Yours In Good Taste

Sorry for the lack of posts. With the busy time of the season and family visits, there is just not enough hours in the day (I am sure you feel the same!). I am so grateful to all of my fantastic followers for coming back day after day. I am finally ready for a relaxing, revitalizing, and reinspiring break. I will be in Dallas and in Florida posting all sorts of design fun on Instagram and on Twitter. Be sure to follow and check back here periodically for posts. Until then, I will wish you a timeless, chic, and perfectly tablescaped holiday.

More to come in the new year on the talent behind this beautifully created letterpress card by Kelly Bains Paper.

The Potted Boxwood Christmas Card by Kelly Bains Paper

 

Charge It

As dinner parties begin, dressing the table is always a production. More often than not, I am seeing less of the traditional table cloth and more of the natural appeal of the dining table itself shine through. Most of these bare back tablescapes are using the oversized ambience of chargers to create a marvelous place setting. Chargers are often disregarded as a needless necessity, but more recently have blossomed into a table staple.

So don’t worry about over served guests and an expensive table cloth (a stainful combination). Here are just a few tangible choices that make it easy to charge it!

Click the pictures for links.

Oscar de la renta marbelized charger

Oscar De La Renta makes the most unique and exquisite chargers, like this green and white wonder.

Aerin Gold and Marble Clay Chargers via NM

AERIN strikes again with her fabulous taste in gold and clay marble chargers available at Neiman Marcus.

Constellation Charger by Raynaud via William Wayne NYC

A playful and refined constellation charger by Raynard from William Wayne NYCBones Chargers OKL

A timeless and intriguing bone charger on super sale for One Kings Lane.

 

Delft Charger va Juliska

This Juliska delft blue charger is a necessary indulgence for any passionate pursuer of blue and white.

Glass charger via Annie Glass

This hand blown charger from Annie Glass is elegant, luxurious, and luminous for a candle light dinner party.

Rattan Round Charger by Caspari

A rattan charger from Caspari is an approachable and universally pleasing choice for any table.

Stainless Steel charger crate and barrel

 

Crate & Barrel stainless steel chargers are versatile for a contemporary dinner or traditional place setting.

Markham’s Montana Magic

The holidays sometimes don’t feel very relaxing. With time off to spend with the family, we should be resting and renewing ourselves for the new year. Instead, the holidays can be stressful and overwhelming with packages to purchase and dinners to serve. Often times it is nice to just get away, yet it can also be equally as nice to stay home.

If you are fortunate enough to get away, there is nothing quite like the mountains for Christmas. Last year, I stumbled upon this Montana mountain retreat designed by the always talented Markham Roberts for one of Tennessee’s highly regarded families. The home is unfussy, yet holds immense character in the details of the design. It is slightly rustic, with a fresh and casually refined ambience. Basically, it is everything one would expect from Markham in the mountains.

Just a little Mountain Monday…

Photos by Bjorn Wallander for Elle Decor.

Markham Roberts Montanta 8

The varied and rustic texture of the room pair perfectly with the beautifully upholstered sofas in Pierre Frey fabric (Hello Pantone 2015 Marsala).

Markham Roberts Montanta 7

An inviting den with crimson coloring brings a breadth of warmth to the large mountain home. I very much enjoy that the photo is by Roberts himself.

Markham Roberts Montanta 5

A kitchen worthy of a mountain home. Simple, unfussy, and naturally chic.

Markham Roberts Montanta Stairs

Uncomplicated layering of texture and great use of lines. The scones on the interior columns add an inviting element and sophistication.

Markham Roberts Montanta 4

A picture window is the focal point in this master bedroom full of light and rich faux chinchilla fur.

Markham Roberts Montanta 3

A peaceful and understated bathroom. How divine is that waterworks tub?!

Markham Roberts Montanta 2

Bunks are always a mountain home staple. I love the exposed wood that gives the feeling of sleeping in a cabin.

Dallas In The Light

Everything is bigger in Texas. I am sure you have heard it, and perhaps even scoffed at it. However, the longer I live here in Dallas, the more I find it to be true. Dallas does little things in big ways, and often with great style. I am always reminded about how awe inspiring the city can be whenever the holidays roll around. Dallas celebrates Christmas in such a way that it is hard to compete. I am not talking about how many lights and blow-up santas one can fit in a yard, but how to tastefully convey the spirit of Christmas with maximum impact (and…well…. LOTS of LIGHTS).

The lights in Dallas are something to see. There is No Branch Left Behind when it comes to the decor of the landscape and exterior. The lights are vibrant, spirited, and abundant. I wanted to share these pictures I took in order to remind you during this often “hectic” time of year, that there truly is beauty to appreciate down to every last strand.

Have a great weekend!

No captions today, so just enjoy the sheer magic and beauty of the season (and the homes!).

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In Your Skin

Snakes and crocodiles! Many people hate them. My mother can’t even look at a snake on a television screen. While they can both be quite deadly and very terrifying, they also have a luxurious and fabulous appeal in a home. Texture is something I am constantly noticing and admiring. It is necessary for the composition of a room. Usually, a textured item is needed when something feels lacking.  What a better way to add texture than with an accent of snakeskin or crocodile. Both are refined, sleek, and full of panache.

Surely these rooms will make your skin crawl.

 

corcodile chest via Elle Decor

How incredible is the texture of this crocodile covered dresser! It really stands out paired with the bold framed mirror. Photo source: Elle Decor

crocodile wall above fireplace via House Beautiful

A wall of crocodile. The perfect solution and ideal contrast for any mantle. Photo source: House Beautiful 

dramatic crocodile walls

Dramatic, sultry, and full of fabulous texture. The dark coloring makes the skin pattern very appealing.

Crocodile Rug in worldy apartment in India via Elle Decor

A gator rug would be an easy conversation starter in this light and airy room. Photo source: Elle Decor

orange crocodile backs splash via Freshome

A backsplash that really adds a splash of color and punch of texture.

Ruthie Sommers Powder Room via Lonny

A favorite work of Ruthie Sommers. This powder room has every element of masculine coloring, feminine hardware, and distinguished appeal. Photo source: Lonny

Snakeskin cushions via Veranda

Snakeskin chair cushions add another element of pattern and surprise to this dining area. Photo source: Veranda

Snakeskin tub via AD

Rub-a-dub-dub, a snake on a tub . Not for everyone, but surely an eye-catching design element. Photo source: AD

Texture Perfected via Apartment Therapy

A crocodile side table allows for extra texture in this very dark colored vignette.  Photo source: Apartment Therapy

That’s A Wrap

You may have a pretty tree, but do you have pretty wrapping? I grew up with my mother making an exceptional effort to find the most tasteful papers, bags, cards and tissues. While the tree was the focal point, the presents underneath possessed their own type of magic. After all, isn’t life all about how you present yourself? Here are just a few of my favorites so far this year.

Click pictures for links. Happy Wrapping!

Boxwood Christmas Crackers by Caspari

Boxwood poppers from Caspari. How can you not love!?

Caspari Red Festive Flock

Sweet snow sheep. A fun and playful pattern from Caspari.

Faux Bois Wrap by Paper Source

This Faux Bois wrap would look divine with a soft blue or striking green satin ribbon.

Foil Bebelle Gift Wrap by Caspari

Beautifully foiled wrapping from Papyrus. Just as chic for a birthday or other event.

Gold Foil Wrap by Caspari

One of my favorite wraps, the gold snakeskin wrap from Caspari. Striking with any ribbon.

Miseltoe Wrap by Paper Source

Magnificent mistletoe in the form of wrapping paper by Caspari.

Red Foil Zebra by Caspari

This pattern will never get old. It is chic for adults and is fun for kids.

Rifle Paper Company Wrapping

A lovely wrap of gold, green, and red that doesn’t abuse the green and red coloring in a predictable manner.

Sweater Paper by Kate's Paperie

Sweet sweaters on pink and absolutely chic.

 

 

Mary Christmas

I think I speak for everyone when I say that there is just not enough time in the day. With a busy Monday ahead, I wanted to show you one of my favorite homes full of decadent and dramatic Christmas decor. Mary McDonald’s Beverly Hills home was decked for the halls and featured in Veranda last year. The velvety orange, the blue and white porcelain. and the fresh pops of garland and peacock feathers make for a vibrant and classic combination for this lovely Monday.

Enjoy these pictures by Miguel Flores-Vianna.

Mary McDonal Christmas via Veranda

A regal room full of tasteful Christmas decor.

Mary McDonald Christmas Tree via Veranda

An abundant and fully stocked tree. I love the peacock feather topper!

Mary McDonald Christmas via Veranda

The blue and orange are a sensuous pairing with the ornate garland against the paneled wood.

Mary McDonal Christmas Tree via Veranda

Fantastic fabric, texture, and topiary design.

Mary McDOnald home for Christmas via Veranda

There is nothing quite as lovely as fresh garland. What a display!

Mary McDonald Stairway for Christmas via Veranda

 

Red Your Rights

Okay…I’ll admit it. I am not a red person. I mean, if we are talking about wine, then yes. However, I find myself in a very tumultuous relationship with the color red. Like paisley, water chesnuts, and trips on small planes, it is something I prefer only in small quantities. Of course, there are some people that adore red, and I have much admiration for them. They can commit to a bold color, whereas I become weary of such a strong color component.

Often I see red in dining rooms, doors, and accent decor. I do love red as a focal pop of color in rooms where it is almost unexpected. The unpredictable use of red is a fresh take on the traditional color. A high gloss red piece of furniture or a velvet red lamp shade can add a sultry panache and pizazz to a muted room. I guess I am slowly learning to have fun with red ( in a Taylor Swift meets Miles Redd kind of way).

Enjoy these great red rooms, while I try to decipher how I just used Swift and Redd in the same sentence!

 

Red Sofa by Miles Redd

Speaking of Miles Redd…. How can you not love this velvety vibrant red tufted sofa. Even better that it is against a pink wall!

Instabul entry via Town & Country

A red table full of blue and white heaven in this Istanbul entry via Town & Country.

Red and white diding area

A chic dining area makes a statement with pops of red off of a contrasting dark and light kitchen.

Bedroom by Julie Hayes via Veranda

 

A lovely red and white bedroom full of fabulous pattern and print designed by Julie Hayes. I love the luxe studded and shiny headboard. Photo source: Veranda

Brooke Shields dining room by David Flint Wood

A chic and timeless dining area in the home of Brooke Shields designed by David Flint Wood. Photo source: AD

ED1108_CREEL10_058

A dining room that is bold with color and accents. The red coral lighting is eye catching. Photo source: Elle Decor

Library by Beverly Field via Veranda

Floor to ceiling shelves of oriental red by Beverly Field. What I really adore in this room is that luxe velvet sofa. Photo source: Veranda

Frederick Eberstadt manahattan apartment by John Yunia via AD

A classic and interestingly textured red wall hallway designed by John Yunis. Photo source: AD

San Fran apartment by Thomas Britt via AD

A vibrant room with accessories that make an exceptional statement by Thomas Britt. Photo source: AD

Red den via Lonny

The details in this library are noted in the gold lining, the dimension of the walls, and the plush carpet. Photo source: Lonny

Hallway of Red picture frames via Elle Decor

Red frames hold black and white photos that create a type of three dimensional wallpaper that tells a story. Photo source: Elle Decor

Red Window seat via House Beautiful

A red window seat with blue piping adds a wonderful element of surprise to this muted den. Photo source: House Beautiful 

Alidads Londona Apartment via Elle Decor

Alidad’s door to a powder room in his London apartment adds a sense of mystery and refinement. Photo source: Elle Decor

Miles Redd Red Door Entry

Of course, I can’t show a red door without showing a Redd door. Always so incredible, and wonderfully decorated for Christmas.

 

 

Holiday Door Decor

First impressions are everything. The same goes for your home. As holiday parties begin this month, it is important to show your spirited and tasteful decor before your guests even walk through the door. While it is what is on the inside that counts, there is nothing more pleasant than seeing a neighborhood of chic decked out doors and holiday landscaping.

Here are some beautiful entries that will leave you yearning for fresh garland, white lights, and the perfect pair of topiaries. Happy Decorating!

Boxwood Door Decor:

Boxwood Wreath

Another Great Boxwood Wreath

Boxwood & Pepperberry Wreath 

Boxwood Garland

Boxwood Tree 

Blue door via Martha Stewart

via Martha Stewart

Black door entry with pine cone topiaries via Midwest Living

via Midwest Living

Chic and Classic Southern Living Door Decor

via Southern Living

Christmas Entry

via Pinterest

Stunning holiday garland via Martha Stewart

via Martha Stewart

Christmas Pots via Calling it Home

via Calling It Home

Christmas door via Southern Living

via Southern Living

Classic garland around columns

via Pinterest

Front Door entry for Chirstmas via Home Decorators

via Home Decorators

Front of a home decorated for the holidays

via Pinterest

Garland and Bows via Traditional Homes

via Traditional Home

Holiday entry via Canadian House and Home

via Canadian House & Home

Holiday window box via talk of the house

via Talk of the House

Interesting Christmas porch urns via Digs Digs

via Digs Digs

Outdoor-Christmas-Decorations-30-1-Kindesign

via Pinterest

Porch entry via Canadian House and Home

via Canadian House & Home

Pots via Better Homes & Gardens

via Better Homes and Gardens

Window Box and Blue Ribbon Boxwood Wreath via ShineYourLight

via Shine Your Light

 

 

Perfectly Petite

A couple of weeks ago, a good friend of mine living in New York City, asked me for some advice on decorating her small SoHo apartment. As many of you have heard me say here before, a space does not have to be large to be effective. In fact, I prefer a small space since it can make a bigger impact. While I have done posts on small jewel box spaces before, this apartment by interior designer Lilly Bunn caught my eye. Her ability to be bold, fresh, and playful while designing this petite space is truly remarkable.

This apartment by Lilly Bunn was photographed by Maura McEvoy in House Beautiful.

Phillip Jeffries Jute wallpaper by Lilly Bunn in House Beautiful

A jewel tone and feminine ambience in this entry covered in Phillip Jefferies jute wallpaper.

Living room of Manhattan Apartment by House Beautiful

The dark chocolate colored walls are effective in showcasing the white curtains and accents. Bunn notes that sometimes if a space is dark, you just have to embrace it.

Dining area by Lilly Bunn in House Beautiful

A bar tray sits to the side of this acrylic table in the living room. I also live in a small space, and I must admit I use my dining table as a display of coffee table books. Why bother making it the focal point?   Just make it a fun accessory!

Kitchen by Lilly Bunn in House Beautiful

A window shade of black and white fabric, as well as a pop of blue and white, brighten this small kitchen.

Manhattan Bedroom by Lilly Bunn in House Beautiful

I adore the use of green lamps in this bedroom of luxe blue and white Matouk linens. Green, Blue, and White- a phenomenal combination!

Bedroom chair by Lilly Bunn in House Beautiful

The softer blue and white print shades tie the room together, while the vibrant orange print pillows add an element of the unexpected.