Home Typography Tuesday with Toby Scott

The contrast of today's "Home Type Tuesday" is courtesy of the super talented photographer Toby Scott and is utterly delightful. Is there anything better than a sharp blue door to welcome you into a cozy cafe? It just beckons you to enter! The "typography" part comes from the ingenious roll of brown craft paper above the door that states the days specials. Perfectly unique and a smart affordable solution!

(images via Toby Scott photographed at Coin Laundry Cafe for Est Magazine)

A Dash and Albert Rug GIVEAWAY

I was so honored when Annie Selke's team over at Fresh American asked me to share a few of my affordable spring decorating tips with their readers! It was such a fun post to write because as you know I love quick seasonal changes that make your rooms feel like new again. To read all 5 tips pop on over to the post AND as if free design advice was not enough they are giving away one of their fabulous indoor/outdoor rugs. How nice of them, right? Well get on over there and enter...right now would be great because it ends tonight!

 

This is an image from BHG and it just happens to feature the exact rug Dash and Albert is giving away!

Quick Tip: Change out your seat cushions and runners for fun spring colors, it will chase away the winter blues and add a nice burst of color!

Scouting: Table Lamps with Rectangle Shades

Today I am scouting for table lamps and more specifically options with a rectangular shade. Sometimes a table, especially a console table that is narrow calls for a more streamlined shade. I love lines that mimic each other there is something so calming about the look! Though to be honest, a pet peeve is when a lamp shade is larger than the width of a table, this is a no no in my design book!

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Included in Circa Lighting's new introduction is the Symbolic Table Lamp! This would fill anyone's love for geometrical shapes, including mine!

A sleek gray shade gets me every time. In this case it takes the focus away from the base and lends it to the shade for a sleek look!

I always love Regina Andrew's Lighting there is a simple but feminine look to them. The Mother of Pearl detail on this table lamp gives it just a bit of texture which could work in this space.

In my opinion, one can never go wrong with alabaster especially if you are scouting for subtle interest and movement in a finish. This Sandy Chapman Rectangular Form Table Lamp might just be our winner. With a shade that is 13"w x 8"d it will fit perfectly on the client's existing table!


Which lamp do you like best?

Iron Out That Cape

In the coming months....ok ok Mr. Vog I hear you, in the coming year you will see more posts on exterior renovation as we begin to work....errr ok talk about our own house. In New England you find many Cape Cod Style homes and I am constantly hunting for a way to make it not look like a Cape Style house, yea I have issues. Anyhow when I came across this image on Pinterest today, I sat back saying this could work for me!

First can we point out how beautiful that iron work is and added to a sweet front porch, well that just put me over the edge! The floor to ceiling windows with black casings definitely give this Cape a Traditional Southern feel that I am just loving. The Victorian moldings next to the center window can go but most everything else can stay, now if only I could get a glimpse on the inside...

What do you think? Do you like this style Cape better than this style Cape?

(image from WHITESTONE Builders < check out their website, it is incredible)

Manolo and Madeline - A Shoe Love Story

Don't blame me but here is another reason to shop for shoes...as if we need it, right? Madeline Weinrib and the shoe KING Manolo Blahnik are collaborating to bring us a bit more joy. We all know how a Weinrib Rug, Pillow or accent piece can literally bring life to any room and now with the help of Manolo she plans to bring that same delight to our feet!

There is something for every shoe lover in the collection and while these are not necessarily affordable they are a forever wardrobe item! So go on save your pennies, the top left are by far my favorite because they feels so timeless!

If you are not familiar with Madeline Weinrib she is know for her block, ikat and suzani prints.

Her area rugs can be described as both modern and timeless and are always full of color. In many rooms they are the center piece and command attention in the most gentle manner!

What do you think of this collaboration? Would you buy a Manolo/Weinrib shoe?

(images via Madeline Weinrib and She Finds)

Color Time - Benjamin Moore Pacific Ocean Blue

A colorful front or back door has me saying out loud, YES please! How fun is this Benjamin Moore Pacific Ocean Blue paint? Not only would the color make me happy but the throw back to another era Dutch Door would have me leaning out just waiting for company to visit!

Who's with me on this color and door?
 

*Note: The above room is the actual paint color not just a resemblance of the color. As you can see above, the paint chip sample online looks different than what is in the actual room photo. When choosing paint for your own home never go by what you see online, the color will always be a tad different. I suggest picking up a small paint sample at the store and paint a color swatch in the actual room, than you will never be disappointed!

(image via House Beautiful and designer Peter Dunham) 

Home Typography Tuesday - Budget Friendly Art

Morning All! I love to change my wall decor every few months (que the eye roll of my new hubby who likes things to stay in one place...) it always livens up a space and gives that new room feeling! So when I came across this image on Better Homes and Gardens I knew this is just the affordable option I needed!

Scan your book covers and hang them in identical frames. This is fun in an office space but how about in a small powder room? Lined on one wall from floor to ceiling? That would be interesting!

I have always loved the oversize Penguin Book Cover art but I think for me, something more personal would work better. Especially since I have so many favorite books and their cover art would be a great reminder of those stories!

What room would you use this affordable wall decor in? Another thought....a beach cottage with fun summer reads framed!

 

(image via BHG home of Mary Kay Andrews and Rambling Renovators)

Monday Morning Happy - Blizzard Edition

Sometimes you just need a good ol' Blizzard to recharge your batteries! I mean that in the "recharging" way of lounging around watching movies, reading magazines, playing board games, praying the lights don't go out and getting a workout in by shoveling.....26" of SNOW! For all of those not in the Northeast I posted a few pictures over on Instagram but here are the Before and Afters! It's pretty right? OK now bring on 50 degree spring weather and some sun.

Friday at 11am

 

Saturday 4pm and still snowing! 

(images all from CreateGirl/JaceInteriors)

Wild for Windsor Chairs

This past fall when I was at High Point Market I popped into the Mitchell Gold showroom and was immediately smitten with their modern interpretation of the iconic Windsor Chair. Soon I noticed many other retailers introducing their own version of the beloved chair. Whether in the original bow back or the updated fan back there truly is a style and color for every house!

 

Mitchell Gold Winslet Chairs

This image shows how a burst of color on Windsor Chairs can really bring a kitchen to life!

Maine Cottage offers the Bow Back styled Windsor Chair in 46 colors!

My favorite new Windsor introduction has to be the Crate and Barrel Willa Chair! It is available in Snow, Black, White, Dove and Peacock....YES Peacock! I am in love and might even add a few to our home office!

What are your thoughts on the newly interrupted Windsor Chair? Would you use them in your house?

Stepping Out with Crate & Barrels New Rugs

When January rolls around I am usually ready to roll up everything to do with winter and start new! Lucky for us Crate & Barrel just unveiled their new collection of furniture and accessories. I am particularly loving their new selection of area rugs!

Most of the area rugs are made of New Zealand Wool. Read this as ridiculously cozy, comfy and soft to the touch which is good for people like me who love to sit on the floor!

 

The Jasper Grey Rug paired with the Sonny Bench is a welcome addition to the entryway!

 

I often like to make the area rug in my rooms the focal point which means selecting one with great movement. The Tristan Rug is fantastic because of it's neutral colorway and fun pattern.The Floral Motif would work well in many rooms including a teenage girls bedroom and a home office!

Pop on over to Crate and Barrel to see all of their new introductions! I am especially smitten with the Tilly Accent Pillow and Esta Table Lamp. 

(images via Crate & Barrel)

Color Time - Perfect Pink Nursery Paint

Recently I was contacted by a new client who needed help with her nursery. She always dreamed of having a little girl and knew she wanted a super girly room which included pink walls! The first thing I always do is gather inspirational photos because let's face it some people say they want pink walls but cringe once they see the amount of pink there will be! Here are 2 great examples I am using to get a sense of the tone of pink and feel she would like for the room.

Cool Lava conveys a more mature and dramatic feel while still being girly!

Gentle Butterfly is a quiet wisp of a color and has a very feminine feel!

With Cool Lava I will go with more of a contrast and less pattern letting the wall color be the focus. If we end up going with something a bit quieter like the second photo I would suggest a tad more pattern and an accent color for the space! Either way I love them both!

Which pink speaks to your personal style?

 *Note: The above room is the actual paint color not just a resemblance of the color. As you can see above, the paint chip sample online looks different than what is in the actual room photo. When choosing paint for your own home never go by what you see online, the color will always be a tad different. I suggest picking up a small paint sample at the store and paint a color swatch in the actual room, than you will never be disappointed!

(images from Benjamin Moore, me oh my, photography by Ashlee Raubach, Benjamin Moore and Caitlin Wilson Designs)

Home Typography Tuesday

This type print says it all "Do More of What Makes YOU Happy" what a great quote to start a new year off with! Hang this in your office or a room you are in several times a time, surround it with images of places, people and things you love and your intention is set!

 

What would you like to do more of in 2013?

(image from by Holborn via  A Merry Mishap)

Chic Garage Storage?

OK so the words sexy and chic are not usually used in conjunction with Garage Storage but I was one determined girl to make it look somewhat design worthy! Over the weekend I was on a mission to organize our basement and garage areas. Every time I went down there and saw the floor filled with items and all the unused vertical space...well it drove me nuts! So off we went to Home Depot to scour solutions when I (..ok ok the Mr.) stumbled upon Rubbermaids Fast Track system. Immediately I knew I had to share this with you. The Rail system was super easy to put together and it actually looked great too...no white metal brackets taking up my vertical space just clean black horizontal tracks!

I can't bare to show you the before but here is the after.
Wow look we have a floor! Even the golf clubs are up and away, YAY!

We decided to use the Hose Hooks for the folding chairs because they will be more versatile down the road.

The U Hooks can hold up to 50lbs and are easy to lock into place and slide if needed. Perfect for the golf clubs!
 

This is what a beautiful garage storage can look like, we are not quite at this point yet but we're getting there!

The tip here is to remember your height! If you have clutter look UP and see what unused space you have!

 

Next up, cleaning out all of our files!

Don't you just love a new year? Have you been hit with the organizing bug too?

(images #1 and #3 from Jace Interiors, #2 and #4 from Rubbermaid)

Achieve Those Dreams 2013 Style

Happy New Year Friends! As 2012 came to a close I took some alone time to flip through my photos and reflect on all that has happened in the last 12 months. It truly was an incredible year and beyond dream worthy from the wedding, to honeymoon, to feeling secure with the business to the silly little daily moments!

I am feeling so grateful that I did not give up on my dreams years ago, which let's face it when things are not going your way it is much easier to just throw in the towel. Today I thought I would share with you my FB status update I wrote after this time of reflection:

If your dreams didn't come true in 2012 don't give up! Just 3 years ago I was a single city girl now I have just finished a year that was beyond what I could ever have hoped for! An amazing hubby, hilarious stepson and a waiting list of design clients. I am proof, DREAMS DO COME TRUE just stay focused and keep at it!

As I continue to float on my 2012 Cloud 9, 2013 has arrived and it's time to refocus on new goals!

Below are just a few you will hear about throughout the next 12 months.

• Continue my Italian Language Classes - Benvenuti!

• Finally put my hubby out of his misery and decide on a rug for our Living Room (check back in 30 days..and lets hope I have made a purchase!)

• Answer and delete emails as they come in...no more 4000 emails in the inbox! 

• Take a breath, slow down and photograph my design work from 2012 and hopefully get published in a national magazine! I KNOW there are 2 projects which would be perfect.

• Stay in and have more dinner parties, they are always so intimate and honestly more fun than going out! 

• Say out loud how much I am grateful for even the little things in my life!

• As my new hubby encourages me I will share even more here on the blog, both design wise and regarding our home renovation!

I hope all of your dreams come true in 2013! If you would, please share a few of your goals for 2013 and lets encourage each other!

(image from luminaire foto property of Jace Interiors and CreateGirl - please do not copy! and  hola!design and yes you can purchase it over in their shop!)

Home Typography Tuesday with Laurel Denise

Laurel Denise's "Glass Wish" vases make the perfect gift for all of the typography lovers on your list! With sweet sayings like "You are my Sunshine" and  "Choose Joy"  they are a little something extra to brighten your desk, window sill or dresser. I love gifts that can boost your mood and remind us to slow down and be thankful for the little things. Plus her motto "accessories for your accessories" is just fabulous!

"Do small things with great love"

 

Each bud vase is $18 and the perfect size for a stocking stuffer!

(images from Laurel Denise)

Introducing "to & from"

Trust me "to & from" is the only gift guide you will need this season! Attending events like High Point Market is always inspiring but what makes it really fantastic is when you meet new creatives. In October I was introduced to Meg of the website Meg Biram (formerly Mimi + Meg) a super talented artist and consultant. So when she emailed me to ask if I would contribute to her new magazine's Gift Guide I jumped at the opportunity! Below are my Holiday Picks for the "Constant Decorator" in to & from....which by the way is the most adorable name!

Don't we all love to receive AND give gifts? It's often the perfect gift we are looking for and I bet you will find it in the 142 pages of the guide!

To see my picks from my favorite companies like Global Views, Horchow, Patch NYC, Shop Ten 25 and more just use this link to jump over to the gift guide! You will also see MANY of your favorite bloggers there, enjoy your shopping!

(images from to & from)

Monday Morning Happy

Happy Monday after Thanksgiving! Have you all recovered from family time and an abundance of delicious food? I for one am off to a slow start, especially distracted by all these Cyber Monday emails! Oh my, the money I could spend!!

Thanksgiving this year was spent in Maryland with my husbands family. Their house backs up to a farm which is fascinating to this urban girl! There is so much land to wander and clear your head with a good walk! On Thanksgiving morning I woke up early and as I was starting my tea I looked out the kitchen window to see this amazing sunrise through the trees. The Social Media Girl I am grabbed the iPad to document it and as I went to take the picture I see the wooden "FAMILY" sign right there on the window sill. How appropriate!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

(image from Jace Interiors, please do not use without approval)

You Are Invited to I.O. Metro's Tweetchat

The Furniture Store, I.O. Metro has some exciting news, they are launching a new catalog and tomorrow night they are having a tweetchat to share all the details!

 

This is your official invitation to grab a glass of wine, light a fire and hop on Twitter for what will surely be a lively chat about all things design! Even better the fab folks at I.O. Metro will be giving away $50 gift cards every 15 mins during the chat, what? Yes you read it right...every 15 mins! To be eligible just RSVP To the host Erika Ward's Blog, Blu Label Bungalow. On Tuesday (tomorrow!) night follow the hashtag #IOMETRO2012 on Twitter at 9pm and let's have a great night chatting about design and the fantastic pieces of I.O. Metro!

I.O. Metro's Sutter Dining Table with the very affordable Sienna Pendants hanging above!

I.O. Metro's Amita Dining Table and the comfy Sora Dining Chairs.

Who to Follow on Twitter

Guest of Honor: I.O. Metro - @IOMetro

Host: Erika Ward - @ErikaatBluLabel

Co-Host: Julieann Covino - @CreateGirl

Co-Host: Ashlina Kaposta - @thedecorista

Co-Host: Lamar & Ronnie Tyler - @blackandmarried

(Images from I.O. Metro)

this is a sponsored post

Monday Morning Happy - Gratitude

Morning Friends! Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday of the year, with the focus on family, gratitude and a dinner table full of yummy food it is so much more enjoyable than others! Isn't it nice not to have to run around looking for a the perfect present like we do birthdays and other holidays? This week I am pausing from my chaotic design schedule to be grateful for all the friends I have met through Social Media and the wonderful events I have attended this year! When you have a small company it is these events that provide inspiration and even more importantly time to catch up creative friends!

First up was a great event between Circle Furniture and Social Interiors! Rachel Reider, Kristen Rivoli and Greg Premru have always been such wonderful supporters of the Boston Design Community!

These 3 ladies are not only amazing creatives but also the most genuine you will find in the business. The Brimfield Tent was a great excuse for us to catch up and show off our flea market finds! Raina, Elizabeth, Me and Michelle.


 
The LOOK event at the Boston Design Center was a day full of inspiration, learning new techniques and networking.With our hectic schedules it is a challenge to coordinate a morning with 2 of my favorite ladies, but this day gave us the perfect excuse to catch up. Stacey Kunstel and Gretchen Aubuchon are each taking the design world by storm with their new companies, check out their websites Dunes & Duchess and Fashion & Decor.



 
It is always so fun when people who have known each other only through Social Media meet for the first time in real life. This was the case with the west coaster Cassandra of Coco + Kelley and the east coaster Stephanie of Sabbe Spot!




Next up was a trip to North Carolina and High Point Market to view the new introductions from furniture companies all over the United States! Caitlin of Sacrament Street and Cassandra of Coco + Kelley are 2 of my very first friends I met through Social Media and I cherish any time I get to see them in person! Here we are meeting the incredible designer Barry Dixon.



 
Last but not least is my wonderful friend Erika of Radiant Republic. This picture is so special because it was the last one taken of us before each of our lives changed. We both got married this year to the men of our dreams who are each super supportive of our blogging life and the crazy world of social media! We certainly are the luckiest of girls!

Next years calendar is already filling up with design events but for now I am going to take a minute to enjoy each one of the above blogs and catch up with my favorite Social Media friends on Twitter!

Enjoy this new week,

Jul