Bring it On, 2017

Hello all and Happy New Year! It's been quite some time that I haven't made a post (I feel like that is the start of the last few post's I've done) but I am back! This year I am committed to doing a few things that I been thinking about for quite some time. For more than a year, I've been pondering the thought of getting my degree in Interior Design versus taking individual classes, or just gaining as much experience as possible without taking any classes. Although I have been gaining invaluable experience, I would love to take classes to learn the different computer programs which ultimately leads me to my first goal of 2017 - to apply to FIT and start classes this year. My second goal is to own my art business. Lately, I have only been creating custom paintings which aren't always what I want to paint. I would love to create one piece each month or two, and post it on my Etsy page. I have fell off of my Etsy, too, as I haven't kept it up to date at all so I really would love to take the time and create paintings that I love and mean something to me, and if someone wants to purchase it, even better :) My third goal this year is to design a whole space whether it's my own or another's and enhance my portfolio. I can create space plans and mood boards, but I would love to see them come to life in one's home. My very fourth goal is to learn Spanish. I have taken Spanish in high school and two years in college so you would think I could speak fluently by now but that's not the case. I think it's so beneficial to know another language, and this is the year I am going to try my best to learn Spanish as fluently as possible. So there it is! I know it sounds like a lot, but I feel like if I stay committed and set timelines for myself, I can reach them all. I encourage all of you to continue to follow your dreams, whatever they may be. The below quote couldn't of said it better. Stay tuned for my next post!

PS. Redesign of my blog coming soon :)

Color of the Week: Sand

One of Pantones Spring 2014 colors, Sand, is my color of the week this week. Why? Well, what other neutral can you think of that can go with pretty much anything or look amazing on its own? I say why not keep this as color of the week...every week? It is the perfect color to create a serene, classy look but can also look just as fierce and chic. Here is a mood board I created with some items that I think are worth checking out for this coming spring...and for the rest of the year ;) 

1 / Mykonos Throw Pillow / ZGallerie

2 / Diamond Jute Rug / Serena and Lily 

3 / Soho Tufted Corner Sectional in Sand Belgian Linen  / Restoration Hardware

4 / Sand Tropez / Essie

5 / Madison Christie Carryall in Saffiano Leather / Coach

6 / Franco Sarto

Xo,

In Love with Lacquer

It's easy to fall in love with the look of lacquer (try saying that ten times fast). This high gloss finish can be put on a wide array of home items - cabinets, dressers, tables, trays, jewelry boxes, lamps, etc. Lacquer originates from East Asia where tinted resin was used by artisans to decorate different objects.

It is a tough, durable and water-resistant finish. The best part is that it crosses between traditional and modern so lacquer usually looks great no matter what style you're looking for and can make an otherwise boring item look fierce and chic. It also looks amazing paired with textural items - For example, a lacquered coffee table next to a tufted sofa. Here are some of my favorite lacquer pieces - Enjoy!!

White lacquer parsons desk - A classic, chic piece from West Elm. I can picture this desk paired with a tufted linen or leather chair in a bold color.

One of my favorite pieces from Bunalow5 - the Jacqui Coffee Table. They have quite a collection of lacquer items from coffee tables to dressers to accent tables - if you want it lacquered, Bungalow5 will have it.

Like I mentioned, lacquer can cross between different design styles like with the Mid-Century 3-Drawer Dresser from West Elm.

This traditional dresser from Chelsea Textiles has an antiqued lacquer finish but still has a high gloss look.

This stylish drum shade chandelier comes in a funky design and black lacquer finish. Found at ShopCandelabra.com.

Lacquer can look fabulous paired with wood, texture and in these particular nesting tables from Jonathan Adler, with brass. 

This geometric mirror from the Redford Collection has a distressed, multi-layered lacquer finish and a hand finished look. I absolutely love the color as well. Found at LaylaGrace.com.

Also part of the Redford House Collection on LaylaGrace.com, this cottage chic chair also has a hand finished look created from a unique multi-layered, high-quality lacquer process. A bunch of these chairs would look amazing paired with a white lacquer parsons dining table - don't you think? Love it!

There you have it - some of my favorite lacquered pieces from traditional to modern to mid-century. I hope you love them as much as I do. Do you have any lacquer in your home or an item that you would like to have lacquered?

(Sources: ElleDecor.com, About.com, DIYNetwork.com)

Xo,

Crazy for Countertops

There should be at least one piece that acts as a point of interest in a space and then everything else should fall into place (cute rhyme, right?). When it comes to kitchens, I think those point of interest pieces should be your countertops. There are many different types for different uses and different people. So how do you find out which one is best for you? Countertops are just one of many finishes in a kitchen, but it takes up a lot of surface area and gets a lot of use which is why it is important to pick the right one. The ones I will mention are only just a few of the more popular choices - there are tons more! 

Granite 

- Comes in variety of colors & natural designs

- No two pieces are the same

- Comes in two finishes: Polished (shiny) and honing (soft & matte)

- Cost varied depending on the type of granite but can become very costly

- The lighter it is, the more likely you will need a sealer 

- Granite treated with resin may change color and usually darken and may react to sealer, for example making the granite darker

- The less calcite there is, the higher the grade and more expensive because of calcite being vulnerable to acids although this could be fixed with proper sealing

Marble

- Another natural stone like granite except a much softer stone along with limestone and soapstone

- Each piece of marble is unqiue, no two pieces are the same

- Require greater care and delicate use 

- Stains and scratches easily

- Need to be sealed periodically to prevent absorption from liquids 

Engineered Stone

- Comes in a wider variety of colors than natural stones

- Great for higher use, resists heat well, easy to maintain

- Usually are acid-resistant and nonabsorbent 

- Resists stains and liquids unlike natural stones

- Depending on what materials are made to create the engineered stone, the performance of the stone may vary (Example: The performance of engineered stone that is made with chunks of marble will be limited depending on the amount and size of marble in the stone)

- Despite being engineered and not natural, the cost  and look between the two is about the same

Recycled Glass

- Eco-friendly option

- Highly durable

- Glass pieces embedded in cement

- Needs to be sealed periodically

- Offers a unique look

- Resist cuts, heat and abrasion but may crack when a hot pan is placed on top

Concrete

- Can be completely customized

- Available in several finishes; Trowel (smooth), Ground (Sanded) and Pressed (Revealing of a marble-like look)

- Drastic temperature changes may cause concrete to warp

- Recommended to seal four times per year and waxed periodically to avoid stains from spills due to the porous nature of concrete

Butcher Block

- Perfect for warming up the feel of a kitchen

- Three types: Edge Grain (most common for counters, strong, stable and less expensive), Flat Grain (Less suitable for counters with greater use), and End Grain (Strongest and most expensive butcher block, great for surfaces with frequent use and cutting because of its camouflaging ability)

- Very easy to clean and can sand down scratches

- Ages well with proper keep up but may dull and crack without

- Must be oiled frequently to protect from water damage/stains

Laminate

- Most affordable countertop on the market

- Comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns

- Can scratch easily and scorch when a hot pan is placed down directly on the laminate

(Sources: Consumerreports.org, HGTV.com, Ask.com, Bobvila.com, Homesessive.com, Remodelista.com)

Xo,

Color of the Week: Dazzling Blue

This week I chose Dazzling Blue as color of the week because of how bold and stylish this color can be. As you can see in the mood board I created, not only does this color look fabulous in fashion but also in home decor as well. This color looks amazing on its own, paired with black or white, and in patterns. You can also make your space feel as masculine and feminine as you like using a splash (or two) of dazzling blue. Enjoy!

1 / I Know What the Boys Like by Deborah Lippmann

2 / Abacus Wool Dhurrie / WestElm.com

3 / Christian Louboutin Blue Suede Platform Sandals

4 / Carnaby Bluescale Set / JonathanAdler.com

5 / Mosaic Applique Pillow with Royal Blue and Oyster Linen / LacefieldDesigns.com

6 / Michael Kors Jet Set Crossbody

7 / Friendship Bracelet by FeltLikePaper / Etsy.com

Xo, 

Abstract Art in Interior Design

I am such a fan of abstract art and I think it can look fabulous in interior design as well. I am a painter myself and tend to paint more abstract art than anything else. Abstract art can look amazing in all different types of design styles such as contemporary, transitional, eclectic, industrial and even traditional. Here I wanted to share some paintings that I personally am a fan of that I've found online. What type of art are you a fan of? I'd love to know your thoughts!

Deep Water Current

ZGallerie.com

White Wash by Rachel Reinert 

RachelReinert.com

Original Abstract Art

by NatureandArt found on Etsy.com

Original Artwork by David Bromstad

Bromstad.com

Abstract City Skyline

Anonymous

Abstract Painting

found on TheRawCanvas on Etsy.com

Philosophy of Fashion

ZGallerie.com

This is one of my own original paintings that is now hanging in a buyers entryway! 

Here are some inspiring interiors that feature some beautiful abstract art:

Anonymous

Anonymous

Anonymous

Anonymous

David Bromstad

Xo,

Radiant Orchid Inspired Living Space

Radiant Orchid has been named the 2014 Color of the Year by Pantone (see my past post where I talk more about this vibrant color). I decided to come up with a mood board featuring different shades of this rich hue. I especially love this color paired with stark white, white lacquer, mirrored furniture and gray. 

Yay or nay?

1 / Wall Art / ZGallerie

2 / Hutton Lamp / Bungalow5

3 / Faceted Mirrored Side Table / West Elm

4 / Spruce Street Sofa with Nailheads / Serena and Lily

5 / Ikat Trellis Rug / RugsUsa

6 / Valentina Coffee Table / Bungalow5

7 / Accent Chair / Wayfair

 8 / Omni Pillow / ZGallerie

 9 / Suzani Pillow / Etsy

10 / Boulevard Pillow / ZGallerie

11 / Velvet Tufted Ottoman / World Market

Xo,

Pantone Color of the Year 2014: Radiant Orchid

Looking back on 2013, one color that truly stood out to me was Emerald Green which is why that was selected as Pantone color of the year 2013. As for 2014, Radiant Orchid is the newly selected color of the year and after looking at a few of the pictures in this post you will know exactly why. It's a color that is fun, chic and sophisticated all in one. I find that gold, red and turquoise go really well with this color which you will see in some of these photos. Used the right way either as the dominant color in a space or as an accent color - Radiant Orchid looks beautiful as the color of the year for 2014.

This space has a lot going on - grasscloth wallpaper, ikat, greek key, stripes and quatrefoil - yet seems to all come together very simply and cohesively. I love the mix of trendy patterns and adding the red sofa is a great way to switch up the colors.

A great way to make a bookshelf feel custom is to paint it with a splash of color - this shade of radiant orchid is painted in what looks like a high gloss paint which makes it stand out that much more (in a good way of course).

I love the way gold and radiant orchid look paired together - and specifically in this space I am loving the gold and white chevron pillows against that headboard.

Here the quiet patterns of radiant orchid and white look great paired with metallic features as well. With the sophisticated patterns, tufted headboard, metallic accents and transparent nightstands, this bedroom looks nothing short of elegant.

This space uses radiant orchid as the dominant color with accents of both red and gold to create a fun and inviting bedroom perfect for teens or guests.

In this neutral space, radiant orchid is used as a soft accent color by adding a throw blanket to the space. A plus in this living area is that it looks just as good with or without the throw and the homeowners can change the accent color simply by changing the color of the throw and/or accent pillows.

I love this foyer space - it looks amazing just the way it is but yet again you can change the accent color in this space simply by interchanging those items with another color (such as the Pantone color of the year 2015 when the time comes!)

Last but not least, you can't go wrong with ikat print and this deeper hue of radiant orchid looks amazing against the black chair frame, black and white rug and black border mirror.

Those were just a few of my favorite spaces with the color of the year 2014. I never was into much purple in a space but the different hues of this color paired with gold, red, turquoise or black and white looks too good to pass up. If you didn't know about this years color of the year - now you know! & I hope that this inspires you to add a little radiant orchid into your life.

Xo,