sweet somethings

This weekend we had an early dose of spring here in the Carolinas. 70+ degrees in February is such a treat. We tried to savor every moment before the sun went down. I love when neighborhoods come to life with signs of spring in the air. Warm weather is good for the soul.

Recently I decided to take some time each week to do something that makes my creative soul happy, even if it's simply buying some pretty flowers at the grocery store, like these lavender lovelies...

...Or, working on moodboards (a fav way for me to gain some inspiration). I did this Valentine-esque moodboard, inspired by COCOCO. Who can resist these three sweet somethings...Roses, Chocolates + Chesterfields...

How yummy is that chocolate leather + all that tufted goodness? 

❤️❤️❤️

I just wanted to take a moment to share a few things I'm loving lately...

Chocolate + cherries. {Image via thefirstyearblog ... 
link over to get the recipe for Cherry Cake + Chocolate Ganache.}

Spring fresh art. {Art via Etsy.}
 Spring Bouquet by Cortney North
{Link here to get yours}

Pink velvet. {Image via the stripe : the Quirk Hotel, Richmond}

Graphic details. {Butterfly design by India Mandavi. 
Image via Milk Decoration}

Cozy spaces. {Image via instagram brittnimehlhoff}

Feather love. {I made these DIY JuJu Hats for Smartstuff ... and I'm still obsessed. Source: My go-to Etsy shop for all that feathers}

Prop Styling. {Photo by Kenton Robertson for Belle Meade Signature. Styling by moi.}

and
❤️C R A Y O N  H E A R T S❤️
{I crafted these for Smartstuff. See my post here.}

...What are you loving lately?

Wishing you + yours a Happy Valentine's Day!!!

xo,

patti

a fresh take on holiday decor

Happy December!

It's so funny, at first the flood of holiday posts seemed premature... but now I'm feeling behind...and like I better catch up before I miss it.  Oh the peer pressure of social media and all us design-y bloggers. Don't get me wrong, I love the holiday inspiration + festive entertaining ideas...but seriously, it can be a little overwhelming. Am I the only one? We are surrounded by "Marthas" these days. It's a good thing. :) 
So much creativity + so many ideas! 
But here's the real deal...

You need to be you.  
And I need to be me. 

We need to find our own design voice. I just read an interview with Meg Ryan in Architectural Digest, and loved her comment, "...with decorating I am in control; it's a chance for me to bring my vision into the world." Love her! ...and love that thought.

My holiday decorating is not over-the-top ornate, and I'm okay with that. In fact, I kinda dig that it's not. Just call me a rule breaker. 

Fresh + simple is my design language, for the holidays + for always. 
Yes, I have managed to actually adorn that naked tree, but I loved capturing the beauty of its utter simplicity.
I would call my style a mix of Scandi minimalism + boho vibes. 

Here are two recent finds on instagram which are my current inspiration...

{image via AHomeFor DesignCrafts}

{image via Karla Venegas-Quiz}

I also wanted to share a few hints for a fresh take on holiday design:

1. Keep the color palette simple. Of course, I have to stray from tradition (surprise, surprise). My colors this year: white + pink, with hints of aqua + mint.

2. Bring in elements of nature. Fresh pine is a timeless cue that the holidays are upon us. I also love using pinecones + branches to add organic shapes + textures.

3. Don't be afraid to keep some decorations in the box. The past several years, I've freed myself of the obligation of putting it all out and it's liberating. Don't be afraid to re-invent some items with a fresh coat of paint (Oh the colors my pinecones have been!).

* * *

Keep an eye out for my instagram to see more as the holiday decorating continues. I also did want to share a recent holiday DIY that I did with SmartStuff4Kids. I made these sweet + simple sand art terrariums for the holidays {photos by Rex Yau @crobarcreative} ...

📷 by Rex Yau

Aren't they the cutest? See my DIY video here...and the blog post here.

I am in love with bottle-brush trees for the holidays. Some of these were from my personal collection (Thanks @targetstyle)...others I sourced via Etsy (my go-to source for all things hand-made). Etsy artists make beautiful hand-crafted bottle-brush trees AND Etsy is the perfect source for colored sand and glass terrarium vases. See all the colorful options here...

{Etsy sand source}

Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more of my latest inspirations.

So, tell me, what's your holiday design voice? I'd love to hear from you.

xo

patti

mood boards + fall feels

Happy Fall ya'll!

With Thanksgiving just two days away, I know everything will turn all holiday soon. So before the white snow-inspired decor hits your home and mine, I want to take a moment to appreciate all the beauty that is fall.

I'm always + forever a lover of collecting fall leaves to appreciate their beautiful shapes + colors just a little longer. And I love adding layers to my interior like my favorite white hide rug + lots of luxe throws.

I've also been bringing in fresh branches to add a little fall to the inside too.
How about you? (Or have you already begun the holiday transformation?)

I've been doing my best to take in all the amazing fall colors before they blow away...

...{Image via Instagram + Susan Andrea}...

Isn't this image just stunning? Such an incredible capture of nature painted pink. I confess, I've been perusing Instagram on the regular...

...and slightly obsessing over nude suede (since my boots above just bit the dust). 

My favorite inspiration so far ...

 ... {image via pinterest + hello fashion blog}...

I'm still on the look-out, so let me know if you know of a good source.

My mood boards + design concepts have also been inspired by fall ...

This one is a fresh mix of pale tones + organic elements, plus some cozy textures, like my DIY juju hats and lush pom-pom throw. I wanted to blend the warmth of brass with cool white, and mix in some soft shades of blush + coral. 

The next design concept is inspired by moody vibes + salted caramel dreams.

There's just something about a caramel leather sofa, Am I right? I added some hints of deep navy + metallic hues to classic + timeless neutrals...and mixed in some cocktail inspo just for fun.  

...{Images on Moodboards via pinterest}...

When it comes to designing interior spaces, every design project starts with the inspiration. Perhaps a color palette, a piece of art, or a favorite find.

My moody moodboard was initially inspired by my infatuation for a specific leather at COCOCO ... what do you think? Pure cool, right? {It's actually Pure Saddle, on the Arden + English Arm Sofas} ... link here to get one of your very own beauties.

I usually don't have any luck finding just one image that summarizes the look I want to achieve. I tend to pull from many different sources + of course from within my own crazy design-obsessed mind. Anyone else with me?

To start any interior project, I like to create an Inspiration board...A one-page overview that visually sums up the goal for the space.  It's an evolution of creation.  It starts with One idea and as the layers are added becomes something totally new.

Mood boards + virtual designs are great tools to formulate the essence of the look + vibe you want to create. These visual collages help define + direct the essential pieces needed to make the design you're dreaming of come to life.

My advice to clients is always to start with the elements you love and build from there.

Tell me... what projects are you working on and dreaming of? 

I'll just be over here dreaming of some salted caramel something...

{image via InspiredTaste}

Happy Thanksgiving !!! 

I'm so grateful you stopped by. 

xo,

patti

fresh start

January is like a re-set button, at the very least a re-fresh key. It's time again for goal-setting + mood boards. Honing in on new + fresh ideas.

What new ideas are stirring for you?



I've been obsessed with natural light...

{#silver #pom #stirsticks + @anthropologie #candlestick in the #morning #light}

pink...

{my quick-and-easy #DIY #painted + #glittered #pink #pinecones}

{a holiday centerpiece with @worldmarket #silver #tray, @anthropologie #candlesticks
+ #pink #votive, #painted + #glittered #pink #pinecones, plus #driftwood}

pom-poms...

{my go-to #pink #pompom #scarf from @oldnavy}

...white peacock feathers...
+ cozy details...

{some of my fave personal props... @jonathanadler #vase, @targetstyle #journal + #gold #bowl, @westelm side table + box, @etsy #peacock #feathers, white #cowhide #rug + #candles}

How about you...what's your obsession for the new year?

xoxo

patti

summer lovin'

I've been blogging over at in-the-gray recently...see here for the latest.

I love being able to share creative inspirations + what I'm lovin' lately. My hope is always to inspire you too...to somehow light a fire or re-kindle a passion...give you a new idea or a fresh look.

Here are a few recent finds that have me motivated...

My artist friend Mandy hooked me up with this inspiring read. And as suspected, I love it! Such great quotes, quips, ideas, inspiration...Seriously, check it out. I promise it will motivate your creative soul.

I found these fun summer sandals on sale at Target...and took advantage of summer sun shadows for a quick instasnap.

I also found this amazing water color + beeswax. I so adore... just had to share.

 ...and what would a summer post be without a beach cruiser? Don't we all just want to be there? (I know I do)...(image via paper social...what is it about Australian bloggers?)

...fell in love with this summer do... just wishing I had my daughter's long hair to pull it off (image via)...



{image via alovelybeing}

 ...and these are my most recent styling + design inspirations. I love the freshness. Of course they all have hints of white + aqua + pink... what's not to love?...



{image via stylebyemilyhenderson}



{image via theeverygirl}

Here's to summer sun, cocktails with friends and fresh new style...

xo


patti

bohemian love

Been crazy busy with a showroom design gig (more to come on that after High Point furniture market) and spending a lot of time over at in-the-gray ... see my latest post on global influences in design (there are lots of fabulous inspirational interior images).

While I'm on the subject of global, bohemian style, I dug out one of my fave issues of domino magazine from 2008 featuring Amanda Peet's home.  It's always been a go-to source for creating a bohemian feel. There's lots of layers, candles, pink, textures, coolness, chicness.  I'm a fan, obviously.

Here are a few images to spark your interest (all images via nathan turner design)...

I remember being inspired by the images of Amanda Peet's home from domino magazine to add a little touch of boho to my space. I coincidentally had a photo shoot with a Moroccan theme ... so I did some prop shopping at world market and target to create a tray of candles with a hint of Morocco...

Of course I lit them just this morning to add onto this blog post. Here's what my morning looked like through my instagram lense...

Coffee + Candles = Morning Therapy.

Isn't it crazy that it's so dark in the mornings after the time change?

Hope you've had a great week.  Can't believe this month is racing by oh-so quickly.

Wishing you beautiful moments.

xo

patti