Photo Credit: Ted Baker London
Need an inspiration pick-me-up? Here’s a collection of Summer Pinterest finds I created for 12th and Broad earlier this month. From exotic hotels in Panama to tulip fields in Holland, this collection will awaken your senses and have you planning multiple summer vacations. Enjoy!
Tatler UK Balloons by Luis Monteiro
Recently I stumbled upon a photoshoot by Tatler Magazine and photographer, Luis Monteiro. The composition and colors in these photos are quite stunning – they are the essence of summer bliss, European excursions and care-free fashion. I’m thinking oversize balloons is a must for my next party.
Alfred Coffee
Who is Alfred? Alfred is a delightful coffee shop in Melrose, California. The ultra-chic café is in a renovated 1925 ballroom-dance facility. The design of the space is warm, yet striking with its high-contrast colors of black, white and turquoise. This is where the cool kids go to be seen, and to find some serious inspiration.
American Trade Hotel – Panama
A collaboration of Ace Hotel and Commune Design, the American Trade Hotel is an elegant mixture of mid-century designs and classic styles of Panama. The hotel sits in the town’s main square Plaza Herrera, and looks as though it has been there for centuries. An incredible example of innovative design and historical preservation.
Park Residence – Palm Springs
Park Residence is a contemporary mid-century style home with a sexy exterior – black and white with bold notes of saffron yellow, and lush tropical plants. This home has curb appeal that likely has the whole neighborhood in envy.
Jalapeno Watermelon
“Fresh, sweet watermelon puree, lime juice, Triple Sec, and jalapeno-infused tequila make these Jalapeno Watermelon Margaritas super summery and delightful.” Yes please! This is going to be my go-to drink this summer. Spicy, sweet, refreshing and enough alcohol to forget your daily woes.
Lombardi House
One of my favorite event spaces that I follow on Instagram. A beautiful Victorian farmhouse in the heart of Hollywood, California. Oh the events that take place here! Each one more splendid than the last. An all-white space with simple industrial black fixtures, lots of windows and lovely architecture.
Iris Apfel
Who doesn’t love Iris? This woman has been charming the world for decades with her iconic style and care-free attitude. I adore all her crazy colors and patterns, but her tropical blue attire in the One Kings Lane feature, has me smitten. Her documentary, Iris, is currently playing at the Belcourt. Don’t miss it!
Mid-century Renovation – Portland
A brilliant 1950’s Portland home renovated to its original glory. Multiple windows and doors, allowing nature and the interior to be one unifying space. One of my favorite features of this home is the use of dark paint on the exterior. The dark color is a striking contrast to the natural elements surrounding the home, and showcases the architecture beautifully.
Tulip Fields – Holland
Bri Emery has been on a six week inspiration vacation in Europe. She’s scouring various cities for new ideas, products, designs and an overall refresh of the mind. One of my favorite photos thus far is the tulip fields in Holland. Follow her travels here.
Top 10 Green Plants for the Body and Soul
Norwegian blogger Marianne de Bourg, gives great tips on how indoor plants can help you have a healthier home. She provides 10 excellent plants that are both beautiful and beneficial to your health.
Taroudant Morocco – The Colors of A French Designers House
Layers of dusty pinks, blush, peachy-cream and vibrant shades of verdant green, all under one roof. This home pairs these colors in way that almost seems magical. An exotic mixture of Moroccan and French designs that is quite captivating.
Threefold Restaurant – Melbourne
A distinctively charming restaurant that emphasizes servery and fresh food in their design concept. The restaurant has a wonderful mixture of eat-in kitchen and high-style café, creating a warm and inviting environment. Simple, yet decadent – the perfect place to spend an entire afternoon.
How to Compost
I know what you are thinking. How can composting be inspiring? Pretty Handy Girl has a darling blog post on how and why you should compost. The post is so cute, you’ll likely forget that she is talking about garbage and worms.
DIY Vanilla Orange Mint Sugar Scrub
A delicious concoction of summer scents that remind creator, Ashley Rose, of a blissful day in Hawaii. Not only is the recipe divine, her photos are equally luscious. Excellent prop-styling that evokes summer in the tropics. I especially love the combination of the vivid orange, pinks and greens with the soft off-white sugar scrub.
Alys Beach Home by Dungan Nequette
Have you been to Alys Beach? If you haven’t, you are most definitely missing out. Located on the magnificent 30A of the gulf coast, Alys Beach is a gorgeous all-white planned community with stunning architecture and landscapes. One of my favorite homes in this area is the home designed by the talented Dungan Nequette. It’s breathtakingly beautiful with its grand Bermudan exterior and luxurious interior details. Click through the photos and be prepared to be wowed.
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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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It’s time for a little Pin Crush. Today’s pins are all about natural light and daring windows. As the final bits of snow melt away, and the sun is shining bright, all I can think about is flooding my home with natural light.
Last night, I laid in bed (for more hours than I’d like to admit) dreaming about all the ways I could tear down an exterior wall of my home and replace with floor to ceiling windows. Some of my favorite design styles are from Australia and Sweden, where natural light is the essence of home design. They call it daylight-designs or daylighting. It is a design practice of illuminating the home with natural light by implementing abundant windows, skylights, high ceilings and reflective surfaces. It’s more than a window view, it’s an experience one feels throughout the home. No matter where you are, you are apart of the light coming in. Doesn’t that sound lovely?
Today’s collection can be found in the Abode, Black & White, White on White, Dine with Me and In the Kitchen Pinterest boards. Enjoy and be inspired! XO
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Starting today, I will have a regular post called Pin Crush featuring my favorite pins on Pinterest. Today’s pins are all about bold moves, using pops of color in neutral spaces. This collection can be found in the Abode & Boho Color boards. Enjoy and be inspired! XO
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