Monday, October 25

Design Style

In the past few months I've been trying to reinvigorate my design style.  Not only in clothing, fashion, but also home and interior design.  I'm finding inspiration everywhere. 

A friend's blog had a design quiz posted forever ago, so during my design exploration I decided to revisit
http://www.sproost.com/.  Here are my results to share:

50% French Eclectic

 Parlez-vous français? Even if the answer is no, you can confidently say your home does! French Country, like its name, somehow manages to both be formal and casual, classy and unassuming at the same time. You like your spaces to feel inviting from the moment you (or your guest) opens the front door and this feeling should continue even after you've entered your most formal room. Even though there are French antiques here and gold details there, the rustic elements provide a balance and warmth that seems to say, "come in, relax and stay a while." Your love of antiques leads you to flea markets, garage sales and hours of eBay hunting.

Materials

The materials and pieces you are drawn to play on the mix of formal and casual. Many of the pieces look like they were passed down from your great-great-aunt (even if they are brand new!) and you managed to upholster them in a way that made that piece both then and now. Much of the furniture is wood-framed and the wood is either left natural (hey there rustic!), painted white (hey there country!) or even gold (hello refinement!). And many times there is a strong mixture of all of these. If you find yourself leaning much more towards the "country" side of things and away from the Parisian side, drop the gold details and replace them with wrought iron.

Colors

When it comes to color, you are drawn to bright and airy options. Thoughts of the French countryside are key - warm colors such as yellows, reds and oranges hinting at fields of gold. But the nice thing about French Eclectic is you can just as easily go in the opposite direction: pale blues and greens hinting at acres of lavender fields and expansive blue skies.

Space Planning

When you think about laying out your French Eclectic room the key is to invite people in and encourage them to stay. So furniture should be grouped nicely to encourage intimate conversation and the main pieces should be comfortable in both look and feel. There should be plenty of places to set drinks, prop feet and lean back. And yet the functionality of these pieces doesn't necessarily mean that they aren't beautiful antiques or replicas.

50% Nantucket Style


Oh how you love the beach! Who doesn't, right? And so your dream home is either perched in your favorite beach town, or you've brought that favorite beach town into your house.

Materials

Your art and accessories speak directly to the activities that are found at the beach. Pieces of driftwood you found here, pictures or paintings of the amazing views there. Things that remind you of the coast - surf boards or fishing boats - are found throughout the house. The feeling of the seaside is both abstract and literal in the design of your space. The fabrics are natural, cottons and linens and are light in color and touch. Much of the furniture is wood or wood framed (the lighter the better, think driftwood!) and wicker, when done right, is a must.

Colors

And since your true inspiration is the sea, the colors and textures in your home are the same that you would find at your favorite beach: white, light beiges and grays of the sand and driftwood, a variety of blues for the ocean and sky, and greens and vibrant blues of the sea glass... but the key is white! Your space should feel light and airy and give off the mood one has when at the beach: laid back!

Space Planning

Your furniture is comfortable and the layout is cozy. The more it reminds you of actually sitting on the warm sand the better! And what do you do at the beach? Hang out with family and friends - and your home is just an extension of this play place... and though the space is filled with large white furniture, it somehow manages to feel both durable and casual.

Sunday, October 24

I'm sooooo sorry :(

Ok, I know I've been MIA.  I am so sorry :(

Things have been crazy, busy, hectic and I have no other excuse; however, I am back and promise to post more frequently and consistently.

Let's get crafty.

Sunday, June 6

Wedding Success

Dad's wedding was a complete success!
I finished the dresses and followed through on my promises.

Dad and I also got to share a couple of special dances together:
In case you couldn't tell, we had a blast!


Tuesday, May 25

Hattie - The Home Ruler

My new sewing machine arrived on Friday. I could not be more excited!  Let the dress making re-commence. 

I ordered the Brother CS-6000i & I'm in love!
I've named her Hattie.  Hattie is a form of the name Harriet.  More importantly, it means "Home Ruler."  This is the most appropriate name I could come up with, as the dress making has officially taken over my life between now and Thursday evening when I leave for my Dad's wedding.

I'm almost done with the dress; just a couple of hems left to complete.  The best part, Hattie has a Blind Hem stitch and presser foot.  YaY!  My life made just a little bit easier.

This is my final weekend of insane travel and I will get to relax and enjoy some down time with my house, puppy, and crafting again soon!

Monday, May 10

Party, Party, Party

The boy and I have been traveling for the last two weekends.  With shortened weeks, and longer work days, the few days between our travels have been exhausting; however, they are the worth all the fun we've been having.

Two weeks ago we traveled to our Alma Mater, Virginia Tech, to celebrate the inception and rechartering of his our beloved fraternity (I'm a little sister for the fraternity).  Friday night one of our favorite brothers played at the bar we always drank at.  We each enjoyed our favorite drink, The Rail, which involves inordinate amounts of clear rail liquors but somehow still tastes delicious. 

The weekend was a blast.  So many of our friends, a few nights of debauchery, and pretending we are 21 all over again, even some quality with time with the bf's little brother. 

We made it back in town late on Sunday night and had just enough time to unpack, and repack to leave again on Thursday.  This time we were headed down to Charlotte, NC for two of our dear friends' wedding.  My boyfriend was not only in the wedding but the best man.  The wedding party included many of our friends and even more were invited.

The wedding and bride were both stunning.  The bride and groom couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day.  Just beyond the 18th hole of a deep green North Carolina golf course, they became husband and wife at 4:53 pm.  The bright pink and orange spring colors were displayed everywhere including a delicately decorated three tier cake, bright formal bridesmaids' gowns, place card holders where color denoted your meal choice, and gorgeous centerpieces ranging in height and breadth.
Our friends sang and danced the night away participating all the traditional wedding activities.