A home makeover full of glamor and comfort!

This home has me hankering for a spa day! The luxuriousness of everything is so delicious, I could spend a whole weekend just going between the bath and the bed!

These spaces were designed by Marie Flanigan interiors, and the most fun part is seeing the HUGE difference between the before and afters! 

Of the project, Principal designer Marie Flanigan states '"this project is unique because we were able to transform their spaces without simply making them larger.  We kept our focus on architectural details, natural light, and creating cozy hideaways”. Functionality was improved, architectural beauty was enriched, and the entire home became a more fitting reflection of the chic couple that lives within. "'

The Master: 

"Adhering to our client’s desire to incorporate pre-existing antiques, many of their personal furniture pieces were preserved. Any new items were selected based on the unique charm they offered to the space. An over-scale antiqued French chandelier hangs at the end of the bed serving as both a distinctive focal point and a dramatic statement. The more contemporary items, such as the white animal hide bench, mirrored coffee table and gilded iron table lamps, offer modern lines that present an attractive contrast against the turn-of-the-century oak bedroom set. "- Marie Flanigan

One stressed out closed before...

One AHHMAZING closet after...

Master bath before:

After:

"Our designers created the impression of increased square footage by opening up the shower, lowering the bath tub and modifying the vanity." -Marie Flanigan

Before:

After:

A guest suite: 

The unique flooring is tricolored limestone mosaic

This guest suite below is my favorite, it's sooo pretty..

This before of this nook left me speechless:

The after (phew!)

Thanks to Marie Flanigan interiors for sharing this beautiful project with me!

Only the real thing? Or reproductions okay? Where do you stand

It's a hotly contested subject in most industries, especially fashion and design.  Is it okay to buy reproductions or "inspired by" pieces?  Or is it a no-no?

There are so many fabulous furniture designers that I love, Jacobsen, Saarinen, Knoll, and Gray.  The problem. Budget.  I'm don't yet have the savings that allow me to invest in an authentic piece.  Does this mean that my home should go without a piece that I love?

It is undeniable that designer furnishings, like a classic Chesterfield can make a HUGE impact on your space, even if it's just one piece.

via From The Right Bank

via Houzz

via HGTV

via One Kings Lane


I actually have one of these rocking chairs in white....

but I bought it a long time ago before I knew that it was an imitation of one of the most famous lounge chairs!  I still have it and still like it, but I know a lot of designers would cringe.

So, what are your thoughts?  

If you love a design that isn't accessible to with your budget, are you fine with having a reproduction?  

Do you buy authentic only or go without?

I'm not sure how I feel about it, but I think that until I decide I will try to find beautiful, well designed pieces in consignment and antique shops.  

this post in partnership with Vita Interiors

Make it yours - bring your style into your home!

Most of us would probably like to be described as stylish, though not everyone has the same opinion of what is stylish.  All the same, here are some ways to bring out or attain your style in your home.

The Entertainer
 Some people earn the title of a stylish person by throwing unforgettable dinner parties, backyard soirees, etc. We’ve seen in movies or real-life examples how someone hosts guests in their amazingly stylish dining room with such grace, it’s impossible not to admire them.

When we break their skill down into separate elements, we realize their success lies in smart choice of their styling their home, wardrobe, music and conversation. It takes a talent to juggle all that successfully!

via Ariel Yve Design

via viage


It tends to be little details that make an event memorable, like berry and herb infused ice cubes for guests' glasses!

The Bold 

Brave use of bold color is a great way to make your stamp. Vibrant colors can detract from what might otherwise be considered a shabby (and not the good shabby) piece of furniture.  Painting a distressed chair or dresser in a bold shade is a great way to express your fabulous eye for color and your bold style!

via Accent on Design

An otherwise okay console table make stylish with coral paint. via Picklee

Likewise, if you don’t have the means to redecorate your home to look like it fell out of a fancy home decoration magazine, you can paint your walls with bold colors can make them fun, cheerful and attention-grabbing.

The Creative

Sometimes your creativity dictates how stylish you are. Consider yourself worldly, cultured, or a connoisseur of something? Why not decorate your home to reflect that fabulous brain? Your space, after all,  should reflect your personality and your imagination.

via Apartment Therapy

via Zar Studio

Create a gallery wall of your favorite paintings, or paintings you've seen in person.  Can't forget your trip to Morocco?  Bring Moroccan tile and woodwork into your bathroom...you're sure to get compliments!

The Modern Vintage

Since vintage has become fairly popular and trendy as of late, make sure that if it's your aesthetic, that you carefully edit your choices so your home doesn't look haphazard. Since a lot of people are decorating their homes in this way, maybe you want to to stand out as the expert "vintage" eye that you are.

via Glo

via Adore Home


Instead of having whole sets of vintage furniture, you can have one charming vintage detail to draw attention to itself. Check sites like Shop 4 Furniture for elegant furniture collection.



Feel good in your home

Remember that being stylish is not only about the appearances, but about feeling good in your own skin and your own home. There is no point in impressing others if you are not comfortable with what you have. You should decorate your home with what impresses you! There is nothing like returning home from work, to a warm place that is both beautiful and gives us a sense of belonging.

This post is in partnership with Shop4furniture.net

A home full of vintage treasures

Have you ever visited a friend’s home and everything in it catches your attention? You end up perusing bookshelves or admiring a collection of ceramics more than chatting with guests.  I actually love this when it happens because it means I am inspired – and by a REAL LIVED-IN home!  A home decorated over time with objects of meaning or history is almost always a joy to be in, because you get such a strong sense of the owner.  This home below displays how you can bring any home to life when your décor is selected over time and out of a true emotional connection.

The antique mirror is an instant focal point.

Flea market finds can keep a home office from looking drab and stuffy.

Of course, make sure you protect your possessions with Home contents insurance. Also remember to stop and think of how a vintage furnishing you love could be repurposed for some other function… turn an empty frame into a serving tray, etc.

All images via Heart Home Mag.

Beautiful white

you know me - I love my white interiors...

Such a great desk to sit and read in the morning.

Layers of white in different textiles and textures, so gorgeous whatever the season

via Country Living

A white, bright, sophisticated country home

what great light!

For the chair cushions, the owner actually had them upholstered with the wrong side of the fabric up, for a more muted effect.

Read and see more of the home here.

 via Country Living

Fresh bedroom inspiration

I think it's hard to go wrong with white and blue
via Target print ad
 

The owner of this bedrooom quotes "I was a lot more beige once upon a time but a trip to Australia stopped all that."  I love it when a recent trip spurs you to make changes in one's everday life!

3 above via Heart Homes mag

The bedding in the photo above, and the photo below, along with the graphic rug, create a very fresh and modern feeling to these bedrooms.

2 above via Adore Home

Little bits of pretty around the home...

Ugh. I'm stuck at the airport. Bad weather has delayed everything. It's 9:30 AM in San Francisco and now it looks like I won't get back to DC until after 9 PM. The weather here is foggy and wet. Here's a few gorgeous interior details to get you through the day if you're in a not so cheerful place...

This chest of drawers is stunning

via Tradhome 

via BHG

I love curling up with a good book on a rainy day
via Anthology

2 above via Lonny
 

via ?