The Decorista-Domestic Bliss: April 2010

Friday, April 30

how to dress your home Kentucky Derby style

With the Kentucky Derby weekend arrival,

I have been drawn to equestrian style decor...

Very handsome, masculine chic.

and you must check out this book...its fantastic!

images courtesy of...
simplified bee
elle decor
apartmenttherapy

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Beautiful Blooms...decorating with Hydrangeas

Happy Friday everyone!

I want to share with you some beautiful blooms to send you off into the weekend.

It's been a super busy week for me this week and I am in need of some

lovely Hydrangeas to fill my bedroom.

{i have been seriously crushing on hydrangeas lately}

I also want to say a big THANK YOU to you all

for being amazing readers,followers and commenters.

It has been so much fun chatting and getting to know you...

I appreciate the love a million times over!

Hope you all have a lovely weekend.

{my sweet friend Flaviana inspired me with this lovely photo of her home above}

{this one is for you Terri + your new toy}

images courtesy of...
maisondelilas
thetearoom
southernaccents
elements of style
searching for style
thisisglamorous
marleyandlocklear
shabby chic

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office space of the day...a fashionable home office fit for a stylista

This is the office of a stylish gal who lives in dallas, tx (love)

and aside from the fact that the computer is not a MAC...i would die to work at home here.

amazing desk + LV accessories + splashes of pink = domestic bliss

image via Everything Fab from Dmag

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SIX TO BLISS: the erika ward edition

Who: Erika Ward

Where: Atlanta, GA

What: a SUPER fabulous interior designer and really inspiring blogger of Blu Label Bungalow

Today is Six to Bliss with a twist!

I’m beyond thrilled to be a part of SODB SIX TO BLISS series. Thanks so much Ashlina! Generally, I’d show you photos of beautiful interiors or the latest design trends but today my secrets to domestic (and marital) bliss are about the people in my home, not the things. What creates “bliss” under my roof?

#1 Support

Having an environment of love and support makes us feel like you can conquer the world…and if we happen to stumble, there’s always someone available to catch us.

#2 Scheduled Date Nights

We make time for one another. If your life is as busy as mine, adding this date to your calendar is essential. I believe it keeps your lines of communication open and lets your mate know that spending quality time with him is a top priority.

#3 Make (Lots of) Love

We make lots of love…Love-making starts long before you reach the bedroom. It’s the sweet notes you leave in his wallet. It’s little (naughty) whispers in his ear and sneaky touches that make your man blush, and believe me, it’s hard to make a Black Man “blush,” but I manage ;-)

Once you hit the sheets (if you make it that far) the fire is raging. Need I say more? The residual benefits last for days. He’ll practically do anything you ask of him with no complaints!

#4 Happy Kids / Family Commitment

Putting in quality time at home with the family yields a return greater than any financial investment. These are the years in which sweet memories are created. When my priorities get out of wack, this quote by Robert Brault puts everything into perspective for me, “If you haven't time to respond to a tug at your pants leg, your schedule is too crowded.”

#5 Recreational Companionship

We share each other’s interest. When I married my husband I knew I was also marrying American football. Once the season starts I attend so many games that I swear I hear referee whistles in my sleep.

When he married me, he knew that he would eventually become my informal “Design Assistant” (I recently promoted him from Design Intern). He’s moved furniture, loaded my Craigslist finds, and endured hours at fabric stores and designer showrooms. Neither of us complain about the other’s interest. We embrace them and recognize them as a part of who we are.

#6 Self-Maintenance

I am a “Haute Mama” (yeah, I said it). I stay well-groomed as well as nurture my mind, body, and spirit. Whenever I do something for myself, I realize I am benefitting the family unit. Have you ever heard the quote, “If Mama ain’t happy, then no one is happy.” Don’t make everyone in your home miserable because you haven’t taken time for yourself. Happiness is infectious and so is sadness. Choose to be happy regardless of the circumstances and learn how to have joy no matter what.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 6 secrets to domestic bliss. Try them for yourself and share with me your experience. I would love to hear from you!

Erika,

I think you are so amazing, positive, talented and creative and I hope you know how much I appreciate this post!!!!!!

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Thursday, April 29

Tinsley Mortimer's Apartment {High Society Finale}

Did you guys catch the finale of High Society last night?

I hate to admit it, but I am a big fan of the show.

It's one of those shows you just can stop watching. Sigh.

Mostly because I think Tinsley's style is oh so glamorous and fun.

Her digs are on that same amazingness level.

Here is one pic I found from her new apartment on the show.

{I really love the chairs at the end of the bed...and that headboard looks pretty stylish as well}

{adorable dress + booties too!}

And now here are some images from her old apartment with her husband.

{I happen to think these red console tables with blue + white china on top are PERFECTION!}

I think I would be in heaven if I had a closet like hers!

{the wallpaper in this image is ridiculous}

I am really loving the blue and white theme going on here.

This tablescape is oh so traditional sophisticated.

What do you guys think?

Do you love her sophisticated blue and white style?

images courtesy of...
casasugar
purseforum
girlworld
jenniferjane

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bliss in the kitch' {a picturesque all white kitchen}

I find this kitchen just adorable and bright.

Lively and whimsical.

Just a blissful retreat to orange juice and biscuits.

Oh so lovely.

the bottom of the ironing basket

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fashion meets decor...sex and the city 2 style {color combo pink + blue}

bright blue + pink carrie bradshaw look

meet

bright blue + pink interior decor color combo...

i am sprung on your fresh vibrance!

and this was the picture that inspired it all (my love affair with pink + blue)!!!!

images courtesy of...

cutecarry

asher + roth

decorpad

flickr

brabourne farm

apartmenttherapy

and more news....I am guest blogging today over at Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle.

{a sweet little write up about my fave books}

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secret of domestic bliss #19...perfecting the art of decorating with your dishware

I know we have seen this time and time again, but honestly I want everyone to know what an impact displaying your dishes can do for your home.

It is just a shame to keep beautiful dish ware hidden and out of sight.

How fantastic would it be to create an art like focal point loaded with loving treasures?

Perhaps they are from a relative and passed down through generations or even just from a fun store, all in your favorite colors...it all can look very heavenly.

No matter how or where you decide to display them, just make sure you do it with love.

Feast your eyes on these favorites of mine for some inspiration!