decorativity

Vanity Trays

decorativity — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:53:07 +0000

Do you ever get on a kick where you can’t stop thinking about a specific product? Lately my mind has been on vanity trays for collecting perfume and beauty products. I think it’s because I went a little crazy “spring cleaning” my makeup collection. I realized many of my products needed to be replaced. Don’t forget, ladies, that cosmetics have an expiration date after which they lose effectiveness and the germ count goes way up. Here’s a little secret…I’m kinda obsessed with makeup. I wanted to be a beauty blogger back in the day. In fact, I’ve been toying with the idea of launching a beauty blog just for fun. I’ve tested every product out there, and I know the best from drugstore to luxury. The trick is mixing and matching, and using sales and coupon codes to make luxury affordable. For vanities, beautiful packaging is also a plus, as long as the product inside is also functional. So, we’ll spend the next few days focusing not just on vanity storage but products to display!

Today the Pulp Design Studios girls posted the sneak peek above of a bathroom redesign on their Instagram. Awesome, right? I love how they styled their tray. I found a silver dish at a thrift store that I have in mind to use, but I’m still looking for new ideas. Below are some imagesto get the ball rolling.

via Tumblr

The glow of the candle and the peonies in a vintage jar are perfection

via The Glitter Guide

The most chic mix of gold, silver and black

via Pinterest

I like the idea of adding apothecary jars and pretty containers for cotton balls

What do you think? You can find more on my Pinterest page. Also, how do we feel about storing beauty products in the bathroom vs. bedroom? I’ve heard the moisture from the bathroom can be bad for your products. But the allergy-sufferer in me isn’t sure I want perfume and powders floating in the air near my bed. Weigh in if you have any ideas!

Textiles from Martha & Ash

decorativity — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:57:02 +0000

While browsing a recent issue of House Beautiful, I found a recommendation for Martha & Ash textiles. I was curious and had to go look them up for myself. I’m here to tell you I like what I saw! I could see these patterns fitting in many styles of homes. They have a great selection for sale on their website and Etsy shop. Read on for my top picks.

I love the sea urchin pattern

Just the right amount of velvet

This bright footstool is well-priced at just over $200

The tailoring on this sells me on the idea of a leopard ottoman!

Monday Inspiration

decorativity — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:29:30 +0000

The weather feels like December here, so we need some extra doses of springtime cheer to warm things up, at least in our minds. This month’s desktop calendar of choice, from Ruche, fits the bill perfectly.

decorativity recommends: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

decorativity — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:46:47 +0000

I’ve had Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams (MGBW) on my to-blog list for a very long time. Some extra inspiration recently arrived in the form of their New Collection 2013 catalog. I really can’t say enough in favor of this company! It’s obvious just flipping through the catalog-and even more so in the store-that these products are impeccably made and will stand the test of time. The tailoring of upholstery and the classic lines of the furnishings really stand out to me. Beyond that, I love what MGBW does as a company–they support so many charitable causes, and their stores throw the best parties to celebrate the local design scene. They are so supportive of bloggers, and their staff is the friendliest ever.

I met Mitchell & Bob! No big deal

I can steer my clients towards MGBW with full confidence in the start-to-finish experience. Drop by and see what I’m talking about. Also, many items at the Atlanta store including special order upholstery, lighting, tables, storage, rugs and linens are 20% off until May 5! Below is a sampling of my favorite pieces.

I love the exterior tufting and citron piping on the Maxine chair.

The Smith side table has a super-clean, modern silhouette.

The twisted legs of the Gibson table are fun and playful.

This velvet sofa, Martin, is a nod to mid-century but I believe it would be “at home” in a variety of living rooms.

I like everything about this space, from the smoky glass table lamp to the luxurious Regency feel of the sectional.

When I visit the showroom, I always enjoy the unique wall art on display.

On My Radar

decorativity — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:05:12 +0000

I feel like I’m in a perpetual state of hunting for new products or bits of inspiration…it’s one of the most natural parts of blogging and decorating. From time to time I thought I’d share a random assortment of things on my radar.

First, I’ve been stalking the ikat china patterns at C.Wonder for a while now. I love the gold rim…it’s all about the details, people. It just so happens that this pattern is on sale, and it also just so happens that all sale is currently an extra 30% off, in-store and online, with code CITRUS. Check it out!

Second, have you ever read Mrs. Lilien? Imagine the alter ego Monte Carlo socialite life you’ve always wanted — this blog is the crazy-bananas amazing version of that. The Mrs. has it all: fun content, entertaining descriptions (every sentence rhymes!) drink recipes, etc. It just got a redesign that I’m drooling over. I mean, look at the logo.

Finally, I found these comprehensive cleaning task sheets over at Martha Stewart (who it looks like also has a new, chic-looking website, in beta). They’re really helpful and doable, broken down by priorities with printable checklists included. Here’s what I’ve been meditating on lately: in this digital era of blogs and Pinterest and endless resources, there’s so much noise on how we should run our homes. It’s almost too many ideas. It makes me want to reduce my mental clutter, so I’ve been thinking about picking someone like Martha and simply following her time-tested-advice exclusively for a few months. What do you think– have I lost my mind? I’m just curious how clean and crafty my home life would be if I made Martha my guru.

New Month!

decorativity — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:11:18 +0000

It’s April! I’m going to be honest…I used to think Spring was a little overrated. But this year, I’m embracing all the newness. I like to have a different desktop background on my computer every so often, and I like to share my best finds with you. Today I’ve included an April calendar, plus several other options of bright, springy goodness. Ruche not only has fabulous clothes, but an amazing array of desktop wallpapers. Who knew? Well, I did :) Now you can shop for vintage dresses and make them your April calendar.Lisa Rupp is an awesome pattern designer. I always love her color choices.You can’t go wrong with Kate Spade, and they produce a new pattern each month on their blog. I might put this bright one on a smaller surface area like an iPhone or iPad. Designlovevest regularly hosts desktop wallpaper contests. This is my current background, the dark background contrasted with light lettering looks fab on my screen!

Glimpses of Spring

decorativity — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:00:56 +0000

This year, I’ve been totally hit with the urge to freshen everything up for the season…I’m spring cleaning and spring sprucing. I’ve gone through my makeup drawers, my wardrobe and my bookshelves, editing and replacing things that had worn out their welcome. What about you, do you feel inspired by the season?

I’ve also decided I want to become the person who always has a delicious, clean-burning candle by my desk, along with fresh-cut flowers. We’ll see how long this lasts. But in my mind’s eye, I see a blooming bouquet in a mint julep cup. Can you picture it?

image 1: The Laundress Candle. Image 2: Pinterest

Giveaway: American Craft Council Show!

decorativity — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:45:29 +0000

I’m excited to announce a big decorativity giveaway…starting now! This weekend, March 15-17 in Atlanta, the American Craft Council Show is coming to the Cobb Galleria Centre. Over 240 vendors will showcase handmade creations in jewelry, clothing, home decor and furnishings. This will be the largest craft show in the Southeast–a can’t miss! I know I don’t want you to miss out, so one lucky reader will win two free tickets on the day of your choosing. Here are the details:

Artist Linda Chamberlain

The ACC Show takes place Friday, March 15 from 10 a.m. – 8 pm; Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and
Sunday, March 17 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Those who have purchased tickets to the Southeastern
Flower Show will be allowed free same-day entry to the ACC Show, also at the Galleria. Parking is free at the Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Cobb Galleria Parkway.

I can’t wait to visit all the talented artists and vendors this weekend. What I’m most excited about though, is a feature called Make Room: Modern Meets Craft–ten of Atlanta’s hottest designers will create vignettes that blend their chic styles with handmade aesthetics. Each designer’s space is inspired by a specific piece from the Show. I’m looking forward to seeing the talents of my friends like Kerry Howard and Michel Boyd, as well as discovering more about Atlanta’s design scene.

There are 3 ways you can enter the giveaway. Here are the rules:

Inspirational space by designer Rick Anthony Bonner

I want to hear from you! Leave a comment saying what you’re most excited to see at the Show this weekend. You can enter up to 3 total times in these 3 ways. Make sure you’ve provided me with a way to contact you.

1. Leave a comment on this post.

2. Become a Facebook fan of decorativity, and comment on the fan page.

3. Become a Twitter follower of decorativity, and tweet your comment.

The deadline for comments is 3:00 PM EST on Thursday, March 14. I will choose a winner at random. Once I let you know you’ve won, I need to know your full name and the day that you choose to visit the Show. 2 tickets will be under your name at will call. Good luck!!

Throw-Down Round 2

decorativity — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 16:25:37 +0000

Round 2: Herringbone

Herringbone may be one of of my all-time most beloved patterns. It’s more subtle than chevron but different from your normal stripes. Herringbone-patterned throws are classy, refined and understated. Of course, a throw-down winner also needs to be soft, in a beautiful color. Let’s look at today’s contenders!

Bamboo

Bamboo is a wonderfully soft yet durable natural material. I like how these come in a variety of both pale and vivid colors, and the herringbone pattern is distinct.

Wool C. Wonder’s oversized wool throws come in bold shades of black, navy and red, with an equally bold pattern. I love how pronounced they are with alternating stripes. This one is giving off a zebra-print vibe, no?

CottonSferra is a trusted name in textiles. Brushed cotton gives a cloud-like feel with equally dreamy muted colors. The herringbone is noticeable but toned down.

Acrylic This affordable throw from Zara comes in a lovely lilac, with the most subtle herringbone of my selections. It’s simple and elegant.

Winner: Cotton. I confess that the Sferra had an advantage because I’ve actually curled up with it in person, and it was heavenly. Me being me, I looked at the tag while I was still under the blanket and googled it on my iphone. It’s right in the median price range of my selections, and it’s 100% cotton–so rare these days. These throws have been described as decor for all four seasons, and after seeing the colors and feeling the weight, I have to agree. Plus, cotton is soft but not fragile, and these can be machine washed and dried. Score!

March Madness Throw-Down

decorativity — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 14:03:13 +0000

I can’t remember if the groundhog saw his shadow or not, but it is March and it is cold. In cooler temps, there’s nothing better than a cozy throw blanket by your side. Truth be told, I’m a little obsessed with throws. My design philosophy includes having at least one visible in each living/sleeping space (casually draped, not obsessively folded), plus more stashed for company or family. I encourage you to purposefully incorporate throws into your decorating scheme if you’re not already. Then you can upgrade from random hand-me-down blankets we all have in our closets. Much like March Madness for athletes, I’m staging an all-out product competition…a Throw-Down. There are so many styles and textures, it’s hard to pick a favorite, so I’m going to let them fight it out. Each round will have a winner, but there can only be one ultimate champion–unless I decide to bend the rules ;) I’d love for your input to make this a true challenge. Let’s Throw Down!!

Round 1: Plush

You know what I’m talking about: luscious, ultra-soft, can’t-stop-touching-it blanket; as warm as it is comforting. The perfect plush has to look good and feel good. Meet the contenders.

Faux-Fur

This has got to be the very definition of plush. Faux-furs are not just silky but delightfully fluffy. They add elegance without harming any animal friends.

Fleece

Fleece is an ever-reliable choice for brushed softness. I like the rich tones these are dyed in.

Pom PomDoesn’t this cushiony texture look extra cozy? I want to reach out and touch it right now.

Chenille

Chenille may not technically be plush, but it’s certainly satiny and comforting. These look ultra high-quality.

Winner: Faux-fur. I have to give it to the faux-furs for being the softest of them all, plus they come in a neutral color scheme. Fur may seem over-the-top luxurious, but it’s just eclectic enough to go with any decor while it keeps you warm.

Stay tuned for round 2!