How To

5 New Trends Your Home Needs Now

December 3, 2015 by Lizzie Filed Under: Get the Look, How To, Inspiration Leave a Comment

The term ‘contemporary’ is evolving into a blended mix of new and old. It’s elegant and antique rolled into one happy space. The trend began it’s evolution from geometrics to ikat prints then moved on to brass finishes and is now including bright pops of unexpected colors and eye-catching details. Long gone are the days of bland, neutral and safe. It is time to start having a little fun again! Your home should be a reflection of your personality and your life, so make sure to include that in your designs. Here are the top five new trends to help you update your home!

1: Start mixing in some vintage inspired pieces. By adding an heirloom end table or chippendale dining chairs, your space will start to take on a whole new feel. One of my favorite ways to play around with this trend is to upholster a vintage chair with a modern fabric. This trend works well in any style. Here is a contemporary console with a mid century modern table lamp and ottomans by Emily Henderson. Simple, yet so effective!

2: In with the brass, out with the silver. While chrome is still very much in style, satin has taken a backseat to brass, gold and bronze. Whether your home is rustic or chic, this look can seamlessly work its way into your world. Think, tables, lighting and drawer pulls! And mixing chrome and gold finishes creates a layered and sophisticated look that will make your home a showstopper! Studio McGee transformed this kitchen and laundry cabinet doors with brass hardware.

3: Loosen up with your prints. No need to be stiff and rigid anymore! Balance out your geometric and striped prints with some floral, ikat or abstract prints. This will soften up the look of your home and make it more inviting. Win win! This otherwise traditional striped chair looks updated, fun and inviting with this ikat patterned throw pillow found on Domino.com

4: You most likely already have a great neutral foundation to your home, so this tip should be easy to incorporate. COLOR! Add in some punches a real color, not muted toned down color, but bright and vibrant color. Nothing makes a space feel more alive and all around happier than a fun pop of color. Doesn’t this bright rug on Domino.com just put a smile on your face?

5: Rug styles are moving in one of two directions. The first direction is shag. Who doesn’t love a nice, warm and fuzzy shag rug to run around on. But, if shag isn’t your thing (which I guess it isn’t everyone’s), classic oriental rugs are making a strong comeback, as well, but if you want to have even more fun with this, try one with oversaturated colors. Just look how this gorgeous runner gives this kitchen designed by Becki Owens a completely new feel.

These are all quick and easy ways to update your space, create a more fun and inviting feel, and put a smile on your face! Isn’t that what it’s all about really???

Holiday Metallic Pumpkins

November 19, 2015 by Lizzie Filed Under: Get the Look, How To, Inspiration Leave a Comment

I have found a new love…metallic spray paint! I really have to control myself because I want to spray paint everything in my house. I realize I am a little late to this party, but I am so happy I finally made it. Right now, I have extended my obsession from just the spray paint to these metallic pumpkins that I made for my Thanksgiving dinner table. They are so cute and fun, and they are at about the highest level of DIY that I am capable of accomplishing well. So, as I have said before, if I can do this, you DEFINITELY can do it!
DIY Metallic Pumpkins | Holiday Decor | Homegrown Interiors

My first attempt at this project failed miserably. I painted first and spray painted second, and I quickly learned that painters tape would take off all of the white paint. So, I scratched that and tried again. This time, I spray painted the entire pumpkin first, and then painted second. What turned out was amazing!

First, I used Valspar Metallic to spray paint the entire pumpkin. I thought I would make the most of having snow outside, and spray painted on top of the snow. I was able to shovel away any mess that I made!
DIY Metallic Pumpkins

After letting the spray paint dry for about an hour, I gently used painters tape to create a line around the middle of the pumpkin. Make sure not to press the tape on too firmly because it will take off a little of the spray paint.
DIY Metallic Pumpkins

Once I had my taped off line, I used Rustoleum American Accents Craft and Hobby Enamel in Gloss White to paint the top half of the pumpkin being careful not to paint the base of the stem. Once I peeled off the tape, I did have to go back and straighten out the line in a few spots, but nothing I couldn’t fix with the brush.
DIY Metallic Pumpkins

I love how they turned out, and with them being the perfect holiday party decor, I think I will hold on to them through New Years now!
DIY Metallic Pumpkins | Holiday Decor | Homegrown Interiors

For more holiday decor inspiration, check out my posts on dining table centerpieces and DIY candle holders that are easy and beautiful!

Easy Holiday Centerpieces

November 18, 2015 by Lizzie Filed Under: Dining Room, Get the Look, How To 2 Comments

With only one weekend left until Thanksgiving, it’s time to start checking all of those holiday chores off of your to-do list so you that you can sit back, relax and enjoy some turkey… or if you’re anything like me, you are ready to dive into that pumpkin pie! One thing we all have on our checklists for the holidays is to get our houses, and our dining rooms, company ready. Here are a few quick and easy dinner table centerpiece ideas to help you check one more thing off your list.
Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas | Homegrown Interiors

All Natural

I love using food in unexpected ways, and it really is so easy. The best part is that you can pick up everything you need while getting the rest of your groceries! These artichoke and asparagus candle holders are the perfect touch to your Thanksgiving table.
Thanksgiving Centerpiece | Artichoke Candle | Asparagus Candle | Homegrown Interiors

Use What You’ve Got

Instead of using traditional vases for your arrangements, try something a little different and more unexpected instead. Pitchers, wineglasses or mason jars make great stand-ins for the common vase, and they are more unique and fun. You can line your table with small bright bouquets in stemless wine glasses or mason jars, or create one big arrangement in a pitcher with a mix of lavender, greens and baby’s breath. Perfect for this time of year!
Thanksgiving Decor | Pitcher Vase | Metallic Pumpkins | Homegrown Interiors

Leftovers

Some of us are still holding on to our pumpkins from Halloween, and even if you aren’t and still want to try this idea, they are easily found at any grocery store. Pumpkins are perfect for the entire fall season and can make any house feel festive. You can use your pumpkins just as they are to create a sweet vignette anywhere in the house, or have a little more fun and break out that spray paint!
Thanksgiving Decor | Centerpiece |Metallic Pumpkins

When you are putting everything together, make sure you create different heights with your candles and flowers, and mix together candles, flowers and other pieces to complete your Thanksgiving centerpiece. A great idea is to put the display on a tray or stand so that you can easily move it when it’s time to make room for food. You always want more room for food!!!

Last Minute Holiday Decor

November 17, 2015 by Lizzie Filed Under: Dining Room, Get the Look, How To, Inspiration 1 Comment

With Thanksgiving a week away, we are probably all thinking “where did the time go?” Now it’s crunch time, and we’ve got to get our recipes in line, shopping list made, and get the house in dinner party shape. May seem like you’ve run out time, but here are 12 things that could take your Thanksgiving dinner party from good to great. There’s an added bonus to waiting until the last minute to get this shopping done…sales! Almost everything is on sale on this list. That should make your dinner taste even sweeter.

Setting the Table

I like to keep the placemats and napkins simple so that the dinnerware and centerpiece get all of the attention. Too many piece yelling look at me and it will all just become white noise. This Pottery Barn Classic Belgian Linen Hemstitch Place Mat in Ivory is the perfect foundation for your dinner table!

Add a soft touch of color with these Uno Mint Linen Napkins from CB2. These napkins will really make the grey, gold, copper and white color palette pop!

We all want something special for our holidays, but who wants to invest in fancy china that you only use 2-3 times a year, at best. I am obsessed with Anthropologie’s Ikat Thistle Dinnerware set. Use can pull these out for any dinner party or even add some festivity to all of your family dinners!

Place card holders are a great personal touch to any dinner party, and these Decked Out Feather Place Card Holders from West Elm are festive and chic!

Cocktail Hour

Have a little fun with your drinks and serve them in an unexpected way. These Gold Stemless Wine Glass from World Market are sure to catch people’s attention.

And if you already have wine glasses that you want to use, help people keep track of their own glass in a creative and festive way! Paint these Buzz Word Epoxy Stickers in gold and add them to each glass. You’ll create a natural ice breaker with words like “fabulous”, “party”, and “for you” sparkling on the sides of each glass. See how Hostess with the Mostess did this for her Thanksgiving dinner party here! I love how it turned out, and I will definitely be doing this at my house!

For all of those open wine bottles that will be floating around, add these brass oval Geo Bottle Stoppers from West Elm for a little touch of glam to what would otherwise go unnoticed.

Don’t let the wine have all of the fun. Dress up those cocktails too! These adorable Party Animal Cocktail Forks from CB2 will do just the trick. While you have your spray paint out for those Epoxy Word Stickers, you may also want to add a little bling to these too! I would just spray the animals though and not the fork part that goes into your drink.

If your bar setup is really lacking, you can get everything you need with this 30 Piece Barware Starter Set from West Elm. It comes with their white marble octagonal coasters and arrow cocktail picks (both of which I was going to add to this list on their own because I love them so much!)

Don’t have time to stand around mixing cocktails for your guests? Then just serve Jane St. Vodka premixed cocktails. They are all as delicious as they are pretty to look at!

With all these fun cocktails going around, your guests are going to need to hydrate too. Make your water just as enticing with this Airtight 66oz Pitcher with Infuser from Crate and Barrel. It’s the easiest way to add a little zing to your guests water!

And you can’t serve water this good in just any old pitcher. Dress that up too with the Legend Pitcher also by Crate and Barrel. The copper finish will look glamourous on your drink table or even as part of your table’s centerpiece!

You are well on your way to an amazing and gorgeous dinner party! Check out this post on some easy holiday centerpiece ideas, and this post on the easiest DIY candles you could ever try to make (that still look amazing!)

What are your favorite things for your festive dinner parties?

Top 20 Home Decor Stores

November 16, 2015 by Lizzie Filed Under: Get the Look, How To, Save and Splurge Leave a Comment

When I am shopping for my clients, I have my go to stores depending on their style, budget and needs. I am sure there are some of you out there that are ready to start decorating, but you just don’t know where to look. We all know about the basics, the Pottery Barns, West Elms, and Crate and Barrels of the world (which have their place in my searches, don’t get me wrong!), but to really get that well rounded and unique look, you aren’t going to find everything in one place. This is a list of my most used resources that will hopefully help get your project started… and finished. These stores cover a wide range of styles, prices ranges and products, and they will hopefully cover your entire project!

I am rating stores with a $-low budget, $$-mid range and $$$- for high end to help you navigate the list a little easier

Furniture
Wayfair $-$$$
Pottery Barn $$
Crate and Barrel $$
West Elm $$
CB2 $
Ikea $
Wisteria $$
Anthropologie $$$
Urban Outfitters $
Serena & Lily $$$

Lighting
Wayfair $-$$$
Lamps Plus $-$$$
Candelabra $$$
Lulu & Georgia $-$$$
Pottery Barn$$
West Elm$$
One Kings Lane $$-$$$

Accessories
Pottery Barn $$
West Elm $$
Caitlin Wilson $$$
Wisteria $$
Horchow $$-$$$
Anthropologie $$$
Lulu & Georgia $-$$$
Z Gallerie $$
One Kings Lane $-$$$

Art
Horchow $-$$$
Z Gallerie $-$$$
Artfully Walls $-$$
One Kings Lane $-$$$
West Elm $$
Serena & Lily $$$

What stores do you love that didn’t make this list?

Before and After

November 9, 2015 by Lizzie Filed Under: Before and After, eDecorating, How To, Inspiration, Living Room Leave a Comment

One of the biggest design challenges I see people facing is how to make the most of small spaces. Especially if you live in New York or San Francisco where “small” seems to take on a whole new meaning. This was exactly what my client Anna was dealing with when she came to me. She had a small living room with an odd layout and was in desperate need of more storage and seating. This design is a perfect example of how an effective floor plan can make a small apartment feel bigger and function better!

While most people’s initial reaction when faced with a small space is to push all of the furniture up against the walls, I suggested she switch out her sofa and chair for a small sectional, creating a cozy conversational/tv area, more seating, and a much better view when you walk into the apartment. Also, by bringing the sectional into the middle of the room, the back wall was now open for a storage cabinet. Her apartment is now the perfect place for relaxing and entertaining, and she did an amazing job styling it to show off her taste and personality! Check out her before and after pictures here:

: Before

: Before

: After

: After (this is the wall where the sofa originally was)

In need of a new floor plan for your home? Check out our custom floor plans and design packages here!

The Ultimate Guest Room Checklist

November 5, 2015 by Lizzie Filed Under: How To, Inspiration 2 Comments

With the holidays around the corner, many of us will be hosting a few (or maybe a lot) of house guests. We all want them to feel comfortable and at home, and with a few little touches, their stay will be memorable and touching. And the best part, it’s easy to do!

Fresh and Clean

It goes without saying that your guests need a clean room to sleep in, but nothing says clean like the smell of a fresh scented sheets and towels. Mix a little bit of fabric softener with water in a spray bottle and spritz your guests’ sheets and towels before they arrive. They will smell like they are fresh out of the dryer! You want it to be a nice surprise when they get into bed or out of the shower, not a smell that hits them as they walk in the door, so go easy on the fragrant fabric softener. My favorites are Seventh Generation’s Natural Fabric Softener in Blue Eucalyptus and Lavender and Method’s Lavender Lilac Dryer Activated Fabric Softener

Amenities

The little things go a long way… especially little shampoo bottles! I love to collect the mini bottles that hotels provide and store them in our guest bathroom. Whenever guests stay with us, I put out a new set so that they don’t get into the shower thinking they have shampoo only to find an empty bottle. It’s also a nice touch to give your guests a fresh bar of soap. You can also create a small collection of Q-Tips, cotton balls, toothpaste, mouthwash and hand soap next to the sink. I like to gather these from hotels and trips to the dentist!

Photo: loveitsomuch.com

Fresh Flowers

Who doesn’t love fresh flowers!!! A small bouquet of flowers by the bed is the perfect way to welcome house guests. Adding a little fragrance like lavender into the mix is even better, but make sure you don’t go overboard because just like with the fabric softener, some people may be more sensitive to smells that others. You can also add a small nosegay in the bathroom if there’s room. Flowers brighten up any room.

Photo: Brit.com

Making the Bed

The first impression is very impactful, so make sure that the first thing your guests see is a well pulled together space. Even if the room is squeaky clean, if it is missing these final touches, it won’t feel as welcoming (even if this pulled together look doesn’t last any longer than the first impression). My favorite way to create that first good impression is by creating a layered look on the bed. Have your sheet folded back just past the sleeping pillows, then fold the duvet cover about half way down the bed, and finally layer a folded blanket at the foot of the bed. This not only creates a stylish bed, but it also makes the bed look more inviting…as if they had hotel turn down service! Also, giving the guests multiple pillow options is usually a welcomed gesture. I like to have two Euro sized pillows standing up at the top of the bed, followed by two sleeping pillows, and then another sleeping pillow in front of those. I would limit throw pillows to one or two.

Photo: Apartment Therapy

A Tall Drink of Water

Everyone loves to take a glass of water with them to bed, even though we don’t always drink it. One of my favorite things to offer guests is this Cora Carafe from CB2. They can keep it by their bed and continue using it and refilling it for their whole stay.

Photo: CB2

After all this, your guests may never want to leave! See our post on how to get your house guests to leave…just kidding!