What's Inspiring Me Lately...

Happy Friday! Here are a few snapshots of what's caught my eye lately in the world of design. What's inspiring you lately? Enjoy and have a lovely weekend! xoxo - Julie

{Stacked luggage for a nightstand?! Genius! Image source}

{Crisp white bookshelves accented with colorful books and simple accessories. Image source}

{Nailhead studded chest + bold geometric rug + apple green accents = fabulous! Image source}

{I love how the color in this bedroom really pops against the white wall. Image source}

{Boho chic picnic...how much fun would it be to gather around this table with good friends, delicious food and cocktails?! Image source}

{A peacock stair runner? Beyond amazing! Image source}

{This antique chest doubling as a stylish bar gives off such a cool vintage vibe. I feel more glamorous just looking at this photo! Image source}

{I'm a sucker for beautifully styled vignettes with pretty objects. The single flower really brings the whole thing to life, doesn't it? Image source}

{The fluffy pouf adds just the right amount of texture to soften this crisp entryway. Image source}

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Reader Makeover: DIY Chest Transformation

One of my favorite things to see is how an old piece of furniture can be completely transformed with some paint and a creative vision! I love what Belle Maison reader, Gail, has done with this old chest - it's a true transformation! In her own words, here's how she did it...

I found this piece up in Michigan near our summer cottage. I had to leave our kids up there to fit this monster in the car and drive it back to Virginia. I knew I could do something with it when the right client came along. It sat all fall and winter without a home. Finally, this spring I realized it was the perfect piece for a client's guest bathroom. I had been searching all over for the right scale piece, only to realize it was right under my nose. It just needed a major makeover! I took the doors off of it to create open storage for towels on the bottom. I then had the inside lacquered in a beautiful soft blue. For the exterior finish I used Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint in Paris Gray with a clear wax. I kept the original hardware. It turned out to be the perfect piece and my client loves it. - Gail

Before...

After!

Thanks for sharing, Gail!

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Interior Styling Wednesdays: Displaying Dishes

Do you have pretty dishes that belong outside of your cupboards for all to see? I think we all do! Today's post is all about accessorizing with your existing dish collections. The great thing about accessorizing with dishes is that you have the option to swap them out from time to time to keep things looking fresh and exciting. I've gathered some great examples to share with you today, hoping you'll take away some inspiration! Do you have any other tips or ideas on this topic? Enjoy and happy styling :)

 

{IMAGE CREDITS: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8}

Quote of the Week + Hot Summer Sale

"Two big aspects of finishing a bedroom are organizing the little stuff and making the space feel personal. Having places to tuck everyday objects out of sight will help the room feel more restful - and give you the space to express yourself without causing clutter." 

- Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams, The Comfortable Home

[IMAGE SOURCES CAN BE FOUND ON MY PINTEREST BOARD: BEDROOMS]

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Attention all pet lovers: Fleabag Bed is having a HUGE Summer Sale today through Wednesday on their past season beds AND they're rolling out their latest collection: Jet Setter. My good friend Sabina is co-owner of Fleabag Beds and I adore their designs - the beds are seriously fabulous! If you have a dog or kitty that needs a stylish bed to rest their furry little head, you have to check these out. And what's even better...all Belle Maison readers will receive 25% off all beds today through Wednesday! Just use discount code SUMMERLOVE upon checkout. Click here to start shopping!

[CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE FOR DETAILS]
Note: To receive 25% off your order, use discount code SUMMERLOVE instead of the one listed on the flyer

[CYNTRAL PARK]

[SAN FRANCISCO]

[SERENGETI]

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Book Review - Monica Pederson Make It Beautiful: Designs & Ideas for Entertaining at Home

I had the pleasure of reviewing a brand new book called Monica Pederson Make It Beautiful: Designs and Ideas for Entertaining at Home, by Monica Pederson. If you love interior design + entertaining, you're going to dig this book! Monica walks the reader through the planning of ten fabulous parties, providing tips, recipes and advice that can easily be recreated for any occasion and on any budget. This book serves a both a guide to entertaining as well as a resource for visual inspiration. Some of the chapters include Black & White Baby Shower, The Perfect Wedding, Tea for Two, Wine and Design, and Book Club. Monica also includes photos and recipes for beautiful appetizers, entrees and desserts, so you can try them out at your next soiree. If you're a design book junkie like me, you'll want to add this book to your library :). I snapped some photos of a few of my favorite images to share with you today (the book is packed with tons of lovely photos!). It's available for purchase now and you can pick up your copy here. Enjoy and have a fabulous weekend! xoxo - Julie

 

 

 MONICA PEDERSON MAKE IT BEAUTIFUL: Designs and Ideas for Entertaining at Home

PUBLISHER: AGATE PUBLISHING, INC.; MAY 15TH, 2012

Interior Styling Wednesdays: Book Shelves

I started a new series called Interior Styling Wednesdays right before I had the baby and am happy to be resuming this weekly feature! Today I'm covering book shelves, which can be tricky to style. It's easy to clutter a bookcase with too many objects, books, etc., which can end up being more of an eyesore than a decorative focal point. I've gathered several great examples of well styled book shelves to share with you for inspiration. I've also created (3) style boards with suggested accents you can purchase if you're looking to re-style or accessorize your shelves. Enjoy and please feel free to share any other fabulous styling tips you may have on this topic!

{Be sure to mix up the shapes and sizes of the accessories you place on your shelves}

{Alternate the direction of your books and stagger the heights when standing them upright}

{Keep it simple, clean and uncluttered}

{Paint the back of a book case to give contrast to your accessories}

{Neatly stacked magazines in lieu of books}

{Lean framed artwork and photographs against the wall / back of book case}

 {IMAGE SOURCES: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7}

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STYLING TIPS & RESOURCES

{1} Start with decorative books and boxes. Alternate books by standing them upright and stacking them. Incorporating a decorative rectangular box is also a good way to take up space on a shelf without cluttering it.
[All resources can be found on my Pinterest Board: Accessories]

{2} Add in found objects such as decorative vases, artifacts, bookends, colorful bowls, etc. The more interesting, the better! If the accessory is small, set it on top of stacked books. Lean one or more framed art prints against the back of the shelving to add color and dimension.

[All resources can be found on my Pinterest Board: Accessories]

 

 {3} Texture is such an important element in a space, especially when it comes to accessories. Fill in empty spots on your shelves with textured objects and a couple of small plants - a little bit of greenery does wonders! 

[All resources can be found on my Pinterest Board: Accessories]

 

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