Celebrating the 4th in style!

This is a guest post I did for my good friends over at Bae - a fab home decor boutique in SF. Visit their blog at Bae Home & Design


You don’t need to clear out your local Hobby Lobby of everything with a star or a stripe this month to give your home or 4th of July celebration a patriotic sparkle, you can show your pride this Independence Day in a less is more approach with style, sophistication, and a little bit of fun.

The opening of The Pledge of Allegiance in a bold modern graphic print is a great way to show some spirit.

via eighteen25 download art here.

What is more decadent than cheesecake? Individual jar servings make it special, strawberries and blueberries make it festive.

via The Tomkat Studio Recipe: My Baking Addiction
 

Show up to the cookout in this chic and pretty sweetheart dress.

Available at Anthropologie.

Bae's SkLo float vessels would look great anywhere in your home or party. Cluster a grouping of them around some candles to create a colorful glow. See more

 

This patriotic throw pillow is so cute you can use it year round.

 Via The Stir, available on Etsy.

You can also decorate with your own accessories. Group together any red, white, and blue items you already have around your home to get that patriotic feel.

Via The Examiner

Have a happy, stylish 4th of July!

Ready or not, Christmas is coming - some easy decorating ideas for those with little time or motivation to decorate for the holidays

I'm a little ashamed to admit that I love other people's Christmas and holiday decorations, but when it comes to putting up my own, I really drag my feet. I let the weeks pass by, and then it just seems too late to bother. If there are any other of you out there like me, here are a few simple decorating ideas, which are easy and quick enough that you won't need to procrastinate.

Love this photo.  See how just a red throw and a pillow gives it a holiday feel?
 (aside from the snow)
via Log Home

You can always just go with a tree.  Because there are no other holiday decorations around, the tree is all the more noticeable, and really takes center stage.

A red flower arrangement or poinsettia can make a big impact on your dining room table.  Keep the other table linens white to really make the red pop.

2 images above via Lonny Mag

Okay, so I know this adorable little shed is all decked-out, but I used it to impact the instant coziness that warm light gives off. Candle light and incandescent lighting from table lamps and sconces, not overhead lighting, give off a warm glow. I know that incandescent lights are not the most energy efficient option - so check out compact fluorescents (CFLs), which give off a light more similar to incandescents than traditional fluorescents, but still give you energy savings.

via Pinterest

Candle light makes the table festive, even without green garlands and red bows.
via Rue Magazine

Simple pops of red turn an everyday room into a holiday decorated room.  A throw, a table runner, a lampshade, or a throw pillow are all accents that can be swapped in on the holidays.

2 images above via Casa Diez

I thought this idea was cute and easy. Take some glass vessels with a wide opening - a large jar, a hurricane, a glass bowl, and fill them with a simple strand of lights (craft stores sell plain strings of lights super cheap), and cluster them together in an arrangement on the table, mantle, or a sideboard.

via Country Living

What do you do to decorate for Christmas or the holiday you celebrate?  Do you procrastinate or go all out once Thanksgiving has come and gone?

An amazing chic and liveable LA home makeover

This amazing makeover is the home of Lisa Ullmann, Executive Producer of The Ricky Gervais show.  What started as an Echo Park "diamond in the rough," turned into a multifaceted top-quality gem. The interior design is by LA firm Jonamor Decor

Here are some before/after pics to show you the amazing transformation...

entry before

Entry after -- so chic!

The overall goal was to create a comfortable and relaxing environment that would reflect Lisa's many interests and styles and be welcoming for guests. Having a passion for travel, Lisa wanted to incorporate elements of some of her favorite places around the world that she had visited, specifically Italy, France and India. She wanted her home to be unique, elegant but also “user friendly”.

My favorite transformation - the living room

gorgeous - the jewel tones are really fresh

The dining room

The red is a bit too loud for me personally, but the room is still really intriguing, I like the wallpaper and the Moroccan lanterns

The master bedroom transformation

Many of the central pieces to each room were vintage or purchased at discount prices. Older furniture was re-painted and re-upholstered (a used Crate and Barrel desk painted black, an ottoman from a flea market covered in a funky Indian orange fabric). Lisa not only appreciated vintage items for their price and unique appearance, but felt that buying used items was a “greener” approach. Of all the newly purchased furniture, only the couch, a chair and a bench were “new” items.


What do you think of this home makeover?

Interiors in red, white, and blue

Monday is independence day here in the states, which usually means lots of yummy cookouts, days at the beach, and fireworks! Have an awesome holiday!

A great, fail-safe way to mix patterns is to do it monochromatically. This red bed is a beauty!
via ?

an all around classic in whites and neutrals
via ?

Red florals and a tan wall make for a historic-looking living room
via iVillage

I adore this real bedroom from a Baltimore apartment.  The exposed brick and the blue go together really well. Love that dresser too!
via Apartment Therapy

A white country bedroom
via Ballard

White and blue makes this bedroom crisp and classic
via Elle Decor

via ?

You can't get more white than this dream-from-heaven of a bathroom
via Christopher Peacock

 

A red bison and a blue vase on the mantel add a patriotic touch.  I also love the fireplace surround and the toadstool sculpture!

via Real Simple

An all-out homage to mid-century modern with a backdrop of blue.

via Covet Garden

Spring is on it's way! 10 great tips to freshen up the place at little to no cost

These clever and thoughtful tips come to you from Beverly Hills interior designer David Solomon. I didn't know residents of the Hills needed budget tips - but David has some great ones nonetheless! To see David's portfolio go to his site.

1. Paint is your best friend
One of the most affordable options as a homeowner is to paint a room. Try picking a theme or choose a color and build your room around the mood of the color.


The dusky blue paint in this entryway sets the tone for this home - you get a sense that it will have a historic, eclectic, and mature feel.
via Maison Interiør

2. Stick to a theme.
What do you call a Japanese, Victorian, and Modern theme? Answer: a college dorm. Try to stick to a basic theme and work with that design.

3. Use visual cues.
Most people ignore very innate physical attributes of a home. Arched doorways are good for a Spanish theme. Crowned molding works well with Victorian and Art Deco styles. Wainscoting on walls can work with a country theme. Solid walls work well with modern.


The decorator here took a cue from the elegant molding and created a luxe sitting room
via Scandinavian Chic

4. Furniture makes a statement about the room.
One of the biggest investments you can make can be the furniture you purchase for a room, however, try to repurpose existing furniture or try using simple chairs with matching table to create a theme.


This room could have gone in many directions but this unique table and the patina of the wood sets the tone as rustic and traditional
via BoligDrøm


5. Take a peek under the carpet
If you own an older home, chances are you are covering hard wood floors with that 70’s shag carpet. If you own a new home don’t be afraid to pull the carpet and put down wood laminate. Engineered wood has never been more affordable.

6. Put down an area rug.
Area rugs can be purchased for as little as $200 and give a room a very expensive look. Carpet remnants make for excellent area rugs. See local Carpet store.


via My Marrakesh


7. Ditch the overhead chandelier for wall sconces
Lighting is the oldest trick in the book to make a room pop; just ask Hollywood filmmakers. Get creative while sticking to the theme. Create a modern room by hiding the light source or create a Victorian feel by putting wall sconces on a light fader.

8. Less is more
Most people believe that every square inch needs to be filled in a room but emptiness is a statement in itself. Don’t be afraid to leave a wall void of furniture.

9. Use accessories.
One of the least expensive ways to add color to a room with white walls is to add red pillows. Pillows, throw rugs, candles, paintings, photos, and flowers can make mild into wild.



via Casa Diez

10. Add a plant
One of the best ways to make a room feel like a living space is to add living plants, like a tall leafy plant in one corner, or just get some fresh seasonal flowers for the table.

via Alice in Designland


BONUS TIP

Any change you make will add to your overall curb appeal and ultimately to the value of your home. Keep in mind that outdoor improvements such as foliage, plants, and bushes take a long time to grow so plan ahead.

Red hot on Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day! Well I am finally seeing the light at the end of this tunnel.....and feeling better today~not perfect but far better than yesterday, and "getting back in the saddle" is only a day away........didn't make it to the house yesterday but possibly today and will take some updated pictures.How could I not do a post on something red for Valentines day? I know I will be like everyone else..... but let's face it if there's a day to dedicate to red interiors......today, folks is that day! So today we pay homage to all things red. And though I confess that I am not what you might call a "red enthusiast" when it comes to home decor I think some of these pictures prove it can actually be quite successful when done correctly. In fact many of these rooms are really downright beautiful, demonstrating that red can be really fabulous. Do you have a favorite? Or is there some way that you like to include red in your home? Hope whatever you are doing today, whether its just like any other day for you or you are going all out and doing something incredibly fabulous..that it is a great day for each and every one of you.
Wishing you an enchanting Valentines day........

Now onto the red rooms:

This showstopping living room by John Stefanidis proves red can be stunning

Thomas Pheasant dining room decked out in red and rich reds 

Jane Marsden created this cozy and elegant guest room in red against crisp white

Thomas Pheasant designed this living room entirely in red and orange hues in D.C.

This elegant large scaled living room done predominantly in red upholstered furniture is accented with dark green drapes and other small infusions of color by Katie Ridder

Love the red painted walls here, it is so rich by William Eubanks

A funky red and white lively geometric design is used in this bold and full of life bedroom by Diamond Baratta

Cozy red and white print adorn this bed nook....its bold but warm House Beautiful

Mary Mcdonald used red in this elegant traditional bedroom and it looks stunning and lively

A fun lively living room gets a young,fresh take on red by Miles Reid

Fabulous luxurious home movie theater decked out in rich red velvet seen in Elle Decor

A rich red glazing is applied to the fabulous wood paneling here, it gives it an interesting rich look

Red lacquered walls in this cozy study give a lot of warmth and life to an otherwise typical room

Bright red walls are unexpected but look great against the crisp white (House Beautiful)

Red accents in an all white kitchen is quite attractive as seen in House Beautiful

A fun mix of red patterns on these dining chairs makes this an inviting and fun space House Beautiful

This electric red and white entry hall makes for a funky and inviting space 

An oriental inspired print in a dark red looks elegant in this small powder room

Standing in a sea of red...bold!  I do like the geometric rug, not sure if I could live with it day to day however without getting tired (or dizzy)

The punch of the red chairs adds a lot to this elegant living room Veranda

Electric mix of styles with red being the predominant color Elle Decor

Cozy eating spot in a library got the red treatment in Elle Decor

You don't expect to see cherry red lacquered walls in the dining room but it is quite dramatic by Brian McCarthy

A fun guest/kids room in a country house gets infused with lots of red, makes it a lively and happy space....my kids would have a lot of fun in this room! Victoria Hagan

Cozy and quaint, the mix of the plaids and a soft floral trellis in red look inviting in this bedroom

Gorgeous and elegant beds with a twist in a cranberry red with pink and orange accents..funky and beautiful!

Francine Coffney uses red to make a bold statement in this living room 

Bright red chairs in this Francine Coffney designed cozy eating nook look dramatic and elegant

A beautifully rustic dining room gets a burst of red by Victoria Hagan

So has your mind been swayed on how you feel about red rooms? Or did you already have an affinity for them? Let me know if you have a favorite...always love to hear! Have an enchanting Valentines Day!

Giveaway information-
Safavieh Home Furnishings

has generously donated this brand new fabulous french occasional chair!

(Retails for $395)

Gorgeous painted Provence chair, ideal for a living room, dining room or a dressing area.

 (The picture is a little blurry, working on getting a clearer one but here is the link to get a great picture and be able to zoom in and get the details... http://www.safaviehhome.com/product_info.php?cPath=6_44&&noborder=noborder&newPath=44&products_id=2695

Go to www.safaviehhome.com and scoll down for links to their facebook and twitter:

• Join Safavieh on facebook and leave a comment on their facebook page on what your favorite item is from their site (one entry)
• Follow Safavieh on Twitter (one entry)
• Leave me a comment anytime between now and the 17th telling me what your favorite post is since I have been blogging about a month ago.....good luck! (one entry)
• Actual drawing is Friday, Feb. 18th and I will announce the winner that day on my post

I will use random.org to pick the lucky winner..... this wonderful giveaway will take place on Safavieh's warehouse