Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Knot Just for Boaters

Think rope knots are just for boaters? Think again. These nautically-inspired knots are the perfect way to add a bit of summer to your home's decor. Switching out accessories such as throw pillows, place mats, and curtain tie backs is an easy way to change the style of your home as often as you'd like. Change accessories seasonally or whenever your personal style starts to wander. Your home should always be a place that expresses you, so let these accessories lead your home into a stylish summer!

Photo: Ballard Designs
Photo: Preppy Princess
Photo: Two's Company
Photo: Pomegranate
Photo: Williams-Sonoma
Photo: West Elm

Photo: Stonk Knots

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Celebrating Memorial Day

For me, Memorial Day weekend is a time to welcome summer with family and friends. (It's also my birthday weekend, so that adds an extra element of excitement!). Not only is Memorial Day a holiday that is associated with fun parties and beach trips, but more importantly it is a day to celebrate the fallen members of our country's military. So however you decide to spend Memorial Day, make sure you do it in red, white and blue! Here's a little all-American inspiration for your Memorial Day decor:

Photo: Better Homes and Gardens
Photo: Bliss Tree
Photo: Hat Attack
Photo: Martha Stewart
Photo: Social Couture
Photo: Martha Stewart

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Nautical Style

With summertime around the corner, beach days are near and it's time to get fashion-ready for the season. One of my favorite summer styles is the classic navy and white nautical look. Pair a striped top with simple dark wash jeans (I love the button detail on the pair below) and accent with stripe or anchor-printed accessories for an instant nautical feel. From the beach to a barbeque, you can't go wrong with a classic look like this.

Nautical Style


Juicy Couture wide leg flare jeans
£145 - harveynichols.com

Dorothy Perkins wedge sandals
$110 - dorothyperkins.com

Wanted ballet shoes
$39 - endless.com

Summer handbag
£30 - awear.com

Nautical bag
£12 - awear.com

Anne Klein white watch
$55 - macys.com

Spring Street teardrop earrings
$28 - nordstrom.com

Floppy beach hat
£12 - debenhams.com

Chiffon scarve
£10 - bankfashion.co.uk

Jewel necklace tee
$138 - jcrew.com

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Fancy Ice Cubes

The weather is getting nicer and summer is officially on its way (hooray!). Along with this lovely season usually comes a calendar full of fun gatherings with family and friends. Get creative and impress your guests with these fancy, homemade ice cubes. Add small pieces of fruit, flowers, or mint to an ice tray and fill to the top with water. Or skip the water altogether and fill an ice tray with tea for a unique way to keep iced tea cold without watering it down. The finished result will be the coolest ice cubes that your guests have ever seen.

Photo: Everything Fabulous
Photo: Martha Stewart
Photo: Whole Living
Photo: Cupcakes and Cashmere
Photo: Bright Nest

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Stylish Shutters

Believe it or not, shutters can be used for a lot more then just a window covering. Used shutters often turn up at flea markets or garage sales, and with a little love they can be turned into beautiful accessories for your home. Here are a few of my favorite transformations:

  1. For an instant headboard, create a row of shutters behind your bed. You'll probably need about four or five depending on the width of the shutters and the size of your bed. Keep the original paint for a more rustic look, or change them up with a fresh coat of paint.
  2. Create a screen by connecting multiple shutters with hinges. Hang photos or greeting cards from the screen for a unique display.
  3. If you can't find a group of shutters, create a simple mail holder or photo display with a single shutter. Hang the shutter on your wall with the slat openings pointing up. This will create a convenient place to hold mail or display photos.
  4. Create a shelf or coat hanger with two shutters. This one-of-a-kind piece will add unique personality to a mud room or foyer.
Check out these examples for a little inspiration:
Photo: Blog A La Cart
Photo: HGTV
Photo: Terramia
Photo: Scrap Hacker
Photo: Better Homes and Gardens