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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.

Libations Bar Cart, Crate & Barrel, $ 599

Raskog Kitchen Cart, IKEA, $49.99

Beckett Bar Cart, Williams-Sonoma, $999

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

hot off the mill: new, eye-catching fabrics

I love getting mail. At home. At work. Wherever. I think I just like having something to open! Well, the other day we got in some new Duralee fabric books in, so of course it was like Christmas morning for me at the design studio. Here’s a few new fabrics I’ve been drooling over.

From the Gatwick collection, I can visualize these lovelies together.

I love the colors in these! (Can you tell how much I enjoy blue!?)

But, just so you know, I can’t talk about Duralee and new fabrics without bringing up the John Robshaw Collection!! Globally chic. Classically contemporary. These gems are also relatively new (they came out back in the Spring).

Here’s some of my faves.

(Duralee fabrics are available to the trade only, contact me for more information.)

design obssession: ikat

Timeless ikat. No one knows it’s exact origin, but this colorful pattern has been pleasing the eyes for centuries, and is not going anywhere anytime soon.

Holy ikat skirt! A total showstopper.

A touch of pattern on a neutral palette.

Feeling creative?

Renowed New York interior designer, Andrew James, shows off his apartment. Love the blue and brown masculine tones – proves that guys can rock this pattern too!

Seeing is believing. Ikat glass mosaic by New Ravenna Mosaics.

Beautiful!

Order one of these tote bags from Rosanna before their gone!

Can’t get enough? Here’s where to find more.

a) Aztec Dip Dye Skirt, TopShop

b) Ikat Cuff Bracelet, Need Supply Co.

c) Ikat Scarf in Turquoise Lucio, Tory Burch

d) Anik Shorts in Orange & Cream, Sheridan French

e) Ikat Cotton Clutch, FABbyCAB, Etsy.com

f) Throw Pillows, all by Pop O’ Color, Etsy.com

g) Ikat Distressed 8×10 Frame, Kit n Kaboodle Home, Etsy.com

h) Morrow Slipper Chair in Malaga Peacock, Jonathan Adler

i) Ikat Silver/Blue Wool Rug, Safavieh (to the trade only)

color story: red + sky blue

Just in time for the 4th of July, here’s one of my all time fave color combos! Bold and eye-catching, sky blue + red has a crisp, classic look that has been stylish in retro and modern designs.

Don’t you just LOVE this??

Great photo of a refreshing Independence Day beverage. Click for the recipe!

Happy exterior.

The love affair with subway tile continues.

🙂

I love how happy she looks in this picture. And the dress/necklace combo is just brilliant.

Love this color scheme? Here’s some ways to get the look all year-long.

A) Template Tank with Tucked Tiered Skirt, both Anthropologie

B) Franco Sarto Vaunt Sandal, DSW.

C) Red & Turquoise Lattice Earrings, DejaVu

D) Awaiting Love Bracelet, DejaVu

E) Red & Turquoise Czech Glass Bead Necklace, Crown and Cole, Etsy.com

F) Dahlia flower in crimson & robin egg blue handmade plates, Hope Johnson, Etsy.com

G) Jackson Sectional, West Elm

H) Water Birds 20 X 20 Linen Pillow, Hable Construction

I) Red & Turquoise large landscape painting, original on oil by Pamela Munger, Etsy.com.

J) Zig Zag Rug in blue, Urban Outfitters.

K) Alberta Lamp in Turquoise, Bobby Berk Home

L) Gradated Stripe Pouf in Red, West Elm

eye candy: rediculously fun kitchen in South Austin

Good Afternoon!

I’m hoping this lively kitchen will brighten your day the way it did for me. Designed by Austin’s Loop Design, this South Austin residence was remodeled, bringing in a more open concept for owners who love to cook and entertain. The owners also must love color!