By now you’ve certainly caught onto the English cottage vibe that has reminded us all that history repeats itself for a reason. Marble countertops, unlacquered brass hardware, quality craftsmanship and those charming little fluted details are more popular than ever. If you haven’t already devoured For the Love of Kitchens about the incomparable deVol Kitchens it’s a master class in English design that I highly recommend. If you’re looking to add a bit of that charm to your home the perfect place to start is by updating your lighting! Here are some of my favorite picks that fit every budget. I’ll cheers to that!

B. Cally Ceramic Pendant

C. Eden Fluted Shade

D. Linen Hanging Shade

E. Ceramic Ribbed Sconce

F. Ceramic Fluted Shade Pendant

G. Wood Wall Fluted Sconce

H. Scalloped Mini Pendant

I. Metal Brass Sconce

During this time of isolation I have been constantly combing online sources for inspiration to keep me feeling creative and motivated to freshen up my own space. I rounded up some of my favorite pieces (all of which are available to shop online) to lend a little isolation inspiration for you as well. Perhaps a little stimulus splurge will help spark joy in your home base!

A. Faux Peach Blossoms in Vase Foraged greenery loosely gathered in a large vase doesn’t require purchasing anything new! Just grab your clippers and head out into the backyard!

B. Floral Stripe Pillow Shades of mauve add a warm dash of color without overpowering your surroundings.

C. Silk Stripe Pillow Cover Take a break from bright blue pillows and embrace a softer navy and cream combo that doesn’t scream “nautical” theme.

D. Vintage Still Life Don’t want to splash out for new art? Just download a print (I love Vintage Supply), spray paint an old frame gold and voila!

E. Striped Throw Blanket It’s time to swap out your heavy throws for a lighter weave. I love this neutral stripe and can never pass on a tassel!

F. Conical Lamp Shade These cone-shaped shades are trending and add a modern-throwback update to any old lamp.

G. Faris Ceramic Table Lamp This beauty is backordered for good reason: it is grand, neutral and very chic!

H. Olive Tree I’ve had a lot of time to tend to my plants these days and have become convinced that I’m able to keep them alive! I’d love to plant an indoor olive tree next. Don’t have a green thumb? There are countless faux trees to choose from.

I. 16″ Brass Lantern  & J. 24″ Brass Lantern These brass beauties are the perfect porch pick-me-up. Added bonus: they’re on sale right now!

K. White Belly XXL Planter I love oversized pots for outdoor plants and indoor trees! Jenny Komenda nails this look with her Mediterranean shrub.

Wishing everyone well during this wild ride. Stay home, healthy and connected to what makes you feel inspired!

– Marianne

This delightful cottage designed by Kristen Panitch always stops me dead in my tracks! This beauty was featured in House Beautiful and the entire project is beyond charming. For me, the star of the show is these vintage Parisian holophane globe street lights which have been repurposed as pendant lights. Now I’ve begun to notice this prismatic glass look in so many forms, and thankfully it’s attainable in a more budget-friendly form. Here are my picks for the best ‘dupes’ online!

a. 1970 Paris Globe Holophane Street Light, Olde Good Things

b. Arrington Prismatic Globe, Rejuvenation

c. Aster 3 Light Pendant, Kichler

d. 1-Light Globe Pendant, Robert Abbey

e. Blaenau Victorian Holophane Pendant, Mullan

f. Jewett 1 Light Pendant, Hudson Valley Lighting

g. Sinclaire 1-Light Pendant, Gracie Oaks

h. Osage Mini Pendant, Porch & Den

i. Vintage Inspired Hobnail Light, Lamp Goods

This month marks the 10 year anniversary of The Style Trial! In 2009, I started this blog fresh out of design school as a creative outlet where I could discuss all things related to style. My favorite posts have always been related to trend-spotting, so I thought what better way to celebrate than with my favorite trends for fall 2019! The time has come to embrace the cozy sweater weather and settle in at home with your pumpkin spice everything! So happy fall y’all and thanks for following along for a decade of my style blogging journey!

A. Fresh bundles of eucalyptus are my absolute fave for fall and the holiday season! I get a couple bundles on the cheap at Trader Joe’s and they last forever. They look best when they are really full and fall into an organic shape!

B. Amber soap bottles are everywhere right now! This Lavender Rosemary Hand Soap is both yummy smelling, chic and totally worthy of keeping out on display.

C. The pendant of the moment is definitely this Conical Drum Pendant from Rejuvenation. It’s modern meets classic and so versatile yet unique. Major seal of approval!

D. As the temps cool down I want to live in all things sherpa right now including this Sherpa Fleece Snap Up Sweatshirt in the most beautiful shade of green!

E. After spotting a cabinet similar to this Ventana Glass Cabinet on Chris Love Julia’s new budget kitchen makeover I started to notice them everywhere. Such a chic way to display your finest wares and a new alternative to the china cabinets of yonder.

F. This Loloi ‘Layla’ rug in olive/charcoal is defintely a mood that will anchor a room nicely. It has that vintage look, but it won’t break the bank like the real deal will.

G. One of my favorite trends is the surge of vintage gold-framed paintings tucked into tiny corners of kitchens. I love using art in unexpected places and this Green River Series Original Acrylic is a perfect place to start!

H. I keep noticing rich green velvet pillows popping up in places like this luxurious bedroom by Kelsey of Left & Level. These velvet moss green pillows are the perfect accent to any living or bedroom setting (plus they’ll transition so well into the holiday season)!

I. I love the fall transition from bright to muted nail colors. This Reclaiming My Name Nail Polish  is not only such a good look, but the company gives back to worthy causes. This is also a shameless plug for my bestie/Claws Out founder!

J. The selection of cut out boots is vast right now and this Jeffrey Campbell Cromwell Cut Out Boot is everything!

K. The ’Vendome’ Double Sconce in Hand-Rubbed Antique Brass is nothing new around here, but it still has my heart. There are some great dupes out there now, and they are all a consistent temptation!

L. Nothing says October decor quite like an heirloom pumpkin. I prefer the real deal to anything faux because each has a unique, beautiful shape, and I’m so here for it.

Now strap on your ankle boots and hit up your local patch!

xo

Marianne

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I meet with so many clients who want to update their kitchen without breaking the bank. When all new cabinets are out of the question I typically suggest all new, professionally done paint to change the look without breaking the bank. Wood stained cabinets seem to go in an out of style, and painting over wood is a daunting decision for many clients. For those who find painting over wood stain to be a risky or wasteful option you must check out these ‘before and after’ photos from my client in West Linn. The new paint looks fresh and modern, and new stainless steel appliances, hardware and quartz countertops completed the transformation. If you’ve been looking for a way to make something old look new again may these photos inspire you to take a leap of faith with paint.

Such a great Cinderella story for this 90’s kitchen!

I’m beyond excited to share some before & after pics from a recent bathroom refresh project! My clients had an outdated half-bath that was in desperate need of a transformation, and I pulled together an assortment of traditional (with a splash of modern) options for them to choose from. As you can see they have great taste, and more importantly they now have a beautiful, updated space that reflects their classic style. I think these selections are timeless, and I love that this unique, understated blend will be adored for many years to come. See ya later, powder pink wallpaper! Don’t let the ‘powder room’ door hit you on the way out!

BEFORE

AFTER

Sources:

Schoolhouse Electric ‘Davis’ Double Sconce

MissPrint Guatemala Wallpaper

Elements of Design ‘Elizabeth’ Faucet ‘Elizabeth’ Faucet ‘Elizabeth’ Faucet

Pottery Barn ‘Kensington’ Mirror & ‘Mercer’ Towel Ring

Trim & Moulding ‘Mascarpone’ by Benjamin Moore

 

The metal of the moment is definitely antiqued/aged/satin brass! No matter what you call it the look feels vintage, rich and timeless. Try it out in a modern light fixture, a vintage style faucet or with sturdy cabinet hardware. I love how well it pairs with all shades of grey! Here is my guide to get you inspired to branch out to brass!

Check out my Brass Pinterest Board for even more inspo!

A. Studio McGee

B. Lisa Berman Design

C. Home Stories

D. Better Homes & Gardens

E. Joanna Gaines/Magnolia

F. Quality Bath

G. Rejuvenation

H. Fox Group Construction

I. Drummonds

J. Driven by Decor

K. Heidi Piron Design

L. Studio McGee

M. Jessica Helgerson

N. Image via Culture Keeper

O. Sharon Taftian

P. Joanna Gaines/Magnolia

 

… and I’m back! I’ve been so busy styling up a storm, but I’m thrilled to be able to tell everyone about a recent project I’ve been working on! My client has a unique aesthetic of her own, and I’ve loved the opportunity to present her with options to revamp her entire residence! One space I’ve been updating is her dining nook. The current chandelier looks like a white flying saucer of sorts, and I’m in search of a bold, gold fixture to modernize the whole look without overwhelming the small space. My personal favorite (see option F below) is too tall for this project, but I still had to share it anyways (and perhaps manifest it into my own home)! My client has yet to settle on her pick, but here’s your chance to pick the gold medal winner!

A. Willa Arlo Interiors Brindalla

B. Mercury Row Bisbee 

C. Madison Park Presidio

D. Langley Street Drexler

E. Light Society Thurston

F. Langley Street Ganador and here is the smaller 5-light version

G. Langley Street Corona

H. Willa Arlo Interiors Bautista

If you regularly follow Amber Interior’s Instagram feed, then you’re already as in love with dreamy beach prints as I am. Art prints can get crazy expensive, but what’s even more cray is how affordable prints like these can be to DIY! Step one: purchase a digital download on Etsy for a photo that feels very No Bad Days. Step two: print out at Costco (paper towels, smoothie mix and a randomly chic sweater sold separately). Step three: insert photo into an IKEA frame and voilà! Surf’s up at your place.

a. Sisi & Seb  b. Modern Pixel Art

c. Photo Prints Shop  d. Good Vibes Motel

e. Sisi & Seb  f. Lila X Lola  g. Hello Gorgeous

h. Modern Pixel Art  i. My Meraki Prints

 

Are you a victim of harsh bathroom lighting? Perhaps it’s time to rethink your fixture placement and literally take it down a notch. To achieve the most flattering light, place your fixtures at eye level to eliminate shadows and evenly illuminate your gorgeous face. Here’s my roundup of the most chic ways to brighten up your bathroom and boost your confidence every time you look in the mirror!

A. Jersey Ice Cream Co.

B. Richard Hallberg and Barbara Wisely via Architectural Digest

C. Amber Interiors via My Domaine

D. Studio McGee

E. Sophie Carpenter via SF Girl 

F. Amber Interiors

G. Studio McGee

H. Spazio LA via Pinterest