Tablescape tuesday {what to look for at the thrift store}

Love the look of this shabby chic tablescape? 

For mere pennies you can recreate the look...
All you have to do is hit up the local Goodwill or Salvation Army and stock up on these goodies.

Brass candlesticks, You can literally find these everywhere for less than $2. What I suggest doing is getting some spray primer and paint in bright white. Then you can get some light pink long tapered candles to complete the look. (You can change the colors of candle according to your decor...snazzy!)

 It's true, beautiful bright white china is usually out of the budget BUT a saavy decorista can re-create the look of beautiful dinnerware by scouring the thrift stores for mis matched pretty pieces.  The trick is to keep your plates to the same accent color scheme (think golds + pinks, or silver + turquoise), after some time of shopping you will have build yourself lovely collection. It will look like magic on the dinnertable.
Clear mason jars are probably the easiest on the budget and will totally recreate that fishbowl look that elegantly embraces beautiful blooms. They can also serve as hurricanes for tea-lights when flowers aren't and will create a magical mood.
 
I firmly believe that mismatched flatware in silver is effortless. Literally they come in bundles at your local thrift store or flea market. Choose your favorites and don't worry if they look awkward, their individual beauty will shine through come dinner time.

Don't be afraid of purchasing random breakfast chairs from your local thrift. The more different each chair is the better. The key is to make sure that the chairs are really sturdy and have a strong base. They are unloved little guys who will look brilliant together with two coats of bright white paint and some light sanding. Once they are all finished they will give that perfect shabby chic look.
all images via flickr.

bliss in the kitch' {white done right}

bright.bazaar + livingetc october 2010

Honestly, is this gorgeous white kitchen blissful or what?
I am smitten with the dark wood flooring against the stark white surroundings. Thrown in are the fabulous Eames chairs in white, so chic! The lighting, of course, finishes it off with a bang.
And so here we have an ultra perfect modern kitchen...domestic bliss at its best!

ULTIMATE DOMESTIC BLISS



It's back to the grind this lovely Tuesday morning. 
I thoroughly enjoyed my lovely long days in Palm Springs, doing nothing but exactly what I wanted to do. Oh, how I already miss the luxurious vacation moments of a day by the pool, waking up late, a game of tennis and long sighs filled with the morning air.


At the moment, I can't think of anything better than a messy bed on a weekend morning.
It's the ultimate domestic bliss.
Sunlight shining through the windows, a mug full of my favorite coffee, a lovely book or a magazine....these are the moments that make me stark raving in love with life!
I am so ready for my next vacation...

Did everyone enjoy the long weekend?


rita konig +  littlebluedeer 

The Art of Living...mixing leopard and zebra print

I honestly would never suggest this combination, it could end up looking a bit too much.
However, I am also a believer in the phrase "all things are possible".
If you love both zebra and leopard prints...this is how to do it right.
A beautiful dainty zebra print chair + two accent leopard print pillows on the adjacent sofa.
perfection!

The Art of Living...decorating ideas for the toilet tank

 It is always such a chore to figure out what to do with the top of the toilet tank, no?
Here are a few decorating ideas for your pearly white tank! 
It may not be the most beautiful place of the home, but why not impress your guests and take the extra effort to make it look its best! It would be so very Decorista of you.

it doesn't get much better than this {dining room decorating}

luxeandlillies

flightsofwhimsy

 I am just loving the fact that each of these dining rooms are based with white walls + accent colors! What a fabulous way to add a pop of style without commiting to an entire color change. This is perfect for a decorista like me, as I am obsessed with redecorating to fit my mood.
The rooms that have pink are not overtly feminine either, so husbands can deal. ;)
Supremely good + dramatic lighting tops it off with perfection and of course mismatched seating.  Swoooooooon!  

Hope I inspire your weekend lovelies! 
Thank you for being the best readers + commenters EVER this week.
Your comments crack me up and make my day.
love to you!
 

office space of the day...LA city girl style

deliciously gray walls + beautiful floral rug + modern light fixture + fireplace + orange bike = 
domestic bliss


This is the office space of my fellow Los Angeles blogger Rebecca of lovng.living.small. Her adorable little office space just brightens my day. I just love her collections of books and personal photographs throughout the home. Those items display such character. My heart also has a soft spot for that black and white chevron footstool. I think we are all loving gray walls lately, right? So fresh!

Check out the rest of her hollywood bungalow home office tour!

SIX TO BLISS: the hammocks and high tea edition



Who: Karen Young
Where: Brooklyn, NY
What: the fabulous + creative woman behind Hammocks + High Tea

I just think this girl has the juiciest, most creative eye and her products are adorable! Enjoy her secrets to domestic bliss...






1. I love the warmth and density of wood pieces. Anything that is a little unfinished and reminiscent of it's origin is one of my favorite ways to bring nature inside.


2. Scarves and lightweight throws go with me from room to room. Even on summer nights I will find a reason to drape one across my feet, my newest love of hammam towels.


3. I often treat myself to farmers market flowers on the weekends. I have a major case of "black thumb", but I've gotten pretty good at keeping flowers alive. I buy two or three bunches, display them throughout the house in a few large groups and put the rest in bud vases.








4. As a renter, I rely on textiles to make my home warm and inviting. There is nothing like falling into some soft pillows, or tucking my chin under a warm blanket. And bright, bold colors and patterns make all the difference.




5. Unexpected decor always gives me something to smile at. I love the surprise of feathers, unique shapes, and bright colors.



6. Family pictures make every house a home to me.

Inspired decorating...mexican romance

I am always inspired by different cultures and the emotions that go into the surroundings.
Being that I am part latina, I love anything and everything with a little bit of culture.
 These gorgeous rooms conjure up feelings of 'mexican romance' to me...
I am just smitten with them.

Makes me really want to have one of these Vintage Bolivian Rugs from Furbish, stat!
They are gorgeous, no?


ROCK CHIC: Bohemian meets femininity


Chocolate Towers is the lavish London home of Sera Hersham Loftus, interior designer to rock music’s top celebrities. We have all seen her home before in magazines, but I am just crazy about all of the romance + glamour in the different areas of her home. Completely feminine, the coziness just calls me in. What fun it would be to take in an afternoon of tea with her and her delicious digs.
Feast your eyes on the fabulous vignettes...

The dressing room is almost like a mysterious gypsy caravan. so cool.


living inside