Archive for the ‘Browns’ Category

August 21st, 2013 No Comments

weddings: marrying your style to your location- here are our tips for a happy union

Sometimes trying to decide on the decor of a location for a celebration can be very tricky. The obvious is have the decor mirror the design aesthetic of the building but the location might not represent your style 100%. Here is an great example of a modern location but with natural branches as centerpieces- the opposite of what you might expect.  By keeping the centerpieces all the same and all the table decor in a neutral color palette the execution is more modern in feel but the organic silhouette of the branches softens the modernity of the space. Simple hurricanes … Read more

August 19th, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: end of summer hydrangeas

This picture does not do the color of these hydrangeas justice. A combination of deep deep greens, a pale violet-blue, gray-blues and a bit of pale browns where the sun has burnt the edges make up this amazing color palette. Against an aged cedar shingled home with deep green trim- it is absolutely beautiful. This is one that I just stood back and was amazed at the different changing colors in nature. This is a gorgeous palette to start with for the exterior of a home or an interior of a home and/or a garden. This is also a sophisticated … Read more

August 16th, 2013 No Comments

interiors: hanging drapes -what a difference this can make

To make a room and window appear larger take a look at this illustration from Honey & Fitz. By hanging your drapery rod as high to the ceiling as possible (without going into your molding-if you have one) and allowing the drapes to extend on either side, your window will appear larger and ultimately your space will too. This is a classic design trick but sometimes a simple drawing is all you need to better understand the concept.

August 15th, 2013 No Comments

desserts can fit into your party’s color palette too -like this brownie candy cane ice cream baked alaska

When planning a party or just having a simple dinner party or luncheon it’s always nice to consider your color palette when selecting your cocktails and desserts.  This is sometimes impossible but I find Pinterest to be a great source of inspiration especially when it comes to finding new recipes. With this week’s color palette in mind of pinks and warm neutrals this recipe for brownie and candy cane ice cream baked alaska seemed perfect from the site Completely Delicious (click link for full recipe). If your palette is very neutral then a pop of color can be fun for your … Read more

August 14th, 2013 No Comments

weddings: find out what advice photographer melissa Mlejnek has for the bride

Melissa Mlejnek of La De Da Photography shared with us some of her expert advice and even what color palette she personally loves to see at weddings. Sometimes you don’t think of things that could have made the day go more smoothly until after the fact. Melissa has photographed countless weddings and shares a few tips to make your day picture perfect.  Here’s what she had to say: “I suggest for the bridesmaids to always be in their attire before the bride places her dress on. This is a very important, because sometimes there is a flurry of activity when … Read more

August 7th, 2013 No Comments

wolffer estate vineyard on long island’s east end is a gorgeous location for a wedding (or just an afternoon of wine tasting)

Located in beautiful Sagaponack, New York, in the Hamptons, Wolffer Estate Vineyard is absolutley stunning. Whether you are looking for a location for your wedding or for any private event you might want to check out this estate. The vines are so meticulous and the grounds transport you to another world- like you might even be in europe. Large wood doors from Germany, huge stone urns with flowers billowing over, wood beams and iron chandeliers come together for a unique design aesthetic which was the vision of the late Christian Wolffer. Take a moment to read all about this … Read more

August 6th, 2013 No Comments

check out my shop’s collection of mud australia plates and our unique accessories- all the tableware you see here can be found at the little blue dish shop

I really love these plates and bowls that I have at my shop. They are from a collection called Mud Austalia (made in Austalia) and it has to be one of my favorite lines of tableware. The inside is glazed and the outside is matte. We carry them in cream and a slate color. Paired with our Belgium linens from Libeco and our stainless steel accessories from Alessi, you can see how a table setting can come together with them. Felt accessories like our bunny egg cozies are sure to bring a smile to … Read more

August 5th, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: sandy neutrals

Creating a color palette for your home can be a bit easier if you choose something you are inspired by… like the sea, sand, a forest, even a farmer’s market. I always like to keep in mind the flow from room to room. As you are sitting in one room you will be looking into the adjacent rooms, so it’s a good idea to consider what colors are next to each other as you travel throughout your home. Pale shades of neutral colors for your walls are always a good investment and you can bring in color or keep within … Read more

July 16th, 2013 No Comments

summer sweets, from classic cupcakes and strawberries to puddings with dirt chocolate

I’m always looking for small little sweets to end a summer meal and these certainly will put smiles on everyone’s faces. Classics like cupcakes with simple colored sugar or chocolate toppings are so easy to make yourself. Dress up your cupcakes with patterned cupcake papers from Viking Importing Company or search unique toppers of all kinds on Etsy for a special theme or interest. (You can even use cupcakes as place card holders.) Individual strawberry shortcakes are another great classic, instead of baking the shortcake in a pan, drop the batter in cupcake tins, then slice each one in half and … Read more

June 21st, 2013 No Comments

see how I turned a vintage stamp icon into my personal stationery

You can find inspiration just about anywhere if you look close enough. I found mine in a tiny little antique shop nestled down a narrow street near the Royal Palace in Monte Carlo.  Tucked in a box was this old wooden handled stamp with a brass stamp plate and on it an anchor and two B’s. It was like fate. My last name is Butler Beling and my husband and I had just bought a house back home by the sea. I took it to my printer of many many years who can work miracles and I highly recommend! Ray … Read more