SIX TO BLISS: the dallas shaw edition

While I am in Spain enjoying incredible doors, I'm so excited to be bringing back one of my favorite guest post series, Six to Bliss. Celebrating my favorite creative ladies and letting them share with all of you their 6 secrets to achieving domestic bliss! 

Who: Dallas Shaw

Where: Wilmington, DE 

What:  a very, very talented fashion illustrator

Dallas is one of my favorite girlfriends in our industry, sweet, totally driven and always glam...

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SIX TO BLISS: the leah ashley edition

 

Who: Leah Ashley

Where: Venice Beach, CA.

What: Decorista + Fashionista extraordinaire and blogger at Fabulous On A Budget  

 

{This girl has quickly become one of my best friends...and trust me you will love her too.}

Its such a Fabulous honor to be featured in this week's Six to Bliss! One of my favorite quotes is "Follow Your Bliss".  Whatever it may be, I believe you should be true to your dreams and yourself. That goes for your design aesthetic as well! Don't be afraid to let YOU shine through when it comes to making your house a home. Here are a few things that make me smile at the end of each day. 

1) Un-made beds on Saturday mornings

 

2)  Beach inspired photography

 

3) Brightly colored incense instead of candles

 

4) Homemade Cocktails on Friday nights.. and sometimes on Manic Mondays. Here's how to make the Rosemary Simple Syrup! 

 

5) Dream Boards because dreams are what get me out of bed every morning

 

6) Candy colored closets

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SIX TO BLISS: the linds B edition

 Who: Linds B

Where: Boston, Mass

What: an adorable lifestyle blogger who blogs at everything LEB

This girl is so adorable + cute, you will hardly be able to resist her blogging and her six secrets of domestic bliss... 

 

#1 Loved ones artwork- I was blessed to be born into a family with a very talented Grandma. She was an artist and always creating beautiful works of art inspired by her world travels. There are hundreds of them spread throughout the family and I am the proud owner of the ones you see here.

#2 Throw pillows and blankets- there is nothing better then curling up on my sofa with some pretty throw pillows and a blanket after a long day of work or on the weekend. It might just be my favorite place to relax in the world.

#3- Fresh Flowers- I know a lot of people have said flowers, but its so true. There is no better secret to domestic bliss then having fresh flowers grace your home.

#4 Organization- I have a thing with organization. Having labeled boxes and places for everything is my complete domestic bliss.

#5 Things old and new- To me an interesting home is one that has a collected, worn and personal look. Nothing was purchased at the same store or in the same time period but is a mishmash of treasured and loved items.

When my Grandparents moved back to the States from Jamaica (right before the Cuban Missile Crisis) this Sterling Silver ashtray made the trip. It’s engraved with Liguiana Club, which was a club they used to frequent. While the club no longer exists- the memory of it does in my living room. It makes a good spot for this new candle.

Next to the ashtray is a old black and white photo in a new Lucite frame. The photo is of my Great Grandparents in 1939 relaxing in the Hamptons that summer. This mix of old and new is domestic bliss to me.

#6 Color- I am a color person and complete domestic bliss to me means lots of color. I painted my walls this peacock blue color and I love it more now then the day it went up.

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SIX TO BLISS: the marianne strong edition

Today's SIX TO BLISS is from one of my most favorite faith filled sweethearts in the blog-o-sphere. Marianne is such a big inspiration to me...I adore her.

Who: Marianne Strong

Where: Birmingham, Alabama

What: A super fun interior decorator and writer of the blog, Haven & Home.

Hello!  I am so excited to be here!  Not only is Ashlina's blog beautiful but she is wonderful person as well and I was flattered to be part of this series.  Some of these may be repeats but here is my list for Six To Bliss:

1. Unexpected Jolts of Color On Unexpected Objects...

2. Well Styled Bookshelves (I am still working on this, yikes!)...

3. Eyecatching Wallpaper...

 4. An Upholstered Headboard...

5. And Staying With Beds...Legna Sheets...

worth every penny, I wouldn't steer you wrong!

6. A Beautiful Closet 

(still working on this one too, a girl can dream can't she?)...

 Ashlina, Thanks again for having me!!!!

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SIX TO BLISS: the maureen toribio edition

 Who: Maureen Toribio

Where: Austin, Texas (my hometown!)

What: owner and founder of Inglenook Decor online shop and blogger to boot!

I just think Maureen is a doll I am sure you all will love her style as much as I do.

Here are her SIX TO BLISS...

1. Cafe au Lait. I never start the day without it...it's so good, especially with beignets!

 

 {via Food Network}

2. Beautiful living things. I think every table or countertop just looks so refreshing with fresh cut flowers, herbs, succulents and my new faves, air plants! They're at my home office, side table and the patio.

 3. Stacked books. I love reading! Doesn't everybody? Books are decorative things as well especially if there's something adorable on top of them!

 

 {via Restyling Home by Kelly}

4. Inspiration Boards. Getting inspired is way easier when you can see it. They seem almost real when you see pictures of them.

 

 {via Carolyn Peeler Typepad}

5. Anything white.  White plates, white candle holders, white sheets....I'm such a sucker for whites. It's so elegant and serene. Too bad my fiance's not too much into white. The next house should have an extra room I can make my "pure" room. Don't you think it just looks so adorable with lime green hydrangeas? My fave flower by the way!

{via Country Living}

6. Courtyards. They're so romantic. I wouldn't mind it if it has cobblestones, ivy creeping on walls, a fountain. When in restaurants, I always choose the outside if they have a courtyard...al fresco dining is the best!

{Ty Larkins' courtyard via House Beautiful}

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SIX TO BLISS: the nancy marcus edition

 Who: Nancy Marcus

Where: Vancouver BC (but i wish she lived in LA with me)

What: Aspiring decorator and supremely stylish writer of Marcus Design blog.

(I totally love this girl. We are definitely speaking the same language)

Hello lovely Decorista readers! I'm thrilled and honored that Ashlina has asked me to be part of her fabulous Six to Bliss series, her blog is a daily must-read for me and I adore her sense of style. Thank you Ashlina for allowing me to share my Six to Bliss!

1. Fabulous readings materials

I gain so much inspiration daily from books, magazines and who can forget, lovely blogs! There is something so magical about sitting down with a glossy new book or magazine; not to mention, stacks of books add personality and interest to any design scheme!

1- image via Lonny mag

2. Shades of grey + anything tufted

I swoon for soft and soothing grey walls. Every wall in my house is a shade of grey. Add to the mix a beautiful tufted piece {or two} and I am in heaven. I always say every room could use a little bit of tufted goodness!

1, 2 - images via Windsor Smith

3. Family & friends

My house would not be a home without my wonderful hubby and my sweet little Pomeranian. My family and friends give me so much support and love I feel like I can do anything! The people in my life are what make it rich and meaningful.

4. Accessories galore

Whether it's a colorful pillow or a fabulous pair of earrings, accessories in my home and in my wardrobe add that special touch of blissful glam. I'll always remember these words of wisdom from Ms. Dorothy Draper: “It is just as disastrous to have the wrong accessories in your room as it is to wear sport shoes with an evening dress.” Rule of thumb: when in doubt, put on a long necklace and you'll instantly take your outfit up a notch!

1 - image via Anna Spiro, 2 - via Lonny mag

5. Artwork

Creativity is so important to me. I love art, and my favorite hobby is to paint. Bold pieces really make a room sing. Being surrounded by images and paintings that I love is the epitome of domestic bliss!

2 - image via Samantha Pynn, 3 - Marcus Design artwork

6. A little indulgence

Who doesn't have their own form of comfort food?? For me it's sushi, a delightful cup of tea, and some chocolate chip cookies to seal the deal. My sweet tooth is my weakness, I am a sucker for baked goods!

I hope you enjoyed my six to bliss, it was so much fun creating it. A huge thank you to the beautiful Ashlina for having me!

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SIX TO BLISS: the sarah swanson edition

 Who: Sarah Swanson

Where: Calgary, Canada

What: A beautiful mommy of two and a lifestyle blogger for Flourish.

Miss Sarah is one of my favorite stylish gals.
With camera in hand, she captures her tailored style perfectly...always.
Here are her SIX TO BLISS:

My six to bliss is focusing on what I need to have in a space to feel bliss..

1. Hint of black. I adore how it can ground a space. This feature wall with its trim work ( a must for me! ) creates quite a statement. The other thing I adore about this.. the teddy. With two kids running around, in my house there is bound to be a toy in unexpected places. Go with it!

2. Great Storage. My mom has two great armoires that are gorgeous antique pieces. One day one of them will make its way to me, and although I love original wood, I equally love a creamy white finish!

3. Green Botanicals. They add a crispness, and freshness to a space.

4. White kitchen. I am a classic girl at heart. It is SO versatile! Add in the island in natural wood, and I’m sold!

5. J Crew cardigans and ballet flats. My go to fall attire!

 

6. Family.. this is mine, without them, my home would have no bliss!

Thank you Ashlina.. what a treat for me to share with you, xo

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SIX TO BLISS: the dagny thurmann edition

Who: Dagny Thurmann-Hoelseth
Where: Chilly Norway!
What: A beautiful and very savvy decorista + founder of Design Refuge!

Am super excited to be sharing my list with you! Ashlina is my LA BFF, and
I've been a huge fan of this Decorista since the early beginning :)


<Love>
The love between my hubby and I is what true bliss is about. The picture
above is from a very intimate moment, where he held his speech to me at our
wedding in Barcelona in August.

<Everyday Glamour>
My Laundry Room definitely makes me feel blissful. It's amazing to do all
the laundry, ironing and folding of clothes here. Love it!!

 
<Fabulous Art>

Art is in my opinion what can take a room to a whole new level. I've had
many super sweet chats with Ashlina about the  subject, and she's
amazingly resourceful. Her column at Design Refuge is a treat!!
 
<Books>

I LOVE my books. And why not make a pretty little vignette with the ones you
already have?


<Cupcakes>
Can't live without them! I usually don't eat sugar or wheat, but these are
my guilty pleasure. I even have a series dedicated to them on Scandinavian Chic, where
the cupcake bakeries if Oslo are challenged to make cupcakes that match my
decor. LOTS of fun! Season 2 is about to start, and you can check out
season 1 here.
 
<Fine Bone China>

I LOVE fine bone china! My absolute favorite is Elinno Design (above). You never tire of their stunning
patterns where Chinoiserie meets Scandinavian design. The fact that you can
mix and match is also a huge plus. You never run out of creative options.

Thank you for having me!!

xoxo

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