Trendsetter Tuesday: Painted Portals

I'm constantly looking for thrifty ways to add interesting design elements to my apartment. I'll admit that along the way there have been some hits and misses but I'm always up to try a fresh idea with some spunk. These days I'm fanatical about the look of a painted door. I love how it's a dramatic, yet severely simple idea that everyone can try- and not to mention it sure beats having to paint an entire room! Enticing and mysterious, a painted portal becomes the center of attention in any home or apartment making this a trend that will stand the test of time. 

 decorpad.com

Housebeautiful.com

Rustic Elegance

If I were given the task of designing a formal dining room I would be at a grave disadvantage. The idea of filling up such a momentous space with impractical, stuffy furniture irks me to the core. My ideal dining room is one that, above all, is inviting. A place that elicits putting your elbows on the table and devouring family-style meals as memorable as the infamous conversations that take place. Glowing candles, fresh flowers and glistening mirrors are no-brainers for creating a charming ambiance, but pair them with a distressed farmhouse table and streamlined chairs and you get a look that exudes effortless elegance from every angle. 

Here's some pieces I found to recreate the look

Clockwise:

1. Sheffield Side Chair in Antique Blue- $169.00 homedecorators.com

2. Garden Roses 

3. Star Mirrors-$79.00 potterybarn.com

4. Athenia 5 Light Chandelier- $99.00 smartbargains.com

5. Crystorama Traditional 6 Light Chandelier- $649.00 smartbargains.com

6. Kensington Dining Table- $199.00 Worldmarket.com

7. Princeton Upholstered Linen Dining Chairs- $182.00 for a pair o.co