Black & Orange Interiors

Happy Halloween! This is just a quick post filled with interiors designed around black and orange color schemes. I think the first photo is my favorite! I want that chandelier!!! What's everyone doing for Halloween? If you're dressing up, what are you going to be? I still need to figure out my costume...nothing like waiting til the last minute! Have a fun and safe weekend :)

PHOTO CREDITS: HOUSE TO HOME & LIVING, ETC.

Barbie for Grown-ups...

Leave it to Jonathan Adler to create a fun, quirky and chic line of Barbie themed accents for the home. The Jonathan Adler team recently designed a real life Malibu dream house to celebrate Barbie's 50th birthday. They had so much fun working with the American icon that they decided to launch an exclusive line of Barbie inspired merchandise. Click here to view the entire collection!

Barbie Canisters

Barbie Needlepoint Pillow

Barbie Candle
Barbie-Richard Nixon Throw
Barbie Specs Case

Featured Designer: Nicole Hollis

Nicole Hollis is featured in the November issue of Metropolitan Home on the list of "Who's Next" among American interior designers. What caught my attention with Nicole (besides her incredible portfolio) is her unique approach to designing a space, where fashion plays a leading role. Nicole says she will ask herself, "What would Vivienne Westwood or Tom Ford do if they were designing an interior?" She has decorated an entire apartment around Dolce and Gabbana's seductive style, in addition to creating interiors inspired by famous artists. She loves mixing reclaimed wood, steel, blown-glass, and organic linen and burlap in her designs. Click here to view her entire portfolio!

Above: St. Helena Winery (I LOVE this style for a winery - so much fun!)

(ABOVE PHOTO - NICOLE HOLLIS DESIGN STUDIO)

PHOTO CREDITS: NICOLE HOLLIS

Birthday Post

Today is my birthday :) I'm officially 29...the last year before the big 3 -0!!! I'm taking the day off to join my mom and sister for pedicures, followed by margaritas and chips and salsa. Then my husband is taking me to a "fancy" dinner at a restaurant in Newport Beach later tonight :) What a perfect way to end an exciting week! I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

PHOTO FROM HERE

Hot Deals: Accent Chairs

I have a small obsession with accent chairs...especially ones upholstered in bold prints and bright colors. Adding an accent chair that's upholstered in an unexpected fabric can do wonders for a space! Here's a round-up of fabulous chairs at really reasonable prices:

Pier 1 Imports: $199 each (clockwise from top left: Cambridge, Josette, Malia, Lola

Avanti Club Chair - $299 (Home Decorators)

Noho Chelsea Nailhead Chair in Ice - $529 (Home Decorators)

Hali Armless Stripe Chair - $249 (Overstock)

Turned Leg Zebra Print Arm Chair - $189 (Overstock)

Dakota Chair - $239 (Cost Plus World Mkt.)

Noho Natalia Chair - $529 (Home Decorators)

Eclipse Club Chair - $489 (Overstock)

Modern Chic Home has Launched!

After month and months of hard work and preparation for the launch of my online design boutique, I'm proud to announce that Modern Chic Home is finally up and running and open for business! Owning an online design shop has been something I've always dreamed of doing one day and that day is finally here. I have spent the last several months searching for unique home accents to sell, such as decorative accessories, candleholders, pillows (including Brand NEW lines from Thomas Paul and Koko Company), mirrors, kitchen and tabletop accents, and much more! Please visit when you have a chance and don't forget to sign up to receive newsletters, coupons and much more! Receive free shipping on orders over $100 (to the 48 contiguous states). I plan on adding much more to my store over the next few months - there are so many amazing product lines I can't wait to share with everyone! Click here to visit Modern Chic Home! Happy shopping :)

On a side note, I want to thank my amazing husband Ryan for being 100% supportive of this whole idea from the very beginning. He has kept me focused and motivated over the last few months, and has kept me moving forward when I've had total melt-downs :) And thank you to my family and friends and the blogging community for your support and enthusiasm. It really means a lot to me!

Quote of the Week

Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics.

Design is so simple, that's why it is so complicated.

- Paul Rand

Stunning Photography & Special Offer

Happy Friday everyone! I apologize for the lack of posts lately...I've been keeping busy with the completion on my online design store, Modern Chic Home, which will be launching early next week. I've been working around the clock to get it up and running before the holidays! Anyway, the first photo featured in today's post is by Tiffany Zettlemoyer - I did a post recently about her work and she has been kind enough to offer a 10% discount on prints to belle maison readers between now and October 22. Please mention the blog “belle maison” in the comments area of your purchase and Tiffany will discount the money back to your PayPal account. As always, shipping on additional items is free. Thank you Tiffany :) And the rest of the photos in today's post are via National Geographic...aren't they just sensational?! Have a fantastic weekend!

ABOVE PHOTO CREDIT: TIFFANY ZETTLEMOYER

PHOTO CREDITS: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Color 101: Blue Interiors

Different colors, when used in interior design, can have effects on us psychologically, sometimes in ways we're not aware of. Here are some interesting facts about the color blue and the different ways it can effect us, depending on the shade of blue:

• Blue is the overwhelming "favorite color."
  
• Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed. The color of sky and the ocean, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives.
• As the collective color of the spirit, it invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming; however not all blues are serene and sedate. Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic, an engaging color that expresses exhilaration.
• Some shades or the overuse of blue may come across as cold or uncaring. Blue is the least "gender specific" color, having equal appeal to both men and women.
• How the color blue affects us physically and mentally: Calming and sedate; Cooling; Aids intuition.
• Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms.

How do you feel about the color blue? Do you prefer wearing the color rather than using it in your home? What's your favorite shade of blue? (that is, if you like the color at all)!

PHOTO CREDITS: HOUSE BEAUTIFUL; TRADITIONAL HOME