C. Wonder Juicy Fruit Cheese Board with Spreader

Why settle for the standard rectangular-shaped cheese board when you can have a little more fun with it? While I was out Christmas shopping over the weekend, this Juicy Fruit Cheese Board with Spreader from C. Wonder caught my attention. It's the perfect hostess gift or great if you're simply in the mood to shake things up in your kitchen. And it's just $38!

Marlien Rentmeester's LA Home

I've raved about the fashion blog Le Catch so many times, so you can imagine how excited I was to see the Los Angeles home of its founder, Marlien Rentmeester, on Refinery29. The space is well styled with a mix of high-end pieces as well as flea market finds. I love that it feels so light and airy, but still interesting with a range of fabrics, gold accessories and pops of color.

Fab Find of the Day: Target Threshold Iron Wire Table

It's no secret that I adore the look of gold accessories in my home,  especially when I find them at amazing price points. That's where Target's Threshold Iron Wire Table comes in. At just $60, I could see this on the side of a sofa or even in a bedroom. Stack magazines on top of it or keep it simple with a candle and soak in its beauty.

Holiday Photo Cards from Minted

Now's the time to get your holiday cards out to your family and friends. If you usually buy the typical boxed set, why not try photo cards this year? If you're up to it, Minted, which showcases pretty designs from independent artists, has a great selection. Here are six of my favorite photo card designs from the website.

Poinsettia Holidays Holiday Minibook™ Cards... | Minted
minted.com

Merry Stripes Christmas Photo Cards by Sydney News... | Minted
minted.com

Happy Snowflakes Christmas Photo Cards by Jody Wod... | Minted
minted.com

Quilted Christmas Photo Cards by Griffinbell Paper... | Minted
minted.com

Brightly Shining Christmas Photo Cards by Jennifer... | Minted
minted.com

Stringed Noel Christmas Photo Cards by Moglea | Minted
minted.com

Have to Love Mariah Carey's Christmas Tree Decked Out in Peonies

Only Mariah Carey would think to use fresh, pink peonies to decorate her Christmas tree. I may have to try this next year. Check out her recent segment on NBC's "Today" show, where she spoke about her New York City home with Tamron Hall.

Fab Find of the Day: J. Crew Moroccan Tile Coasters

J. Crew isn't at the top of my list of places to visit for home decor finds, so I was surprised to see their adorable Moroccan tile coasters. At just $10 for a set of six, they make the perfect stocking stuffer. They also have napkins in the same print.

Decorating Tips from Eva Chen’s Domino Magazine Feature

I’m sure many share my excitement about Domino magazine’s relaunch recently. I finally gave the issue (Holiday 2013) a close read and my favorite feature is on Eva Chen’s office space. Eva is the new editor in chief of Lucky, a fab shopping magazine, so it makes sense for her work space to be as fashionable as her wardrobe.

Designed by Lauren and Suzanne McGrath of Good Bones, Great Pieces, her new office space feels fun and fresh. Here are a few decorating lessons we can learn from this Domino story on Eva’s office:

Weave in bold accessories.
From the yellow Margaret Lanzetta artwork behind the desk to the ikat print chairs, the bulk of the accessories in the office are full of color. This is especially important when sticking with white walls.

Patterned rugs just work.
I rarely buy rugs in solid colors because I believe patterns also make a space feel a little more inviting. My point is proven by the Moroccan-style West Elm rug chosen for her office. It just makes so much sense.


A neutral sofa doesn’t have to be boring. 

Bring energy to a neutral sofa with vivid pillows. It’s always smart to make sure any neutral sofa has small details to take things up a notch. The beige trim around the cushions here really make it stand out.

Fab Find of the Day: Charlotte Ronson Wrapping Paper

Why stick to ordinary gift wrapping paper boasting a plaid print or covered in Christmas trees when you can go for something way more chic. Head on over to One Kings Lane to check out fashion designer Charlotte Ronson's pretty wrapping paper in three different styles. My favorite is this green cable knit design that would make any gift feel that much more special.

A Dose of Kohl's Spring Home Offerings

I stopped by the Kohl's spring 2014 press preview in NYC this week and couldn't get enough of all the bright, fun colors used for everything from tablecloths to plates. Can't wait for spring!

Tricks to Make Your Space Look Bigger

Photo: Oakwood Doors

Many of us wish we had a lovely, spacious house filled with top quality and expensive furniture. However, if you only have a small home and want it to feel more spacious, here are some tips to consider. These easy ideas won't break the bank either.

First of all, your color scheme plays a big role in how your space looks visually. Using light colors is the best idea for smaller rooms; they really help make a room look bigger. If you pick white as a base color, you can always mix it up with darker contrasts such as wooden floors or doors in a dark brown, or pastel color detailing in your fabrics. If you don’t really want to change the colors of your walls, then you can use your furnishings to help make your room feel more spacious. Choosing brighter furnishings such as window frames and mantles can also make a huge difference. You can also find some great pieces online such as doors made by Oakwood Doors, for instance. It's best to avoid dark colors, because they tend to absorb the light and make the room look smaller than it actually is.

Another trick is to use mirrors. Large mirrors in a small room can do miracles and help reflect light, giving you the impression that you are entering a larger space. For example, try placing a long mirror next to a window. It will help to give an illusion of a space with more depth by mirroring the outdoor space.

Secondly, you need to try and pick the correct lighting. You will be surprised by how important using the correct lighting can be when it comes to actually opening up your space. You can see how much of an effect lighting has in the day time. When it's sunny outside and the light streams through your windows, it illuminates the entire room. Also, a variety of lamps around the room can help to distribute pools of light in different areas, giving the space a larger visual appearance.

Another simple trick to follow is keeping your rooms organized and tidy. When everything is in its rightful place, your room is going to look a lot larger. If there is clutter everywhere and the room looks like a mess, the space will quickly disappear, highlighting just how small your room actually is.


This is a sponsored post.

Nate Berkus for Target Cork Board

For as long as I can remember, I've had at least one inspiration board in my home. It's a great way to express your creativity. Any time I spot a cool picture in a magazine or come upon a pretty fabric swatch, for instance, I add it to my board. While it's more fun to cover a board in your favorite fabric, this one from Nate Berkus' Target line ($12.99) doesn't require any extra work. It's already pretty enough to hang.

Latest Online Decor Reads: Nate Berkus' New Target Line and More

I'm forever browsing online for the latest on interior design. Here's what grabbed my attention over the past few days:

Round Cotton Kilim Print Basket, Nate Berkus for Target, $30

Nate Berkus' new collection for Target hits stores on September 15, and CasaSugar has the scoop. There are at least five pieces I know will be all mine.

I just added Domainehome.com to my list of must-reads. So fun that the site is inviting readers to submit pics of their stylish coffee tables for a chance to snag some homepage love.

1stdibs interviewed Marlien Rentmeester, founder of the Le Catch fashion blog, on her interior design style and favorite fashion trends.

Rethink Your Decor!

Lately, I've been inspired by how fashion bloggers (Le Catch and Lovely Pepa are a few favorites) mix and match patterns. We all know there are no rules in fashion, so the idea of a striped T-shirt worn with a floral skirt, for instance, is beyond chic even in this ever-changing world of style. So why not carry that principle into decorating? I personally go with how home products make me feel, rather than dwelling so much on whether they complement each other in the traditional sense. It's all about what you like, right? So go for a bold paint color on your walls, that zebra print rug, that luxurious faux fur throw...you get the idea.

Photo: Domino

Next on My Reading List: 'The Bald Mermaid' by Sheila Bridges

We've all come across tons of interior design coffee table books, but it's rare to find a good memoir from an accomplished interior designer. After interviewing designer Sheila Bridges for ESSENCE.com, I knew I had to read her upcoming memoir, The Bald Mermaid. Bridges shares candid stories about her personal life and career, as well as photographs of some of her interior design projects. Can't wait to dig in!

My Latest Decor Adventures

I've been to a good number of decorating-related events lately and have come across so much inspiration. Kohl's recently held a holiday press preview event in New York and it's already led me to come up with fun ideas for sprucing up my pad for Christmas. Check out the pretty holiday table setting above from the event.

I also swung by an Anthropologie holiday press preview event, so stay tuned in the coming months for more info on their goodies. I promise it's bananas. Bye!

Poconos: Perfect Weekend Getaway

A few months ago, I made the trip up to the Poconos for a weekend getaway. I participated in a fun Zumba workout for the first time, enjoyed a cooking demonstration, and just indulged in some rest and relaxation. I stayed at Lake Naomi Club's Mountaintop Lodge (above), a bed-and-breakfast inn that's the perfect place to unwind with a group of girlfriends or to enjoy a family trip to celebrate a special holiday like Father's Day.

If you love outdoor activities, this is the place to be. You can do everything from fishing to sailing, so there's never any shortage of fun. Check this place out if you're looking to plan an enjoyable vacation.

Fab Find of the Day: BeSpoke Custom Gifts' Monogrammed Perfume Bottle

If you read this blog and follow my social media posts, you probably know how I feel about monogrammed items for the home. They make a room feel that much more special and really show that you're the kind who pays attention to detail. That brings me to BeSpoke Custom Gifts' Monogrammed Perfume Bottle. The price is right at $54, it has a simple but modern look, and it could even work as a great gift option for the beauty lover in your life.

Fab Find of the Day: HORNE + Remodelista's Bronze Signal Desk Lamp

HORNE and Remodelista just announced a partnership, which is great news for my Fab Find of the Day column here. It can sometimes be a struggle to find a desk lamp that has a clean look and comes in the perfect color...until now. This design duo has expanded HORNE's beloved Jielde lamp collection to include this new bronze version ($495). It's handmade in France and really is a must-have for any office. Sold!

Home Goods Salutes Design Bloggers at Spring Preview

As a design blogger, it always makes me super happy to see major brands give us some love. I was delighted when I swung by the Home Goods spring preview in NYC earlier today to find that they invited nine bloggers to style their own spaces for the event. They were asked to shop at their local Home Goods to choose items for their look, and I discovered so many decorating ideas. Here's a snapshot of the preview and be sure to check out the Home Goods blog, which relaunches next week.

Each blogger was featured on a banner that showcased their favorite Home Goods item for spring.

Mixing patterns is oh so chic as you can see here. Who says you can't combine chevron and floral prints for a cute bedding look?

This orange shade is my favorite color and the rope lamp on the desk is a nice touch, too. Having colorful accessories in an office space is a great way to boost creativity.

I had a lightbulb moment here. Instead of going with just one rug, put a few together for a more interesting look. As long as they're in the same color family and share similar patterns, it would work.

I'm guilty of opting for matching dining chairs, but there's no reason why you can't mix and match them for a fun look.

Yes, every home needs a bar cart.

And every living room needs a chaise.

Plants never last too long in my apartment, and I blame it on the limited amount of natural light that it receives (not my care). Regardless, this garden space has inspired me to consider snagging a nice plant for my living room. 

Fab Find of the Day: The Good Home Co.'s Laundry Fragrance

Is it weird that I really like doing laundry? My favorite part is folding clothes that are just out of the dryer. You know what I mean when they're still so warm and smell amazing. This is probably the only chore that I actually enjoy. I was so pleased to find these laundry fragrances ($22) from The Good Home Co. recently.

I like the Summer House scent, which I received for review, because it leaves clothes smelling fresh and feeling so soft. You pour just a 1/3 of a cup of the fragrance into your washing machine during its final rinse cycle and the magic begins to happen. I'm going to try the lavender scent next as well as the company's detergents. I'll do anything to prevent chores from feeling like chores. Happy washing!

Now This is a Closet

This closet image that I came across on Pinterest is so gorgeous. I wish I knew the source for the image and who designed it. To be honest, closets aren't really one of the spaces that I give much thought too when decorating. I definitely need to change that after taking in photos like this and reading this past weekend's Wall Street Journal article on how Veranda Editor in Chief Dara Caponigro wallpapers closets in her Riverdale, NY pad.

What I'm Reading This Week

Photo: Glitter 'N Glue

Glitter 'N Glue: Although I'm not big on DIY projects, lately I've been feeling way more creative than usual. I started browsing online for some fun DIY ideas, and this site has so many good home-related projects (like this spray painted owl pictured above) to get my creative juices flowing. And I love that her projects don't seem hard to do at all.

Refinery29's "Living" Section: If you live in an apartment, you understand what it's like to find new ways to maximize your space. Refinery29's 'Living' section always has useful decorating stories. For instance, one of this week's features, "12 Expert Tips That'll Make Your Small Space Feel So Much Bigger," has some helpful pointers like creating a gallery wall in a small room and using both table and floor lamps in a room.

New York Magazine: I miss my subscription to New York magazine and have found myself browsing its website more frequently lately. The writing is just so very good.

Get Ready for Spring with Crane & Canopy Sheet Sets

Crane & Canopy just released a pretty range of embroidered sheet sets that are perfect for spring. I personally love the crisp feeling of white sheets on my bed, but also like to see a bit of color in the mix. These sets, boasting a 400 thread count and cotton sateen finish, fit this criteria. I have my eye on the coral queen set for $179.

Fab Find of the Day: Neon Wood Housewares from Nicole Porter

Nicole Porter

While doing my usual online browsing, I came across the most gorgeous wood housewares from New York-based designer Nicole Porter. The neon stripes she uses on her wood bowls and platters really grab your attention and the design kind of reminds me of my beloved Claire Vivier clutch (I have the one with the green stripe). Just coming off of exhibiting her line at the New York International Gift Fair, Nicole was kind enough to give me a few minutes of her time to chat about her work and inspiration. Enjoy pieces of our conversation!

Decor Musings: How did you come to launch your home collection?

Nicole Porter: My mother had so many napkins at her house and I thought it would be great to design platters to go with them. I put photos of them on my website and wounded up getting a large response. My housewares are for tables with a bit of personality. It's definitely fun and great for a party. 

DM: What's your decorating style?

NP: I’m into mid-century modern: very smooth lines, very clean
edges, not overly ornate. There is a lot about that time period that allows you to put your own spin on it.

DM: Can you share about some of your favorite home furnishings shops?

NP: I am the unofficial tour guide of ABC Carpet & Home. It’s beautiful because it’s art and design all in the same place. I also like Haus Interior, which carries some of my products.

DM: And finally what are some of your favorite magazines and blogs?

NP: I read a lot of Apartment Therapy, as well as Entrepreneur, InStyle and Food & Wine magazines.

The plates featured above are $45 each. Shop away.

Spring is Near...

Decor Boost from the Brooklyn Museum

Museums are always filled with inspiration for any home decor lover. I decided to pay a long overdue visit to the Brooklyn Museum recently to snap a few pics and get inspired to freshen up my pad before spring arrives.

Georgia O'Keefe's 'Brooklyn Bridge' (1949) topped off with Ray Komai's side chair (1949). This combo would be perfect for a home with a super modern design style.

So apparently this is what a mantel from 1882 looks like. I also loved those candelabras. I'll take it all!

This picture really doesn't do this "Iago's Mirror" justice. Designed by Fred Wilson, it's made of Murano glass and was absolutely stunning to see in person. 

On the subject of mirrors, I recently whipped up a sweet gallery wall in my living room and was so excited to see this one done with pretty mirrors and a few empty picture frames.

Now this is proof that cool fabric can transform the most basic thing in an instant, and skateboards are absolutely no exception.

I nearly passed out when I saw this Spacelander bike, which was designed in 1946/produced in 1960. It reminded me of how much I like hot pink, and so I'll definitely be on the hunt for a few accessories boasting this color. Nevermind that the color of the year is emerald.

Fab Find of the Day: Leif's Vine Handle Serving Board

When entertaining at home, it's all about pulling out your very best serveware for guests to enjoy. This Vine Handle Serving Board ($48) from Leif is exactly what I'd use at a gathering. The reclaimed wood board makes it feel rustic, but still tasteful enough to make any get-together feel super special.