January 14th, 2013 No Comments

color palette: black, white with metallics

The other week we were talking about emerging color trends and I said I was excited to see what color dominated the award shows. Well, the emerald green that Pantone selected really wasn’t anywhere to be seen- that was on the red carpet a few years back. Black and white clearly dominated the red carpet with accents of gold and silver in accessories and small box clutches. Red, coral, plum, navy and light blue also made a few appearances but not like black and white. Dresses were either a combination of black and white like Julianne Moore’s Tom Ford dress, … Read more

January 11th, 2013 No Comments

6 emerging trends in kitchen design

Most of the past decade has been filled with images of minimal kitchens with sleek white cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances, but over the past several years new trends are slowly emerging into the market of kitchen design. Phrases like “having a soul”, “radiating warmth”, “textural”, “decorative diversity”, and “casual and lived in” may give you a preview of what’s on the horizon.  Here are six emerging trends I’ve pulled out for you. 1. Personalization. Consumers seem to finally want to add a bit of their own personality into their kitchen design and forgo the cookie cutter … Read more

January 10th, 2013 No Comments

interiors: an inspiring updated farmhouse

I’ve been following…. Garden & Gun magazine. Yep, that’s right…though I’m not making a political statement about guns today, I’m just loving the design features and recipes in this magazine. It’s pure southern style at it’s best. This renovated farmhouse that was featured caught my eye and I thought I’d share it with you this week in our blues, grays, whites and whitewashed palette. I think you’ll like some of the details, especially the rope staircase and barn wood details. Read the full article here. Architect Ken Pursley, owners Tim & Sarah Belk of Chester, South Carolina. … Read more

January 9th, 2013 No Comments

weddings with liz banfield: something blue, a wedding shoe!

“When I got married a dozen years ago, it was customary to select a pair of practical white pumps from the half dozen options at the bridal salon and have them dyed the exact shade of white/ivory as your gown. I felt like a renegade buying my shoes “off the rack” from a non-wedding retailer (though they were white). Wedding shoes, like so many things in the bridal industry, have come a long way in the meantime. Brides are looking at their footwear as another way to personalize their wedding and express their unique style. After all, as even Cinderella … Read more

January 8th, 2013 No Comments

nordic table inspiration: personal decanters at each place setting…and it’s ok to move your dining table to a different room

One of my favorite tableware companies is Royal Copenhagen. This simple but beautiful table is set with a crisp white linen cloth and their Blue Fluted Plain pattern. The pattern was first adopted in 1775 as their very first porcelain dinner service. It is still painted and glazed by hand. Even though this pattern is 238 years old it still has a fresh design appeal.  I pair the pattern with their White Fluted porcelain to break things up a bit. This photo is from the book The Nordic Table. I loved that each place setting was personalized … Read more

January 7th, 2013 No Comments

color palette: blues, grays, off-white & bleached wood

This is by far one of my favorite color palettes. This bedroom is very similar to my own personal bedroom, though I have a bleached wood wall behind my velvet blue tufted headboard. Chalky white walls and bleached wood provide a beautiful neutral backdrop to so many palettes, but I love the shades of blues and grays with this one. I’ve selected some paint colors from Benjamin Moore to help recreate this look if you desire, or just to inspire. A painted bedside table in a soft gray also breaks up all the wood and adds a layer to … Read more

January 4th, 2013 No Comments

beauty: dr.’s remedy enriched nail polish, free of the big 3 toxins

Recently I’ve been going to podiatrist, Dr. Langone and she recommends Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish which is free of the three big toxins: formaldehyde, toluene and DBP. This nail polish is also enriched with tree oil and garlic bulb extract which are naturally occurring anti-fungal and antibacterial. This a a local New York company based in Brooklyn, founded by Dr. William Spielfolgel and Dr. Cirlincione. When Dr. Cirlincione’s wife was pregnant they began researching what was contained in most nail polishes and found many harmful toxins. So he partnered with Dr. Spielgolgel and they created Dr.’s Remedy. I would … Read more

January 3rd, 2013 No Comments

wallpaper without the commitment

I’ve been wanting to wallpaper a focus wall behind the bed in a guest room but I haven’t been able to commit to a pattern. Temporary wallpaper, that is similar to a wall decal, could be just the answer since I’m not 100% sure. Tempaper, self adhesive, repositionable, temporary wallpaper has several designs to choose from. I selected a few in this week’s color palette, but they have many colors available. I think I’m leaning toward the Peonies in Gold Leaf, pictured top left. Continuing clockwise the patterns are Skotti in blush, Edie in Champagne and Zee in Honey Wheat. … Read more

January 2nd, 2013 No Comments

weddings with expert liz banfield: forgo the custom of matching bridesmaid dresses

One of the freshest trends happening right now is to forgo the custom of matching bridesmaid dresses. This bride knew that her stylish friends could be trusted with picking out their own wedding day attire but still wanted her bridal party to project a cohesive look. Event designer Isabella Sikaffy of Florabella supplied the ladies with a swatch book of blush, ivory, and warm light gray tones that they could take with them to the store to make sure their gown would fit the color scheme and also allowed them express their individuality. What a great friend – no … Read more

January 1st, 2013 No Comments

a new year & new engagements

Happy New Year to everyone! Over the holidays many people get engaged and start the planning process for their wedding or celebration. The above bouquet is one of my favorites from The Best of Martha Stewart Living Weddings book which I had the honor of contributing. This is a wonderful book to buy for yourself or as a gift for the bride to be. It touches on everything from flowers to tents to keeping memories. Which by the way, you might be planning a baptism, an anniversary party, a big birthday party etc. this year and wedding books can … Read more