We have learned over the years that if you want something very specific and amazing for your birthday or Mother's Day, you might just be better off getting yourself. Sometimes the things on the wish list get lost in translation, or in the Inbox, or it's magically the day before and holy crap they forgot and so here's an Amazon gift card. So, in the spirit of giving to others the things that we love, we reached out to y'all, our amazing circle of followers for your most favorite things to get and give. 
From the surface, it seems we are all toxic and dehydrated, but anything that gives mom a few minutes of pampering is an A+ gift in our book. Here are some of the beauty picks on the top of your list.

1. Erno Lazlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar
​2. Mer Sea Coconut Sugar Shea Lotion
3. Bathing Culture Outer Being Face & Body Oil
4. Destiny Boutique Charcoal Facial Detox
5. Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate
6. Dior Lip Glow Oil

Champagne and coffee appear to be the beverages of choice, so ditch those wedding flutes and chipped mugs for these amazing picks. And if you know anything about us, we LOVE a charcuterie, and these gorgeous boards need a home in your kitchen.

1. Estelle Blush Champagne Coupes
2. Suede & Honey Charcuterie Board
​2. Ember Mug

Finally, there's your favorite clothing and accessories. Seems appropriate that joggers and comfy sweaters are at the top of the list along with fun jewelry, casual totes and a swanky fedora for those bad hair days. Throw in some fab sneakers and all of you mommas are looking relaxed and chic. 

1. Kris Nations Badass Bracelet
2. Mer Sea Catalina Sweater
3. The Original Bogg Bag
4. Momma's Jewels Sterling Teething Necklace
​5. Clay Market Miami Delica Earrings
6. Bungalow Hand Dyed Fedora
7. Vionic Gemma Mule Slippers
8. Vuori Performance Jogger

Thanks to everyone who contributed to our crowdsourcing, there were WAY more great ideas than we could ever include in one post. Remember, Mother's Day is about ALL of you amazing moms out there. So show your favorite people some love this year; the last 14 months have been a doozy and they deserve to be pampered. We can't ever decide so will be buying one of everything.
Love to all of you, and Happy Mother's Day! 
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As we continue through Shauna's home and all the ongoing renovations, (seems there's always SOMETHING in progress!) we are focusing this post on the new addition. To refresh your memory, Shauna and her husband Jeff bought the mid-century home in Fort Worth back in May 2020. The house was transformed in 6 short weeks including entry way, family room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. After living in the house for a while and realizing the potential of the empty old carport, the decision was made to open up a wall and create a new living space. The old living room became a dining room, but you'll have to wait to read about that project. 

Carport space before:

Anytime you can add more storage to a home is a good day. These built-in cabinets were done by our favorite carpenter, Colby Armstrong, and jazzed up with hardware from Modern Matter by Addison Weeks. A clean white quartz countertop provides the ideal surface for art, books and other décor.
The custom Oushak rug was designed by Shauna specifically for this space and plays perfectly with the vintage inspired striped wallpaper. Side note; our wallpaper installer was not happy when he was told the stripes needed to go horizontal instead of vertical. 
One of our favorite design techniques is to buy inexpensive upholstered furniture from places like Wayfair or Overstock and have them reupholstered in something fabulous. Everyone deserves a custom piece of furniture in their home! We are hard core followers of the reviews so be sure to check those out before you buy. These ottomans were bought from Wayfair and upholstered in this amazing cut velvet fabric from Osborne and Little. 
Lastly, this magic thing on the wall is a Samsung Frame TV. Framed out like a real piece of art, it comes with an assortment of art that can be displayed on the screen while not in use. You even have the option to upload your own images. Way cool, way fancy, and super casual and relaxed all at the same time. 
Resources:
Leather sofa: Article (similar here)
White sofa: Restoration Hardware (similar here)
Swivel chairs: Scout Design Studio (similar here)
Chandelier: Hudson Valley Lighting
Coffee table: CB2
Snake side tables: Overstock
Ottomans: Wayfair (fabric from Osborne and Little)
Blue lamps: West Elm (no longer available, similar here)
Wallpaper: Wallpaper from the 70's
Marble tile floor: The Tile Shop
Wood wall tile: Indoteak Design
Abstract art: Beth Gandy
Book tower: Design Within Reach
Rug: Oriental Rug Galaxy (custom, similar here)
Etagere: Wayfair
Chest: Anthropologie
Brass mirror: Pottery Barn
Teal lamp on chest: Wayfair
Round wood side table: CB2
Wall sconces: Dutton Brown
TV: Samsung Frame

Read more about Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 in our previous posts.
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We are big fans of Drew Barrymore here at SGD. Her Flower Home collection is a perfect blend of boho chic, vintage-inspired florals and some mid-century furniture thrown in for good measure.  And if you didn't know it was from Walmart, you'd swear it was part of Justina Blakeney's Jungalow line. Yes, you read that right, it's from Walmart. 

So, when we heard about her new line of kitchenware, Beautiful, we knew it would have just the vibe that we would love to infuse into the sea of stainless steel of our kitchens. From small appliances to cookware and kitchen accessories, Beautiful brings colors to the kitchen without them being so loud that they can't play nicely with your other decor. Besides, when was the last time you were giddy about pulling out your toaster to make avocado toast? 

So, clear out some counterspace and upgrade that toaster you've had since your first marriage to some chic pieces that'll make you happy you know your way around a kitchen. We know your blender is on it's last leg from all those margaritas you drank in quarantine anyway. 

If you know any brides-to-be this might just be a reason to add Walmart to their registry. Like the collaborations Target has done with Missoni, Lily Pulitzer and other high-end designers, this brings a modern, youthful energy to a retailer known better for their "interesting" clientele than stylish fashion and decor. We can't wait to see what else Drew Barrymore has in store for her Walmart lines. 

This post contains affiliate links and we may be compensated for purchases made via these links.

I don't know about you, but my feeling is that Spring 2020 deserves a serious do-over. Yes, for kids it was the Spring Break that never ended, but we grown ups have some different feelings about that. So, in standard do-over fashion, there's no settling for "good enough". You deserve a proper do-over. A grown up do-over. A serious investment of a do-over. And that should start with your home. I know, you've spent a LOT of time there. But that's precisely why it deserves a little TLC. 
This patio, for instance was the last space in our client's house that we had to tackle; but boy was it worth the wait. This is a space the family of 5 (triplets!) is going to be spending countless hours in, and with both fans and heaters installed, it's now a space that can be used almost year round. Except for, you know, those once-in-a-decade winter storms. 

Check out our Outdoor shopping page for more great patio finds! 

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When we were planning our next installment of Artist Spotlight we realized that one of our favorite artists had not yet been featured! The tragedy! Beth Gandy is an artist based in Dallas who does amazing large, colorful (shocker) abstract pieces. Her work is featured in galleries all over the US including DFW, Santa Fe, North Carolina and California. One of the places she sells her work, Park & Eighth here in Fort Worth, was where we discovered her and since then she has become one of our favorite artists to recommend to clients. 

SGD: Can you briefly walk us through your story? How did you get started and how did you get to where you are today?
BG: I started painting in high school, but I didn't paint much after that until I had kids. I painted wall murals for several years, then children's portraits. I started painting abstracts about 11 years ago using figures as my base or starting point.
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SGD: Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
BG: As we all know, it has been a long process of learning and growing. I think the quote from Derek Fordjour says it best, "Artists are people who work hard to get lucky."

SGD: What are you most proud of and what sets you apart from other artists?
BG: I am proud that people actually enjoy my work and that so many support my art. I would say my use of color sets me apart.

SGD: What advice would you give to someone at the start of his or her career?
BG: I say to paint as often as you can, keep learning from as many others as possible and give back when you can.

SGD: What artists do you admire and why?
BG: Joaquin Sorolla for his use of color, Willem de Koonig for his style, everything about Joan Mitchell and the figures from Richard Diebenkorn.

​SGD: If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
BG: LOST! 
How to find Beth Gandy:
Website: bgandyart.com
Instagram: @bgandyart
Facebook: Bgandyart
Email: bgandy@bgandyart.com
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Catch up on all the other featured artists here. 
All photos courtesy of Beth Gandy

We have had the amazing fortune of catching the eye of the editors of HGTV Magazine in the last couple years. You may remember the feature they did on Shauna's house back in May 2019. Since then the relationship has blossomed, yet we are always humbled and excited when they take the bait on a project we submit for consideration.
The Caraway project was one of Shauna's first and really the one that sparked the concept of "shop your house". Since then, one of the first questions we ask new clients is, "where is the closet/drawer/box/chest where you've stashed stuff you bought or inherited but don't know what to do with?" And most of the time, the found treasures end up being the launch point of the whole design concept. 

 Check out the digital edition of the magazine here. 
Resources
Breakfast nook:
Table: Vintage, similar here
Chairs: Vintage, similar here
Counter stools: Wayfair (reupholstered)
Cowhide: Wayfair

Dining Room:
Arm chair: Vintage, similar style here
Pendant: West Elm (discontinued, similar here)
Table Runner: CB2
Rug: All Modern

Kitchen:
Light fixture: CB2
Island: El Paso Import Co. (vintage, similar here)
Rug: Wayfair

Family Room:
Sectional: Haverty's (discontinued, similar here)
Ottoman: Simple Things, similar here
Chair: World Market
​Rug: Vintage Oushak, similar here

Main Bedroom:
Bed: Ralph Lauren Home (similar here)
Bedding: Serena & Lily
Lamps: Shades of Light
Rug: Oriental Rug Galaxy

Guest Room:
Headboard: Pier 1 Imports (discontinued, similar here)
Bench: Wayfair
Rug: RugsUSA
Lamps: Joss & Main
Art: Gray Malin

This post contains affiliate links and we may be compensated for purchases made via these links.

So, it's been a minute since we've shared Part 1 and Part 2 of Shauna's MCM house renovation. So many minutes in fact that rooms we shared with you in Part 1 and Part 2 have already changed, so you might want to go back and review for all the details. Today though, we are bringing you the main bedroom and en suite bathroom. 
​
Main Bedroom Before

We like to call this a perfect blank slate. Great floors, white walls, simple recessed lighting, the ideal canvas to create magic. AND bonus, a fireplace in the bedroom! Construction wise, that was the only thing that was updated in this room, the tile on the fireplace. Now it's a cool 3-D black tile with black marble hearth. The other finishing touch was a pale aqua paint on one wall and it's move in ready!

Main Bedroom After

Resources:
Bed: West Elm
Bedding: Orange Coverlet from Annie Selke, Duvet Cover from Missoni Home
Bedside tables: West Elm (sold out, similar here)
Lamps: Wayfair
Mirrors: CB2
Art over bed: Amy Young
Large art: Beth Gandy
Fireplace tile: Tile Shop (discontinued, similar here)
Armchair: CB2
Inlay end table: Home Goods (similar here)
​Curtains: Custom made with Schumacher fabric

Bathroom Before

​There are two vanity areas, so definite "His" and "Hers" spaces made it easy for Shauna to be a little more playful on her side. Which is everything you see here. We try not to force Jeff to endure our styling his side of the bathroom. If you listen carefully, you can hear the birds in the trees. 

Resources: 
​Flooring: Tile Shop
Wall tile: Tile Shop
Wallpaper: Wallpapers To Go
Mirror: CB2
Vanity light: Wayfair
Light over tub: Dutton Brown
Towels: Missoni Home
​Be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 2 of the reno adventure and stay tuned for the exciting reveal of the new living space. 

This post contains affiliate links and we may be compensated for purchases made.

One of our favorite go to vendors for bedding and textiles is Annie Selke. From basics like matelassé coverlets and linen duvet covers to quirky puppy covered pjs, we can always rely on them for excellent quality and a chic boho style that is 100% our jam. 
In addition, their Dash & Albert rugs bring an amazing assortment of basic jutes and colorful area rugs that are not only available in all common sizes, but in custom sizes as well. Check out some of our previous projects using these great brands.

Annie Selke Bedding

Marine Boyfriend Matelassé Coverlet and Stonewashed Linen Duvet Cover

And, as if great bedding and rugs weren't enough, Annie Selke is a full spectrum home retailer selling bath accessories, wall art, furniture, tabletop, pillows and even wallpaper! Seriously, you need to check them out. AND you can save 20% during their President's Day Sale with code PRESDAY21. 

This post contains affiliate links and we may be compensated for purchases made via these links. 

The Urban Outfitters you probably know sells retro albums, incense burners and graphic tees to the 25 and under crowd. But did you know that they also have a Home collection? And it's not only for teenage bedrooms and college apartments. The younger sibling to Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters carries on the boho, vintage inspired aesthetic at a more reasonable price point and we are constantly impressed by the merchandise they sell. Here are some of our favorites:

Also, don't miss their Sale section for super great end-of-season deals! 
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If you've been here longer than a hot minute, you'll know that while we follow and comment on color trends, at the end of the day, we're gonna do our own thing. And we encourage our clients and friends to do their own thing too. We don't do "matchy matchy", we believe firmly in the philosophy of "if you love it, it goes", and we get super excited when we can push the limits of color and pattern in a space and it turns out even better than we envisioned. Last year when Pantone announced the Color of the Year for 2020, Classic Blue, we appreciated the choice in that it was made in the attempt to assure us that everything was going to be OK. It was safe, dependable, dare I say, patriotic. Looking back, it appears that the Universe thought that choice was laughable and gave us plenty of reasons to protest such a confident color. Covid Red might have been the better option. 
For 2021, Pantone decided there would be not one but two Colors of the Year; Ultimate Gray and Illuminating. Maybe they learned their lesson in not putting all the chips on one bet? 

According to the Pantone website, these colors are "A marriage of color conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting."
We see you, Ultimate Gray, as the pillar of concrete strength and practicality. We firmly set our design aesthetic on a room with a neutral base that often includes pale gray walls that are both practical and versatile. Gray has quickly surpassed tan and brown as the neutral of choice when buying a sofa or other large furniture item. It instantly gives an element of sophistication to a room.
Illuminating immediately has me singing "Sunshine Day" in my head, and maybe that was the intent. We could definitely use some sunshine in our lives right now and seriously when has a yellow pillow or yellow tulips not made you smile? Plus with the popularity of Ochre last fall, a brighter, sunnier yellow is a great transition to spring. 

Now, is SGD going to ever design a room in gray and yellow? No. BUT, we are fully on board with incorporating elements of this color duo in to a room and have curated an assortment of products to get you up to speed on this trend. Check out our Color of the Year Shop here and some of our top picks below. 

So tell us, what are your thoughts on these color choices? What would your pick be? If you have some great yellow and gray rooms you'd like to share, we would love to see them! 
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