14 Jan 2015

Coffee Talk With Sue De Chiara of The Zhush
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Today I’m excited to share my latest Coffee Talk feature with Sue from the Zhush! I have been following Sue long before I even started a blog. You can find so much great design inspiration over on her site + she has her own online boutique with numerous stylish products! Insert this coffee mug, these leopard picture frames, and this monogrammed pillow. Love!

Sue and her family recently moved into a new house in Connecticut. From bold wallpaper to brass hardware, I love all of the stylish details Sue incorporated into her home. My favorite rooms have to be the Kitchen for how airy and bright it is as well as her blue and white oh-so-preppy bathroom. Let’s get right down to it – shall we?

1. What inspired you this time around when designing your new home?

I was inspired a lot by the beautiful New England surroundings, what I think of as pretty, preppy, and traditional style.

2. What are some of your favorite home decor items that you brought with you?

The three colorful silhouettes of my kids and my endless scented candle collection. The silhouettes are by Carter Kuster and you can order through Jonathan Adler. My favorite candles are by Diptyque, Jo Malone and Cire Trudon.

3. What were some of your must-haves?

Beautiful ART! And I still want more…

4. Must-Have Coffee Table Books:

I adore the Hermes book, the Big Book of Chic, Beauty At Home by Arein Lauder & and Tory Burch: In Color.. Really too many to name!

5. Did you encounter any new fabric obsessions?

I’m currently curshing on Brunschwig and Fils Les Touches. Fortunately, it’s a wallpaper so lots of options!

6. As you know, I frequently visit CT! What are some of your favorite restaurants?

We love Sole in New Canaan and in my former town of Northern West Chester, we love the Inn at Pound Ridge.

7. What is one of your favorite things you learned when working with Muse Interiors?

I learned really how to mix it up. Specifically when it comes to metal finishes – mixing a brass faucet and handles with a stainless steel kitchen. It doesn’t all have to match to be beautiful!

8. What was one of the biggest challenges you faced when designing your new home?

It was really hard to get all of our “old stuff” to fit right.. we’re still working on this in some of the rooms!

9. Did you have a color scheme you kept in mind?

I mostly gravitate towards whites and neutrals. When I think of color, I like blue and white. That is my comfort zone!

10. I absolutely love the bold wallpaper choices in the bathroom. Was it hard to come to a final decision for the small spaces?

The small spaces are actually my favorite to decorate. When I got stuck on a wallpaper choice, I went straight to Pinterest for more visual inspiration.

Photos by Nicole Cohen

Featured

12 Jan 2015

Lilly Pulitzer for Target
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I’m sure you have probably heard by now but Lilly Pulitzer for Target is coming! Mark your calendars for April 19th (yes, that is a Sunday). I have to say this is probably going to be my favorite Target collab to-date. I think the Lilly brand is such a natural fit for Target. Their prints and color combinations are loved by women across the country.

So in honor of the upcoming collab, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite products you can currently shop on LillyPulitzer.com. I pursued their site before I went to Puerto Rico and came across so many things I wanted for vacation! Insert this ‘Casey’ floral shift dress, these gold elephant earrings, and this cute coral printed race back top. I’m also a big fan of Lilly’s handbags (obsessed) and mini pouches.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

April 19th the line launches

#lillyfortarget is the official hashtag

250. The number of pieces that will be in the line! They will have everything from home accessories to clothing to shoes, so get ready – this is going to be huge.

Surry Cashmere Wrap // Casey Shift Dress // iPhone 5/5S Cover With Charger // Oversized Scarf // Cabana Tote // Sea Treasure Cuff Bangle // Stone Drop Earrings // Pouch

10 Jan 2015

Weekend Notes
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Did you hear? C.Wonder is shutting down shop. #tear. Be sure to check out their final sale – everything is 50% off!

Screw a coffee cart or your typical bar cart, a champagne cart is more my speed.

Bloggers, so much goodness over on The Well this week. I loved 10 things you should be doing for your blog, site stats and analytics worksheet, and a handy dandy guide for a bigger and better 2015. Thanks, V!

I love my friend Annie from She’s In The Glow beauty resolutions for 2015. Insert drink more water, up the antioxidants, apply more lotion to hands (they are the first part of your body to show signs of aging!).

I’m planning a trip to London and Paris with one of my bffs so Gab has been helping me with our itinerary! Check it out here. One word. Ralph’s.

6 Mobile Apps to Kickstart Your Productivity in 2015 via Inc.com

I just got a Roku 3 this week (I know, where the hell have I been) and I hate to admit but I started Gossip Girl, Season 1 all over again. It’s so fun watching now that I live in New York! And Jess looks so cute channeling her inner Blair! I will be picking up this sweater as soon as my Frugal January is over. Xoxo.

Have you heard of/seen Forks Over Knives? It’s a must-watch Netflix documentary discussing our food system here in America. So interesting.

Omg, Kelly’s dog. Too cute not to share.

With the first snowfall here in New York this week, I really need to invest in some snow boots or duck boots. I love L.L. Bean’s because they are classic, but any other recos?

I’m dying to try THIS restaurant.

2014 Home Trends to Keep (or Ditch) in 2015 via Elements of Style.

Currently Reading.

And in case you missed it:

Sharing a few of my resolutions for 2015.
“Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all.” More of my favorite quotes here.
A few of my favorite snapshots from Puerto Rico! #takemeback
Trend Spotting: The dalmatian print.

Bekka Palmer Photography

6 Jan 2015

Trend Spotting: The Dalmatian Print
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Are you familiar with the dalmatian print? Also known as the Thibaut Tanzania print, I have spotted it (no pun intended) more and more over the past two years from bedrooms to bathrooms to offices. I’ve really become smitten with these spots whether it’s used as a focal point or as an accent print throughout a home.

Similar to polka dots, the dalmatian print really exudes cheeriness and a high-fashion confidence – don’t you agree? They aren’t as formal and well placed as polka dots but still give off a playful vibe. Although I can’t use the wallpaper right now in my apartment since I rent, it’s definitely on my list of must-haves for my first home.

In the meantime, there are many workarounds that still pack a punch. Insert this Furbish Studio spotted pillow case which you can shop for $50 dollars (I also love this Ariana Belle version). This spotted headboard or this skirted storage bench (such a great price point) from One Kings Lane. Another reason why I am so in love with this print is because there are so many great DIY’s to help you incorporate this print into a room on a budget. A few of my favorites include this DIY Spotted Drapery, this DIY stencil wallpaper and these DIY painted pillows. If you’re like me, and don’t mind a bold statement in a room, you can shop the wallpaper on Thibautdesign.com or the fabric on Spoonflower or Ballard Designs.

Would you incorporate this print into your home? Xo. Lauren