The striped rug...

Happy New Year! Wishing you a fabulous and healthy year!

I've taken a few days off from blogging but I plan to return in 2014 with more posts! Sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day. 

I've also been chipping away at my new home. There is lots to do but I need to pick and choose the areas to complete and focus on.

Over the last two weeks I've been shopping and rearranging my rugs for a couple of reasons. First off, I need to protect my newly finished hardwood floors. Darker floors look chic but they are more easily scratched. Secondly, nothing finishes off and warms up a room quite like a rug. I need a rug for my bedroom and I'm thinking I may go with navy stripes. (these examples are black). I love how stripes not only ground a room but add a fun, graphic element. Here are some of my favorite examples!

 Here are a couple finds that look very similar to the Madeline Weinrib version:

Rugs Usa

Ikea

Shed {giveaway}

 

Our second gift in our Holiday giving series is from Shed...  I am super excited about this shop and their Moroccan silver pouf that they are offering!  

Shedopened in 2009 in Maplewood NJ. It is a tiny store packed with a lot of oomph!  They have a great mix of modern, vintage and the unexpected. This month they launched their website in order to have a larger store without additional square footage, each item in the shop is carefully selected to give your room that extra special something, that pop that we are all looking for!

 

 These are a few other goodies that I saw while shopping their site.  I WANT one of those sheepskins for my kitchen nook, it is perfect for on the chairs... a little bit fun// a little bit funky!

For your chance to win the silver Moroccan pouf just follow the steps on the widget at the end of this post.  A winner will be announced on November 29th!  Best of luck!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

If you would like help creating inspirational spaces for yourself contact us!

Gift Guide: My Wish List

Hello, hello. Apologies for the late post, it's been a crazy busy day full of projects and picking up kiddos etc. I wanted to share my wish list, gift guide. Not sure if Santa will make it by my house this year but I thought I'd share some of my favorites and needs (wants) none the less!

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11

Here are the deets on my picks! Happy Holidays. I can't believe Christmas is two weeks away.

1. I'd buy three sets of these and scatter them around a mantel and coffee table when entertaining. An inexpensive way to create ambiance is to add dimmers to all your lights and scatter votive candles all around!
2. Absolutely on my list is a long beautiful pendant necklace. I'm LOVING both of these and would even wear them together, at slightly different lengths. The Wheat Lulu Frost one is from J.Crew and keeps going in and out of stock. The druzy necklace is by Margaret Elizabeth, I love her designs.
3. I love bamboo motifs. I would mix this bamboo china with all sorts of colors and patterns. It's so versatile but a bit more interesting then all white dishes.
4. I thought Carsten Holler's museum installation was inspiring. I loved the mix of gold, silver and metals. It was chic + glamorous. You could purchase one or more of these illuminated fixtures from Shades of Light for the same unexpected effect in your home, could even paint them white if you wanted to achieve the same look as the wonderful sign.
5. The zipper just failed on my down coat, it's time for a new one anyway. I may get it fixed and donate it! This Barbour version would work to keep me toasty this winter!
6. I'm dying for a few sequins in my life this holiday season. I like how these oversized sequins on this Suno blouse are unexpected! Plus I'm always cold, so it's still sassy enough to wear out for cocktails but will cover me up a bit.
7. Pink baubles, need I say more. These stackable bangles would surely make a statement, plus they're a steal at $28.00 for the set.
8. I still love leopard details but the newest gold tipped toes and heels I'm spying are fabulous.
9. My wallet is looking pretty tired. I often grab my wallet and go, so I like a piece that can be carried alone but doesn't look dirty too quickly. This Tory Burch violet version is pretty and practical.
10. Really? This is more of a dream then a wish. I'm dying for a great leather jacket. This green Balmain jacket is GORGEOUS but the cost of it could feed a small family for weeks!
11. I will own a real Beni Ourain rug some day. I know they have been all the rage for a few years now but I love the look and would layer this over a great flat wool sisal rug.

Antlers on display..

 

I love this look, although I am not sure it is safe to do in every home.  I can imagine my kids running by and getting snagged on them often.  It is such a contemporary take on the lake house or hunting lodge don't you think?  

I often wish we had a second home to relax in a simple place where the days of work would disappear and the quite family time would commence.  I am curious how many of you have vacation homes- do you love them?  Do you use them? Are they summer or winter getaways or both?

image via house beautiful

 

Texture.. in design

 

Sometimes it is so hard to explain the importance of texture in design, it is such a necessary thing and I think it can often be missed.  The wood on this wall is just the beginning in this space but it is one that stands out.  I love that mixed with the rug and the cocktail table.  It makes us feel like a lot is going on even though the colors are limited here.  

Do you do texture in your home?  If so I would love to hear how you add it in to your design.

 

 

Check out

Celerie Kemble's new rug line for Meridia Meridian. I've long been a fan of Celerie's dynamic work, and even better, she was super friendly when I met her! The colors above look so vivid, these rugs would surely be the impetus for a great design concept! 

Catalyst is available in five amazing colors in all!