styled living simply achieved by Jacqueline deMontravel
Flamingoes are more than kitschy statuary on Miami lawns. The vibrant, agile flamingo is one of the most striking birds in the ornithological family, it’s only natural that they add flamboyance to the home.
Give a setting a theme and color with your child’s artwork and flamingo printed towels by Eby Design.
Any pom pom not violently shaken by a cheerleader is my obsession. The colorful, textural balls add punctuation to an accent with character and fun. In Craft the Rainbow, Brittany Watson Jepsen dives into a prism of color to enlighten readers with her exciting projects. Jepsen is known for her blog The House that Lars Built which is, naturally, explosively colorful. It’s no wonder that such a spirited creator has a bit of a tussle when it comes to that essential necessity called storage. Her solution is to cultivate pieces that match her vibrancy with pom pom baskets.
For those who cannot refuse a like when steadying their swipe on inspired table settings prepare to ogle. It begins with the dining table, which sets the foundation for tablescape spectaculars. The table itself may be non-descript but you know it has blooming potential despite its unadorned appearance, like models without their makeup. This quotidian household staple is transformed with a fashionable assembly of dishware, linens, food and flowers to create dining room drama guests will make noise over.
When selecting a dining room table make sure it has legs, literally. Such an addition will carry you through years of dining and entertaining so a simple style with a color and texture you can grow with is ideal. Keep your dishes and serving pieces organized so you can easily call upon them for an occasion. Assemble by color and needs, such as everyday items in easy-to-reach places while more formal pieces are carefully stowed.
Whether it’s a garden party or Marie Antoinette’s Versaille, settle on a theme. Bring in those items to support the setting, such as color and pattern, with a menu and adornments that relate to the composition.
A textile that can weather trend barometers is denim. Blue jeans are iconic, distinctively American with that chew-a-piece-of-hay Great Plains character. From cowboys to Casual Fridays, the workhorse piece exudes comfort and effortless chic. It’s no surprise that denim is not just stitched into the fashion lexicon but extends to accessories and decor. While denim is the go-to choice to deliver a classic American look it is also more than a laid back fabric. Denim can be embellished, layered, and assembled with pieces that transform from its trite t-shirt and tennis shoes pairing with chic results.
Mixing the blues for a classic composition.
Finding the perfect denim piece is an easy task considering the boundless, enticing selections. Though I am preferential to my college Levi’s that have been dutifully called upon for decades. For anyone who is devoted to a particular pair of jeans, you know they are as prized as a luxury item acquired with a few paychecks. The fit gets you like a faithful pet. You put them on and no couture piece feels as good.
Vintage Levi’s endure.
Versatile in the wardrobe and home, shop our favorite denim styles:
Abstract art: ducks goose
Turquoise necklace: Heidi Daus
Blue jeans: Levi’s
Navy cashmere sweater: Ralph Lauren
Nursery pink has grown into a sophisticate. The pastel is the go-to neutral for a soft, modern effect that commands a look.
Farrow & Ball’s Pink Ground shows the hue’s grownup side that is contemporary and versatile.
Consider the shade as an alternative to grays or beige, even the words sound dreary aside from vibrant pink. The color can do everything from revving up an uninspired space to transforming a basic outfit with the right pink addition. Need an update this season? Add pink.
Typically you design a space and then add art. In our home the art takes precedence. (Though being an artist does factor into such favoritism). In this simple kitchen makeover a seamless flow is essential as it is the gateway to the dining and living areas, which is abundant with paintings, along with a white scheme to foster natural light and allow the works to have their ideal presentation.
This simple kitchen makeover follows a white scheme to effectively present noted details.
After a winter blotted with Nor’easters, school closings, sick days and awaking to yards littered with fallen trees and live wires that suggest the apocalypse, we’ve given up on hygee. Strong drink and enough electronic time to contribute to the recent power outages is a quicker fix when faced with suburban armageddon. Spring’s imminent arrival would be put into question if it were not for all the camp and tick brochures padding our mailbox. If the calendar is accurate, and we are not experiencing climate change doomsday, genuine beach living approaches. More than ever we crave laid-back, coastal spaces that advocate opened windows in lieu of air-conditioning. Colors inspired by the sea with a sun bleached feel. Light furnishings, cotton textiles, and nautical motifs that seal an organic style reminiscent of water activity. Relaxed Coastal Stye by Sally Denning aptly illustrates this sand crusted lifestyle. Featuring a concentrated dose of authentic beach homes with the veneer of sea air and beach collections, the weariest of winter storm veterans will be satisfied.
Following a sea-inspired palette along with trappings of the beach creates a coastal space.
You don’t need a bundle of shamrocks or color experts to be reminded that green adds excitement to any design. Bright but not cute like pink and more ambitious than trusted blues, green stands out. It’s earthy and sophisticated, like a beautiful forest elf primped for the ball. We roundup what’s on our green design list.
There is a reason why corned beef and cabbage is only popular on Saint Patrick’s day, food resembling plastic menu items so popular in Chinese storefront windows is wearisome. Since we have a knack for tweaking traditions so they are more you-based than conventional, serve sausages and peppers, a meal that is simple to prepare, a universal favorite, and celebrates the holiday from its festive insertion of Irish orange and green (orange and green peppers to be specific).
Less than five ingredients for a simple recipe.
Recently our home was featured in Design Mom, a clever, supremely popular site that promotes the “interaction of design & motherhood.” What I find most captivating about the house tours is how they are more than an assembly of pretty images but unearth the true essence of the dweller, doors are open and accessible to all who scroll by. Visitors can virtually linger on the sofa and connect with the family, discovering their relation to the environs. Practical how-to tidbits transgress into such genuine discussions as raising a family in a technologically amped society and monitoring old school beliefs in a modern home.
Table in the parlor room, which has a constant rotation of books and seasonal flowers.
