Decor Inspiration: La Vie en Bleu with Cynthia Frank

Just incase you didn’t already know, the Pantone 2020 color of the year is Classic Blue. Which, in my humble opinion, is incredibly exciting. For the past few years, interiors have sort of bored me. As much as I absolutely love a good blush pink or a completely colorless modern space, I’ve been ready for something….different. I have a hunch that we are here!

The moment I spotted the cover of the December 2019 issue of Elle Decor, my heart skipped a beat. Who’s home is this? What is that gorgeous blue velvet seating situation? Is leopard carpet back?

This is the home of ELLE Decor editor Cynthia Frank and this woman has some serious panache. She’s worked for years at Town & Country and Elle Decor, and at 77 years old has an incredibly cultivated and chic style. Her Manhattan townhome is the epitome of glamour.

Can you just imagine sinking into the delicious blue velvet seating, gazing at the leopard carpeting, cup of tea in hand discussing all of the Parisian inspired decor?

Custom moldings throughout gives the home such a timeless, opulent vibe. It makes you feel like you would instantly transport to Paris.

Such a chic little grandmother isn’t she? I think my grandmother and her would have totally gotten on.

Images via Elle Decor, Produced by Cynthia Frank.

6 ways to use your luxury candle vessels after the burn & how to remove the wax

If you are looking for ways to reuse your luxury candle vessel, this post will give you 5 great ideas.

I have always loved a good candle purchase. I am of the mind, the more candles in the home, the better. I especially love when they come in a chic little container. If I am going to spend a pretty penny on a candle, I want to be able to display it as decor in my home. I also want to make the most out of it and keep the vessel for future use. Everything I purchase has to be aesthetically attractive, I’m not into buying anything that doesn’t suit my taste. So, candle shopping is a very intentional thing for me.

Nothing frustrates me more than a high dollar candle with a sub par smell. If I want a pretty little vase, I’ll just go buy a one from Anthropologie. However, there are a few brands that I absolutely love and stand by one hundred percent. The added bonus, they make such adorable little vessels/containers for chic storage, organization & flower arrangements. We’re all about the details around here, no?
For me, Diptyque candles are the ultimate luxury. Sure, they’re above average on the pricing scale but I do believe they are well worth it. The smells are beautiful and true, the fragrance will fill the room and continue until the very end of the candle, you can’t say that about all candles. I find that they last longer than comparable candles, too.

My favorite is the large Baies in black , this scent is my go-to and the vessel looks so beautiful after, too. My second favorite is the Fig.

Voluspa is another favorite brand. They’re a little more affordable and their vessels are super chic & pretty. They have more fun & feminine scents, so I love to give these candles as gifts and everyone loves a cute voluspa candle. You just can’t go wrong with them. I also love that they come in so many different sizes, these can be great travel candles ( I always bring a candle on my weekend trips ). Branche Vermeil is my favorite I am obsessed with the mercury glass jar, so is Mokara which comes in a pretty white jar.

So what do you do when the candle ends?

I hate throwing away a pretty little candle vessel. I just could never bring myself to do it. Especially when there are so many brilliant ways to use a cute candle vessel after the burn.

Here are 6 fun ideas for what to do with your used candle vessels:

#1. Fill it with cut flowers.

source

RECREATE THIS LOOK:

2. Organize beauty and bath essentials ( perfume samples, Q-tips, makeup brushes, beauty tools).

repurposing luxury candles // source

3. Cute everyday item display ( think sugar packets, tea bags, matches, etc. )

diptyque candle coffee table style // source

RECREATE THIS LOOK:

4. Sort your favorite rollerball and perfume samples.

Diptyque perfume style // source

My favorite: If you haven’t tried to NEST Madagascar Vanilla perfume oil rollerball, you are missing out. You must have this in your collection.

5. Repot your plants, succulents or orchids.

succulents in empty candles // source

RECREATE THIS LOOK:

6. Sort office supplies ( paper clips, pens & pencils, business cards, scissors )

How to remove the wax from your candles:

HOT TIP: The secret to making sure the wax removes easily at the end is to be sure that each time you burn the candle, you let the entire top layer of wax melt. Don’t blow it out before then. This ensures a smooth burn so your candle lasts and the wax pops out easily.

….and VOILA’! You have a beautiful, stylish & chic container to use for so many things around the home.

What are your favorite candles? I would love to know, let me know in the comments below…and be sure to read this post for more candle tips.

Love, Ashlina 💕

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