Photos via Designer Pad and Gardenista – Split-Leaf Philodendron and Fiddle-Leaf Fig
Cold? Hot? Warm? Seriously, cold again? Yes, it’s that time of year when the weather won’t make up its mind, and it feels as though spring will never come. It’s called the in-between season, where nothing is consistent and everything feels like it’s in slow-motion.
Many of my clients call toward the end of February panic-stricken with an intense desire to completely re-decorate their home. And when I say re-decorate, I mean they want to strip the house down to the studs immediately.
Sound familiar? Yes, we’ve all been there. The key is not to panic and order the bulldozer. You simply need a refresh, not a new home.
So how do you decorate during the in-between season? The solution is quite simple: greenery.
Indoor plants can give a drab interior instant panache. They bring in an element of surprise, color and even art-like qualities. These greens spruce up a space with little effort and give a lot of bang for your buck. They are also healthy for you! Studies have shown that plant-life in the home creates a happier environment, as well as cleaner air.
What to buy?
The No. 1 question I am asked about indoor plants is “What plant do I buy?” First and foremost, keep it simple. I encourage clients to choose indoor plants that are more sculptural, easy to maintain, and complements their design style. To make things easy, I’ve gathered the top indoor plants trending for 2016.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree: This large, ruffly leaf tree has been making waves in the home décor scene since 2013. Although there are a few contenders to take its place this year, the Fiddle Leaf is not going anywhere anytime soon. Easy to maintain and looks gorgeous against white walls.
Peruvian Cacti: Incredibly tall, prickly, stately and needs little water — this is the perfect plant for a modern space. It’s also great for all you plant killers out there. These guys are strong and can handle poor caretakers. As of late, this plant has been showing up in a lot of home magazines and will likely be one of the most popular plants of the year.
Staghorn Fern: In a pot, on the wall, mounted or hanging, these antler-like ferns are a playful plant that has lots of styling options. They vary in size from 6 inches to 3 feet wide.
Hanging Pitcher Plant: These Old World plants come from the carnivorous plant family. They look delicate, but they are anything but. Let’s just say you wouldn’t want to fall into one of those beautiful cups.
Bird of Paradise and other palms: Elegantly long stems brimmed with beautiful fans, the palm is a décor staple. Whether your décor lends to modern styles or old world antiques, a single palm will elevate your space with a classic, timeless look.
Split-Leaf Philodendron: A little more playful than the Birds of Paradise, with its stems branching in multiple directions. A nice combination of modern and whimsical. Looks best in minimal spaces.
Snake Plant: This plant is as modern as you can get. Sharp, clean-lines and all vertical. Ideal plant for those looking for something more architectural.
ZeeZee Plant: Similar to the Snake Plant, as it is also very sculptural and looks great in a modern space. But it is a little less serious and a bit more playful. Excellent choice for transitional interiors.
Succulents: These tiny plants have been incredibly popular over the years, and their popularity is still going strong. This year you will see them less on their own, and more clustered together in terrariums, mounted on wood, inside various desert wood, and hanging in glass and ceramic planters.
Where to buy?
When you are buying plants of any kind, always buy local. Your local garden stores and nurseries not only carry a wide variety of plants that will grow properly in your area, they also offer care instructions and delivery, and they’ll even pot your plant for you.
My two favorite local garden shops are All Seasons Gardening & Brewing Supply and Gardens of Babylon (all photos were taken at these shops). Not sure what to buy? Afraid you’ll kill again? Don’t fret! Both companies love to share their knowledge, and it’s just as important to them that you keep your darling plants alive.
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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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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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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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A new season means new colors, patterns and textures. This past month I have been scouring magazines, blogs and design websites for color inspiration. Now that spring has finally sprung, I am feeling a pull to use new colors in my designs, as well as in my wardrobe. I love the combination of moody vintage shades and bold rich colors of the Mediterranean in this years Pantone color selection. The colors are reminiscent of the 1940-60’s, and summer travels to places like Paris, Marrakech, London and the Amalfi Coast. Just a day in these lovely colors and I am dreaming of all the ways to bring the romantic past into the present.
So what are my favorite colors for this season? Lucite Green, Deep Coral, Dusty Pinks, Tangerine, Mediterranean Blues and Golden Yellows.
Photo Sources (in order): Escape Button Blog, Celine Marks, Vogue Russia, Fashion Gone Rogue, Burnetts Board, Shop Ruche, Ruffled Blog, Pinterest, Erik Madigan Heck, Blog2Modern-Kustaa Saksi, Pinterest, Vogue-Ellie Saab
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