Million Dollar Decorators Premieres Tonight!

Just a quick reminder that "Million Dollar Decorators" Premieres tonight at 10p/9c on Bravo!  I can't wait to see what these big time designers come up with. More importantly...I want to see if any of them are completely nuts! I won't name names but I'm pretty sure there is at least one personality I'd like to steer clear of.  I do however, love the design style of Kathryn Ireland and Nathan Turner - let's hope they don't disappoint!

3 Day Wedding

Three day weekends are no longer about mini vacations and bbqs. At my age...they're all about weddings! We have so many these days that my boyfriend and I had to split up this weekend because our cousins were getting married on the same day! (we also attended a wedding last month and we have another wedding coming up next month!!) Craziness I tell you.

But with all that being said, I love weddings!! Especially when they involve LOTS of family and great food.  I just got back from celebrating the marriage of my wonderful cousin Andriana and her lovely groom Nick. And to say this was a real life BIG fat Greek wedding would be an understatement.  There were around 450 guests (apparently the invite list began at 600!) and everyone seemed to be some sort of distant cousin or relative. This couple is loved by so many and they all gathered to create delicious food, dancing and a good time. Here is a snippet of what I saw:

The beautiful bride

The line for the reception!

Flowers and succulents cover the large tent poles

Greek dancing!

The cutest kid ever - my adorable nephew (soon to be Godson)!

*I can't believe I didn't take any pics of the food! I guess I was too focused on shoveling it into my mouth to care about documenting it ;)

Antlers All Around

It seems like everywhere I turn I am seeing more and more antlers in the design world. Gone are the days where they were used solely in log cabins or western interiors. They have found their place in modern and eclectic homes alike. What are your thoughts? I'm on the fence. I like the fact that they add some dimension to an otherwise flat wall but I don't know if I'd want to look at antlers above my bed..

Lonny

House Beautiful

Rue

Deck Design

I have my computer back and I'm feeling myself again (I also scored the 2012 version of AutoCAD - yippeeee!!).

I don't know about you, but here in Cali the weather is gorgeous today! It's making me daydream about having a backyard, which inevitably has me thinking about how I would design the space.  Would I want a big grassy lawn? Stone patio? Or maybe a deck? Today I'm going with a decking of some sort.  (Note: there are so many engineered wood options these days that eliminate the need to constantly seal the wood). I'm intrigued...

Elle Decor

Sunset Magazine

 

Apartment Therapy

KAA Design Group via ShelterPop

Contemporist

Quote of the Moment

My computer has been stuck at my office getting a system upgrade from our new IT guy and needless to say, I am lost without it! So until I get it (and my image files) back here's a quote that I can't get out of my head.  One of my biggest struggles is giving up my fear of being wrong and never wanting to make a mistake. The truth is, that mentality can only get me so far in this creative biz. So here's to trusting my instincts!

Room Redo

I'm always finding images of rooms I want to recreate for future clients but....unfortunately my day job makes it near impossible to have any client's of my own (sigh).  Regardless of my situation I still feel the need to develop possible room scenarios from current products on the market.  Here is my first attempt at a room redo based off of a living space designed by the infamous Nate Berkus.  Imitation is the best form of flattery right?

1. Monroe Sofa by Room & Board

2. PS Maskros Pendant Light by Ikea

3. Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

4. Tete a Teta by Edward Wormley

5. Box Line Stools via Farnsworth

6. Montauk Nest Chair by West Elm

7. Lina Leather Folding Chair by DWR

8. Mid Century Moroccan Rug via Nazmiyal

BLOG DESIGN NOTE: completely unrelated to this post BUT something that's been driving me crazy! I am aware that my blog has a few kinks in it design-wise. The size of images, etc... I have found a graphic design Co. to re-design the whole darn thing and I am too excited for words! It will be cleaner, brighter, and more my style. Be on the lookout for big changes in the future......

Grasscloth

I've always thought Grasscloth was kind of dated and stuffy but lately I've been seeing it in a new light. I'm actually kind of obsessed with it. It is natural and classic, but can take on a great fresh look when styled correctly. Not to mention the fact that it comes in an array of colors (and prints!).  See for yourself:

 

Arrowroot by Phillip Jeffries

 Lonny

 Style and Home

John Willey

Cinco De Mayo

It's almost Cinco de Mayo and you know what that means? Time to throw another party!  If you don't have the time or energy (like me) you can at least break out the ol' blender and make the perfect margarita.  But if you're up for the challenge here's what I'm thinking...

The Party Dress

Ay Mujer via Esty

Blooms by Martha Andrews

'I do' it Yourself

Oilcloth by Anna Maria Horner

via usnews.com

I plan on looking like this by the end of the night...

Desert Style

I just got back from spending the past four days in the desert sun of Phoenix, AZ.  My boyfriend and I went to celebrate the wedding of two amazing people and had a blast while doing it! Although I could never picture myself living in the desert I got to thinking about what I would do if I had the opportunity of designing a home there.  When I think about it I picture a modern home with clean lines, large windows and a minimalistic interior or a mid century space à la Palm Springs.  So here's what I'm envisioning...although I'm sure I would throw in a few more chachkies for good measure!

Dornob

Blue Sky Homes

 

Luxe Interiors