Herringbone

Her·ring·bone

/ˈheriNGˌbōn/

Herringbone:  a distinctive V-shaped weaving pattern usually found in twill fabric.  The pattern is called herringbone because it resembles the skeleton of a herring fish.

Herringbone- you may have heard of it or possibly even seen it and mistaken it for chevron in the past.  Well, chevron it is not my friends.  And no longer is it limited to just fall and winter fabric patterns either.  When the herringbone pattern is used in tiling, flooring and backsplash options, it can make the most ordinary material stand out.  And by stand out, I mean look really, really good.  Bricks, marble, wood, etc. can be laid in this pattern to achieve a look of sophistication for all seasons.  Scroll down and you shall see... 

Image via

Source unknown

Image via

Image via

Image via 

Image via

Image via

Source unknown

Source unknown

Got Curb Appeal?

Everyone loves a beautiful home on the inside, but too often we forget that the exterior is your home’s first impression. It is known that a house with good curb appeal sells more quickly and for a higher dollar value than a house in the same neighborhood that is not appealing from the exterior.  Plus, a home with good curb appeal not only adds value to the home but also to the neighborhood. I see the effects of this firsthand. As a realtor, too often my potential buyers pass up touring the inside of a good home just because it looks “ugly” on the outside. 

Ugly houses are seen as golden opportunities to investors. They sit on the market for far too long, and are eventually purchased at discount by someone who can visualize how small improvements can make a huge difference and increase the value of the home.  But not everyone can envision the potential. Sellers don't know how or where to make improvements, often fearful it will require too much money and effort. And realtors are often left wishing they could show buyers how great a home could look with minimal changes that would not only make the purchase worth their while, but also add value instantly.

To help realtors, sellers, and buyers envision the potential a home contains, we offer a curb appeal facelift that is done virtually. You send us a picture of your home and we provide recommendations and a visual representation of what your home could look like.

Take a look at a recent project of ours. The client was preparing to list her home on the market and was at a loss on how to make the home’s exterior more appealing.

The first thing we noticed was the lack of color and interest. The existing door color blended into the brick. We recommended that she add a pop of vibrancy selecting a shade of blue for the door and shutters that compliments the brick. The next thing we suggested was to replace the outdated trellis columns and add shutters to the large window for symmetry. To add some architectural interest to an otherwise typical ranch design we suggested replacing the vertical siding with shaker siding, replacing the door with a more attractive one, and installing a carriage style garage door. As a final touch, we addressed the landscaping. The pine tree and palm were obstructing the view of the home. The landscaping we recommended adds symmetry, visual interest, a pop of color, and completes the look.

For a relatively small budget, the client is able to make a huge impact on her home’s curb appeal. Her home is no longer lost amongst the landscaping and has a visual interest that makes it stand out among the other houses on the block. Her house is now sure to sell more quickly.

If you would like help improving the look of your home's exterior, contact us about our Curb Appeal Facelift service.

Let's Take a Trip: Viceroy Anguilla

Traveling has always been a great source of inspiration to me.  I find myself to be inspired by the local art and architecture of a place I’m visiting. But it doesn’t stop there. Hotels, restaurants and shops can also provide great design ideas. With this series, we will discover a new place of inspiration together. The first stop, the Viceroy Anguilla.

Located on the island of Anguilla in the British West Indies, you will find the Viceroy Anguilla, a stunning, contemporary resort.  The interiors were designed by one of my celebrity designer crushes, Kelly Wearstler. If you are unfamiliar with her, Wearstler is known for her grand, glam-mod design. With the Viceroy Anguilla, she used a more natural version of her signature aesthetic by using more muted tones and letting the natural materials take center stage.

Image Via 

Image Via

Image Via

Glorious vein cut stone was used throughout, both in the common areas and in the guest rooms. The resort's neutral palette is complemented with injections of brass.

LOVE! This sun filled indoor/outdoor bathroom.

Images Via 

Now for the creme de la creme, the outdoor Sunset Lounge. An orgasmic wall of perfectly matched black marble is featured behind a limestone bar and paired with shagreen bar stools. Stunning!

Image Via 

The repetition of hanging fish sculptures on the back wall of one of the resort's restaurants, Aleta, makes for a striking focal point.

Image Via 

Hope you enjoyed the tour. Until next time, Lovelies.

Geometry

I have a soft spot for geometric shapes in interior design.  And lucky for me, they are getting a lot more attention these days.  Wallpaper, lighting and accessories are a great way to introduce geometric shapes into your space without making it feel overly contemporary.  Geometric forms add a new twist to the standard shapes you see in design and will add interest to any room in your home!  

This David Hicks Wallpaper via

Image via

Image via

Image via

Image via

Source unknown

Image via

Source Unknown

Turned Wood and Spindle Legs

Something about fall makes you appreciate natural wood. Especially when it's so trendy these days to paint a wood piece of furniture. And don't get me wrong--if you've ever tried refinishing a wood piece, you'll agree that it is much easier just to paint the dang thing.  

Even so, it's important to remember that wood brings many important elements into a space. It brings earth tones, texture, warmth, contrast, and richness. I would argue that it is essential to bring a natural wood piece into almost any space for a complete look.

One of my favorite old-fashioned wood styles is making a comeback. And I am SO glad. Turned wood and spindle legs are reappearing not only amongst restored finds, but also new furniture creations and reproductions. I just love it! 

Take a look at these spaces that incorporate this classic beauty. 

image via 

image via

image via 

image via

image via

image via

image via

image via

image via

image via

image via

A Fall Table

Dining out is always a nice treat.  But dining in can be just as much fun with the right ambiance, food and company (not to mention more cost effective).

My specialty is the ambiance.  I'm not going to lie.  I'm not much of a cook.  I'd rather bake, especially now that I'm 35 weeks pregnant and have a sweet tooth the size of a small child.  No pun intended.  

But I digress.  Ambiance.  If you ask me, ambiance can best be created with a beautiful table setting and nice lighting.  The rest is a just the cherry on top.  Of a sundae.  Preferably a brownie sundae.  See how bad it is these days, guys?

But seriously, fall is one of my favorite seasons because it is a time for gatherings.  And one of the perfect places for that is around a nicely decorated dinner table.  You don't have to stick to the standard orange and reds of the season when it comes to decor.  In fact, you'll make more of a statement if you don't.  Here's a yummy vision I've been dreaming of lately (aside from a pint of cookies 'n cream ice cream).   

1. This gold flatware set will bring a warmth and sophistication to any table. 

2.   Place settings are all about layering.  I'm a firm believer is having a simple, white set of dishes (fine china or casual) that you can intermix with fun patterns and textures like this salad plate from Target.   

3. This gold rim stemless wine glass adds the perfect amount of bling without breaking the budget.

4.  Every centerpiece doesn't have to contain flowers.  Gather up some pumpkins and add a little teal and metallic paint for a new twist on a traditional fall look.

5.  This wine carafe with an oak stopper will bring an organic feel to your table and can be used as a serving accent for every season.

6.  Take the guessing game out of where to sit and create a personal touch at each place setting by writing your guests' names on a leaf instead of a place card.

7.   Don't forget about the napkins!  They are an easy way to add some color and detail to your table.  This velvet trim jute napkin is a great example.  

8./9.  As with your place settings, lighting should also be layered on your table.  Have a good mix of height variance, votives and candlesticks to create a nice ambiance.  These vintage blue votives and brass candlesticks (check antique and thrift stores for similar finds) will bring the perfect color and glow to your non-traditional (and fabulous) fall gathering.  

Now, who's inviting me for over dinner?