Tuesday, November 25, 2014

I've got the perfect rug for you!

When it comes to refreshing the look of a room without spending much, rugs can go a long way! Today we're exploring some of the most unique rugs around!  These show-stopping rugs are sure to get you many oohs and ahs from your visitors.   

Let's begin with rugs from around the world.  You may know by now that I am an avid traveler and lover of all things related to culture, design, and art. Malene B. Carpets offers custom rugs inspired by people and places from the global community.  She travels, takes photos, and designs beautiful, high quality carpets that tell the story of the places they are inspired by.  How awesome!


Global Rugs

Bangkok Rug (Iris Color) - Malene B. Carpets
Wolof Rug (Wild Rose Color) - Malene B. Carpets
Flutter Pattern Rug - Anthropologie

Above, I've featured two stunning Malene B. rugs. One represents the people of Bangkok and the other the Wolof people.  I'm so inspired by this approach to art! What do you think?



Bold Rugs


ABC Carpet & Home - Color Reform Spectrum Overdyed Rug - Pakistan
Madeline Weinrib - Tessa Cotton Carpet (Gold) - India

If you're currently searching for the perfect feature rug for your home, but on a budget, I've got some great finds for you!  Take a look at these four amazing budget buys!  You don't have to spend a ton to have a well-decorated home.  One stylish rug will change the entire look of your space, so why not go pick one out for yourself!

Budget Rugs

Hand Tufted Paisley Abstract Wool Rug (5' x 8') - Overstock.com

Are you shopping for a new rug? 
What are you looking for in a rug? 


Thursday, November 20, 2014

My Pinterest Wish List

Today I'm sharing with you a few items from my Pinterest Wish List!  Like many of you, I use Pinterest to collect ideas and fab finds on the web, so here's a little insight into what I've been pinning.  If you've liked my style picks and DIY blog posts so far you should definitely follow my Pinterest account here




  • Maitak Jacket - Anthropologie
  • Large Press Sketchbook with Gold Foil Monogram - Kelly Wearstler
  • Faux Suede Scrolled Hem Cutout A-Line Midi Skirt - ChicWish.com

Monday, November 17, 2014

Gather Round the Fireplace!



Design by Amber Lewis of Amber Interiors

The temperatures are dropping and we are approaching winter quickly.  It may be just the right time to light your fireplace for the season. Here are some lovely home designs featuring fireplaces.  

Image via Intergrazia



Still planning out how you'll incorporate a fireplace into your home?  Why not go custom? A custom fireplace design allows you to really get creative and build a look that's perfect for your home and style.  Take a look at the artistic custom fireplace above!  

If you have one of those fireplaces that cannot actually hold a fire, you can still create the feeling for fire and warmth by filling your fireplace with candles in varying heights.  It will definitely add a bit of drama to your space and will give you that cozy feeling every person with a fireplace is looking for.  

Create a modern look by layering different sized candles within your fireplace.
Image via Pinterest

For the candle-lit fireplace above, you can recreate this look at Target! Target is selling it's Threshold Starburst Mirror for only $39.99 and the 7x4 inch pillar candles for $14.99.  If you are looking to make sure your space is kid friendly, you can recreate the look with battery operated, flameless candles as well.  (These flameless candles even have a timer!) You can spray paint candle holders in gold and add some flowers or greenery in a vase to your mantel and you will have recreated this looks quite easily.

Image via Moco Loco, AKSL Architects


Now for a more masculine approach to the fireplace, with rich wood paneling. Definitely a truly unique fireplace.   







Spazio Rosso Interior Design

Here's the feminine perspective on a cozy, fireplace centered room.  Tres chic indeed!  Hope you're feeling excited to go home and light your own fireplace.  Enjoy!

Friday, November 14, 2014

International Spaces to Inspire

















































Oslo, Norway - Image via Chic-Deco, Designed by Spanish design firm Masquespacio

Sometimes taking a look at how people in other countries decorate is just the inspiration we need to try something fresh and different! Take a look at these inspiring spaces abroad.  

The beautiful, bright green in the Oslo restaurant above is both upbeat and relaxing at the same time.  Below, the Stockholm living room is the epitome of understated, Scandinavian luxury. 








Stockholm, Sweden- Image via Fresh Palace, Noble Interiors, Architect: Aaro Arkitektkontor, Andrea Balon Photography


Stockholm, Sweden - Image via Fresh Palace, Noble Interiors, Architect: Aaro Arkitektkontor, Andrea Balon Photography
























Sao Paulo, Brazil designer Sig Bergamin's Manhattan apartment - Image via Collen Fox Interiors

You just can't go wrong with Ikat.  I am loving the mixture of prints! This space definitely inspires me to mix and match different prints and textures to create a global, eclectic look, which happens to be one of my favorite styles.  I hope you guys are starting to get some ideas! 

Western Austria - Architect: Alexander Diem, Image via Le Buma Blog

This is truly a unique home! I'm sure this Austrian home is the gem of the neighborhood.  I can honestly say that I haven't seen anything like this - ever! These wood, cut-out walls create beautiful shadows at various times of day and allows the outside sunshine to shine in. 

Western Austria - Architect: Alexander Diem, Image via Le Buma Blog























Sao Paulo, Brazil (Sig Bergamin) - Image via Medley by Oana Singa, Architectural Digest

Check out these Brazilian designed spaces! So colorful and artistic. These rooms (above, below) really illustrate how impactful original artwork can be in a space.  It gives the room a personality that is totally individualized. Inspired yet? 



Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Designed by Alberto Pinto, Image via Architectural Digest, Ngoc Minh Ngo Photography

Which space inspires you the most?





Saturday, November 8, 2014

The Etsy Eight



1. Amethyst, Lava & Agate Leather Necklace - Elifus

2. Spring Flora Composition, Watercolor Tea Towel - Yao Cheng Designs


3. Set of Porcelain "Egg" Planters with Wheatgrass Kit - Revisions Design


4. Personalized Embossing Rolling Pin - Mood for Wood


5. Jacquard Midi Skirt - Beaute' J'adore


6. Driftwood Sculpture - Divine Driftwood


7. Leather Mini Tassel Earrings - Sweet Auburn Studio


8. Purple Fall Romance - Trees Landscape (Giclee) - Vizoli Art Prints


If you like the skirt in #5, be sure to check out the blog Beaute' J'adore where she shows you how to sew this skirt and other high fashion outfits. Enjoy!




Thursday, November 6, 2014

An Artist Collaboration & Two Free e-designs!

I've recently collaborated with a wonderful artist, Chirstoff Davis, to come up with stunning room designs to feature her colorful, abstract artwork. Today the Christoff Davis website has featured these e-designs and I've included all of the links there for you to shop the look!

Want a sneak peak at the featured artwork?  Here it is! It's titled "Haze" and it's a beautifully colorful work of art!  Head over to the Christoff Davis website to check out my e-designs and peruse her collection of original works.  Maybe you'll find the perfect work of art for your next room remodel!


Sunset 2

Have a great day and don't forget to subscribe!




Wednesday, November 5, 2014

A Bathroom to Suit Every Style

Moroccan Escape


Rustic Chic
Hanging ceiling mirrors on steel rods



Bohemian Rhapsody
Whismiscal Boho Bathroom

Chevron Luxe
Bedford Home

Japanese Zen
life1nmotion:  Bathroom design by Team Eric Kuster!   Luxury Interior |   .: Luxury Prorsum :. (luxuryprorsum.tumblr.com  http://luxuryprorsum.tumblr.com/

Southwestern Marble
Bohemian Bathroom - Marbleized paper and white tile in a bathroom

Mod Pink


Traditional Luxury
Very elegant bathroom design. The circular bathtub is the focal point of the room surronded my large windows. The drappery and fabric chaise lounge give the room a very soft romantic feeling.

Gilded
Living Etc - March 2012, Global Chic Bathrooms, design ideas.

City Escape
Metal freestanding tub in a white marble bathroom

Images via:
1 //  2  //  3  //  4  //  5  //  6  //  7  //  8  //  9  //  10

Which of these bathrooms would you relax in?





Monday, November 3, 2014

Welcome to November! - Senegalese Peanut Soup Recipe


Now that we are officially in November, it's time to roll out all of your best hearty soup recipes. As a traveler at heart, I am always looking to try new globally inspired recipes.  I picked up my Senegalese Peanut Soup recipe in law school and have been enjoying it ever since.  

I've made this recipe with all fresh vegetables, all frozen and canned vegetables, and a combination of the two, and the soup is delicious every time, so feel free to use what you have available. This is one of those soups that is even more delicious in the days to come.  Refrigerator time allows the flavors to intensify.



Here's the recipe!

Step 1: Boil 4-5 chicken thighs or chicken breasts. Shred chicken meat once cooked and sit to side.

Step 2: Dice one large onion and one large orange pepper, mince 5 cloves of garlic, and chop 3 jalapenos (or use a 4 oz can of diced green chilies like I have done this time around)

Step 3: Saute onion, garlic and fresh jalapenos/canned green chilies in 2 tablespoons oil in a large soup pot.  Add in diced orange pepper once the onion becomes translucent. Saute ingredients for 10 minutes total. 

Step 4: Stir in 2 tablespoons of curry powder and cayenne pepper to taste; saute for 1 minute

Step 5: Add 4 cups of chicken stock to pot and 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz). Stir and let mixture return to boil.

Step 6: Mix in 2/3 cup smooth peanut butter and 1 whole can of coconut milk. Stir until well incorporated.

Step 7. Add 4 ears of corn (off the cob) or 1 can of corn (15 oz) AND 8 oz of spinach (without stems) to the soup pot. Stir. 

Step 8: Last, add the shredded chicken to the soup. I have made this soup with both shredded chicken thighs and chicken breasts, and both ways will turn out well.  Return to boil and then reduce heat.

Step 9: Add salt and pepper to taste.  I like to use garlic salt. 

Step 10: Garnish each bowl of soup with fresh cilantro. 

ENJOY! Please share in the comments if you try this great recipe!