Inspired To:

{image via BHG.com, and pinned to my Inspiration Kitchens board}

INSPIRED TO :: Paint a gutsy color… on my cabinets. on my walls. on my bookshelves. on my accessories {I’m thinking, my bar tray}. on my fingernails. To enjoy the current fun phase of two-toned kitchens. To think outside the box when it comes to kitchen colors. Get serious about the storage in my kitchen. Clean out, oh, say 12+ cabinets in my kitchen! Display my prettiest of plates. Look around for other ways to use a bright lemon-lime color – maybe paint a desk in glossy lemoncello!!??

So. What does this picture inspire you to do/feel/create/think……

What are you Inspired To?

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Today’s ditto* features a beautiful cool toned living room that is off the beaten path due to its soothing, yet gutsy, color scheme. I say gutsy because I always think it is bold to choose a color other than a neutral for your sofa. Yet, overall, the room has a classic and traditional feel.

This room is a lovely balance of color, textures, and height. Let’s study what makes it so amazing so that we can bring some of these fantastic design elements into our homes.

*{What exactly is a ditto? :: The list below will break down for you many of the decorating concepts that are employed in this great space. As with all of our dittos, let’s study the DETAILS of what makes this space SO AMAZING, so that we can learn how to add more beauty to our own homes!!! And, as always, I look forward to hearing from you and finding out what you would ditto, too. So, be thinking!}

 {design by A. Wentworth via Elle Decor}

DITTO :: {WHAT I WOULD STEAL FROM THIS SPACE}:

1.    THOSE ICY COOL TONES.

Soft purples, soothing turquoises, and pale grays are used in a sophisticated way in this space. It would be easy for these colors to read as too frilly or two girly, but that is remedied by the use of rich fabrics and streamlined furnishings. And those lavender velvet sofas are the perfect example! Ditto!

2.   THE FIREPLACE WALL.

This is a fantastic fireplace wall which is well worthy of study. My first favorite thing is that the is flanked by symmetrical bookshelves that boast storage at the bottom. This is probably my favorite way to “do” a fireplace wall. My second favorite thing is that the walls have a splash of color. More on that in a bit. Thirdly, I adore the antiqued, huge, gold framed art {at first I thought it was a mirror}. And finally, I love all the detailed trim around the fireplace and the bookshelves. It adds so much interest to the entire fireplace wall. Ditto!!

3.  VELVET SOFAS.

I am completely in love with velvet sofas. We have a velvet sofa. We love it. It has major family endurance {as long as it is a synthetic or cotton velvet}. I suspect  that these sofas, due to their sheen, may be silk velvet. Silk velvet is a fabric I would only consider for pillows at this stage in my family life, but it is a TO-DIE-FOR fabric. And take a look at the velvet in lavender! It is not heavy at all, and could easily dispel the myth that velvet is only for winter.

4.  CREATIVE FLOOR PLAN.

This room boasts plenty of seating, which I love. But I am really impressed by the interesting floor plan in this room. There are two sofas, but they are arranged so that they are separated from each other. The only furniture symmetry in the floor plan exists in the floral slipper chairs. Definitely has me thinking! Ditto.

5.  COLOR INSIDE YOUR BOOKSHELVES.

This is nothing new, but I thought I would take a moment to remind myself and others: it is so simple to add smashing style and color to your home simply by painting the backs of your bookshelves.

6.  SPLASHES OF HOT PINK.

The hot-pink leather Moroccan ottomans and a fuchsia floral arrangement are all it take to give pink a presence in this space. I love fuchsia, and I think it is amazing and fun in small but powerful doses in decor. Notice how just a tiny splash of hot pink adds much vibrancy to the room. Ditto-worthy indeed.

7. SUBTLE SIGNS OF THE SEA.

I think that this space serves as a very tasteful use of seaside elements. There is a definite nod toward the maritime, by the use of shells, corals, and cool tones.  Have you ever read my post “to theme or not to theme?” where I discuss excellent ways to incorporate real touches of your true loves into your decor? Well, this space is a perfect example of tastefully employing those concepts without crossing into the realm of “theme-y.” I would ditto that about this space, for sure!

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SO much goodness.

Love anything I did not mention? or…

WHAT WOULD YOU DITTO {STEAL} FROM THIS SPACE, 1-7? SOMETHING ELSE?

I LOVE HEARING YOUR THOUGHTS!

 

 

 

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This is the simplest of posts, because I want to share the simplest of tips with you today:

You know… Drusilla…. one of the ugly stepsisters??  I’d like to think I am still Cinderella, but truly, I no longer fit into ALL of my glass slippers.

And, by any chance, do you have shoes that are too small for you now {a not-so-wonderful-fact: our feet usually spread out as we age }?

Might I suggest that, if you have shoes that pinch a bit, you cram a sock into them?

Yes. Brilliant. I know. Cram a sock in it.

But it really does work.

Cram those big ol’ socks in.

Cram them in very tightly.

And if they don’t stay put, cram some unsharpened pencils in to hold the socks in place. One pencil end at the inside-heel, one end on the sock.

And then leave them in your closet for a while. A long while {not an exact art, but I am thinking a month+, at least}.

Then, voila!

Those shoes you bought in Italy before you birthed 2 children will actually fit again.

 Which is cause for the happy dance. Don’tcha think??

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Calling all shoe lovers, check out ShoeDazzle:

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It is no secret. I love beautiful things.  But hopefully, it is also no secret that I believe beautiful things are only so important. There is SO much more to life!

So, I truly do get giddy when we can shop for a cause. It is like killing-two-birds-with-one-stone {really. there must be a less morbid way to say that!}. And that is why shopping Fair Trade items is a love of mine.

Have you all heard of Novica? What  COOL mission they have! Fair Trade all the way, baby.

So, in the name of all-things-good-to-shop-for, I thought I would put together a list of Fair Trade Beauties that are, clearly, amazing works of art. Oh, and SUPER stylish. And GORGEOUS. Not to mention: surprisingly fun to buy.

Which is your favorite??

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{1. Alpaca Blend Wrap 2. Leather wristband bracelet 3. Leather Ottoman Cover 4. Cotton Cushion Cover 5. Benjarong Porcelain Jar  6. Leather Handbag 7. Alpaca Blend Throw 8. Celadon Ceramic Jar 9. Buriti Palm Tote }

Have you ever considered purchasing Fair Trade?

Are you surprised at all of the choices of fair trade items? Which is your favorite??

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Novica also has a division called Novica Live, which offers the opportunity to become a home consultant of Novica’s amazing fair trade products. Click here to find out more! There is even something about a trip to Bali…..

Additional Novica goodies to love: pearl chandelier earrings, Balinese sterling silver bracelets, and cotton shawls

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