The Design Lovers Gift Guide

I've collaborated with the Interiors by Jacquin team to compile the best gift ideas for Design Lovers of all backgrounds. You will love these gift suggestions! We have 3 distinct categories of gifts to entice you: Creative gifts, Luxury gifts, and Budget-Friendly gifts. Read on for our top recommendations for the picky design-lover in your life!

1. Michael Aram Palm Frame

2. Tourer Bright Cross-Body Bag

3. Broste Copenhagen 'Haldan' Candlestick Set

JACQUIN'S TOP CHOICE:

Michael Aram Gold 'Palm' Frame

Designer Michael Aram never fails to create impressive luxury home decor & gift items. This gilded 'Palm' frame is one of my favorites! This frame, which I own personally, catches the light and shines when displayed making it the perfect showstopper gift for the Design Lover!

BONUS: 

Koa Wood & Rose Gold Watch - JORD Watch

1. Origami Folded Vase

2. Creative Lettering & Beyond Art Kit

3. 'Well-Wishing' Travel Mug

STEPHANIE'S TOP CHOICE:

Creative Lettering Art & Stationery Kit

Now this gift is definitely my favorite gift of the season! It's no secret that the art of calligraphy has made a glorious comeback in these past few years, and if you're anything like me, it has seriously peaked your creative interest. If you know someone (or maybe you are someone) who is dying to learn this skill but can't afford to take a professional course, then this lovely hand-lettering kit teaches the magic of calligraphy and hand-lettering for only $14.77! 

1. Filix Lambswool Blanket

2. Dragonfly Napkin Ring Set in Violet

3. BYOB Scented Candle DIY Workshop

LAYNE'S TOP CHOICE:

BYOB Scented Candle Making Workshop

During one of my recent trips to Atlanta, I stopped into the store Candlefish. Not only do they have hundreds of handcrafted candles in stock, with the option of choosing your own scents to put into a unique candle, they also offer candle and essential oil making workshops! Candle making workshops are a great gift to give/plan for a girls night out or a date night! It is definitely an unexpected yet extremely pleasant surprise of a gift. 

Save this gift guide onto Pinterest to have gift ideas on-hand throughout the year! Happy shopping!

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10 Raffia & Glasscloth Furniture Favorites

Lately I've had my eye on raffia and grasscloth surfaced furniture as I makeover my bedroom decor. I love the nice texture raffia and grasscloth add to a space and I also enjoy the relaxed, coastal aesthetic of raffia. I'm currently looking to add raffia nightstands to my bedroom to add a bit of that resort, vacation vibe to my own space. I rounded up the best design inspiration featuring luxurious raffia furniture just to sell you on this awesome furniture option. I have also compiled my 10 must-have raffia furniture selections available for purchase right now. 

Blake Raffia 3-drawer nightstand from Serena & Lily.

If you're wondering about the durability of this material. Raffia is actually quite resilient. Raffia fibers come from the Raffia palm tree and the material is used in all sorts of products from heavy-duty baskets, to furniture, twine and rope (and more!). When your furniture is covered in raffia there is generally several coats of lacquer applied first to protect the surface from stains and damage, all while the raffia still maintains its characteristic texture. 

Meade Raffia Dresser with nailheads from Williams-Sonoma Home. 

You can also find raffia furniture accented with nailheads or even richly-dyed raffia decor options. Another raffia trend that's coming back is simple raffia beds in all of their textured glory (see below). These classic beds can be found in antique form or newly designed from brands like Serena & Lily. Raffia-covered furniture is a fantastic way to move away from basic wood furniture throughout your entire house. In fact, the mixture of your current wood furniture with raffia-based decor will be a great blend of coastal meets modern design. Keep reading for my top selections for shopping raffia furniture for your own space!

Interior design by Alyssa Rosenheck for Amber Barnes Interiors via MyDomaine. 

Nailhead raffia chest featured on DecorPad.

Here are my 10 favorite raffia furniture pieces available on the market right now...

1. 3-Drawer Raffia Chest - South Hill Home
2. Casablanca Global Bazaar Raffia Coffee Table with nailheads - Houzz
3. Blake Raffia 1-Drawer Nightstand - Serena & Lily
4. Minnia Raffia-Wrapped Cabinet - One Kings Lane
5. Kos 3-Drawer Raffia Nightstand in Indigo - One Kings Lane
6. Blake Raffia 3-Drawer Nightstand - Serena & Lily
7. Round Raffia Side Table - South Hill Home
8. Meade Raffia Dresser with nailheads - Williams-Sonoma HOME
9. Palecek Avery Side Table - Layla Grayce
10. Blake Raffia Wide Dresser - Serena & Lily

Have a great week!

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6 Chic Budget Coffee Tables + a life update!

If you're in the market for a new coffee table, but you don't want to spend a fortune, I have some fantastic selections for you! Before we get into these amazing coffee tables however, I want to give you a quick update on my life as of late. I'm excited to report that I've been selected as a new AOL Lifestyle Contributor! This means that you'll be able to find my blog features and editorials on the AOL website from time to time as the year goes on. Be sure to stop by the AOL Lifestyle Collective to see what's new! 

I have one other exciting entrepreneur update to share with you, as well. I've just returned from New Orleans where I participated in the Collision Conference for tech-startups. I was there representing Legal Equalizer, Inc., a company that I co-founded with an amazing team of 3 other people, including my husband. It was such an amazing experience to be able to pitch our company to high level investors.

Legal Equalizer is a cell phone app that records police encounters, should you be in one, and notifies 3 of your loved ones with your geo location. This cell phone app also educates citizens on their legal rights. Available for FREE on iTunes and the GooglePlay Store.

It is so important in a world where police encounters can turn violent at times to have your own evidence in such a circumstance. This app is also great for families with teenagers who drive because it notifies parents if their child has been stopped by the police. We have received such wonderful support of our app so far! The Collision Conference even selected us as an "Alpha Startup", allowing us direct access to investors. It was so encouraging as an entrepreneur to see that my businesses are really growing! If you're a beginning entrepreneur, I want to encourage you to keep pushing because your hard work will really pay off. And if you're considering taking the leap to entrepreneurship, you should totally go for it! (For aspiring entrepreneurs, definitely email me if you're looking for any encouragement or guidance. I'd love to help!) 

Now on to the budget-conscious goodies I promised you! These coffee tables all look far more expensive than their price tags, which always puts a little pep in my step. ;-) I think you'll be excited by these finds, too. Take a look at these six unique coffee tables, all under $300. Which one is your favorite?

1. Mara Coffee Table - $299 - Article. 

2. Bridgetown Coffee Table - $226.99 - All Modern 

3. Elana Bronze Coffee Table - $299.95 - Pier 1 

4. Aldridge Coffee Table - $244.50 - Home Decorators 

5. Mercury Row Coffee Table - $188.99 - All Modern 

6. Tribal Carved Coffee Table - $299.99 - World Market

My favorite is the Mara Marble Coffee Table (#1)! I love the combination of the marble with the dark, walnut wood. Do you think you'll give any of these coffee tables a try at home?

P.S. LAST CHANCE to register for the Novice Artist Challenge! *Only 3 spots left* Registration ends Friday, May 6th. 

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10 Global Restaurants with Impeccable Interior Design

Need a little inspiration? Well, today's post will inspire you with truly unique restaurant decor and amazing vacation destinations. The restaurant designers featured below have gone all-out to create a luxurious and memorable dining experience for stylish people like you! These photos have captured the essence of these restaurants and are sure to excite you.

1. Le Gauche Caviar Restaurant - Paris, France

Le Gauche is located inside the Hotel Montana and is exquisitely designed by Parisan architect Elizabeth Lemercier. This restaurant features a Russian inspired menu along with rich, velvet chairs designed by Maison Darré. The Hotel Montana is definitely worth booking a room at because the suites are decorated as uniquely as the beautiful restaurant. 
28 Rue Saint-Benoit, Paris, France 75006 (Inside Hotel Montana) (Phone +33 1 53 63 79 20)

2. Alain Ducasse Restaurant - Paris, France

This restaurant showcases highly unique, polished stainless-steel domes on the floor that reflect thousands of floating crystals. Designed by Jouin Manku Design Studio. 
25 Avenue Montaigne, Paris, France 75008 (Inside Hotel Plaza Athénée) (Phone: +33 1 53 67 65 00) 

3. Commissary Restaurant - Los Angeles, California

Amazing greenhouse design by Jason Tauritz. Located inside of The Line Hotel. 
3515 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90010 
(Phone: 213-368-3030) 

4. Song Qi Restaurant - Monte Carlo, Monaco 

Designed by Emil Humbert & Christophe Poyet, Song Qi is Monaco's first gourmet Chinese restaurant and is the epitome of luxury. 
7 Avenue Princesse Grace, Monaco, Monte Carlo 98000 (Phone: +377 99 99 33 33) 

5. Le Mini Palais Restaurant - Paris, France

This restaurant is located near the Champs Elysées and has a beautiful terrace, perfect for dining al fresco. Le Mini Palais is run by Eric Frechon, a trip Michelin starred chef, so yet another reason to visit this beautiful restaurant. 
Avenue Winston Churchill, Paris, France 75008 (Phone: +33 01 42 56 42 42)

6. Le Flandrin Restaurant - Paris, France

Elegantly designed restaurant with an exquisite traditional french menu. Le Flandrin was designed by Joseph Dirand. I absolutely love the luxurious velvet chairs!
4 Place Tattegrain, Paris, France 75016 (Phone: +33 01 45 04 34 69)

7. Chez Gaston Restaurant - Miami, Florida

French-inspired, Latin fusion restaurant located inside of the Grand Beach Hotel Surfside. Chez Gaston is known for its unique cuisine and ocean views. 
4835 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33140 (Phone: 305-538-8666)

8. Palmilla Cocina y Tequila Restaurant- Hermosa Beach, California 

Fine dining Mexican restaurant on the Hermosa Beach Pier with an amazing brunch menu. Palmilla's intricate decor will envelop you!
39 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, California 90254 (Phone: 310-374-4440)

9. Sketch Restaurant - London, England

Sketch is an iconic destination for food, art, and music offering a lovely afternoon tea. The restaurant's interior has a memorable pink motif with elements of curiosity and humor. A must visit for your next trip to London.
9 Conduit Street, London, England W1S 2XG (Phone 44 0 20 7659 4500)

10. La Gare Restaurant - Paris, France

This restaurant specializes in fine french dining in a beautiful setting and offers a separate cafe for lighter fare, as well. La Gare's location was a historical site that underwent an impressive renovation under the direction of architect Laura Gonzalez. The restaurant has stunning blue velvet chairs and vibrant plants as one of the highlights of its decor. La Gare's cafe is also quite chic making it the perfect location for a quick lunch or evening drinks. 
19 Cahussée de la Muette, Paris, France 75116 
(Phone: 01 42 15 15 31)

Today's post has given me so much vacation inspiration! I would love to travel to any of these destinations just to dine at these stunning restaurants. As a quick tip, be sure to Pin this post for later. You'll want to remember these amazing restaurants! 

Which of these restaurants would you be most interested in visiting? 

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Resort Style Decorating at Home

It's Monday and you're likely thinking about how much you could use a vacation. If you're like me, you're far to busy to disappear for a vacation whenever you need one, but there is a solution! Why not create a resort-style retreat at home? That way you can enjoy a little rest & relaxation in a beautifully decorated space ANYTIME! I've put together a stay-cation inspired e-design to get you motivated and inspired. You can shop all of these finds and create your own vacation destination at home. Just hover your cursor over the image and each individual item will be hyperlinked with a shopping tag for you to click. I am loving this new technology! Now it's easier than ever to beautify your home. 

And if you want to make it even easier, hire Interiors by Jacquin to decorate a space in your home for you. You can find more information on my e-design services here. 

Here's how it all comes together...

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Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Gifts for the Home

Whether you're shopping for the holidays, a birthday or special occasion, or even yourself, these sustainable and eco-friendly gifts would be a great addition to any home! Happy Holidays!

1. Aurora Multi-Color Pillow - $380 at Wildflower Organics
2. Cardboard Cat Teepee - $35 at UncommonGoods
3. Recycled Glass Balloon Vases - $79 at ViviTerra
4. Beaded Bolga Beachcomber Basket - $35 at VivaTerra
5. Rioja Recycled Glassware Collection - $6-$36 at Bambeco
6. Bamboo Fiber Compost Set - $45 at Bambeco
7. Driftwood Candelabra Centerpiece - $329 at ViviTerra
8. Swaying Leaves Wind Chime (recycled glass) - $34.50 at Ten Thousand Villages
9. Reclaimed Wood Cookbook Stand - $110 at UncommonGoods
10. Alpaca Chunky Knit Pillow - $429 at Wildflower Organics
11. Geometric Copper Votive Bowls (Set of 4) - $39.20 at ViviTerra
12. Airplant Frame (11x11) - $90 at Viesso

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For Your Weekend Reading... An Awesome Web Roundup!

This weekend catch up on the latest and greatest from across the Internet! I'm presenting 8 great features you'll definitely want to check out.  Happy reading!

1. 14 Covetable Items for the Home from Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, Chanel, and other Fashion Houses - Architectural Digest
2. 4 Ways to Make Your Own Perfume - Hello Natural 
3. 14 Warm Drink Recipes to Keep You Cozy (From Hot Chocolate to Hot Toddies...) - Bon Appetit
4. Kids, We're Moving to Greenland - Narratively

And there's more...!

5. 5 Common Tips to Beat the Cold or Flu - Yahoo Health
6. Artist Leah Bartholomew of Australia's Colorful Paintings - The Design Files
7. New Legal Equalizer App Could Help You in a Police Encounter - This app records your police encounter and automatically distritubtes it to 3 pre-determined loved ones, plus access to local laws that matter to you. You definitely want this app and it's FREE! More info here and here. (Available for iPhone and Android)
8. 5 Sites Better than Craigslist (for Used Furniture & Decor) - PopSugar

Have a lovely weekend and thanks for reading!

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6 Great Autumn Themed DIYs + Chic Fall Style at Home

Autumn always makes me think of a fresh start! It's one of the many reasons Fall is my favorite season... along with the crisp air, apple cider, and rich Fall colors, too!  The homes featured today have such a wonderful, refreshing Autumn feel to them. If you're having a hard time wishing Summer goodbye, these stylish homes will definitely get you excited about the Fall season!

And don't miss my Fall DIY Roundup at end of this post. There are lots of goodies there too!

Garrison Hullinger Interior Design

Fall Home of Kris Jarrett, Driven by Decor

Anthropologie featuring the Bone Inlay Four Poster Bed

Chatelaine, Painted pumpkin vase

Fall Home of Liz Marie, Liz Marie Blog

Anthropologie, featuring the Semisfera Coffee Table

Fall DIY Roundup!

1. Painted Butternut Squash Vase
2. Modern DIY Concrete Fire Pit
3. Twig Candle Holder
4. Metallic Pumpkins using "Looking Glass" Spray Paint - You can find the spray paint here!
5. Lighted Marquee Letters DIY - Perfect for a party!
6. Spicy Roasted Squash with Feta and Herbs Recipe

Which of these Fall themed do-it-yourself projects are you excited try this season?

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DIY Decor Round-up!

This DIY Decor Round-up is packed with unique projects to beautify your home!  I'd love to hear which one of these would you'd like to give a try?  I'm really loving the Copper & Wood Hanging Light (#1) and the Straw Hat Wall Clock (#8), but honestly they all look worth a try.  Nothing like a little do-it-yourself "eye candy" to get you inspired!

1. Copper & Wood Hanging Light - Vintage Revivals

2. Marbled Hanging Planter - Oh Joy!

3. Gold Dipped Bar Stools - Honey Bear Lane

4. Minimalist Dining Table - Amber Interior Design

5. Criss-Cross Accent Wall - Rain on a Tin Roof

6. Barn Door Tutorial - House Seven

7. Ikea Hack Upholstered Bunk Beds - Ashley Rachelle

8. Straw Hat Wall Clock - Monster Circus

Which of these DIY projects are you most excited about?

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