For the Home

please don’t take my sunshine away

I want to know – does anyone actually like when the clocks move back?   I most certainly loved the “extra” hour of sleep the other night, but now that the sun sets at 5pm I just want to throw on some pj’s and go comatose after dinner.  In memory of Daylight Savings Time, here’s my tribute to the sun – well, in the form of sun rooms.

My dream home would most definitely have a sun room in it.   Let’s think about this…It’s a room completely devoted to the big, bright ball of light in the sky.  You can soak up that Vitamin D without even going outdoors.  Perfection.  If you’re lucky enough to have one, here’s some really cool designs I’ve come across.

Curbly Sunroom by Emily Henderson

I know Emily just posted this like a day ago but I saw this and instantly felt myself 8th grade style crushing this room.   I’m just so in love I can’t look away.   Every single room in that Curbly house is pure gold.  I love that the wall color (Sherwin Williams Sea Salt) enhances the room so much, and makes it feel so light and airy.

Rustic Modern SunroomThis next one is more neutral, but the warm tones, rich natural textures, and fireplace make it feel so cozy, even though the furniture is very streamlined.

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Sunroom - Elle Decor

Caption this one?  Okay.  Cozy, yet stylish and chic.  I’m digging the “lived in” feel to it.  I really like how they made a somewhat small space seem larger and more interesting.

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vintage inspired sunroom

Retro approach to the modern sun room.  I’m loving that white wall and all those windows!

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Sophisticated Sunroom

Classic and sophisticated all in one pretty package.

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Sunroom for dinner partiesThis last one shows that these rooms can function for more than just a lounge area or reading nook.  This little dining area would be great for a candlelit dinner for 2 or a small get together with friends.

Which one is your dream sun room?

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(all photos link back to their source, if known)

color story: navy + yellow

Navy and yellow.  A perfect pairing for the lover of the crisp and classic blue mixed with a cheery, modern ray of sunlight.  I’m starting to see the pair together more… and I’m liking what I see!

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Amazing color scheme!

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Lace pencil skirt please come into my closet.  I will make a home for you.

Navy & white exterior already won me over, but that front door is cash money!

Navy stripe nautical + yellow mini skirt.

Love this room by Tobi Fairley! Such a design inspiration!

a)Shabby Mustard & Navy  Flower Skinny Headband,  Lillian Ray via Etsy.com

b) Michael Kors Men’s Navy Blue & Golden Stainless Everest Watch

c) Chevron pillow, Etsy.com

d) Allegra Hicks Drop Links Crewel Pillow Cover, West Elm

e) Michael Kors Jet Set Phyton Embossed Tote

f) Lace Ballet Dress in Mustard, Deja Vu

g) Everett Upholstered Chair, West Elm

h) Color Block Pillow, Jillian Rene Decor via Etsy.com

i) St. Jude Ceramic Owls, West Elm

j) Navy Blue & Gold Link Bracelet, Daily Dose via Etsy.com

design obsession: moroccan style

Morocco: A magical land, rich in history, culture, and charm.

It’s no secret that it’s top 10 on my bucket list.  I dream of traveling to Marrakech, strolling through the marketplace, and photographing architectural and scenic wonders that are like no other.

The style is timeless.  A constant influence to so much of the design and fashion world today.  The attention to detail is impeccable, from the arches and architecture, to the refinements of the tile and latticework.

So naturally, I adore anything inspired by this amazing place.

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Wallpaper by Urban Outfitters!

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Behold the La Mamounia Hotel in Marrakesh.  DROP. DEAD. GORGEOUS.

This freakin pool!!!

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Everybody needs a lil Moroccan in their life. 🙂

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a)  Light fixtures, Viva Terra   –  b) Teal Moroccan Veridigris Earrings, from Christina Nicole via Etsy  –  c) Geometric Cuff in Grey, Deja Vu  –  d) Sandals, Charlotte Russe  –  e) One Shoulder Dress, Deja Vu    –    f) Carthage Pierced Lantern, Home Decorators   –    g) Tahla Lantern, Z Gallerie  –   h) Rug, Ikea   –     i) Chinese Garden Stool, Wisteria   –    j) Moroccan Inspired Photo Frame, Wisteria   –   k) 4 Door Mirrored Console, to the trade only (contact me for pricing/ordering)  –     l) Votive cups, Z Gallerie   –    m) Jacqui Coffee Table in White, Bungalow 5    –    n) Light Fixture, to the trade only (contact me for pricing/ordering)    –   o) J.L. Rhein Pillow, Wayfair   –     p) Macau End Table, Home Decorators

for the love of a good map

So I’m celebrating Columbus Day by doing a tribute to something Columbus could have definitely used on his journey:  a good map.   Maps are double duty: a work of art & useful information all printed onto one pretty piece of paper!  Some can have symbolic or personal meaning, such as keeping a map from a destination traveled or a place you love.  In the age of GPS technology and Google Maps, they are something we often take for granted.   (Can you imagine drafting up an accurate map to scale?? Just think about many years mapmakers spent trying to do this!)

I’ve been seeing more decor and graphic design using maps in creative ways lately, and I’m totally in love.

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Using a large map on an accent wall creates a nice focal point.

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Map for a baby’s room :).

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Groups of framed maps in brightly colored frames – I love this hallway!

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Using a real roll up or vintage map as a piece of art.

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Or you can do one framed map that carries special significance.

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I’m seeing lots of DIY map art in Pinterest these days.  These 2 ideas are easy to re-create.   You can print free maps online of your favorite past vacations or cities you lived in and then frame them.  Genius right? And inexpensive!!

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I found this company online that does maps for your favorite university campus, sports venue, city, or state.

This Michigan State University map (above) sure brings back many memories!! GO GREEN!!!!

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(Photo credits in order of appearance:  one twothreefourfivesix  |  seven (left, right)  |  eight   )

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3 fabulous bar carts + last minute entertaining essentials (that won’t break the bank!)

I cannot believe that this weekend is already Labor Day! Where has the time went?? Many peeps (including myself) will be having people over to celebrate the end of the summer.  And of course with company comes lots of food and drink.  And with that comes all the prep and presentation.  What’s a girl to do?  

One item that is great for entertaining is a bar cart.   These 3 are good-looking AND functional.

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Libations Bar Cart, Crate & Barrel, $ 599

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Raskog Kitchen Cart, IKEA, $49.99

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Beckett Bar Cart, Williams-Sonoma, $999

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Also, if you’re anything like me, you probably realize the day of the event there’s something you wish you would have thought of ahead of time.  It never fails: there’s always something you need at the last sec, whether it’s a new oven mitt or a serving platter.  Here are some items that are pretty to look at and helpful for serving guests.  And best of all – they are budget friendly!.

1) Carved Wood Serving Platter, Target, $19.99 

2)  Home Angled Beverage Tub, Target,  $18.71 (sale price)

3) Square Lacquer Trays, West Elm,  $24.00 final sale

4) Fiammetta Pot Holder & Oven Mitt, Anthropologie, $14.00 each 

 5) Slate Coaster Set, West Elm,  $16.00 for 4 

6) Rippled Dream Bowl in Turquoise, Anthropologie, $14.00

7)  Red Salt & Pepper Shakers, Target, $10.49  

8)  Polycarbonate Beverage Dispenser, Target,  $29.99