Itching for a household Makeover?

Sometimes being a decorator is an occupational hazard.  New trends introduce new fabrics, paint colors and furniture styles. It's no wonder that at least once a year I tell my husband, "we should consider selling our house." When the topic recently came up, again, he asked if I was serious or just needing a new project.

While I pondered the idea of what exactly was "bothering me" about our home I decided that I would re-purpose some furniture and rugs that I already owned. Who knew that re-locating my living room rug to the family room and swapping out our kitchen table for a table my husband had in his bachelor days would scratch my itch to move!  

Here are some before and after pictures of my new digs. And it didn't cost me a penny!  By the way, the rug I rolled up from the family room is for sale. Try to look past the photography! The "before" shots were done professionally and I just snapped the "afters" myself.  

Family Room " Before"

Family Room "After"

Who knew that a new rug and throw pillows would completely reinvent this space? 

Living Room "Before" 

 Living Room "After"

You don't have to hire a decorator to transform your space. This understated rug settles the room and a few accessories and pillows are all I needed to feel like I was walking in to a completely new space. 

 Kitchen "Before"

Kitchen "After"

Such a transformation! Who knew an old bachelor pad table would get the job done so well? Changing the shape of a room, in this case, swapping out a rectangular dining table for a round one, always makes a space feel new and fresh. I also think it makes the kitchen feel more intimate.  

Favorite New Find: Language of Flowers

I am so excited for my new tees from London’s coolest, and recently launched boutique brand, Language of Flowers. While recently in Anguilla, I met these two cherubs, Alexandra and Stephanie, while sipping piña colada's poolside. Emanating a cool factor of +10 I asked them what they did in London.  Their story is practically romantic: two best friends who always wanted to work together end up collaborating to design edgy, yet romantic screen printed tees  on what is perhaps the worlds softest cotton.  My favorite is the Viola boyfriend-tee. 

Take a whiff... fall in love with Language of Flowers

Chrysanthemum "Loyalty"

Phlox "United Souls"

Forget me Not "Never Forgotten"

Dog Rose "Pleasure and Pain"

Good news, they ship internationally and if I have my way they will be in stores in America ASAP!  In the meantime, visit Language of Flowers.

Color Crush: Apricot and Gray

Before I departed for my 10^th anniversary tip to Anguilla, I was clearing through fabric samples in my office and came across this Bob Collins sample. I loved the subtle elegance of the soft apricot and warm gray color combination. While on vacation I was inspired to create the Apricot and Gray Pinterest page.  I guess I'm not alone in loving this color combination, there were loads of images to pin in the design world, both for home and fashion! What color combinations are you loving for Spring?

Bob Collins Fabric available through Griffin Design Source

Layer the dots and stripes for fun pattern play! 

Stripe and Stitch Pillow from Anthropologie

Fouta Beach Towels from Serena and Lily

Zoe Cashmere sweater from Club Monaco

For warmer days, I love this linen boatneck top.

Linen Dolman Tee from J.Crew

J Brand Leather Skinnies from Intermix

What I would do for this Celine bag........

Gorgeous greige nail polish from Dior

Cream blush from YSL

Image via pintrest

Bar Carts

It's official! The signs of spring are finally showing. I enjoy nothing more in spring than unwinding after a long week with a Pimm's Cup, curled up in a chair on the patio. With nice weather on the horizon, it's time to start stocking my bar cart. Warmer weather always welcomes unexpected guests so I say it's better to have everything you need for an impromptu get together than scrambling all over the house and fumbling through cabinets.

photographer Emily Minton Redfield

I love the simple, mid century lines on this bar cart and the super shiny chrome finish. You can get a similar look here. 

Glasses

Spanish Wine Glasses from Canvas Home

This glass is one of my absolute favorites. I love it so much that I featured it a few weeks ago in my "Perfect Little Glass" post. The size is great for cocktails so you don't over-serve, and it doubles as a wine glass. The versatility makes it perfect for a bar cart. Plus, it's affordable so no worries if one happens to break.

Ice Bucket

Ice Bucket from Sister Parish Design 

Sister Parish Design makes a charming ice bucket and it comes in a number of prints inspired by their fabric collection. I love the lucite handle with the bold pattern.

Ice Bucket from iomoi

IOMOI makes tons of adorable customizable pieces with Chinoiserie-inspired motifs and monograms, from lucite trays and ice buckets to canvas totes and smoking slippers.

Spirits, Wines, and Garnishes

• I always like to have a few different types of hard liquor on hand: vodka, tequila and gin are currently the resident options. 
• A red and a white wine. 
• Versatile mixers. Get mixers that pair easily with a variety of liquors so you have more flexibility with what types of cocktails you can concoct
• Nice water. For those who aren't drinking, it's nice to feel like you aren't the red headed step child getting tap water.
• Lemons and limes are a must
• Pistachios. Always have a little something to munch on.

Want more bar cart inspiration? Check out my Bar Cart Pinterest board for extra ideas.