Inspired by Anthro

If you know me, you know that one of my all time favorite stores is Anthropologie. I've loved Anthro since I stepped into the store for the first time about 10 years ago. During the last year, I've had a fantastic opportunity to work there part-time to gain creative inspiration and rejuvenation...and here's why:

Their displays are incredibly creative and get me thinking I want to do something like this

And I think that there bedding and pillows are one of a kind!

They have beautifully crafted and well made furniture which can sometimes be expensive (but it usually will go on sale!

And their home accessories are to die for

After a year of Anthro Inspiration, I'm overflowing with creativity, color, ideas, patterns, textiles, fabrics, furniture, wall covering, antiques, accessories, bedding, pillows, art, sculpture, lighting, displays, fashion...and the list goes on! And now I'm ready to put it to use! Thank you, Anthro...I've enjoyed it! (my last part-time day is Tuesday...but don't worry, I'll be back to visit!)

Pretending to be in Paris

Do you ever have those days where you wish that you were somewhere else? I do, and today I wish that I was in Paris! It's probably because I just bought Taschen's Paris book, and the pictures are making me drool over the thought of spending the day wandering through the cobblestone streets, shopping at the fabulous French boutiques, dining at some of the best French restaurants in the world and spending the evening at some of the most beautifully designed hotels .

Today, I'm pretending to be in Paris! And here's what I'm going to do:

• 8:25 AM Central European Summer Time: Check into my hotel, unpack and freshen up from the long plane ride. I'm trying to chose between the quaint Hotel Eldorado off rue des Dames (it's only 75 Euros a night) or the vine-covered Pavillon de la Reine in Place des Vosges. Where should I stay?

Hotel Eldorado

Pavillon de la Reine

• 10:01 AM CEST: Tour the Musee de l'Homme and eat at one of my favorite lunch spots that over looks La Tour Eiffel, Cafe de l'Homme.
• 
  12:33 PM CEST: Buy a souvenir for myself on the street and browse around Taschen and Isabel Marant
  Hotel Eldorado
• 3:12 PM CEST: Grab a petit tart framboise and a cafe at Mamie Gateaux.
• 
  4:27 PM CEST: Shop some of my favorite Paris stores (well, maybe more like window shop)

Hermes

• 
• 
  
  
• 6:45 PM CEST: Arrive at my hotel to change for dinner.
• 8:31 PM CEST: Sip a merlot and dine at one of Jean-Georges Vongerichten's best en vogue restaurants, Market.
• 
  11:31 PM CEST: Walk back to my cozy hotel and take in the last little breath of Paris air.

Washed Walls

As a designer, I like to change things up a bit. One way I like to do this is by adding a wash or a glaze to interior walls. Not only does it add another dimension to a room by bringing in the element of texture, but by using a wash, you can add color to a wall without overdoing it.

Here's my guest half bath. I painted a glaze on the walls and the ceilings to add some dimension. I like that the ceiling is painted too.

West Elm

Curved elements scream 'add plaster to me'. I love that this room is finished with a honey plaster glaze. The rounded doorway is reminiscent of the old European architecture that used plaster as their primary wall finish.

West Elm

A great way to add a little POP of color.

West Elm

Adding a tone on tone glaze like the one above, is a great way to create a feature wall.

West Elm

Here's a way to bring in color without overdoing it. This turquoise wall wash adds antique romance while the clean lined shelf adds a modern element. I like the warm wood against the contrast of the greens and blues.

Below are some photographs of interior designer Dana Oatley Ortego's work. She uses washes and glazes to bring in color and add interest.

House Beautiful

House Beautiful

House Beautiful

A good source for washes and glazes is Portola Paints and Glazes. Here are a couple examples of their work.

So what are you waiting for? Add some interest to a boring wall and get started washing your walls. I plan on doing it this weekend to my office...am I crazy?

Kentucky Living Room Redo

If you've been following my entries on my father-in-law's living room redo, here's my design development. I've decided to use navy blues, ivories, chocolates and pops of coral to update this room. Here's my game plan...I'll keep you posted to let you know how it goes.

P.S. I'll Miss You Garden

Now that schools back in session, summer is officially ending. One thing that I'm going to miss about summer, is my back porch garden. I've really enjoyed spending time there by myself drinking coffee in the mornings and eating & entertaining with my family and friends. This blog is for you Garden.

P.S. I'll miss you!

The flowers are fading.

The Gardenia's are drooping.

The tomato plant is dying (well, maybe it's dead).

But I'll still remember you...your pretty little pots.

And I'll always remember you just the way you are.

I Love Garden Stools

I really like using outdoor garden stools inside a living room as a side table. They're versatile and introduce a new unique material. While the antique Chinese garden stools can be quite expensive, I found some great reproductions that won't break your bank.

1st Dibs $2600

Home Deco Direct $288

1st Dibs $880

Scott Antique Market $250

1st Dibs $2200

Overstock.com $104

Home Deco Direct $101

Legend of Asia $300

Home Deco Direct $280

Home Deco Direct $155