Each Year starts with a resolution.
This year, I pledge that I will make THIS YEAR the year of the Cottage Queen.
The beginning.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Friday, May 18, 2012
I will be a bride. I will be a wife.
Love [Brian] found me four years ago and this past weekend we got engaged <3
I have joined pinterest to assist in developing the perfect setting.
You may spy on me here.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Maya Angelou Defines a Woman
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to...
something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...
and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to...
something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
a youth she's content to leave behind....
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .......
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
a feeling of control over her destiny...
how to fall in love without losing herself..
how to fall in love without losing herself..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship....
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship....
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW....
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
nd why she shouldn't take it personally...
whom she can't,
nd why she shouldn't take it personally...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table..
or a charming Inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table..
or a charming Inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
What she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...
a month...and a year...
--MAYA ANGELOU---
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Little things, it's the little things
I believe that it's the little things in life that bring us the most joy. Those little nuances that only appear to us if we take the time to carefully observe our surroundings. Little things, those little itsy bitsy things that were either carefully or carelessly placed in an environment that one person may not see but another person gushes about for the next few weeks. Isn't it funny how our memories serve us?
I consider myself to have a keen observance for the little things... partially because I love those details and partially because I'm a middle child and observing was how I always learned. Picking up on these little details in life is something to appreciate... and when it comes to interior design the little things are sometimes what makes the entire space.
To me, little things in interior design can mean a variety of things. Things like the detail someone puts into how the crown moulding or chair rails are designed. Maybe the designer has taken the time to work up something that isn't traditionally paired together. Instead of specifying a one piece moulding they've specified a series of rectangular pieces that when paired together creates a contemporary take on a traditionally "traditional" detail. Little things can also take form in how simple solutions are substituted for creative solutions. For example, instead of using pump soap in your bathroom you get a vintage candy dish and fill it with soap petals. Or, instead of having a step stool in your pantry you have a lively colored milking stool for all those hard to reach heights.
Little things can also help create signature spaces. Some designers have a signature detail they add to all of the spaces they design. It could be a custom piece of art, a signature arrangement of furniture or a decorative item from a favorite artist that always finds a place to settle. For example, I have a friend who decorates and re-decorates her home as often as the seasons pass. Her ONE signature is never to leave an empty corner. I've seen her hang a wire candle chandelier, lean a mirror, drape a vintage dress over a piece of furniture, place tiered plant stands. I love it because it's so "Catherine." It's simply her way to pay attention to the little things and express her personality.
I consider myself to have a keen observance for the little things... partially because I love those details and partially because I'm a middle child and observing was how I always learned. Picking up on these little details in life is something to appreciate... and when it comes to interior design the little things are sometimes what makes the entire space.
To me, little things in interior design can mean a variety of things. Things like the detail someone puts into how the crown moulding or chair rails are designed. Maybe the designer has taken the time to work up something that isn't traditionally paired together. Instead of specifying a one piece moulding they've specified a series of rectangular pieces that when paired together creates a contemporary take on a traditionally "traditional" detail. Little things can also take form in how simple solutions are substituted for creative solutions. For example, instead of using pump soap in your bathroom you get a vintage candy dish and fill it with soap petals. Or, instead of having a step stool in your pantry you have a lively colored milking stool for all those hard to reach heights.
Little things can also help create signature spaces. Some designers have a signature detail they add to all of the spaces they design. It could be a custom piece of art, a signature arrangement of furniture or a decorative item from a favorite artist that always finds a place to settle. For example, I have a friend who decorates and re-decorates her home as often as the seasons pass. Her ONE signature is never to leave an empty corner. I've seen her hang a wire candle chandelier, lean a mirror, drape a vintage dress over a piece of furniture, place tiered plant stands. I love it because it's so "Catherine." It's simply her way to pay attention to the little things and express her personality.
These are some little things I just love...
Abacus Owl Clock $99 www.abacusgallery.com
Misc. Hardware $12 www.anthropologie.com
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Retail Schmetail
Every single professional practicing a specific trade knows a few things that outsiders don't. There are tricks of the trade we keep and rarely share. We keep these tricks in our back pockets to make us seem like the hero in a tight situation. But why should I keep it to myself? If you can be flexible, creative and not uber-picky there are a few things to learn here.
Lets talk furniture retailers.
Any store that sells furniture where you can customize your finish options is going to have some items that never make it into their intended homes. Sometimes they come in with the wrong fabric... some of them are discontinued showroom items... some of them come in with a slight imperfection. (And some of the homeowners that order them refuse them when they come in because they came in differently than what they thought they were going to be.) Now, it's the showroom or dealership's problem.
Unfortunately, sometimes these items can sit in a warehouse or delivery depot f-o-r-e-v-e-r. However, if you know that these furniture graveyards exist you can speak to a manager who has a stake in making a few bucks back on a piece they thought were a lost cause. Take this for example; When a dealership purchases custom goods they are paying a NET cost on everything and marking them up to a RETAIL price. The margin on these pieces most likely start at a 20% mark up... a percentage that allows the dealer to stay afloat. (Anything lower than that really doesn't cover overhead costs and commission to any sales personnel involved in the sale.) Now this piece that is now sitting in a warehouse has already been paid for by the dealership. One day, you (you savvy buyer, you) comes into the showroom and says that you're looking for a sofa. You love what you see on their floor but cannot afford it. "Do you have a stock room or warehouse of furniture that you could offer at a discounted price?" Sales people may not be so inclined to because they won't make any money on it ... but in reality... they probably will help you. (If they say they don't, ask if they have preferred delivery or installing companies that they use... they could be a 3rd party that houses everything off site.) And, if the sales person is giving you the cold shoulder ask to speak to a manager... remember ... they have a larger stake in it than the salesperson.
You find a piece you love and the dealer will still mark it up but it will be considerably lower than if you paid for something custom off the showroom floor. If you pursue multiple locations and hold out for a deal, you can score a brand new piece at a discounted price! (And nobody will ever know... but you'll probably brag about it to your friends like you would a sweet deal you found on a designer bag.)
Lets talk furniture retailers.
Any store that sells furniture where you can customize your finish options is going to have some items that never make it into their intended homes. Sometimes they come in with the wrong fabric... some of them are discontinued showroom items... some of them come in with a slight imperfection. (And some of the homeowners that order them refuse them when they come in because they came in differently than what they thought they were going to be.) Now, it's the showroom or dealership's problem.
Unfortunately, sometimes these items can sit in a warehouse or delivery depot f-o-r-e-v-e-r. However, if you know that these furniture graveyards exist you can speak to a manager who has a stake in making a few bucks back on a piece they thought were a lost cause. Take this for example; When a dealership purchases custom goods they are paying a NET cost on everything and marking them up to a RETAIL price. The margin on these pieces most likely start at a 20% mark up... a percentage that allows the dealer to stay afloat. (Anything lower than that really doesn't cover overhead costs and commission to any sales personnel involved in the sale.) Now this piece that is now sitting in a warehouse has already been paid for by the dealership. One day, you (you savvy buyer, you) comes into the showroom and says that you're looking for a sofa. You love what you see on their floor but cannot afford it. "Do you have a stock room or warehouse of furniture that you could offer at a discounted price?" Sales people may not be so inclined to because they won't make any money on it ... but in reality... they probably will help you. (If they say they don't, ask if they have preferred delivery or installing companies that they use... they could be a 3rd party that houses everything off site.) And, if the sales person is giving you the cold shoulder ask to speak to a manager... remember ... they have a larger stake in it than the salesperson.
You find a piece you love and the dealer will still mark it up but it will be considerably lower than if you paid for something custom off the showroom floor. If you pursue multiple locations and hold out for a deal, you can score a brand new piece at a discounted price! (And nobody will ever know... but you'll probably brag about it to your friends like you would a sweet deal you found on a designer bag.)
Monday, July 11, 2011
What is YOUR style?
Style your home like you style yourself...
If your home doesn't somewhat resemble your closet and drawers of accessories something has gone terribly wrong.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Color Scheme Swatch Party
Color scheme swatch party!! ::::Knock a drum and doodle a harmonica:::: Color scheme swatch party!!
In a list of my most favorite things (excluding whiskers on kittens) color schemes, textile swatches and a combination of the two are close to the top...if not the tippy top. They can transform any space and alter your mood. Different combinations can prove to be masculine, feminine, classic, modern, cottage chic.
"OH MY. I have to have this bench."
"Is it too graphic for me?"
"Nope. It's going to inspire an eclectic room... but what room?"
"My home office... a place that is special to me."
"Okay, what's next? I need to find something to ground this bold piece. Something to balance it."
"Start with a table desk, a pop of color on a comfy chair, a side table, a rug, a wallpapered accent wall."
"Neutral paint on other walls. Bright white simple trim."
"Oh yes, this is me."
Take that one object and work with it. Put together a visual board for yourself and plan things out before you make purchases or paint rooms. Consider scale and proportion, you don't want one thing to swallow up the room. Allow yourself colors, neutrals, textures, energetic patterns. Also keep in mind the surrounding rooms and appeal of the total package in your home. If you continue similar concepts throughout your home it will be a joy to walk through and will continue to inspire all who enter!
More on this later because as I said, the options are limitless! Enjoy.
:: Furniture in this article come from wisteria.com and laylagrayce.com ::
In a list of my most favorite things (excluding whiskers on kittens) color schemes, textile swatches and a combination of the two are close to the top...if not the tippy top. They can transform any space and alter your mood. Different combinations can prove to be masculine, feminine, classic, modern, cottage chic.
When considering a new space know that you don't have to settle for the first scheme you discover and you don't have to acquire everything at once. (The limitations and combinations are literally endless!) To establish a jumping off point find something that inspires you. It may be a photograph, a swatch of upholstery, a funky piece of furniture, a piece of artwork. Second, figure out why that piece inspires you so much. Does it have many colors? Does it have amazing lines? Is it eclectic? Does it have sentimental value to you? Your answer to those questions may get you started in the right direction. For example, maybe you've found this amazing bench and you've never seen anything like it... so you have to get it. (This happens to me all too often.) Now, this piece can just go in any room. It should be designed around because you love it and in the end it will bring that character to your whole room... thus leading you to love the entire room! Below see my thought process...
"OH MY. I have to have this bench."
"Is it too graphic for me?"
"Nope. It's going to inspire an eclectic room... but what room?"
"My home office... a place that is special to me."
"Okay, what's next? I need to find something to ground this bold piece. Something to balance it."
"Start with a table desk, a pop of color on a comfy chair, a side table, a rug, a wallpapered accent wall."
"Neutral paint on other walls. Bright white simple trim."
"Oh yes, this is me."
Take that one object and work with it. Put together a visual board for yourself and plan things out before you make purchases or paint rooms. Consider scale and proportion, you don't want one thing to swallow up the room. Allow yourself colors, neutrals, textures, energetic patterns. Also keep in mind the surrounding rooms and appeal of the total package in your home. If you continue similar concepts throughout your home it will be a joy to walk through and will continue to inspire all who enter!
More on this later because as I said, the options are limitless! Enjoy.
:: Furniture in this article come from wisteria.com and laylagrayce.com ::
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