High Style, Low Cost

pillow // coral // vase // tray table // throw // candlestick // jars

Thanks to places like H&M and Zara you can now get some very stylish home decor at budget prices. A few of my favorite pieces are pictured above. All are super versatile and could fit in with different styles and color palettes. What are some of your favorite places (besides Home Goods) to find great home pieces on a budget? I'd love to know!

Dream House

Once in a blue moon I'll come across a design project that really just knocks my socks off. Typically I will like one component of a home but not another. Loving each part that I see is a rarity for me (I'm picky and difficult just so you know). I recently started following Rach Parcell on Instagram (yes yes very very late to the game), and as I scrolled through many pretty pictures I kept stopping on the ones of her newly built and decorated home.

First, the house is grand. It has huge ceiling, tons of light, and gorgeous natural elements throughout like exposed wood beams and Calcutta gold marble. Second, the attention to detail is spectacular. I love the serene palette of whites and grays, neutrals never looked so good! The kitchen is to die for, I could literally do several posts on just that. The real stunner though, at least for me, is her closet/office space.

This is no ordinary closet. This is the stuff of dreams. Yes it is enormous and so beautifully designed, but oh my gawd Becky that leopard carpet is B-A-N-A-N-A-S! You say you like gold, white lacquer, and animal print? It's all there ladies. I too would hang out in my closet if it came close to this one. Also that puppy is gorgeous and makes me that much more jealous.

I'm assuming there is so much more fabulousness left to this home, but my stalking abilities/time I want to spend stalking only go so far. I do suggest you check out Rach's blog Pink Peonies and Instagram, and also the Alice Lane Home as they did the install. Hopefully if Rach ever saw this post she would think it was nice to have such home/style admiration and not utterly creepy. Fingers crossed!

The light in this home is unreal and the entire wall of windows is spectacular. Don't get me started on the chaise...

 Holy kitchen! Where do I even begin? Maybe the brass fixtures, marble, open shelving, island, or range. I can't. It's too much pressure!

Glorious table and chairs as if they weren't going to be on point, puhlease. The light fixtures are no joke either. Each is gorgeous and different. Also I'm really digging that beam in the bedroom. 

The powder room makes my master bathroom look like a gas station restroom. If I never have anything else in my home but a soaking tub I can die a happy woman.

I'm doing my best not to write too much but come on this the most ridiculously amazing closet I've ever seen. I'm smitten with everything in it, including that lab. Note to future husband: if you can deal with leopard carpet in the home, you may have anything you want..ANYTHING!

Loving Lately: Reading Nooks

There's nothing like curling up in a big comfy chair with a good book or magazine. Add a few great pillows, a cozy throw, and a place to kick up your feet and you've got your favorite little spot in your home. I adore the concept of a cozy space just for relaxation and entertainment. It can be as simple as a chair with an ottoman and floor lamp, or as intricate as a chaise with coordinating accessories. For my reading nook I would use an area rug to set apart the space, an overstuffed chaise, two throw pillows, a light but warm throw, small end table, and table lamp.

 

Can you tell I like neutrals? I find them peaceful, but pops of color would be great too.

This is the most perfect reading/nap nook I could ever dream up. I love the big windows, the fluffy chaise lounge chairs (I'm a sucker for a chaise and have been since I was little... who dreams of that kind of stuff at the age of 5?), and that it's a separate space. Can't you just imagine curling up here with a stack of magazines and a glass of wine?

Good God do I need wood floors in my life so bad. Con of rental apartments: crap rental apartment carpet EVERYWHERE!

This nook is so adorable, but not the most accessible since it's built in. I would've killed for a spot like this when I was a kid. 

all images via Pinterest

GET THE LOOK

Design Obsession: Statement Doors

A lot of people don't know this about me, but I am a closeted design freak. I could spend hours looking at pictures of gorgeous spaces, design books/catalogs, and perusing the internet just taking it all in. I definitely attribute my love of design to growing up in a DC suburb surrounded by gorgeous homes that were impeccably decorated, living in New Orleans for two years, and most recently my trips to Charleston. Personally, I think it's pretty cool to be able to appreciate a sconce or trim when for most of your life you wouldn't have given them a second look. With appreciation for design comes an awareness to detail, and man are there some gorgeous details out there.

Unless you live under a rock, you have heard the term "statement jewelry" or more commonly "statement" necklace. But what I am obsessed with lately are statement doors. While my taste is fairly traditional, I love the idea of a pop of color that makes a home stand out among the rest. As a child, I always wanted a house with a red door (no clue why) thinking that was as bold as I could go. Now, the possibilities are literally endless!

The coral door on a classic Cape Cod style home is so sweet and really brightens up the darker wood. This is probably the first time I have ever liked anything in orange. I am so in love with this bright orange door, the hardware, the central location of door knob, ugh just everything!

A turquoise door with gold hardware (a personal style favorite) pops in all the right ways against this white home. I love the matching shutters too! This home is straight up elegant, and I love the updated twist with the bright, cheerful yellow door.

Ah, there's the red door from my childhood dreams! It looks great against the gray and the white trim is perfect. I am usually not a pink fan, but this magenta door is gorgeous. The contrast and greenery are so right.

The green door may be my favorite of the roundup. It's so (sorry for doing this) chic. Kelly green is one of those colors that's timeless and works so well as an accent color. I die, I swoon, I everything for this door. Provence, well you don't have to say much about its beauty, but the cobalt door is magnificent. I love the rustic exterior and the rounded door frame. Blue and white, can you really go wrong?

How about you? What do you think of statement doors?

Gilded Glory

Target is literally killing it these days in terms of their home decor. The Threshold and Nate Berkus lines have really upped the anty in terms of style, function, and budget. Pictured above are some of my favorite items in gold tones that would jazz up any space!

Weekly Wants

cowhide // coasters // pillow // antler // french press // book ends


Happy Friday! I'm signing off for the weekend, but had to share some glitzy goodness for the home with you. Have a great weekend!

Lazy Day to Cozy Night

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 

With all the travel and hectic schedules I've had lately, I'm really relishing the days that turn into nights where I have nothing I have to do. Since lounging at home is becoming more of a preference, I've been thinking there's no reason not to be stylish and comfortable for those lazy days in. I can picture curling up with a cup of tea, that gorgeous throw, and diving into a new book or watching an entire series on Netflix. Just because I live in an apartment doesn't mean I have to forgo that comforting fireplace crackle and scent. I can just light a WoodWick fireside candle and I'm exactly where I want to be. How do you like to spend your lazy days in?

Light 'em Up

Jo Malone // Jonathan Adler // Voluspa // Archipelago // WoodWick // Rewined // Fresh // Tocca

Nothing, absolutely nothing, instantly lifts my spirits like a freshly lit candle. Not only does it fill the room with scent, but there is something homey and comforting about that little flickering light that puts me in a great mood. They are so many great fragrances out there, and in every imaginable price point, that there is no excuse not to fill your home with them. Candles instantly add the mood setting factor for a night in, offer great supplemental lighting for when you entertain, and fill your home with luscious scent (which for me is always a happy memory trigger). 

I love getting new candles, and tend to give them as gifts too. The ones I have pictured above are my favorite every day, seasonal, and floral scents. Do you have any favorites? I'm always on the hunt for new ones.

Hostess with the Mostess

bar cart  //  stemless flutes  //  candle  //  bowl  //  tray  //  shaker  //  decanter


I've unfortunately never been a big entertainer personally, but I absolutely adore the idea of entertaining. As a former event/wedding planner I got to put together a lot of great events and over the top parties, but when it comes to having people over for a get together... well it just never really came to pass.

I'm on a mission to become a hostess and a home entertainer even if it kills me. I'm looking forward to football parties, holiday gatherings, and the occasional game night to start cutting my hostess teeth. It seems like all my coworkers have a go to spread for entertaining, and frankly I'm jealous. So cheers to hopefully becoming  the hostess with the mostess!

DIY Daydreaming

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I'm getting the crafty/artistic itch that I get a few times a year, and I 100% blame Pinterest. Like many women, I've always been pretty crafty and try a few projects every year. Lately though, I haven't done anything artsy and I'm starting to have withdrawal. Now I live in an apartment so there are many projects I would love to tackle but just don't have the space or resources to do so. I compiled a few projects from my Pinterest boards of projects that were doable no matter the size of your living space or access to materials. 

1. Kate Spade-esque Gold Confetti Plates: I LOVE LOVE LOVE this pattern from Kate Spade. It's my all time favorite for serving wear, vases, you name it I love it. All you need are some cheap-o plates, vases, glasses, anything really, painter's tape, and gold paint (gold sharpie and spray paint will work too). I'm going to make some mugs, vases, champagne flutes, and maybe a serving tray with this method.

2. Mason Jar To Go Cup: Yea yea yea we're all mason jar'ed out, but they really are so flipping versatile in the kitchen. I bought a case from Target for $10 and I use them for food storage, leftover storage, for my morning smoothie, and yes as cups at times. I have so many now that I would love to get some more uses out of them and I am in desperate need of to go cups (they always seem to go missing). 

3. Framed Gilded Agate Slices: Woo-Hoo I actually have all the elements I need for this project ready to go. I bought some gorgeous slices on Amazon, shadowbox frames from Ikea, and now I just have to paint the edges and assemble them.

4. Gold Studded Tray: Unless you've been living under a rock the world of home decor is currently obsessed with trays. I can't say I blame them either because trays instantly make spaces feel pulled together and more organized (what's not to love?). Acrylic trays can be purchased inexpensively at The Container Store and the gold pyramid studs are super inexpensive at your local craft store. For less than $10 you can bring new life and chic organization to your favorite surface.

All images and projects found on Pinterest, and linked to their respective owners

White Walls

Did you ever make a promise to your self that at one point (or when you reached a certain age) you would be an adult and spend the time and money to decorate your home? Well I was supposed to do that last year, and never got around to it. I am guilty of being that person that lives in a white shoe box with next to nothing on the walls. It's not that I don't want to liven it up, but I am really picky about what I want to put up.

I've put some thought into it, and have rounded up some pieces that I would happily call my own. There really isn't too much cohesion as to why I picked what I did other than each piece speaks to me. Do you have any favorite wall decor you're willing to share with me? I would love some more ideas of how to work more personality into my apartment.

Vintage Travel Poster (I think adding two more would make a great series for over the couch)

Vintage Map of New Orleans. It's my favorite city, and I have such great memories of living there.

One of my favorite lyrics from my favorite band (I found it on Tumblr, but I WILL track it down).

Who doesn't love a little bit of gold foil? This perfectly pretty piece would be great to lean on my dresser or book case.

When in doubt... Charleston (my second favorite city)!

I've never been to Paris, but this playful print has such a great color scheme going on that I could put it anywhere.

Travel Poster/ Map/ Gold Print/ Charleston/ Paris