When decorating a home with a neutral color palette, every color introduced just seems to POP against neutral cream and white shades. This recent Atlanta Homes home tour features only one or two rich colors in each room leaving the rest of the palette neutral. I am loving the effect of this limited use of bold colors in this space. I take notice of every design element even more so than if this room was filled with bright colors. You can see a preview of this elegant home tour below designed by Kay Douglass Interiors. Truly an elegant use of color in limited doses. Expertly designed!
Head over to the Atlanta Homes website to see the full home tour!
The
impact that light fixtures have on a space is often underrated!
Sconces are a particularly an underappreciated hero of lighting.
They are diverse, and can be dramatic or subtle. The symmetry
created by sconces can completely refine a space. Using sconces as a
light fixture can frame, highlight, or be its own piece of art in any
space. This blog post will show five (creative) ways to use sconces
in your own home!
#1 - Use wall sconces in the bedroom: There
is a sconce for every style bedroom. Sconces can be feminine and
elegant like the ones in Alaina Kaczmarski’s bedroom above. In contrast, sconces can also fit a modern and industrial space like the ones
pictured below by Restoration
Hardware.
A sconce on each side of the bed elevates the typical bedside table
aesthetic, introducing great symmetry while working well as reading
light also!
#2 - Use wall sconces outdoors: Sconces
can be used in various different outdoor contexts. Two sconces in an
entryway add a symmetrical lighting and decorative element to a front
door. Sconces can also create ambiance in a backyard outdoor
entertaining space. A great way to add detail to a garage area is
through sconces. The fixtures are decorative and practical in outdoor
spaces.
#3 - Use wall sconces to frame artwork: Sconces can add dimension to wall art and gallery walls! Your sconces can even pull together the
colors around the art to create a cohesive space. For example, the scones below pick up the gold
accents of the room, making the photograph pop!
#4 - Use wall sconces for bathroom lighting: Sconces
in a bathroom can either be very fluid and subtle, or they can make a
statement. Brass sconces create a bold and modern look in a bathroom,
especially against the usual clean colors of a bathroom such as
blues, grays and whites. They bring life and a contemporary touch to a neutral space.
#5 - Use statement wall sconces as their own works of art: There
are so many amazing sconces out there that can hold their own as a
statement decorative element in a room. With creative variations of sconces available like the Jonathan
Adler Puzzle Sconce below, you can easily bring an art-deco elements to your space or go for another statement making sconce design.
A sneak peek of Leslie Hindman Auctioneer's upcoming Modern Design auction.
I have been curious about the world of auction houses for some time now, so when I had the opportunity to chat with the team behind Leslie Hindman Auctioneers I was eager to learn more. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers is one
of the nation’s foremost fine art auction houses. With more
salerooms in the United States than any other auction house, Leslie
Hindman Auctioneers conducts over 60 auctions annually in categories
such as fine jewelry and timepieces, furniture,
contemporary art, 20thcentury
design, rare books, decorative arts and more.
Read on for my interview with Corbin Horn, a Leslie Hindman auctioneer and expert on antiques, fine furniture, and decorative arts.
Antique expert Corbin Horn of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers
Jacquin: With
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers providing amazing opportunities for
sourcing one-of-a-kind additions for the home, it's important that
design lovers know how to engage in the auction process.
What do individuals new to participating in auctions need
to know?
Corbin: New
buyers at auction should know that while the bidding
process can seem intimidating, it is actually pretty simple. Anyone
can register for one of our auctions online and follow the
sale live, clicking a button to place a bid.
People can also leave
absentee bids in their online accounts or by submitting a form ahead
of the auction. This is a more hands-off approach where you determine
what you're willing to pay for something in advance. You’ll
get an email after the sale, no matter how you bid, outlining what
you have won, how to pay and how to get the property shipped.
One of
the most important things to remember about buying at auction is
that all auction houses charge a buyer’s premium. This
means that a certain percentage is added to the “hammer price” or
what an items sells for during the live auction. Remember this
when determining how much you are willing to bid on something.
The work pictured is from the home of renowned collector Mary Griggs Burke.
Jacquin: What
is the average day like for you working on the Leslie Hindman
Auctioneers team?
Corbin: Working
at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers is never dull because we never know
what we’ll see from day to day. If we aren’t traveling to
appraise a collection or a single item, we’re in the office
researching and evaluating consigned objects, building
our auctions and selling on the phone or via e-mail to
eccentric collectors all over the world.
As a result of the firm’s outstanding reputation, it was acquired by Sotheby’s in 1997. Since reopening in 2003, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers has handled the Estates of Lilly Pulitzer, Leona Helmsley, the Gary Pepper collection of Elvis Presley memorabilia and more.
Jacquin: What
type of items can interior design lovers expect to find at Leslie
Hindman's Auctioneers? What has been two of your most notable home
decor and furniture sales this year?
Corbin: Our
Fine Furniture and Decorative Arts department really offers a bit of
everything, and you know that you are buying something historic
and one-of-a-kind. We have both traditional 17th – 19th
century furniture along with an entire department devoted to modern
design. Within these categories you can expect to find furniture,
decorative objects, paintings, silver, mirrors, rugs, lighting
fixtures and antiquities from Greco-Roman and Middle Eastern
civilizations.
In March of this year we held a very fun auction of
the David and Gail McRorie collection. The McRories had homes in the
mountains, at the beach and in the city, and they filled each home
with décor to suit the spirit of the region. We sold everything from
Italian furniture to antique Serapi rugs.
We are so excited to
announce that in 2018, we will be selling the
contents of Villa Massei, a hunting lodge near Lucca, Italy that was
built by the Counts Sinibaldi around 1500. The house’s gardens have
been meticulously recreated in correct Renaissance style by the
consignors with whom we are working.
Jacquin: How
did you become interested in a career working with auctions and
antiques?
Corbin: I
have always been interested in antiques, history and material
culture. The auction business is a perfect parallel between those studies and interior design. Jacquin: Are
there any distinctions people need to know regarding participating in
your auctions online versus in-person?
Corbin: Things
have really changed as the industry globalizes, like most everything
else. We have just as many people, if not more, participating online
and via phone as there are in the auction room. That being
said, it’s still exciting to be at a live auction and the
floor is given priority when multiple bidders are bidding at the same
time. However, the convenience of bidding remotely keeps many people
on the phone and plugged in online. There is always something going on. You can view upcoming events and auctions on lesliehindman.com.
I had the pleasure of attending the Dallas Decorator's Showhouse's PRESS Preview last week and I was beyond impressed! This year's showhouse was located in Southlake, TX and sponsored by Donna Moss and Traditional Home magazine. The designs showcased here are truly bold. I also had the pleasure to interview designer Scot Meacham Wood. Watch the video below to see this luxurious show home!
Video production & editing - Stephanie Alleva-Cornell
I loved the range of styles present at the Dallas Decorators Showhouse! The home transitioned seamlessly from the bold entryway with graphic wall paper (shown above), to the more traditional spaces like the bedroom below, which you'll note still features fun patterns. The upholstery choices were all so unique. Definitely a lot of inspiration to consider.
Artwork by Lindsay Cowles
As far as the details are concerned, the Dallas Decorators Showhouse designers certainly didn't miss any opportunities to make a big statement. I was truly elated by this staircase nook, which featured bold stairwells, bold chandeliers, and even bolder wallpaper. Just another illustration proving that sometimes more, really is more!
The outdoor space at the Dallas Decorators Showhouse was just as impressive as the interior. The outside decor was colorful and lush with a lot of surprising elements. Did you catch the butterfly patterned fabric on the outdoor curtains? And below you'll see an oversized butterfly and branch installation that you really have to see for yourself to believe. Check it out below!
Besides the luxurious pool, my favorite design element in the outdoor space was the colorful tablescape. There were multi-colored glass place settings with pressed flowers inside the glass. Truly unique. Sadly I wasn't able to learn who designs these amazing plates. Any one know? If so, write in below. I'd be so thankful to be able to buy a set of these unique plates for myself!
Photography credit: Stephanie Alleva-Cornell
Learn more about the Dallas Decorators Showhouse and the designers who teamed up to decorate this luxurious space at the website here. A portion of the proceeds from the public home tours and gala event went toward supporting the Alzheimer's Association. Looking forward to next year's event!
Every now and then I learn of interior design elements that truly excite me. The leather wall treatments created by Italy-based company Studioart have succeeded in peaking my interest. When it comes to leather and wall treatments, Studioart's creativity is truly unmatched.
Their "Frammenti" collection showcased above is a classic selection that would go well in a range of spaces. Many of Studioart's leather wall collections allow you to choose which direction you would like their patterns to appear in, allowing you to achieve your preferred aesthetic.
And how gorgeous is their violet, leather statement wall from their "Hyperreal" collection?!
I am impressed and inspired by each of Studioart's collections, but the Frammenti collection of leather interiors are my favorite. The rich camel color is so versatile and the pattern is truly mesmerizing.
Frammenti shows irregularity through an apparently random pattern made of six different shapes. Ever-changing shapes explore the full potential of leather presenting a collection that expertly mixes and matches different leathers, forms, and chromatic proposals.
For Studioart's 10 year anniversary, the company released a showstopping Anniversary Collection. This collection features gold & pink leather triangular shapes that are combined to create this original wall treatment.
Studioart's stunning leather wall treatments are equally unique and luxurious. This is definitely a brand that I look forward to following and working with in the future.
One of my favorite resources for impeccably designed furniture and decor is luxury furnishings company, IMAESTRI. Their online marketplace curates a selection from some of the finest artisans creating today. Most notably, IMAESTRI has an amazing selection of truly bold and unique furniture, while also housing a large selection of beautifully simple, yet expertly crafted furnishings. If you're new to this brand, prepare to be hooked! IMAESTRI manages to wow me time and again without fail. Everything is absolutely stunning!
The rose gold Aurora Armchair (above) is my favorite IMAESTRI piece right now. It screams luxury and has a strong architectural feel to it. This just made my wish list!
When I say that IMAESTRI's selection is unique, their upholstered "marble" armchair and love seat are great examples. I'm also loving IMAESTRI's wood Vela chair shown below. It's carved wood design evokes a relaxing, Asian zen feel, which I always welcome.
Aurora Chair - Imaestri I hope you're as impressed with IMAESTRI's furnishings as I am. There is so much more on their website worth checking out. I'll leave you with this beautifully designed rose gold chair, fit for the most discerning design enthusiast.
Life + style blogger Eleanora Morrison has been so kind to share with a us a private tour of her San Antonio, Texas home. It's a bright & cozy space showcasing antique furniture with fun, contemporary pieces mixed in. I love the relaxed and bright feel she accomplishes.This newlywed successfully transformed her home to suit the styles of both Eleanora and her husband, blending rustic with glam, which always takes an artful balance.
Eleanora Morrison is the founder of Oh, Eleanora blog. Check out our chat below!
I really like
that your blog focuses on both style and wellness. How have you set
up your home to help accomplish wellness and balance?
For me, styling our
first home with wellness and balance in mind was at the top of my
priority list. It has always been the goal for it to feel like our
house gives you a hug when you walk through the door. I wanted this
home to be the sigh of relief that would welcome us into relaxation
after a long, busy day.
Our careers both
demand very much of our time and energies, so I paid a lot of
attention to the finite details in the décor that I think help to
create an atmosphere of relaxation at home. For example, I have a few
indoor plants or fresh flowers placed in almost every room. I have
aromatherapy candles in the bathroom and in the office. I have my
favorite honey + milk soap in the bathroom and salts that make a
typical at-home bath feel like an at-home spa. We were also given amazing bedding for our wedding
that is so comfy that we have to pull ourselves away, so that also helps us keep relaxed and happy. It’s the little
things that can give your home a very luxurious feel.
In what ways does
your home reflect your personal style?
I fell in love with
our home the moment I saw it because it is a beautiful blend of old
meets new. Our home was built in 1927, but we bought it completely
renovated with a modern kitchen, bathroom, back yard, and other
charming features. The character is there, but the modern luxuries
are what make the home feel good.
My personal style is
very much a blend of a love affair with classic and timeless
elegance, and an affinity toward bold modern statements. Our décor
is a direct reflection of this. Many of our bigger furniture pieces
are antiques—either from our grandparent’s homes or our parent’s
homes. Everything we were given for our wedding, however, is
contemporary. This makes our home feel like a blend of rustic charm
and Hollywood glam, and I love it.
As a newlywed,
what has been the hardest thing about decorating with your husband
and joining your personal styles? What is your biggest
joint-decorating success story so far?
This is definitely a
challenge. Luckily, my husband trusted me completely and didn’t
really question any of my design choices with this home. However, he
tends to be drawn to very contemporary and modern décor—I would
call him a minimalist—and I am drawn to more traditional, rustic,
and glamorous décor. With that in mind, I had to be very creative in
blending tastes and respecting that this was a merger, not a
takeover!
I think our biggest
joint-decorating success story at this point would be our guest room.
Dan’s things were mostly black and modern, and mine were mostly
white and neutral, with some inherited antiques. I figured out how to
use his pieces to decorate the guest room in such a way that we
didn’t lose him in the house. I didn’t mind the guest room
feeling masculine—I am sometimes very drawn to masculine clothing
and décor. I know we will eventually repurpose and redecorate that
room, but for now it works really well and it came together quite
nicely. Dan can have his space, I have my feminine office space, and
the rest of the rooms in our home are fairly neutral and welcoming.
With your new
voyage in entrepreneurship, I'm sure your background in PR and
fundraising have been very helpful. What takeaways from the
fundraising and PR sectors have you utilized as you build your
blogging business Oh, Eleanora?
My background in PR
and fundraising was the perfect springboard into building a full-time
blogging business. I still have much to build and much to achieve,
but I truly believe that everything I did before taking the leap into
being my own brand prepared me just the way I needed for what I do
today. The three biggest skill sets from fundraising and PR that I
draw from every single day are problem-solving, storytelling through
mission-driven content, and utilizing my professional and personal
networks to yield collaborations and sponsorships.
In my experience,
fundraising was about telling the story of your mission to people you
had relationships with, in the hopes that they would convert to
donors. Then you had to carry out their donor benefits and work them
into current or future campaigns. The formula is almost exactly the
same when pursuing relationships and sponsored collaborations with
brands.
What type of
person do you think would love your blog?
Women in their 20’s
and 30’s who are looking to find some inspiration and motivation to
keep pushing toward their dreams. The mission of my site is to
encourage and empower women to create the lives they want to lead. I
hope Oh, Eleanora serves as a digital destination for those
who need a little bit of cheerleading to reach for their stars. I
would imagine these women are open-minded, worldly, interested in
arts and culture; I think of them as being the never-ending seekers
of beauty in the world, but also the ones who want to make a
difference in it.
What health &
wellness resources are you most excited about this year?
I am now totally into a new practice of yoga (for me)—it’s called
Bowspring. I’ve
discovered it at my current yoga studio here in San Antonio, AC
Power Yoga, but Bowspring is a global method that started in
Denver, CO and was originated by a woman named Desi Springer. Its
fundamentals are about re-learning movement habits that are more
animalistic in nature rather than mechanical. It’s easier on my
body than other forms of yoga and exercise, but it is more physically
and mentally challenging. It works your fascia, not just your
muscles. You get an amazing stretch from the practice, and your body
feels renewed when you finish class. The movements are new and
different, so you have to work very mindfully. It’s a workout for
the body and the brain. If you live in a city that offers Bowspring
yoga, I highly suggest trying it!
What has been
inspiring you creatively lately?
I’ve been inspired
by the fact that in both fashion and interior design, blush is the
new black. I shared an article
about it on the blog recently. I am always drawing
inspiration from the following places, people and sites:
What's the more important thing you've learned during your career journey so far?
The last (and
probably most important) thing I learned from the PR and fundraising
sectors is that everyone knows everyone. The law of six degrees of
separation will always shock you—no matter how you industry-hop. I
now realize that the success of a relatively new blogger in the
digital space is far more dependent on personal and
professional relationships and networks that one would think. In
fundraising and in PR, you meet so many people, and you learn how to
deal with so many types of personalities. To be able to utilize those
relationships to knock on doors, even in a completely new industry,
helps me every single day.
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