A Curated Lifestyle

Ikea Hack Round-up

2012-02-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

Little Green Notebook | Little Green Notebook

Matters of Style Blog | Matters of Style Blog

Madelyn's Room

2012-02-07T09:27:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I went OTP (Outside of the Perimeter, the 285 loop that surrounds Atlanta Metro for those of you that aren't local) to help a client put the finishing details on her home. They are trying to sell, but realize that may not happen quickly so we worked on small updates that make the home more enjoyable for the time being. The most fun room of the day? Madelyn's room, like most little girls she loves pink, wearing it and being surrounded by it. To make pink more manageable I found these beautiful floral prints that are girly and pretty without making you sick from sweetness. We pulled color from the prints for the walls and an existing white mirror that was in the room that are modern and fresh. Madelyn already has an iron bed that is painted white, to soften the room up we're adding a rug (over carpet) and curtains. Isn't it fun?

Clever Details

2012-02-06T09:24:00.000-05:00

The details of the room are really some of the most important to making your home stylish & feel complete. Check out the curtain tape trim, the nailheads, the contrasting fabric on the large chairs. What really made me smile about this room? The little wood farmhouse chairs with their cute covers.

Birmingham Decorator Fran Keenan in Southern Living

In a fairly traditional room, these chairs stand out for their simplicity and ease. I often recommend to clients that we have covers made for their dining chairs, because all that wood can feel overwhelming and cold. This is why - don't you just want to sit down and enjoy a comfortable and casual meal with family here?

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.

last day!!!

2012-02-03T07:30:00.000-05:00

Last Day!

Last day to enter my Giveaway. Get on it!

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.

Check out my Pinterest boards for inspiration, brilliant ideas, and lovely spaces.

best of atlanta craigslist: capella edition

2012-02-02T07:30:00.000-05:00

Since I am moving and it's always nice to start fresh and not have to lug your old furniture cross-country I am selling off most of my furniture and putting it in this special edition of the Best of Atlanta Craigslist.

1. Mid-century China Cabinet

2. Antique Coffee Table

3. Farmhouse Table

4. Red Dresser

5. Nesting Tables

6. Side Table

7. Mid-century Buffet

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.

easy sauce

2012-02-01T08:31:00.000-05:00

Its important to elevate the simplest tasks when possible - using a cloth napkin with your take-out, adding trim to curtains, and making easy slow-cooking sauce. All you do is dump, stir, and wait. While the process is simple, the flavors are anything but. Over time the flavors meld together and deepen creating a wonderfully rich and velvety sauce that will make you ask yourself why you ever used store-bought in the first place. You can also make this and freeze it for quick suppers later.

Easy Sauce

Don't forget to enter my Giveaway for iconic Scalamandre Zebra office gear!

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.

You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

new printable: 12 Essential Questions to Ask Your Designer

2012-01-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

I've released a new Printable "12 Essential Questions to Ask Your Designer" on my website. You can download this as well as other great Design Guides by clicking the image below.

If you are already a subscriber, you will receive a link tomorrow in the monthly newsletter to access these guides.

leaping zebra office swag (psst it's a giveaway) & a new beginning

2012-01-30T09:26:00.000-05:00

It's official. I am moving to Arizona. Crazy, right? It still hasn't sunk in despite starting to sell off my furniture and collect boxes. Why am I moving you ask? Well, my husband prefers the West and I knew that eventually I would like to be back there too (I didn't know it would be so soon) so before my business became too embedded in Atlanta we decided to move. I also have to mention that the impending anniversary of this & Atlanta spring winds with towering trees helped us along.

I am so sad to leave Atlanta and the strong and beautiful design community that is here, but I am always up for an adventure and a new home. But don't fret, because ACL isn't moving, it'll still be right here at www.acuratedlifestyle.blogspot.com even if my view is a little different.

I am still available for design services and especially during the transition, IDESIGN. To learn more about my upcoming move sign up for my newsletter (in your mailbox on Wednesday).

Finally to the goods, I have a sweet Scalamandre mouse pad & tape measure for you with their iconic leaping zebra print. Learn more about this print over on Heather's blog (it has a good story).

So how to do you win this super-chic office loot? Here is how:

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

To Win:

1. Be a fan on Facebook

2. Leave a comment (with email address) on this post (below - not on FB).

________________________________________________________

Rules: One entry per person, but you can certainly get your mother and brother to enter for you.
All entries must be received by February 3rd at midnight ET. Winner will be notified via Facebook. US residents only. If you are leaving an "anonymous" comment make sure your email is included so I can contact you.

Inspiration House

2012-01-27T09:47:00.000-05:00

Tuesday evening I was invited to the press preview of the Cathedral Antiques Inspiration House. You should visit yourself because while Atlanta has a lot of Showhouses, this one is certainly upping the ante. The color is vivid, local artists are represented, and the details are to-die for.

Love the art in the Library by Lindsay Coral Harper, she also has painting from local Emily Amy Gallery that could not be more perfect in the space.

and the contrasting details on the curtains.

This paint color in Laura's room look liked a neutral until you stepped into the (white) kitchen and saw the contrast. Is mauve the new neutral?

Lovely details in Ladies Retreat by Elisabeth Jordan. When you visit, check out the towels she has in the bathroom- more details!

Silver-leafed ceiling, uh yes please! And Susan Currie even re-grouted the existing moroccan tile floor to match the design.

What's the first thing you notice? For me it was the dark painted border along the edges. Sort of like a drawing to create architecture in this room. A pair of ladies were commenting how adept Chris Holt is at combining the new & the antique. I love the custom combination of the upholstered bedframe with the iron canopy frame.

A beautiful, colorful but serene gender-neutral nursery by Allison Harper & Nancy Duffey. Chalk-board wall & wall lamps.

While at the House, I also had the pleasure of visiting with friends Jennifer Boles of the Peak of Chic, Erika Ward of BluLabel Bungalow, and Ally of From the Right Bank, as well as friends who had decorated spaces in the House; Laura Walker Baird & Amy Morris and the editor of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles the ever-charming Clint Smith.

If you would like to visit, the house opens to the public on January 29th and closes on February 12th. For more information visit: cathedralantiques.org

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.

best of atlanta craigslist edition 60

2012-01-26T10:02:00.004-05:00

last week I told you this edition of Best of Atlanta would be a special one and maybe it would have been if I hadn't come down with food poisoning on Tuesday night. So, my friends, another week it'll have to be. Back to our regularly scheduled awesome pieces for your perusal.

Barister (Shoe) Bookcase $150

Pair of Mirrors $75

Iron Bed $100 Inspiration LINK

Blue velvet sofa $800

Settee $310

I pin to relax

2012-01-24T08:47:00.000-05:00

Its hard for me to believe that it took me so long to start pinning about 6 months ago. Its also hard to believe that some people still aren't pinning. Its hard to believe that somebody didn't think of this earlier. But here we are and I love Pinterest. Its my "water-cooler" break, my coffee break, my cigarette break. I love Pinterest even though they lost about half of my pins. total. bummer. So if you want to pin with me, I'll send you a invite if you need one. If love pinning like I do, take a minute to read the irreverently funny Design Blahg 10 Things Pinterest Should Be Doing Right Now- brilliant. Here are some recent pins:

Source: Uploaded by user via Capella on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Capella on Pinterest

Source: beeninspired.tumblr.com via Capella on Pinterest

As a reminder to those that entered my IDESIGN Giveaway there is still time to get 30% off! Don't miss out on a freshly decorated and designed space!

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.

Check out my Pinterest boards for inspiration, brilliant ideas, and lovely spaces.

diy wallpaper stencil

2012-01-23T09:18:00.002-05:00

I've had many a comments and emails about the "wallpaper" in my living room from my hour tour on Friday. It surprises even some people that see it in person that its a stencil from here. Insanely priced at about $35 for the stencil, a quart of paint, and an entire weekend (plus) for one wall. This work is laborious, but the end result is dramatic and lovely and if you can spare a weekend or two I would absolutely recommend using a stencil. I would not however, suggest this for people who are extreme perfectionists - it won't look perfect, if you look close you will see imperfections, mistakes, splotches, holes, and other undesirable attributes. My husband wanted to paint over the very first portion we did, when the stencil was free of paint residue and the edges were sharp. But I am impatient and pressed on knowing we couldn't make each line crisp because I wanted that wall done. I wanted my living room back quickly. I, of course was right once the wall was done you see the overall effect and not the imperfections.

Done

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.

my atlanta house tour

2012-01-20T08:52:00.000-05:00

I've finally got around to photographing a few rooms in my home. By showing these to you I am also exposing my neuroses surrounding my inability to design my own space. For clients, I make decisions quickly and determinedly - but in my own home I can't hang art on the walls. For my clients I have a clear design vision from the start but my own home is a mix-mash of styles and items I love but simply don't go very "designerly" together. I fear a completed and cohesive space because I know I'll redesign the room the minute it was finished. I am afraid I disappoint people when they visit "a designer's house". I have heard that I am not the only interior designer with this issue, but seeing other beautiful homes of designers I think I actually may be.

My house is always "in progress" but here are a few shots of what it looks like at this moment of time.

the living room:

See the fireplace surround before

the bedroom:

He is not normally allowed on the bed, does he look guilty?

A designer nightmare: a single offset window.

Right nightstand tutorial: Here

Fabric covered lampshade tutorial: Here

the dining room:

kilim pillows are for sale in my shop

My farmhouse table is still available for sale.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.

Check out my Pinterest boards for inspiration, brilliant ideas, and lovely spaces.

best of atlanta craigslist: edition 59

2012-01-19T14:18:00.000-05:00

Next week will be a very special edition of Best of Atlanta...

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.

so much more than a mirror

2012-01-17T08:55:00.001-05:00

While at Scotts this weekend, we stumbled on this vendor - Mirrteque. My client, an extremely handy DIYer was about to attempt an antique panelled mirror at home and so this booth really drew us in. While Mirrteque can do beautiful antique mirrors - what was really interesting was their imprinted designs. These are works of art and can not just be considered a mirror.

All product images are from Mirrteque

My client is has started her antique mirror project - I'll let you know how it turns out.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.

Check out my Pinterest boards for inspiration, brilliant ideas, and lovely spaces.

a new sedona bathroom

2012-01-13T08:03:00.000-05:00

This was an interesting project for me, this Arizona Master Bathroom. It was a complete remodel and at the clients preference, they worked with a local project manager to carry out the details. My job was to create a new space plan - involving adding a bath and enlarging the shower and to specify major materials.

We kept the bathtub open to the bedroom, so you could relax in the bath and enjoy the awesome views out of the bedroom window, but the pony wall hides the tub while in the bedroom.

Entrance from Master Bath, you can see that beams remained the same, while the built-ins were removed and closet hidden from view. A new, more open closet was designed to maximize their space.

Vanity, after trying to preserve the original vanity the client choose a new vanity in this color to go with the seagrass stone top.

In the shower we choose a vein-cut stone in varying widths for the new, larger shower. There is a small shower ledge- large enough to place a few products or a prop a foot on, but not taking up valuable shower space.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.

best of atlanta craigslist: edition 58

2012-01-12T09:12:00.001-05:00

Farmhouse Table

Drexel Cabinet

Elephant Garden Stools

Buffet

Pair of Chairs

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.

handira: wedding blankets

2012-01-11T09:54:00.000-05:00

These moroccan wedding blankets are intensely romantic and feminine. Woven from wool, Berber brides' families weave these as part of the pre-wedding ritual in the Middle Atlas Mountains of Northern Morocco. Called Handira, these blankets are thought to be a blessing and to bring good luck to the newlyweds. So it is no wonder that Westerners are clamoring for one of their own.

Parker Palm Springs Design by Jonathan Adler

Design Sponge

I am too faint of heart to have put this on the floor and under a dining table no less, but I suspect this may have been done only for the photo.

You could use one when you entertain...

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.

look down

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

I had a client say to me yesterday that he didn't want a rug in his bathroom because it would cover up all the money he spent on the floor tiles.

Michael Smith Kitchens & Baths

Maybe, but don't you need something to catch your eye and make you notice?

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.

creating architecture

2012-01-09T09:18:00.001-05:00

Many times, despite how well you can decorate a house, what it is missing is architectural detail - trim, molding, soffits, coffers, fireplaces, columns, and you essentially have a sort of white box. Quite common in new buildings, the details are left out in favor of expediency & frugality. Here are some ways to add those details in after the architecture and construction are complete.

1. Add beams, imagine this room without those great ceiling beams. Boring.

Coastal Living

1. Paint it on, paint decorative molding or trim in about any design you want and voila!

Steven Miller

3. Paint window trim black - add interest and attention to your windows

Jenny Wolf via CocoCozy

4. Add a coffered ceiling

Digs by Katie

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

best of atlanta craiglist: edition 57

2012-01-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Mid-century Sofa
Pair of Blue Chairs
China Cabinet - Paint it and use mirror spray paint on the side panels, it'll sing.
Table & Chairs - a year ago I wouldn't have thought twice about this set, ~~but recover those chairs in Albert Hadley Fireworks in black & white.~~ Scratch that, I want this.
Brass Side Table

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.

all-time most popular post: farmhouse table

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

I've always loved farmhouse tables and I knew when I moved to Atlanta that I wanted to build one - because I found an awesome site that taught you how to do it. I could customize the size to whatever I needed and since my dining room is a little narrow for a normal width table - I could fit the custom built one in along with 8 people (10 with a squeeze).

The post on my Farmhouse table is one of my all-time most popular posts, you can read it here: Farmhouse Table Post

I am now selling that table, so if you are interested check it out.

You're Invited: Intimate Dinner for Two

2012-01-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

The holidays are busy and when they are all done, you just need a night to relax and reconnect with your significant other.

COCKTAIL

A classic cocktail, like a dirty martini is perfect for the night. Try this recipe from All Recipes:

In a mixing glass, combine 6oz quality vodka, 1 dash dry vermouth, 1oz olive brine and 4 olives. Pour into a glass over ice. Either drink on the rocks, or strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

DINNER

Continuing with the nostalgic theme of the night, try these easy updated classics.

1. Stuffed Tomatoes - Appetizer

2. Beef Wellington - Entree

3. Wedge Salad - Side

4. Chocolate Souffle - Dessert

DECORATIONS

Since it'll just be the two of you, keep things simple, but do use the best tableware you've got.

1. Autumn Dishware
2. Thistle & Dahlia Centerpiece
3. Alencon Lace Napkins
4. Use a lot of candlelight

"Cooking is like love, it should be entered into with abandon or not at all."
Harriet Van Horne

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

Winner & A Discount

2012-01-02T10:07:00.004-05:00

Mikkel Vang

Thanks to everyone to entered the IDESIGN Giveaway - it seems like many of you are looking for a little help and direction with your homes. My advice is to hire a designer! I've made it easy for you - if you entered you will receive 30% off an IDESIGN if you purchase in the month of January! A great kick-start to twenty twelve. Just send me an email or fill out my Design Questionnaire and we'll get started!

Oh and the winner has been announced on my Facebook page today. Is it you?

free design services

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

In the spirit of starting fresh with a new year, I am giving away a free IDESIGN from Capella Kincheloe Interior Design. You can keep it yourself or gift it to someone in need. I look forward to working with you!

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.

To Win:

1. Be a fan on Facebook

2. Leave a comment (with email address) below telling me what room you would like to have done.

________________________________________________________

All entries will receive 30% off an IDESIGN if purchased prior to January 31st, 2012. You win just for entering!

Learn more about IDESIGN:

http://www.capellakincheloe.com/idesign.html

Rules: One entry per person, but you can certainly get your mother and brother to enter for you.
All entries must be received by December 31st at midnight ET. Winner will be notified January 2, 2012 via Facebook. Winner's IDESIGN paperwork must be submitted to CKID by January 31st, 2012. If you are leaving an "anonymous" comment make sure your email is included so I can contact you.

Charleston for the Holidays

2011-12-20T08:00:00.001-05:00

images from Christmas in Charleston

I am headed to Charleston for the holidays, my husband and I have rented a little house for the long weekend and are going to soak up this amazing city. I hope that you have a wonderful holiday, I will be back to regular blog posts in the new year.

Before I go, please stop by A Curated Lifestyle tomorrow there is a special gift for you all.

Lots of love.

california bohemian

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Earlier this year, I did a post "What's your style", explaining that my specialty is casual luxury with a California twist. I try to incorporate culture, history, playfulness, and nature in every space I design and I think that embodies California design as well. So when Ally did this post, she inspired me to show you California design in its many incarnations with the same foundation that I abide by. After last week's California modern and California Christmas, we are continuing with California bohemian (as a style - not as a geographic necessity.)

Natural elements paired with global textiles layered onto of each other to create an effortless and comfortable style. Plenty of pattern and color with pieces that have history with the patina to show it. This is California bohemian.

House Beautiful / Roman Alonso

Design Sponge/ Jordan Ferney

Apartment Therapy (my old neighborhood)

Schuyler Samperton in Domino

C Magazine/ Jacqui Getty

the glitter guide/ Amber Lewis

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.

sometimes you need to spend

2011-12-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

I once said that people have forgotten in the rush for "the look for less" that you lose the quality of design. That the patina of quality antiques can not be had for pennies. However, there are places that you can buy quality reproductions that are not mass-produced in a factory and available through a catalog to every person with a mailbox. A place you can pay a little more (not much) to have the look of an antique, the lustre of wood twice it's age, that is crafted by hand. Would you like that?

Beau Holland Studio makes quality reproductions that could trick even a trained eye. His finishes are what set him apart from so many others, he can bring wood to life so that the material is the star. His shapes are simple, but not plain with plenty of attention to detail. See for yourself.

This is my favorite table, perfect size & height and available in so many finishes.

His lighting selection is really awesome.

Imagine this fixture with light and all the patterns it would throw.

a turned wood lamp will never go out of style or be out of place. I would love to see this with a batik box pleat shade.

So shapely.

Where have you ever? This image doesn't do these justice.

So simple, but again it is the shape that puts it out of this world.

More lighting (and that awesome elephant)

the detail

Love the curves

gothic windsor

look at that wood grain and finish!

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love (or buying from Beau Holland), contact me about design services.

best of atlanta craigslist: edition 56

2011-12-15T09:15:00.001-05:00

Candle Holders - $100

Pair of Chairs - best offer

Heywood Wakefield Dresser - $350

Coral mirror - $175

california modern

2011-12-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Beautiful light-filled room with easy access outdoors, minimal furnishings with emphasis on clean lines without embellishments. Natural colors that warm up the space, eliminating the coldness that modern interiors can often feel. Quirky touches that ease the space away from anything too serious. This is California Modern.

Elle Decor / Sarah Walker

Veranda/ Michael and Alexandra Misczynski

Architectural Digest/ Michael Smith

Dupuis Design

Brown Design

Elle Decor / Trip Haenisch

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

10 Things I Believe- Kelly Ottinger

2011-12-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you Kelly for participating! Visit Kelly's blog: Kelly Market

best of atlanta craigslist: edition 55

2011-12-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

1. Chest $85 - Looks like campaign-like hardware, could be a beauty painted.
2. Andirons $200 - Its all about the details and I have love for good pair of andirons.
3. Brass Table $115 - I would replace the oval with a square top to modernize it.
4. Rug $210 - Diggin it.
5. Cane Chairs $100 - These would be perfect with a English cabbage rose or tree of life print.

California Christmas

2011-12-07T14:42:00.001-05:00

Ally has given me an idea for a blog series... more to come, but first up a California Christmas. Admittedly, not all these are photos of California interiors, but they still evoke the feeling - the laid back beach living with color and culture.

hostess blog

vintage

unknown

Coastal Living

Elle Interior

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

10 Things I Believe: Dagny Thurmann-Hoelseth

2011-12-05T08:46:00.000-05:00

Don't you learn so much about someone from these 10 things? Many thanks to Dagny from Scandinavian Chic for contributing today. You can keep up with Dagny and her worldly view on Facebook and Twitter.

Sacramento Bedroom IDESIGN

2011-12-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

This is an IDESIGN project that I completed for a Sacramento couple who wanted a complete redo with items that would last. We choose timeless pieces that were gender neutral (their old design had too much floral for the husband). The ticking stripe on the chair provides interest without being too overwhelming and the rug adds the right amount of color that they can easily add more accessories without clashing. The vintage Murano lamps are grown-up, but the canary yellow is fun and fresh. I am dreaming with the Cy Twombly painting, but the colors are right and its a good inspiration piece for the couple to find an abstract piece of their own. Since the bed has thin posts, I added substantial bedside chests to add weight and purpose.

Also, not shown, we are using a simple check quilt for the bed and white percale sheets with crap apple embroidery from Garnet Hill. As a designer, I order mattresses for my projects and always recommend an Aireloom mattress if the clients don't have a preference. They are not cheap, but consider how much time you spend in bed, it is money well-spent. Ohh, I almost forgot this is the wall color:

Isn't it spectacular? A sophisticated grey, that has the slightest hint of lavender to maintain interest. Absolutely everything goes with it. It reminds me of the light in the English countryside.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.

best of atlanta craigslist: edition 54

2011-12-01T09:54:00.001-05:00

Wing Chair - You know about my new-found love of Mauve

Barcelona Chairs - Classic and quite a bargain for two.

Desk - Digging the industrial vintage feel of this piece.

China Cabinet - I would fill this with books.

Lamp - Pretty colors and only $40.

the greenbrier: cutting edge history

2011-11-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

History can be a little bland sometimes, so it blows my mind when you see a place like the Greenbrier. The Greenbrier's history starts in 1778 and has operated as a world-class resort with ventures in an army hospital, a casino, a medical spa, and a secret government nuclear war bunker- all in West Virginia. In the middle of the last century Dorothy Draper was commissioned to revamp the historic property and turned her kind of brilliance loose on the place, with floral upholstery, black and white floors, and color galore. Along with the design, Draper oversaw every detail down to the matchbooks and the uniforms. A couple of years ago after fighting back from bankruptcy the Greenbrier was given an $80 million dollar renovation with Draper's protege and current head of Dorothy Draper & Co, Carleton Varney at the helm of the design rejuvenation. This freedom of design and boldness makes me giddy.

photos above from DorothyDraper.com

Has anyone visited the Greenbrier?

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can alsofollow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

Quality of Design

2011-11-29T09:09:00.000-05:00

Over a year ago on ACL, I did a series on Michael Smith Alums. Fellow MS graduates that had spun off and started their own businesses. The talent pool is ridiculous. Joe & Parrish from Harbinger featured in November's House Beautiful, Brian with his own fabric line Ferrick Mason, Oliver who is impossible to miss, because he is everywhere. Which brings us to Katie and Jason of Maine Design- right after the post went live they found out that their project would be featured in House Beautiful and now, over a year later (shows you how long you may have to wait to be published in a national magazine), they are in the Dec/Jan 2012 issue.

Normally, I avoid posting commentary on magazine spreads, but I can't pass up showing off my talented friends. Get the full story in the December / January 2012 House Beautiful.

This is the kind of design that I want to be doing. I think people have forgotten in the rush for "the look for less" and budget cutting that you can never achieve this quality of design on a small budget. The patina of quality antiques and the luster of handpainted wallpaper will never be matched by Restoration Hardware and a gallon of paint. Fabrics that are $20/yard are not equal to fabrics that are $200/yard. Not everyone can afford this quality of design and great design can be done on a limited budget, if you are open to spending money on things that matter.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

10 Things I Believe: Amanda Teal

2011-11-28T09:10:00.000-05:00

background image

Today we are lucky to have Amanda Teal from Stylish Bird letting us have a glimpse at her 10 Things.

I am learning through this series that we are all really not so different in what we believe and what makes us tick.

be thankful

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

gourmet mag

I am taking the rest of the week off, but there will be a new post on Monday with Amanda Teal of Stylish Bird 10 Things I Believe.

If you get stuck this Thanksgiving try this: Food52
You can also read about my 5 Things I Heart on Yummy Scrumptious
Discover how I feel about Mauve, Painted trim, Hostess gifts, and
see my work in a magazine.

life in detail: parquet floors

2011-11-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

Floors are often not given the attention they deserve for being such a major part of your home. A beautiful floor can increase your home's style-factor exponentially - making even an ikea sofa look rich.

1. Parquet de Versailles 2. Design Sponge 3. Interiors Digital 4. Luis Caicedo 5. Brownstoner

For more parquet love check out this informational post.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can alsofollow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

10 Things I Believe: Erika Ward

2011-11-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

You may know Erika from her blog Blu Label Bungalow, you should also visit her website and follow her on twitter. Thanks Erika!

You're Invited: To My House

2011-11-18T08:38:00.000-05:00

I am not always able to throw the parties that I plan on You're Invited. But this is a party that I hosted at my house in October for all our friends to celebrate our newly married status with us when we returned from our Hawaii wedding and California reception.

INVITATIONS

I created postcard invitations with a photo of our trip and mailed to guests.

Creamy artichoke dip

pea & purple basil crostini (I had purple basil from my CSA)

mini grilled cheese (I used fontina & fig butter)

onion tart (this is DI-vine)

chocolate chip cookies (everyone likes ccc)

I also bought sweet potato chips, pickled okra, jalepeno stuffed olives and mixed up some toasted salty almonds.

LIBATIONS

Lemon & Pineapple infused vodkas with soda water and appropriate garnish for guests to help themselves. The trick is to use pretty bottles and to put pineapple slices and lemon peel in the bottles for easy ID. You could also use different flavors - lime, grapefruit, passionfruit, coconut, currant, mango, etc.

DECOR

custom runner in batik fabric

candles everywhere in mercury jar votives (here is a DIY)

mason jars filled with baby's breath

Just a few more hours to shop, get on over to Joss & Main.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

travel souvenirs

2011-11-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

When I travel I always bring back souvenirs that remind me of my trip. What typically makes my suitcase heavier on the return is art and accessories, cookbooks from the area that I visited, dishes or tableware and textiles. These travels are what inspired my Joss & Main Curator's Collection.

All products are from Joss & Main Curator's Collection. Cookbooks can be found on Amazon.com

What kind of travel souvenirs do you bring home with you?

Global Travel

2011-11-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

If you look at my portfolio, you can see that there is always a touch of global travel in all my interiors. In honor of my Joss & Main Curator's Collection going on now, here are a round up of some interiors featuring worldly-chic.

Amber Lewis

Looks like you've been shopping here:

Oh Happy Day

or here:

the grand bazaar

or here:

Joss & Main Curator's Collection

its my birthday: buy yourself a present

2011-11-15T11:00:00.000-05:00

Today I turn 30 (!) and to celebrate I think that you should all buy yourselves a little something. That's right for my birthday you get the present! I've curated a perfect sale of some of my favorite things for the Joss & Main Curator's Collection.

Its a member-only site, but luckily you have the special link with immediate access.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

10 Things I Believe: Niki Papadopoulos

2011-11-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Niki Papadopoulos is the badass behind these 10 things.

I know you want more: BLOG. WORK. TWITTER.

dark down under: kitchens

2011-11-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

I love the crisp, clean look that dark base cabinets and light uppers provide. It makes the kitchen feel more like a room with the dark grounding the space and feels like furniture instead of a sea of cabinetry.

Jenna Lyons in Domino

Jessica Helgerson

Kristan Cunningham Design

David Cafiero in Lonny

Coastal Living

Victoria Pearson in House Beautiful

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can alsofollow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

beyond ikat

2011-11-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

Elle Decor

Some of you are not ready to let go and I am with you, ikat has the perfect balance of color, style and worldly-chic. However design is not about doing what everyone else does and everyone is doing ikat. Its time to retire it - not forever - but just for a little bit. Lets move on, lets find something new.

Need something to fill the void? I thought so. Try batik.

Robert Kaufman Batik

What about african textiles like mud cloth and kuba cloth?

Wax prints?

wax prints

Japanese Textiles, with the beautiful natural indigo?

textiles from Kimonoboy

So who is with me?

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

do it: painted trim

2011-11-08T08:59:00.000-05:00

Painting your trim is a small change you can make for a big impact. In any color and in any style this works.

Meg Braff in House Beautiful | Martha Steward Living

Ally Banks | Apartment Therapy

Eve Ashcroft in NY Times | original source unknown

Michael Smith | New York Times

Ruthie Sommers in House Beautiful | Marjorie Skouras in Metropolitan Home

Violet Skiles | Marie Claire Maison

Kristin Rivoli Interior Design | Jessica Helgerson

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

10 Things I Believe: Claire Watkins

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Claire for contributing to the series, 10 Things I Believe today. You can catch up on other bloggers 10 Things every Monday.

To get more of Claire, visit her blog, High Gloss Blue and follow her on Twitter.

Thanks Claire!

Its so Mauve-lous!

2011-11-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

A step beyond greige, I am so digging mauve right now. Check out these hot interiors that are working on getting mauve moved to the cool-kid table.

Country Living - Orloff Farmhouse - New York

Apartment Therapy- Great Homes with Color

2 above: House Beautiful Hal Williamson New Orleans Home

I chased this image around google for quite some time, in circles to try to find original source, but alas no luck. If you know the brilliant designer/photographer/ publisher of this beautiful image I will happily credit.

House Beautiful

Kathryn Ireland

Elle Decor April 2010/ Simon Upton

And for the brave, here are my go-to mauves.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

best of atlanta craigist: edition 53

2011-11-03T09:21:00.000-04:00

Not a lot of options today, these selections really were the best of what is out there right now. Not a good week for CL shopping.

1} 2 Mid-Century Door Cabinets - $100 (Inman Park - Atlanta)

This piece intrigues me.

2} Bathroom/Decorative Mirror - $5 (Smyrna, GA)

3} antique furniture piece - $55 (Covington, Ga)

Sometimes you have to look at the shape of a piece before the condition.

4} Vintage Oriental Ginger Jar Lamp on Wooden Base - $40 (Roswell)

Cute little lamp.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can alsofollow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

You're Invited: Jackson Pollock Cocktail Party

2011-11-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

November is my birthday month and since Jackson Pollock and I were born in same small town in Wyoming, he became the inspiration for this month's You're Invited. Just be sure your guests have a safe and sober ride home.

I created this invitation on Photoshop from Pollock's Lavender, but if you don't use Photoshop try Word or have postcards made at your local printer.

PARTY SNACKS

Since this party is scheduled for after dinner, food is less important, but it's still nice to have something to nibble on while imbibing.

1. Splattered Pretzel Sticks - Melt 2 -3 types of chips (dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter) slowly (and seperately) in microwave. Once melted, dip pretzel sticks and let excess drip off. Set aside to let dry. When dry, drizzle contrasting mixture over top.

2. Veggie Plate - Transform a simple veggie plate by drizzling the condiments over the top. Balsamic vinegar, mexican crema, aioli, basil puree, honey mustard and flavored oil are all good options. Try drizzling a few complimentary condiments together such as balsamic and basil puree.

3. Confetti Cheese - Roll 1 goat cheese log in a mixture of 1/3 cup chopped red pepper, 1/4 cup chopped pecans, 1/3 cup chopped parsely, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper, 1/4 cup minced green onion. Serve with toast points or crackers.

COCKTAIL

Fill squeeze bottles with different fresh homemade syrup flavors: chocolate, vanilla simple syrup, grenadine, pumpkin, basil puree, choose your favorites and set out suggested drink recipes and let your guests be the artist. Drizzle syrup in chilled martini glass and top with shaken recipe.

DECORATION

Let your inner Pollock out a few days before the party and get to work on a few canvases of your own.

1. Use painters drop cloth with your own Pollock-esque splatter for a table cloth.

2. Buy enamelware platters to serve the party snacks. I found this one on ebay.

3. Use blank canvases for DIY drip art like this one from The Drip Artist.

"Someone said that life is a party. You join in after it's started and leave before it's finished." Elsa Maxwell

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

tis the season, say thank you

2011-11-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Click "Hostess Gifts to DIY" above to sign up for my newsletter and receive the DIY list in your e-mail on Thursday.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

10 Things I Believe: Jade Timmerman

2011-10-31T07:00:00.000-04:00

You can find more inspiration from Jade on her blog, Flip Flops and Pearls. Also check out other bloggers 10 Things every Monday here on A Curated Lifestyle. Happy Halloween!

Rose Gold in Design

2011-10-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

clockwise from top left

Not one to like anything matchy-matchy, I choose rose gold for my wedding rings to complement my platinum engagement ring. Since then, I have seen rose gold becoming ever more present in fashion and jewelry. Rose gold hasn't quite made it's entry into interior design, brass is still the metal of the moment, but before long I guarantee you'll see more products available in a rose gold finish. Because let me tell you, there is not a lot out there now! It was a deep search to find the few products featured above. In the meantime, copper has a warm metal look (I've even had a few people ask if my rings were copper) or if you pair blush with gold, the blush will cast a warm glow on the metal (as you can see in the image in the bottom right).

What do you think of this emerging trend?

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

best of atlanta craigslist: edition 52

2011-10-27T09:31:00.001-04:00

1.ANTIQUE Womens Swing-Mirror Dresser - Real Wood - $125 (Duluth-Suwanee)

solid, but the legs prevent it from being too heavy

2.Chair - $115 (Decatur)

I imagine this recovered in a serape.

3.TELESCOPE WOOD & BRASS - $80 (CONYERS)

I am named after a star, so I have always loved telescopes.

4.Ethan Allen Mirror - $75 (Woodstock)

interesting shape

5.HAND-MADE PERSIAN RUG - $200 (ATLANTA)

bold, bright rug to liven any space

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.

my wedding reception

2011-10-26T09:00:00.000-04:00

I have received several questions about my unorthodox wedding. My husband and I choose to get married just the two of us in Hawaii and have a reception with close family in California. It was completely "us" and I highly recommend it if you want to eliminate a lot of stress and just have fun. Our goal was to focus on each element completely - our ceremony, honeymoon, and finally spending quality time with family drinking wine and eating good food. We did not have a professional photographer at our reception so don't expect the glossies on wedding blogs. I'll do a post on the actual wedding when we get those pictures.

Invitations

Simple, graphic and the palm tree represents both Hawaii and California

Location

We rented the biggest house we could find in Los Olivos so we had a central place for our guests to gather and ~~drink~~ socialize. We also arranged a private tasting with our favorite winemaker, Ken Brown (that bottle was ours and gone about 20 minutes after dinner). Dinner was at Los Olivos Cafe, Nate and I had been here before and knew the food was good and had the right vibe (it was also in Sideways).

Placecards/Guestbook

I found vintage postcards from Hawaii and California on Ebay and Etsy and bought japanese masking tape to create the nametag. I stamped the card with a custom address stamp and return postage. This allowed the postcard to function as a placecard at dinner and then guests were asked to answer a question and drop it in the mail for us. We were excited each time we received a card in the mail. All the postcards (currently in a bowl on our coffee table) create a guestbook of our friends and family who came to celebrate our marriage.

Cake

Nate's sister is a cake artisan and was the obvious choice for our cake. We could have gone without, but I think it made the reception feel more wedding-y. She did an incredible job despite having to work through the logistics nightmare of living in Florida and delivering a cake to California as well as our coconut cake with passionfruit filling request. I purchased the vintage plate and pair of brass elephants on ebay (good luck and now sitting on our mantle!). I searched for a long time for the perfect cake stand, but it didn't exist so this souvenir plate was easy to ship and carry back from California.

Favors

I think there is nothing better to remember a vacation or event than a good meal. I wanted something useful and relevant to our reception and I adore cookbooks. I had bookplates made here and bought Wine Country Cooking for all our guests to remember their time with us. My family also exclusively used recipes from the cookbook for my Grandma's 91st birthday lunch. How sweet is that?

an Invitation to Windows on Design

2011-10-25T09:00:00.001-04:00

As you know, I started a little group for design creatives called Design Collective. We've been going strong for almost a year now and today windows in Showrooms all over Atlanta are being "blacked out" to get ready for an event called Windows on Design.

Windows on Design is a public event that pairs one Showroom window with a Designer to create a one-of-a-kind window display. Our 2011 event theme is Celebrating Atlanta. Using Atlanta landmarks, food, history, and events as inspiration Locations and Designers will work together, thinking out of the box to create an amazing art installation that blends different mediums, each window display will have an Atlanta-centric theme. This is a self-guided tour to visit all the Windows at your leisure. The windows will be unveiled on November 1st, 2011.

There will be a drawing for an Atlanta Staycation (Hotel stay, dinner & art tickets!) going to a lucky person that checks-in at all Windows.

11.1.11 -11.16.11

Westside

Redefined Home Boutique & New Mood Design

887 Howell Mill Road, Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30318
Open 10-6 Monday thru Saturday

Verde Home & Liquid Design Studios

1000 Marietta St, Suite 244 Atlanta, GA 30318

Open Monday 12-5, Tuesday - Friday 10-6, Saturday 12-5

Jennifer Schwartz Gallery & Balance Design

1000 Marietta St, Suite 112 Atlanta, GA 30318
Open Tuesday - Saturday 11-5 PM

Peachtree Hills

Regalo Antiques & Taylor Galen Workroom with Charm Home Design

365 Peachtee Hills Ave NE, Suite 104 Atlanta, GA 30305
Open 9-5 Monday thru Friday

Beau Holland & Rebecca Keller

351 Peachtree Hills Ave, Suite 301 Atlanta, GA 30305 (inside ADAC)
Open 9-5 Monday thru Friday

Moattar & Jenn Ryan Designs

351 Peachtree Hills Ave, Suite 314 Atlanta, GA 30305 (inside ADAC)
Open 9-5 Monday thru Friday

Robuck and Company & Mill and Forge
425 Peachtree Hills Ave Ne Suite 20 Atlanta, GA 30305
Open 10-5 Monday thru Friday

Send me questions if you are curious for more.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

10 Things I Believe: Sherry Hart

2011-10-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

I am sure that you already know Sherry & her sense of humor from her blog, but she also has a really pretty website. Be sure to visit.

absolute perfection

2011-10-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

this is my heaven and I immediately started brainstorming how to get the smallest of rooms to fit my books, a settee, and a bar. Nina Campbell is genius.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

pretty in pink tonight

2011-10-20T09:51:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to let you know of a little store that I love, not only because of all the gorgeous linens they carry, but also because everyone that works at the store is gracious, charming, and delightful. Gramercy was the site of our Design Collective meeting last night and tonight they are having their second annual Pink Party.

Thursday October 20th 5pm-7pm

Gramercy Fine Linens & Furnishings

Peachtree Battle Shopping Center

2351 A Peachtree Road, NE

Atlanta, GA 30305

There will be generous raffles and 20% everything in the store during the party benefitting The Doris Shaheen Breast Health Center at Piedmont Hospital.

I snapped these pics when I was there last night. I was so pleased to see that they were carrying some of my favorite products- turkish towels and fabrics from Istanbul. Truthfully there is nothing in this store I wouldn't take home with me, even the monogramming with someone else's initials. Seriously, I would pass it off as heirloom. I hope that you will stop by Gramercy tonight and if not promise me that you will visit soon.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

Home Sale Preparation Checklist

2011-10-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

Tonight, before our Design Collective event, I am speaking to the new members of the Atlanta Board of Realtors. Hello Realtors! The role of an interior design can be extremely varied and one hat some designers wear is helping make a home look its best so it can get a new family. Here is my checklist for preparing your or your client's home for sale.

Click here to download and print the checklist.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

CSA Bounty

2011-10-18T09:00:00.001-04:00

This is what I made from this week's Serenbe CSA share. You don't need a CSA to make these recipes, I just want to show what is possible by buying what is in season and fresh and maybe get you thinking about your daily veg differently.

Swiss chard gratin with mash potatoes
Asian greens in garlic sauce (served with bean recipe below)
sweet potato and black bean burritos with okra rellenos
Vegetable & Rice Golabki
beans in peanut sauce
I also blanched and froze the collard greens from this week to use later.
And made more fridge pickles (sliced cucumnber, white vinegar, water, hot pepper, celery seed & sugar)

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

10 Thing I Believe: Blayne Beacham

2011-10-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

Isn't she amazing? If you don't already, read Blayne's blog, This Photographer's Life and see her talent.

pumpkin slaying

2011-10-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

my favorite part of pumpkin carving is scooping out the gooey insides and baking the seeds. This is because I am no good at the carving part - especially with my hands covered with slippery pumpkin guts. Here is a roundup of projects that you don't need a knife for.

pumpkin porcupines

black and white pumpkins

lined pumpkin walk

thumb tacks in pumpkin

glitter and gold

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

best of craigslist: edition 51

2011-10-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

1English Inlaid Antique Bed - $105 (Junktiques in Jasper)

2** REDUCED AGAIN ** Beautiful Antique Buffet/Server - $150 (Conyers/Covington)

350's Leather Stool - $80 (Decatur/Emory)

4Carved end table or night stand - $120 (Vinings)

550's Yellow Wicker Lamp/Vintage - $60 (Decatur/Emory)

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

for a cure

2011-10-12T08:38:00.000-04:00

1. Reebok Zig Sonic Pink, $99

2. pink bracelet, $59

3. shea butter soap, $3.50

4. pink ribbon sock monkey, $45

5. pink santoku knife, $49

6. pink pashmina, $20

7. inspire candle, $15

My family has been affected and I am sure yours has too. Each item featured here donates a portion of the proceeds to a breast cancer charity. Show your support.

CSA Bounty: Recipes

2011-10-11T09:27:00.000-04:00

my share this week of the Serenbe CSA (community supported agriculture) included beans, kale, chinese cabbage, roma tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, eggplant, purple basil, lettuce, and sweet potatoes.

The first night, I needed something quick, easy, and almost clean-up free. Hello slow-cooker. A fall soup with sweet potatoes and squash. In went a box of veggie stock, two cubed sweet potatoes, a portion of a leftover onion, and two cubed yellow squash with some sage leftover from the acorn squash pasta recipe last week. I let all the veggies get soft and blended it with a hand blender right in the pot - full disclosure - I don't like chunky soup with stock so I blend every soup I make into a pureed soup. It looks prettier too with a drizzle of olive oil and a sage leaf on top. But before you garnish - be sure to add salt and pepper to taste, I do this after blending for a more accurate reading. I also made grilled cheese to dunk in the soup. Couldn't be easier.
Kale chips - I love kale and I make a mean kale salad, but wanted something a little easier (noticing a trend?) and different. These chips are quick and delicious and can be tailored to your tastes - add garlic powder, cayenne, cumin, taco seasoning, etc to find your craving. I don't think you could even feel guilty if you ate the whole batch, these are so darn good for you.
Chinese cabbage - nothing better to make than chinese chicken salad. If you don't eat chicken like me, this salad is still delicious and filling and you could add shrimp or tofu for protein.
This week we still have some left over veggies and it may turn into a "kitchen sink" soup here soon since I am picking up this weeks share this afternoon. I have a lot of beans. Happy Tuesday!

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

10 Things I Believe - Julie Holloway

2011-10-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Julie Holloway for contributing to the series today!

To get more of Julie visit her blog, Milk & Honey Home

friday things

2011-10-07T08:07:00.003-04:00

a completely disjointed friday things, but hey thats my life!

A Curated Shop on Etsy Sale, A Curated Lifestyle readers use coupon code ACL15 to get 15% off!

inspiration for tomorrows party (more on that next week)

img from here and on my pinterest

surprise photobook that came in mail this week filled with photos from our reception dinner

love the contrast of the gold with the mason jar, easy (and pretty) way to display utensils for a party or all the time.

this was my first computer and I have been a fan ever since. Thanks for making life easier, Steve Jobs. You will be missed.

best of atlanta craigslist: edition 50

2011-10-06T09:05:00.000-04:00

This weeks best finds...

Vintage..WROUGHT IRON Patio FURNITURE..SETEE,CHAIRs,Table - $149 (Clarkston)

To do: throw pillows, string lights, mix drinks, light candles, and enjoy the fall.

Wood 3 Draw Chest - $800 (Dacula)

so pretty

Coffee Table - $75 (Johns Creek)

You know how brass is back.

Antique Pressing Irons - $15 (Hiram / Marietta)

These are great as bookends or door stops.

You're Invited: Intro to Fall

2011-10-05T09:55:00.000-04:00

As the weather gets cooler and the leaves begin to change people are spending more times indoors. Before the weather gets too cold or wet, this is a perfect, easy party to catch with your friends after a summer of vacations, outdoor BBQs, and lazy afternoons. A few finger foods and a signature cocktail is all you need. Simple, inexpensive, and above all pretty effortless.

INVITATIONS

Invitations are your party's first impression. Emails are fine, but take the time to make a pretty online invitation and personally address each email (no mass emails). Send invitations at least 3 weeks in advance and reminders 1 week before.

Created on Pingg

PARTY SNACKS

This menu can be prepared in advance and cooked just before your guests arrive. Plus they can be nibbled on throughout the evening. Use the fresh, high quality ingredients. Serves 6.

1. Sausage & Goat Cheese Canapes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F / 180 C. Remove casing from 2 Italian sausages, mash meat with 3 oz. goat cheese. Spread on 1/4" thick baguette slices and bake for 15 minutes (or until sausage is thoroughly cooked).

2. Bacon Swaddled Dates: Preheat oven to 350F/ 180C. Remove pits from 12 dates and wrap a 1/2 slice of good quality bacon around middle, secure with a toothpick. Place on aluminum lined baking sheet (with sides to catch grease) and bake for 20 minutes, turn and bake for another 10 min or until bacon is crispy.

3. Bruschetta: Halve 6 plum tomatoes and gently squeeze seeds out. Chop and toss with salt and pepper. Use a sliced garlic clove to rub 12 slices of 1/4" thick baquette, drizzle with olive oil, and toast both sides. Top with tomatoes and garnish with sliced basil.

4. Spicy Nuts: Toast 2 cups of unsalted mixed nuts in skillet, stirring frequently until fragrant and just brown, about 5 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons each butter and water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 cup of brown sugar until glaze forms. Remove from heat and spread on baking sheet to cool. Serve in a pretty bowl.

COCKTAIL

Signature cocktails are the way to go, since there is only a single drink, you can enjoy your party and not have to worry about playing bartender all evening. Since it is apple season, this Happy Apple is perfect.

In a pitcher mix 2.5 cups of fresh apple cider, 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice, 1 cup of gold rum with lots of ice. Fill an old-fashioned with ice and pour in mixture, garnish with lemon peel. Serves 6.

DECORATION

If it's cool enough, a roaring fire is the best accessory. If not, light scentless white candles for casual elegance. Everyone does look better in candle light. A few of these feather centerpieces (RIP Domino Magazine) instead of flowers are festive and unexpected. Dress up plain white serving trays for the food with a few fall leaves.

Most importantly a happy, relaxed host has the best parties.

**This post originally appeared on the now defunct Design Refuge**

CSA Bounty: Recipes

2011-10-04T10:15:00.004-04:00

Last Tuesday, this is what I picked up from my Serenbe CSA share. For a very reasonable cost, I get fresh, organic vegetables every tuesday and I can avoid going to the grocery store for long periods of time - since I use my pantry staples (rice, potatoes, onions, polenta, lentils, pasta, etc) to compose meals. This is what I made with my share last week. If you have questions about my methods or recipes below - send me an email and I will be happy to further explain.

Eggplant fries (I also threw in the yellow squash which wasn't as successful). This sounds strange, but when you have Peter Cheng's dry-fried eggplant at Tasty 2 you will be in heaven. This recipe is a different take on the idea, but much more accessible for home.
Ginger and garlic stir-fry, I used the bok choy, peppers, and beans for this recipe. Super simple, I julienned about 2" square section of ginger, thinly sliced two garlic cloves, dropping them in super-hot pan with a little oil. Followed up with all the chopped veggies until they were cooked through - the super-hot pan is key- and at the last minute added a couple tablespoons full of soy sauce. Served over rice. Couldn't be easier for using up all those veggies.
Swiss chard dip for college football on Saturday with cucumber and radish for dipping. This is like Spinach dip, but with Swiss chard instead, so you have to sauté the chard before using it in this recipe in place of the spinach.
Acorn squash, sage, and whole wheat pasta. Cut the acorn squash in half, roasting it in the oven until soft. In the meantime, get your pasta on a boil, and heat up some olive oil in a pan. Throw in a handful of sage leaves, perfuming the oil and frying the leaves. Remove the leaves. Scoop out the flesh from the squash and put it in sage-y oil. Reserve some pasta water when you drain your pasta and use to make sauce to coat noodles. Add a handful of parmesan to sauce. Toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper and top with fried sage leaves and more parmesan.
Marinated cucumbers - this was a staple my dad made when I was growing up. You could always find these quick-pickles in the fridge. Slice cucumbers, pour over equal parts water and vinegar with a few tablespoons sugar. I add a little celery seed and hot peppers for heat. Let sit and done.

10 Things I Believe: Cristi Holcombe

2011-10-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

What do you believe in?

To get more of Cristi check out her blog Charm Home & website Charm Home Design.

best of atlanta craigslist: edition 49

2011-09-29T10:34:00.003-04:00

chest with intricate veneer - $275 (Dunwoody)

You know I would have an affair with inlay.

Pair Mid-Cen End Tables/Nightstands - $200 (Stone Mountain)

These could be totally rad.

Nu2u - Pair of HEAVY brass & glass endtables. Waterfowl pattern - $75 (Stockbridge, GA)

I heart brass.

2 dressers and 2 mirrors (I-75 n Howell Mill rd.)

a pair of solid mahogany mirrors? I would paint these a moody dark blue-gray. LOVE

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

Scaly Trends

2011-09-27T07:09:00.000-04:00

move over quadrefoil, animal print, and chevron- serpentine is slithering in.

Ecailles

Emery & Cie Ecailles

House Beautiful September 2011 Bath of the Month, Pierce Allen

Fishscale Allover Stencil

Herend USA

Tufted Collection

Etsy Windfall Arts

I love this look, its natural and graphic but hasn't been done to death. What do you think?

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

10 Things I Believe: Edyta Czajkowska

2011-09-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

Continuing the series, today we have Edyta Cazjkowska from Edyta & Co. I love Edyta's 10 Things, it seems that we share a love of food, travel, and overindulging our furry family members.

What do you believe?

Keep up with Edyta & Co on Facebook & Twitter & her blog.

Thanks Edyta!

friday things: hello fall!

2011-09-23T09:25:00.000-04:00

Cacao Atlanta croissant and single espresso on a Saturday morning

happy red spider lilies that pop up in the middle of the yard in September.

coveting Stella McCartney Chunky-knit wool and alpaca-blend sweater, want this with my skinny jeans and chunky ankle boots

trays from Pearl River, perfect for display or serving

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

best of atlanta craigslist: edition 48

2011-09-22T11:47:00.002-04:00

better late than never...

Old Wagon Bench - $298 (Austell Ga)

Wouldn't it look outrageous in a foyer in hot pink?

Mahogany Cabinet - $99 (Austell Ga)

For this price, you could trick it out into a bar cabinet, so chic.

MID CENTURY CABINET )))) - $40 (CONYERS)

You are all super-lucky I am not in town right now, because this would be MINE.

Vintage Red Bamboo China Cabinet - $295 (Covington)

This is so right-now.

CERAMIC oriental plant stands/garden seats (3) - $75 (Kennesaw/Acworth)

Use for a stack of books, a cup or tea or ...a plant.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

10 Things I Believe

2011-09-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

I am starting a new series, 10 Things I Believe with fellow friends and bloggers contributing a list of 10 Things for posting on A Curated Lifestyle. Stay tuned on Mondays to get your weekly dose.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

friday things: maui edition

2011-09-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

sunsets

and sunrises

sweet

the panorama option on my camera

ruffles on the pool umbrellas

Mama's Fish House Mai Tai

Visit other cool locales with my Wanderlust series on Greece, Italy, Wyoming, Alaska, Mallorca, Los Angeles, & Hotel V (Spain).

If you'd like help designing a home (or vacation home) you absolutely love, contact me about design services.

best of atlanta craigslist: edition 47

2011-09-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

Chinoiserie Chic Sofa - $200 (Roswell)

Styled correctly this could be in-cred-i-ble.

8 Antique/Vintage Chinese Cloisonne Pin Trays - $250 (Roswell)

I love Cloisonne as you can see from here.

ANTIQUE EARLY 1900,s REEL MOWER - $80 (Cumming/Dawsonville)

Someone buy this and do this:

Victoria Hagan, Interior Portraits

chippendale sofa - $600 (smyrna)

If you are into a camelback like Jenny this is a good option.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services. You can also follow me on twitter & see what I am saying on facebook.

Computer issues

2011-09-14T08:26:00.003-04:00

having computer issues... hopefully we'll be back to our regularly scheduled programing by tomorrow.

wanderlust: Single Bubble Pop & Italy

2011-09-12T07:45:00.002-04:00

In 2008, I spent a semester studying in Florence, Italy and it was an amazing time! I fell in love with the city of Florence, amazing food, and the warm laid-back demeanor of my Italian neighbors. On the weekends, my classmates and I would take excursions to different parts of Italy, and my favorite area was the Amalfi Coast. Known for its gorgeous rocky beaches and seafood dishes, it's also home to breathtaking architecture!

Here are a few shots I took while visiting:

Me! Basking in the Italian sun...

The buildings have a neoclassical feel with lots of COLOR in this part of Italy.

And they build RIGHT up to the shore which creates beautiful views, like this!

I'm dying to go back and spend more than a weekend in this beautiful place! I hope my photos took you there at least for a moment. To see more of the Amalfi Coast, and the rest of my Italian adventures, click here.

Thanks Niki for visiting A Curated Lifestyle today. To get more of Niki visit Single Bubble Pop, check her out on Facebook and Twitter too.

Wanderlust: Los Angeles

2011-09-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

I am leaving Los Angeles today travelling north to wine country. My time away has brought out the good memories in my mind like a old boyfriend, making me forget why we broke up.

To get more of my LA recommendations check out Emily Amy Blog

Some of my favorite LA spots: Hollywood Bowl- there is nothing like drinking wine and listening to music under the summer stars in a natural ampitheatre, Tacos Por Favor- the greatest breakfast burrito and salsas anywhere- yes anywhere, the beach, Twilight Dance Series at the Santa Monica Pier- there is nothing like drinking wine and listening to music under the summer stars on the beach, and the object of my obsession, Jitlada.

To keep tabs on where I am travelling you can also follow me on twitter see what I am saying on facebook.

If you'd like help designing a home you absolutely love, contact me about design services.