June 24th, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: sea blue, gray and a nautical black-gray and orange

Last week we talked about a nautical color palette, but what most people would consider a more tradition palette of navy, creams, white and a little red. This week I wanted to feature a different nautical inspired palette based off this photograph of a boat and rocks and a more hazy sky. The colors I chose this week from Benjamin Moore all have a bit more red in them to compliment the orange in the palette better. Instead of a black- black the baby seal black looks different in different types of light.. sometimes it looks deep blue, others … 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

June 20th, 2013 No Comments

anchor your home with these simple updates

I love simple details that personalize your home and these Anchor Wall Stencils I found on Amazon are a very simple project to give a room character this summer… or all year long. Another simple idea is to add a door knocker like this brass anchor knocker. They are not just for front doors though, I recently toured a home where they had put a small brass shell door knocker on their powder room. It was a memorable detail of the house. And of course as I’m always telling clients, throw pillows are such a simple way to add … Read more

June 19th, 2013 No Comments

weddings: anchors aweigh! nautical details that will make a splash at your celebration

Since we’ve been talking about anchors this week, why wouldn’t we give you some anchor inspiration for celebrations? If you are thinking of a nautical wedding (or party this summer) this post might be just for you! Tying your theme (or color palette)  into even the smallest details makes all the difference like this anchor embroidered ring pillow, above or these seating cards with anchor charms, below. via Martha Stewart Weddings Your invitations give your guests a glimpse of what style your wedding with be. Below, Printable Anchor Wedding Invitation Set from Mikio Design on Etsy.com. There are so many invitations … Read more

June 18th, 2013 No Comments

tabletop: anchor your place setting

Simple wood anchors we found at Michael’s crafts bring a nautical feel to this place setting. Our linen napkins keep the table monochromatic, but a stripe napkin could also bring in a nautical feel. Another simple anchor napkin detail- Anchor Napkin Bands, $3 for 48 pieces from Oriental Trading. Or you could just cut pieces of the anchor paper we featured yesterday to make your own bands.

June 17th, 2013 No Comments

anchors are making a big splash, mostly in a classic navy & neutral color palette

Anchors are appearing everywhere this season-from gift items to tabletop to wrapping paper. We’re seeing most in a classic navy paired with leather, browns, creams, while some accessories are shown in bright red. This inspired our color palette this week with two classic paint colors above from Benjamin Moore. We’ll be covering anchors all week for weddings, interiors and paper but we thought we’d start you off with a few gift items. Above, Mark and Graham’s Anchor Canvas Tote which you can personalize and below their Anchor Key Fobs, Anchor Paperweights, Acrylic Tumblers and Napkins. … Read more

June 14th, 2013 No Comments

chocolate chip cheesecake

I worked at a little jazz club one summer when I was in college. When we went in early for staff dinner the owner, who was the chef, always had chocolate chip cheesecakes cooling on the racks and we could eat warm slices before we opened the doors. I keep thinking about this cheesecake and wish I had asked for the recipe! But I found a recipe that looks similar and I thought I’d share it with you today. It’s great to make ahead if you are having weekend guests- it’s 30 minutes prep time, one hour bake time … Read more

June 13th, 2013 No Comments

interiors: duravit introduces a wireless Sound System to their new bathroom series, combining luxury, style and sound

At the recent International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) show in NYC,  I made sure to stop at the Duravit booth. I love their design and quality. I love it so much I have a Duravit cabinet and sink in my own master bathroom (which was featured as “Bath of the Month” in House Beautiful’s November 2012 issue). Duravit had several new introductions at this show. One was really great for the music lover- their LED mirrored cabinets now have a Sound System option. Wireless speakers are tucked discreetly within the furniture cabinet. This system has been specially tailored to a bathroom’s … Read more

June 12th, 2013 1 Comment

weddings: a rustic, candlelit wedding in alaska

I showed you the canned salmon favors from this wedding the other week and thought I should share more from this wedding in Alaska with you especially since it’s primarily a white, cream and brown color palette (this week’s palette). Originally shot for Martha Stewart Weddings by Rick Lew and styled by me, this wedding was casual and inspired by the regional beauty. I hope you can draw some ideas and inspiration from these images! (Please remember though the photos are from my portfolio and if you pin the images they should be credited to Martha Stewart Weddings and photographer … Read more

June 11th, 2013 No Comments

tabletop: scrabble alphabet “place cards”

On a recent weekend I hosted guests I used wood scrabble pieces as place cards. The family I hosted also had two young boys, so these were great for both adults and children. I spread the pieces out on the table for the kids to spell out the names themselves. It involved them in the table setting and it was just a fun idea for a casual table setting. I found these alphabet pieces through Save On Crafts– 60 pieces for $3.99. I purchased five sets to make sure I had enough letters for everyone’s name. You could also … Read more