DECORISTA DIY: python mirror

I have always been a fan of python when it comes to home accessories. Especially items that get covered with python paper like desks, side tables, bookshelves, and the like that have been seen in the glossies. However, the second I saw this gorgeous black and gold python mirror I knew I had to have a piece for myself. So, I turned to one of my favorite DIYers, Jen, for inspiration and now, with a little bit of work, I have the perfect gold and black python mirror for my very own apartment. 
UPDATE: this gold and black python wrapping paper was found on this EBAY shop.

office space of the day...greek key dressers

pretty pink chair + glass desk + framed silhouette gold accents + greek key DIY dresser=
domestic bliss
I happen to love dressers with greek key molding on them, (a trend that still going strong) and I always find that they steal the show in many, many really well done rooms I see. I think turquoise and gold work so well together on this IKEA dresser hack.
I'm thinking that something like this black and white one below is exactly what I want to be working with in my new clients living room. 


Or you can even add the look in the details like these adorable greek key drawer pulls.

images via 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

DIY weekend decorating idea...

The second I spotted this lavender wall, I was smitten and so in love. How relaxing would a lavender office space be? I have always had an affinity for metallic duct tape (like this one) and thought this little DIY project would be perfect for my readers! I love anything with molding, whether it be faux molding or not. Would you guys be interested in doing something like this? So cute, no?

DIY Decor Idea: colored matting

Happy Friday everyone! This week in NYC is so much fun...it's fashion week and things in my neighborhood are just buzzing. I love the energy. So, inspired by all the amazing fashion that I have been seeing around, I am desperate to add more color to my very GREIGE apartment.
One way I can get this plan into action is through matting in my artwork...

I adore this look with the gold and black frame and pink-ish matting, very neo-traditional...
mixing up the colors can be very boho chic yet still sophisticated.
I, of course, LOVE the hot pink but different colors look very cool too! 
This bathroom look is just oh so right, I think the green and yellow is so chic!
oh and this lavender is just my color lately and I am totally inspired by this photo from NYSD


images via... glamlamb. tumblr. lonnymag. littlegreennotebook. NYSD.

DIY simple + chic holiday decorating ideas for your tabletop

1. Paint stripes on a long white tablecloth. Sometimes the tablecloth is all the statement you need. Lots and lots of candlelight and you have a perfect holiday tablescape that will hold you over through the New Year.
No time to craft? Get a black and white striped sheet set and use as a tablecloth. 

2. Paint your placemats black! Basic black placemats highlight ordinary dishware...Refinery 29 shows us how to throw a holiday party in style...with simple black and white accents.
3. Think outside of the box. Take a cue from the latest issue of Adore Home Magazine and place black Christmas tree cutouts next to long pillar candles with ribbon tied around them for a SMASHING and easy-to-do centerpiece.

DIY Decorating...Ideas for holiday decorating with ornaments

Decorating for Christmas time is my favorite, it's my absolute favorite holiday. Unfortunately for me, my nyc apartment has no room for a big tree so I have a few clever ways to improvise...
I am in love with Christmas ornaments. They are sparkly, shiny and oh so pretty...I especially like the mini disco ball kind. So, this year I will be heading to my local craft store and gathering a bunch of sparkly ornaments. Here are a few things to do with them...
First, I love the idea of tying them to pretty ribbon, (I go with velvet) and hanging them from either lighting, hooks or anything that can be hung from.
Also, because I wont be doing a lot of baking myself, I will use my cake stands and hurricane vases and fill them with ornaments. I personally like to stick with a monochromatic look like below but any ornament colors will do. You gotta go with what you love!
I have never forgotten this awesome art piece done with green ornaments. So chic.
Also...I miss having an outdoor area. If I had a front porch with bench. This is how I would decorate it. Throw in some sparkly ornaments and its perfect holiday decorating.

images via

DIY decorating: 4 clever and creative ideas for domestic bliss

1. Use creative shoe storage: how incredibly glam is this case piece? It is the perfect way to show off your pretty shoes without being disorganized.

2. Use creative dual purpose furniture:Use trunks as sidetables, they are GREAT for storage as well as providing ample space for lighting, trinkets, books and the like. 
3. Add a pop of color to a neutral space: Get a canvas, paint it a gorgeous color and voila, you have instant, chic art and a pretty pop of color! Works wonders and on a budget, too.
4. Stylish beauty displays: When not baking, let your cake stand double as a cute tray for pretty perfume bottle display. Adds a bit of dimension to the tablescape vignette, no?

{images. pinterest. unknown. fullhouse. LAinthebay.}

Weekend Decorating: how to display your china properly

Ever wondered how to display your perfect china to make it look amazing? 
Well, I have just the solution...

get a gorgeous wallpaper and recover your china cabinet like maison decor has done so beautifully...
I also really enjoy this photo above, because it shows stacked plates and one on its side to show the beauty of the dish. It's the perfect balance of storage and display.
Even just a dark paint on your cabinets could do the trick for extra bold showcasing.

Now do you see the impact of wallpaper?

DIY decorating secrets from a beach-y bohemian pad...

Many of you know that my affections belong to southern california and that beachy lifestyle. I fell instantly for this adorable apartment. So, I took a few notes on her decor style...
1. Collect a bunch of white vases in different sizes and set atop your fireplace mantle. Fill them with bunches of the same blooms, and your mantle will pack some decorative punch!


2. Display your jewels on sidetables (not just your dresser or vanity) on pretty feminine dishes and combine with pretty trinkets and treasured magazines to make it look like a styled set. This gives you that  boutique display vibe that we all know and love.
3. DIY artwork... stencils, canvas and pretty color paint. Pick a favorite quote, saying or mantra for an everyday pick-me-up.
oh and don't forget to display your prettiest shoes for more happiness...

DIY home decor ideas...

I am a true crafter at heart. I really don't have much time to do it with everything going on here in the city but I just couldn't resist sharing some very crafty DIY ideas that speak to me. The second I saw these cute little pots covered in fabric, I thought...how adorable! check out my fave DIY ideas...
i love chalkboard paint...
paint black stripes on a wall for a chic look...
spray paint ornate frames in all white for wall magic...
I love this guest room idea...writings on the wall...

The Decorista trend spotting: spotted fabric

I adore this incredibly well styled vignette. Spotted fabric is all the rage right now and I am coveting some for my new space. A perfectly paired elegant wood dresser and gold mirror combo looks rich. The fabulous cat lamp with an orange shade mixes it up a bit and adds a touch of fun. Loving this mix.

love the spotted fabric?

here is what the chair looked like before...
via beau

decorating ideas...wonderful walls of white frames


Oh how I love a good "white done right" room.
These are two very cool rooms with gatherings of all white frames.
Super chic and super easy to recreate...

1. grab a can or two of high-gloss spray paint
2. get a few random frames with detail at your local thrift shop (always buy in odd numbers)
3. spray away!

Easy as 1, 2, 3 and very inexpensive. I just love this kinda stuff.


The Art of Living...how to properly set a table

The weekend is here and the dinner party invitations are steadily coming in.
As always, I offered my help to each of the hosts and surprisingly I got asked a question...
Do you know how to properly set a table for a dinner party?

My grandmother taught me at the age of 5 and she always insisted a formal table setting at every single family occasion.
{I figured you guys might like to know the answer too...so here are my cheat sheets.}


This setting is perfect for intimate dinners with close friends...

Now if you are having a large party or just want to impress your guests this formal setting is for you!



A well styled table is a sure fire way to achieve harmony at a dinner party and ultimately create the perfect mood for you very own domestic bliss!
images via stylenote

The Decorista tip of the day...add stripes for a quick pick-me-up!

This weekend in LA was the gloomiest of the season so far. 
I haven't spent that much time indoors in a while. It got me thinking...
While the weather starts to get gloomier, my bar area needed a little pick-me-up.
So I painted some stripes to perk myself up.
It totally worked and now I am in love.

(as always, please forgive my poor photography skills...one day!)