Thursday, December 12, 2013

Going Beyond Red & Green: Bringing A New Feel to Holiday Décor

I have a fun guest today teaching all of us a little bit about holiday colors and how we can incorporate different color scheme's into our holiday decor. I hope you enjoy!!

Dagmar Obert is a designer for Balsam Hill with over two decades of experience transforming homes into spaces that reflect comfort and elegance. More of her how-to guides and inspiration articles on decorating and entertaining can be found here. You can follow her on Pinterest and Houzz.

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Some things about the holidays should remain constant. A tree, wreaths, candles, string lights; these are all essential to a well decorated home. But who’s to say your color palette can’t change as often as the seasons? There’s a way to incorporate the most unexpected color choices into winter décor; just as long as you have those basics, the accents you add in will be just as appropriate (and a lot more interesting) as the red and green you’ve been sticking to year after year.


Gold and Cream

If you want a classic palette, then you can never go wrong with gold and cream pieces. The elegance and timelessness of metallics isn’t to be questioned, and they look lovely when added in to almost any decorative style. Just make sure you eliminate as many other colors as possible; that winter wonderland effect is much easier to achieve when you tuck away your brightly colored accessories in favor of a more muted palette.


 1. Sunburst Mirror 2. Pinecone Stocking 3. Antler Candle 4. Deer Figurines 5. Gold Chargers




Turquoise and Brown

If you’re a little tired of the more traditional motifs, then branch out a little by choosing pieces that are a subtler call-out to the season. In this color combination, rustic wood tones are nicely balanced by faceted or glittery glass. They’re both an understated nod to that cheery wintery look; no need for elf figurines to get the point across. A roaring fire and some hot drinks on that tray will complete the picture of sophisticated, modern festivity.



 1. Reclaimed Wood Tray 2. Faceted Vase 3. Wood Grain Wrapping Paper 4. Wood Bowl 5. Fish Ornament





Pink and Orange

If you want to try a color palette that’s even more outside the box, then why not be a pioneer and incorporate pink, the new Pantone color for 2014, into your holiday décor? And punchy, bright orange is the perfect complement to add into the mix. The combo is normally pretty summery, so be careful not to go overboard. The key here is to incorporate plenty of evergreen foliage along with white or metallic pieces, just using these brighter colors as the final layer of accents. This maintains the seasonal look, but adds a playful and energizing twist.



 1. Plaid Blanket 2. Dessert Plates 3. Lacquered Tray 4. Dinosaur Ornament 5. Lowball Glasses

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What do you all think? Could you try one of these fun color scheme's in your home or do you go for more of the traditional red, green & white?

Thanks Dagmar for giving us some fabulous holiday inspiration!



Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Our Christmas Mantel 2013

I have been a busy bee around here trying to get the last minute holiday decorating finished! I am usually done by now, but have been taking my sweet time enjoying little DIY projects here and there. I am trying to savor every minute and keep December from flying by.



Today I am happy to share my simple Christmas mantel with all of you. Each year I do something a little different to change it up a bit. Last year's mantel was a bit more traditional with magnolia leaves and bows. This year I have added some color and gold! I made the gold glittered letter for each of our stockings and added a little greenery and velvet ribbon to add some contrast against the plain stocking.



I am still in love with my Oh Holy Night sign designed by Kate's Letters. She did such an amazing job! It has become one of my favorite Christmas decorations.



The felted ball garland was a DIY from a couple of years ago. These little guys have made their rounds from room to room over the years. I bought the balls from Ornamentea in Raleigh. They have so many neat colors. I am tempted to make one of these in different colors for the nursery!



Can you tell I am going for a bit more simplicity this year? Something about de-cluttering and using just a few items that you love really creates a relaxed atmosphere!









You might have noticed that I brought my striped ottoman down from the master closet. It needed a little time to shine and I think it is a perfect spot to show it off! 



These adorable gold and white gift boxes are from HomeGoods. I couldn't resist!!







So now that it is cold enough to use the fireplace here in NC, I am happy to turn it on and enjoy looking at this years sweet and simple Christmas mantel.

How about all of you...do you have a mantel or sideboard that you decorate for the holidays? How did you decorate this year?...any creative ideas for all of us!?



Friday, December 6, 2013

Neutral Nursery #4- Guest Post {Emily A. Clark}

It's Friday! Can you all believe it? I am so sad that this fun Neutral Nursery series is coming to an end. I have so enjoyed seeing other's perspectives of the same room that I am going to design for baby to be. I have taken bits and pieces from each room design and I can't wait to share the progress after the holidays with all of you. Thanks for following along! Nursery Design #1, Nursery Design #2, Nursery Design #3


Today you are going to see what the amazing Emily A. Clark has designed! She is another talented designer who is no stranger to the nursery scene, since she has 5 children! Her home is so inviting and she creates spaces with class and practicality. Emily is also one of the sweetest ladies. I have been in touch with her over the past few years via blogging and finally got to meet her this past summer at the Haven Conference in Atlanta. I am so excited that she is apart of this series. 

Let's see what my girl came up with, shall we?..................

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I’m honored that Amy asked me to give her my two cents about what her nursery should look like.  I came up with what, I hope, is a fun mix of both feminine and masculine elements that could be played up more either way with artwork and accessories, depending on which little blessing she brings home.  I’m excited to see her nursery come together and more excited about the plan God has for her family.




Sources:
Painted Animal Head

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Don't you feel instantly relaxed when you look at this design? I seriously think I just got sleepy! (That's a good thing since baby needs to sleep in there.) That crib is just beautiful and oh so classy. The metallic edged mirror gives the room a little texture and you can never go wrong with stripes in a nursery whether in a rug, painting or window treatments! I love that sweet ottoman fabric. Take a look at it closely..it has animals mixed in with the leaves. So sweet! Thanks so much Emily! I absolutely love it!

Now I have some serious decisions to make. At least the walls and ceiling are prepped and painted. Now comes the fun part. Hope to be able to share some updates with all of you after the holiday season. If you are visiting today, you can see our Adoption Announcement Here. A HUGE THANK YOU to my sweet ladies for being apart of this series Courtney, Denise, Abby & Emily. XOXO

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I will be back here next week with some holiday decorating and entertaining tips. Hope to see you all then! 





Thursday, December 5, 2013

Neutral Nursery #3- Guest Post {Abby M. Interiors}

Man alive! My head has been spinning from all of these amazing ideas over the past few days! How about all of you!? If you are visiting today...Welcome! You can catch up on our Adoption story Here and play catch up with our last neutral nursery designs Here, Here & Here.



Today we are seeing the design of Abby M. Interiors. I have also met her through this amazing journey called blogging! She is one talented lady and if you want to see more of her interior designs, be sure to stop on by her site. So without anymore rambling on...enjoy!!

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Hi all!  I am so excited for Amy and her husband.  What an amazing journey!  I was thrilled when Amy asked me to participate in her neutral nursery series.  It's possible that if I had to chose what type of room to design over and over again for the rest of my life, it would be nurseries.  I'm a nursery fanatic. ;-)


cow| swan| stork| rabbit| crib| ottoman| glider| pillow| table| dresser| pendant| mirror| lamp| clock


I spoke with Amy regarding her budget, so there are a few splurges (glider & mirror) mixed with more reasonable items.  Babies see contrast best, so I kept the room in a relaxed, graphic, black and white with metallics feel.  The original watercolors are hip but still sweet enough for baby and toddler.

I hope you like what I've put together!  Remember, neutral can still be interesting and stylish. xo





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Seriously...do I have the best blogging friends or what!? I am so blessed to have all these fantastic ideas to ponder for my sweet nursery! Abby is an interior designer in Michigan and one of the sweetest ladies I know. Thank You Abby for being apart of this series!

So let's talk about Abby's design, shall we? This is definitely a sophisticated babies room and I absolutely love it! Once again those water colors are amazing and I might have to get my hands on some of those! The glider is chic and could totally work in any room after baby is grown up. How about that amazing light fixture? I can only imagine what images it produces on the walls of the room when turned on. Baby would sure love that! And..last but not least is that adorable Moroccan Fringed Pouf! Love that it brings a little fun and texture into the room.

My Oh My...are you all amazed at these design boards or what!? So if the last three days haven't been enough Neutral Nurseries for you, we have One More tomorrow! The lovely Emily A. Clark with be sharing her design. 

See all you sweets then!


Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Neutral Nursery #2- Guest Post {Gratefully Inspired}

Can you all believe it is hump day!? Does it always seem like the holiday season just flies by? I know!



Well I hope you have been enjoying our series on Neutral Nurseries. I am beyond thrilled at what my designer friends have been coming up with. My mind is swirling with ideas and I can't wait to dive in and start that sweet nursery after the holidays. If you missed our Neutral Nursery #1 Yesterday, you can catch up HERE

Today's design is by the lovely Denise. It is funny how we met through blogging and we actually have some mutual friends that live here in Raleigh. Small world! You are going to love her design...let's take a look.

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Hi there Eat.Sleep.Decorate Readers!  I'm Denise and I blog over at Gratefully Inspired.  When I found out about Amy's journey and her bundle of joy I literally wept tears of joy.  I am so so excited for their sweet family.  I just had my own little bundle 4 months ago on July 30, 2013.  You can see her nursery here.  But for Amy since she doesn't know boy or girl, here is how I would decorate a gender neutral nursery!


neutral nursery


all sources found on Polyvore


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Oh My! More amazing ideas! Those sweet animal watercolors are from etsy and are quite adorable! I am also in love with that glider...sleek and modern! It seems like it would be so cozy. How about that fantastic dresser with the sunburst design? A DIY perhaps? Gaahh! So many decisions!

Thanks Denise for another fabulous design! Tomorrow we will check out another Neutral Nursery Design by the lovely Abby from Abby M Interiors!! 

So tell me...what is your favorite item in this design?


Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Neutral Nursery #1- Guest Post {A Thoughtful Place}

Today Kicks off our mini series on Neutral Nurseries! You are going to love what Courtney from A Thoughtful Place has put together for our baby to be! If you are visiting today...welcome! You can catch up on our adoption announcement HERE and update HERE. Enjoy!!


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Hi all! I am so, so honored to be hanging out here on Amy's blog. I had the pleasure of meeting Amy at Haven this past year and we hit it off right away. She is one of those people you could get lost in conversation with for hours. I know that Amy and her husband will be the most amazing parents to the child that is just waiting to be loved and cared for. I was thrilled when Amy asked me to put together a neutral nursery. I honestly think that nurseries have come a long way. I love the idea of a nursery being rather neutral so that the toys, sweet baby clothes, cozy blankets and art work can create a colorful atmosphere. I also believe that neutral pieces can carry over into their toddler years much more seamlessly. You can add or switch up accent pieces whenever you wish. Here is what I created for Amy and her baby to be!

Pin It

drapes // crib // artwork // dresser //  table // pouf // chandy // pillow // pillows // rug 

Amy, thank you so much for having me and for letting me a small part of this process. I can't wait to see the beautiful room you create for little one!!! We will all be cheering you on. 

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Oh my goodness! Thank you Courtney for this amazing design board! I am loving the gray muted tones paired with the pops of oranges, greens and blues. I am also crushing on that modern crib with sleek lines and that Moroccan pouf is a must! And..um Hello fabulous chandelier!

Tomorrow we will see the lovely Neutral Nursery design of Denise from Gratefully Inspired. Can't wait! This is so much fun!!!


What do you all think? What is your favorite part about this design?



Monday, December 2, 2013

Adoption Update & Guest Post Series (Neutral Nurseries)

Welcome to Monday friends! I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving with friends and family. And if you didn't celebrate Thanksgiving I hope you had a wonderful weekend getting ready for the holiday season ahead. My mom and I went shopping on Black Friday and I am pumped to say that I am almost done with my Christmas shopping! I am feeling a lot less stressed this year than previous years. How about all of you? Did you make it to the malls?



Today is a random post updating you on what is happening this week. I am so excited to announce that I have Four wonderful designers and bloggers that will be sharing ideas on how to create a Neutral Nursery over the next Four Days!!


Tuesday- Courtney from A Thoughtful Place
Wednesday- Denise from Gratefully Inspired
Thursday- Abby from Abby M. Interiors
Friday- Emily from Emily A. Clark


I asked these lovely ladies for some recommendations on my nursery that I will have to get started on very soon. Since we won't know maybe until the last minute whether we will be adopting a boy or girl, I have to think Neutral. Neutral doesn't have to be boring or the typical Yellow and Green or Gray and Yellow.

Of course I don't have any BEFORE pictures for all of you because when I switched to my new I-phone, I lost all of my pictures from January 2013- September 2013. Not sure why 2011 and 2012 saved, but unfortunately the before pictures of the nursery are gone!

I do have this one pic from Instagram showing the progress I made on painting the room. I chose Amazing Gray for the ceiling and Shoji White for the walls. The last pic in the series is only the first coat of white paint. I needed two coats to cover up the previous blue/gray color. Sorry for such junky pics..but you get the idea!




Here is the little floor plan of the nursery. This has been a guest room and you can see the way the room has been layed out. It is the smallest room in our home (11'x10'), but will work perfectly for the baby to be.

2-D Design:


3-D Design:


On the Adoption Front...we are making great progress. We finished our home study a few weeks ago and our assessment has been sent to the supervisor for review. We should hopefully find out in the next week or so if we have been approved. Then we will literally be a "waiting" family. In the meantime the Hubs and I have been working feverishly on our profile book and thanks to Picaboo's 50% off black Friday deal, we placed our order this past weekend! Last order of business...making a short video of our life. Should be interesting and fun.  







So that's that around here! Hope you come back tomorrow to see what Courtney has in store for our sweet Neutral Nursery!

Happy Monday sweet friends! xoxo



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