Feather me Fancy


On your body or in your home feathers can add another layer of beauty!
They were the rage in 2011!
Do you think our feathered friends will be here to stay?!



Shabby Chic















Have a beautiful day!




Nursery Progress - 4

Yeah the molding is done!!! My contractor did an amazing job--it is exactly what I had envisioned. Seriously if anyone is in the MD/DC/VA area and is looking for a great contractor--email me. He is my "Angel" :)

Tonight, I need to start sanding the wood. And then repainting white (in hindsight we should have probably waited to paint white :) and then this weekend...the stripes go in!

I propped a photo on the shelf to give you an idea of what I plan to do. It will be so nice to lean pictures all around the room so I don't have to worry about hanging photos and I can rearrange easily.



I have also found the perfect brass/gold curtain rod that I'll install this weekend, with the curtains further apart this time. And I bought these beautiful gold frames from Potterybarn which I think I'll wait to add black/white photos of the baby.
9 more weeks to go!

Well Rounded

Hello, friends. Just a few circular details that have caught my eye and tickled my fancy lately.

First up, oversized (and a little on the chunky side) knobs. Seen first in this pretty bathroom and second in Tommy Smythe's genius IKEA closet.




This pretty flush-mount fixture was featured in the recent House & Home magazine. It's modern with the perfect amount of sparkle and shine. Available through ET2 Contemporary Lighting.


I shared this living room with you last week featuring the stunning fireplace, but I'm also quite taken with the circle art. A simple but bold, substantial piece.



Notice the ring detail on the backs of the dining chairs. A little detail that goes a long way. The perfect touch that adds just a little more glamour to this formal dining room.



A round venetian mirror just makes me happy.



And aren't round windows so very special? A unique architectural detail that instantly amps up the style in any space.


Thanks for stopping by!

-Sarah

Image Sources: via Mix and Chic (bathroom); Atmosphere Interiors (living room); via houzz (dining room); Venetian Gems; via decorpad (bathroom)

To Trend or Not to Trend

Trends. They come and they go. Do you follow them? I've heard several designers say they don't follow trends, and I get that. I think it's a good idea not to be too trendy. I don't think of myself as a real trendy person either, but I will admit that like it or not, I am influenced by trends. It's kind of inevitable when I spend as much time as I do reading and writing about design. So, I've been thinking about how I can wade through trends as they come and still be smiling once they've gone.

1. Don't follow trends for the sake of being trendy. Instead, follow trends that you genuinely like. Don't go for a trend just because it's popular. Be honest with yourself and use good design judgement. Consider things like shape, texture, colour, balance, contrast, symmetry, etc.

2. This may seem like a contradiction based on the previous point, but be open to change and recognize that your likes and dislikes will change overtime. We of course have to leave room for this and not be too set in our ways.

3. Introduce trendy elements in "safe" ways. Go for trendy when it comes to hardware or lighting, not flooring. Switching out your kitchen pulls is a lot easier (and less costly) than ripping out and replacing your floors.

4. Focus on creating the look you love and don't worry so much about what others are doing. Following trends can be a little confusing at times and even frustrating. Let your own unique look and style shine!

5. Be informed about what the latest trends are but don't feel presured to follow them.

I hope that didn't come across as "I'm so beyond trends that I'm better than everyone else". Trends are part of design and I do like many of them. No, I won't follow a lot of them, but I appreciate new design. This was me sorting out things for myself. Have you had similar thoughts? Or maybe you disagree on some points. I'd love to hear from you too.

And a trendy bathroom to ponder. Would you love this for years to come, or would you tire of the swan faucets and chevron tiled floors? It's definitely a bold move.



-Sarah

Image via Mix and Chic

Creme Delicious!



Look at these henna-inspired beauties!!! Always been a big fan of this artistry!
I happened to be browsing through the new Oprah Magazine on Sunday and... just
about flipped when I saw these little stunners!
They look too pretty to eat! Apparently, this very talented self taught woman started
out as a henna artist and then took it to the kitchen! 
One of her first orders was from the Museum of Natural History.  Not bad, right!
 Can you imagine the time spent on each one of these!





Also, Sandy's amazing work!
go see for yourself - creme-delicious.com



Happy Monday!   


Nursery Progress - 3

Okay I know I promised some amazing photos...but due to Friday's inclement weather my contractor couldn't install the molding until today. But he's upstairs as we speak making the nursery look AMAZING! Pictures to follow this week.

But my in-laws did come over and help us set up the crib and bookcase. Every time I walk past the room I peek inside to make sure the crib is still there. It feels very "real" with the crib set up!! I love how the black-out curtains look with the rug! I can't wait for stripes on the walls, some frames set up on the shelf molding...and of course in 9 weeks THE BABY!




Winter Wonderland

Hello, friends! Happy Friday to you all. I hope you have a lovely winter weekend. We're off to Elkridge Resort for some winter fun. The resort is just a short drive from where we live, and it's a great place to visit to enjoy some winter activities. There's snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, skating, etc. The kids also like the pool in the main lodge.



Yes, winter can be fun and it is pretty if you can get past the freezing temperatures.




I'll make a snow angel for you!



No, I won't look this glamorous, but I will be smiling because I'm going to be having fun with my favourite people.



Hope you have a wondrous weekend too!

-Sarah

All images via pinterest

It's Friday!!

Be Bold - Be Theatrical - Be fun! 

Have a fabulous weekend!


Black and White Stripes at their best by MS. Mary McDonald.  

 

White with a Pop of Colour

So, I like white bedding. That probably won't come as a surprise to you. A simple white duvet or bedspread is so versatile. You can completely change the look of it by switching out the accent pillows or draping a throw over the end of the bed. We've had our white duvet for nearly 6 years now, and I still really like it. I haven't tired of it at all. It's a look I'll like for years to come!




Image sources: style at home; atlanta homes mag; via pinterest

With a simple, white canvass you can be more adventurous and trendy with the pillows you choose. Pillows are easy to switch up. Here are some accent pillows that add a pop of colour and some texture too!









And some pretty florals.




Pillow Sources: Designer Fluff; Designers Guild

So, while bedding like this is pretty...


I'm pretty sure I'd tire of it, but what do you think? (No pun intended there.)

-Sarah

PEACOCK CITRINE DUVET SET by Dwell Studio