proud mary palette (pt.2)

The colors of Proud Mary's collections continue to inspire me...saffron, rose, navy...oh my!  All the these colors flirt perfectly with each other and would add a boho and magical vibe to any space.

Also, I absolutely need this rug. Which means my Christmas list just started! 

seasonal prep {shimmer + azure}

Holiday (aka entertaining) season is upon us--my abosolute favorite time of year! Which means that it is time to start stocking the bar, planning elaborate menus and freshening up entertaining essentials. Every year I love to acquire just a few things to update my entertaining arsenal. This year I am hoping to add a few glam, yet organic pieces...

1. kelly wearstler bejeweled bottle opener 2. gold dot bowl from NEST interiors  3. hand painted gold glasses from serena & lily and faux shagreen nesing trays from made goods available from plantation home

chair makeover {a metallic twist}

It never ceases to amaze me how a little bit of paint it can transform a piece of furniture.  I recently purchased a set of vintage Breuer chairs, which had been painted black. When I bought them I knew a new coat of paint would be in there future. I originally thought it would be a dose of kelly green applied in a geometric pattern. However, I thought I should try to respect the roots of these iconic chairs and attempt to bring them back to their original look, with a little modern metallic twist!  

 So, with the help of a screw driver, painters tape and champagne colored spray paint they have a whole new shimmery life... 

washed out wonder

The heat is cranked up, the leaves have fallen and the smell of snow is in the air. As much as I love winter, my toes and fingers are currently numb from an afternoon spent outside rehabbing some garage sale finds. So I am having a little momentary daydream of being somewhere where I could warm my toes in the sand. This little daydream is currently taking place in this lovely beach chic space. I mean how fabulous is the wallpaper and love the texture and casual elegance of the rope wrapped chandeliers, both from Cuff Home.

(images via Cuff Home)

Coveting {Cassandra Smith}

I am so excited to be sharing my love of Cassandra Smith's whimsical painted antlers in the newest issue of Chicago Home and Garden Magazine! Her pieces will add a high style punch to any home without completely breaking the bank. 

bits of {modern + eclectic} beauty

This home is nothing short of bold and in my mind it is absolutely beautiful! It is chalk full of inspiration, almost an overwhelming amount. Each room has so much of it to offer -- from this rich bronze ceiling mixed with a vintage flush mount fixture...

Lovely proof of how black is a wonderful neutral to play bold colors against. And I love the elegant curtains -- set in to the ceiling and with a beautiful black velvet bottom edge.

 This console is insanely gorgeous -- love the texture, especially when places near a sleek glass diving wall.

(via nuevo estilo)

coveting {grey furniture}

 I am totally smitten with the newly launched Grey Furniture.  This Atlanta based company strives to create honest and lasting designs.  I have no doubt that owner, Sarah Atkinson, will succeed in this mission. My biggest crush is on this amazing coffee table.  Not to sounds like a male, but this table has the best legs I have ever seen!

And I am just crazy about the shape and proportion of the "gear" table.

And this mid century inspired piece would play well with many styles, while also holding its own in a space.

carving it up

Alright, I have  a confession -- I am a horrible pumpkin carver. I honestly get stressed when I have to pick up a knife and carve out a spooky face, even if just the classic triangle eyes.  Last year I went to a friends for a pumpkin carving party and was the first one to finish, as I took about 10 slices with my wustof and called it a night. This year I decide to get over my fear and aim high. I decided to carve a pumpkin inspired by this new and amazing wall covering from Phillip Jeffries..

It took about three exhausting but enjoyable hours...

And the result was surprisingly but perfectly spooky.

digital reprieve

Today was  a rare day -- I decided to detach myself from my mac book. I cannot tell you how long it has been since I have woken up and brewed a pot of coffee before powering up my computer.  I savored time playing ball with my dogs, went for a run without worrying about my to do list, made soup for dinner (which took two perfect hours.) I also managed to get to an estate sale and scored some amazing pieces -- they need some love but are all so amazingly full of potential that I am not sure I can go to sleep tonight. So, I am curious what would you do to these pieces? 

gifting {host + hostess}

Do you have a go to host/hostess gift? I personally love thinking beyond the bottle of wine + fresh cut flowers. I shared my favorite picks with Dishing Magazine today. These gifts are all sure to snag a repeat dinner invite! For the host...

And for the hostess...

(source information available here)

event inspiration {rhubarb + celery}

I was in Restoration Hardware today and they had Christmas decorations up! Am I the only one that thinks it is a bit too early? I am just beginning to think about Halloween and Thanksgiving! However, it did motivate me to start thinking about my autumnal holiday decor. I keep being drawn to the combination of rhubarb red and celery green. It is fresh, has a lovely organic feel and just a tad unexpected for the fall celebratory season -- which makes me love it all that much more! 

(via grey likes weddings, unknown and c magazine)

lust list {indulgent drama}

It has been a busy few days, but that has not kept me from having some wonderfully indulgent (and dramatic) cravings...

1. Plug "Lunar" Ceiling Light 2. Ox Horn Whiskey Tumblers 3. Brass and Lucite Side Table (4) Dannijo Rubik Ring

perennial virant

I was just answering some questions for an upcoming editorial piece about my favorite places in Chicago and one place that kept popping up in my head was Perennial Virant, a newer restaurant in Chicago's Lincoln Park. Not only is the food incredible, but the decor of the space, as well that of the adjacent hotel is pretty darn inspiring..

in the weeds

I can't keep a house plant alive for over a week---so as you can imagine I never think to use them as a home decor accent. However, I do love the whimsy they add to this home....so much so that I may just buy a watering can!  I am serious! As much as I love my succulents, that thrive on neglect, I also crave the texture and drama more high maintenance plants add to formal + over the top spaces.

(via world of interiors)

beautifully bunched

Can there ever be too much of a good thing? When it comes to occasional tables, I think not - which is why I tend to favor ones that can can bunch or nest. They are as functional as they are aesthetically pleasing -  always a winning combination.

(1) end grain topped drum table from Pieces (2) puzzle set from Regina Andrew (3) vintage white lacquered nesting tables (4) twin side tables from Oly Studio

divine details {a fine line}

I love to strategically paint thin lines where the wall meets the ceiling in order to emulate the look of moldings. However, I had never thought to paint one alongside pre-existing moldings. I love the way the thin contrasting black line along the trim of this entry highlights and amplifies the effect of the moldings and adds a unique touch to this traditional with a twist space.

(via architectural digest)

dazzling, indeed!

Today I received a beautifully wrapped and unexpected package that contained Amanda Nisbet's new book, Dazzling Design. Dazzling (and inspiring) it is!  The work showcased in the book reinforced her fresh, daring and never dull aesthetic. I was particularly fond of the images that feautured her fearless use of plum, gilt and gloss...

And the way she made me fall back in love with lucite...

I highly recommend you pick up a copy -- I know it will be my new inspirational reference, especially when it comes to color!

the "perch"

I have a busy week ahead, which means that I will be spending quite a bit of time in my office. So, I thought I would share a few little shots of my eclectic, cozy and inspirational workspace, fondly known as the "perch."

The "perch" is housed in the hay loft of an old barn. The doors to the loft were replaced with floor to ceiling windows which let in the most amazing light.

 My desk chair is one-of-kind piece made by my younger brother out of plywood. I am still a bit baffled at how he constructed it -- I just know that I adore it and that it is surprisingly comfortable. 

Most of my samples are stored away in drawers, but I love the smell of wallpaper too much to hide the samples away. So they are prominent stored in a planter - I told you it was eclectic.

A little vignette, featuring one of my first pieces of art (the horse) and some DIY pots that I made earlier this year.

 And as apparent from this board, I am still holding on to the vibrant hues of summer...

 For a bit more color - an antique jade lamp (the base is a parrot) and vintage seltzer bottles.