Winter Wonderland

Now that December is almost here, I'm getting so excited for Christmas music, pretty wrapping, snow, and twinkle lights.  What are your favorite holiday staples?

[Images courtesy of Sterling Reflections Photography, Dress Design Decor, Deliciously Organized, Dreaming of a White Christmas Tumblr, & Leslie Thomson on Flickr]

The Little Things

I'm thankful for having a Thanksgiving that was filled with friends and family, stuffing, leftovers, safe travels, and the beginnings of Christmas decorations. So here's just a simple saying for you on this Monday. 

[Images courtesy of Jose Villa & Tumblr]

Ivory & Night

Layers, textures, and neutral colors are quickly becoming my staples this holiday season.  Hope you enjoy these chunky knits, nude accessories, and this cozy interior as you relax with family after Thanksgiving.  And to all of you brave enough for Black Friday...happy shopping!

[Atlantic Pacific, Where the Sidewalk Begins, Natalie Merrillyn, Sacramento Street]

Lake Logos

Graphic Designer Nicole Meyer started a project to brand each lake of Minnesota.  Her project "Branding 10,000 Lakes" is a great way to bring tourism to the Minnesota area and puts a fresh spin on not-so-pretty lake logos. I love the color palette these logos create when displayed together and the textures and fonts make each one unique.  Even though I don't know anything about the individual lakes, the way Nicole has branded them makes me feel like I know a little bit about each one.

 

Kate Spade's Home

In addition to the Kate Spade bag I have on my Christmas list, I'm adding the interior of her home, too.  I'll take the artwork on the wall, the striped kelly green wallpaper, and those luxurious chairs. I love the muted neutrals layered behind stripes, textures, and color.  Design intent is carried out into every detail from the lighting to the door hardware.  I think her home's interior fits the classic quality and detailed craftsmanship that her bags do.

[Images courtesy of Greige Design]

I dreamt about a Yellow Necklace

and since then I've been on the hunt to find one as pretty as the one I remember in my dreams.  Random I know, right?  But the more I think about it, the more I love the idea of a pop of yellow against a navy blazer, black tee, and the list goes on and on.  Which necklace is your favorite?

[a.  Jewelry by Jessica T on Etsy, b.  Tree & Kimball on Etsy, c. Elva Fields,  d.  Drawing Room Necklace from Anthropologie]

Pile on the Weekend

Lately I've been drawn to photographs of log piles.  Their rustic but organized quality reminds me of home, camping, and my dad burning fires in our fire place.  I hope you have a great weekend and find a way to make wherever you are or whatever you're doing to make you feel at home.

 [Images courtesy of Simon Bates on Flickr, The Chic Line, In A Minor Chord on Flickr, Modern Hepburn]

Cozy Texture

The recent cooler temperatures have got me craving cozy textures and layers of warmth.  Chunky sweaters and sunlit interiors inspired this collection of interior furniture and accessories.

a.  Bryant Chair, Ethan Allen, $1259
b.  Reclaimed Leather & Jute Rug, World Market, $69.99
c.  Sweater Vases, Crate & Barrel, $29.95 each
d.  Birch Pillar Candles, World Market, $6.99-$24.99
e.  Novica Black Luxurious Geometry Alpaca Wool Throw Blanket, World Market, $107.99

[Images courtesy of Emma's Design Blogg, Crush Culdesac, Treasure the Little Things Tumblr]

Monochromatic Tablescape

As soon as I saw this HGTV tablescape, I knew I had to recreate it.  I love the black and white monochromatic color scheme with accents of metallics.  Natural pumpkins and glittery gourds look so chic when paired with whites and blacks.  This table has such a festive look and could easily transfer from Thanksgiving to Christmas by simply switching out the pumpkins and gourds for ornaments and bulbs. I've found some pieces below to help recreate this look but have tailored it for Christmas by using ball shaped ornaments instead of gourds.  I'd love to hear what you think about this look!

a.  Chilewich Cubic Gunmetal Runner, Crate & Barrel, $27.95
b.  Gold Jingle Jungle Ornament, Pier 1 Imports, $4.95
c.  Antique Glass Silver Origami Ball Ornament, Crate & Barrel, $3.50
d.  London Small Clear Hurricanes, Crate & Barrel, $24.95
e.  Dansk Bistro Cafe Stainless Flatware, Macy's, $29.99 for 5-piece setting
f.  Nora Wine Glasses, Crate & Barrel, $8.21
g.  Grasscloth Pewter Placemat & Napkin, Crate & Barrel,
h.  Gold & Silver Luster Glass Onion Ornaments, Pier 1 Imports, $2.95
i.  Silk Ribbon Slate Setting, Lauren Ralph Lauren at Macy's, $80 for 5-piece setting
j.  Set of 3 Antique Glass Polka Dot Ornaments, Crate & Barrel, $8.85
k.  Set of 4 Glitter Pine Metallic Ornaments, Crate & Barrel, $27.50

Autumn Barns

My favorite thing about fall besides pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkins are the turning leaves.  The leaves are at their peak in Charlotte right now, but at the same time I miss seeing rural farms and open fields in autumn. There's nothing like a rustic barn with a backdrop of brightly colored leaves. But until I can go home for Thanksgiving and see them in person, here are a few barns and color palettes to inspire :)

Mantle Findings

 I'm so blessed to have a wood-burning fire place in our apartment.  Lately I've been looking for mantle decorating inspiration and here are some of the favorites I've found.

I decided to combine some of my favorite ideas in photoshop so I could share my visual ideas with you guys.  So here's my photoshop rendering of a Christmas mantle.  I think the fresh lime green accents is a contemporary twist on a classic Christmas color.  Filling apothecary jars with ornaments is a simple way to add color and could easily be filled with mini pumpkins, wine corks, sand & shells, etc. depending on the season.  Hanging letters in front of small mirrors is another versatile option that can be changed for different occasions.

[Items used in mantle rendering: a. Covered Jars, b. Found pinecones, c. Noelle Mirrors, d. Burlap Ribbon, e. Antique Glass Textured Ball Ornaments, f.  Zinc Letters, g.  Set of 4 Glitter Stripe Ball Ornaments,  h.  3-piece Astoria Candleholders,   i. Pale Lime chinois Silk Ribbon]

Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood is one of my weaknesses.  I dream of having a home one day with rustic wooden floors and reclaimed wooden headboards, shelving, and tables.  Don't you love this wine trough set into a wooden picnic table and the painted wooden floor? From decor to weddings, rustic wood provides the perfect backdrop.

Becca's Rustic Wedding Mood Board

It's been a while since I've created a wedding mood board, but with a big event coming up I thought it would be the perfect occasion to make a rustic themed image board:) This board is inspired by my friend Becca of Sterling Reflections Photography.  These images fit what I see her wedding style as- simple & rustic with handmade detailed and fresh colors.  Her Pinterest is full of more images that show her style and creativity.  And be sure to check out some of her amazing engagement photos on Katelyn James Photography Blog. Happy Wedding Planning Becca!

[Style Me Pretty, Ruffled. Style Me Pretty Texas, Alex Burrow on Pinterest, Amanda Sheehan on Pinterest, Justine Impola on Pinterest, Ruffled]

Trends: Antler Accessories

Lately I've been seeing antlers everywhere.  Chandeliers, wall mounts, graphics-they are a trend in fashion and interiors.  This suits me just fine especially since I have a husband that loves to hunt! (I'm still trying to convince him to make me an antler chandelier!) But until that happens, here are some stunning pieces of jewelry that can bring the antler trend into your everyday style. And the best thing about all these pieces is that they are handmade sold on Etsy for totally affordable prices!

a.  Dainty Antler Silver Necklace by Moon Light for Violet
b.  Bronze Whitetail Deer Antler Ring by Moon Raven Designs
c.  White Stag Antler Earrings by Peaches and Pebbles
d.  Sterling Silver Antler Post Earrings by Autumn Equinox