Before & After: Living Room Remix In A New Home

When you move into a new home, especially after relocating from state to state, or even across the country, turning a new house into a 'home' can be challenging. What once worked together needs to be pulled apart, and sometimes that in itself can become a little un-nerving, but also exciting at the same time. There is no rush - Live in the space! Last Summer, in our rental home in Phoenix (you can read here), I started collecting blue & white Chinese inspired vases and jars (also known as Chinoiserie). Rather than put them away all year until this Summer, I displayed the collection in my study / office and loved it. But the collection grew! Since I was looking to create more flow in our new home, I pulled a few of the pieces out of my office, and brought them into the living room, striking just the right balance & updated style for our new home...

When I packed to move back east last Fall, I did a pretty major purge - letting go of accessories I had for several years, keeping only the true favorites. And even after unpacking, and living in the space, I still have loaded up the car to take a load to consign and donate things no longer fitting my personal style or new lifestyle - and that happens (in both fashion and decor!) Mixing old and new accents is a good way to stay grounded -- it feels familiar, and familiarity = comfort). Adding of a few new pieces is a way to breathe new life or re-energizing a space...

 

 Old bowl from Goodwill, now filled with 

new shells collected from our trip to Vero Beach, FL this year...

 

 

Old vintage gilded bamboo frames renewed with a quick DIY project 

(DIY details coming up in my next post!)

 

The same sofa got refreshed not only with pillows, but a new patterned rug, a fresh focal point on the wall, and  tweaking of a furniture arrangement. And for summer, rather than just fresh cut palms (because there aren't any around here to cut) I picked up two palms at Lowes (back in May - only 2 for $14!)

 

Boxwood spheres give a hint of (fresh/faux) green, but still look crisp & architectural in form. the blue bench (once storage in our master bedroom) was relaocated out of my office into the living room for a pop of color...

 

When I unpacked my shells, I first placed them all together inside the bench, so when it was time to "decorate",  I'd pull them out to use, and after summer, most will return to their storage area.

 My blue & white office / study...

Whether you're seeking to create an update for a new space, or refresh an existing room, you can create a refreshed home with these six styling tips:  

1. Get inspired not only from magazines & Pinterest, but also visit your local store displays for seasonal style inspiration. 

 2. Look no further than what you already have: Rethink a simple shift of lamp shades, side tables or chairs from room to room. 

3. Shop your own closets, cabinets, and garage for your style story. 

4. If you 'feel' like something is missing, follow your instinct - but check your local secondhand shops & your favorite home stores for that special treasure to pull together your look -- without breaking the bank. 

5. Think out of the box: Even a pretty patterned table runner can be reinvented into new wall art!

6. Paint existing accessory pieces in a new color or finish (a lacquered accent can be the equivalent to patent pumps amping up your LBD!)

 

 

LIVING ROOM FIREPLACE BEFORE

The tv hole (previous owners filled with tchotchkes!) is still there, but I camouflaged it with an oversized blank leaning canvas - a Phoenix score, I'm still waiting to be inspired to paint :) Eventually, I'd like to convert this into a panel-hidden-hinged door, to keep it as hidden storage (especially for the next homeowner - storage value).

Pulling together your new home does take time -- it's not all about the weekend warrior makeovers tv shows feature - Those too are filmed over time, and with far more people than they sometimes lead you to believe. But just as you do with your wardrobe, enjoy your space living with the things you love, and that includes pets as well as people...

 

Sephora is VERY comfortable in her new surroundings.

This Fall, I'll be replacing this (seriously) old coffee table with a Ming coffee table I found at a local consignment shop. Since temps are to cool off this weekend, I just may have to work on refinishing it - and bring this table downstairs to the mancave! :)

IMO - the key to creating a collected space is to not buy everything all at once, and not from any one store plus also have a balance of splurge and save.

Below are a few Living Room Decor Details from this space

• Various Blue/White & White vases / jars: HomeGoods, At Home, Consignment, thrift (2014 & 2015)
• Boxwood spheres - HomeGoods + Michael's (2013 & 2015)
• Brass & Acrylic lamps & black shades - HomeGoods (2013 & 2014)
• Black & White Sofa Pillows (linen covers) $4 - Goodwill AZ (2012)
• Blue & White Stripe Pillows - prize/free - Zinc Door (2011)
• Blue Tufted Bench & Small Blue frames - HomeGoods (2013)
• Blue White Black sofa pillows - Target (2015)
• White Leather Barcelona Chairs (2) - free - old store display :) (2014)
• White sofa - (1999)
• White Alabaster pedestal bowl w/coral - Bowl: Goodwill AZ Coral: Florida Keys
• Blue & White Garden Stool - $35 - etc Consignment, Winston-Salem (2015)
• Brass Accent Table - Goodwill, AZ (2013)
• Wicker tray - Habitat ReStore, High Point (2015)
• Scented candles - HomeGoods (2014 & 2015)
• Small wood table - $10 - Red White Blue Thrift, Miami (2000)
• Orchids + Framed dock photo - HomeGoods (2014)
• Stripe Window Panels - HomeGoods (2015)
• Large blank brass framed canvas - $25 - Ultimate Consignment, AZ (2014)
• Round mirror - JCP (2007) 
• TV unit - Ikea (2009)
• Tall white vases - $10 clearance Target, AZ (2013)
• Greek Key Cement Planters (small) - $9 - the Red Collection, Greensboro (2015)
• Greek Key Cement Planters (large) - Liberty Antiques Festival (2015)
• Greek Fret area rug $149 - At Home, Greensboro (2015)

(previous owners)  LIVING ROOM BEFORE

LIVING ROOM AFTER

and the growing pains in between...

 Painting before moving in...

week of Thanksgiving... ugh...

December (after Christmas)...

March...

Summertime, May thru August...

I really didn't get to enjoy Fall decorating last year because of the move -- Super excited to live back east, and experience the true change of seasons, especially with all the glorious trees that are already starting to change color - right in our own back yard! 

There's no place like home...

Thanks for stopping by!

Make Home Yours - Americana Touches for July 4th!

Happy 4th of July!! We're spending a quiet day at home, without any home projects - just relaxing... and house sitting for neighbors who went away. Jeff is doing some grilling, and later tonight, we'll head over to a local park (ironically called Fourth of July Park!) to watch the fireworks. Hope you enjoy a fabulous July 4th - either with friends & family - during a staycation or relaxing during a weekend away! 

Happy 4th of July!

Land of the Free - Because of the Brave!

Although we're quietly celebrating America's birthday today, I did layer in a few simple Americana touches to our home for July 4th... Most of it was created with books (I've collected from travel + secondhand shops), flags mixed with faux & fresh cut greens, plus pulling out a few red & blue dishes - the blue & white chinoiserie accents were just shifted from another room -- and I made a simple vignette at the entrance mixing a thrifted chair I recently refinished (details posting shortly!), and tossed my favorite denim jacket on it, along with a simple flag pillow...

 

 

 

Summertime - Stars & Stripes! 

(Lamp + Black Shade + Panels from HomeGoods)

And if you know me: my must have for summer are fresh palms (picked up 2 for $14 at Lowe's in May!) They not only added a dash of green to the space for summer, but having them in the planters on the end tables gave  them height + they're easy to move to the deck to water...

 

Secondhand stars - a trio previously rust, I painted flat white - the third is on the front door en lieu of a wreath...

 

Sleepy Sephora and a summer afternoon nap... 

 

Fresh cut greens + shells I collected from a recent trip back to Florida (Vero Beach!) earlier in June... 

 

A (fuzzy) sneak peek at the latest fabric wall art I created (from secondhand bamboo frames + a table runner!) - and another sweet pic of Sephora. Love her - and she really loves it here!

 

My bicentennial glass cylinder, I thrifted back in Florida (2010) and I pull out every July 4th... 

 

Stripe melamine plates and solid cobalt dishware from HomeGoods nested inside of 1 of 2 woven trays I scored at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore (High Point)...

 

Great photo book of America, I picked up at a consignment shop...

 

Collected thrift books, topped with a frame from HomeGoods - The picture is from us on Newport Beach, CA last May for our anniversary (why keep all those memories on your phone?? Print a few faves and frame them!)

 The third star really pops on the front door - and relates to the pops of white flowers I've planted...

Happy 4th of July!

Stay safe & thanks for stopping by!

Fashion & Decor - Style & Trends From NY Fashion Week

Many styles from the runways of New York Fashion Week this past February will be, if they haven't already, not only wondering into our wardrobe this coming Fall, but also merging its way into our home's decor. For starters: What had to be the most dominate color of designer collections was black - From the colorful designer Thom Browne to Donna Karan, to Alexander Wang to Calvin Klein, which in home furnishings, will appear as ebonized furniture finishes and black lamp shades. Other color palettes dominating the Fall / Winter 2015 runways were shades of grey - including matte silver and white, winter whites, hints of harvest gold,  black and gold, shades of teal and olive - sometimes paired together, and probably one of the most controversial colors this year - Pantone's Marsala, but bolder, richer, deeper shades of burgundy, merlot, along with a few red carpet moments with garnet...

 As with home decor, black and gold continues to make a strong statement on the runways. The more brushed metallic finish gives this look a more vintage feel -- and can also become beautiful inspiration for wall-coverings, especially for a statement powder room. Some terms of these applications you may hear are foil, flocked, brocade, lamé, jacquard. 

 NYFW - FW 2015 - Black On Black

Achieved through finishes and texture: Matte vs. Shine - Sheer vs. opaque - Flocking and Patchwork.

 Fashion & Decor - Design Duet I created for my weekly blog contribution at Hadley Court design blog. You can read the post + see more Fashion & Decor room pairings at:

Dazzling Decor - Kitchen + Dining Rooms Paired With NYFW.

NYFW - FW 2015 - Elegant Red Carpet Reds

Although some designers such as Tory Burch and Tommy Hilfiger, gave a rebirth to the 70s, the style was more modern bohemian than than hippie chick, the most notable nod to a style of years past  had to be the minimalism of the 90s - sharp, clean lines - more linear and almost architectural in their structure and design. Where previously we've seen more graphic patterns, now patterns are more 'tone-on-tone' for a cleaner aesthetic, leading the way to monochromatic wardrobes - and I'm sure will translate into into home furnishings, textiles, and interior design. 

 Southwest and Aztec influences styled Bohemian Chic.

 Architectural Linear With White

 Matte Silver Minimalism 

Monochromatic styling is excellent to use wen you want to create a soothing, tranquil, and sophisticated space, such as a master bedroom or master bathroom - and save the more graphic patterns for  common areas, such as a family room - unless you're wanting to make a big statement in a small space, such as an entryway or powder room.

Modern - Masculine - Monochromatic

Soft hide prints in a patchwork, such as this pencil skirt from Oscar de la Renta,  can also inspire a tile pattern like this marble one used here in this bathroom designed by Kelly Wearstler - featured at domainehome.com.
This patchwork technique from the runways, can also be applied a technique in home decor called marquetry and parquetry - which is saw strongly featured during Las Vegas Market, and I'm curios to see if it makes its way over to the east coast for HPMKT...

Heading into a more minimalism direction for interior design, expect to see fewer stripes, including the over-used chevron. En lieu of stripes, the runway featured more of a play on high gloss vs flat finishes - including fur on metallics, and even tone-on-tone fur patchwork from techniques such as shreading & shearing - which is perfect for coats skirts and handbags, or for home furnishings as rugs, pillows or ottomans - I'm sure will be featured at retailers and High Point Market, come Fall. 

 As seen on the NYFW runway - Patchwork Fur.

 The softer side of some of the more masculine runway looks were seen playful but sophisticated rose patterns, which although these are for Fall, I believe will also transition in Spring 2016.

 NYFW - FW2015 - Rose Patterns

 Fashion & Decor - Design Duet by Lynda Quintero-Davids for Hadley Court design blog.

Dress design: House of Oscar de la Renta, Creative Director, Peter Copping – Room design: Classic Black & White Celerie Kemble Interiors ~ Hand Painted wallpaper by Fromental, Rene Drouet chairs, Black Lacquered demi-Lune table attributed to Jansen, belted stripe rug, and silver coffee and tea set. Photo by Hulya Kolabas
 

 I know I'm inspired to once again get my wardrobe and home in sync! Since some styles are re-born of years gone by, one destination source sure to already carry some of these silhouettes will be consignment and thrift stores. Knowing these looks ahead of time can help when seeking refresher pieces for your wardrobe - as well as act as act as an style indicator when sourcing pieces at the upcoming High Point Market this Spring. High Point Market is Fashion Week for the home furnishings industry. Since I'll be attending HPMKT for the first time, I'll be curious to see if some of the trends from the west carry over to the east...

 

 Earthy & organic weathered woods vs. High style & High gloss 

 

Ebonized and black painted finishes...

 

Black shades, especially with gold interiors, for lighting design

 

Elegant white and gold...

Speaking of Spring, which will officially start by the end of this week, be sure to visit the Hadley Court design blog, to view my design duets from NYFW Spring 2015 Collections, which were shown this past October...


New York Fashion Week: Spring Trends Translated Into Timeless Interiors

Thanks for stopping by!

All New York Fashion Week - RTW FW2015 fashion images collected from Style.com and NowFashion.com - These images and more can be found on my Pinterest board: NYFW FW2015.