Design

70’s Malibu inspired home

It seems like lately I’m drawn to all these California-esque homes.  First Holiday in the Hills and now this!

I picked up the Oct/Nov issue of Urban Home Magazine and this project was featured on the cover.  Designed by local San Antonio firm, Baxter Design Group,  this home is a refreshing breeze of So-Cal eclectic style with organic touches.  It has a laid back, retro feel mingled with just the right amount of modern.  I had the chance to view this home back in May – it was part of the San Antonio Parade of Homes, featuring custom home builders Mattern & FitzGerald.

Exterior

In the article, builder Kevin FitzGerald describes how the client “wanted a house with soul and natural materials that were understated, yet elegant. We chose to design and build a home that would be low on ‘stuff’ and rich on texture.”

living room  dining room

kitchen

The planning period for this home took 5 months of getting to know the client’s hopes, dreams, and desires.  It paid off – the end result is gorgeous!

3 pics

lounge

details

bath

bedroom

front of home

You dig?! View the whole article here.

(Photo Credits:  Houzz & Urban Home Magazine)

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

hello october.

Well, I’m glad to say that the test that has consumed my life for the last couple months (aka the interior design licensing exam, NCIDQ) is now officially OVER!!

This past Friday, I took the first half of what could potentially be the most important knowledge based test of my life!  A couple of tidbits: #1) That sucker was hard as F.  #2)  I went to bed at 8pm on Friday if that gives you any idea how exhausted/brain-dead/studied out I was.

That being said, I’m glad its over.

( In 12 weeks I’ll find out if I passed or not…and then it may be another studyfest for me.  Plus, I still have the other half to take. )

For those of you that may take the test in the future, here’s a quick summary:  (Please feel free to message me if you have any questions about it!!)  They only offer it twice a year, and you become eligible to take it after receiving your Bachelors from an accredited school + 3,520 hours working under a licensed professional (UNLESS you began any of your design experience prior to 2008, then you can count your hours under any design professional).  The exam is broken into 3 sections that span 2 full days.  The first day is 2 multiple choice exams.  The 2nd day is what they call the practicum, which is putting all your knowledge and experience together into a full 8 hour hand drafted project.  Since I’m beyond rusty at hand drafting, I figured I would just knock out the first 2 sections and go from there.  Wellllll….. they pretty much knocked me out! haha.  Think 300 questions about building construction/structure, fire codes, architectural drafting, etc etc etc.  (So to anyone that thinks all an interior designer does is play with paint swatches – please, do your homework.)

On the drive home, I thought about all the things I could have done differently.  I even started frantically looking through my notes trying to see if I could figure out what ones I got right and wrong. (I can’t begin to imagine what kind of road hazard I was)  As soon as I began to get frustrated, I brought myself back down to reality: this is only a test.  Life will go on.  If I fail, it doesn’t mean I suck – I can retake it!

Then I came home to this beautiful orchid and a nice card – which totally made my night/weekend/life! (thanks Hunny!)

The rest of this weekend was very relaxing.  We celebrated Nate’s birthday- as best as we could since he has a stomach bug.  We sat around and watched football and I made him homemade Mac & Cheese and Asparagus Cheddar soup.  🙂  Overall, life is good.  I’m excited to start blogging again more.  Not sure where September went, but I’m ready for October – and to start enjoying this lovely fall weather!

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 

high / low project

Since I’m obsessed with bargain hunting (what is the point in paying full price if you don’t have to???), I decided to do my own little high / low project experiment.

Check it out below:  the items on the top are from high-end design sources, totaling over $8,900.   The bottom is a collection of items I found online to create a similar look,  but for a LOT less – like $5,700 less!   Unbelievable – almost 65% off.

 

 

HOW CAN THIS BE??

I bet I know what you’re thinking right now:  How can there be such a difference in price?  There’s many different reasons and it can get pretty complex.  First of all, contrary to common belief, it isn’t usually because of an exorbitant designer markup.  (Most designers or stores price items at or around the suggested retail price.)   There’s less overhead selling online than there is with a physical retail storefront.   Most of the online discount retailers are dealing so much merchandise they can afford to cut the price margin way lower than the retail price you’d see in stores.  Also, although stylistically they may look similar, the manufacturing process and materials may not be as high of quality.

For example, the sofa on the high-end project is a Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams sofa, and the one in the budget friendly side is from Pottery Barn.  Pottery Barn’s upholstery line is made by Mitchell Gold, but since PB sofas are mass-produced, the detailing is less refined and fewer seat and fabric options are available………. so the price point is lower than a custom produced sofa from Mitchell Gold.

MY RULE OF THUMB

So which items are best to buy discounted, and what should you splurge on?  For me it’s simple:  Anything small like lamps, pillows, accessories, or end tables are a great idea to get for less.  These are things you can swap in and out easily.  It won’t break the bank AND it gives you the freedom to update your look more often.  Upholstery that you spend most of your time in (such as a sofa or your favorite chair) should be something you splurge on, because you want it last a long time and be comfy!  Bedroom furniture, cabinets, and other large casegoods are also important pieces – look for a sturdy material that is contructed well.  You may pay extra, but remember the old saying: you get what you pay for!