Meghan Blum- Living In Style

Re-Create this look

2012-02-01T08:01:00.000-06:00

We often see rooms we love and wonder how to re-create these spaces? Here are a few of the items that can help you re-create this room! Enjoy!

Items available at The Mansion

Beautiful Bouquet's

2012-01-30T07:33:00.000-06:00

Want to change the look of your foyer or living room? A easy way to do this is by creating a large beautiful bouquet. It can bring a new color to your space and also add a nice organic feel to the room. It also adds a little drama to the space when you have an over scaled arrangement.
Photos: Pinterest

Fashionable Friday!

2012-01-27T08:24:00.000-06:00

What a beautiful, colorful dining room! A very uplifting look for the gloomy days of winter! Have a wonderful weekend!

Photo: Elle Decor

Loving this...

2012-01-25T08:30:00.000-06:00

I love the laid back look of this kitchen. The crisp all white aesthetic is so classic, especially when paired with the clean black trimmed windows.

Photo: Atlanta House & Home

Chandeliers in the Bedroom

2012-01-23T08:15:00.000-06:00

A chandelier in the bedroom can really change the look of a room. It can add a little drama and sophistication. Here are a few pretty rooms with beautiful light fixtures!

Photos: House Beautiful

More Wallpaper!

2012-01-18T08:07:00.000-06:00

Here are a few wallpaper patterns that I've been enjoying lately! All are new and available at The Mansion!

Fun ways to use Wallpaper

2012-01-17T07:44:00.000-06:00

Wallpaper can really make a unique statement in a room. I think the following pictures are a few fun and easy ways to incorporate a pattern you love into your home.

Photos: Renovation Style

A Fresh Look for the Laundry Room

2012-01-16T08:10:00.000-06:00

What a beautiful laundry room! This would definitely make the chore of doing laundry a little more exciting!

Photo: Style Court

Fabulous Friday!

2012-01-13T07:47:00.000-06:00

What a beautiful sitting room! I thought this was only fitting to be a part of my fabulous collection of rooms! A few of my favorite details are the window treatments (Did you see the applique?) and the fret work going up the center of the chairs! I also love the color combo!

Photo: Traditional Home

Space Saving Desk

2012-01-11T07:59:00.000-06:00

Not sure you have enough space for a bookshelf? Or even a desk in a room? Check out this shelving unit... It's a great way to display books and treasured objects as well as have a small desk. A great space saving unit!

Photo: Elle Decor

Gold Accents

2012-01-09T07:04:00.000-06:00

Gold accents are very popular in the home right now. You can find them in furniture, wall accents, & accessories. It's a nice way to bring in the texture of another material as well as add a little glam! Here are a few of my favorites.

The Mansion

Collection of art and...

2012-01-04T08:39:00.001-06:00

The winter months leave us inside and spending a little more time in front of the television. I think this collection of artwork is a fantastic way of disguising what really is the center of attention. The mirrored chest right??? In my mind yes, but my husband would definitely say the TV. I guess this is what you could say is the perfect balance!

Photo: Atlanta Homes Magazine

My Inspiration

2012-01-03T08:16:00.000-06:00

I was lucky enough to have the week off from work between the holidays and with that came many projects at my home. One of which was a little chair project inspired by the picture above. I have been hanging on to this ad from Scalamandre all fall and knew at some point it would come into my designs. I picked up an antique Baroque chair this past summer and decided it needed some red paint and a once and red check! So I painted the chair last week and am taking it to my upholsterer tomorrow! I'm sorry I don't have the chair to show you quite yet but hopefully soon I can reveal the finished product! I know I can't wait!

Photo: Scalamandre

Cheers 2012!!!

2012-01-02T19:59:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year!!! I hope your new year festivities were fabulous and kick-started your best year ever! 2011 was a great year for me both personally and professionally but it's exciting to think of what a new year brings. I love the picture below and it's message. Let's make this a year that is remarkable and anything but average! Cheers to a great year!

Photo's: Tobi Fairley

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T05:30:00.000-06:00

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy the time with your loved ones!

Photo: Traditional Home

Holiday Craft

2011-12-23T05:25:00.000-06:00

I think this would be so fun to make! I might have to try this with some of my favorite Christmas bulbs!

Photo: Bright Bazaar

Holiday Mantels

2011-12-21T16:46:00.000-06:00

If you are still needing some motivation to get your home decorated for the holidays I have some pretty pictures for you! Enjoy these Beautiful Holiday Mantels!!

Photos: Traditional Home

Table Decorations

2011-12-19T04:36:00.000-06:00

It's always fun to set the table around the holidays! I love adding a little holiday cheer to your dining table. It's a great area to get a little creative and really make it dazzle! I think these table's are really beautiful!

Photos: Atlanta House & Home

Simple Holiday Decorating

2011-12-16T09:48:00.001-06:00

Over the top holiday decorating isn't for everyone. In fact sometimes less is more! I like the simplistic look of this entry chest. It gives you the flavor of Christmas without going overboard. Plus how easy would this be to make??All you need is a nice large vase with silver glass bulbs. Then go pick a few branches from outside and put just a few of your favorite holiday decorations on the branches. Then time to enjoy your new creation! Hope your holiday decorating is going well!

Shop Locally!!!

2011-12-14T09:39:00.001-06:00

Thank You to everyone who has supported the small neighborhood stores this year! They have great items and work hard to make your communities brighter! Please remember them as you do your holiday shopping this year!

Photo: Unknown

Double Sided

2011-12-12T08:10:00.001-06:00

I really like the way double sided glass cabinets work into a home. I like the way they separate the different areas as well as still allow you see through. Also when done as all white like the picture above it makes everything feel light and airy! What a beautiful room!

Photo: Jessica Helgerson

Fashionable Friday!

2011-12-09T09:08:00.000-06:00

What a sexy sitting room! This room is all about the glam! The tile on the fireplace is a unique detail. It's time to open some champagne and enjoy this beauty! Happy Friday all!

Photo: Traditional Home

A Few Holiday Ideas

2011-12-07T08:49:00.001-06:00

It's always fun to see how other's decorate for the holidays. I adore the fun details in this holiday home. So simple but yet so much impact!

Photos:

Atlanta House & Home

Dark Ceilings

2011-12-05T08:33:00.000-06:00

I love the way a dark color looks on a ceiling. I think it is really a great way to add more depth to a space. It is often a tough sell to clients as it kind of an unusual idea. Many times people think it will make it too dark. I saw this picture over the weekend and thought it was a great example of using a dark color on the ceiling. What do you think? Could you do it?

Photo: House Beautiful

Love this!

2011-11-30T08:23:00.000-06:00

I love the detail of this door! It is so unique and beautiful!

Photo: Unknown

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

2011-11-28T08:51:00.000-06:00

The Holiday season is here! I love this time of year and all the excitement that is in the air. I also love decorating the house for this special season! A couple beautiful interiors!
Photos: Traditional Home

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T05:48:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you are spending the day enjoying the company of your loved ones. It's been a great year and I have so much to be Thankful for! Have a great day!

Cozy Room

2011-11-21T06:05:00.001-06:00

A cozy living room for a festive fall week! I love the wood grain rug! Looking forward to a fun week ahead!

Photo: Canadian House & Home

Local Giveaway at Hard Hats High Heels

2011-11-16T21:52:00.003-06:00

Head over to Hard Hat's High Heels Blog and Facebook page today to get entered into a fun giveaway. They are giving away a fun Gobble Turkey Kit from AllSpice. If you haven't made it into AllSpice you should, they have a wonderful assortment of goodies to spice up your next meal!

Photo: Hard Hat's High Heels

Lovely Lavender

2011-11-14T07:30:00.002-06:00

Enjoying the lavender in this bedroom. It is so soothing! I think the picture below would be a beautiful bathroom to this bedroom.
Photo: Thibaut, Osborne & Little

Fabulous Friday!

2011-11-11T08:12:00.000-06:00

I thought I would share this fabulous bookcase this Friday! Isn't it lovely?? I really love the collection of books and the way they've displayed them! Enjoy!!

Photo: Elle Decor

Casual Elegance

2011-11-09T07:53:00.000-06:00

I love the casual elegance of this California Home. It has a wonderful mix of coastal, modern, & glam! What I especially like is the entire house is very neutral with a pop of color in the accents. Each room's accents are a different color. Also make sure you take a look at the rugs in each of the rooms. They all have a beautiful pattern, giving the room a nice graphic feel!

Photos: Coastal Living

Dwell Studio

2011-11-08T08:32:00.000-06:00

We have all come to love Dwell studio for their fun pillows and textiles for the home. So how exciting they have a home accents collection now too. They have the same fun graphic nature as their textiles. Here are a few of the fun new items! We've already had a few of them in at The Mansion and they are stunning! Enjoy!

Have a nice Monday!

2011-11-07T08:21:00.000-06:00

Monday is here already! How can that be?? Thought I would share this quote with you to kick start your week! Enjoy!

Photo: 10 rooms

Hard Hats High Heels

2011-10-31T08:15:00.000-05:00

I was excited to join the women of Hard Hats High Heels last week. I was honored to be part of their show and it was so much fun to do! We spent the hour talking about design and sharing ideas. You can watch the show here.

Photos: Hard Hats High Heels

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T07:55:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween! What a beautiful fall day to celebrate! Whether you're having a party or just looking to add some fall accents to your house here are some great ideas! Enjoy!

Photos: Martha Stewart

Happy Friday!!

2011-10-28T08:54:00.001-05:00

Have a great weekend!

Photos: Canadian House & Home

Coastal Living Beach House

2011-10-27T08:33:00.000-05:00

I love this coastal inspired bedroom designed for Coastal Living's Dream House. It has a beautiful tranquil feeling to it. The throw is also one of my favorites, it is one I have in my home too!

Photo's House of Turqoise

Wall of Books

2011-10-24T08:14:00.000-05:00

The cooler weather has me wanting to curl up and start a new book. What better way to do this than in a cozy room. I think any of these libraries would be a great way to spend an afternoon. I love how they are stocked full of lots of books! Plus what better way to showcase all the books you've read that a wall of books! Hope you're got a great fall book!

Photo's House Beautiful

Designer Visions: Thomas O'Brien

2011-10-19T07:47:00.001-05:00

I enjoyed seeing the work that Thomas O'Brien did for Veranda's Designer Vision's Show House. As I've said before I really appreciate his aesthetic and philosophy. He has a unique view on design. Thomas O'Brien has a collection of furniture for Hickory Chair which is a brand of furniture we use regularly at The Mansion. So, I was happy to see he used many of these pieces in the Show House. I also enjoyed seeing how he used them in his designs. Because Hickory Chair has the flexibility to offer so many finishes and options it was fun to see Thomas' vision. The upholstered bookcase he created a few season's back is one of my personal favorites. I'll feature some of these products later in the week!

Photo: Veranda

Magazine Feature

2011-10-18T15:26:00.003-05:00

I was pleased to be the featured designer in this month's Homestyle magazine. They asked me some questions as well as feature some of my work. What a honor! You can read the full article here.

Photo: Des Moines Register

Heading South!

2011-10-13T07:08:00.000-05:00

Heading to Arizona for a few days! I'm excited to get away and take in a new scenery! Looking forward to the 90 degree weather and getting in some time by the pool! Enjoy the rest of the week and see you Monday!

Color of the Moment

2011-10-12T08:24:00.000-05:00

Fall has me inspired by all of it's beautiful orange colors. Which is also drawing my eye to orange interiors! Love this color right now!

Photos: House Beautiful, Lonny

Sitting Area

2011-10-10T08:06:00.001-05:00

In some very large living rooms it can be a bit overwhelming to find a layout that uses the entire space. Which is why I like the picture above. I love pairing 4 chairs together. It is a great sitting area to a very large room. It feels cozy, and offers an extra area to sit and hang out.

Happy Wednesday!

2011-10-05T09:59:00.000-05:00

It's another busy week for me but I wanted to leave you with this pretty dining room! Hope your taking some time to enjoy this beautiful fall weather!

Photo: Canadian House & Home

A Delightful Mix

2011-10-04T05:51:00.000-05:00

I think this entry has a beautiful mix of accents & furniture! The pieces are very traditional in style but overall the look has a very updated, fresh look. I think this entry has a really nice mix of styles to it!

Photo: House Beautiful

Fall Baking

2011-09-30T07:47:00.000-05:00

I'm going to spend the weekend enjoying the fall season. One thing on my to do list is to do a little fall baking. If I was a little more organized I would of gotten a invite out to have my friends over to enjoy it. Wouldn't it be fun to sit around the dining table above and eat some of the beautiful fall goodies below! Have a great weekend! Hope your doing something fun!

Photos: Traditional Home, William Sonoma

A few options.....

2011-09-27T07:13:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I showed a few bedrooms that use upholstered headboards. Here are a few pre-made upholstered headboards from various companies at The Mansion. But believe it or not sometimes I still can't find the exact shape and size I'm looking for so, I create my own. We have a workroom that we work with that we can do the exact specifications we are looking for. It is a great option!

Upholstered Headboards

2011-09-26T10:39:00.000-05:00

I love using upholstered headboards in a bedroom. I think why I like them so much is the sky is the limit on the design. You can really set the mood and style of the room by the headboard. Plus you can use any fabric on them which again can allow you to really stylize a space. You can do a rich velvet fabric or a really outstanding printed fabric. Here are a few fun shapes and styles of different headboards.

Photos: Atlanta House & Home, House Beautiful

Fashionable Friday!

2011-09-23T08:44:00.000-05:00

This living room is a beautifully styled room! The colors are wonderful and so inviting. I especially love the artistic staircase in this home! Happy Friday!

Yellow Interiors

2011-09-21T08:40:00.000-05:00

I love the fresh look of yellow interiors. I think the yellow and gray combo are extremely smashing together! These rooms are so lovely and have so many great details to them! Enjoy on this bright and sunny day!

Photos: Traditional Home

Let me introduce you...

2011-09-19T08:02:00.000-05:00

Let me introduce you to Blum Family Chiropractic. My husband David has recently opened his own chiropractic office in the Des Moines westside neighborhood. My sincere apologies for my long break from blogging but I've been busy getting this office up and running. It's been a whirlwind the past 6 weeks but I'm finally able to touch base with the real world. The office officially opened last week. I am so proud of my husband and all of his hard work! The picture above is David & I having a toast to the new office! The office went under a major transformation. We changed the layout, painted all 2500 sq ft of space, and gave it a major facelift. I am so happy with the way the interiors turned out. I will do another blog post with the before and after pictures as well as some more shots of other areas. If you live in the Des Moines area and are looking for a chiropractor giveDr Blum a call at 515-277-2300! Here are a few shots of the office!

The Adjusting Room

Dr. Blum in his office.

The waiting area

My niece Claire & I at the opening reception!

Dr. Blum doing his first adjustment in the new office!

The Receptionist's Desk

Therapy Room

Beach Living

2011-08-08T09:03:00.000-05:00

There is nothing better than a room with a beautiful view. When rooms have a a view like this I like it when the decor is simple. I think it's best to let the view take center stage and this all white interior does just that! I hope your getting to enjoy this hot summer!

Photo: Coastal Living

Modern Living

2011-08-01T10:03:00.000-05:00

I like the mix of this modern condo and traditional details. It has a really nice balance of old and new things. I also like the way they treated the windows and softened the hard steel beams. Have a great week!

Photo: Canadian House & Home

A perfect dinner party

2011-07-29T09:48:00.001-05:00

I think this is a beautiful dining room and I think it has a nice summer feel to it as well. It makes me want to host my own dinner party. Which got me thinking to what a good dinner party needs, besides the food and wine of course. A few neccessities to a great dinner party include:

Great access to the kitchen from the dining room,

A beautiful table setting, and

Ambience in the room is a plus too! A beautiful buffet setting or drapes. Now, I just need to figure out my menu! Have a great weekend!

Photo: Traditional Home

Biking

2011-07-26T07:56:00.001-05:00

I am off Biking today! As of 4 months ago I didn't even own a bike and today I'm off riding 70 miles. I'm taking part in RAGBRAI. It is a huge week long event and thousands of bikers take the week off to ride the state of Iowa. I've also been told it's a pretty good party, but I'll let you know about that! I have really enjoyed biking and might be officially hooked to the sport! Wish me luck today!

Sizzling Summer Accents!!!

2011-07-25T06:10:00.001-05:00

The Summer heat is upon us! Nothing adds a little summer sizzle to your home than some new accessories. Here are some fun red hot accents for your home!

All Items available at The Mansion

High Heels for High Hopes

2011-07-24T10:47:00.003-05:00

This Thursday is a fantastic event in Des Moines put on by The March of Dimes. It's called High Heels for High Hopes! It is a fashion show and a fun ladies night out! You can find out more information about the event here. There is still time to get tickets to the event or donate to this worthy cause. Plus you can see me attempt to be a model for the evening. I'll let you know how that goes! It all goes to help babies so I am happy to do it! Hope to see you there!

Contemporary Living Room

2011-07-21T06:19:00.001-05:00

Isn't this a lovely room to sit and read a book? I like the collection of books on the shelves and the clean aesthetic this room has.

Photo: Elle Decor

White Out!

2011-07-18T06:30:00.000-05:00

No, I'm not talking about the all white snow kind. Although it's been unbearably warm the last few days, snow sounds a little refreshing! I'm talking about this beautiful white out room. I think this is a stunning all white room. It has a very pure look and I love it!

Photo Credit: Elements of Style

Restful Weekend!

2011-07-15T08:11:00.003-05:00

Summer has been in crazy mode for me. Which is exactly the way I like it! But I am longing for a weekend where I get to sleep in and be a little lazy. I guess that is what winter is for! I think this bedroom is the perfect sanctuary. Enjoy your weekend and I hope you get a little time to rest and relax!

Photo: Traditional Home

A Sun Shiny Room!

2011-07-13T10:21:00.001-05:00

Enjoying the sun filled feeling of this room!

Photo: Traditional Home

The 5th Wall

2011-07-11T10:31:00.000-05:00

The 5th wall in a room is often the most neglected. Rather than slap some white paint on the ceiling think outside the box. I think this sitting area is a great example of how to treat the ceiling. Not only does it make the area seem bigger it also adds a little drama to the space. This ceiling is really quite stunning!

Photo: Traditional Home

Navy & White

2011-07-06T06:18:00.000-05:00

I like the clean, crisp, aesthetic of these navy & white interiors! It has a beautiful look!

Photo: House Beautiful

First Impressions

2011-06-27T09:27:00.000-05:00

The first impression of your home should be good one. That is why it's important not to forget about the foyer. Whether you have lots of space or just a small wall make sure you make the most of it! I often like to use wallpaper or a bold piece of art in these spaces. This helps create a little more impact! Here are a few unique styles!

Photos: Elle Decor

Corner Seating

2011-06-20T18:52:00.002-05:00

I like the idea of doing a corner banquette in a large room. It offers a nice way to offer more seating in a large room. I also love the one below which can me made to any size. We've used this a lot at The Mansion.

Photos: Traditional Home, Hickory Chair

Happy Friday!!

2011-06-18T07:51:00.001-05:00

HAPPY FRIDAY!! I hope it is a bright and sunny one for you!

Photo Credit- Thibaut

London Map

2011-06-14T19:38:00.000-05:00

I just ordered this London City Map wallcovering for a client and I think it is really cool! It has a vintage feeling to it but it also can work so well in a lot of settings. It is a great way to subtly bring a little pattern to a room.

Camping

2011-06-13T07:15:00.001-05:00

I spent the whole weekend in the great outdoors. I adventured out on one of my first real camping trips. I decided my parents backyard doesn't really count. It turned out to be a great weekend and everything went very smoothly. Although my tent didn't look like the one above I think it would make the whole camping experience even more enjoyable! I'm always trying to make my surroundings pretty and I think this is a superb way to spruce up a camp site! I'll work on this design for my next adventure!

Photo Credit- Tobi Fairly

A Sleek Retreat

2011-06-07T09:13:00.000-05:00

I'm admiring this sleek retreat in the city. I love its clean lines, lacquered finishes, & abstract accents. It is sophisticated and modern but doesn't have that cold feeling that many contemporary spaces do. I especially love the outdoor space and its view. Enjoy!

Photos: Atlanta Homes

A Crazy Week!

2011-06-06T08:55:00.000-05:00

It's been a crazy week for me! I spent last week working in Naples, FL. It was fun to get away and be able to work in such a fun location. I spent a couple of the evenings walking the beach. I love the calming feeling the sea gives me! I got back on Friday and the next morning I was up bright and early for Dam to Dam. Which is a 20k road race.
It was a nice hot morning and fun to participate in! Then we headed off to Wisconsin for a wedding.
It was a great celebration and in a neat area of the state. Needless to say I was exhausted yesterday and am looking forward to a more normal week!

Do You....

2011-06-03T09:31:00.001-05:00

Do you like the idea of having a library in your bathroom? It think this is a very neat look but I'm not sure I could do it. It has a very unique look but I think I would rather save the books for the study. What do you think?

Season of White

2011-06-01T09:49:00.000-05:00

I'm enjoying this all white coastal home. The all white is so classic and such a great backdrop for a home on the water. Enjoy!

Photos: Atlanta House & Home

Laid Back Outdoor Spaces

2011-05-31T08:57:00.004-05:00

The Summer season has officially kicked off and I couldn't be happier! Hip Hip Hooray! Summer is one of my favorite times of the year. I especially love getting together with friends and enjoying our outdoor spaces. The patio/deck area is an extension of your home and in the warm months it is used just as much as the inside. So why not make it a pretty place to relax in. I especially like these laid back outdoor spaces! I hope you have a wonderful week and getting to spend some time outside!

Photo Credit: Coastal Living

Lovely Mirror

2011-05-23T10:09:00.000-05:00

I think this mirror is so lovely! I am a sucker for Quatrefoil pieces and I haven't seen a mirror like this before. I realize it isn't that functional as a mirror but it sure makes a statement!

It's Friday!

2011-05-20T11:57:00.001-05:00

It's Friday and I'm loving this sitting room. I like the fresh feeling this room has. The sun streaming in the windows on a beautiful Spring day! Have a great weekend! Hope your doing something fun!

Kitchen

2011-05-19T12:14:00.000-05:00

I am hosting our monthly dinner club tonight with some of our friends. So, I've spent the last couple evenings getting everything ready for it and spending lots of time in the kitchen. Although my kitchen is pretty it is a bit small. It has me dreaming of other kitchens. The classic all white is one of my favorites but I also could cook in any of the following:

Photos: Elle Decor

May Flowers

2011-05-16T12:01:00.000-05:00

It's the season of fresh flowers. I love the abundance of color this time of year. Unfortunately it's been a little late in our area of the country this year. I especially like bringing the fresh flowers into the house. It gives new life to each room. In case you aren't good at bringing fresh flowers into the home they make very realistic silk flowers. I use them often in clients homes and we sell them at The Mansion. So if you want the look without the maintenance here are a few beautiful faux bouquets. Happy May!

Photos: Elle Decor, The Mansion

A Paris Apartment!

2011-05-10T09:45:00.000-05:00

I'm really loving this Paris Apartment. I especially like the camel & gray color combo. It is so classic and sophisticated. The color combo stayed very consistent throughout the entire apartment. It has very traditional elements but with a few modern touches which makes it more interesting! Enjoy!

Photo: Elle Decor

It's Friday!

2011-05-06T09:04:00.000-05:00

And I'm excited to have the weekend to lounge a little! Hope you have some relaxing things planned for your weekend!

Could you do....

2011-05-04T09:45:00.000-05:00

A purple sofa???? I love the look of this room but I'm not sure I could ever invest in a purple tufted sofa? Could you?

Photo: House Beautiful

Happy May!

2011-05-02T06:07:00.000-05:00

May is finally here and I couldn't be happier! We have finally had some weather that actually fells like Spring! The flowers are beginning to pop and I'm looking forward to seeing some peonies soon! Happy May Day!!

British Infuluence

2011-04-28T09:36:00.000-05:00

Let's be honest we can't seem to get away from the British Influence lately. It seems that people are taking it all in and loving it or are sick of hearing about the wedding. The girly girl in me has really enjoyed hearing about the big wedding day. Plus I am a Kate fan and am looking forward to seeing her dress. I'm all about the wedding and need the little wedding kit tote above. Here are a few other random British images I've seen lately.
This image comes from the 1960 Vogue issue illustrating the wedding march into Buckingham Palace. Pretty cool!
The British flag has been very popular lately. A number of our vendors have these pillows available to purchase. A fun way to bring in a little British influence.
Or maybe this is how you are feeling and can't wait for it to be over! Either way enjoy the day!

Photos: Style Court, Anya Hindmarch, Elements of Style,

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

2011-04-26T08:28:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you but I am so sick of this dreary, rainy weather! Hopefully you live in a place that has had a more pleasant Spring. All I want to do is sleep and lounge around. Although lounging around in the room above isn't so bad. I adore the metallic in the fabric. It is so glamorous! Plus it drapes so elegantly. To hopefully more sunny days ahead!

Photo: Ralph Lauren

A Elegant Study

2011-04-25T07:57:00.000-05:00

I am loving this dark elegant study. This is a great example of making a room personal for the way you live. Rather than having a traditional desk this study has 4 chairs allowing for great conversing. I also really like the deep painted trim. It's a very rich look! Enjoy!

Photo: Canadian House & Home

Happy Easter!!

2011-04-22T06:08:00.000-05:00

We are headed home to spend the Easter weekend with our families. I'm looking forward to making some Easter eggs with my niece. We'll see how she does! I love the fresh look of Spring decorating and incorporating a little eggs into the decor. Here are a few fun looks:

Photos: Martha Stewart

Art Event at The Mansion

2011-04-19T06:25:00.001-05:00

On Friday The Mansion is having a Art Opening with Moberg Gallery. It will be a fun evening enjoying new art collections by 2 artists: Madai Taylor and Lindy Smith. The event is on Friday from 5-8 PM at The Mansion. If you are in the Des Moines area we'd love to see you! I hope to be back a little later today with some pictures of the exhibit!

Online Design Magazines

2011-04-18T07:03:00.001-05:00

My reading list continues to grow as new online magazines continue to emerge. The new online magazine of TRAD Home was released this week and it was an instant hit! It was full of beautiful products and rooms. It's so fun finding inspiration for rooms and catching up on hot new products. High Gloss Magazine also just released their 2nd issue and here are some of my favorite glamorous rooms:

Here are some of my favorites from TRAD home:

Photos: TRAD Home, High Gloss, La Dolce Vita

X Marks the Spot

2011-04-11T08:01:00.001-05:00

X Marks the Spot to this beautiful kitchen! I like the design of this island. It is not something you see everyday. This kitchen has a very graceful and fresh feeling to it. I like how it has both a modern and a country aesthetic to it. And if your curious what the rest of the house looks like here is a shot of the great room.
Images: House Beautiful

All White

2011-04-08T08:49:00.000-05:00

I love the pure look of an all white room. It has such a calming feeling to it. I'm also really liking the beautiful architecture of the mantel. The curve is so elegant. A peaceful way to start your weekend! Have a good one!

Photo: Tracery

Citron Accents

2011-04-06T09:09:00.000-05:00

The color of citron has been ever so popular lately. The room above is encompassing this trend on multiple levels. I especially love the chandelier. Here are a few other products to bring this color into your home!

Photos: Canadian House & Home, Safavieh, Osborne & Little, Global Views

Fun Quote for your Tuesday

2011-04-05T08:14:00.004-05:00

Happy Tuesday.... hope your dreaming of all the fun things you can do !!!

A Spring Sitting Room

2011-04-04T06:10:00.001-05:00

It was a beautiful weekend and it finally felt like Spring! It was great to get the windows open & spend some time outside. I think this sitting room would be the perfect spot to take in the fresh air and read a good book!

Photo: Traditional Home

Casual Friday

2011-04-01T11:23:00.001-05:00

Spring is in the air and I'm taking full advantage of it! It's a casual laid back look for me this Friday! Which works quite well as I'm meeting some college girls for a Happy Hour! Have a great weekend and Happy Friday!

Photos: Jcrew, Net-a-porter, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs,

Custom Table

2011-03-31T06:43:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not once in a while I can't find a piece of furniture I'm looking for. We have wonderful resources at The Mansion with very diverse options. But once in a while I'm looking for a particular style and can't seem to track it down. This recently happened to me. A client of mine feel in love with the coffee table in the picture above. She saw it in a movie and decided this would be the perfect coffee table for her house. I was able to find the brand but it was discontinued. After weeks of searching I couldn't find another table or one similar anywhere. The other problem is we couldn't find one that was the size we needed. So, what's a designer to do? I'm sure not going to tell someone NO! So, we had it custom made. The Mansion has a few options for this. We have a few companies that can custom make furniture to our specifications. I've done this many times and it works great! For this particular project we decided to have it made locally. A very talented trim carpenter built this for us. We then went to a local granite supplier and picked out the marble slab to go on top. It's a beautiful piece of furniture and works out perfectly for this house! Here's our result:

Re-Creating a look

2011-03-28T08:19:00.000-05:00

Do you love this room as much as I do? If so I have some of the key pieces to help you re-create this look:

Photos: Products available at The Mansion, Atlanta House & Homes

Can't stop thinking about

2011-03-28T05:31:00.001-05:00

I am immersed in beautiful furniture pieces all day everyday! I see a lot of unique designs both in person and as I am flipping through catalogs for clients. As I research for clients it is easy to be inspired by pieces for my house. One that I can't stop thinking about for me is the Hallings Secretary from Hickory Chair. I have a niche to the left of my fireplace and it would be the perfect spot. The only problem is my niche is 3" too small! Bummer! It is such an elegant piece and I know could use it forever in so many different places. I love how they've paired it in the bedroom as a nightstand. I hope this beauty makes it into my house soon!

Pictures: Hickory Chair, Tobi Fairley

Tea Time

2011-03-25T08:19:00.000-05:00

To me this setting calls for a perfect tea time. I think I will try that today! Perfect idea for a cold Friday! Enjoy!

Photo: Canadian House & Home

A Serene Master Bath

2011-03-21T06:23:00.001-05:00

I am in love with this master bathroom. It has it all! A little elegance, glamour, & romance! Plus who wouldn't love a fireplace in their bathroom? The creamy cabinets with gray glaze is very lovely. I especially like the soft curve of the sink cabinets. Then, the mirrors are just stunning! The layers of mirrors creates a very elegant look. This bathroom is going into my personal file for my dream bathroom. All that is missing is a ball & claw tub. Enjoy!

Photo Credit: Harmonious Living

Green in the home!

2011-03-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

For an Irish girl like me I'm not just wearing green today, I'm decorating with it. Green is a great color and looks so good in the home. I've included some of my favorite green products of the moment. All are available at The Mansion. Whether green is your favorite color or you'd like to use it as an accent in your home, here are some fabulous pieces for your home.

Photos: Safavieh, Somerset Bay, Global Views, Currey & Co, Zoffany