interior design

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!

.

Amazing color scheme!

.

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.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Wallpaper by Urban Outfitters!

.

.

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

This freakin pool!!!

.

Everybody needs a lil Moroccan in their life. 🙂

.

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.

.

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

.

.

Map for a baby’s room :).

.

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

.

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

.

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

.

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!!

.

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!!!!

.

(Photo credits in order of appearance:  one |  two |  three |  four |  five |  six  |  seven (left, right)  |  eight   )

.

I’ll take the seat by the window

I have a fascination with window seats.  For me, design is not just about something looking pretty-  it also has to serve a purpose.  The window seat does just that:  it’s the perfect combo of form and function.  When we finally take the plunge and purchase our own little piece of heaven, I’m determined to have one.  But until then I will have to get my fix by searching the web!

.

A cute lil spot where you can curl up and read a book, or just relax and enjoy the view.  What could possibly be better? (PS. that little wall sconce was a fabulous idea!)

.

I love how this space combines the window seat with floor to ceiling built-in bookcases.  This is the perfect reading nook!!

.

Another great quality: since they’re built in, they don’t take up much space!

.

I’m loving this view.

.

This great little window seat was born after design studio remodel in Detroit, and was later featured on Design Sponge. I love how it embraces the view, while the drapery softens the space at the same time.  And the table makes it a great area to gather over food and conversation.

(Image Credits: all images link back to their source, if known)

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!