i'm crushing on...

The vintage suitcase.
I think there is something so comforting, so nostalgic about vintage luggage and right now
I just can't get enough of the look. I love the way they can make the greatest addition to your home decor. I'm especially drawn to the sophistication of the Louis Vuitton trunk look.
I know...I will keep dreaming.
(click on images for source)

SIX TO BLISS: the jessica edition

SIX TO BLISS
It is finally here you guys...the guest blogger series that I had promised. 
A look into our favorite blogging decoristas lives
and their very personal top 6 secrets to domestic bliss!
Today, I will begin our month long series and to start is off is 
my girl...Jessica.




Who: Jessica Nell Graves
Where: Gainsville, Florida
What: An amazing graphic designer + blogger of The Love List.
Her southern charm gets me everytime and I am so excited for her to share with us her 6 secrets to domestic bliss.


6. Fresh flowers.
Life, cheer, a pop of color, a touch of happy, and a lovely smell - who doesn't love flowers?

5. Books galore.
I recently rang in my 24th, and while having all of my friends in town to celebrate with me was really special, the best gift I got was a trio of Penguin classics. They are gorgeous! I have stacks of books littering my house, a few current favorites are John Currin's tome for the Gagosian and Mirelle Giuliano's latest on being business savvy.

[My desk! I've since added an imac to the repertoire, as doing my design work from a touch pad was getting really old...]
4. My studio.
I practically live in here, as do my interns, so you better believe that it is a pretty, comfy, and inspirational space that my interns and I all love spending time in. This is where we dream up all of our ideas for the blog and for the clients of Front Porch Studio. (PS, there's a full tour here)




3. Low Country Luxe candles
With scents like "Gullah", "Sugah",  and "Gent", how can any southern belle say no?



[John Currin's "The Cripple", Amanda Stone Talley's "Celedonia", Michael Sowa's "Fowl with Pearls"]

2. Art.
 Right now I'm really into the big loose circles that are New Orleans-based Amanda Talley's signature, so much that she's doing a large piece for my dining room. I can't wait to get it! John Currin is far and away my favorite artist, but I also love the quirky animal portraits of Michael Sowa.


[Roasted portabellas and asparagus, vanilla ice cream with cranberry chutney]

1. Good food.
At the heart of our home is our kitchen. We are always cooking for each other or for friends - we even have a supper club on Sundays! We're lucky to live in an area where fresh produce, meat, and eggs are always available to us (plus we have a great Farmer's Market!).


love it! thanks so much for sharing Jessica.
xo

shameless self promotion and a sneak peak of my bedroom REVAMP...



Check me out tomorrow at 
Peppermint Bliss!
I'm doing a guest blog post for my girl, the beautiful bachelorette Bailey!
My Secrets of Spring...

also,
My bedroom is a disaster right now because they are repairing my door.
I am getting a better one...yes!
 I took some pics for my mom and decided that I would share a sneak peak with you all.
The color scheme is purple, gold, cream and black.
Dee-lish!
(more pics to come soon...when the new door is up, of course)

art filled homes are my bliss...

I was originally going to make this an art + room post but as I found myself searching the entire
home tour over and over, I knew I had the share more.
Another amazing home tour from Apartment Therapy , Brad + Kendra from Boston (luuuv it)
created a glam sanctuary full of art. 
We all know how much I love my art!
Check out the huge ceilings + black moldings. 
Die.
(for more of the home tour click here)


the future of interior design????

We have all heard of energy efficient homes I'm sure. I think the idea sounds fantastic.
However, when I think of these homes, I think aluminum looking ugliness. Yuck!
Well, maybe that's not the case anymore.
I was surprised when I received an email about HUF HAUS and the Green{r}evolution.
Based off traditional German housing, these gorgeously modern, black, white and glass homes
 take 14-16 weeks to construct for move in...AND they are made with the environment in mind.

Say What???
I know, I didn't believe it either...but they look pretty cool.
I mean, I would have to cozy it up...a lot, but I am loving all the windows!
What do you guys think? too modern? 
or would you swing the 'green' way?

Dear Decorista,

Dear Decorista,

Have questions about decorating or design?
Want to know about more about entertaining on a budget?
Need some color scheme help or
 want advice on an item you have been eyeing?

Trust me you are not the only one!
I am here to help.
Each week I will do a post specifically for my readers
addressing different decor + style issues that everyone can learn something from.

The Decorista will come to the rescue...just email me!
ashlina@thedecorista.com
Happy Decorating!

LARA INC OFFICE SPACE




FURNITURE KEY:
zebra rug
{ZEBRA RUG TO PLACE UNDER CONFERENCE TABLE}

Brigitte Poster Option 1
Brigitte Poster Option 2
(for these posters you need at least size 27 x 40 or 24 x 30)
{POSTERS TO GO BEHIND EACH DESK IN  MAIN OFFICE AREA}

clear seat office chairs from IKEA 
(you would need set of 6)
{CHAIRS FOR CONF. TABLE}

Bookcases from IKEA
{ONE TO GO ON EITHER SIDE OF WALL}

white storage boxes for files, etc. from IKEA

white devon mirror
{MIRROR TO BE PLACED ABOVE CONSOLE}

peek a boo console table
{CONSOLE TO BE PLACED ON WALL ADJACENT TO CONF TABLE. FOR MAGAZINES, ETC}

*gallery of black and white frames with photos of LARA INC work to be placed above reception area chairs by LARA INC sign. Should be a collection that covers the entire wall, for major impact.


secret to domestic bliss # 14...a reading nook.

What is better than getting cozy with a good book and some tea?
nothing.
We all know this, so it should be imperative to a home to have a reading nook.
No matter how small or how large it is, try to incorporate this one essential space.
Don't forget to always keeps some books or magazines in the area so you are compelled to read more.
My guess is, we may not always use it, but...
if you have guests, it will make you quite the hostess to have room for them to relax.
Everybody wins!
I think this one might be my most favorite...and lately I am loving reading a new juicy interior decorating magazine on my patio and have my morning coffee.
Lovin it!
images from: livingetc. decortoadore. NYSD.com. bhg alkemie 

inspiring blogger: PoshGlam

The other night the gallery I work at had a huge fashion event to kick off fashion week.


Have you guys ever heard of this blog?
Well, I hadn't either, but this girl is taking over the fashion world.
She started out as just a small blog and has now grown to be 1 of the top 10 fashion blogs in the country.
Her event was outrageous, she had tons of sponsors, a red carpet and everything.
When I asked for her secrets...
She said, she just started writing her thoughts and before she knew it, she was getting
emails from everyone who she looked up to.
And now she has a staff of 5.
woah.
This is the beautiful blogger behind the madness, Kimberly Stone.
She is pretty inspiring.

And just for fun, here is a pic of my staff + I at the Gallery. 
We had a superfun time.
So bloggers, keep blogging... you never know where it might lead you!

UPDATE: style secrets
(since you asked...)
Jacket: Vintage Shop in Venice
Shirt: Image
Denim Leggings: DNA

scenes of a project...

Right now I am working on a little cottage in Brentwood, CA.
It is absolutely adorable...wish I lived there.
It is only a rental but it is taking so much work.
I will call it in the 'under construction' phase as the renter is a travel junkie...
thought I would share with you some sneak peak shots.



(the above blue chair + white coffee table I found while thrifting for super duper cheap)



Final result to come soon...i pinky promise.