July mood board: earthy & exotic

It's around this time of year where I begin to get a longing for an exotic vacation. One where silence is valued and practiced. I can remember a few years ago while in the Amalfi coast, the beaches were so quiet. It was the most intoxicating experience. I often find myself dreaming of owning a secluded beach house, where everything would be decorated in all whites, nudes, earthy & exotic vibes. The warm weather and cool breeze would just enchant my soul. Today, I'm taking you on a little inspirational journey with me so you can see what I am currently loving. . .

Malibu home of Richard Shapiro

. . .poolside

. . .walking pebble beaches in Chanel flats

Relaxed & modern by Prue Ruscoe

. . .long afternoon lunch at Café Vitória, Portugal.

. . .wicker bags for daytime strolls

. . .moroccan clutches for nighttime 

. . .cocktails at sunset, Sugar Beach in Saint Lucia

So in love with this beautiful beach house, Casa Sanchia in South Africa

A beautiful hotel room in Greece. 

I often like to wanderlust Nomad Bubbles

Shopping: My favorite zebra rug finds

I don't really consider myself much of a pattern player. I stick to solid fabrics for the most part. Perhaps its because my taste for the home leans more towards soothing sanctuary and less toward madness and movement. Not that I don't appreciate a good pattern, I just find that when designing with large items, bold artwork, extravagant shapes, the eye can relax on the fabrics. Personal choice. 

However, when it comes to pattern, animal prints always appeal to me. Perhaps because its a pattern created by God, I do believe the most breathtaking sights are from nature. Think the colors of the sunset, beautiful ocean views, flowers, a starry night, on and on I could go. I'm a Capricorn, an Earth sign and always feel so connected to things of the Earth. 

Over my years of working with my virtual design clients, I've had to do some serious online shopping for the perfect zebra rug. I'm pretty sure 90% of my clients have zebra print somewhere in the home. The right zebra rug can absolutely transform a room and make it look instantly chic. 

I've always been such a zebra rug girl, however when Luxe & Beau sent me a pair of zebra pillows I was eyeballing, I was immediately enamored. I love the way they look on my white sofa against the black walls. Gives such a fun vibe to the room. 

I am also extremely fond of mixing leopard print and zebra print. Here in my NYC office, I mixed the two and have only ever received the most glowing compliments. Don't be afraid to try new things in your home, especially if you really like the look. 

This is the exact rug I have purchased and used time and time again. It never fails me. 

Take a look at some of my favorite zebra moments I have seen in interior design lately. . .

You can't go wrong with a cowhide zebra covered desk chair. Gives a chic pop of glam to the office. 

I've always loved this living room by Wendy Labrum, the pair of zebra stools make such a chic addition. 

Of course my girl, and The Paid Decorator alum, Allison Crawford killed it with a real zebra rug in her bedroom. See the whole room tour here. 

Now if the rug doesn't fill up the space and you want to cover the floors, I love layering the rug over a sisal or jute in beige or nude. One of my clients has a really irregular shaped breakfast nook so I have been trying to find the perfect jute rug to fill the space so the zebra rug can really shine! 

Ryan Korban, one of my all time favorite designers, likes zebra so much he used a stuffed zebra statue in his apartment. That's seriously next level commitment. 

HERE YOU CAN SHOP MY FAVE ONLINE ZEBRA FINDS: