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

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

For those of you who maybe didn't read our New Year's Day post on Instagram, let me share with you, as it pertains to how 2021 is going to go.

​Welcome to 2021.
Here are the official rules. Please follow accordingly or you may be forced to go back to the bad place. DON’T LOOK BACK AT IT, ARE YOU CRAZY?
No skipping, no jumping, no sashaying, no beatboxing, no yodeling, no scatting, no singing of any kind, and there’s to be absolutely no moonwalking. Use your manners, speak quietly, hum to yourself if you must, but for God’s sake, nothing from Nickelback. Keep your head down, don’t make direct eye contact, and don’t touch anything. If you dare speak about how this is your year, YOU WILL BE PUNCHED IN THE FACE and could face deportation back to the bad place. Keep your confidence low and your expectations lower. If you do these things you may just be OK. But I wouldn’t hold my breath, it’s early.
May the force be with you on your journey.
​Happy New Year!

OK, I know, don't look back. BUT indulge us for a moment because despite all the s**t 2020 threw at us, we did have some pretty great moments here at SGD. Shauna celebrated her 50th birthday with a trip to Morocco and Portugal (that she still has yet to write about here), we got some editorial love from local and national magazines, we met some amazing artists and fellow creatives, and you, our fans and followers have blown us away with your likes and comments on social media. 
And with that, we'd like to share our Top 3 Posts of 2020 and thank all of you for the follows, shares, comments, messages and for supporting SGD in bringing color and love and tacos and the opposite of seriousness to the world. We couldn't do this without you. 

The #3 most popular photo was of Shauna's kitchen in her new home. Specifically the Big Chill orange fridge. Go big or go home, right? 

#2 most popular photo was of the guest room in Shauna's old house. We loved this room as it served as Shauna's "playroom" to test out new ideas. And it was always ready in a pinch for a photo shoot.

And the #1 most popular photo for 2020 was this bathroom reno we did in January. Thank God we finished in time for our client to have this beautiful space to escape to as her kids trudge through week 87 of quarantine.

That's it. No more looking back. On to bigger and better and more amazing things for 2021. Now go eat some cake, you deserve it!

A few months ago, we took a field trip to Cerulean Gallery in Dallas at the invitation of the gallery manager. Now, we all know it's a slippery slope when Shauna and art meet; chances are she is not walking away empty handed. And our predictions rang true when we stepped in to the gallery and spotted the work of Austin artist Jeff  Skele. His collaboration with Nic Noblique, Storytime, features hand painted sculptures that combine Nic's abstract shapes with Skele's characters.  Needless to say, it was love at first sight, and it only made sense for us to share his story and his amazing work with you on our Artist Spotlight. 

SGD: Can you briefly walk us through your story? How did you get started and how did you get to where you are today?
JS: I hail from Virginia Beach. I always wanted to be a soccer player but I blew out both of my knees. There was about 5 years of not knowing who I was. In 2007, my father got me a job as a security guard at a military base where I worked midnights. Everynight before work, I would pick up a tattoo magazine and use it as a drawing reference. I started making full page color drawings not long after. I met local artists and showed them my work and they were really impressed and I liked that feeling. At that moment, I realized I should keep going. Drawings turned into paintings, which turned into art shows.
In 2013, I packed up and moved to Dallas, which forced me to survive on my art. I reached out to Kettle Art Gallery, owned by Dallas-local artist Frank Campagna, asking to be featured in his gallery. In a month’s time, I was showing him my work and in a couple more weeks, I was in my first gallery show. I became a permanent fixture in Kettle, while also entering numerous festivals, live-painting events, and also honing my skills as a studio artist.
For a short time, I lived with Nic Noblique, a sculptor, who built up my confidence as a self-taught, full-time artist.
I moved to Austin in 2017 with close friend and fellow artist, Todd Bot. We both really dove into the art scene here by painting at events, painting at the famous Hope Outdoor Gallery, and spent late nights in the studio. In that time, I met a large group of artists -- now my close friends -- who inspired me, brought new opportunities to showcase my art, expand into mural work, and shared valuable insights about creating.

SGD: Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
JS: Absolutely not. The biggest struggles have been believing in myself and carving out your own space in the art world as a self-taught artist.

SGD: What are you most proud of and what sets you apart from other artists?
JS: A moment of validation for me, I won 1st place at an art festival in my hometown. I gave the ribbon to my parents and it's still hanging on their mantle to this day.
 
My work ethic. All I know is how to work. My father instilled in me a strong sense of work ethic and would always say, “no one is ever going to knock on your door and give you anything.” When I get stuck, I don’t just stop working. I switch mediums or canvases, or start finger painting.

SGD: What advice would you give to someone at the start of his or her career?
JS: ​There are no mistakes. Every stroke is a lesson. Each piece is important, even if you look back 10 years from now. This isn’t easy, it isn’t for the faint of heart. You gotta want it, you gotta believe in it, you gotta work hard. 

SGD: What artists do YOU admire and why?
JS: I admire all artists trying to live this dream. I see people working and the growth in their work and that just pushes me. 

SGD: If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?
JS: Honestly, probably a construction worker. Ties back into my work ethic and my desire to work hard, with my hands.

Contact Info:

• Website: iamskele.com (currently under construction!)
• Email: jeffskeleart@gmail.com
• Instagram:  @jeffskeleart
• Facebook:  S K E L E

Know an artist that would be great for our Artist Spotlight Series? Email us with your suggestions! 

Earlier in the week we posted on Instagram about Cyber Monday and all the deals out there, and then promptly realized that Cyber Monday is a cruel joke because we have been shopping online incessantly since March. Nevertheless, gift giving time is quickly approaching, and if you are struggling to find the perfect gift for that special someone, we're here for you. 
We've put together some great picks for gifts for her, gifts for him and gifts for kids; the kind of stuff you can't WAIT to give  because it is so dang cool and you know that they are just going to LOVE it. And really, it IS all about the giving and not the receiving.

GIFTS FOR HER

Check out our Gift Guide for more great finds! 

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

I don't know about you, but I am breathing a sigh of relief after all the election drama. Regardless of the side you are on, it's just nice that all of that is over and we can move on. Move on to Thanksgiving and dressing and setting pretty tables and Christmas shopping and decorating! I always love getting holiday catalogs and planning our decorations and checking out all the new holiday decor and entertaining products that are out there. Not that I don't have enough already from past years, but it's always nice to add to the collection. A few more trees for the forest at least. 
So, whether you are just building your collection or adding to, these are some of our favorite picks from Anthropologie, West Elm, World Market and Target. 

1. Piper Stocking from Anthropologie
​2. Scandi Forest Dinnerware from West Elm
3. Flake Velvet Tree Skirt from CB2
4. Shiny-Brite Tree Topper from Anthropologie
​5. Merry Making Pom Wreath from Anthropologie
​6. Party Pop Champagne Flutes from World Market
7. Holiday Embroidered Zebra Throw Pillow from Target
8. Dewy Glass Tree from Anthropologie
​9. Ombre Rainbow Bottle Brush Tree from World Market
10. Brass Merry Reindeer from Pottery Barn
11. Holiday Lights Garland from Crate and Barrel
​12. Holiday Christmas Trees Throw Pillow from Target
Check out more holiday decor and entertaining goodies in our Holiday Shop. 

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

Shauna may or may not be guilty of setting a table just for the fun of it. And while we know that the big Turkey Day feast might be a little more low key this year, there is no reason to not go all out on setting an amazing table. We've got three fall tables for your inspiration, two that you would expect and a third that, well, just makes us happy and is too amazing to not re-create on your table. 

Table 1: Traditional Turkey Day
Sourced primarily from Pottery Barn, this table features traditional fall colors, pumpkins, leaves, turkeys, the whole nine yards. Raid your yard for colorful leaves and use fresh pumpkins and hurricane candles as your centerpiece. 

Resources: All from Pottery Barn
Monique Lhuillier Glass Charger
​Charlotte Dinner Plate
Salad plate--sold out, similar here
Bamboo Flatware
Kenaf Table Runner
​Paisley Table Runner
Linen Hemstitch Napkins
Schott Zweisel Taste Wine Glass
Monique Lhuillier Gabrielle Coupe Glass
Chester Brushed Candleholders
Turkey place card holders--similar here

Table 2: Boho Chic Bounty
This client has a great assortment of vintage glasses and her grandma's flatware so we were excited to pull that out and mix it up with some new pieces from World Market and Pottery Barn. Assorted pumpkins in velvet, glass and ceramic surround the cornucopia centerpiece.

Resources:
Rustic Fatima Dinner Plates--World Market
White Salad Plate--vintage, similar here
Teal Salad Plate--similar here
Pumpkin Bowls--similar here
Coral Table Runner--similar here
Ikat Table Runner--similar here
Linen Hemstitch Napkins--Pottery Barn
Amethyst Goblets--vintage, similar here
Etched Wine Tumbler--vintage, similar here

Table 3: Fun and Festive
If you don't know by now, we are known for breaking the rules now and again. So, why should your fall table setting be dominated by fall colors? When we found these amazing textiles and accessories from Kim Seybert, we couldn't wait to use them on a table. 

A sharp eye will notice that the ikat table runner and amethyst glasses are the same as in the previous table setting. Same client, new year. You caught us. We used brightly colored cans from enchilada sauce and tomato sauce as our flower containers and a pom pom tree garland draped down the table. I'd have a turkey dinner here any day! 
Resources:
Blue Bamboo Placemats--Kim Seybert
Rattan Chargers--Pottery Barn
Dinner Plates--Pottery Barn
Jaipur Pom Pom Napkins--Kim Seybert
Napkin Rings--Kim Seybert
Amethyst Goblets--vintage, similar here
Recycled Glass Tumblers--vintage, similar here
Shop more of our tabletop favorites here.
This post contains affiliate links and we may be compensated for purchases made via these links.

Raise your hand if you are COMPLETELY OVER your regular recipe rotation! 
Six months ago, I will admit, it was fun to have the time to try new recipes and go out on a limb making Pad Thai or home-made croissants. Now that it's OCTOBER, it is possible that the enthusiasm you once felt about stepping foot in the kitchen has waned just a bit.
In the spring, I signed up for a CSA that supports local farmers intending to be more focused on buying only seasonal produce. You pay a seasonal subscription fee and show up to the produce pick up site once a week and make your selections. Typically the selection is pretty standard; tomatoes, onions, potatoes, berries, squash. But often there are selections that are a bit more adventurous; bok choy, eggplant, long beans, beets. I take these ingredients as a personal challenge to hunt down and make recipes that might be outside of my normal rotation. 
So, when my neighbor sent me this recipe and I was staring at a pile of squash and eggplant (courgettes and aubergines if you are fancy) recently picked up at the CSA, it was as if the stars aligned right there in the kitchen. Plus, I'll take any excuse to use goat's cheese in a recipe. The original recipe is from the BBC Good Food website, so is in those weird metric measurements, but I've converted it so you don't have to. You're welcome. Also, so you don't have to look it up, passata is basically a tomato puree and you can easily substitute canned crushed tomatoes but I was surprised to see passata in my local grocery store. Lastly, I recommend starting the dish in a pan that can go from cooktop to oven so you don't have to transfer. One fewer dish to wash is always a good thing. 

Baked Ratatouille with Goat's Cheese

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2 red onions , chopped
• 2 garlic cloves , finely chopped
• 2 aubergines, diced
• 2 red peppers , seeded and diced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 16 oz passata
• 7 oz young goat’s cheese
• 4 courgettes (a mixture of green and yellow looks nice), thinly sliced

For the cheese sauce:

• 1 2/3 c milk
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp plain flour
• 1/3 c parmesan or vegetarian alternative, finely grated

Procedure

• STEP 1  Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy oven safe frying pan and gently cook the red onion and garlic for 5 mins until just starting to brown. Scatter over the aubergine and red pepper and sizzle for another 4 mins, adding more oil if you need to. Season well and stir through the paprika, then splash in the vinegar and soy sauce. Pour over the passata, then simmer for 5 mins until glossy and thick. Turn off the heat. Can be made up to two days ahead and kept in the fridge.
• STEP 2  To make the cheese sauce, heat the milk in the microwave until warm. In a saucepan, melt the butter until bubbling and add the flour. Whisk together to make a paste and continue to cook until lightly browned. Slowly whisk in the hot milk and simmer gently for 2-3 mins, stirring continually until thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan and season.
• STEP 3  Cover the ratatouille with the cheese sauce. Crumble half of the goat’s cheese over sauce and arrange the courgette slices on top in concentric circles, alternating between green and yellow if you have them. Top with remaining goat's cheese. Can be assembled several hours before cooking.
• STEP 4  Heat oven to 400. Brush or drizzle the remaining oil over the courgette slices and season with sea salt. Bake in the oven for 25-30 mins until the courgettes are cooked through and starting to brown. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 20 mins before serving.

As eager as you are going to be to dig in to this, it IS important to let it rest once it comes out of the oven so it is not a runny, sloppy mess. Serve with a crusty bread and green salad and it is divine. In fact, I may or may not have had it for brunch the next morning with a fried egg on top. 
To find out more about CSAs in your area, go here. 

​It’s no secret that we obsess over amazing rugs. Bonus obsessing over vintage rugs. Owning a vintage one-of-a-kind rug is like owning a piece of art and we love the aesthetic of mixing new and old in our designs. Up until recently, we’ve struggled to find amazing vintage rugs to put in client’s homes so when we found out about the great selection at Revival Rugs it was a moment of celebration. 

​Their mission is simple, to bring rugs of excellent quality to the market at affordable prices. Sure, you can buy a vintage Persian rug anywhere for thousands of dollars but you shouldn’t have to. Their collection of vintage rugs are one-of-a-kind and made between 30 and 100 years ago. We don’t have to tell you that rugs of this quality are made to last another 30-100 years or more, so they are an investment. 
​It’s hard to imagine in today’s IKEA world of “disposable” furniture, but home furnishings like furniture and rugs were at one time crafted by hand with as much care and skill as one would take to build a home or create a piece of art. Even the new rugs sold by Revival Rugs are hand-crafted at every stage of production from wool selection to hand-finishing. So, you know you are getting a high-quality product. 

When it comes to rugs, we feel like runners don’t get the love they deserve. Maybe because they are relegated to secondary places in the home like hallways and stairs, but that is precisely why we love a good runner. Now, putting a runner on stairs is a tricky situation. You’ll have to tack down with little nails if you have floating stairs, or use a rug adhesive and staple gun with traditional stairs. Might be best to consult a professional for that little project.

​In any case, we’ve picked out two amazing runners and are gifting one to a lucky follower! Head over to our Instagram page for all the info on how to enter to win. And be sure to follow @Revival_rugs to get the first peek of their latest arrivals of vintage rugs. 
Also, for a limited time you can shop their selection of ALL rugs and save 10% with Promo Code SHAUNAGLENN10.