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