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Wednesday, March 30, 2016

MASTER BEDROOM CLOSETS: Inspirational Favorites

I've been on a Spring cleaning kick and an organizational movement has begun at our house!   I previously mentioned, our master bedroom closet was getting tweaked on my side of the space.  I'm happy to say, phase one is now complete.  With that part out of the way, I've been organizing all the clothes, shoes and handbags on the shelves.  It amazes me how much I've collected over the years and how many clothes I don't wear anymore.  It's time to purge.  I'm still in the midst of organizing my side and dedicating some hours during the weekend to complete it.  I hope to share with you the subtle but impactful changes soon.


Today, I'm sharing some inspirational closet designs, big and small.

Okay, this closet/dressing room looks like something out of a designer store.
Love the rich wood tones and vintage suitcases to accent the space.
Image via Room Decor Ideas


Love the color cabinetry and glass doors.  Oh, what I could fill in this closet (sigh).
Image via HomeBunch


Jennifer of JWS Interiors recently completed her master bedroom closet and what a transformation.  You have to checkout the before pics!  I love the white shelving and the overall softness of the space.  Looking at the picture above, makes me realize how packed my side of the closet is.   This is about the same amount of space I have on my side of the closet.

pink-fringe-chanderlier
A beautifully designed closet with clothes, shoes, handbags and light fixture to die for!
Image via Pink Peonies


Beautiful wallpaper design and large floor mirror.  Simple and elegant
Nate Berkus really knows how live!  Loving this dressing room closet.
Image via Architectural Digest

This closet design is crisp and bright with elegant touches.  The mirrors on the doors are a nice touch and a great idea for those who don't have wall space for a mirror.
Image via YouTube

This small closet space is super stylish
Image via BHG

OMG! This design is nothing I've seen before.  Love the feminine lines of the desk and chair.  The dark cabinetry and rug give the space interest. Like entering the VIP room, made especially for you. 
Imagine getting ready in the mornings . . . choosing a pair of shoes and sitting down to put them on.  One quick look at my makeup in the mirror, before gathering my handbag.  Or, come sit down and admire my shoe collection.
Image via Room Decor Ideas


Wednesday, March 23, 2016

EASTER: Tablescape Inspiration


Spring brunch tablescape via Freutcake for Anthropologie
Image via Anthropologie


Image via CandyPop Style


Image via Southern Weddings
Image via Style Sizzle

Image via Kelleynan
***

Are you hosting Easter this year?  For those who need a little inspiration for their table decor, I've rounded up some of my favorite tablescapes, shown above.  Call it . . .  a little inspiration for you and me.  Well, not necessarily for "me" this year.  We are going to our in-laws so I'm off the hook.  But, definitely adding these to my idea book, when hosting future Easter Sunday dinners.


Thanks for stopping by!




xo,

Monday, March 21, 2016

EASTER: Creating a Floral Design, Paired with Gourmet Sweets


1. Floral Arrangement via Bloom Nation, designed and handcrafted by Petals and Roots NY;

(2 through 4 are from Sugarfina)

2.  Robin's Eggs Caramel; 3.  Candy Flowers, Lavender Primrose; 4. Marzipan Eggs - Speckled 






1.  Floral arrangement via Bloom Nation, designed and crafted by Birch and Bloom Design;


(2 through 4 are from Sugarfina)




2.  Golden Truffle Eggs (Imported from Germany); 3. Bella Rosa (Imported from Italy);

4. Athena Black Cherry - Dark Chocolate (Imported from Greece)




1.  Floral design via Tulipina by Kiana Underwood;


(2-5 are from Sugarfina)


2.  Yellow Primrose Candy Flowers (Imported from Italy);

3.  Aphrodite Strawberries - Chocolate (Imported from Greece);

4.  Fluffy Bunnies - Gummy Bunnies (Made in the USA); 5.  Fruity Loops (Imported from Greece)















****


Hi!  Hope you enjoyed the weekend.  I spent a majority inside, getting things done around the house. In addition to the regular house chores, I tackled reorganizing my side of our walk-in closet (yes, I have to share the closet).  Specially, I wanted to swap shelves I had on one side, to the middle of the closet.  I'm so thankful I have a husband who is handy around the house because he made my vision come to life.  I'll share with you the details on a post, soon.


So, I have to share .  . . I stumbled upon a new candy store on Friday evening.   For those of you who've heard about this lovely boutique store called "Sugarfina".  This is quite the boutique - so chic!  It's a candy store with an adult flair.  I walked into the shop smiling and in awe . . . like a "kid" in a candy store . . . but grown-up.  I was impressed by the quality of different candies and the lovely packaging.  I purchased a couple of candies for Easter, as well as a treat for my husband.  I had to contain myself from buying more!


Then I got to thinking - it would be a great to display these gourmet sweets around a beautiful floral arrangement.  And, an even better idea to combine the two as a gift, for the host or hostess.  Inspiration looks, like those above, are options to get your creative juices flowing.  I hope to create an arrangement and share with you before Easter.


Thanks for stopping by.


xo,

Friday, March 18, 2016

EASTER SUNDAY: Dresses




one:  BCBG Blouson Dress (Revolve Clothing); two: Stecy in Blush Patent (Steve Madden)




three:  Lace Baby Doll Dress - Kendall + Kylie (Revolve Clothing); four: Cadey-lee (Schutz)





five:  Floral Print Scuba Fit and Flair Dress - Ted Baker (Nordstrom);
six: 'Abel' Pointy Toe Pump - Jimmy Choo (Nordstrom)





seven:  Full Flower Cut Crochet Pink Dress (Chicwish); eight:  'Rockstud' T-Strap Pump - Valentino (Nordstrom)


***

I have two childhood memories of my Easter outfits. The first was of me wearing a pretty pink spring coat paired with my Easter hat.  The second, when I was a little older, I wore a navy pleated skirt, paired with a navy blazer with violet colored trim along the opening of the blazer and two pockets.  It was the first time I wore little heels, which were in a violet color (lol).  My mom alway dressed us up during the holidays.  It's nice to look back at photographs.  Here's one I'm sharing with you, today. 

This is the only existing photo I have with this outfit.  And, I don't look too happy.  You can't see the whole photo because someone's finger was in the way (ha-ha).

Dressing up for Easter -whether going to church or out to brunch is the perfect time to wear your spring time dress.  This year, my outfit is still pending as the weather on the east coast is unpredictable.  I'm not sure how warm the temperature it will be.  I do know, it's not warm enough for open toe sandals so a pretty pump will do.

I just had to post this beautiful dress by Oscar de la Renta (minus the pumps).  It's WAY, WAY out of my price range ($2,690) but for those that can afford it (green with envy), I think it's a great option for Easter Sunday.



Wishing everyone a great weekend.

xo,





Tuesday, March 15, 2016

HOME TOUR: A Brooklyn Limestone Renovation

Today, I'm taking you on a home tour (a partial one), of a newly renovated, Brooklyn Limestone townhouse. The homeowners, Annie and Hanh, created a home for their lifestyle, that includes their two young (and adorable) children.

The end result, a juxtaposition of form and function with looks of past and present, staying true to the historical look of the home. Luxury furnishings fill the home that are relaxed and refined. Let's take a look!

Entrance "Before". . .



and "After"



I realized I didn't take "after" shots of the front entrance, vestibule area.  I think I was too excited to just get into the home to see everything!  I will definitely show you before and after shots, soon. 



The stairway landing received a facelift with just a fresh coat of paint 
This picture was taken during the renovation stage.  Love the after shot!  
Black paint made a huge difference. 

Living Room/Dining Room "Before" . . .




and "After"


The "after" picture was taken from a different angle; the direct opposite of the room.  You can see where walls were removed and now the open concept space allows natural light to fill the room.  Even though this shot was taken at night, the first floor is so spacious and bright.




The dining room features a 17th C. Ironbolt trestle rectangular table (Restoration Hardware), paired with a 1920's Odeon Clear Glass Fringe Rectangular Chandelier (Restoration Hardware), creating the perfect scale and balance. Don't you just love the chandelier!  A great place to dine or just hang, with the convenience and ease of benches on both sides of the table. The homeowners are thinking of adding large chairs at the heads of the table.

I'm itching to create an arrangement and decorative design to the table. Something simple and stylish, to flank the beauty of the chandelier.


Living Room





The living room area, features a large sectional with a huge coffee table; great sitting back, relaxing in front of the t.v. or socializing with friends/family. 

I picture some decorative pillows and throw to soften and layer the large sectional.  Loving these options, below.
Top:  Hermes Avalon blanket 
Botton, left: Restoration Hardware, Alpaca Stripe Throw
Bottom, right:  Jonathan Adler, Nixon Alpaca Throw

Jacquard Cashmere Antelope Pillow Cover, Gray (Williams Sonoma Home).  Gray tones will flow with the rest of the home. 

For example, in the sitting area, they have a sofa the Islington Chesterfield Sofa (Restoration Hardware) in a gray fabric. 



Sitting area "Before". . .


and "After"(in progress) . . .


The sitting area faces the front of the home.  As you can see, window treatments are still in the works, as well as all the decorative details.  Ahem . . . I think that's where I come in with ideas to help.  To break up all the dark pieces in this space, an area rug in a sisal or wool would soften it up.  The accent table, 20th C. Chrysanthemum Brasserie Table (Restoration Hardware) is perfect for adding a drink, while hanging out, reading or socializing.  To decorate the table, options such as: a candle, small vase, a picture frame, small plant, decorative box or coaster would create a nice cozy spot.





I am loving these barn wood doors!  The first set of doors, serves as a coat closet and the second, a huge pantry.


One of my favorite rooms in their home is the powder room, on the first floor.  The smallest room but the one with the most impact, as far as decorative flair.  The wallpaper is so gorgeous!! And that mirror!  GORG-WA!


My decorative touch in this bathroom is the hand soap and lotion I gifted them.  
Looks great in their powder room (ha-ha).


The Kitchen. . .



I love a new kitchen and this one doesn't disappoint.  Featuring gray shaker style cabinets with plenty of storage.  And, let's not forget about this Wolf stove.






The back door was painted black to mimic the color of the front door and stairway landing. Historical touches, like the original stain glass windows remain on the door.  In doing so, adding character and originality to their limestone home. 


I love the upper display cabinets.  The lighted cabinets are perfect for featuring beautiful vases or decorative pieces.
Oh! Hello, cappuccino station.

 


This renovation was a complete gut job and they did an amazing job, designing and creating their new home.   You can say, it's straight out of a Restoration Hardware catalog!  The look and feel of the home is comfortable and stylish.

While the bones of the house are done and a majority of the big furniture items are purchased, there is still a lot to do!  But, that's the beauty of owning a home.  Now, that the family is living in their new home, they can slowly add the layers to each room.  And, there are plenty of rooms to decorate!




I'm so happy for my friends and look forward to visiting them and seeing more updates.

Stay tuned for more pictures, where I will feature some of the upstairs portion of their home.

Thank you Annie and Hanh for allowing me to feature your home on my blog. Congratulations and many happy blessings.  And, and pre Happy Birthday to my dear friend, Annie. Her birthday is tomorrow. 

xo,