purpose statements + styling ideas

I've been thinking about my purpose for this blog and what I hope it inspires for my readers. When I initially came up with the concept of BeSoStyle (named in honor of my daughters Bela & Sofi, the next generation of Sisters of Style), I had been a blog reader for a while. I thought that as a photo stylist I might just have a unique voice in this big world of design bloggers.  I still feel like a dabbler at this point, still trying to get my head around how in fact to make it a business. I am so open to direction, suggestions, advice (Feel free to contact me and guide away).

Thanks to the successful + inspirational blogger the nester I decided to develop a purpose statement. See this link for her advice on developing a blog purpose.

As I was developing my purpose statement I realized what I haven't done enough of ... and that is share design ideas I've learned or had the gift of being able to execute as a stylist. Here are some of my thoughts on creating fresh design (by showing you some of my favorite images I've styled through the years)...

{Photographed by Kenton Robertson. Styled by Patti Borrelli for Belle Meade Signature.}

I love, love luxe, light neutral shag rugs. They always add instant luxury, texture and warmth. I'm also a fan of collections of shapes like the hint you see in the mirrored headboard. And I adore neutral, natural, textured linens like my favorite, this pintuck duvet from west elm. Plus, pink, always = pretty.

This is the real-life use of my fave duvet in my guest room...

...and more styling images that show how a richly textured neutral rug works perfectly for creating a fresh space. 


{Photography by Kenton Robertson. Styled by Patti Borrelli for Harden Furniture.}

{Photography by Kenton Robertson. Styled by Patti Borrelli for Harden Furniture.}

 Also, notice how an oversized frame becomes art, and how the collection of shapes + hints of nature add visual interest.

(...here are those same fabulous jonathan adler vases on my fall mantel last year...)

{Photographed by Kenton Robertson. Styled by Patti Borrelli for Belle Meade Signature.}

Layers of Art always work.   You can create your own art with a little creativity. See a few of my diy art ideas here.

White or neutral draperies, especially natural sheers are a go-to in styling (One of my favorite resources for beautiful Belgian linens is Restoration Hardware.) Here, sheers work as a luminous room divider to create a workspace (click here for more b+w chic images)

 ...and create a perfect neutral backdrop for this coastal-inspired dining room (more on coastal styling here)...

{The two images above were styled by me for Stanley Furniture. Photography by TTW Photo.}

... just a few design thoughts to hopefully inspire.

As for my blog purpose ... here's what I came up with...

Purpose Statement:

{For readers-}

The aim of BeSoStyle is to create a source of inspiration for design + style-minded readers.  Through fresh images + styling hints, I hope to motivate readers to style something a little differently in their home, do a simple DIY project or put together an outfit in a fresh way.  Small changes that build confidence + creative satisfaction. 

My signature style incorporates natural elements to create an organic feel.  I’d like to inspire others to bring instant beauty to their homes by borrowing from nature, adding natural textures + shapes.

{For me-}

BeSoStyle is my field of dreams. A place I get to share my inspirations-of-the-day. Inspirations for interiors + fashion.  And a place I share a “behind-the-scenes” look at my styling gigs, from the concept phase...through prop shopping, DIY creation, set decorating and completion of a photo shoot or visual display project.

My ultimate purpose for the blog is to make it profitable…which will allow me to better balance family, home and career.

I welcome your feedback and thoughts. Wishing you a wonderful week!

xo

patti

white pumpkins + feathers

Just got back from High Point, designing furniture showrooms in time for Fall Market {#HPMKT}.  Now I'm ready to style some of my own finds + creations. Here are a few of my recent instagram images to let you know what's been on my styling-obsessed mind...

...had to get a collection of these sweet white pumpkins when I spied them at the local farmer's market.

Together with my handmade sunprints (see here for my diy how-to.) they make-up my fall mantel. Of course, candles go with everything...

...and then there's my recent obsession...with FEATHERS!...

...these are my instagram snaps of feathers in the morning light and feather on snakeskin (box by Nate Berkus for Target)...

I have been pinning images, like these...

...and getting inspired to do something creative with feathers.  As often happens, I came across a blogger who had already done what I had been thinking of, and oh so well (see here for her how-to for framing feathers as art)...


{image via city farmhouse}

...and lastly, please visit the youngamerica blog for my latest diy: bohemian-inspired trays with mod podge and world market papers (I love how the trays turned out. let me know what you think)...

Hope you are having a good October. Fall is going fast...so seize the warm sunny moments and the chances for fireside chats with close friends. 

xoxo

patti