12/23/15

Brightening the SPIRITS!


It’s the Holidays and time to be Jolly.  When inviting friends over for the festivities make sure you provide a gathering spot for mixing, concocting, and celebrating the season.  Even if you have space in your kitchen and have carved out a spot for a wet bar an additional bar cart is simply too much fun to resist. Snazzy & snappy, these carts provide a party on wheels. I love these versatile pieces  because when not in use they can transform into a multitude of other things (bathroom cart, side table, plant stand, mini library, etc...)  Utilitarian and functional for sure, but chic and cheerful in appearance is the intent.  Start with the cart and build your vision with beautiful accessories.  My favorite is the glassware, gold, silver, and colored are wonderful options to make your cart sparkle.  Make it fancy, staging your cart is a great opportunity to dust off your wedding stemware and other cut glass pieces. Fresh flowers in a vase and fruit are ideal for a pop of fresh color.  Eclectic and inspired styling will help the crowd gather and keep the spirits bright!

images gathered from Pinterest

Remember a “Toast” is a great way to start the night – or send your company on their way.

I love this one for New Year’s Eve –

 Here’s to a bright New Year,
and a fond farewell to the old.
Here’s to the things yet to come,
and to the memories that we hold.

Most of all enjoy your family and friends, share laughter and joy,
 savor the moments and have a blast creating memories!
 Happy Holidays to all!
CHEERS!

12/9/15

Big Impact - Low Commitment with Wallpaper

Framed Wallpaper

 It seems like a life long commitment when you choose a wallpaper to hang in your home.  Hours devoted to hanging and $$$ put out, it better be worth the investment, right? I am constantly intrigued by the newest trends in wallpaper but don’t necessarily want to be married to it forever.  Looking through Pinterest, the other day, I found so many ways to have my cake and eat it too!  Love these big impact – low commitment ideas for wallpaper throughout the home.



Peel and stick wallpaper from Target


   
Ceiling done in a metallic wallpaper-
creating beautiful drama















Even if you are renting you can now have your walls covered, if you choose, in fabulous paper.  Many retailers have heard the demand and filled the need for peel and stick removable paper.  “Wallpaper tiles” are another option, the tiles are 2’x 4’ sections of self adhesive paper, handy for smaller projects.  I also love murals, they help to create a focal point for an otherwise "hum drum" room.  A singular wall commitment is easy and won’t break the bank.  

Make your books pop off the shelves 



Even if you don’t want to paper the walls, furniture is always a great choice to apply paper.  My favorite placement of paper is behind the books in a bookshelf.  The volumes and "chachkies"pop with a dynamic graphic backdrop. 

It’s the little things that matter most. Think of your Powder room, Laundry room, dressing room or closet, and even your staircase as a perfect spot for a splash of colorful wallpaper.  What about the backsplash in your kitchen, instead of tiling try a small floral paper to liven up this small space with a touch of whimsy.  

Backsplash whimsy
Liven up the Laundry Room


            

Wallpaper - now you can try it out, without stressing out!!!

Note - many of these projects can be done in an afternoon...before guests arrive ;)!

Some of my favorite retailers for wallpaper: