Dressing Tables

I've always loved the idea of having my very own dressing table. A small, intimate space to sit and  apply make-up, do my hair, paint my nails - you know, all the girly things we like to do! There's something so feminine and glamorous about a dressing / vanity table. It's a wonderful opportunity for creating a personal space with things that make you feel beautiful, sexy, and feminine. If you had the extra space (and you don't really need much), in your bedroom, bathroom or closet, what type of vanity / dressing table area would you dream up? Or do you already have something like this set up in your home? I'll have to wait until we get a bigger place...until then, I'm saving these images for inspiration!

{P.S. - Tonight I'll be attending a private cocktail party to celebrate the opening of Jonathan Adler and Elie Tahari's Fashion Island boutiques. I can hardly wait! Jonathan Adler is one of my favorite designers! I'll be reporting back with details soon!}

IMAGE CREDITS: DECOR PAD; ELLE DECOR; HOUSE BEAUTIFUL; DESIGN HOME TREND; LIVING ETC

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Modern Chic Home: New Additions...

I always try to keep you fabulous belle maison readers in the loop about new additions to my online store. Here's our latest newsletter, with a sneak peek of brand new wall decor & artwork (click on the image to enlarge). If it were up to me, I'd fill my entire home with one of everything! Click here to view all new items.

A few of my favorites...

Gun and Heart Concrete Sign; Para Siempre Art print on vintage wood; Darling Art print on vintage wood

Nature Inspired Color Palettes

Hello everyone! I hope you had a nice weekend (ours was HOT - 114 degrees to be exact!). I mentioned last Friday that I was skipping out early to spend some girl time with my mom, and our first stop was Rogers Gardens, a gorgeous nursery and gift shop located in Newport Beach. The grounds are filled with rose gardens, garden rooms, potting sheds, an orchid room, and so much more. I snapped a ton of pictures as we meandered through the lush plants and flower gardens, in awe of God's incredible creations and flawless designs in nature. I was reminded of how nature's color palette is absolute perfection - in every way, shape and form. This is the greatest place to find color inspiration for interiors! For today's post, I coordinated the photos I took at the nursery with interior photos that reflect each inspired color scheme. Where do you find color scheme inspiration? Please share your thoughts!

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IMAGE CREDITS: JULIE THIGPEN (ALL FLORAL IMAGES); HOUSE BEAUTIFUL; ELLE DECOR; AMANDA NISBET; HOLLY DYMENT; HOUSE TO HOME UK; CANADIAN HOUSE&HOME

Quote of the Week

"It takes courage to mix things up and conviction to push a look to its limit. When you do, the reward is rooms that exude passion, personality, and flair."

- Mary McDonald, The Allure of Style

 IMAGE CREDITS: MARY MCDONALD; CELERIE KEMBLE; AMANDA NISBET; PALMER WEISS; FAWN GALLI;

Transitioning into Fall

As of yesterday, it's officially Fall, which I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around. The summer just flew by and here we are, one week shy of October (and one month shy of my 30th birthday!). As we ease into fall, I thought it would be fun to share simple and affordable ways to incorporate the new season into your decor, without going overboard with super "themed" fall decorations. What reminds you of fall? How do you incorporate the new season into your home? Thank you, as always, for sharing your thoughts and ideas!

I wish you all a fabulous weekend! I'm signing off early today for some much needed girl time with my mom! First we're heading over to Rogers Gardens in Newport Beach then lunch and a little shopping on Balboa Island :)  xoxo - Julie

Ambiance

Create a warm ambiance with the glow of a 

scented candle or dimmed lighting.

Clockwise from top: (1) wood-filled candlepot via west elm; (2) rustic outdoor lanterns via etsy; (3) posh lamp in gold + white via modern chic home; (4) pumpkin spice all natural soy candle via etsy

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Food & Tabletop

Nothing beats a freshly baked pumpkin cupcake or 

fancy hot coffee or cider. Add a touch of texture and 

color to your table with linens and a simple centerpiece.

(1) pumpkin cupcakes with maple frosting via house beautiful (i'm dying to try this recipe! these look mouth-watering); (2) linen napkins from pottery barn; (3) irish dream espresso drink; (4) blacksmith handled serving bowl via pottery barn

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Texture

Bring in texture with a cozy throw  and a 
few accent pillows in neutral or warm fall colors.  

From Top: (1) pom pom throw via west elm (yes please!!!); (2) patch lumbar monogram pillow via pottery barn; (3) love wool throw + pillow and (4) birds on a wire pillow (both will be available via modern chic home soon - email me if you need more info!).