Romantic Powder Room

Candles are a necessity in a bathroom for both looks and function. Need I say more? I have been searching for the perfect sconces for my downstairs half bath until I found these Mikasa beauties featured here. I adorned them with cinnamon tea lights and they completely transformed the room into a romantic retreat.

I had added these pictures a few months ago, and fell in love with the romantic look. My mother-in-law so graciously let me use these beautiful photos she took in Paris, and I simply took the photos, cropped them, and washed them in a sepia tone. Instant romance. Who wouldn't want to potty in Paris?

 Though it's not yet finished, I have made significant progress on making the 11 foot ceiling-ed, small room feel a little more homey. Next, I'm thinking a stripe of metallic copper paint...... Can you picture it?

Current Obsession: Candice Olson Design

 My celebrity crush? Definitely Candice Olson. I know, I know, that's not exactly how a celebrity crush is supposed to work, but if I had to choose one person to live with, it would be her! I am absolutely in love with her style, use of color and pattern, and the way she somehow makes every room seem light, airy and homey. The best part is, we have the exact same style, so we use a ton of the same pieces, materials and ideas.

 She uses cool baby blues in almost all of her work, mixed with taupe to give it a fresh, sophisticated style.

 This black walled room is strikingly similar to how I decorated my first home. White couch, same pillows, and metallic accents.

 I love her use of mirrors, lighting and even water in a lot of her designs.

 I just bought a mirror similar to the one in the dining room to the right. I'm pretty sure only Candice can pull off using two completely different coffee tables right next to each other!



Toasted Coconut Cupcakes with Caramel Drizzle

Start with boxed cupcakes-of course!

Toast coconut for just a couple minutes in a 350 degree oven. Watch closely to prevent from burning.

Frost cupcakes with buttercream frosting, and immediately sprinkle toasted coconut on top for it to stick.

Caramel Sauce

3/4 cups sugar

3 Tbs water

3/4 cups heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Mix the water and sugar in a large saucepan. Don't worry if it doesn't fill the saucepan, but be prepared for it to expand. Cover and cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat and boil uncovered until the sugar turns a medium brown, about 5 minutes, whisking occasionally. Very carefully, add cream and vanilla. VERY carefully. It is normal for it to bubble and splatter a little, and it is very hot! Trust me, I know from experience! Simmer until the caramel dissolves and the sauce is smooth and thick, about 2 minutes. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your toasted coconut cupcakes. Enjoy!

Baskets-Casual Luxury

I recently went to Pottery Barn and was inspired by all their beautiful baskets. They used baskets for everything from vases to storing books and blankets in an organized, luxe fashion. Wicker and sea grass baskets are two great options for casual luxury with the bonus of simple clean up!

I decided to try the baskets in my own home, and was thrilled with the results! I actually used my dad's childhood laundry basket to store my extra blankets and pillows in my living room. This basket is at least 50 years old, and I love having a piece family history with so much function!

I bought some smaller baskets to block the outlets behind my washer and dryer. Our laundry room was built for platforms under the washer and dryer, but they run at least $100 each! I decided adding $5 baskets and using them for extra storage was a better idea.

Ahhhhhh....... Organized AND beautiful!!

Piece by Piece

The most common decorating mistake I see with my clients and friends is not putting a room together in the right order. If I were able to design each piece in the room, it would be much easier. Since I usually have to work within budgets and pre-made items, order is very important in making a room come together.

First, start with your main piece- the sofa. This will set the tone for the whole room.

Second, select your textiles in the rug and window treatments. Choose complimentary colors and a design that will separate the furniture from the floor.

Next, choose your accent furniture such as chairs, chaise lounges and large ottomans.

Then select your accent tables including a coffee table, end tables and side tables.

Finally, tie the room together with accessories, lighting, photos and artwork.

 

 

All photos used in this post are products available at Overstock.com as of 3/7/11

Current Obsession: Outdoor Living

There's nothing better than a warm summer night, laughing with friends around fire pit or outdoor dining table. These are some of my best memories, and I am searching for inspiration to create an outdoor living area in my own backyard this year.

I love the Tuscan/Roman feel of natural stone and columns. You can make your own backyard into a palace.

Round-shaped furniture with clean lines gives it a contemporary feel. Warm it up with throw blankets just like you would for your indoors!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Talk about entertaining central! I love the built-in sofas in this outdoor space. Just power wash once a year to keep clean!
Use accessories you would use indoors such as hurricanes, pillows, rugs and picture frames to make your outdoor living space look like home!

Give your guests a show by making a restaurant-style bar to eat and drink at.

Photo credits top to bottom: ABC Development Group, Acive Rain, K Design Interiors, Landscape Design Advisor, Mega Crate.