Happy New Year!

Thank you to all my lovely readers, fellow bloggers and the individuals that have inspired me over the past year! It has been an incredible one for me -- moving from the mountains of Jackson Hole to the windy city of Chicago and from marketing and event planning at a nonprofit to a sponge in the beautiful design studios of some very talented interior designers (that leave me in awe everyday). I thought I would end the year with some pieces that echo the celebratory elegance of the holiday...

(via bailey doesnt bark, marni, kate spade and trina turk)
Wishing you and yours a very happy new years! xoxo

color pops {a fresh breath of blue}

As much as I love the holiday season it can also leave one drained. I know that I am definitely in need of recharging before the new year arrives and I am pretty sure some quality time in these serene blue rooms would be an instant fix.

(via bonesteel trout hall , plum cushion, trad home and munger interiors)

silver paper + mirrors on chains

I was just flipping through Mary Macdonald's book Interiors: The Allure of Style and these two glamorous rooms caught my eye. When I looked closer I realized the two key elements these rooms had in common. They both featured stunning mirrors hung on chains and silver paper (on the ceiling in one and all over in the other). Not to mention stunning crystal chandeliers. This could be my new "go-to" combination for over the top glamorous spaces.

current cravings {unique and intricate}

It is hard to imagine after having such a lovely Christmas to crave anything but I can't help lusting after these unique statement pieces...

(necklace via roarke, serena and lily and the rug company)

cheers!

There are many essentials to a successful holiday celebration. I would be lying if I said that a well stocked bar wasn't one of them. Second to a well stocked one would be a beautiful one. I love the this unassuming but fabulous bar...

...as well as the unique placement and sheer weight of this one...

(images scanned from Details by Lili Dialo and Chicago Spaces)

kitchen crush {minimal + industrial}

In general, I am not a gal that loves industrial design, as it can come across rather cold and utilitairan. The one room where I find the industrial look to not only appealing but functional is the kitchen. I would happily replicate these open shelves, windows, tolix chairs, lights and this table (umm...amazing) any day and any time!

(via jessica helgerson design)

event inspiration {a soft shimmer}

Although I love bold colors there is something so appropriate and elegant about the shimmer of a soft metallic color scheme for the holiday season...

(images via atlanta homes and lifestyles, green wedding shoes, 100 layer cake, elie saab, british homes and gardens, and rue magazine)

indigo + snow

Not many combinations can rival the classic and clean look of indigo and snow..

(via calypso celle, jayson home and garden, lulu frost and the rug company)

eye candy {fabulous + unexpected}

I love when people aren't afraid to express themselves through their home decor--especially when it results in unique and unexpected design decisions. This bold chevron wall and convex mirror gallery in Thomas Smythe's home are excellent examples of a homeowner showing his personality on his sleeve (or in this case walls)!

(via canadian house and home)

fashioning interiors {alberta ferretti}

I cannot believe with the elegant and tribal inspired cuts, bold patterns and bright colors of the Alberta Ferretti Spring 2012 RTW collection that I have not posted the pieces earlier. The dresses and separates inspire a wide variety of unique styles for the home...

(rooms via katie ridder, celeri kemble and jay jeffers)
And the last interior by Jay Jeffers has me nodding in agreement with Pantone's 2012 color of the year -- tangerine tango!

dining by starlight

Ok, it may be too cold to actually eat outside but this holiday season why not hang stars (whether rustic, casual or contemporary) over your dining room table to bring a little bit of the outdoors in.

(via nest, house beautiful uk and house and garden)

craving {shimmer + spark}

Inspired by the increased amount of time I have been spending sitting by the fire I am currently craving anything that emulates the warmth of fiery flames!

(scarf via calypso, rablabs platter available at megan winters design, theyskens theory shoulder bag, jonathan adler dot bowl and mecox gardens pillow)

in the kitchen {a dash of pine}

I spend so much more time in the kitchen during the holidays than any other time of the year -- whether baking cookies, entertaining or sharing holiday cocktails with friends. It only makes sense that it is room that is decked in holiday decor. I adore the hints of pine added to these already stunning kitchens. It is festive while still allowing the kitchen to remain a functioning space through the holidays.

(via atlanta homes and lifestyles)
Oh and Santa, could you please bring me starburst mirrors to hang in my kitchen windows?

all that glitters...

...may not always be gold but if you are lucky it may be pyrite, well fool's gold. I just adore this in between metallic. It is sophisticated and elegant but has a modern edge that gold just can't touch.

(marchesa dress, kelly wreastler pyrite cuff, lanvin jeweled flats, pyrite heart from jayson home and garden and morrocan tray from calypso celle)
Also, I have a very hard question for you--what is the best gift you have ever received? I am very curious to know! If you are wondering what my answer would be then just pop on over here and read my response in the latest issue of matchbook magazine!

what is your holiday style?

I haven't quite decided what direction I want to go with my holiday decor this year. I am trying to decide between an elegant look punctuated with flowers...

(via style at home)
A restrained look....


(via house and garden)
Or perhaps rustic and inviting...

(via skona hem)
What style are you embracing this year?

stocking stuffers {for the gals}

Just a few fun, feminine and unique stocking stuffers for the gals..

(kate spade prize ball, jonathan adler matches, camel case by virginia johnson, rifle paper company notepad, marc by marc jacobs headphones, dvf key chain and flash drive and orla kiely iphone cover)

fashioning interiors {norman ambrose}

The holiday season will surely bring many celebratory parties where shimmer and shine are appropriate if not expected! Although these Norman Ambrose dresses are from the Spring 2012 RTW collection I think they would be incredible for a holiday party. And these glamorous bathrooms would be the perfect places to primp...

(via elle decor and nuevo estilo)

christmas {palette} drama

This evening the last of the turkey is being consumed, in the form of what I am sure will be a delicious turkey stock based soup! Which means it is officially time for the Christmas season to begin. I have tons of event, shopping and decor inspiration in store for the next few weeks. However, I wanted to start off simple with the sophisticated and moody palette of these two interiors. I love the drama created by pairing holiday greenery with cool wood and slate tones.

And how creative is that lucite and white plaster christmas tree?!

(via d home magazine and canadian house and home magazine)

event inspiration {aqua affair}

Yes, I know that I really should be focusing on holiday entertaining inspiration (believe me it is coming in spades!) but for today I just couldn't resist building a board around this amazing cake, plus I can never resist aqua!
(chloe dress, a hana design floral, 100 layer cake, red ribbon fox paper, and my sweet and saucy)

eye candy {dining by christina murphy}

I am a stalker, yes, that is right. Well, I should say that I stalk interior designer's portfolios--just waiting for photos of new projects! It always feels like Christmas when there is new eye candy to be devoured. I hope that you are as inspired by this lovely dining room by the very talented Christina Murphy as I am!

current cravings {cranberry + gold}

I just finished writing out a very extensive shopping list for Thanksgiving dinner and I now have a sudden urge for bold rich cranberry hues. As with all reds, a little bit goes a long way and it begs to be paired with a neutral, such as matte gold!

(anya hindmach clutch, jayson home and garden wishbone, dvf dress, marc blackwell tumbler and madeline weinrib pillow)

fashioning interiors {putting on the glitz}

I was in need of a little midweek dose of sparkle and shine and these gorgeous dresses from the 2012 RTW Spring collections were the perfect fix! Both exude glamor and sophistication...

(via alexander mcqueen and summer thorton)

(via Angie Hranowsky and Donna Karen)
Happy Wednesday!

bookworm bliss

There are so many sources that I look to for inspiration and lately there is just something about a beautiful hardcover book full of glossy images that I cannot resist. Which is why I picked up a copy of Celerie Kemble's newest book, Black and White and a Bit in Between. The first thing I do when I purchase a new book is flip through the pages just to get a taste of the inspiration that is in store. Occasionally there are books where no single image stands out to me on the first flip. Well, this was absolutely not the case when I flipped through Celerie's book. My jaw literally dropped when I encountered these amazing kitchens..

Where are you looking to for inspiration these days?

fresh start

Well, after a lot of packing tape, calls to UPS and bubble wrap, the dogs and I have officially arrived back in Chicago! I am still settling in but I am so excited for the adventures, inspiration and opportunities that the future holds. Also, I have sold most of my furniture and look forward to sharing my progress in rebuilding and recollecting my space for living. These simple and clean interiors made me very excited for this fresh start...

(via c magazine, beth webb and suzanne kasler)

urban country style

I am sorry to be remiss in posting this week but I have been buried in bubble wrap and boxes, as in less than a week I am moving to Chicago! I love living in the mountains but am so excited for the opportunities and inspiration that comes with city life. I guess that makes me an urban country girl and perhaps why I am drawn to these interiors that are the perfect blend of these seemingly contradictory styles..

(scanned from urban country style)