Saturday, March 31, 2012

Spring Forward with Tasteful Spring decor

With the arrival of spring, here is some inspiration and simple tips to freshen up your decor while keeping a classic look.
White is the perfect neutral to bring out for spring. Added pops of color look sophistocated and are appreciated rather than seeming over done.
Subtle additions to your decor such as spring florals or a colored throw are also nice touches.
Throw an Easter brunch! Incorporate some of the ideas shown here if you want to make it a little something special.
Not your typical spring pastels but these unexpected blues on this tablescape are so refreshing. How simple yet incredible is the centerpiece with the colored eggs and magnolia branches?!
White linens and serverware are perfect since you can add whatever colors to your tablescape you desire to fit the occasion. The little colored egg place settings are a sweet touch.
Little colored take out containters filled with goodies placed at each guests setting make the perfect favor. The tiny egg ornaments hanging from branches is a darling addition.
Obviously, centerpieces work best when they don't inhibit conversation. I love the idea of these large branches since they make a large impact but still allow guests to mingle across the table. You can never go wrong with the classic robin egg blue and white decor for spring. HGTV also has several other ideas for Easter table decor.
Imagine various sizes, colors and shapes of bottles running down the center of your table... Pop in some fresh stems for a simple and fail proof table scape.
Or, another take on vase groupings using milk glass. If you are like me and have a large collection of bud vases you've saved, why not give them a coat of white paint to unify them for a more cohesive look? Here is a simple tutorial, just using a little spray paint.
Freshen up your front door with a beautiful hydrangea wreath.
Or... if you are wanting something a little less orthodox, why not consider creating something similar to this? Tutorial here.

Do you have any favorite spring decor traditions?


Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Ombre Trend


Ombre, a French term meaning “shaded” is still a hot trend we are seeing. These shades graduating from light to dark can be found from nails to an interior space. I've prepared a little eye candy for you.

Ombre in Fashion

Ombre makes an appearance as early as the 2009 fashion show.
www.style.com 
Current nail trend.
www.bellinisandbutterflies.com

Ombre in Hair Styles

Giuliana Rancic
style.com
The always lovely Jennifer Aniston.
style.com

Ombre in Weddings

Brides are loving this soft and subtle effect for their wedding.
 www.marthastewart.com
How incredibly gorgeous are these cakes? Directions how to acheive this look on Eddie Ross's site.
www.eddieross.com
Incredibly stunning ombre table scape. Brides that love the contrast of light and rich hues will adore this trend.
www.marthastewart.com
Love this gorgeous "chandelier" created from hydrangeas and ombre ribbons and trimmings as well as the ombre runner.
calligraphybyjennifer.net
A pretty ombre bouquet.
thebridesguide.com

Ombre in Interiors

Berkshire Country House, Upstate New York contemporary bathroom
          Digging the look of this ombre technique of tile in a bathroom!
contemporary bathroom design by new york photographer Vanni Archive houzz.com
Chevron/ombre artwork done using paint chips. I think I may feel a little guilty stashing my purse full of them though. :)
ellementaryhome.blogspot.com
Ombre handloomed rug for a contemporary appeal.
overstock.com
How darling would this shower curtain be in a youths bathroom?
Anthropology.com
You may or may not have seen the graduated dresser trend pictures floating around. What a great DIY project virtually anyone could do with a thrifted dresser and some paint!
hgtv.com
Dip dye curtains for a youths room. Love the bold colors!
serenaandlily.com
Dransfield Ross Ombre Pillow.
onekingslane.com
These little ceramic bowls are so beautiful. They would be great styled on a stack of a few books on a shelf or used to put jewelry in on a vanity.
upintheair.etsy.com
Loving these ombre wooden vases from West Elm.
westelm.com
Sheek monochromatic scheme with ombre window treatments as the show stopper.
The Connaught Hotel in London Room Designed by David Collins

What do you think of this trend? To ombre or not to ombre? :)

Monday, March 5, 2012

Twins: Double the Blessing Baby Blessing Party

Winter Wonderland Dessert Buffet
Baby Blessing Tree. Guests wrote sweet words and thoughts to Adrie and Bryson and hung them on the tree.
Simple but elegant DIY centerpiece: Spray paint pinecones in metallic silver and white, add ornaments, done!
Festive Christmas Veggie Tree
It was a wonderful day with family and friends, celebrating our sweet two new family members.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Boy/Girl Twin Nursery

Designing my nursery for my boy/girl twins was one of the most fun projects I've worked on. I knew I wanted something special, something a little sophistocated, and something beautiful. I began with a gray and yellow palette in mind; they are beautiful gender neutral colors. I wanted to add pops of Tiffany Blue and Magenta as well. Here is the design concept board I came up with:
The nursery. All ready for our prince and princess.
We painted the walls yellow, then applied a metallic silver trellis stencil purchased here.
Ceiling stripes: Sherwin Williams Eider White and Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray. The chandelier was an absolute steal purchased here.
A great way to add unique flair to a dresser: Remove the hardware and add new ones. They don't all have to be matching, just coordinate with pieces in the room. I painted a bird cage white and used it as a bow and tie holder.
The fabric is Amy Butler from her Midwest Modern line. The custom bedding, changing pad, and diaper stacker were created by Lynda S. Kummer, who happens to be my mother. (Lucky for me!) She does amazing work and perfectly executed my vision. Because I am very particular and couldn't find mobiles I loved, I made my own butterfly and dragonfly orb mobiles. I framed prints of "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine" and "You make me happy when skies are gray".
One last room shot:
And because I couldn't resist... Meet Bryson and Adrie: