Winter Whites Inspiration

Last week I showed you an example of how I wear white this time of year.   Here is some more inspirational images with a similar snowy yet cozy palette.

 

 

  

Tis the Season for Tartan

Plaid never feels more appropriate than during the Christmas season.  My tartan shirts are in heavy rotation, but I'm also looking at ways to pull the pattern into holiday decor.  Maybe re-use an old blanket as a table cloth? 

 

 

  (Click on images for sources)

Black & White Spots in Decor

Following along the lines of my recent obsession with leopard print, my interest in spots has spread into decor.    Check out the above photo of Tommy Smythe's living room found on Apartment Therapy.  I love almost everything about it, but it is especially those black and white spotted chairs that stick in my mind.   There are plenty of versions of this black and white fabric, ranging from snow-leopard to more classic polka dots and I've been seeing it a ton over the past couple years.  It's a great small scale pattern to layer with other textures and colors in a room.

I love how it adds some whimsy to this otherwise masculine room full of classic pieces.

A bit more girly, I Suwanee added the black and white spotted fabric as another layer of pattern in her colorful bedroom:

She also used it on the most adorable sofa in her store.I haven't quite figured out how to work this fun print into my home.  (I tend to lean towards navy blue as a neutral instead of black.) But,  I have scoped out some sources for the fabric and might just order a few yards to play around with in pillows or something small.

If I had access to "to the trade" fabrics, I might pick up Kelly Wearstler's Lee Jofa "Confetti"

Or, Brunschwig and Fils Les Touches fabric, available on Etsy here. (I think this is what Tommy Smythe used in the first picture)The most affordable option I've found is this $9.99/yard "Togo" from Premier FabricsWaverly's "Spot on Blackbird"  is a bit more snow-leopard-y  ($20/yard)

What do you think?  Is this pattern a fad or one that will stand the test of time like leopard print?

A Bit Nautical

It's no secret that I'm drawn to nautical inspired style.  Especially during the summertime,  I pretty much love anything that reminds me of being out on the ocean. (The number of blue and white striped shirts I've collected over the years is pretty absurd.)  However, when it comes to incorporating nautical inspiration into home decor,   I think it's important to be a bit more subtle with references to the sea.   I don't want my apartment to end up like this: 

Because I'm always bookmarking inspirational images, here are some lovely examples of nautical feeling rooms that don't necessarily scream "cheesy beach rental":

(click on images for sources)

I love the fresh blue & white color palate in the room above. It definitely has a classic nautical vibe, but the modern coffee table and white curtains keep it fresh.

An eclectic mix of patterns and textures in the room keep the beachy collage from looking like it was plucked out of a catalog.

I adore this glossy navy wall mixed with antique furniture pieces.

Another great example of how a simple blue and white color palate can feel totally nautical even without any sailboat art ;)

This room is definitely a bit more "themed"  but the fresh colors and accents keep it feeling modern.

Also, check out my apartment photos to see how I've worked in some nautical elements.

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Styling Ideas for My New Bar Cart

After longing for an old fashioned bar cart to set up in my apartment,  I finally found one durring a quick trip to the Treasure Island Flea Market a few weeks ago.   I need to take a photo to share it,  but in the mean time,  I figured I'd share some of my inspiration for how I'm going to fill (and style) it.

I know they're super trendy right now, but the real reason I'm planning on setting up a bar is because we have such a tiny kitchen.  I'm hoping that moving the bar to the dining room will give us more room when we have people over.  

(Click on images for sources)

I love how the pops of red on the cart somehow tie in to the awesome collage on the wall behind it.

Those cobalt glasses are stunning and the bottom shelf is stuffed much like I expect ours to be.

This one is clearly set up for a party,  but I bet bottles and glasses are stored there year round.

I love these simple matching decanters.. another thing to add to my list.

I also need to find an ice bucket. I'd be quite happy if I found a tortoise one like above.

Then it's time for a party!

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