Life of a designer...Bridal Shower

My life is a little crazy right now.

Big things are happening!

I shared last week that Roost is moving up to bigger and better things, including offering design services.

Getting things up and running is proving to be a difficult and time consuming, yet rewarding journey.

Meanwhile, my personal life is going at a mile a minute.

I've been planning my wedding for two years (yes, I've been engaged that long) and suddenly find myself with only four months left to plan.

A designer planning a wedding is a dangerous thing.

We're also moving. Next week. No big.
I'm a wee stressed.

Enter my fabulous sister.

She's the left half of my brain and the glue that keeps my together on most occasions.

Knowing that I tend to stress over decision making and looking for an excuse to immerse herself in wedding blogs...she planned the most amazing bridal shower a girl could ask for.

I want to share a few of the photos with you.

She's not a designer or an event planner, just a creative at heart.

This is living proof that you don't need to be a professional to create something truly beautiful in any space.

The details...

The shower was almost totally DIY (except the amazing lunch and cake), including the escort card display.

The gorgeous cake with hand created sugar flowers. 

Milk glass vases filled with beautiful white hydrangeas decorated the tables. Most of the milk glass was an inheritance from my grandmother...the rest was salvaged from antique stores and online bargains.

All the paper goods were a huge DIY project made by my sister and her husband. They were painstakingly cut to size by my loving mother.

The gift boxes at the head table contained a sweet little handkerchief that had personalized monograms sewn by hand (again by my sister).

Guests received an ivory wrap that was tied gracefully to the backs of the chairs. 

My favorite image featuring the champagne cocktail and all the pretty details.

Lastly, please allow me to share a semi-embarrassing picture of yours truly.

Luckily, my sister knows me well enough to not try to put a bow hat on me!

The tulle was from a gift, however.

Wasn't it beautiful?

I'm a lucky, lucky girl.

Now...back to work. There's lots to do!

Happy 4th!!

The 4th of July doesn't have to be just one day a year.

Here's a little Independence Day Inspiration for your home for all 365!

Eclectic Living Room design by Amsterdam Media And Blogs Holly Marder

Eclectic Entry design by Austin Interior Designer Frisson

Traditional Living Room design by Portland Interior Designer Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.

 

Contemporary Living Room design by Other Metros Architect Marcelo Brito Design

Contemporary Dining Room design by New York Interior Designer Glenn Gissler Design

Traditional Exterior design by Other Metros Architect Christian Gladu Design

Sources:

http://www.houzz.com/photos/328501/Houzz-Tour--A-light-filled-South-Holland-eclectic-coastal-home-eclectic-living-room-amsterdam
http://www.houzz.com/photos/104236/Harlem-Apartment---Hall-eclectic-entry-new-york
http://www.houzz.com/photos/71296/West-Coast-Hampton-traditional-living-room-portland
http://www.houzz.com/photos/124395/Marcelo-Brito---Sao-Paulo---Brazil-contemporary-living-room-other-metros
http://www.houzz.com/photos/65441/Glenn-Gissler-Design-contemporary-dining-room-new-york
http://www.houzz.com/photos/356940/Strauss-Residence-traditional-exterior-dc-metro

Simple Rules for Colorful Spaces- Issue 2: Neutral Palette

Image Source: Michael Abrams Limited, Interior Design. North Seely Avenue Residence

www.michaelabrams.com

I don't know about you, but I love a good neutral palette.

It's a classic for a reason. It looks good in every style home and is easy to achieve on your own. 

The key to perfecting your neutral space is understanding that 'neutral' does not have to mean boring. In fact, neutral rooms sometimes require more thought than colorful ones in order to avoid looking stark. 

 Here are some tips to planning your perfect (neutral) palette:

- Paint the walls a color, not just white. I love the Benjamin Moore "Shaker Beige" used in the room above

- Avoid using the whitest shade of white that you find at the paint store. Go with a creamier tone for a warmer feeling

- Neutral rooms go great with natural flooring. I love a rustic wood floor in a bedroom or natural stone mosiac in a bath.

-Mix in some metallic accents

- You don't have to just paint the walls! Consider incorporating some paneling (or reclaimed wood planks!) or large patterned wallpaper in some areas.

-Don't be afraid of patterns! Notice how the room above uses bold pattern to add interest. Patterns are easy to add in furniture, rugs, and wallpaper. If you want, start out with bold patterned pillows before you make big ticket purchases or spend a day hanging wallpaper.

-Mix different wood colors. Nothing is more boring than a room with only one species and stain of wood on the floor, furniture and accessories.

- Play up the texture. Neutral rooms benefit in amazing ways from varied texture. Incorporate all types of materials from wood, to linen, to silk to keep it interesting and cozy. The image below is a great example.

Image Source: House of Wentworth by Amy Lambert Lee. "Pearson's Room" See sources for link.

 - You can go as light or as dark as you want in your palette! The top image focuses on beiges and creams. The super cute nursery above focuses on shades of white. 

-Don't rule out greys! Neutral colors that pull towards the cool side of the spectrum can look great, too!

Here's what I love most about the neutral palette:

It's so easy to buy for! Every store that you love will always carry products that will match your neutral room. So, long after your new cherry red washer and dryer go out of style (more on that later), you'll still be loving and buying for your classic neutral palette. Not only that, but you'll love it longer, too. 

Neutral is always in season. 

Glam it up for the holidays with some greenery and metallic ornaments. Make it feel more summery with some rope accents and woven rugs...and maybe a nautically inspired pillow or two.

Neutral palettes are so easy to love and even easier to implement at home. 

Enjoy!

Sources:

Top Image: Michael Abrams, Limited Interior Design. North Seely Avenue Residence. View this image and the rest of Michael Abrams' portfolio at http://www.michaelabrams.com/north-seeley-avenue-chicago-illinois

Bottom Image: House of Wentworth by Amy Lambert Lee. "Pearson's Room" posted Sept. 6, 2010 at http://houseofwentworth.com/2010/09/06/pearsons-room/