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

Thrifty Thursday: Black and White Steals the Show

It seems like lately I've been struggling to find the right combination of patterns, colors and textures to fit my ultra-feminine taste and are also suitable for a man to live with. I'm not looking to drench my walls in pink paint or anything, but I don't want to be surrounded by boring neutrals neither. It's times like this that I really have a strong appreciation for my two favorite colors (I know, they aren't really colors) but, indeed, they are my favorite- black and white. The two life savers; taking my wardrobe from Summer to Winter and my decór from feminine to gender-neutral. It may seem extreme, but me and black and white are in a never-ending love triangle. The dramatic contrast this classic combo creates feels ultra luxurious and even better, there's an abundance of great items available out there so you can achieve the look without denting your wallet. Here's some of my fav black and white looks and a few sassy steals! 

 decorpad.com

                    

1.Hemnes Dresser

2.Essentials Lampshade

3.Bukhara Pillow

4.Olin Rug

Monday Obsession: Tabletops by Martyn Lawrence Bullard

I'm in the process of restyling a double pedestal mahogany dining room table with Chippendale dining chairs (pics to come!) and I got to thinking about what I want to do for a centerpiece. I began flipping through several design books and was really struck by the incredible tabletop focal points created by Martyn Lawrence Bullard. I just love when design makes sense- when form and function come together in perfect harmony. There are many things you could stick in the center of a table just to eliminate that awkward bare space that begs for attention- but Martyn's placement of candlesticks and serve ware is not only visually striking, it conveys a sense of usefulness and permanence on the table. In terms of Martyn's design genius, this is only the tip of the iceberg, but for now I'm absolutely obsessing over his tasteful tabletops.

martynlawrencebullard.com

Spooky Style

It's the spookiest weekend of the year-but that doesn't mean it has to be the tackiest. Covering my pad in cob webs and garnishing my balcony with skeletons and flashing lights has never really been my thing but I don't want my place to have to miss out on all the festivities either. On my mission to make my apartment a little less cozy and a little more creepy I found some really great items to create my haute haunted house. Happy Halloween! 

 marthastewart.com

 target.com

etsy.com

 westelm.com

 westelm.com

o.co

Thrifty Thursday: Moroccan Poufs

When I first saw these cute little poufs popping up in decorating magazines I was immediately drawn to them. There's something so adorable and fun about this small, multi-functional accessory that compels me to believe every home deserves to have one (or two). 

I'm loving this look of opting for a pair of poufs at the foot of a bed instead of a more conventional looking bench or trunk. 

thenester.com

Or simply sporadically placing one in your family/living room 

paloma81.blogspot.com

Here's some not-so-pricey poufs-  from ekenoz.com- the absolute best bargain shop for Moroccan-style furnishings and accessories. 

$89.00 for a pair

Trendsetter Tuesday: Ikat Amore

I can't get enough of ikat, and thanks to it's recent spark in popularity, ikat can't get enough of me. This distinctive pattern creates an over-the-top, ultra invigorating, aesthetic that captures the essence of an exotic Indian retreat. The best part about this vibrant pattern is that a little bit goes a long way. Mixing in a few ikat textiles or accessories with what you already have can instantly revamp your place. Ikat may be in today, out tomorrow but I will always remain a loyal fan of this playful print. I'm loving the indigo variety right now- it's cool and rich at the same time. 

Image decorpad.com

 Skyline Armless Chair in Diamonds Blue

Jamie Young Lampshade

Blue Daphne Pillow