Thursday, August 7, 2014

Throwback Thursday {She's a Modern Vintage Rock & Roll}

Last year I was lucky enough to hang out for an afternoon at my friend Maren's house.  She has an effortless vibe that is just, simply, COOL. I categorize her style as "MODERN VINTAGE ROCK & ROLL". 

Inspired my Maren, I came up with my own Modern Vintage Rock & Roll room to sort of show just how to achieve the right blend of retro, mod, vintage chic and a little bit of edginess. 
purple tufted velvet sofa paired with accent pillows in bold colors/patterns + rock star glam with mirrored pieces (there are 3 mirrors in my room above) +industrial storage and lighting accents + gray walls and crisp white accent + natural accents in warm woods and baskets, plants + a mid century mod/ retro piece or two + global accent here and there + leather + a bit of a feminine touch thrown in (as in the floral pillow above and the more feminine gilded mirror above). 

So, are you a "Modern Vintage Rock & Roll"?  
How do you create a Modern Vintage Rock & Roll room of your own, you ask?


If this is your style, here are the main components that I'd keep your eye out for (and see if you can find all of the following elements in the dream board I've created above)!



-It's eclectic but not junked up. It is a little of this and a little of that, but things still stay uncluttered, unfussy and have either clean lines or bold color/texture, with only a few exceptions here and there.

-Shiny objects with bold lines.

-Statement pieces like gilded gold mirrors and retro/vintage pieces.

-Industrial hints here and there.

-Bold colors, bold patterns as accents.


-Eclectic accessories....like different lamps, pillows that don't match one another, etc. Don't be matchy-matchy, you want to look like you've acquired and collected or just ended up with all this fabulousness. 

Don't let this look fool you...there is an art to really being a

to be able to tell what works and what doesn't with this sort of space.  Fall back on scale and overall tone and like I said, never be too matchy- matchy and you'll win with this look.

XO,

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Wordless Wednesday {Edgecomb Gray, Benjamin Moore}

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Splurge or Steal {You Lucky Dog, Staffordshire Dogs}

Granny Chic is in full force. 
Vintage finds are popping up everywhere. 
Once called ultra-Traditional or maybe even stuffy, 
these Spaniel figurines, Staffordshire Dogs,
 are mainstream mantle mutts, once again.

note: if Staffordshire Dogs aren't your breed, be sure to come back next Monday for a FOO DOG SPLURGE OR STEAL and round up!!!


So, if you've inherited a Staffordshire set from Grandma (break them out of storage).  And if you've been looking for a set to call your own, check out the difference between a costly antique and a reproduction that you can score for a fraction of the price.
And by the way, which do you prefer? 
The Splurge or The Steal? *

SPLURGE

Antique Staffordshire Dogs
 Circa 1850  
One Kings Lane
$475.00 (Pair)
Antique   Staffordshire  Dogs, Pair
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Monday, August 4, 2014

Design 101 {Oh Gee, OGEE}

The term "OGEE"  is an architectural term, describing the curve of an arch, dating back to the Early English Gothic time period (13th Century).

Beige Living Room
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Gothic Architecture: Ogee Arch geometry
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The Ogee Garden Arch, endorsed by the RHS, is instantly recognisable with its distinctive curved shape creating a dramatic focal point in an...
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When discussing the OGEE Pattern, it can be anything that depicts the typical OGEE arch curve, even a loose depiction. 


OGEE is timeless but it has been having a bit of a moment...it's  classic yet it feels quite current in these new interpretations.

Here are my favorite fresh OGEE sightings of late:

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Organic Ikat Ogee Duvet Cover + Shams
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Ogee Crewel Embroidered Pillow Cover
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XO,

* OGEE can also refer to an arch or S shaped cut in molding or an edge, say on a stone counter. 

Saturday, August 2, 2014

DIY Vintage Mirror to Chalkboard



I'm working on a surprise teen girl bedroom these days. Loosely based on a design that I did for an e-client a few months ago, it's feminine, vintage and a bit bohemian. 
One of the main focal points will be the headboard, or well, what will be standing in for a headboard: a DIY'd chalkboard!
The teen wanted black to be splashed throughout the room, but due to the size of the room and the "light and airy" feel that she also requested the room have....well, I thought a chalkboard was just the right touch! 

Pinterest Board Spotlight {Check It}

Yes, I have a Pinterest Board dedicated to one of my all time favorite patterns, 
a pattern that never goes out of style.

Gingham Check.

via Kate Spade 
Gingham feels NEW again, and it's not just for Spring and Summer. With Fall approaching I'm thinking  Gingham, Buffalo Check, any check!!! Although it typically gives off a Traditional and maybe a tad vintage vibe, you don't have to be Traditional to incorporate classic Check into your decor or wardrobe! Gingham and all check patterns are fresh and classic!

pretty
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gingham serving tray
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Todays outfit. Chilly weathet. jcrew sweater, ralph Lauren gingham, spring anorak. #ootn #ootd #outfitoftheday #outfitofthenight #whatiwore #work #jcrew #forever21 #anorak #ralphlauren #style #armcandy #armswag #jewelry - @jules_style_diary- #webstagram
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gingham...
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Just click on the link below to CHECK OUT more of my favorite inspirational pins!



Friday, August 1, 2014

A Year of Change Designer Challenge August {Styling Bookshelves}


Hello, August! 
With Summer in full swing and Fall just around the corner it is a great time to tackle this month's challenge:  Styling Bookshelves! This is one of my most favorite things to do in the decorating realm. I love books and stuff. What people have on their shelves and how those objects are displayed says a lot about who you are. Sometimes this task can be overwhelming when you think about attaining a look that is clean, uncluttered and balanced. I can't wait to share with you my styling tips as well as my own shelf revamp! I have several bookcases in my home (because I'm a book nerd), so the biggest part of the challenge for me will be to choose which one I'll be working on!



This month the decorating gets going with the usual suspects (Life on Virginia Street,Suburban Bitches, and Rosa Beltran Design) and our uber talented guest designer Jade O’Connor! Her Southern style showcases her eye for mixing traditional with eclectic. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT SHE DOES WITH HER SHELVES! 
 And for a little eye candy here and now, hop over to Rosa’s blog to see her previous house which was featured this week in Domaine Home.   
I think her home tour is one of the most inspirational and creative tours I've seen. Her style is totally the style my  house would be if I was cool. 
 Head over and tell Rosa what you think of her hip yet homey abode.