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Setting Your Thanksgiving Table

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Setting your table for the holidays is so important. It might seem like a small detail, but the table (like the kitchen) can be the heart of the home. Especially during the holidays, meals and gatherings play a huge role in building community and hospitality, and we believe they can be an expression of your personal style, too! We are busy dreaming up our holiday tablescapes around here, and wanted to share our favorite pieces to inspire you. 

Photo: Pottery Barn

Photo: Pottery Barn

The Leila dishes from Pottery Barn caught our eye this season, because of their blend of sophistication and rustic elegance. They have a hand-applied glaze, and they look stunning paired with copper accents and natural wood pieces. Don’t forget the basic pieces you’ll need for a table setting, including matching flatware, and plenty of linens. You can forego a tablecloth if you want a more rustic look, but a pretty burgundy or mustard looks beautiful for Thanksgiving or harvest dinners. We also love the Scarlett dishes, which have a subtle and elegant grey/blue pattern. I’d pair these with shimmering silver accents and flatware for a dressier event. 

Photo: Williams Sonoma

Photo: Williams Sonoma

Marble is not only beautiful, but the new pieces from Williams Sonoma also are functional. You can find their whole collection of serving trays and cutting boards HERE, and they look gorgeous against colors like navy and gold for an unexpected pairing. If your wallet can’t quite handle the Williams Sonoma price tags, Target came out with a similar collection, and most of their pieces are under $50. Their pieces are a great way to begin introducing marble into your decor at an affordable price. This beautiful tray is just $19.99, and would look perfect for your next cheese and wine appetizer.  

Stay right here on our blog for the latest style news and tips, and how to incorporate them into your everyday life and home! Ar you having a large party or event this holiday season? Allure with Decor offers personalized styling and event decor,  in addition to interior design. Let us know via our CONTACT page if you would like to book your event today.  Hurry, as holiday schedules fill quickly!

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Decorating for Thanksgiving

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Decorating for Thanksgiving

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I can smell it now: the pumpkin pie cooling on the windowsill, the marshmallow topping melting over the tender yams, and the glorious turkey (or ham) sizzling in the oven, filling up your kitchen with the best of scents. It’s one of my favorite times of year, and I can’t wait until get to put up my decorations every year! There’s so many great ideas for sprucing up your home with autumn’s charm, but I’ll start you off with a couple of my favorite picks.

The first place you think of when thanksgiving runs across your mind is the dinner table. The whole holiday takes place around it! It’s always a challenge preparing the feast you eat off it, let alone sorting through the difficulties that come in deciding how to decorate it! But once you decide on a general theme, everything falls into place. For example, pumpkins never fail to bring the fruits of fall into your dining room, and to break from the mold you can use white pumpkins to foster a softer atmosphere, and paired with some candles, white flowers, and other accent pieces that fit your theme, you get an all around cleaner look. 

Or, focus on rounds of wood for your place settings and surround them with greenery for a rustic, earthy style. If you’re not as much into wood slices, you can get the same farmhouse look with rope coil charges, and they’re not hard to make yourself! For the plates themselves, follow your color palette and either fold your napkins into a festive shape, or use them as an accent to the rest of the table. Use bits of greenery, like a sprig of sage on your plate setting as a garnish of sorts. While it’s not much on its own, it’s the small things that really pull a style together.

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One thing you want to avoid is a busy table, though. The only thing you want overwhelming your guests is the sense of awe they get from staring at your beautiful table full of wonderful food, right before they dig in. Holidays are my favorite times of the year, and they’re one of those few moments in life where you can really make something your own. You can spend forever thinking about all the different trends and styles going around these days, but it’s important to remember to do what you like to do, since it’s your own home, after all. So take some of these ideas, put in some of your own, and make this thanksgiving one for the photo album!

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Wallpaper! It’s back, in a big way! | Trends and Style Inspiration

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“Ewwww.....wallpaper!” I hear that every now and again, from clients or friends who instantly envision grandma’s beige and red floral print, or a neon yellow and green seventies concoction. I’m here to tell you, wallpaper is back, and it’s certainly not the wallpaper from yesteryears! Wallpaper has historically been known to make spaces feel smaller, or clutter-y, and the heavy patterns and dull tones of old wallpaper (along with the horrible process of hanging it) has made most homeowners cringe at the mention of putting some back up! Let me introduce you to the new, beautiful, and modern wallpaper styles:

Photos:  Left Pam Cards Hallway | Middle Nicety Live Journal | Right Pam Cards Guest Room

Photos:  Left Pam Cards Hallway | Middle Nicety Live Journal | Right Pam Cards Guest Room

Rifle Paper: This artisan paper company has everything from gorgeous prints to their stunning, statement wallpaper. Whether you’re doing a small space, or a whole room (we love the idea of a small single wall for a big impact), their unexpected prints (like pineapples and bold florals) keep things polished but a little bit quirky. Find their whole wallpaper shop HERE.

Anthropologie: Ever our go-to for all things pretty and fun, Anthro always can be counted on for gorgeous wallpaper prints. We love their interesting takes on colors and textures, like this “Greenest Garden” style, which you can find HERE. Their “pergola” wallpaper, with it’s elegant blue and white color scheme would be so unique in an office, and offer a very classic feel. Be sure to measure carefully or have the installer measure for you before ordering so you know how much you need...the prices are pretty steep for paper, and you don’t want to buy and cut extra rolls!

Photo Amazon

Wondering how to hang your newly acquired purchase? We like this tutorial from This Old House, which although tedious, offers careful and precise directions. Not ready to make the jump to spendy, semi-permanent wallpaper? There are tons of adhesive wallpapers that peel right off...these would be ideal for apartments or rented homes, where you are not allowed to hang more permanent coverings. Would you believe the brick beauty above is temporary?? We found that piece at Amazon.com . It’s the perfect way to test out a print or theme.

Considering wallpaper? We would love to offer consultations on your personal space and how to incorporate this trend today! Contact us here. 

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Shiplap Love | Trend Watch and Inspiration

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Since the rise of Fixer Upper, the TV show that America has fallen in love with, shiplap has become a household name! The pretty technique of overlapping boards to form rustic looking walls has become the go-to for the perfect farmhouse look. The boards and the style are traditionally used as siding on exteriors of sheds and barns, but it looks amazing inside as well. Whether you whitewash it, or leave it natural, it can add a subtle cohesion to any room (yes, even a bathroom).  Joanna Gaines adds quite a bit of white shiplap to her project homes, but there’s a lot of other ways to use it to freshen up a space. Here are a few of our favorite inspiration photos:

Image via: Left- The Inspired Room | Right- Jenna Sue Designs

We love the calming blue tones and gray shiplap in the bathroom above; it makes us feel like we are at the beach! Not every room has to have a farmhouse look, though. Shiplap can even be incorporated into a much more modern look.

Image via: The Inspired Room

This was my favorite home on the Portland Street of dreams tour.  It is a mix of Farmhouse meets the Hamptons.  I love the mix of textures in the shiplap, marble countertops and flooring.  The added glow from the barn pendant light fixture keep it fresh and industrial. Here, the shiplap extends across the walls and is mimicked in the gray built-in-hutch. This is such a gorgeous take on the style!

Images via:  Left- Better Homes & Gardens | Middle- Vintage South Development | Right- Better Homes & Gardens

Lastly, a beautiful take on shiplap in the kitchen, placed as the backsplash instead of the classic subway tile. The mix of white and brass keep the visual interest, and the stainless steel appliances add highlights as well as function. Did you know you can also fake the look of shiplap? If you’re on a tight budget, you can try faux shiplap like THIS blog did, with beautiful results (not as long-lasting as true shiplap, so beware if you’re trying to invest in a long term look). 

Recently, we are having shiplap run horizontal above a fireplace in a room with 20' ceilings.  In the same house, running down a long hallway, we have had a very tall wainscoting made out of vertical shiplap boards installed.  This is going to be the prettiest hallway ever!  The wainscoting will be topped with a beautiful patterned wallpaper in a neutral hue.  I will share photos from this house once it is all complete!

Love shiplap like we do? Where would you hang some in your home?

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Love your Home this fall | Trend Watch and Inspiration

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Pillow from Etsy

We love our summer whites around here, and the breezy, bohemian feel of the warmer months. But, Autumn is calling, and it’s time to get our homes ready! We are swapping out lightweight linens, crisp whites and citrus scents for the rich textures of fall, spicy candles, and rustic tones like oatmeal, pewter and burnt orange. Here’s our ideas to get your home ready for the crisper, cooler weather... just add a pumpkin latte and a good book!

Photos: Left & Right-Betsy Blue Photography | Middle: Pottery Barn

These richly toned pumpkin pillows will add a quick burst of fall colors to a neutral room without a ton of expense. The intricate panel on each pillow is velvet, and you know I am all about the mix of textures! You can find them right here at Pottery Barn. We also like this pumpkin pillow and it’s watercolor look (it would look great on a grey or taupe couch, or a big cozy chair. 

Nothing says “fall” like a big, woven basket. While Pottery Barn shows it filled with pinecones, we think this basket would be adorable filled with cozy throws! We love this cable-knit throw from Target (and it’s under $50) in the marigold color. Try pairing it up with a faux fur throw for a welcoming look.  Don’t forget your table decor...after all, that’s where you’ll be serving up fabulous treats for Thanksgiving and all your holiday parties this fall. We really love the terra cotta pumpkins from Ballard Designs...they’re unexpected and elegant in their own way, and they look stunning with mercury pumpkin accents for a nice contrast. Add in taupe linens and rustic pieces for the perfect centerpiece that will leave your guests raving! 

Photos:  Left-Restoration Hardware | Right-Pottery Barn

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Using Vinyl and Quotes to Enhance Your Space! | Ideas and Inspiration

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Photo by Betsy Blue Photography

I’ve discovered that I have an affinity for using words to personalize your space. Words, scripture, and quotes can make your space your own, and help capture the personality of your family or your business! It can make a large statement without a ton of expense, as well, and you can now custom order things on places like Etsy. Whether you choose things like wooden quotes, vinyl die-cut words or names, or large initials, you can make a big impact! Here are a few tips for using these in your home or office:

Photo Left:  Betsy Blue Photography | Right:  Olivia Leigh Photography

Size Matters: Before you choose your letters or quotes, be sure to measure and considering your wall space. As you can see below, the oversized letters from Pottery Barn are quite oversized, and meant to be a focal point for an entire wall! They could easily look too “busy” or overwhelm a tiny space, so measuring would be key, whether you choose a small grouping or large initial. 

Practical is best for small spaces: If you are working with a confined or small space, opt for smaller letters that include little hooks, or place them on shelves. If they can serve double-duty, you’ll have a statement piece that also holds things like coats and hats. 

Vinyl Letters: These are a great way to add some pizazz to children’s rooms, rentals, or other space where they might need to be changed out rather soon. I have beautiful vinyl quote with song lyrics wrapped around a chandelier in my girls’ room. It’s so sweet and adds a personal touch. 

Photos Left & Middle:  Betsy Blue Photography | Right:  Pottery Barn Website

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Trend Watch | Glass Elements

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I have a bit of an obsession with beautiful glass cloches, used throughout the rooms of homes including my own! I wanted to talk today about incorporating glass elements into your home, whether in the kitchen, the bathroom or the living room, they can add lots of visual interest and texture to your decor. They are also a fun and creative way to spend time with friends or your kids.  My girls love to add their "special" touches to many of our various sized cloches placed randomly around our home.  I will often find chicken feathers or rocks hidden under the glass!  During Halloween, we like to add black spiders or rats and at Christmas time, you will find bunches of mistletoe or spools of red velvet ribbons festively displayed.  

Photos by Betsy Blue Photography

 You can find really simple ones here at Pottery Barn for under $40 and they look amazing with plants underneath, or even vintage paper, as shown below. You can also snag plain ones without the bases on Amazon for around $16. Not all of them have to be tall and slender, there are wider, shorter glass cloches with bases that can be used for succulents, figurines, or candles (be sure to use candle safety when burning candles). 

Glass Cloches from Pottery Barn

 

I also love the look of adding a glass cloche to cake stands. The one shown above is marble and natural wood.    Cake stands can be used for actual baked goods of course, but are perfect on bathroom counters, holding soap or towels, and can be perfect holders for mismatched or loose, small decor pieces to add cohesion.  Cake stands can also be thrifted (vintage is awesome, as they are often sturdy), or found at yard or rummage sales. Even if your cake stands don’t match or have different styles, don’t be afraid to mix them into your decor and top with a beautiful cloche!

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Elegant Florals and Brass | Style Inspiration

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Florals have always come into design in various forms, through the years, but I am loving the soft elegance of this season’s vintage inspired florals. I dream of these soft floral in a neutral, chic office, playing off simple solids and shimmering brass. You can find some of the prettiest floral accessories at one of my favorites, Rifle Paper Company. We love their recipe cards and vintage recipe boxes (cooking has never looked so good!), and these beautiful notebooks. 

Office Photo from Target.com

This season has also brought us lots of watercolor inspired florals, and their soft, whimsical styles are beautiful in just about any room in the house where you want to incorporate color and print in a delicate way. We even love them in furniture, like the chair below, which has a neutral front and an unexpected, colorful printed back (similar here). A floral chair is a great way to add fun and youthfulness to a room, and can easily be swapped out later on for a completely different look. 

Watercolor florals also look beautiful when framed, as statement pieces on a wall. Etsy is an awesome place to find prints, and you can find brass toned frames at places like Pottery Barn and Michaels Craft Stores. Try hanging smaller ones in pairs, or go for a statement piece with a large framed art print. 

Floral Pillow | Society6.com            Watercolor Wallpaper | Project Nursery.com Monica Hibb

It’s also super fun to balance out the florals and prints with other textures in neutral hues. Think woven baskets (above), and interesting wood stains/textures. It will add visual interest without adding another complex print. 

Floral Chair | Horchow.com

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Urban Farming and Family | Lifestyle and Family

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Nothing comes between a girl and her roo...

The words “Urban” and “Farming” might not seem like words that go together, but today, I want to share the details of what urban farming is, and why it works for our little family! Though we live in a city, we are able to grow produce and also raise chickens (and two roosters!). I love giving my kids the experience of having a farm and our own piece of land, while still living in close proximity to the city and amenities. 

Photos by Olivia Leigh Photography

If you’re thinking about urban farming, or hoping to begin this lifestyle yourself, keep in mind that you don’t have to start a large farm, or grow all your own food (though that is a really awesome benefit). In fact, the very definition of urban farming includes simply growing any sort of vegetables or raising animals.  Our property is just over an acre and we have managed to landscape in mostly edible plants.  We lined our driveway with peach trees, planted a mini vineyard, an herb & strawberry garden all in our front yard.  Our backyard we have planted Olive trees, a mini orchard, pumpkin patch and 2 vegetable gardens.  This season we also added a citrus grove.  We shall see how it does here in our Southern Oregon climate.

During the first and second world wars, many people grew their own food and helped the nation overcome desperate food shortages. Today, most people grow food, or pursue urban farming to have organic options, or to know where their food is coming from, free from GMO’s or harmful pesticides. In 2012, New York City opened their very own rooftop garden! The ideas behind urban farming center around community, resourcefulness, and a healthy lifestyle! There is something really beautiful about getting your hands in the dirt and growing vegetables and raising animals, especially for children. I love the fresh air and satisfaction of my very own garden.

I've also found a "new love" for our family pet chickens. I AM the crazy chicken lady (at least I am not the cat lady!).  We have 2 boys..Sweetie and Rosie (yes, both are roosters).  Sweetie has been packed around for 2 1/2 years by my now 11 year and Rosie is our blind rooster that you will often find me packing around.   He loves to stand by my side as I weed the garden!!

 

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Summer Must Haves | Trend Watch and Inspiration

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I love summer! With my innate love of whites, creams, neutral tones, and pretty textures, summer naturally lends itself to my personal style. It’s also the perfect time to add in pops of color and with the ample natural light, everything is brighter and cheerier. Here are our picks for practical, lifestyle pieces to make your summer style perfect!

Woven Market Baskets: I love the large market baskets I’ve seen around. You can use them at the farmer’s market, store blankets in them in a living room, or toss them onto your patio to hold clutter. This one from Etsy is one of my favorites! They also come in a variety of sizes, which makes them very practical as well as cute!

White linen: White linens are a quick way to add instant style and polish to any space. Whether you opt for a tablecloth, cloth napkins, or placements, they are not only pretty, but also environmentally friendly and easy to toss into the wash to clean. We like these easy pieces from The White Company.  They are light with a subtle texture.

The perfect summer tart: No party is complete without a beautiful, easy dessert. This beautiful lemon tart is a cinch, and you can follow the easy recipe here from Martha Stewart. A rustic, beautifully cooked tart is the perfect dessert to impress your friends and provide them with the perfect finishing touch to a home-cooked meal!

Rustic Lemon Tart and other Meyer Lemon Recipes via Martha Stewart

The cutest little berry basket in ceramic is the best table topper, ever! Add a tiny pop of color into a white table setting with these darling little berry baskets from Crate and Barrel, cast in sturdy ceramic. They are washable and hold more than just berries....we’ve seen them filled with flowers, lemons, leaves, and baked goods...You could group three or four of them together for a larger impact. 

What’s your favorite summer must-have?

Making Your Outdoor Space More Cozy | Trend Watch

With crisp Spring weather peeking out from behind the clouds in my area of the country, I’m getting excited for warmer days and spending time outdoors. Although I love creating indoor spaces and relaxing rooms for families and businesses, I also love making outdoor spaces inviting and fun.  Here are some great, curated pieces, as well as where to find them. By drawing inspiration from these items, you can make your personal outdoor space inviting, relaxing and practical. 

Start with solid furniture pieces

I love the look of this Pottery Barn chair, but the price tag can be a bit hefty, especially if you want to seat a number of guests in your backyard or patio. I also like this Target option, which is well under half the price, though it is lighter color and has a slightly more rounded design. Don’t overlook places like vintage resale shops, Goodwill, and online special sale sites like Wayfair and Zulily for other great pieces.

Mix High and Lower End Decor for an Eclectic, Affordable Look

Target also has a whole collection of Farmhouse-inspired decor this year, for their outdoor collections, and it’s really beautiful! With pops of color and light teal, it manages to be affordable but not look too cheap. I love this pillow, which falls at less than half of Pottery Barn’s cute pillows. You can mix and match high end and low end pillows for a great look that is more affordable. 

Target also has a huge collection of wooden trays, and canvas seat cushions to add some flair to your space, so don’t forget to check there. Rugs, lanterns and umbrellas can add color and texture and ultimately, make even a concrete patio more inviting and warm.  A few strands of twinkle lights can also add a fun ambiance.

Look for inspiration:

I love drawing inspiration from places like Pottery Barn, West Elm, and other high end decor stores. Although this image has a few more modern elements than I normally veer to (I love the more french styles and farmhouse/shabby chic), you can see the way the rug and varied wood textures really pull the look together. This would look great in a small or large space and still feel intimate. (Image via West Elm, furniture and decor via West Elm), you can shop the look here. Pinterest is also a great way to visualize how an outdoor space might be best set up.

And, don’t forget that I’d love to come help you style whatever area of your home needs a polished touch. Give me a call today!