be bold with stripes!

Stripes have started to make a major statement across the board - in design, fashion, interiors - just about anywhere you look!  I'm seriously considering incorporating some painted stripes into my house [it's already taken over a large portion of the rest of my life], and I have been finding some great inspiration!!

left:  via {bh&g}   |   right: via {elements of style}

Look what a difference context can make!  The image on the left shows how clean and fresh a simple grey stripe can be, and the image on the right shows how a black & white contrast stripe with gallery-style photos on the walls can make for such an eclectic mix.

 left: via {west elm}  |  right: via {rue mag}

Check out the way the tile & grout lines make almost a pinstripe in the bathroom on the right.  So masculine, next to such a feminine claw-foot tub!

left: via {west elm}  |  right: via {elements of style}

left: via {kate spade}  |  right: via {etsy}

Want.

 via {j. crew}

left: via {kate spade}  |  right: via {etsy}

These notepads help combat miserable Mondays, and these straws help combat miserable 100 degree days!  Add a little color, and everything seems happier!

via {elements of style}

Check out this Dorothy Draper wallcovering juxtaposed with this teal striped ceiling.  Can you imaging walking down these stairs?  Dizzy much??

via {sketch 42}

I think this is exactly what I am looking for in my house!  So clean and subtle!

Kidding.

the story of my life.

haute obsessions № 2 - west elm edition

I apologize for my absence.  I would love to say I have just been too busy, but honestly, I spent the weekend on the sofa in my jammies.  And it was awesome.

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For this edition of haute obsessions, I have collected some of the many many things that I am currently in love and major want with from West Elm.  I love that store so much... who doesn't?!

1 {apothecary jars}

Perfect for all of those bathroom (and kitchen) essentials, and completely customizable with word etchings.  A place for everything and everything in it's place! 

2 {throw pillows}

I am on a grey and yellow kick lately, and it's the color scheme that I'm working into my guest bedroom/office.  I'm drooling over these pillows, specifically the one in the front.

3 {ceramic side table}

I need another ceramic stool/table for my bathroom, right next to my awesome giant tub!  Everyone needs somewhere to sit their glass of wine and magazine when taking a bubble bath!  And what can be more perfect than a ceramic table?  Completely waterproof!

4 {glass table lamp}

Love.  Nuff said.

5 {carved wood table}

Yum.

6 {safari rug}

Everyone needs a little animal print.  And it's so subtly done.  Yes?

7 {pendant}

Industrial chic is everywhere these days.  What I wouldn't give for a pair of these staggered over my pretend awesome dining table.

8 {turned table lamp}

I love this lamp, but I must say, I love mine more. See below:

This was the world's ugliest brass table lamp, and I must give my mom credit.  She painted it glossy white, and it has a whole new life now.  (She didn't agree, which is why it is mine now...)

P.S. Travis - I looked.  Walmart didn't deliver.  I'm poor.  Therefore, Target shade stays.

color concepts № 1

I'm beginning a new series on my blog showing examples of color consults offered in my design services page.  I can create something like this to any extent needed - just let me know what you're looking for!  I have given color equivalents in Benjamin Moore colors, so that you can recreate the one you love!

This room is a current-day take on 1970's colors with mid-century shapes.  I think this room is so beautiful... and I just can't get over that light fixture!

 room image via {material girls}

just a little reminder...

via {pinterest}

my apologies

My apologies... I haven't written a post since Thursday!  I promise, I have some good ones in the works.  I'm thinking my week will lighten up and we'll be back to a normal posting schedule in no time, but until then, here's a little graphic illustration of what my problem is:

via {pinterest}

sarah's houses

My friend Travis over at The Well Appointed Home recently did a blog post about Tommy Smythe, design assistant to Sarah Richardson.  His work is beautiful, and it gave me the idea to address Sarah, herself.

Some of you may know Sarah Richardson from the ever-such-a-thorn-in-my-side HGTV.  but honestly, she's the only "designer" on there that I'll give the time of day to.  She is, indeed, a real designer, and an amazing one at that.  I am a regular viewer of all of her shows, but I have to say, Sarah's House is my favorite.

This dining room and kitchen are from a penthouse apartment that Sarah did.  I am over the moon over the cabinet doors in that madagascar ebony wood and the light fixture over the dining table.  What an amazing alternative to the traditional chandelier in your formal dining room.

These are some great solutions to small spaces from her website.  On the left is a dining area that accommodates a 6-top table in an apartment that does not have a dining room at all.  This is a great workspace, and it's so great to have this resource when having a dinner party!  On the right you'll see a beautiful floor in a powder room of a basement.  Powder rooms are the perfect place to use a very expensive or elaborate flooring or wallcovering.  Because the space is so small, you won't be spending very much for a lot of impact!

Above is a bathroom and laundry room is one of the Sarah's House homes.  Who wouldn't kill for this laundry room?! 

This is the entry to my favorite of the Sarah's House seasons.  This is from the mid-century back split that she designed.  First of all, this grey is the perfect color for me.  The white of the banister and moldings and the dark floors make for the ideal light/dark mix.  Anyone that knows me will tell you: I love neutrals like nobody's business!

This is the living room and kitchen of the same home.  I love the pink accents in the living area.  And the kitchen shows how great it can look to do different colored cabinets on the top and bottom.  As a general rule of thumb, do a darker tone on the bottom and a lighter version of the same color on the top.  I think if it was me, I would do a medium grey on the bottom and a light grey on the top.  Perfect for when you just can't pick a color!

If you aren't familiar with Sarah's work, be sure to check her out on HGTV.  and then, when the show goes off, so should your TV.  the rest is just a big no-no.  :)

all images via {Sarah Richardson Design}

get to know me award

Travis over at The Well-Appointed Home tagged me in the Tell Me About Yourself Award.  Thanks!!  The rules are:

Thank the person who tagged you:  Thanks again, Travis!

List 7 things that people don't know about you:  See below!

Tag 15 people: I am so new to the blogging scene, I don't have very many friends yet!  So - I tag every blogger that reads this post!  Seriously, I tag you!

1.  I am originally from Savannah, GA, and currently live in Atlanta, GA.

2.  I am married to my high school sweetheart.  We began dating when I was only 14, and have now been married for almost 4 years.

3.  Right after college graduation, we moved to Dubai, UAE together for an awesome job opportunity.

4.  I have 4 years of hospitality design experience, and am currently trying to make a name for myself in e-design and home consultation.  Check out my design services page!

5.  I originally started looking into going to the Art Institute of Atlanta after graduation for culinary arts.  It didn't take long to realize that late nights in a hot kitchen wasn't exactly my style.  For now, I just enjoy cooking at home and learning from the Food Network.

6.  I love NYC - and would move there in a heartbeat.  

7.  My furry boy is named Max, an 8 year old shih tzu.  He thinks he is human and wouldn't dream of sleeping anywhere but right between myself and my husband in the bed.  He's the most adorable boy in the world - see what I mean??

Ta Da!  Ok, see you all tomorrow!

arranging bookshelves

Arranging bookshelves can be one of the hardest things to get right when decorating.  I, personally, have re-arranged mine umpteen times - and still do a little tweaking every once in a while.  I have gathered a few of my favorite images from across the web of the best bookshelves... built-in and mobile alike.

via {Lonny}

Both of these images are so lovely and show such a bright and cheery accent to the room.  

left: via {my home}  |  right: via {bookshelf porn}

I love the idea of arranging books by color - as a matter of fact, the image on the left is of my personal bookshelf.  The shelf itself is the expedite bookshelf from ikea.  The image on the right makes me drool. So many pretty books!  And so perfectly arranged!

 left: via {rue mag}  |  right: via {my home}

Built-ins are a perfect place for display as well as storage - a place to put all of those magazines that you've been hoarding and all your pretty chotchkies.  The image on the right is what I have come up with in my own home.

via {rue mag}

Simplicity.  Always so wonderful.

And those bowls are so very kate spade.  And everyone knows I love me some kate spade.

How do you address your bookshelves?  Have you been inspired by any of these?

dreaming...

...of a fabulous place.

via Glitter Guide