Thursday, May 31, 2012

Coffee Table Books: The New Accessory

Many of us have them. They sit on the coffee table, on the bottom of a side table or finally get moved to a bookcase somewhere. But, stacking your favorite large books to provide height, personality and diversity to a space and grouping is a perfect decorating idea. Afterall, these books are essentially art in themselves! Add some flowers for color, a painting or print, and one other stylish item for your perfect vignette.

white lamp weave black shades

bookends for design books
 {images above at home of Erika Bretchel of Small Shop}
 
interior decorating popula painting
Purchased Gilded Mint painting in the home of Jennifer Willis, owner of Virginia Haskins & Company.
Her Etsy shop has loads of great vintage finds for this exact setting, from book ends to brass accents.

Carved marble bookends
Carved marble bookends from Virginia Haskins & Company.

22kt gold and teal pitcher vase
And, I personally have my eye on this gem. 22kt gold with turqouise as the ideal accent piece. I can see this next to a Gilded Mint painting, a vase of pink peonies and a few stacked design books. LOVE!
blue walls hall mirrored dresser
This is simple and uncluttered. Flowers, check! Artwork/photo, check! Accent piece with shine, check!
Coffee table books stacked, voila! {Via Houzz}

blue and white living room beach
Pretty white and blue living room. Check out stacked books on back console too. Keep it simple
because I believe the biggest decorating mistake people make is adding too much!

Glam foyer console table vignette with white milk glass vase, pink peonies, ...
I would take just one element off top, but otherwise fab. You can always sub your magazines for books.
Here, they used both. {Via Decorpad}

Gorgeous vignette with espresso stained shelves.
Quiz, if your closet looks like this, then you are: 1. A Celebrity; 2. Fashion Designer; or 3. Stylist.
All three of my top elements included! Mary Alice Stephenson's closet, so if you
guessed #3 then you are correct.

candles flowers books and interior decorating
These aren't coffee table books, but still same concept applies. Erin Featherstone's NYC apartment via Vogue. This was just too pretty not to include!

If you want some tips on stacking your books, this is from Emily Henderson as featured in HGTV Magazine:

bookcase arrangement organizing instruction

Happy Reading & Decorating!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Bar Carts in Vogue

An entertaining must these days is a bar cart or bar trolley. This is no tea cart mind you! Whether you are putting beverages, flowers or gift favors in them, they are mobile and just adorable. You can use as an accent furniture piece in an entryway for books and keys, as a bedside table or to hold lotions and makeup in the bath. Vintage or new, these add a touch of class to your home interior.

tea cart party idea
Oh so pretty! Pink and orange pop.

tea cart for bath
Bath accessory. {via Home & Leisure South Africa}

So elegant and rich looking. Just used a serving tray and stand. Painting via etsy.

The Decorista - Amazing vignette with gold faux bamboo Society Social Sedgewick Bar
{via Decorista}
eliware: Devil Wears Prada Wall collage desk, chair, mirror, photo gallery and bar cart.
If you checked out my post on Gallery Art, you'll see Anna Wintour was way ahead of us
all (isn't she always working at Vogue?) with her bar cart in sharp silver.
gold bar cart
Another gorgeous bar cart with flowers, pretty glasses, color and crystal.
{via Tulle and Trinkets}

Now, here are some favorites for you!

brass vintage bar cart
A fabulout 'tea' cart. {via Ebay}

bar cart interior decorating idea
{via Williams Sonoma Home}

Love this turquoise. {via Posh Living}
vintage bar cart
Another fabulous vintage find in brass. {via Ebay}

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Gallery Walls for Art & More

Gallery style groupings are popping up in homes everywhere. No longer just a set of kid or wedding photographs, or child artwork on the fridge, these groupings can have a mix of black and white photographs, paintings or prints. It's your chance to personally express yourself and your style...no longer relegated to just one picture or painting. Laying the artwork out on a floor, bed or table to view your different options before hanging will help. HGTV recommends starting with two to four pieces hung in the center at the same height to establish your anchor or focal point and fill in from there. If you are doing this over a sofa or furniture piece, it's recommended to leave at least 6-8 inches between the piece and your first artwork. Here are some gallery favorites.

how to hang gallery art
Blue walls with gold and black.

gallery wall with mirrors home decor idea
Different mirrors can also be grouped to create their own gallery display.
coral ikat gallery art grouping tufted ottoman mantle lantern
Good variety and pink/orange ikat chairs.

gallery wall with mirrors home decor idea chandelier staircase
A staircase is a perfect space for a gallery wall.
striped walls mirror gallery wall
And finally, a mix of photos, mirrors and lettered art. Great mix on striped walls.

eliware: Devil Wears Prada Wall collage   desk, chair, mirror, photo gallery and bar cart.
And, let's be honest, even the fashion queen herself gave herself a little gallery wall...centered with
octagon mirror. Anna Wintour of Vogue Magazine.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Kiawah Homes

In the spirit of Memorial Day, beach vacations, the coast, barbeques, sun and vacations, I thought I'd highlight a gorgeous home on Kiawah Island, SC. Just down the road, Kiawah is one of my favorite places to run, ride a bike or lunch overlooking the Ocean Course where the 2012 PGA Championship will be held this summer.

Kiawah House Interior Decorating
You would think this is something out of the Hamptons until you notice the palm trees and palmettos!
Kiawah Interior Design
Blue and white living room.
Kiawah home kitchen in white
Clean and simple offwhite kitchen.
Kiawah Home Pool and architecture
Check out the architecture!
marble bath kiawah home bath design
Yes, this is the bath in that tower.
kiawah island beach house
Seriously, this is your own beach path!

white kitchen subway tile marble countertops
One of my favorite Kiawah home kitchens in white and gray.

Happy Memorial Day!

Friday, May 25, 2012

Chandelier Color

Designers and savy home decorators are starting to use chandeliers as the color statement in the room. No longer just hanging there looking pretty, chandeliers are adding some pop to a room. Pink, turquoise, lavender, you name it.

dining room chandelier
Pink and gold in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Turquoise blue office design with West Elm white Parsons desk

 pink chandelier for home
Via Shades of Light...comes in a variety of colors.

contemporary french dining room design with turquoise empire chandelier, ...

 turquoise blue chandelier horchow
Now, THIS could not be any more perfect. It's a splurge and named after my mom!
The HEDY chandelier at Vielle & Frances. Horchow also has one similar.

Turquoise is very hot obviously.

colored chandelier lavender purple handing
Retro Glamour Via Horchow

soho apartment interior design
In a Soho Loft.

affordable interiors
Now, I always believe that good design CAN be affordable. When taking a risk with a colored chandelier, it may be best to stick with something $150 or below. This is from Urban Outfitters.

Pottery barn light
If you just want subtle color and love some femininity, this is perfect at $199 from PB Kids.

pink chandelier home decorating
Perfect in a stairwell.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Garden Stools

You may think this post is about sitting on a stool in your yard, or something to perch your tushie on while gardening, but think again. Garden stools are very popular in interiors as side tables and extra seating, especially when space is a factor or the need for mobility. I will be purchasing one here soon for my living room, and have come across some great pieces. They run the gamut on style and price, but my final pick is stylish and affordable!

I love the basketweave and simplicity of these. Via Neiman Marcus,
who dedicated a whole section to Garden Seats.

Pinned Image
I love the turquoise color.
Wisteria comes in with the most affordable option and a variety of colors. Loving the blue.

Suzie: Thornton Designs - Ivory & seafoam green foyer design with white & green pillows, cane ...
I love the use of this stool in the foyer. Notice ikat pillows from last post.

Suzie: BHG - Beautiful cottage bathroom with glossy white vanity, white garden stool, ivory ...
Seating for vanity in bath...so perfect for space.

Suzie: Munger Interiors - Chic beachy dining room space with white paneled walls, reclaimed ...
Can you spot it?

From Ballard Designs and I think my final pick. Great deal at $139.

Suzie: Style at Home - Christine Hanlon - Virginia MacDonald Photography - Chic living room ...
Living room again...check out the poof over mantle.

Suzie: Grant K. Gibson - Sweet bathroom with seamless glass shower, yellow garden stool, subway ...
Oh my goodness...super creative placement and utility in shower! Crushing on those tiles.

Suzie: Ana Antunes - Chic, sophisticated living room with gray blue linen wingback chairs ...
Turquoise tucked under the table.

Suzie: Toronto Interior Design Group - Chic living/dining space with multi-tone (black, blue & ...
If you need an extra seat at the table.
Z Gallerie has this Winslow Stool in elm wood. I like the rustic, softer feel to this. Very affordable.

Suzie: Fiorella Design - Formal living room with decorative wall moldings, silver garden stool, ...
And, finally, sleek silver paired with an abstract painting! Read my post on abstracts for home decor.