American Woman

I know everyone keeps saying Emerald is the 2013 color of the year after Pantone's announcement, but I'm leaning toward navy. I see it popping up everything...and now paired with a dark pink or red. Very American I must say...mmm, or British;-) Blair at Atlantic-Pacific pulled together a navy and red look yesterday that could easily be translated into an interior!

Designer Meredith Heron's victorican house in Toronto.

Going more modern in California.

Warm with some burlap on the walls.

Open and airy.

If you want to tone it down.

Aussie Style

A little international perspective is good in design and life in general. It keeps us open to new ideas, satiates our curiosity and challenges our creativity. St. Augustine wrote, "The world is a book, and those that do not travel read only one page." This is so true and I am SOOOOO over people who have or make I Love Paris stuff when they have never even been. I won't profess to being a crazy globe trotter, but I do love to see and experience other countries. Last year, I was lucky enough to visit the UK and Spain on two separate trips. But, my all time favorite will still be Australia for the people, culture and breadth of scenery the country provides. Oh, and this is all leading to some favorite Aussie rooms!

Annie Benjamin.

Brendan Wong

Diane Bergeron

Diane Bergeron

Ish & Chi

Black & Gold DIY Love

I haven't put up a chalk board in my home or painted one anyway, but I absolutely love this idea from Dimples & Tangles blog. Using drawer pulls upside down to house small items. You could even do this with keys!

Speaking of black and gold, the popular 24K Wishbone painting now comes in black!

Available here. 

Designer Feature Sally Markham

I was enjoying brunch on Sullivan's Island the other Sunday with some wonderful friends and the discussion turned to the island's Art and Chef walk. The walk features food, art and all within fabulous beach homes across the island. So, three of my favorite things...Sullivans (where I lived for a short time), FOOD and Art. I didn't attend it last year and have been kicking myself ever since. Hence, I now have it on my calendar for this fall already! Anyways, the conversation turned to the ONE house they couldn't stop talking about. Turns out it was decorated by Sally Markham and featured in House Beautiful and photographed by Thomas Loof. Sally loves uncluttered, simple rooms...mostly monochromatic light walls with pops of color in her accents. Here are some pics of the house and other Sally Markham creations:

Photo by Amy Neunsinger (design by Mark D. Sikes and Michael Griffin).

Photo by Pieter Estersohn (design by Sally Markham)

X Marks The Spot

I love small X benches. I don't have room for them anywhere, but love their utility for seating, table surface and pairing for a space. Here are a few good looks:

One of my all time favorite groupings!

Love this grouping. Go with this painting on Etsy to make your own console table super chic and pretty. 

Simple and pure. 

Love the use of X benches at the end of a bed. 

If you don't have room for a desk chair, this is perfect to slide underneath to save space. 

Now, a few great picks!

The STEAL find at under $100! Found here. 

X Bench Picks by gildedmint on Polyvore

A Gilded Mint Party!

January is such a lull in festivities, that I felt the need to put a little 'party' theme out there just to tie us over until the birthdays, Valentine's Day and baby showers begin. Here are a few gold and mint inspirations to have you say "Cheers!"

A Martha Stewart Creation.

A fabulous compilation by Confetti Daydreams. Can you believe that vintage brooch bouquet? It's from Zoe Grace Blooms on Etsy. AMAZING!

Gold and Mint garland from PenelopeandLala on Etsy.

Just a simple gold charger plate dresses up any party. Just add some turquoise or mint!

Tara Guerard of Soiree here in Charleston is THE wedding planner currently (think Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds). I love the seagrass tent lining with touches of mint, white and gold chairs. 

Adding a little pink sets off the mint menus!

Love these little gold lanterns. 

Mint on top of gold. Perfect accent.