Blanket Statement.

Right now there is no finishing touch more darling than a Moroccan pom pom blanket. Caution: they are spendy; however, they are versatile enough to be worth the wear over years to come. If you’re not up for the splurge, start with a smaller pom pom throw blanket and drape it over your favorite living room chair. Here is a snippet of the best ways to style this decor du jour (with links to shop listed below). pom pom post

A. & D. L’Aviva Home

B. Amber Interiors

C. Maryam Montague

E. Muima

F. Indigo + Lavender

G. Casablanca Market

H. Bohemia Wholesale

From the Window to the Wall.

Wallpaper is back, and though it might not be here to stay forever, I totally think it’s a trend that’s worth the splurge! The perfect place to take a big risk is in a small space like your half-bath. If you want more lasting power, be sure to stick to a neutral color palette; moreover, if you’re in your “blue period” you might want to opt for beautiful blue towels and not a whole wall of blueberry print paper just yet. However, go big or go home with your prints! If you’re going to spend the time and money on wallpaper it should stand out! Here are some of my favorite examples of wallpaper done right.

paper trail

A. via Domino

B. Park & Oak

C. Jaimee Rose Interiors (this whole house is amazing!)

D. Studio McGee

E. via Domino

F. Melissa Oholendt via Domino

G. Studio McGee

H. Tracy Hardenburg Designs

I. Veneer Designs

J. Amber Interiors via Elle Decor

Decor Du Jour

Je suis amoureux d’une chaise! Even the silliest of phrases can sound elegant in French, including my profession of love for none other than French bistro chairs. I’ve been spotting them everywhere, and I can barely contain my excitement about sharing all of this chic inspiration with everyone! These woven rattan beauties don’t come cheap, but the style is so classic that they’re worth the splurge. Maybe one day I’ll finally make it to a legit Parisian café but adding a couple of bistro chairs to my breakfast nook will have to suffice until then. Au revoir pour le moment!

bistro chair

A. Rita Chan Interiors    B. Sasha Adler & Lauren Gold of Nate Berkus Interiors

C. Lemon Stripes             D. House of Harper

E. Serena & Lily               F. Candace Soriano

G. Consort Design           H. Via One Kings Lane

I. Tracy Gilmore             J. Amie Corley

K. Nicole Franzen          L. Waterleaf Interiors

Full Coverage.

Right now I am smitten with range hood covers (AKA vent covers)! They can easily become a unique focal point of a kitchen and there are endless options for design. Here is a display of 3 basic styles: metal, wood and painted. Metallic options are chic but spendy, wood covers add a rustic touch a la Joanna Gaines and painted moldings blend in seamlessly with your cabinetry. Each style adds a custom, high-end look that elevates the design of the space but doesn’t take away from the basic function of the vent. Basically, they’re win-win!range hood

Sources:

METAL (clockwise from left): Cantley & Company, Fixer Upper, Studio McGee, via Better Homes & Gardens, via Better Homes & Gardens, Nate Berkus 

WOOD (clockwise from left): Sita Montgomery (this whole house is amazing), Fixer Upper, The Lily Pad Cottage, Becki Owens, Rejuvenation, Fixer Upper

PAINTED (clockwise from left): Heidi Piron, Studio Mcgee, Fixer Upper (painted to look like metal!), via My Domaine, via Better Homes & Gardens, via Traditional Home

 

In Progress.

I wanted to give a sneak peak of the fun remodeling project I’m designing in Lake Oswego. I’m sprucing up this little diamond in the rough and adding in some character and style that it’s clearly lacking. Let’s start with the exterior plan: new roof, fresh paint, adding custom shutters, painting the brick chimney black and the brick planter white, majorly cleaning up the landscaping, replacing both garage doors, getting new windows and adding a chic front door. I’m going for a look that’s cool-cottage-meets-modern-farmhouse. It’s a lot of work, but I’m beyond excited to see the finished product by the end of this summer! I’ll be sharing more photos as we progress, but for now here’s a little update on where we’re at in the planning phase. You can also follow along on my Instagram page for more frequent updates and videos!

before and hopefully after

And here are my exact paint color choices: Alabaster white for the main areas & Black Magic for the trim (both by Sherwin Williams). My painter matched the colors and went with his preferred Behr paint instead.

IMG-5918

My painter recommended I test out Greenblack by Sherwin Williams as well, but Black Magic was just too perfect to pass up. I love that it’s not too harsh and leans more towards charcoal grey or a matte black.

IMG-6703

 

So that’s my plan for the exterior. Excited to reveal the final result very soon! Stay tuned!

 

 

 

Rad Plaid.

My client’s home remodeling project is stalled due to a contractor snafu, and it’s given me an opportunity to day dream about future design projects. Right now I’m obsessed with black and white, and buffalo plaid is calling my name left and right! It’s everywhere: clothing, wallpaper, upholstery, curtains, flooring… you name it! Here are some of my favorite takes on this super chic, checkered print.

buffalo plaid

A. Magnolia wallpaper

B. The DIY Mommy

C. via Pinterest

D. Studio McGee

E. The Mountain View Cottage

F. The Sartorialist

G. Althouse Restaurant

H. via Pinterest

 

 

A Bronze Metal Finish.

So I’m in the midst of a little hardware conundrum. I’ve been on the hunt for black lighting fixtures and black hardware for a remodel project I’m designing, and I keep striking out in my search. I have my heart set on finding black schoolhouse pendants, but I can only find them with an oiled bronze or satin nickel finish. I’ve chosen bright white cabinetry and a cool grey wall color, and I just can’t reconcile using oiled bronze hardware with this combination. I love oiled bronze, but personally I feel it’s a better fit for a warm, rustic feel and a perfect match with antique whites and wooden accents. For my current project I think I’ll have to go with my 2nd best choice– satin nickel, but here is my vision for oiled bronze at its finest to keep in mind for future projects.oiled bronze

A. Kelley Designs

B. Tammy Connor Interior Design

C. Steven Gambrel Design

D. Tricia D. Atkinson

E. Fixer Upper

F. Our Vintage Home Love

G. DISC Interiors

H. Candlelight Homes

Half-Time.

Here’s a how-to on giving a cramped half bath a splash of hotel luxury all with the click of a button. Start with a classic mosaic tile floor that sets the tone for the whole look: white with touches of matte black. If you’re tight on time and money a ready-made, chic vanity with elegant hardware can easily give your sink area a custom look. Top it off with matte black hardware and a cheeky sign and your powder room is quickly on point.easy half bath

A. Margaree 3-Light Vanity Light

B. Printable Bathroom Sign

C. Towel Ring in Mattle Black

D. Polished Chrome Wide Handle Faucet

E. Cup Pull in Matte Black

F. Metro Hex Matte White with Black Dot Mosaic Tile

G. Single Sink Bathroom Vanity

H. Square Beveled Wall Mirror

Haute Mama.

Summer is coming in hot! With temps about to hit 100 degrees this weekend it’s got me thinking about how uncomfortable I am with showing some skin after a long, pale winter! Also, now that I’m a middle-aged mom I still want to dress hip but in an age-appropriate, flattering way. Here are some suggestions for taking a bit more modest approach to on-trend swimwear for a look that says I’m not like a regular mom, I’m a cool mom!swim post

a. Watercolor Striped Cut Out 

b. Criss Cross High Waisted Bikini

c. Anne Marie Striped One-Piece

d. Brushed Stripe Keyhole Bandeau

e. ‘Algiers’ High Neck One piece

f. Scarlet High Waisted Cobalt Bikini Set

g. Shoulder-tie one piece

h. Slimming High Waist Bikini

 

 

It’s Getting Hot in Here.

With the official start of summer only weeks away, I am jumping at the chance to move on from the rainiest year in history! I can’t wait for the return of bright colors, cutoffs, sandals and glowing skin. Here are some hot topics to help us get settled in for a rad summer.

its getting hot in here

A. Oliver Graphic Tee

B. Good Vibes Aviator Sunglasses

C. Colorblock Crochet Bikini Top  & Crochet Bikini Bottom

D. Embroidered Denim Skirt

E. Birkenstock Madrid Sandal

F. Montauk Woven Tote with Pom Pom Charms

G. Brazilliance PLUS + Self-Tanner with Mitt