by lauraadmin | Mar 17, 2016 | NOC
Green can be a precarious color to decorate with. It is bold and demands attention. However, it is one of the few bold colors that can actually serve as a neutral. We associate this color with life, nature, growth and renewal. It can also be associated with greed, jealousy and money. Whether you have an affinity or an aversion to this color, there is always a place in any room to make this color work harmoniously. With a myriad of variations, there is a shade of green for everyone. Green plays well with navy, gray, brown, gold and black.
If green is a favorite color of yours, you can make this color the star by using it on larger pieces such as bedding or upholstery. However, if you’d rather use more restraint when decorating with green, you can use it on your accent pieces such as pillows and throws.
In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, here is my post on all things green. I hope this serves to inspires some new additions to your home.
Below, these rooms utilize this color successfully. The first room shows this color used with a black and white palette. This palette is bold, graphic and masculine.
This dining room is a more refined use of green. This color is just used on the drapes and accent pillows. It is paired with gray, cream and gold. It is a more sophisticated and feminine use of green.
Image via Pinterest – BlogSpot
I hope you enjoyed this post. I leave you with this Irish blessing:
May your troubles be less
and your blessings be more
And nothing but happiness
come through your door
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 | Dec 29, 2015 | NOC
I believe that hosting is an art. Everyone knows someone who throws really fun and memorable parties, making it all seem effortless. In reality, it is anything but. A hostess acts as a conductor of sorts, orchestrating all of the details necessary in ensuring that a great time is had by all of her guests. An important element to any great party is a fun and festive atmosphere. Your decor is a fun way to create atmosphere. You don’t have to spend a fortune, however, you do need to be thoughtful and purposeful in the decor you choose.
If you are hosting a party on New Year’s Eve, why not ring in the new year with style! I always view New Year’s Eve as a glamorous holiday filled with champagne and all things sparkly. One of my favorite NYE themes is the old Hollywood Regency glam look. Here are two looks (a gray, black, silver and white color scheme, and a black, gold and white color scheme) to serve as inspiration for your party.
gray, silver, black & white color scheme
This look is a modern interpretation of the Hollywood Regency look and very easy to achieve. The main elements of this look are mirrored furniture, tufted upholstery, bold, graphic prints and gleaming metals. I added pops of fuchsia to keep it bright and interesting. This look was achieved using elements from Z.Gallerie, Lulu & Georgia, PB Teen & All Modern. Below are some more elements that could be added to achieve this look:
The next look is a black, gold and white color scheme. This is a more authentic HR look.
black, gold & white color scheme
This look was achieved using items from Z.Gallerie, Lulu & Georgia, Serena & Lily and All Modern. Below are some more elements that could be added to achieve this look:
In this version of the HR look, I relied more on bold patterns to create atmosphere and impact. The graphic rug serves as the back drop to this look and the pillows, art and accent chair serve as the pops that add interest. Every element is very structured with strong shapes. The gold adds the sparkle to this look.
Wishing all of you a happy, healthy & prosperous 2016. Thank you for taking the time to read my posts. I would love to hear what you think, or if you have any suggestions for future posts.
xo Laurie
