Quote of the Week

"Passion is what you need to be good...

an unforgiving passion."

- David Easton

PHOTO CREDITS: JAMES MERRELL; FFFFOUND!; ART.COM - GEORGIA O'KEEFFE

Wallpapering Outside the Box

I've been a big fan of wallpaper for years - especially bold prints and patterns. I think it's one of the easiest and best ways to add drama and interest to a room. Traditionally, wallpaper is used on one or more walls in a space, but to save a little time and money, wallpaper can be used in small doses and still create a big impact.
A simple way to add pattern to this room with a strip of floral wallpaper. Notice the framed prints on either side are of the same wallpaper.

Use a decorative paper on a window wall and accent it with solid drapery panels.

Forget papering the entire bathroom and apply a strip of your favorite print to create a bold focal point.

I love how they accented this small wall with a colorful print. It makes the neutral chest really stand out and adds a cheerful element to the room.

Strips of wallpaper were applied above the bed for a headboard effect.

Instead of hanging a piece of art or mirror above the fireplace, use a decorative wallpaper, like this sophisticated floral print.

Check out these sites for great wallpapers that are affordable:

Seabrook Wallpaper

Creative Wallcovering

The Internet Wallpaper Store

USA Wallpaper

Total Wallcovering

Graham & Brown

PHOTO CREDITS: IDEAL HOME & HOUSE TO HOME

Inspiring Outdoor Spaces for Spring

Spring is here and that means spending more time outdoors gardening, entertaining or just relaxing (that is, if the weather has warmed up in your neck of the woods!). I discovered some beautiful outdoor spaces to motivate and inspire you to transform your backyard into a retreat, with tips and links on how to do so without breaking the bank.

Lattice back garden bench from Cost Plus World Market: $129.99

This cozy outdoor space is my dream - especially with the view of the ocean (and the bottle of chilled champagne)! What really makes it feel like a living room are the outdoor drapery panels and area rug, which add warmth and texture.

Pick up a couple cans of spray paint and give your old metal chairs a fresh new look! Mix and match chairs with low bar stools for an eclectic vibe. Photo found here.

Black and white with touches of yellow - this is one of my favorite color schemes, especially for an outdoor space. The bold patterned tablecloth and dramatic chandelier really pull everything together. The area rug adds warmth and gives it that great indoor/outdoor feel. Photo found here.

Soften your outdoor space with some drapery panels and pillows! Indoor/Outdoor panels from Target: $49.99-$59.99; Outdoor pillows from Crate & Barrel: from $29.99.

Add a punch of color to your garden seating area with accent pillows!

A collection of vintage flea market artwork is displayed on unfinished and whitewashed walls. Photo found here.

A simple white linen tablecloth is an instant way to soften the look of any outdoor dining table. Create an intimate setting with a rustic tea light chandelier and lanterns set about.

I adore this chunky wooden dining table mixed with simple eclectic dining chairs. Notice the chandelier hanging from the arches above? This would be the perfect spot to entertain on a warm summer evening!

Create an elegant retreat in your backyard with this beautiful 10' x 10' canopy from home decorators for only $199!

Target offers a wide range of outdoor furniture and accessories at very reasonable prices. These are a few of my favorites: a) (3) piece black wicker set: $219; b) verde green hanging lantern: $49.99; c) flourish outdoor accent pillows: $39.99; d) set of (4) sphere lanterns: $119; e) folding dining chair: $99; f) large outdoor dining table: $199.

Discovered via Home Depot, these are all nice selections at great prices: g) five-piece cushioned dining set: $199; h) black striped rug 8' x 11': $159; i) black hanging lantern: $70

Other places to find good deals on outdoor furniture:

Home Decorators

Solutions

Lowes

Wisteria

Viva Terra

Pier 1 Imports

Cost Plus World Market

The lucky winner of the Hadley Hutton art give away is....drum roll please...Melissa of the blog Melissa's Wild Parma Adventure! Congratulations to her and if you have a moment, check out her adorable blog. I want to give a BIG THANKS to everyone who took the time to leave a comment for this give-away! I feel re-inspired and full of new ideas for future posts and features here on belle maison. I really, really appreciate the input, ideas and suggestions. Please visit again soon for another give away and many new and inspiring design posts.

PHOTO CREDIT: WALKING IN MONETS GARDEN BY HADLEY HUTTON

Quote of the Week

"...People's lives are expressed in little details....The soap in the bathroom, the flowers in the garden, the books on the bedside table are all strong symbols of a life in progress. You look at these details and a world unfolds - here are their books, the paintings they cherish, the music that soothes their souls."

- Charlotte Moss, A Passion for Details

PHOTO CREDITS: IDEAL HOME MAGAZINE; SAM MCADAM PHOTOGRAPHY; ELLEN SILVERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY; JOSEPH DE LEO PHOTOGRAPHY /QUOTE FROM HERE

Special Give Away!

belle maison just celebrated it's 1 year anniversary! To express my gratitude and sincere appreciation to all of you for your continued support of my blog and comments that keep me inspired daily, I decided to do a give-away! One of you lucky winners will receive an 8 1/2" x 11" print of an original painting from one of my favorite artists, Hadley Hutton!

BIRD & DOT BLOSSOMS

DRIPPING BOUQUET

IN THE ORANGE BLOSSOMS

All you need to do is leave a comment answering this question: what would you like to see more of or learn more about regarding interior design? (where to find the best resources, bedroom ideas, organization, choosing color, etc.)...I'll randomly select a winner by drawing a number and announce the winner on Tuesday, March 24th. The winner will then get to select the print of their choice from here, valued @ $25 (there were too many to choose from! I figured I'd let you decide). Thanks again to everyone and good luck!

belle maison turns 1!

It's officially been a year since I joined the blogging world and what an incredible journey it has been. I had no idea when I started belle maison how amazing this whole experience would be! I didn't even know what a blog was until my friend Diana over @ Seams of Thought introduced me to hers and I was instantly inspired to create my own (thanks D :). To express my sincere gratitude to all of my dear readers and fellow bloggers in the community, I'll be doing a give-away tomorrow. Be sure to stop back here on Friday to join in on the fun - you won't want to miss it!
PHOTO CREDIT: FFFFOUND!

Mad About Green!

Green is my favorite color so I especially had fun searching for all things green! I wish you all a very Happy St. Patty's Day! Anyone have anything fun planned? My husband and I are having friends over and we plan on cooking an authentic Irish dinner...ummm...we'll see how that goes...wish me luck! Have a green beer (or two, or three) and enjoy your day. Cheers!

PHOTO CREDITS: BALLOONS FROM HERE; NEXT (2) PHOTOS FROM HERE; COLLAGE OF PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: LIVING ETC.; BENJAMIN MOORE PAINT; ART.COM VINTAGE PRINT; P.BARN IKAT DUVET COVER; SECOND COLLAGE OF PHOTOS: JUICY LUXE GREEN APPLE PENDANT VIA ETSY; WILLA NECKLACE VIA ETSY; BOTTEGA VENETA CLUTCH; SHOES MARC BY MARC JACOBS; BEDROOM PHOTO FROM HERE; GARDENHOUSE TABLE LAMP & METAL CHANDELIER FROM HERE; WALLPAPER MYSTIQUE AVOCADO VIA GRAHAM & BROWN.

Quote of the Week

"I owe my color sense to crayons."

- Angelo Rafael Donghia

PHOTO CREDITS: COTE MAISON; MORE ABOUT DONGHIA, CLICK HERE.