Re-post :: Decorating with Busts

Happy Friday! As my life gets busier with work and a toddler, I'm finding less and less time to write blog posts, which bums me out :( So today, I'm re-posting a post I wrote a while back that was quite popular with you all! Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend! 

Bust sculptures have been around for centuries, often placed in traditional and classic settings. I've never considered using a bust as an accessory in any of my design projects, I guess maybe because I've associated them with "stuffy and formal"...until now. After searching several of my favorite design sites, I began noticing decorative busts used as accessories everywhere. Where have I been?! Living room, foyer, bedroom, bathroom...a bust can be used as a focal point / statement piece, or it can be mixed in subtly with other accessories. Either way, I'm loving busts and plan on incorporating them into future projects one way or another! What do you think about accessorizing with busts? Have you tried this in your own home? You know I always love your comments and appreciate you taking the time to put in your two cents :) Wishing you a fabulous weekend. xoxo - Julie

IMAGE CREDITS: 1,5,6,11,12. KWID; 2,10. LONNY MAG; 3. PIECES; 4. COUNTRY LIVING; 7,8. HATCH; 9. ELLE DECOR; 13,14. POTTERY BARN; 15. DOMINO

 

Details, Please

We've heard it time and time again - details are what "make" the design. Once a space has been successfully designed, the accessories and small details are what complete the overall look. I love, love accessorizing and styling a space! And half the fun is shopping for those special pieces. I also love changing things around my apartment when I feel the need for an update. That's what's so great about having a stockpile of accessories and books - you can mix and match, move things around, add or take away objects - and every time you do so, the result is a fresh, updated look. For some inspiring tips and ideas, read on...(and please feel free to share your own styling tips!).

 1. Cluster together interesting objects in various sizes on an end table. Choose a fabulous lamp that doubles as a beautiful accessory! Adding a vase of fresh flowers is a great way to add color and texture.

2. Group together several vases in different colors and sizes on a buffet or console table.

3. Bookshelves are a great opportunity for displaying collections, vintage finds, dishes and more. Balance things out with stacks of books and be sure the objects vary in height and shape (to many small objects will look like a cluttered mess; to many large items the same size will look boring).

4. As you'll notice in many of these photos, stacks of beautiful coffee table books are always great for accessorizing. The short lamp on this console table is raised up by being placed on a stack of books.

5. Again, stacks of colorful and interesting books on art, travel, design, photography, are the perfect accessory!

6. The symmetrical lamps and stools create balance on this console table, allowing for mixed objects and books to stand out. Remember, metallic accents are a nice way to create interest and dimension!

7. A large silver bowl filled with coral and shells is a great way to accent this mirrored coffee table.

8. Coral and books - timeless accessories!

9. Books placed on a large oval tray look nice and organized. Love the pop of color with the vase of flowers!

 10. Accessories always look best grouped in odd numbers - a group of 3 usually looks best!

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P.S. - Nathan Turner has just come out with his first book and you're invited to the book party tomorrow! Click on the invitation for details.

New Issue of Adore Home + My Blog Loving Feature!

There are so many fabulous online reads these days, one of them being Adore Home, who happens to be celebrating their 2 year anniversary in the new October/November 2012 issue. I'm so honored to be a part of their blog loving feature in this month's issue! They reached out to several bloggers and asked us to share the items we are loving right now. It was hard to narrow down my top picks to just a handful, but I manged to pick some very special items that I hope you'll enjoy. And be sure to flip through the magazine cover to cover - it's packed with beautiful images, trend reports, interviews, home tours and more. LOVE! 

 {Adore Home October/November 2012}

 {Check out my blog loving feature on page 64, where I share some of my current favorite online finds. Be sure to view the entire page to see the full spread, along with several other fabulous bloggers' top picks!}

 {Classic Beauty - a gorgeous home designed by Emily Ruddo, page 116}

 

 {Interview with artist Christy Gammil, page 92 - I love her work!}

{ Seaside Simplicity home tour, starting on page 129}

{The Chic Lisbon gorgeous home our on page 102}

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Home Tour: Feminine Elegance

Have you read the latest issue of Adore Home? It's fabulous - packed with color, style and inspiration! When I came across this gorgeous home tour, I couldn't wait to share it with you. It's the home of Ana Antunes, interior decorator and TV presenter, who resides in Lisbon's fashion district, Chiado. The soft color palette is sophisticated, feminine and modern. The overall feel of this home is so fresh and inviting - I would be the happiest girl in the world if I lived here! Enjoy and click here to read the article and view the entire home (begins on page 79).

{ALL IMAGES VIA ADORE HOME MAGAZINE}

Styling 101: The Nightstand

Accessories are one of the most important parts of the design process. They complete the overall look of a space and add the fine little details we all love so much. Your bedroom nightstand should be no exception to receiving fabulous accessories. Yours may currently have a lamp, stacks of books and an alarm clock (that's what mine looks like and there's nothing pretty about it!). While that might be functional, you may want to consider sprucing things up a bit. There are 3 key elements to consider when accessorizing a nightstand: The Lamp - make sure it has a beautiful base and shade OR mount a sconce to the wall. The Accessories - use frames, a tray, beautiful vases, objects, books...things you love. The Wall - don't forget the wall space above your night stand. It's a great opportunity to hang a vertical mirror, small piece of artwork, etc. Today I've rounded up several photos of different ways to inspire your nightstand make-over (or maybe the one in your guest bedroom). What other ideas do you love when it comes to accessorizing the nightstand?

{IMAGE CREDITS CAN BE FOUND ON MY PINTEREST BEDROOM BOARD}