I have been on an indoor gardening kick lately, filling every nook and cranny with plants (that I hope I won’t kill). One of my favorite places to implement greenery is on the mantel. When visiting homes in the south, I rarely see plants on fireplace mantels. Maybe it’s more of a west coast thing? Whatever it is, I am a huge fan of juxtaposing books, plants and sculptures together in this tiny little area of the living room.
After the holidays, I left my mantel pretty bare. We are talking two plants. I don’t know about you, but after Christmas I need a non-decorating season. A clear the clutter, let the house breath, decorating hiatus.
I decided to leave the mantel clear until I felt inspired. Well, January and February came and went. And then March came along with spring, and I still didn’t have a shred of inspiration. But! Then one day I stumbled upon a gorgeous vermilion colored candle on a stack of vintage red books at West Elm. Ding! Ding! Ding! I was smitten by the simple display and could not wait to take this candle home with me. I had finally found my inspiration. This color combination was exactly what I had been looking for, except I didn’t know it until I saw it.
Searching for inspiration without perimeters is a beautiful creative process. If you haven’t tried it, you should the next time you are re-designing a space. Look for a feeling, a color or a flavor instead of an object – the process is more interesting when you don’t have specifics.
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If you have ever stepped into the darling 12South boutique Cadeau, you understand that a surprise is always awaiting you on the other side of their entry door. Cadeau, meaning gift in French, is a refreshingly chic gift shop full of local and name brand décor and home furnishings. Whenever I visit, I am delighted by all the handpicked treasures – well curated, a bit cheeky and packed with inspiration.
Recently, I stopped into Cadeau and found myself immediately drawn to the hand-dyed pillows designed by Aubrey Hyde. Gorgeous patterns, in exquisite colors and each uniquely their own. I was completely smitten by the textile designs, which varied from ink-blot, drip, cosmos and blasted colors on linen/cotton. The pillows are surprisingly different, and yet, they have a wonderful classic appeal. Best of all, they are handmade in Nashville. No silk screens or digital printers, but hand-dyed and sewn one pillow at a time.
“Always a creative child, Aubrey began her creative career at Otis College of Art & Design, in her hometown of Los Angeles. Majoring in fashion design, she followed her passion for custom couture clothing and went to work at a fast-paced Hollywood costume shop after graduation. It was here that her passion for hand work, designer details and fine craftsmanship flourished.
After a move to Nashville in 2001, Aubrey soon ran the Nashville Ballet’s costume shop and became their resident designer. It was here that she grew her love for hand dyeing. She also opened up an online shop where she sold hand dyed accessories and fulfilled wholesale orders from retailers such as Free People.”
I find that those that can design for both fashion and home, have a rare aesthetic. Their designs stand in a unique realm of luxury and style. Designing in-between two worlds, allows one to be free in their technique and a bit of a rule breaker. Which makes for a very refreshing concept.
If you are interested in Aubrey Hyde’s pillows, you can purchase them at Cadeau, online at the Aubrey Hyde store or place a custom order here. And for all you fashion lovers, go to Ola Mai and see the stunning Dipped Liberty Top that Hyde and Nashville designer Leslie Stephens created.
Photos courtesy of Aubrey Hyde, Picture Happiness and Flock South
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Much apologies for the lack of posts this week. I have family visiting, and I have not mastered the concept of working from home with house guests (especially when I’m having too much fun). Anyways, if you missed my 12th & Broad piece last week, here’s a chance to catch up. Enjoy lots of fun decor ideas for spring parties.
Photo via Style Me Pretty
Spring has finally sprung! And, all I want to do is throw an outdoor party. For the last few weeks Nashville has experienced warmer days, lots of sunshine and gorgeous crisp air. After the crazy winter weather we had last month, this change in season is greatly welcomed.
This weekend is Good Friday and Easter (aka Passover), and whether you celebrate the holiday or not, it’s a great time to celebrate the new season with friends and family. After being cooped up all winter, I think entertaining al fresco is a must. Dining outside is pretty much my favorite way to entertain. The atmosphere is casual, everyone is at ease and there is no rush to leave – exactly how sharing a meal with your loved ones should be.
Photo via Kinfolk and Pinterest
Below are a few décor tips on how to throw a great spring party. Instead of going with the same style, year after year, try something new. I guarantee your friends and family will appreciate the new look.
COLOR PALETTE
DON’T: Please, for the love of all that is holy, back away from the elementary hallmark pink, yellow and blue that is used every year for spring décor. Back away! Leave those childish colors to the Easter baskets.
DO: Apricot, Tangerine, Blush, Coral, Lucite Green and Sage.
These colors are fresh and flirty. Still whimsical, but modern and grown-up.
Photos via Pinterest
TABLE DÉCOR
DON’T: Since we are on the topic of childish décor, let’s leave the bunnies, baby chicks, and little lambs to the kiddos as well. There is no need for a giant plastic rabbit to ever be incorporated in your decor, nor a faux grass runner on your dining table, or cheap throw away signs that tell everyone spring has arrived. Just don’t.
DO: Keep the décor simple, fresh and let nature be your inspiration. There is no need for imitation, use the real deal and the results are timeless and beautiful. Flowers and greenery, seasonal fruit, handmade place cards, pretty linens and nice dinnerware is all you need. Simple is always better.
Photo via Burnetts Boards and Ruffled Blog
FLOWERS
DON’T: Tulips and daffodils are beautiful but they are not the only flowers growing in the spring flower bed. There are numerous varieties, in all sorts of shapes, colors and sizes. Do not limit your décor to two types of flowers because they are the poster-child of spring.
DO: Choose a sunny citrus floral arrangement with lots texture. Instead of the traditional single-variety tulip, create a mixed variety of florals in shades of dusty oranges, coral pinks and sage-greens. The colors are stunning together and will be perfect for a spring table. 
Photos via SF Girl by the Bay and Brit + Co
COCKTAILS + DESSERT
Whether you are hosting an intimate brunch or a traditional Easter lunch, always have cocktails and dessert. These two items on the menu are what make a party, well, a party. They make a lot of smiles, and they bring a festive element to the décor.
DON’T: Mimosa bars have had their fun but it’s time to try something new.
DO: Try a delicious Guava Sangria with a Touch of Sage, Honey Paloma, French 75 (similar to a mimosa, but so much better)
Photos via SB Chic, Design Love Fest and PDX Food Love
DON’T: Overly sugary sweet desserts in bright (chemically dyed) colors.
DO: Try a lightly sweetened but decadent dessert, like an orange sherbet cake, a naked strawberry shortcake or mandarin orange tea cookies.
Photos via Design Love Fest Pinterest Boards
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I’ve been on a green kick lately. Specifically, emerald green. I’ve been implementing the color into so many of my current designs and I just adore it. It’s vibrant, unexpected and has so much classic appeal. A win-win in my book.
My dear friend, Audra Harvey, and I were discussing how perfect a vibrant green goes with grays, blacks and whites. And how lovely it is to use a bold color that is strong but not overwhelming. After our discussion, I moved my black-white entry rug into the dining room and decided to finally paint my dining table base emerald green. I have had the perfect green paint for two years, and a million Pinterest photos screaming for me to take the green plunge. And yet, I just couldn’t get myself to do it. What can I say, I have commitment issues when it comes to my home. ha! But when I saw the black and white contrast in the gray room, I knew I had the perfect opportunity to use a bright green. After painting one section of the table, I was smitten. My only regret is, I wish I had done it sooner.
Photos via Sage Atelier, Intimate Weddings, Burberry, Traditional Home, Domaine Home, Apartment Therapy, Honestly WTF, Brabbu, Enter My Attic
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Modern Punched White and Copper Shades 1, 2, 3, 4 (use as a pendant or lamp shade)
Favorite Ikea 2014 Collection 1, 2, 3, 4
Pillow Color Crush 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Cabinets, Chairs and the Cutest Dolly I’ve Ever Seen 1, 2, 3, 4
Summertime Party in the Garden 1, 2, 3, 4
Stripes and More Stripes – Blankets 1, 2, 3, 4
Modern Picnic Style tables 1 and 2
Geometric Rugs 1, 2, 3
I am swooning over all the colors, patterns and designs Ikea has put out this spring. The combination of the 2014 and 2015 collections are gorgeous together. Once again, the designs are mixing bright and muted colors, and the patterns are bold with a unique softness. A winning combo that fits in with so many styles. If you haven’t jumped on this years design trends, I encourage you to try it out.
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