Home Tour: Christine d'Ornano

It's so much fun peeking into the homes of others, isn't it? I came across this lovely home via Elle Decor Spanish (also featured here) and fell in love instantly. This fabulous London abode belongs to Christine d'Ornano, Sisley cosmetics executive. I admire her eclectic, colorful and chic design style. Her home is sophisticated yet livable, which is sometimes hard to pull off! What do you like about this home tour? Anything in particular that stands out to you?

[image credits: elle decor spanish]

Lighting Ideas for the Powder Bath

I spent some time yesterday searching for the perfect light fixture to go in a client's powder bathroom. Originally, I envisioned one 3 - 4 light decorative bar fixture to mount above the mirror (kind of like this)...that is until I started noticing [just about EVERYWHERE] that people are illuminating their powder bathrooms with a pair of matching wall sconces, mounted on either side of the bathroom mirror. Hello - where have I been?! After rounding up so many great examples for this post, I'm definitely all for wall sconces in lieu of the traditional bar light fixture, especially for the powder bath. Sconces are great for creating ambiance and can look so classy and chic. See my top wall sconce picks at the end of this post! What type of lighting do you prefer in a powder or guest bath?

MY TOP PICKS FOR WALL SCONCES: 1. MARGO CHROME WALL SCONCE; 2. BILL BLASS FRENCH LIBRARY SCONCE; 3. CRYSTAL LEAF 2-LIGHT SCONCE; 4. BARONNESS TWO-LIGHT SCONCE; 5. RAPHAELLA SCONCE; 6. REGATTA HIGH 1-LIGHT WALL SCONCE; 7. VENTANA WALL SCONCE; 8. VIENNA FULL SPECTRUM MANHATTAN SCONCE

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IMAGE CREDITS: DECORPAD; HOUZZ

Quote of the Week

“I must have books everywhere. They’re the soul of a room — they reveal the taste, the interests, and the secrets of whoever lives there."

— Diane von Furstenberg

 [IMAGE CREDITS: 1,2 DECORPAD; 3,4,5 LONNY MAGAZINE]

Fresh Spaces

Hello and Happy Friday. Glad we made it through another week! Today's post is all about fresh spaces that are relaxed, inviting and simple. I do blog about color quite often, so it's nice to take a break from it every now and then. Feast your eyes on these bright and airy spaces - they're like a breath of fresh air. Ahhh:) What do you have planned for the weekend? For those of you preparing for the hurricane headed your way, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your families! Stay safe. xoxo - Julie

 [IMAGE CREDITS: VTWONEN]

Accessories: The Finishing Touch

I had the [unfortunate] experience recently with a job that was 90% complete - flooring, window treatments, furniture, and lighting - all installed and looking beautiful. However, when it came down to adding the finishing touches with accessories and plants, my client put the project on hold (due to budget constraints). While everything looks great, it definitely looks unfinished, which is killing me!!! Hopefully my client will be calling me soon to complete the accessories. Do you enjoy accessorizing your home? Do you find the task challenging or difficult to master sometimes? It's definitely all about color, texture, scale and balance. They all have to work together in harmony to look amazing. Here are a few inspiring examples - there are so many wonderful ways to complete the look of a space!

[Add interest and dimension by layering objects, including art. Draw the eye up and add height with a long branch or giant sticks in a ceramic pitcher or vase. Even the guitar cases leaning against the wall look like accessories!]

[Minimal accessories on a cocktail table keep the look fresh and clutter free]

[Layered objects in bright colors and varying heights are a great way to accessorize the top of a buffet or credenza. The lamp acts as a light source as well as a colorful accessory]

[Stacked books on a cool chair, topped with a vases of fresh flowers - super simple and super chic! Great for a guest room or filling an awkward corner / empty space]

[Two different lamps on either side of the console are balanced with interesting objects in various shapes and sizes. A great way to get away from being too "matchy-matchy", while still looking coordinated and polished]

[Simple touches that make all the difference: a glass hurricane filled with random matchboxes & a meditating hand sculpture placed on top of a stack of colorful books]

[A vintage cabinet with mesh doors is thoughtfully accessorized with a few woven vases, folded blankets and a trunk. An open cabinet or bookcase should have simple accessories, alternating small accents (seen on top shelf), a couple medium-sized accents (seen in middle) and a large accent (bottom). This keeps the shelving looking balanced and not overwhelmed with lots of "tchotchkies"]

[Layered vases in multiple colors and varying heights look simply gorgeous!]

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IMAGE CREDITS: RUE; ADORE HOME MAGAZINE; ANTHOLOGY; VTWONEN

Quote of the Week

“Our kitchen is warm; it’s who we are. And it has everything. Honestly, I could get rid of the rest of the house and just live in the kitchen.”

— Adrian Kahan, 

[IMAGE CREDITS: ELLE DECOR, HOUSE BEAUTIFUL, HOUSE TO HOME]