by lauraadmin | Mar 23, 2016 | NOC
It is usually the small things in the right places that give one that extra touch of style and chicness. It is the string of pearls, the diamond studs, the addition of truffle oil or champagne, that will take things from good to great. Every so often our home needs the same boost.
There are really only a handful of items that can immediately up the chic factor of any space. When a small but impactful update is in order, these three items will be all you need!
A BAR CART
Veanne Bar Cart, Misha Bar Cart, Jacques Bar Cart, Vince Bar Cart, Gerard Bar Cart
Check out this chic outdoor bar cart
Horchow Tamsin Chinoiserie Bar Cart $795
This bar cart is my favorite; it is stocked, styled and ready to go!
Image Via Elle Decor -Nicole Gibbons
CHIC LIGHTING
People usually think to add unique lighting in the kitchen. However, I feel that pendant lights and chandeliers make an even bigger impact in more unexpected areas like the living room or hallway. Here are a few that have major style.
Roxbury Pendant, Crystal Drop Pendant, Lucia Semi Flush Mount, Olive Leaf Pendant
Image via Coastal Style
Don’t have an electrician on speed dial? Here are some table lamps that will also do the trick.
Lamps I Love:
Madison Crystal Lamp, Ripley Geometric Lamp, Diamond Omega Table Lamp, Alexis Lamp, Loring Table Lamp
STATEMENT MIRRORS
I love the use of mirrors for so many reasons. They are the design equivalent of Houdini. They can give the illusion that a space is larger, ceilings are taller, rooms are brighter and make a space look as though there are more windows than there actually are. Without a doubt, mirrors are a designer’s best and most used tool.
Petal Mirror, Frederick Wall Mirror, Evie Geo Mirror, Cassia Mirror, Studded Mirror
My favorite:
Quatrefoil Mirror $347
These mirrors below not only make a statement, they serve to balance out a wall with a single window!
Image via Pinterest
Napoleon Hill said “If you can not do great things, then do small things in a great way”. I hope this post inspires you to the make small, impactful additions that will elevate and revitalize your home.
Thanks for reading!
XO Laurie
by lauraadmin | Feb 24, 2016 | NOC
Design is a global medium of artistic expression; therefore, it is no wonder some of its terms can be a linguistic challenge. There are more than a few words we have all mumbled through in hopes of sounding in the know. It is also no surprise that most of these words derive from one the chicest countries in the world. Below, are some commonly mispronounced design terms:
Sette – (French) pronounced SET-TEA. Commonly mispronounced Set-tay A long seat with back and arms that is made for more than one person.
BERGERE– (French) BUR-ZHAIR The mispronunciations are too great to list. An armchair with exposed wooden framing and upholstered back and seat. Bergère chairs became popular in 17th century France among nobility.
Bergere Chair in a modern print – Image from One Kings Lane
ARMOIRE– (French) ARM-WAAR. Commonly mispronounced Arm-Wah A tall wardrobe or move-able cabinet that dates back as far as the 16th century. Today, armoires fulfill a variety of storage needs.
FAUX BOIS– (French) FOH-BWAH Imitation of wood or wood grain. The literal translation is “fake wood”.
Faux Bois outdoor chair via Neiman Marcus
FOYER – (French) FOY-YAY. Commonly mispronounced Foy-yer The front entrance hall in a home or building.
My Foyer
IKAT– (Indonesian) EE-KAHT. Commonly mispronounced Eye-kat A fabric in which the yarns have been tie-dyed before weaving.
NICHE – (French) NEESH. Commonly mispronounced Nitch. A recess in a wall, commonly used for displaying decorative objects.
Image via Decorpad
CHAISE LOUNGE (French) SHEZ-LAWNG. Commonly mispronounced Shayz-lounge. An upholstered sofa in the shape of a chair that is long enough to support the outstretched legs. The literal translation is “long chair.”
Horchow Maddox Chaise Lounge
I hope to have helped save you from any raised eyebrows at your next party (because really, who does not talk about design at parties 🙂 Now, you can confidently converse on all things design related.
Let me know what design terms you find commonly mispronounced, or any words you may have questions about.
Thanks for reading!
XO Laurie
by lauraadmin | Jan 23, 2016 | NOC
You have slaved over putting together a room in your house. You are almost done. You find the PERFECT piece that will be the finishing touch to your room. However, that perfect piece is a lot more than you wanted to spend, and will put you over your budget! You have been patiently waiting for it to go on sale. What to do? Find the PERFECT replica, for MUCH less!
I’m not going to lie, it takes a lot of time and effort to search for replicas. However, it is all worth it when you find that perfect piece! Here are some amazing designer knock offs that give you that high end designer look, for a fraction of the price.
I have always loved the Parson Table. This design was designed by Jean-Michel Frank in the 1930’s. It is as relevant today as it was then. This is truly a modern classic! In my original post, Pier 1 had a great table for under $500! Sadly, this is no longer available. Here is another great alternative from Zinc Door.
This gold and marble cocktail table is of perfect size and proportion. The geometric detail adds a lot of visual interest. The table from Overstock is a great find!
I LOVE mirrored furniture. It reflects light beautifully, and adds just the right amount of sparkle to a room. This piece would look great in a dining room or bedroom.
Below are nickel plated console tables. Glass tables are a great way to add furniture without taking up a lot of visual space. Great for smaller spaces.
There is something very chic about Zinc. It has a great looking patina that looks rustic, yet refined. This could serve as a console or desk. Add a lamp with a shiny finish, and your are good to go!
Unless a throw is made of cashmere or fur, it should not cost $300. I’m sorry, but that is absurd! This cotton throw from target is a great find and comes in many other colors. Since a lot of designers farm out their production to factories overseas, there is a good chance this was even made in the same factory.
This is a really stylish headboard. The nail head detail adds a lot of interest and gives it a special look. With the $1200 you save, you could buy some high thread count sheets and a nice duvet 🙂
I am a sucker for interesting looking accessories. These metal spheres add so much interest and style. Add them to a bookcase, inside your kitchen glass cabinets or on top of a stack of books on your cocktail table.
I could spend all day posting these design hacks! There are so many great deals to be found. There are some things I feel are worth the price and are truly an investment (a great sofa is one of these things), and somethings that are worth taking the time to find a cheaper alternative. We no longer buy heirloom furniture. Most of us do not want to have our furniture for 40 years, to later pass on to our children. Therefore, we are not looking to spend a small fortune on each piece.
My philosophy always (whether it is furniture, clothes, shoes or purses) is to buy the best you can afford. But, be selective. In my opinion, I would rather invest in great kitchen cabinetry that is crafted of superior material and will withstand the wear and tear of many years of use, than on a $15,000 dining room set that I will be sick of in 5 years. The best rooms are the rooms with a few high end pieces and a few design hacks. I’m warning you though, the hunt becomes just as fun and addictive as the savings!!
Hope you enjoyed this post on designer replicas. Let me know if you have found any great knockoffs that you want to share.
xo Laurie
by lauraadmin | Nov 30, 2015 | Accessories, Things I'm Loving Right Now
Who says the best deals are on Black Friday? Cyber Monday has some pretty great deals………and, nothing beats shopping in your PJ’s!!!!!
For my hostesses this holiday season, now is a great time to freshen up your home with a new rug and accessories. Budget permitting, a new piece of furniture would definitely elevate any room. I really love the way a bar cart looks; it is so chic and grown up!! Check out the Dwell Studio Connaught Bar Cart. How could you not feel glamorous pouring a drink from this cart? However, If you only bought one new piece of furniture this year, I would recommend the Jonathan Adler’s Delphine mirrored side board. There is something special about mirrored furniture, it really adds sparkle to any room!
Horchow – 30% off select items. Free shipping on orders of $50 and more. Use code HOLIDAY
Serena & Lily – 25% off EVERYTHING….use code: BESTMONDAY
Dwell Studio – 20% off site wide. Free shipping for orders over $49
As always, I’d love to hear about things you are loving right now or any suggestions you have for future posts!!
Happy Shopping!!! Xo
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