Sunday Obsession: Dash and Albert

Discovering the fabulous collection of Dash and Albert area rugs at Snappy Turtle yesterday made my weekend! I am absolutely, undeniably, obsessed with them. Usually when I make a mad dash for an item that catches my eye- I'm stopped short by the price tag, but Dash and Albert delivers the uncommon combo of quality and affordability. The plethora of contemporary prints, patterns and sizes provides endless options to coordinate with every room in your house. As if that wasn't enough, laylagrayce.com is offering free shipping on all Dash and Albert rugs so you can transform your floor with the flick of a finger. Check out some of my absolute favorites! 

Fashionable Friday: Everything that Glitters is Gold

Simply put: Silver is fine, but gold is divine. If I had it my way, me and my home would be all gussied up in gold. Right now I'm dying to get my hands on an antique gold mirror and a gold-sequined top. Is there anything better than twirling around on the dance floor during the holiday season dressed as a christmas ornament? Getting ready in front of a perfectly ornate antique gold mirror would have to be a close second. I might just have to splurge and get both. Afterall, they are both timeless staples, essential... and worth every penny. Buyer's remorse, shmuyers remorse, this is an investment people. Here's some of my favorite gilded items that have found their way into my heart!

1. Antique Gold Votive

2.Sunburst Mirror

3. Vince Gold Sequined Tee

4.Gold Tunic

5. Gold Garden Stool

6.Cade Table Lamp

7. Walton Mirror

Thrifty Thursday: Lighting for Less

decorpad.com

I absolutely love the look of a sleek drum pendant shade. Hanging solo over a dining room table or lined up in a row in a hallway, drum pendants are truly versatile and come in a variety of sizes and colors. When I moved into my apartment I was determined to switch out the monstrosity of  a light fixture that resided in my dining room. Since I'm renting, I knew it would be foolish to invest largely in the project, so I set out to find the best bang for my buck. After hours of searching I stumbled upon this little gem..

$49.95 cb2.com

The great thing about it is that it plugs into an outlet so it can literally be removed and rehung at the drop of a hat. I'm tempted to get another one to hang over my bed- but maybe I'll get this one instead..

$119.00 smartbargains.com

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

Pillow Talk

When it comes to making a bold statement, pillow talk is not to be underestimated. More than frequently, I find myself tempted by the feel of a luxurious Egyptian sham or seduced by a gutsy throw pillow that really speaks to me. My on-going love affair began when I discovered how much a seemingly small sack of feathers truly has to offer. Although modest in size, the right pillow can bring life to an outdated sofa, add drama to any room and transform a bed into a cloud. They truly are the quintessential accessory to take your home from drab to fab without breaking the bank. I'm currently infatuated with these...

A Girl Can Dream...

So here it goes. After months of contemplation I am finally jumping on the blogging bandwagon! I'm a recent college grad and newlywed living in the heart of South Beach and despite my many other pursuits (and my Political Science Degree) I have been overtaken with the desire to decorate. I envision myself  living in an uber posh pad equipped with sparkling chandeliers, vintage artwork and handwoven area rugs but, unfortunately, my bank account says otherwise. In my mission to overcome barren walls and sparce furnishings I have developed a sixth sense for a bargain and an even greater appreciation for affordable luxury. From one idea to the next, I hope to inspire you to create your own personal haven that's not just decorated, but Designed to the Nines.