dreaming...

hi friends.

I've been busy working on some collaborations and can't wait to share one I'm working on with my twin sister Pam Stasney. We have been scheming for years about how we can meld our worlds and work on some projects together...so we decided to seize the day and just make it happen. I'm completely obsessing about a post she's pulling together and am crazy eager to reveal all the inspiration + ideas to you (soon, I promise).

Until then, I wanted to just give you a few thoughts and let you know what's been inspiring me lately. Honestly I feel like I need to make more time to invest in experiences that lead to inspiration. I need to take myself on an "artist date" and reflect, explore, and soak in all the creativity that surrounds. I wrote a post awhile back about our "cinema selves." ... and right now I'm feeling the need to tap into that, to become that vision of myself.

I'm dreaming of it. And as the saying goes, If we can dream it, we can become it. Right?
And let me tell you, putting dreams into action is lots of hard work. Ultimately one of my goals for this year is to work smarter. I haven't quite figured it out yet. So if you have any tips, feel free to chime in. I am wide open.

Here are a few pretty pictures that have me feeling motivated to create, simplify, organize + believe in the power of dreams...

{image via La La Lovely}

{image via pinterest, Oh My Dear Blog}

Find a fun "Let's Stay Home" Pillow here.

{Image via pinterest, Bauble Bar}

... and an on-trend pink choker here (or get one in every color) ...
I also found a great source for a sweet pink suede choker via Etsy (link here to the Etsy shop). 

{Image via Sincerely Jules}

I am dreaming of an organized office space. fresh + simple styles for my home + fashion. 

...and finding new coolness on instagram...

{image via Studio 125 Mpls}

(I just spied a set of 4 Eames-style pink dining chairs ...
link here to get in on the deal.)

{chairs available via Amazon}

Plus, of course, doing a little crafting. 

My latest creation: 

❤️ C R A Y O N  H E A R T S ❤️

(blog post here)  ...

Tell me, what's moving + motivating you lately?

C'mon, spill. I need some inspiration! 

xo

patti

secrets from a stylist: MIX IT UP!

Hi all!

Today, I'm handing it off to a special guest blogger...my twin sister Pam Stasney.  She too is a photo stylist {+ set decorator}.  She has designed sets for film, television + more...in NYC + LA...and has currently landed in Milwaukee. She was recently featured in the December issue of M Magazine: Milwaukee's Lifestyle Magazine {click here to read the full article.}

Take a peek at some of her interior spaces + listen to her insights into interior styling + design.  Here she is...

{Pam Stasney, as seen in M Magazine December 2013.  Photographer: Dan Bishop. Sources: Sofa from Architexture Home (Studio City, CA),Baker Chair designed by Barbara Barry and found on Craigslist, Sunburst Mirror from Plantation Home Los Angeles, Throw pillows from OneKingsLane, allmodern, etsy and Target. Area rug designed by Dwell and available at McNabb & Risley.  Turquoise Lamps from Target, White Ceramic Pagoda from Design Xchange, Pewaukee, WI.}



With years of experience decorating sets for film and styling photographs in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and now Milwaukee, I have learned a few trade secrets that I'd love to share with BeSoStyle readers.

First and foremost. It's all about mixing it up!

Mix High + Low

Ok, I admit, I have expensive taste, far beyond my budget.  I've learned that if you splurge on one or two statement pieces, you can supplement with bargain finds, without sacrificing style. 

In my office, I have a high-end, antique desk from a movie set I decorated (one of the perks of working in the film industry). 



{Pam Stasney Style Office.  Photographer: Dan Bishop.
As seen in M Magazine, December 2013.}

...but, my desk chair is a bargain find from Marshalls, designed by Cynthia Rowley.  Ikat pillow from OneKingsLane (an amazing resource).  And the stunning brass étagère is a second-hand find from Designer Consigner in Hartland, WI.

Another great way to MIX IT UP...

 

Mix Old + New

When I’m creating a lifestyle set, whether for photography or film, my goal is to create a space that feels collected over time.  Mixing vintage pieces with more modern elements makes the movie magic happen.  In my office, I created a gallery wall over my desk, a chic way to display a collection of art.  In the gallery, I have some cherished heirloom pieces:  an abstract painting from my Dad (Dancing Rainbow) and a small watercolor painted by my mother-in-law.  Alongside these heirloom pieces, is a mixture of contemporary art creations: a fine art print from my husband (Butterfly Peonia by Jeff Stasney), a graphic Golden Retriever Silhouette from Mod Dog/etsy.com, Fruit of the Spirit Print from Olive Manna, Spin Art from a friend (I just love kid’s art) and a DIY project I created on a whim.

Mixing old with new works when styling your bookshelves too.  Intermingle interesting objects alongside your books to keep it visually intriguing.

{Pam Stasney Style Office, Etagere Detail.  Photographer: Dan Bishop}

Mix Neutrals + Patterns

A neutral base is timeless and opens the way for color flexibility.  For my interior design clients, I usually recommend neutral colors and great textured fabric for the cornerstone pieces of a room. My sofa is a deep neutral grey.  Because I’m a California girl (at heart), my color accents are primarily the colors of sun and surf.  It’s what makes me happy.  With a neutral base, you are free to change up your throw pillows with colors and patterns to suit your mood-of-the-moment.  Simply changing the accessories can create a whole new feeling in your space, without having to spend a lot.

Before you begin your design project…

Create a Mood Board for Inspiration.

Here's mine for my office space...

Creating a mood board is definitely something I’ve learned from my work in film and photo styling.  Whenever I am creating a space or story, I first gather inspirations: fabric & wallpaper swatches, paint chips, objects of nature, interior or fashion photos that have a certain vibe, a piece of art, an architectural element etc…As you gather, see how it flows.  You will be able to edit and refine as you narrow down the feeling you want to create. 

When it comes to your personal space, surround yourself with colors and things that make you happy.

pam

 

styling lately

School is back in session.  Fall is practically upon us.  And I am motivated anew to re-organize and refresh. How about you?

I've been guest posting over at Young America recently. See here for my post on back-to-school style tips (inspired by my teen girls).

I also had a photo shoot this month and was able to style a few fun vignettes.  Here are some of my favorites...

We shot these images for Young America with Diana Parrish Design and Photography. I love the light in this shot...and of course that gorgeous chandy I found at Home with Heart in Charlotte (a great shop for one-of-a-kind interior finds).

 ...an instagram close-up of the chandy candy...

A fresh desk vignette because we all like to at least pretend we have organized desks and live orderly lives.

I styled this room with classic childhood nostalgia like the slinky + striped straws + Crayolas + bubblegum balls (more on decorating with candy here).  Plus the fun + color of handmade paper streamers. I found these shape streamers via etsy. I think they are perfect for a kid's space or any festive occasion. I'm always up for any excuse to throw a party.

I wrote more about this bohemian-inspired room set here.  FYI: Some of my fave prop shopping stops for creating a boho vibe are Anthropologie (yarn spools), World Market (votives)and Pier 1 (pouf).

Please let me know what you think of my most recent styling work. I love hearing from you!

Wishing you a colorful week!



xo

patti

work space inspiration

OK, It's not exactly spring, but I need to do some serious office cleaning & re-arranging. This is my current wall of inspiration...

It includes pics of some of my favorite places, like Paris & the beach. And my favorite people, my husband & two daughters.  It highlights some of my loves, like dance, dragonflies & art...& my go-to quotes for inspiration..."go confidently in the direction of your dreams."  And of course, overflowing are many of my fave styling tear-sheets from magazines & catalogs to inspire me.

But...I desperately need to update my board & re-vamp my office.  It has become the dumping ground for all unwanted, unidentified items (you know the drill).

To get me motivated, I found a few images of inspiration to kick into gear my office re-do.

I hope to emulate the vibe of these dreamy spaces...

{via matissecolor.blogspot}

{via Lonny June/July 2012}

{via The Design Files}

{via dustjacketattic.blogspot}

{via littlebitsoflovely.blogspot}

{all images above are on my "work it!" pinboard pinterest-BeSoStyle}

...And here are some work spaces I've styled for shoots.  Perhaps I can steal an idea or two from my own creations as well...

{I love the gray wall colour, the graphic b+w art & the fresh coleus stem.  This was shot for the stanley furniture Archipelago Collection by kenton robertson}

{I especially like the ampersand from anthropologie...the series of b+w Paris photos & the collection of architectural drawings...this was shot for Stanley's Avalon Heights Collection by kenton robertson}

{I love this detail of the groovy little chair sculptures, thanks to amazing furniture designer John Black, jblackdesign}

...So, here's to motivation & determination.  I need to get psyched and dig in. I'll show you how it turns out (eventually).

What's your nagging project? Do tell.  I'd love to know I'm not just sending this out to the great void.  Hope this blog motivates someone else to bring a little more style to their life too.

patti