Favorite Things

Just wanted to share a few of my current faves this morning.  Love this switch plate on Etsy.  A small way to add some fun & funky to your space.

Source: etsy.com via Rachel on Pinterest

My next lovely is the ikat pattern on this headboard. While the shape doesn't knock my socks off, the pattern is a stylish statement.  According to a disturbing commercial I just saw, my 7 year old mattress is on its last leg & will need to be replaced next year for the betterment of my health & sanity. When that day comes, I will also be getting a new headboard.  Hopefully something this good.

Source: greigedesign.blogspot.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Finally, I'm loving bright, glossy front doors.  What a great welcome, you know? I just love it.

Source: suellengregory.com via Rachel on Pinterest

What are your current favorite things? Send them to shop curate@gmail.com with this blog title in the subject & I just might feature you!

'Til Next Time!
xoxo Rachl

Stairway to Heaven

I've been researching different looks & opportunities for a staircase lately because of a current client whose staircase, at first glance, caused a bit of a dilemma.  We've solved the dilemma of course, but the images I found on my hunt are just to fun not to share.

A staircase is an opportunity to add major drama & style. Check out this bleached tree trunk in place of newel post.  It's just gorgeous in this space - so organic.

       Eclectic Staircase design

Whether your style is traditional, modern or more eclectic, the opportunities to add a fabulous focal point within your space are endless.  Check out some of these images.

Rope instead of rail. Textural & casual.

  Eclectic Staircase design by Charlotte Architect Pursley Dixon Architecture

For something even more fun & eclectic, look at this paint finish. Your family will get hugs & kisses the whole climb.

  Eclectic Staircase design by San Francisco Specialty Contractors Shannon Kaye

Maybe your staircase is already perfect with great architectural details. Make it a focal point through a large-scale printed paper.

     Eclectic Staircase design by Little Rock Interior Designer Tobi Fairley Interior Design

And finally, emphasize the clean lines & modern architecture of your space with glass or acrylic.

       Modern Staircase design by Orlando Architect Phil Kean Designs

So many ways to make your staircase stand out...

'Til Next Time!
xoxo Rachel

Little Piggy Goes To Market

To be truthful, I have a love-hate relationship with Market.  I love going to High Point, Little Town USA, and seeing all of these incredible vendors packed in the square.  But that's the problem - all the vendors.  It's a bit overwhelming wading through the masses to find "the one" or at least something different.  While I didn't find all that my heart desired, I did find some serious inspiration and I guess that is enough.

I'm thrilled to see high-end lines like Dransfield & Ross embracing my favorite tie-dye and ombre techniques.

My favorite showrooms displayed a neutral color story & brought in fabulous bright pops of color through textiles & accents.  The look is fun & stylish, but timeless, one that will grow with you.

Here a couple of shots I love & that inspire me to get creative with where & how I can incorporate some pops of color.

        Contemporary Dining Room design by Republic of Fritz Hansen

Eclectic Kitchen design by New York Photographer Rikki Snyder

Putting a coat of bright paint on something old & bringing home some interesting flea market finds are my favorite ways to bring in color to a neutral space. You don't need to make an expensive commitment to high-end textiles to bring in color, you just need to get creative.

Have some fun!

'Til Next Time!
xoxo Rachel 

stylin

I love styling spaces big and small. Adding the finishing touches to a room or even a table makes me happy. Check out this entry below.  The black & white scheme with the fabulous brass accents, the pops of bright colors and the lucite stool that keeps the focus where it should be while adding interest and practicality.  I love it, and I love that I get to do it every day.

              Source: lespri.tumblr.com via Rachel on Pinterest

The next image is the entrance at Post & Gray I styled last week with a lamp I just got in and am obsessed with. The leather & brass ottoman was tucked in a corner of the store and was going unnoticed until I paired it with a contrasting console.

I like the simplicity of this third space. The lacquered walls feel sophisticated, but the oversized octopus print keeps it casual. The color story is tightly knit, but still interesting with all the architectural detail. I have been loving walls with sheen lately, it's just such a beautiful effect.

                       Source: elementsofstyleblog.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Finally, is an image of a living space i'm fond of.  The color story is light & fresh with fun pops of color throughout and the symmetry offers natural flow for a part of the space with several smaller seating pieces.  It just looks like a great place to hang out.

Source: houzz.com via Rachel on Pinterest

I hope you've found a little inspiration to get stylin and add the finishing touches to your space.

'Til Next Time!
xoxo Rachel

Wallflower

As I said before, I'm always styling my home on a budget and I like it that way.  To me a budget simply means I need to be creative.  We all know that wallpaper is not just for the 70s and 80s, but all of the paper I fall in love with is outrageously priced. I've long been a fan of lightweight fabrics and spray adhesive as an alternative to paper, but stencils are hands down my current favorite.

       Source: savvyhomeblog.com via Rachel on Pinterest

This fun turquoise paper and large leaf wall covering can absolutely be replicated with a large, all-over wall stencil and some patience.

                                             Source: smallspacesblog.tumblr.com via Rachel on Pinterest

This geometric stencil can be found at Cutting Edge Stencils and for a fraction of the price, you can have a similar look if you can find a little time for a weekend project.

Not only are stencils a more affordable option for a designer look, but there are also a number of other inexpensive alternatives like this reclaimed pallet wood installation.

Eclectic Living Room design by Dallas Media And Blogs Jamie Laubhan-Oliver

I've been seeing antlers used in decor everywhere this past year or so and I couldn't be happier.  If you check your local flea markets, you can find them very cheaply.  Placing basic black & whites in oversized frames is also an affordable way to add some serious drama to your space.

Eclectic Dining Room design by Birmingham Interior Designer Betsy Brown Inc

Add inexpensive flat molding to the wall for a sophisticated look that adds architectural detail to an otherwise boring wall.

Eclectic Bedroom design by London Furniture And Accessories Imagine Living

Don't ever be dismayed by your expensive taste - you can get the same look on a budget.

'Til Next Time!
xoxo Rachel

Budget Conscious

I love beautiful spaces, but the reality is when it comes to my own home, i'm always working on a budget.  Don't let a tight budget stop you from creating a beautiful space you love because it shouldn't.  There are so many creative things we can do to save money when styling a space and in the end, it will still look like a million bucks.

First things first: paint your cabinetry.  If you are like me, you moved into an 80's gem with horrendous dark wood cabinets and couldn't dislike them more.  Get a gallon of oil-based paint, a cheap brush, foam roller, some sand paper and you're all set.  Think outside the box and add some color - your cabinets don't have to be white, or all one color. Paint the uppers white and the lowers a deep gray tone.  The possibilities are endless, just don't settle for hideous cabinets! Check out my Pinterest board, "Dreamy Interiors" for more ideas on cabinet colors.

                       Source: sherimartininteriors.wordpress.com via Rachel on Pinterest

                                  Source: theinspiredroom.net via Rachel on Pinterest

The second thing I always try to do is work with existing pieces.  That majority of us can't afford to go out and buy all new furnishings or case goods, but most of us to do have a few redeemable pieces already in the house.  You need to find an affordable upholsterer in your area and become friends - good friends.  Before you get rid of any piece of upholstery, picture it with new fabric and I bet it would work fabulously. And for heaven's sake, go bold already! If you're afraid of going bold, have a slip-cover made instead.

Check out this magenta beauty. This is a very traditional looking chair that I bet you could find at your local consignment or thrift store and give it a makeover. And the faux-fur office chair wouldn't even have to be done professionally, that is a serious DIY.  Finally, the sofa becomes an amazing focal & conversation piece when covered in this kilim-inspired fabric.

source: tumblr.com via Rachel on Pinterest

                     Source: allthingsstylish.tumblr.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Source: wisteria.com via Rachel on Pinterest

On Friday I'll share some cheaper alternatives that offer the same designer look we're all after including amazing wallpaper alternatives, so stay tuned!

'Til Next Time!
xoxo Rachel