Wedding Design//

I hope everyone is enjoying their memorial day weekend! I spent my afternoon boating with the parents and trying to soak in as much rays as possible. Our family lives for summer sunshine and long days on the water!

This week has been an absolute blast as we re-live our wedding through all our pictures. Our very talented photographer, Arielle Peters, also happens to be my very sweet cousin-in-law and we were incredibly blessed to have such talent for our special day! Seriously, if you want her info let me know, she’s the best, in my very biased opinion!

One thing I’ve been wanting to do since the planning of our wedding is see how all my decor ideas and visions finally came together for the big day, and honestly it was EXACTLY how I saw it in my head! It’s always great when that happens isn’t it? Today I wanted to show off the elements I used!

Side Note: If anyone is interested in hiring me to help with a wedding coming up- Contact me! I would love to build my portfolio and help anyone that finds designing the challenging part. 

So here’s the 411 on all the wedding decor:

Colors: Shades of mint, gold, white, purple, hot pink

Theme: Bohemian, eclectic glam

Flowers: White Ranaculas, hot pink carnations, purple misty, babys breath, potted succulents, and fresh lilac

When I first started planning out our wedding decor I knew I wanted gold and bright colors. It was going to be spring so I knew I wanted to nice soft spring color for the girls dresses, and aqua/mint just happens to be my favorite color, so that was an easy pick! Then I simply picked complementary colors to match those two.

One of my suggestions would be not to solidify your complementary colors until you go look at flowers. I wasn’t planning on having any purple flowers in our wedding and then fell in love with these beautiful wildflowers that were all purple, so that got added! And by the way it adds to the bouquets and table arrangements I say it was the best decision I made for the decor. So don’t get hung up on the dreams in your head, because something better could come along!

Alright now the details…

1. The Guest Tables

I knew I wanted a long farmhouse table look, with the vases scattered through out the middle lining the entire length. Once I picked white tablecloths, using the gold accent of a table runner was a no brainer to add color, but not too much. It was the perfect subtle accent.

Most of the vases I used were bought at Hobby Lobby on half off weeks, or dollar tree and spray painted. The pots for the tiny succulents were a Hobby Lobby purchase and we simply painted them gold with brushes. Spray paint was bought in bulk for these projects, but it was worth it! Lastly, the dinos! My favorite part and all because of my cute, nerdy husbands love for them. I found bags of 250 dino’s through a teacher magazine of my moms, we ordered two bags and simply spray painted them gold!

For the place settings, I was able to borrow china from a family friend’s past wedding. They had all different versions of white plain dishes and silverware so each person had a different style, but I was still able to keep the simplicity of the white. Their name tag and wedding favor dinosaur sat on top as they arrived to their seat.

 

2. The Guestbook and Gifts Table

This table was really fun, because I had over time collected different wall art about starting our story together to add with our engagement pictures. I used vases that were also used on the guest tables, and also added some unique elements. Our guest book was a globe I found at Hobby Lobby. Chris and I love to travel, and we though it was the perfect piece we could use in our homes for, forever. Our cards were placed in between the spokes of a gold birdcage I also found at Hobby Lobby. My favorite part was the sparkling sequin table runner that added so much glam and color to the white linens.

 

 

 

3. The Cake Table

The cake table is near and dear to my heart. I found the cabinet at a little shop in Broad Ripple, Indianapolis with one of my bridesmaids. It was already painted mint, and heavy as sin, and I LOVED it! As planning went on, I knew we’d use it in our home and the mint didn’t match so I decided to bring in the navy since the guys would be wearing navy to accent the girl’s mint dresses. Then I got creative and added T-Rex heads as the door knobs. I threw on another sparkly table runner, and a cute little sparkle banner and it was perfect for our delicious naked cake!

 

4. The Ceremony Stage

At this point on Saturday afternoon my brain was fried from putting everything together. My girls helped me a lot when putting the stage together for the ceremony the next day. The special part of it is, a lot of it was family heirlooms. The chest, the little chair, and stool were all passed down on one side of my family. We added some sweet little doily’s and more of the glam gold and flowers and it was the PERFECT mix of what I was going for.

 

I hope you enjoyed relishing in the beauty that is a wedding. If I could just decorate weddings and homes all the time I think I’d be in heaven!

Anyone who would like help decorating their wedding, find my contact information on the contact page! I’d love to work with you!

XOXO

What Does it Need?//

Happy Thursday designers! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for my extended weekend!

As I’m finishing up each room in our place I’m realizing that you always have those questions of, what else does the room need? Do you have those moments? You can’t put your finger on it, but it just needs something else? Well I’m here to help! Let me take you through some of the things I look for when I’m thinking my room needs something.

 

1. Texture

I’m big on texture. I love fluffy pillows and blankets, wood-grained vases, and table runners. It’s amazing how a piece of cloth, fur, or something earthy can bring a lot to a room instantly.

2. Pattern

For the most part, I like neutral pallets, but I honestly do believe there’s such thing as too neutral. If you’re sticking with tan and creams, make sure you find neutral based decor with a pattern. The pattern adds depth and makes the color scheme seem to have more emphasis. I prefer to do a neutral pallet with some extra bold patterns either thrown into the room with a rug, a piece of wall art, or even painting the wall with a design.

3. Color

Now, since I do more neutrals to keep things light, and airy, I try to find one item to really add a pop to the room. I’m a HUGE lover of rugs. Top place I find them, Urban Outfitters Online. They have the BEST colorful, pattern-filled rugs. Another wonderful place is Anthropologie, but UO is usually more in my price range.  You can also do this with a statement piece of art, bold pillows on a neutral couch or bedspread, or again, paint an accent wall with your complimentary color.

4. Personalize

Last, add something personal. I love basing my rooms off something personal each time. My living room is just tons of arrows. I love arrows, the significance of their story, moving forward into greatness inspires me. Our bedroom, I have pieces of my grandmothers in jewelry, and mirrors with gold accents to go with the navy, and gold theme. Our guest room is very personal. It’s our travel room. We have a map marked with the places we’ve been together, wood statues of animals from trips and pictures to keep the memories alive. It doesn’t matter what it is, but a home ALWAYS feels put together when each room feels personal.

 

Hope this helps those of you stuck with the details!

XOXO

My Bright & Shiny Kitchen//

Hey Guys! I’m back! Seriously, from this point on I’ll be making an effort to blog regularly and I’m so excited about it!

Since I got married and our loved one’s were so generous I am finally able to complete different rooms in the house, and I thought I’d start with our kitchen/dining area.

*Please note, I cannot control wall colors, cabinets, or carpeting! We live in an apartment*

Color Scheme:

• Mint, Coral, Navy and Gold

My Favorite Pieces:

• Open Shelving Unit
• Mint Kitchen Aid Mixer
• Mismatched colored chairs
• Window Succulents

Let me introduce you to my kitchen/dining area…

 

1. The Table

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The Details:

• Gold arrow table runner adds texture and bright color against the wood
• A dried bouquet from our wedding adds a pop of another bold color with the purple
• Those straws are adding fun flair for guests and us!
• I LOVE my mismatched chairs- they’re rough and scratched up and just perfect!

 

2. Open Shelving Unit

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The Details: 

• Gold spray painted shelving
• Family China to add some history and blue along with our white plates
• That mint colored mixer!!
• The top shelf includes some old pyrex and recipe books from my sweet grandmother
• I just LOVE open shelving! It adds so much to a room, but obviously keep it organized!

 

3. Everyday Station

The Details: 

• Gold rimmed chalkboard(from our wedding) helps us keep organized
• I love the little touch of a bar cart, and it helps us keep our life together

 

4. Decor, Decor

The Details:

• Extra Shelving, gold painted mugs
• Coral curtains
• SUCCULENTS- I love them live plants and I still haven’t killed them!

 

Hope you’ve enjoyed my kitchen/dining area, I’ve loved how it’s come together!

Xoxo

Style Update//

Hey Guys!

I know I’ve been literally MIA for a while. That’s what happens when you move, start a new job and finish planning your wedding. BTW WE GET MARRIED IN 18 DAYS! Crazy! Crazy Exciting!

So, I thought I’d just update you on new styles and decor items at my two favorite decor stores, Target and Urban Outfitters. I added a few links to some things on the shop page as well for you all! There are some great new summer finds that I’m obsessed with at each place, and I know you will be too!

Enjoy- and happy shopping! 

 

 

1.  Pineapple Themes  

 

Pineapple Bowl Set($24)  

Pineapple String Lights($20)

   Pineapple Candles($20)

Urban Outfitters know’s how to speak my design love language this summer season! My entire kitchen is already pineapple theme- How am I going to choose what to buy to add on!

The bowls are a perfect design add in when having company over, and those candles and string lights might just make your back porch area feel like a beach oasis!

 

2. Southwest/Bohemian Inspired Patio Collection

Patio Furniture, Target

Outdoor Pouf and Ceramic Tree Accent Table, Target

Wooden Planters, Target

Gold and Navy Decor, Target

I love this patio set! It’s got great furniture that’s comfortable to sit on, with such great decor to make it your own. There are several different pieces within this collection, these are just my favorite! I love those wooden planters, they really add to the boho look I tend to go for. Add in a rug as well and you’ve got a comfy place to sit all night long!

3. Summer Tapestries

Stay Home Tapestry, UO

Window Valance Tapestry, OU

Create Gold Foil Tapestry, UO

Tapestries are a great way to add color to your walls and windows. They can act as statement pieces, be included in a gallery wall, or be used to fill that random hole you’ve had for a while. Summer is a great time to use them because they are usually overly colorful and have a more boho, fresh vibe to them!

Hope you all enjoy these sweet, summer time decor pieces! I know I have some shopping and updating to do for the season!

XOXO

Gallery Walls//

Gallery Walls are near and dear to my heart. I love how creative people can get with them, and it’s completely true that the possibilities are endless.

Our apartment is the typical beige on beige with white walls, so our gallery wall really adds to the living room decor.

The pieces are a bit more neutral as our living room is a eclectic, boho style with more neutral pieces and pops of color in rugs and pillows. I tried to choose neutral, but eye catching pieces for the wall to keep that range.

Here it is all together:

 

I’m sure you’re wondering where the pieces came from, here’s the breakdown…

Hobby Lobby:

Arrow Painting

Steer Skull

Feathers

Wooden Arrow

“M” Initial

Target:

White Stag Head

The LOVE letters were from my Bridal Shower, wooden and simple painted gold

The wooden board with one of my favorite sayings was a gift from a dear friend

 

Here are some of my tips to create a great gallery wall:

1. Lay it Out

We’ve all been there when you just start putting things up and you step back and it looks like your 5 year old kid just told you where to put it all. Lay out all your pieces exactly how you’ll want them on the wall.

2. Tape it out

Next, take the time to measure things out on the floor and use painters tape to tape where each thing goes on the wall. I promise you won’t regret taking the time to do this

3. Choose Your Accents

You can see that the stag head and steer skull stick out there in the middle, that’s because they’re my favorite of all the pieces. I wanted to center everything around those two and work out from there. Since they’re smaller I put the larger pieces in the corners to pull the eye outwards then

Shelf Styling//

It’s been TOO LONG since I blogged! I sincerely had no time amongst the moving and starting a new job, but BONUS, now I have my own designs to show you as well!

Since I’m still piecing rooms together I don’t want to do a full room yet, so I’ve decided to do my favorite, for the most part, finished pieces among our apartment for now.

Today: How to style a shelving unit

 

Here are a few tips and tricks I try to stick to:

1. Stay Simple

As you can see, I’m not overwhelming my shelves. I use enough pieces to consider it useful, but not enough that it seems like I didn’t have anywhere else to put things. Over clutter is the death of a good shelving unit. 

2. Use Different Shapes and Levels

Visually, if everything is the same level, or same shape, it’d be a rather boring unit. Notice the way I’ve set things up. I have books and records on multiple shelves, but I’ve placed them horizontally, vertically, in the middle of the shelf, or to the side. I’ve also added different items to accentuate height or fill a tiny open space from vases, to candles, to the picture frame.

     3. Personalize it

I love fresh flowers so I’ve added that in two different places. We also recieved this sweet engraved box from our photographer with our engagement pictures, I love that our initials are on it, and it sits perfectly on that shelf. I also LOVE candles. Ask my fiance, or really anyone that knows me, I don’t have a room without a candle.

Find the things you love and fill your home with it! Don’t be afraid to step outside the lines a little either. Our living room is very eclectic with boho accents and gallery walls. This industrial shelf ties it all together!

 

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To all those in Indiana, stay warm and safe tonight!

Xoxo

Tips for an Inviting Entryway//

Entry ways are the first thing people experience when entering your home, whether that be a house or apartment, you want to make it feel inviting with their first step.

Now with homes, you more than likely will have more to work with, but apartment entry ways can be crowded and tricky. Overall, the goal is to make it feel clean and open for everyone. 

Here are my ideas: 

1. Keep it clean

Obviously you’re living in the house day in and day out, so we have a tendency to just throw our shoes off so we can get relaxed, but for the days you know you’ll have visitors make sure you have storage and organization to make your entry space not over crowded with shoes and junk from the every day. They don’t want to be stepping over your mess as they say hello! 

 

2. Make it Inviting

People don’t want to walk into your home’s entryway with a view of cold walls and dullness. You want the entry way to feel warm, like it’s almost saying hello for you(I know cheesy). It’s the first statement of your home though! Make it say hello, literally with these cute signs!

 

3. Add your personality and style

Your entryway is the first piece of you people get to experience when they come into your home. If you have a specific style you’re going for, start it there. You can easily make something functional and trendy all at the same time. Don’t be afraid to be creative and embrace you. Here are my favorites to replicate currently….

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I’d love to see some of your entryways- email me for ideas if you’d like!

XOXO

 

 

The Perfect Bar Cart//

I feel like there’s nothing more classy than a well styled bar cart. Bar carts are coming back in high demand in the interior world right now, so there’s never a better time to experiment!

The great thing is, they’re so EASY to DIY. Even if you don’t drink you can still style a bangin’ bar cart to add some class and style. If you’re looking for a statement piece for your room re-do then this is perfect for you! 

First, I wanted to list out the top bar carts to buy- some can transform as a DIY and some are already bar cart made and ready to style:

1. Ikea Utility Cart, $29.99
2. Target, Metal and Wood Bar Cart, $129.99
3. Threshold Rattan Bar Cart, $129.99
4. World Market, Utility/Wood Bar Cart, $169.99
5. Ikea 3-Tier Cart, $24.99
6. Ikea Laptop Table/Desk, $39.99

I wanted to give everyone different options of Inexpensive DIY carts, to fully ready- now let’s style them! 

1. Make sure you have your cart fully stocked! 
2. Find cute vases and or trinkets to style the cart
3. Use your best glasses and mugs
4. Style the tray tops to add more color and pop
5. Find a great accent tray

 

Here are some examples of my favorite bar carts I’ve found. I’ll be going for a gold/white look once Chris and I are all moved into our new place. Personally, I’m DIY-ing this thing as we will be trying to fully finish an entire apartment and a styled bar cart is out of my price range. ENJOY!

 

Gold and White Styling

 

Accessories

 

 

Industrial/Rustic Styles

 

 

Ikea Hacks

 

Don’t forget- it doesn’t have to be alcohol related. You can easily convert these into coffee bars, storage carts, diaper carts, or open shelving. The options are endless! 

 

XOXO

 

 

Dollar Vases and Glitter//

It’s been weeks of DIY for the wedding and I’ve been so thankful to the many people that have helped me get almost all my projects checked off the list!

Last night, Momma Smith and I worked on the few remaining vases and I decided to experiment a bit. I know, I know with wedding decor?! But these were dollar vases so if I messed up we weren’t out too much.

In earlier projects I’d carefully taped off vases along side my helpers and they did turn out great, but I wanted a different effect this time and  I think all the different looks will look great together!

 

Here are the essentials you’ll need for these vases:

1. Clear vases from Dollar Tree (literally one dollar)
2. Spray Adhesive
3. Metallic Gold spray paint
4. Extra fine gold glitter
5. Latex gloves to protect your hands

Now we did all spray painting in the house so the paint sets right with the cold- if you do this, try to tape up a box so you can set it inside to spray. We don’t need paint everywhere, right?! 

Gold Spray Paint

With the gold spray paint all we did was simply spray the bottom and let it die off as you neared the top of the vase. Spray it gradually and slowly so you don’t spray too much and it drips, and it also allows you to have that subtle end of the paint into the glass.

Spray Adhesive and Glitter

I did the same thing with the spray adhesive, just spray it gradually where on the vase you’d like the glitter to be, stagger the sprays so you have some different edging, and then sprinkle the glitter onto the adhesive, let dry.

 

Here are the final products: 

 

Don’t they look great?! How awesome will a flickering candle look with the fade of the paint?

I’m so excited about how these turned out, and even more excited about how easy and inexpensive the project is.

 

Hope you enjoy!

xoxo

 

 

 

 

Drab to Fab//

Since it’s cold, gloomy, and let’s be honest somewhat depressing around the country, I wanted to add a colorful spark to everyone’s day.

Here is my how to on spicing up your living spaces with the lousy weather outside your window….

 

1. Accent Pillows

It’s so easy to just keep the same pillows because we get used their comfort, but let’s be honest, they probably look pretty ratty. Spruce up your living room with some bright pillow accents that will bring color back into your life and texture to your decor!

 

 

Target, Threshold Fur Pillows

 

Anthropologie Pom Pillow

 

2. Rugs

Adding a new rug can really spruce up a room. Most rugs get worn so quickly, so think about investing in something a bit more pricey that’ll last through the traffic. Here are some beautiful rugs that would add so much to any space depending on your style.

Anthropologie Kaleidoscopic Bloom Rug

Wayfair, Sherpa Ivory Rug

 

3. Paint your Utensils

An easy, fun DIY project to add color to your kitchen is to paint your wooden spoons and utensils! Just tape them off, paint them, let dry and you’ve got some much needed extra color while you’re cooking!

 

4. New Curtains

Curtains can add so much to a room! You can pick a beautiful sheer for the sun to peek in through or a bright accent shade to really add to your decor! The choice is yours, but here are some of my current favorites!

Anthropologie Pleated, Mint Curtain

Nate Berkus, Fringed Herringbone Curtains

 

5. Fresh Flowers

This is the simplest option because you can go get fresh flowers even at your local grocery store! Fresh flowers don’t only add color, but they bring literal life into your home during the winter.

Here are the winter flowers currently in season:

1. Dahlias

2. Snap Dragons

3. Roses

4. Tulips

5. Ranunculus

6. Gerber Daisies

 

Have a great weekend loves!

xoxo