Elements of a Foyer

This foyer created by designer Lindsey Coral Harper sets such a stylish first impression. You would think the bright blue door would make enough of a statement on it's own but once paired with Phillip Jeffries Voyage wallpaper it takes a turn to the incredible! I love how the matching blue lamps draw your eye into the space while the brown wainscoting encourages you to look down to the stylish trunk storage. There are so many great elements to this space it's a wonder anyone would ever leave the entry way!

 

Phillip Jeffries Voyage Collection Wallpaper in Moroccan Chocol available in 8 colors

(image from House Beautiful Lindsey Coral Harper)

Home Typography Tuesday

Morning! I LOVE this room! As soon as I pinned it I knew it was one that needed to be shared. I am drawn to images where there is such structure but also so much detail. Check out the EAT painted onto the table, fun right? The bits of typography included in the wall decor is so appealing, it is just the perfect amount!

 

Want more home photos plus typography? Check out all the past rooms here!

(image via Tracey Ayton Photography...if you know the designer pls let me know. I scrolled back to August and couldn't find this photo!)

Monday Morning Happy

Welcome to a new week! We finally got some snow this weekend and most people in my life would be absolutely shocked to here me say....I thoroughly enjoyed it! The idea of feeling "snowed in" with nothing to do but read magazines and watch movies sounded so appealing. Well like most things that isn't exactly how the weekend went but I did carve out some time to work on a new and very fun project! I have been asked by Gretchen the mastermind behind the new website Fashion + Decor, to be one of their contributors! Below are just a few of the rooms I used to pair with shots from the runway. I don't want to spoil the big reveal but I can at the very least show you a room or two I selected!

Even though I was inside by the fire enjoying the snow fall I was clearly thinking of summer colors and the ocean!

Stop by Fashion + Decor to sign up, they will be launching very soon! It really will be one of the most inspiring sites for both fashion and home lovers!!



(Images from Architectural Digest Designer Paul Vincent Wiseman, Photographer Matthew Millman, Elle Decor Jarrett Hedborg Photographer Grey Crawford)

Waking up to Yellow

As soon as I saw the preview of this new Gallery Stripe bedding at West Elm I knew it would be perfect for a client's guest bedroom I was working on. Doesn't it just feel like spring? Weeks later I am still thinking about those wide yellow and white striped walls. All this combined with the need for some serious sun in my life is what led me to create my latest Product Picks for Houzz, of course it is all about Yellow!

Imagine waking up with this bedding each morning AND those striped walls? Instant sunshine....the breakfast in bed would not hurt either!

 

We selected these sweet Urban Outfitter Gigi tables to use next to each twin bed in the guest room! So sweet and affordable!

 

A favorite new introduction from Dwell Studio is the Zig Zag Rug in Citrine! I just love it paired with the shades of gray. Apparently I am all about the sharp contrast these days!

Please come on over to Houzz and check out my Ideabook! I would love to hear if you are in a yellow mood and what piece you like best!

Baker Furniture and Barbara Barry Giveaway

It's almost too late but if you are reading this then you still have a chance! Do you love Baker Furniture? Of course! Do you adore the elegant designs of Barbara Barry? Absolutely! Well you are in luck the fabulous folks over at Baker Furniture are giving away one Barbara Barry Bauble Table! The only glitch is the giveaway ends on January 18th so you need to stop what you are doing, enter and then daydream about where you will use this gorgeousness in your own home! Good Luck!

Enter Here

 

As you know I was so honored when Baker Furniture asked Cassandra of Coco + Kelley and I to share our favorite furniture pieces of 2011. In case you missed it pop on over to the Baker Blog Language of Style! I think you will just adore the bed, sofa and chest of drawers I selected. 

(image from Baker Furniture and Elle Decor photographer Joe Schmelzer)

Monday Morning Happy (a day late)!

Morning! How was your long weekend? At least I hope you had a long weekend. I am finally getting into wedding mode, I admit I have been so focused on my design work I have not given it as much attention as it deserves. With under 100 days to go (yikes!!) I best get a move on it! Many of you have asked how it is going so I thought on Monday's I would give a little update. This weekend was all about registering, which for a girl who is constantly scouting this was a small challenge. I don't design from 1 store so it was hard for me to register at just one. Finally I scaled it back to 3 stores...well then I added 2 more so I guess it is really 5!

 

You can never go wrong with classic blue and white plates. This will also allow me to use fun serving dishes that are not all matchy matchy!

 

Adding these bowls to my everyday dinnerware made me one happy girl! Cue the jumping up and down while clapping in the store!

 

 Of course you know I had to sneak in my love of typography somewhere and these "His & Hers" hi ball glasses fill the need! We might even use them for our wedding toast, how fun would that be?!

The only time Vog stopped scanning was when we arrived at the table linens. His response "don't you have a 3 drawer dresser FULL of linens?" and my response was you have football....I have linens! Knowing that there were 4 play off games about to happen, he proceeded to scan them all!

I would love to hear from you! What is the one thing you hope to register for someday or what is the one thing you were so happy you did register for? Please share, I have the scanner and it is ready to click away!

(Images - plates bowls glasses)

Ballard Designs Marcello Stool

Yesterday I had a fabulous install for a client's kitchen and it went fantastic! I can't share the entire space  just yet but the one piece I wanted to show you were the counter stools. We had a few requirements for the bar stool - was important to be comfortable, swivel and it absolutely needed a gorgeous profile as this will be what you see as you walk down the hallway.

The Marcello Stool from Ballard Designs is the perfect fit for this space!

 

The Duralee striped fabric paired with the stools gentle curve and oversized nailheads draw you right down the hallway into the kitchen! Perfect!

When picking a piece of furniture which will float in the space it is important to consider every angle. How will it be viewed from the front, side and back were all important factors in this project!

(images from jace interiors)

In progress

Morning! As you can see we are making a few changes to the blog which means posting will be light this week but I am excited to take you on a tour once we are finished!

 

In the meantime why not pop over to Pinterest and take a peek at what is inspiring me these days? If you need an invitation just send me an email! Enjoy but be warned it can be hours of fun!

(image from House Beautiful - Chris Barrett Design)

Blue Panels Two Ways

OK I am clearly on a blue path this week, first with yesterdays Color Time Post and now today with this Two Way post! As I scrolled through my Pinterest board for inspiration this morning I realized in the last week I had pinned both these images. Very different but with a common denominator...the solid pale blue panels. So I ask the question which room speaks to you more or do they both spark your interest for different seasons?

 

Which room is more you style? 

I must admit I like them both for different reasons but at the moment if I need to be in the cold I will take the second room as it looks so cozy but come spring I am moving into the first room!

(images from House Beautiful Christoper Maya, This is Glamorous)

Color Time - Benjamin Moore Jamestown Blue

We will open the door to 2012's Color Time series with Benjamin Moore's Jamestown Blue! This is one of my "go to" blues when working with clients. It is from the Historical Collection but fits into many different home styles.

 

If you are new to the "Color Time" series click here to see many more real rooms and their paint colors! I love showing my clients exactly how a paint will feel in a space, there is nothing better than an actual picture to help in selecting a color! I hope you will pop over every week to see my latest paint color picks!

 

*Note: The above room is the actual paint color not just a resemblance of the color. As you can see above, the paint chip sample online looks different than what is in the actual room photo. When choosing paint for your own home never go by what you see online, the color will always be a tad different. I suggest picking up a small paint sample at the store and paint a color swatch in the actual room, then you will never be disappointed!

(Image from House Beautiful designer Christopher Maya)

My wish for YOU

With 2011 ending I took a few minutes and scrolled through the entire year of CreateGirl posts and it was a wonderful walk down memory lane! Not only was I reminded of fun client projects I worked on and wonderful events I went to across the country but I was overwhelmed by the personal changes I went through! Thank you a MILLION times over for popping in here weekly and sharing these experiences with me. Your visits and comments inspire me, motivate me and constantly give me lots of love! I appreciate everyone of you! So with the year coming to a close these are the wishes I have for YOU in 2012
:

I wish for you, more time to enjoy your surroundings! Whether it is a quick walk through your city neighborhood or a hike through the country woods. Whatever gives you serenity and a quiet time out during the week day I wish you more of this.

 

 Instead of emailing may you remember to pick up the phone for a "hello call" or mail a quick note to those you love from the youngest to the oldest! I promise this will not only brighten their day but your day as well!

I wish for you that the place you work is an environment of passion and encouragement. May your surroundings be one of calmness and organization (and if it is not may you be able to create a little bit in your corner)!

May we ALL take more time for ourselves in the new year to nurture our own souls! Whether it is taking a hour to indulge in a good book, calm our minds with exercise or sneak in that 15 minute nap when it is needed! Isn't it funny when we take the time to do any of the above items the rest of our lives benefit from it?

I hope all of your wishes and dreams come true in the New Year!

jul

(Images: Haute Design, Pinterest via Edris Kim anoth Design*Sponge Pinterest via The Bottom of the Ironing Basket)

Favorite Rooms of 2011

As we look back on all the gorgeous rooms that came past our desk in 2011 Ashley (who if you did not know is Jace Interiors fabulous new junior designer!!) and I picked 4 of our absolute favorites!

If I had one wish for 2012 it would be that TradHome would release another issue. It was the first time in recent memory I felt like a magazine really spoke to my personal aesthetic! I describe this room as casual elegance. I especially like the oversized floor lamps which draw your eye up to the stunning windows!

What was your favorite room of 2011?

(Trad Home Designer Lisa Sternfeld, Elle Decor designer Steven Gambrel, House Beautiful designers Parrish Chilcoat and Joe Lucas, Lonny Magazine Michelle Adams)

Adorable Holiday Decorating Ideas

Christmas decorating.....to be honest I am not a big fan. It could be all those years ago at Ethan Allen as a visual merchandising manager where I had to put up and decorate 8 trees along with 35 rooms or the fact that it can sometimes take over a house. Now that I have a house and a Christmas loving family of my own there is no getting around it and secretly I have enjoyed it this year! My favorite way to decorate is finding sweet little unexpected nooks to bring a little cheer to....in my opinion a little can go a long way! Here are a few of my favorites from the fabulous BHG!

I am in love with these houses and will be on the hunt where to buy them or if I am super ambitious make them! They would be a favorite year after year!

 

A nook which might not receive too much attention is the perfect place for holiday cheer and an adorable little tree!

How fabulous is this idea?! Take ornaments and turn them into lovely little vases. Personally I would use them as placecard holders and let each guest take theirs home!

Thanks to Pinterest for giving me so many great decorating ideas this year and putting a bit more holiday cheer into my life!! My Holiday boards has a few more of my favorites check it out here.

(images via Better Homes and Gardens)

Ribbon Reindeer

At times the creative people in the world truly blow me away! How adorable are these ribbon reindeers! When Ashley and I stumbled upon Ribbonesia in the office yesterday we were ohhh and ahhh all afternoon long.

The sweetest reindeer! Can you believe how they have worked this ribbon? So intricate!

Honestly if I wrapped my presents like this I would never want anyone to open them!!

 

This is the gift I would give to all my Twitter Friends! tweet tweet!

Simple Stunning Right? To see their wearable ribbon animals visit Ribbonesia!

(images from the fabulous If it's hip, it's here)

Monday Morning Remembrance

Morning Friends! Usually I reserve CreateGirl for all design business but there are times like today where I just feel the need to show off someone special to me.

 Not only my Gram but my friend and wine tasting partner!

You see, one year ago today I lost one of the most important people in my life, my beloved Grandmother. If you knew Frances Maravigna Covino you would know that she was up for any adventure! She traveled around the world, volunteered her time endlessly and was up for just about anything! If she was in the city and saw you with a map in your hand she would immediately walk up to you, ask if you needed help and most often invite you over for dinner. Growing up these dinners expanded our knowledge of different cultures and shaped up to be much more open minded people!

On her 90th birthday her wish was to take all of her children and grandchildren to Las Vegas, a place she had never been to. This is Gram above with one of my cousins at midnight making a last run through the casino!

She died at 92 and up to the very end she was the one coordinating trips for her friends. Often she would say daily exercise, reading and being social was what kept you young! Of course since she was a Sicilian lady a Mediterranean diet was also what kept your energy level up!

Today take the time to give someone you love a "hello call" just for a moment. I promise it will be something that will brighten both of your days.

xo jul

(images property of Jace Interiors please do not duplicate)

Going Home with Lands End

I am not sure if it was my move to the burbs or becoming an instant Mom but I have been purchasing many items from Lands End lately. I will be the first to admit I never gave it a second glance as I blew by the racks on my way out of the mall but one day I saw a turtleneck (if you know me this is not shocking in any way...) and stopped. The Lands End Canvas line is spectacular and very well priced! So enough about the clothing, let's check out the home line. Yesterday I was scouting for affordable bedding options for my client and look what I found, yup great items from Lands End Home!

Check out this cozy cashmere throw! The Regatta Blue color would immediately chase my chill away and remind me of summer days by the ocean.

 

Speaking of summer daydreams how fabulous are the above duvet covers?! Even the headboard and lamps are part of the Lands End collection oh and don't forget that fantastic basket for all my bedside magazines!

 

I don't want to leave you winter lovers out so take a peek at these two bedding options, both would fit perfectly into your ski lodge schemes! 

Do you like what you see? Well here is a little tip sign up for their emails and you will always have a discount code in hand! Now go on over and fall in love with Lands End yourself!

(images from Lands End)

Holiday Gifts for the Typography Lover

Welcome to the Holiday Gift edition of Home Type Tuesday! You know how much I love my typography so when I receive a gift with type, I literally flip out! If you have a few typography obsessed people on your list here are a few affordable options.

This Pottery Barn monogrammed cozy throw is on sale right now for $39!

 

For the baseball lover in your life, check out these monogrammed glasses. I think a certain Orioles loving fan (...my fiance) might be "crying in his beer glass" this summer!

Coulson Macleods "Love Home Life" is a thoughtful gift for so many people!

Of course I am tempted to do a little shopping for myself and I think these West Elm plates will be just perfect for Christmas Morning treats!

A favorite item to give year round are these super affordable tote bags from Ballard Designs. They are only $20 and are so versatile! I use mine to schlep around all my paint decks!

Happy Shopping!!

Lighting up the Buffet

At this time of year many of us turn our attention to the dining room since that is where most of the family dinners will be! I will be the first to say I LOVE decorating dining rooms, it's a room I usually encourage the homeowner to stretch themselves in. For instance if they are nervous about using a dark paint color in other rooms suggest we take the leap in the Dining Room. Today I want to focus on the fabulous addition of buffet lamps.

With endless lighting options you now see many people stray from the norm of "candlestick" buffet lamps for something much more dramatic as in these oversized lamps! Don't you just love the way they steal the spotlight?

  

What type of lighting do you have on your sideboard or buffet?

(image from Desire to Inspire Jessica Kelly, Southern Living photographer Erica George Dines, HGTV Pure Design via Samantha Pynn)

Home Typography Tuesday

What better way to celebrate a bit of holiday decorating than by adding typography to your rooms! Below are a few of my favorites and the best part of all most are affordable do it yourself options which means more money to spend on gifts!

 

Which one would you use in your home this holiday season?

(Images 1.& 3. from Mustard Seed Interiors via HGTV 2. It's the little things that make a house a home  Woman's Day)