Welcome back to another edition of Why This Works… a weekly series where I show a designed space and discuss why it’s great. Today, it’s all about one particular aspect in design and that’s styling shelves. In the new year, I hope to organize much better and these well kept shelves are making me think just that! This Pasadena home was featured in Domaine and is designed by LA design firm, Burnham Design. Take a look!

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What I love most about these shelves is the effortless way they appear to be styled. They definitely have that collected over time vibe, which I love. These accessories look as if they have a history and meaning to the homeowners. I love when shelves are a mix of books, art and sculptural accessories and these have all three! Bookshelves have much more depth and interest when there is layering going on… it can even give the illusion of a deeper shelf. To achieve this layering effect at home, start with an empty bookshelf and slowly add a couple of books and accessories at a time. Step back every now and then, snap some pictures and evaluate how you would like to go further. That’s what I always like to do when styling shelves. It does take some time and patience, but the reward is a treat for the eyes! Here, you get a glimpse of the top shelf with bone inlay boxes, neutral book covers and art prints. The next shelf has books laid both vertically and horizontally, with an everyday vase used as a bookend. I love thinking outside the box and using non traditional book ends. The books are subtly organized in a color block format, keeping similar hues together. Pieces collected from travels adorns the shelves and memories can instantly be remembered when those accessories are out on display. Book shelves are used for much more than just books and this design shows that to perfection!

What are your thoughts?!?

Welcome back to another week of Why This Works… a series where I show a designed space and discuss why it’s amazing. Today’s room is a showstopper, in my opinion. It was designed by Bailey McCarthy, from the popular blog, Peppermint Bliss. She designed this master bedroom and every room in this year’s Coastal Living Cinnamon Shore Showhouse in Port Arkansas, Texas. This space exudes warmth and charm. Take a look!

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Where to begin? I love all of the color in this room, but the muted tones allow the space to remain calm and serene. Our bed is very similar to this four poster option, but with a much more overdone wood stain finish. This beautiful paint color is giving me an idea!! I love this shade of blue and I think it brings a modern touch to an otherwise traditional bed frame. I also love that the nightstands have a different finish from the bed. It brings a collected over time style that is so beautiful. The nightstands and lamps bring that symmetrical look that I love, but the warm wood finish against the blue bed adds an unexpected, whimsical touch.  I love all of the pattern going on in this room and the muted colors allows for it all to remain calm and perfect for a bedroom atmosphere. The south western style rug from Dash and Albert {great rug source!!} is a great piece for this Texas master bedroom. The patterned drapes, rug and chairs each bring their own thoughtful, unique style and also creates a casual, warm vibe. You know that I love to mix metals! I loved seeing the brass chandelier and bedside lamps paired with a pewter curtain rod. I also love to add a subtle animal touch in any room and I love that Bailey did that with the longhorn art print {seen best in image 2} on the left bedside table. And it wouldn’t be Bailey’s signature style without some amazing bedding that is subtle, gorgeous and whimsical. The camo bolster pillow is so unexpected and fun. Her own line of bedding can be found at her site, Biscuit.

What are your thoughts???

Make sure to check back here on Friday, for some exciting news!!

Welcome back to my Why This Works series, where I show a designed room and discuss why I think it’s perfection! This home would make the list on any day, but I’m excited to show it all decked out for the Holidays! {This is also motivation to get me going on some shopping and decorating!} Erin Gates, Boston Interior Designer and author of the best selling book, Elements of Style, posted about her holiday decorated living room a couple of years back. It still works so well today!

Erin’s dog Oliver, also in the shot! I really think pets love the spot light. My design project HERE showcases my client’s cat taking center stage and loving every minute!

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What’s not to love about this cheerful space? I love mixing pattern on pattern and Erin does this so well with the striped Bergere chair and plaid throw blanket. The greenery looks amazing with her black and white decor, making it stand out that much more. I love seeing wreaths and holiday accents in unexpected places and I love that Erin hangs her wreaths on the wall, with her antler display. The gold accents she already has in the room, with the curtain rods and chair, work so well with the Christmas ornaments and holiday decor. I love the flower arrangement she includes on the coffee table. It’s understated, elegant and has the perfect color scheme for the occasion. One of my most favorite features is the woven basket with birch logs. My mom likes to add birch logs in her home and they look so cozy in any space. I also love the bust from the second image, with the black and white plaid bow. No detail is left out, including wrapped packages in the left corner, with a festive green and gorgeous animal print!

What are your thoughts? Does this room get you in the holiday spirit?!?

Welcome back to another installment of Why This Works, a series where I show a designed space and discuss why I think it’s amazing! Next up is Joy’s office studio, from the ever popular blog, Oh Joy! She had worked for years from her own home and decided it was time to have her own studio space. She enlisted the help of Emily Henderson, who created design magic with a colorful and inspiring space. Enjoy!

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Now if that is not a fun and cheerful space to work, I don’t know what is! And although this space was designed a couple of years ago, it still feels so current and spot on. It is a bit of a diversion from my regular style that I blog about here, but that is what I find so intriguing. For a work space, play room or studio, this would be a great way to feel energized and inspired! I have had a thing lately for green velvet sofas, so I might be drawn to this space for that! I also love the dramatic gallery wall. What a great way to draw your eye up and give the illusion of more space. When hanging art, try taking full advantage of the entire wall. Art no longer has to be only at eye level! The white walls and neutral painted floors allows for color in the furniture and accessories. The art is playful and whimsical, which I bet Joy’s daughters love! I could definitely be inspired on a daily basis in this room. Emily designed a gem in this space!

What are your thoughts?

Happy Wednesday! I am back for another installment of Why This Works. Today’s space is a living room seen in Better Homes and Gardens. I thought this space really spoke to what I was discussing in my last post and you’ll soon see why!

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In my last post, I talked about using several colors in a room and how to make that work. If you have a common thread for all of those colors to come together, then you can sprinkle each color around the room and it will make sense. In this space, the color palette is brought together in the beautiful Chiang Mai dragon ottoman. The raspberry colored side table, peacock art, bright blue throw and pillow and the magenta geometric pillow, all are tied in with that ottoman. The bright hues are then balanced with the neutral seating, wall color and area rug. The black window trim makes you stop and take notice and then the calm white walls tone down the window trim. Touches of nature are brought in with the tall fiddle leaf fig plant and vase of fresh flowers. There is so much crazy good balance and proportion going on in this room! The light area rug is a great opposite to the dark, warm wood floors and leather club chair. The woven basket tray on the colorful ottoman makes the room feel relaxed, as to not take itself too seriously. And the ceiling fan, although not the most amazing accent, shows that the room is also lived in and functional.

What are your thoughts???