elements of good design: corbels

Wow. I can't even believe that its now 2014. I'm still in sort of a state of shock. Every year, I look forward to the new month because it brings new things, new dreams and excitement for new adventures. It also brings my new age, which comes next week and I'm not really sure I'm ready for that just yet. Ha. Anyway, one thing I do want to do, is try to share more of the personal parts in decorating that I do. At times, on the blog I share pretty much my inspiration but not as much as I should of what I actually buy and what I actually do day to day.

buying stuff from thrift shops

While I have been in Austin, I have been doing a LOT of shopping thrift stores. Mostly because I am trying to get the feel for the original Austin vibe and trends on the town. I've got a few things up my sleeve here and I find that thrift stores are where you can score big because most things are just reused here. Austin is so environmentally friendly. In my finds that day, I found this gorgeous little antique corbel for about 3$ which I desperately want to use in one of my projects. I think they are always great to collect, I love the way they look in home decor. Here in one of my favorite clients' homes, she put potted orchids on hers, notice how they fill up the wall space so well and give great contrasting pop of color.

I also am always intrigued when I see others use corbels in a large collection. Miles Redd loves to do this as do many other chic designers...

miles-redd-hb-0411-pc-james-merrell

because its awesome

blue and a hint of white

I really think its such a great look whether you do a pair of corbels for balance or if you throw several up on a wall for a more layered look. Something to try for the new year, its an oldie, but such a goodie and pretty affordable if you find them at your local thrift. images: {ashlina k,

10 things that rocked my world in 2013

1. 2013 was such a good year, I'm still so thankful for this blog, all of you readers and the opportunity to talk about the things I love daily. A lot of blessings happened this year, specifically in the work area.. I especially loved it when Rue magazine named me one of their 10 top designers to watch. That was pretty neat. I felt so blessed.

my new apartment

2. In February, I moved into a new apartment on the Upper East Side. It was hard because moving is never fun, but oh the joys of decorating a new space.

vintage shopping in madrid

3. I went on a trip to Spain and shopping through the vintage flea in Madrid was such an incredible experience.

september new website

4. My blog got a makeover this year, we went to black, my favorite color. I love the more high contrast look.

grandma in new york

5. My chic little grandmother came to visit me in NYC twice this year and we had the best time each time. I had a blast with her and felt so blessed to have that special time together.

the color purple

6. I got to decorate with a lot of purple this year thanks to some pretty glamorous clients. Now that radiant orchid is color of the year, we are all so on trend.

summertime

7. As much as I love summering in the Hamptons, I fell in love with Shelter Island this year. So gorgeous.

dream sofa

8. I got my dream sofa. A white leather Chesterfield and I loved every minute of having it. When I recently moved out of my apartment, the gal took everything as is and bought all the furniture. Hope she is as happy with it as I was.

west palm beach shopping sprees

9. I did lots of shopping for my Fort Lauderdale client and that was probably one of my most favorite projects. A fashion designer in Florida, tons of vintage shopping in west palm beach. It was an incredible experience.

doors of new york

10. Last but not least, the doors of new york, one of my favorite projects of all time, got so much attention this year. I got to shoot so many places, fall in love with photography and am currently working on some new things for it. It's been one of the biggest blessings to me.

Thank you all for sharing all of these special adventures with me. It was such a wonderful year. Wishing the best for all of you in 2014! Happy New Year!