Mixing It Up In Kitchen Decor

There are probably few people on earth that don't think about how they would change their kitchen. The excitement of planning a new kitchen can be daunting because there are so many fabulous ideas, it's so hard to pick a style. I love the kitchens that really mix it up with old and new. Here are a few favorites:

SHOP THE STAGING:

-Those steel wire dining chairs are sold out from Terrain, but lucky for you, I found their original source HERE and they make the stools too. 

 - To get the cowhide rug look without the REAL cow, here is our favorite alternative in a FAUX COW HIDE RUG. These are amazing and come in different colors!

The copper paneling on those cabinets are so fabulous. 

I love these pendant lights for an easy copper fix:

Imagine dropping these copper pendants in this white kitchen below! Swoon...

PHOTO CREDIT VIA

How simple yet stylish is this white kitchen. The lamps on the counter are a fun idea. Love the X detail on the end cabinet panel. Honed marble countertops are always a good idea in my book. 

Does this kitchen not exude French Patisserie fabulousness. Imagine waking up every morning to croissants and espresso in this space everyday??

PHOTO VIA

Shop Orange Accent Lantern Pendant Lighting 

Oh and did I mention those ah-mazing pendant lights come in different colors! Like "hello YELLOW!!"

The Industrial European vibe is just so cool and romantic. 

I love the simple cabinetry and wood color in this kitchen. Some kitchens just look better with warm tones and mixing grey colors with wood tones is an amazing way to modernize any space.

Which one can you see yourself living in? 

I have to say the last photo is my favorite.

Inspired Design: Eric Olsen

ARCHITECT + DESIGNER, Eric Olsen is designing some brilliant spaces. Perusing through Eric's project list, there are so many fabulous mixtures of stone and reclaimed wood ideas. 

There are a few design elements that I know are on my "must have" list for my new home and Eric showcases some of these with absolute perfection.
California design influence typically makes it's way to the North East with a slow and subtle force, so I just have to share some of the homes from Eric's website.  They are just so so good. 

One of favorite elements! Gray window frames!!

Those exterior doors!! 

Check out Eric Olsen's website here.

Interested in getting the reclaimed wood look on a ceiling or a wall however, need an easy solution? Perhaps covering a popcorn ceiling or textured wall? 

We love this product called Stikwood! Super easy to install and looks fabulous. 

Stikwood wall installation

Inspired Design

The summer is flying by and we have been busier than ever with floor planning new model home designs. The real estate market is bustling and we have been shopping like crazy for a few upcoming projects. Shopping for a project is great and I would NEVER complain about the fabulous job I have, and yet, it does bring about a little over-stimulation in the brain. I'm constantly looking for new designers and inspiration that is attainable and stylish but doesn't fall into the "mass-blog-it", "mass-pin-it" world.

 Although trendy, I have a slight addiction to things with a link pattern. So, when I saw this piece of art  by a artist Jordan Carlyle, I had to purchase a version for my own home.

While looking through Jordan's portfolio, I discover that he is also an interior designer with fantastic taste and timeless style. I also noticed that there have been plenty of popular blog posts about him, so I guess I'm late to this party. :) Perhaps redundant, I decided to post anyway because I'm psyched about getting this artwork!

His designs have a modern sexiness, without tipping in a gender specific direction. I think he has some great styling ideas and I'm certainly inspired by his mix of modern with a classic twist. Check out his portfolio at Carlyle Designs.

(pillows from RH,) (Missoni throw in orange)

Love this idea for an entry table.

Imagine taking a small, white room to a whole new level with this!

Honestly, gray grasscloth never gets tired.

GREAT update idea for oak stairs!! That gray railing, that runner, that grasscloth! 

All images from Jordan's website. 

He has a collection of beautiful art and furnishings. A must see.

Outdoor Furniture & Design- Get ahead in the Fall!

As Fall approaches, (my favorite time of year!) I am finally getting around to planning my back yard space. This house has taken me forever because we are NEVER home, between me working on client's homes, having 2 kids and husband that also works like crazy. But finally, it's time and one of my last lose ends before the house will be ready to sell. 

Since my post on planter boxes is my most popular post, I thought i would share some of the processes and sources I am using for the outdoor space design and furniture.

I started with fabulous Landscape Designer Angie Verge @ AV Garden Design

She gave me the plan of attack with a full list of what to plant, where, on my budget and knowing that I have no business caring for high maintenance plantings. 

Since some of these can be best planted now, I better get moving.

Now I've got the plan for the yard.

 The deck is pretty big and is in okay shape but I hate the railings. I am planning to take the railing off and install a Chippendale style railing. This is my favorite style and I can say without doubt that 

I have NEVER met a Chippendale style railing I didn't die over.

@ Pinterest via Martensen Jones Interiors

I actually have a large recessed platform for a hot tub yet, 

I'm considering making it a warming firepit area instead.  

 

 Image via Thomas J. Story

I'll be getting some fabulous planters for sure, which reminds me...

You MUST see the absolutely stunning gardens from Robin Kramer Garden Design 

Robin has totally inspired me to have some ornamental hedges

 (images via Robin Kramer Garden Design )

 And I'm totally planting some giant alliums

(image via cloth paper scissors)

When it comes to outdoor furniture, this is an easy one because I absolutely love the line we offer called Skyline Design. Our clients from Nantucket to Rhode Island -to- Boston to Maine love it! 

Here's what is going on my deck.

(Available through New England Home Staging & Interiors)

And a little of this over by the warming pit.

Images via Skyline Design 

Most of our clients start getting excited about outdoor furniture buying right around the same time every year. Can you guess when?

Yes-Right before (like 3 weeks before)the 4th of July.

 Our phones start buzzing and everyone wants the same thing; outdoor dining sets, traditional look with a modern twist, Restoration Hardware but a better value. If you missed the pre-spring boat, late summer is a great time to order your outdoor furniture.  Not to mention, how great is it to snuggle with hot cocoa and a fire in the New England Fall weather!

AHHH- I cannot wait for Fall! And to get this yard done.