Author: nataliya

interior designer, dreamer, nature lover, wife. my goal is not to just transform spaces, but to also transform lives. (photo credit: VIE Magazine *I did not take this photo, but I did participate on this project)

color story: turquoise + lime

Turquoise and lime.  2 of my favorite colors of all time.  But how do they look together…? Obviously stunning.  Too much of a good thing is…well… fabulous!

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I LOVE this bedroom. The wallpaper and chair fabric are wonderful.

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These two colors are best accented against a white backdrop.

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 Green walls blue door!

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Look at those eyes!

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Spend the first few months of your life here and your destined to grow up with good taste.

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This tile makes my life complete. Seriously.

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My picks for turquoise + lime?  You got it.

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A) Audrey Brooke Betty Slingback Pump, DSW……    B) Madeline Chair, Urban Outfitters….  C)  Vent Pillow, Cococozy……  D) Quatrefoil Pillow, Cococozy……  E) Eilleen Kathryn Boyd  Fabrics by Duralee, (top to bottom:  15387-579 ,15377-246 , 15370-554) …… F) Kamal Vase, Z Gallerie…..   G) Pendant Necklace by Kate & Co. Jewelry, Etsy.com….  H)  Mexicali Smocked Maxi Dress, Old Navy

Earth Day, Everyday: green tips to integrate into your everyday life

(Photo Credit: Juul07 Photography)

I remember when I was in Elementary School, we would celebrate Earth Day by each receiving a tree that we could go out and plant.  Looking back, it was great and all, but I wish they really gave us insight on ways we could really help the environment.   There are so many little things we can do in our everyday life that make a greater impact.

A lot of people still (sadly) think that being “green” is for tree huggers or environmental fanatics.  Really, keeping our world beautiful is the responsibility for EACH OF US who live here.  Just as we take care of our shiny new car or iPhone or home, we need to take care of what is outdoors as well.

(Photo Credit: © Irene Suchocki, via her blog, Eye Poetry)

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Here’s some ideas to make the world a better place:
  • Begin recycling if you haven’t already.  Even if it’s just every milk jug, soda can, and cereal box.  You are keeping these items out of landfills.
  • Reuse paper and plastic bags
  • Carpool
  • Turn off the lights, computers, TV’s, etc when you are not using them
  • Open windows instead of using the A/C
  • Use natural daylight instead of lights
  • Minimize the amount you waste by not buying things you don’t need or will not use for long
  • Don’t litter. Ever.
  • Turn your thermostat off when you are not home.
  • Try to buy commonly used items that are biodegradable, like paper plates and disposable silverware.

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(Photo Credit: © Ashley Herrin. Grand Teton National Park)

spring in bloom

One of my favorite things about Spring is when the flowers begin to bloom.  Fresh flowers can make a whole room just GLOW.  That’s why it’s no secret that flowers are used for big events like weddings and parties, home staging to entice potential home buyers, and for photo shoots for your favorite magazine.  They make us feel happy inside and loved.

(Photo Credit: Design Sponge)

One of my favorite are big garden roses, like pictured above.

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And peonies.  Oh I’m a fool for peonies!

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FLOWERS IN LIVING SPACES

White or cream flowers can have a sophisticated effect.

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(Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens)

Brightly colored flowers add excitement.

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(Photo found on Pinterest)

Using flowers that color coordinate in the room reinforces the scheme, helping the space feel more uniform and orderly.

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FLOWERS IN DINING SPACES

(Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy)

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(Photo Credit: Emersonmade.com)

Gorgeous table setting. (Also a huge fan of the EAT napkins!)

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(Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings)

A few large blooms in bud vases can be more powerful than a huge bouquet.

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FLOWERS IN SLEEP SPACES

(Photo found on Pinterest)

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(Photo Credit: decor8)

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(Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens)

These flowers pull out the pink in the bedding and make it pop!

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(Photo Credit: Tumblr)

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Happy Friday! 🙂

PersonalDNA Personality Test

I’m all about self discovery.  I believe to reach our full potential we have to truly know ourselves and what our strengths are.  I found this personality test online called PersonalDNA, and thought I’d share with each of you.  It’s totally free and does not make you sign up with your email.  It’s so interesting to find out new things about yourself (or even confirm what you’ve always known!)

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The test has you answer a series of questions, and then determines a two-word descriptor of your personality, based on your answers.  Mine was: Encouraging Creator.

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The first word describes how you relate to others.

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The second word describes you.

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Overall, I think it’s pretty dead on!

What did ya’ll get?  Did you agree with the results?  What aspects of your personality do you believe are your best strengths?

bringing the outdoors inside

One of the best ways to breathe life into a room is to bring what’s outdoors, in.  Earthy inspired spaces are all the buzz right now.  More than just a trend, embracing the beauty of nature creates a timeless feel.  Freshening up your space has never been so easy.

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Tip #1:  Use natural materials as architectural elements.

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Wood beams or floors. Stone fireplaces. River Rock surfaces.  All so beautiful.  And they create such a focal point.

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Tip #2: Accessorize with plants, rocks, and trees.

(Source: Apartment Therapy)

Items like potted plants, fresh flowers, tree stumps or branches, and stones add a little something to a space.

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Indoor plants done tastefully can bring a great pop of color to your space, and also promote healthy, breathable environments by improving indoor air quality.

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Tip #3:  Incorporate furniture and fabrics made from natural materials

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  Furniture made from rustic wood or woven grass is eye-catching.  Using fabrics like linen or cotton have a more refreshing effect then those like nylon or polyester.

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Tip #4:  Implementing green products and sustainable practices into the design

The above picture shows a piece of wall art made from live succulents.

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Close up

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A canopy made from renewable willow.  Other popular rapidly renewable materials include bamboo, cork, and wool.

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Tip #5:  Use a crisp, neutral earthy color palette

Using whites and earth tones can make a space feel light and airy.  This can open up an entire room, making it seem larger.

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How have you brought the outdoors into your home?