Coral Coated

I am always going to hold the color Aqua near and dear to my heart, however, I am loving the color coral these days.  Maybe because it is one of those colors that is bright and cheery, and reminds me of Spring, which seems so far away at the moment.  Coral can add a punch of life to your home or your wardrobe.  Here are a few of my favorite ways to use coral.

How fun to add some coral pillows to your bed.  It adds that unexpected splash of color.

Also think about using coral in a bathroom, to give an updated look to it.  You can use wallpaper, paint the walls a beautiful shade of coral, or just simply add some fun accessories.

Love the coral colors with the white cabinets, it really looks clean and crisp.  

Now time to accessorize with some coral in your wardrobe:)  This color helps your cheeks look pink, and gives you a beautiful glow!

Love this dress with a wide belt and a cardigan.  I think it would look great with some cute flats.

This dress can be found at modcloth.com

Another great find from modcloth is this coral sweater.  It has a pretty lace detail on the back, super sweet.

Love the flattering cut on this dress.  I also think it would look great with a belt and a big cuff bracelet.

modcloth.com

And if this cold winter weather has got you yearning for spring, then check out some of the new items that Natalie and I have been working on at Lulubelles.com  We did some antiquing over the holidays, and are currently working on some new spring one of a kind pieces.

So Happy New Year to everyone, may it be your best year yet!  Hope you decide to give coral a try, whether it be in your nest or your wardrobe.  It may just turn into your new favorite color :).

Here are a couple color suggestions from Sherwin Williams

XO~Gretchen

Girls Night In

I love having my girlfriends over for dinner.  It is so wonderful to catch up with everyone and hear about the latest gossip.  Which, funny how when you get older, there isn't as much to gossip about.  I have a special group of friends that I have been close to since high school, and some earlier then that.  This group of girls is very special to me, we have been through it all.  I really enjoy spending time with them, so when they come to my house I want to make sure they feel special.  That's why I go all out to decorate a beautiful table setting just for them!  So, I just wanted to share a few ideas with you so that you can create a special "Girls Night In"

Every girl loves pink roses, and I just loved these.  Because I live in a house with all males, I love to add a little pink every now and then!

I found these pink mercury votives and glittery bird at Michael's 50% off, YAY!  I love that the votives have jewels on them too, so very girlie.  The glittery bird adds that special sparkle and whimsy to the table.  

Another great Michael's find was this tree.  It sparkles and looks vintage.  

I love adding place cards.  These were really easy to make.  I just made them up on the computer and printed them out, very easy and simple.  Once I printed them, I glue them on some decorative scrapbook paper.  Voila', instant place cards.  Attention to the details!

Here is the wreath that I made to hang in my dining area.  It is similar to one I had featured in my blog about wreaths.  It added that fun little touch of whimsy to the windows.  

Collecting antique ornaments is one of my favorites things about the holidays.  They are all so unique and different, and you have to wonder how many beautiful trees they have adorned through the years.  The mercury candlesticks help to compliment them.  I wanted to make sure that the room was filled with plenty of sparkle, so I decorated the buffet in my dining area.  The more sparkle the better, especially when you are entertaining your best girlfriends!

Last but not least, here are the wonderful girls that I have been friends with for well over 20 years.  They are a special group of friends that I cherish dearly.  So cheers to 2011, hope that you are able to spend time with those near and dear to you, and make sure that you plan a "GNI", girls night in!

XO~Gretchen

Plate rack design

Just wanted to share an idea that I recently implemented in my own home.  When my husband and I built our home several years ago, I insisted on having a plate rack built into a wall in my kitchen.  I knew we would have a blank wall, and instead of filling it up with some art, I wanted a place to display some of the pretty dishes that I love to collect.  Plus I felt like it would add the charm you might feel from an older home.  I feel that sometimes "new builds" lack that type of charm.  Attention to the details, is my motto when designing and decorating! :)

Here was the starting point, mind you it took a while to find the perfect wallpaper.  Up until I found the perfect wallpaper, I would fill my plate rack with an eclectic group of dishes.  

Instant gratification!  What a difference it already makes.  I love this toile wallpaper because it is has an aqua background, and the actual toile print is a taupe/gray color.  A lovely twist on the usual brown/blue combo.

VOILA'  There is the finished product.  Pictured above are a few of my favorite dishes that I think work well against the new wallpaper.  Usually we have to stash our special dishes away into a china cabinet, or hutch, but I think this is a nice way to display them so that you can enjoy them on a daily basis. :)

Here is the same wallpaper being used in a recent powder room I decorated for a client.  I would recommend using this wallpaper in smaller spaces.  If you are interested, the name of the book that the paper came from is belle fleur.

Hope you enjoy creating a special space in your nest!  I think this wallpaper would be great in the back of a bookcase too!  The possibilities are endless.

XO~Gretchen

Pretty in Pink for the Holidays

I live in a house with three sons, and my hubby, so sometimes I love to look at all things pink!  This post is dedicated to dressing your nest, and yourself "pretty in pink" for the holidays! :)

Wouldn't this tree be simply adorable in a little girl's room.  I love how soft the pink pallet is.  It is modern and vintage at the same time.

This dress represents everything girlie.  It's pink, has ruffles, and a big bow.  How sweet is this?

This dress can be found at modcloth.

 I love the way this bottle brush wreath looks with these silver mercury candlesticks.

This photo is from Country Living magazine.  I think I will incorporate pink roses into the tablescape this year for my Christmas party with my best friends.  How special :)

I found this lovely picture at another blog that you may want to visit.  It is from queen of tarte.  I love all the pink ornaments and all the glittery numbers and stars.  Very dreamy.

When in doubt, just add a pink tree next to your traditional holiday tree.  

This is such a beautiful photo that I came across, just wanted to share.  The lighting is magical!

Love the little birdie hanging from the drawer pull.  Attention to details :)

Need a new sash belt.  This is a lovely one that can be found at shop ruche

This top would be great over a pair of skinny jeans with the boots in the next picture :)

These items can be found at modcloth

This is one of our pink Lulubelles cuff bracelets.  So sweet and lovely.

I came across this picture of this charming pink door and shutters in my quest for pink.  LOVE IT!

Here are some perfect pink colors to use, just in case you want to paint something in your nest pink!

They are Sherwin Williams paint colors.

Happy Holidays, and don't forget to add a little pink into the season!

XO~Gretchen