color love | burgundy

Oxblood, wine, crimson, burgundy... 

whatever you call it, I'm definitely craving more
of this autumnal hue in my life. xo.

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color love | cobalt

I've got the blues [in a good way!]

Do you? xo.

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terrific terrariums [diy]

You may have noticed Pinterest has been blowing up these days with photos of and tutorials for terrariums. Being a non-gardener myself [I have no green thumb. Not even a little.] I was intrigued with this low maintenance way to introduce some life and greenery in my little condo. After pinning away for weeks, I finally went out and bought the supplies and did it! I couldn't be happier with results.

There seems to be a variety of methods, but I went with a simple base of medium-sized black rocks [found in the pet fish aisle], Miracle-Gro Cactus Palm and Citrus Soil, and some adorable little plants from the Gardening section [all supplies from Wal-Mart.] For the container, would you guess this was a candy jar? I'll save the lid in case the whole plant thing doesn't work out and I'm in need of a candy jar. According to the back of the soil bag, plants only need to be watered when soil is completely dry to the touch. So here's to watering very infrequently, fellow non-green thumbers!

Have you made a terrarium before? What kinds of containers and plants do you use? xo.

Inspiration:

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Mine:

diy confetti art

Recently, I saw Annemarie's [Brunch at Saks] guest room makeover and a piece of her artwork reminded me of a similar DIY confetti art tutorial I'd included in my DIY holiday gift guide back in December. I knew it was a sign and I just had to try it for myself. This project only took 30 minutes or so, partly because I was simultaneously crying over watching Sleepless in Seattle.

All you need is:
Canvas, any size - I happened to already have a 12x12 that was part of a 7 pc. value pack from Michaels!
Metallic scrapbook paper - I used a matte and foil gold, but you can try other colors/finishes.
Round paper punch
Elmer's glue

Directions:
Simply punch circles in your different papers and glue them randomly on the canvas. I just scattered them haphazardly and glued them in place, but you could also try making the circles denser and one end and gradually fade out like champagne bubbles. Also, I found that just a dot of glue in the middle works better than smearing it all over.

Do you have any favorite DIY artwork ideas? If so, share them in a comment below! xo.

currently crushing on :: west elm

Holy smokes! I just got the newest West Elm newsletter announcing their new arrivals and I am in love!


I've been a West Elm fan for a while now. They always incorporate the season's most prominent trends while still retaining a "classic" vibe--their stuff will be stylish for years after neons and chevrons are gone. Speaking of chevron, I don't think it will be going away anytime soon [at least I hope not], but West Elm is already a step ahead of me: namely, they have introduced diamonds to the mix!


Their new collection of home decor goodies has a recurring theme of diamond patterns and I can't wait to get my hands on something with that print! Here's a few of my favorites from West Elm's collection. What do you think about West Elm's new arrivals? xo.

curtains / square pillow / rectangle pillow / duvet / napkins / mirror

p.s. bedding is 20% off until August 6th! Go snag some, now!

warm + white

White rooms have been on my design radar in recent months. Though right now I am enjoying my cozy, Behr "Lost Atlantis" blue walls, I'm dreaming of soft white walls in my new [future] home one day. Back in the day, white used to seem cold and boring to me. But with a touch of wood tones and plush textures, white becomes less sterile and more cozy than I ever imagined. xo.

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repurposed

I recently received a Container Store booklet in the mail advertising their spring organization sale. While flipping through, their Jumbo Wire Cart caught my eye. Rather than its intended purpose as a pantry or laundry organization device, I immediately pictured it with a new purpose as a budget-friendly bar cart [it's currently on sale for $26.99!]. If you live in a condo or apartment and/or are short on space, this would be a great way to incorporate a mini bar for entertaining with the option of tucking it away when it is not being used. A tray, some sparkly glasses and decanters, a vintage bar book, and liquor are all you need to set up a stylish bar area. xo.

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boutique hotel chic

I was browsing Houzz.com and came across this gorgeous bedroom and just had to do a room inspiration post! I love the mix of cool taupe-y gray hues with accents of warm camel and gold. This room seems like a boutique hotel and has luxury written all over it. I've rounded up some beautiful fabrics, furniture, and accent pieces that can help you achieve the same look for a fraction of what it probably costs! What do you think of this neutral retreat? xo.

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elements of an entryway

Entryways come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing is same: an entryway is usually the first impression for guests. To create an eye-pleasing entryway, you'll need a pretty yet functional console table to set your keys on or display pictures, some type of wall decor to anchor the space, some cute accessories, and a rug to tie it all together.

I've styled two entryways that will hopefully inspire you, whether yours is bare and needs head-to-toe decorating help or just needs a few fresh swaps for spring. Let me know what you think and if you plan to try any of these ideas! xo.

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re-fresh-mint

Mint, sea foam, aqua, cucumber. Whatever you call it, this pastel shade of blue-green is a gorgeously understated spring hue. The blue/green color family is my all-time favorite, so I'm ecstatic that it's making a huge splash in fashion and home decor these days. Will you be incorporating aquatic hues into your spring and summer wardrobe? I know I will! xo.

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zig zags galore!

Last fall, the Missoni for Target craze ignited a new obsession with zig zag and chevron stripes in the fashion and home decor worlds. I love this print because it's fun and a little less predictable than it's sophisticated [and equally chic] cousin, the stripe.

Throw a little zig zag in your life for some major style points... just minimize it to one printed item per outfit or maybe a few if you are incorporating it into home decor to keep it from being too "busy" and overwhelming. xo.

1. Bag; 2. Rug; 3. Shoes;  4. Pillow; 5. Rings; 6. Duvet; 7. Dress.

favorite west elm accessories

If you have read my previous home decor posts, you may have noticed I am obsessed with West Elm. I get endless inspiration from their designs and color schemes. Their  crisp yet lived-in furniture and accessories blend beautifully with any home decor styles, from contemporary to eclectic. As such, I have picked out my top 10 favorite West Elm home decor items of the moment--even just one of these would freshen up a dull space! xo.

1. Pillow Cover; 2. Vases; 3. Candlesticks; 4. Tray; 5. Picture Frame; 6. Pouf; 7. Lamp; 8. Rug; 9. Throw; 10. Floor Mirror

polished + dramatic dining room

This dining room is such a refreshing mix of high style polish and drama. The white walls create an airy, clean feeling with a wash of sunlight; in the evening, this room's soft overhead light and dark wood tones make for a dramatic, moody space. xo.

Inspiration room from Houzz.com.


1. 13" Sq. Gallery Frame, West Elm; 2. Wishbone Black Wood Y Chair, Overstock.com; 3. Potted Palm, IKEA; 4. Green Line Table Lamp, CB2; 5. Terra Dining Table, West Elm; 6. Parsons Buffet, West Elm; 7. Oversized Equator Pendant Lamp, CB2.

a clean + warm den

I'm a sucker for cozy, warm spaces, and this inspiration room fits the bill. It is clean and contemporary with notes of amber and mahogany to keep it from appearing cold. Shimmery fabrics add a touch of glamour. All you need now is a cup of joe and a good book [and maybe a furry friend]. xo.

Inspiration room from Houzz.com

1. Tan Chunky Shag Rug, Target; 2. Bijoux-Dots Pillow Cover, West Elm; 3. Manhattan Track Arm Love Seat, Target; 4. Wood Polka Dot White Vase,Overstock.com; 5.Dupioni Silk Tie-Top Drapes, Pottery Barn; 6. Henry Leather Arm Chair, West Elm; 7. Lack Coffee Table, IKEA; 8. Hammered Verdigris Serving Tray,World Market; 9. Wood Knot Table Lamp, West Elm.

a modern rustic bedroom

The abundance of natural light plays beautifully off of the nature-inspired color palette and warm wood tones in this serene bedroom. I love the mix of modern and rustic finishes! Here are some room decor items I found that exhibit the same qualities found in the room inspiration photo. Happy decorating! xo.

Room inspiration photo from Houzz.com

1. Spring Thaw paint color, Benjamin Moore;  2. Woven Black Rope Vases, Pier 1; 3. Decorative Storage Bench, Overstock.com;  4. Chunky Tassel Throw, West Elm;  5. Eden Pendant Lamp, CB2;  6. Gourd Table Lamp, West Elm;  7. Copper Mirror, Pier 1;  8. Marion Floral Matelasse Coverlet, Pottery Barn;  9. Soliz Vidrio Hurricanes, Pier 1;  10. Dwight Console, CB2;  11. Metro Brown Faux Leather Bed,Overstock.com. 

budget wall decor ideas

I love art. I find it so fascinating how colors, textures, shapes, and subjects can combine to evoke a certain emotion. Some art can be very expensive, but it doesn't have to be! Here are a few wall decor ideas you can do on a budget [and you don't have to be super artsy to do these!]

Easy: One simple and cost effective way to bring some style to your walls is by framed art prints. I suggest stalking Hobby Lobby's weekly ad regularly to find out which weeks they are offering 50% posters and 50% frames [these are usually on separate weeks.] Prints are simply a cheaper version of the more expensive real-deal canvas, but if you pair the poster with a nice, thick black frame your art looks way more pricey than it actually was! Mattes are also a great addition to add a gallery vibe.

Medium: Take photos of anything you love--from a vacation spot to your own neighborhood--and edit it using Picnik. This site is free and lets you adjust aspects such as size, sharpness, brightness, contrast [and many other fun features] to create a gorgeous photo. Save your edited photo[s] and order prints through a site like Walgreens or Mpix and enlarge them to whatever size you want. Display them in inexpensive frames from Ross, Marshalls, TJ Maxx etc. and you have one-of-a-kind artwork!

Challenging: Again, I recommend stalking Hobby Lobby's weekly ad or Michaels for their awesome sales on art supplies. Weekly ads come out every Sunday. I love to get canvases for 40-60% off [depending on the week]. Buy some cheap acrylic paint from the craft aisle and get to work! Use colors you already have in your home or subjects that you love as inspiration. Work with that and you will end up with your very own masterpiece!

I hope these tips inspire you to create your own artwork! It can really be a great conversation piece in your home and also adds a personalized touch since you literally created something that is one-of-a-kind! xo.

**Photo and painting are my own creations. Framed poster of Brooklyn Bridge was purchased at Hobby Lobby.

a cozy nook

I recently purchased a papasan chair from Pier 1. It has been on my wishlist for as long as I can remember; every time I would meander through that heavenly retail paradise, I would faithfully seek out those chairs and be reminded just how amazing they are. 

Now, I am in the process of creating a lovely reading nook in my 
small
 cozy bedroom. I LOVE to read, but reading in bed never ends well for me. Zzzzz...

Here's a little inspiration board I created of items for the perfect cozy reading nook. What do you think? xo.

Papasan Chair, Pier 1. Chunky Tassel Throw, West Elm. Jane Eyre eBook, Amazon Kindle Store. Charles b 18" pillow, CB2. Large Curved Basket, West Elm. Holman Shelf, Pottery Barn. Yale Gurney 'Love on the Brooklyn Bridge' Canvas Art,Overstock.com. Home Arc Floor Lamp, Target.