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check yourself.

Jenny Kayne's Holiday Party - Domaine

Some design “trends” aren’t actually trends at all – because they’ve been around for decades, but recently have gained more love. This is especially true for checkered and plaid patterns. Just search the terms on Instagram or Pinterest, and you’ll see many awesome examples of using these patterns in a modern way.

BUFFALO CHECK

This fabric is typically classified by 1 or 2 colors on a light background, created by horizontal and vertical stripes of equal thickness crossing over each other to form squares.

It’s everywhere right now. On chairs, pillows, even on bathroom floors!

Checkered Bathroom Floor - Studio McGee

Black and White check is so classic but most importantly of all, very versatile. It mixes well with other patterns. You can do dots, floral, solids – the sky’s the limit.

It crosses over to many different design styles. Pictured below on this mid-century style chair by Schoolhouse Electric.

Studio McGee - Lynwood Remodel
It goes more transitional here with Caitlin Wilson’s pillow and rug collection.

Caitlin Wilson Navy Buffalo Check Pillow

PLAID

I grew up in the Catholic school system.  I wore a plaid jumper everyday for about 6 years. Needless to say, I was over anything resembling plaid. Putting my childhood aside, I’d be crazy to deny that it’s making a comeback. And I think I kinda, sorta, dig it.

Emily Henderson - Let's Get Cozy

There is some crossover between check and plaid, but plaid usually consists of 2 or more colors and the stripes vary in size and spacing.  It’s kinda like Buffalo Check’s uptight older sister. It tends to feel a little more formal, sophisticated, and traditional than the playful checkered patterns.
Dash & Albert Cooper Navy Jute Woven Rug

So the question is- are you Team Check or Team Plaid?

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Sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

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thursday thoughts: the psychology of design

Being a designer is my dream career field. When I tell people I’m a designer, I usually get one of a few similar reactions:

“Oh that sounds so fun!”  (It can be, but it is also hard work.)

“You can come help me pick paint colors!”  (Great. Sounds like a plan. But don’t forget we do soooo much more than just that.)

“Your home must be AMAZING!”  (Being a designer does not mean my house is automatically amazing just by default.  To have a beautiful home, you must have the money and time – you are lucky if you have both.)

Sure we are creatives and project managers.  But we are also a bit like therapists.  Clients come to us because they want guidance, advice, and/or reassurance.  They have a problem they are unable to solve on their own.  Or maybe they just want to talk it out. They have a list of wants and needs and are hiring us to fulfill them.  (No pressure, right?)  It is up to us as designers to decipher these conversations and ideas into tangible results.  And how does one do that?

The secret to success of being a designer is to “get” our clients. To truly understand them and deliver a design they never thought possible.  We must listen to what they say, and what they don’t say.  Give them a beautiful space or home that is also functional and reflection of their life and what they love.

You can see why I say I have a dream job.

This quote by Barry Dixon is what inspired today’s post:

Barry Dixon Quote

Hope everyone has a great day!  If you are a designer, take a moment to realize how amazing your job is.  For everyone else, be true to yourself and make your home a reflection of you.  Fill it with things you love and that bring you joy. If you need help with that, hire me.  🙂

xo.

 

thursday thoughts: la dolce vita

Dreaming is a form of planning

Maybe you saw this post last week from Paloma over at La Dolce Vita.  This quote has been ringing in my head ever since, so I had to repost.  Many times it’s perceived that letting our minds wander is time wasted, but really, how do we know where we are meant to go if we don’t take the time to dream?

Just something to think about.

xo.

working girl cuisine: apple pecan salad with goat cheese

apple pecan salad with goat cheese recipe

Since nobody’s thrilled about Tax Day tomorrow (except possibly Uncle Sam), let’s celebrate something much more exciting today: National Pecan Day.

Obviously, there’s no better day to bring you one of my favorite go to recipes.  I tend to make this a lot when Nate’s out of town for work, because 1) cooking for yourself is already no fun, 2) this recipe’s ingredients are perfect for just 1 person, and 3) it’s just so quick!

This recipe is an adaptation from one of my favorite local restaurants.  The only prep involved is cutting up part of an apple.  Easy like a Sunday morning.

apple pecan salad with goat cheese

Pecan Salad with Goat Cheese

Ingredients:

  • 1 package of Baby Spinach
  • 1 Granny Smith Apple
  • 1 package of Crumbled Goat Cheese
  • 1 bag of Pecan Pieces
  • 1 bag of Julienned Carrots (not shown in picture, but I usually add them in for some extra nutritional value!)

Directions:

  1. Cut up the apple into small cubes.  Use about 1/4 of the apple per person. Leftover apple can be put in a ziplock baggie and stored in the fridge for later use.
  2. Fill bowl or plate with spinach.  Top with apple, goat cheese crumbles, carrots (if using), and pecans as you wish.
  3. Drizzle with salad dressing, and eat up! (I like a dressing that isn’t overpowering and is slightly on the sweet side, like a Poppyseed.)