter Tuesday: Chevron Chic

Whenever I fall for a trend it's so hard for me to imagine that one day, many years from now, I'm going to look back and say "what was I thinking?" I refuse to believe that what's popular today will be outdated tomorrow, especially when it comes to this fun zig-zag print. There's dozens of ways to incorporate chevron into your home since it's so hot right now and I think the best way to do it is to go big and bold! Cascading chevron drapes are an über stylish addition to a small space like an office or studio and instantly draw your eye up, making the room feel larger. A gigantic chevron area rug is the prefect way to energize a dull space or pull together an eclectic array or furnishings. In my opinion, more is more with this pattern so I'm purchasing the black and white option for both my living and dining room. It really tops off my mix-matched aesthetic and harmonizes the two adjacent rooms. Here's some fab looks and thrifty finds! 

 decorpad.com

 etsy.com

 o.co

urbanoutfitters.com

Wedding Wednesday: Falling for Fall

I decided that I'm going to dedicate one day a week to really great wedding décor and style. I love stealing lavish tablescapes and flower arrangements from wedding reception décor and incorporating it into my own home for dinners and celebrations. These seasonally inspired wedding receptions are fabulous and full of comforting touches that make me want to brew up some apple cider and turn my home into a fall retreat.

marthastewartweddings.com

 theknot.com

 marthastewartweddings.com

Trendsetter Tuesday: Patterned Paradise

Patterns are popping up everywhere and I can't get enough. This season I'm starting to see the transition of geometric patterns from textiles to furniture and decorative accessories. I was wandering through the design district today and I stopped in Jonathan Adler's store for my "Happy Chic" fix. No one does bold fearless patterns like Adler and in true fashion, his bevy of bright geometric vases immediately jumped out at me. I could just see a collection of these little gems posted up on a white console in a dramatic entry way or at the center of attention in a dining room. 

 

jonathanadler.com

I am also absolutely crushing on Palmer Weiss' incredible Palm Beach luxury aesthetic and her use of patterned dining room furniture to create a look that gushes glamour and sophistication. The stark whiteness of the chairs juxtaposes the rich chocolate walls achieving a gigantic geometric statement. For me- this is patterned paradise at its best. 

decorpad.com