|
How convenient that all of our favorite retailers are having their Friends & Family Events this time of year. Last week we shared our picks from the Serena & Lily Event (which runs through 10/14). It's the perfect time to spruce up your home for fall OR to start checking things off the Christmas lists. The World Market Friends & Family Event starts today for Members, tomorrow for everyone else. (But you really should be a member, it's free and you get loads of coupons.) 30% off PLUS Free Shipping online if you spend more than $75. And here's a bonus, everything in our picks is under $60! 
1. Multi-colored Felt Garland. These are perfect for decorating a tree, adding to a bowl on the coffee table, draping over a picture frame, adorning a lampshade, you get the idea.
2. Emerald Green Ceramic Peacocks. I don't know why, but these remind me of trinkets that my grandma might have had. Comes in a cute bedside table vase or bathroom trinket dish. 3. Finlay Dot Sculpted Towels. You might remember these from that amazing bathroom reno we did earlier this year. Still one of our favorite towel sets. 4. Art Deco Fan Ceramic Coaster Set. We love the idea of a Great Gatsby-esque bar cart and these chic coasters add the perfect touch. 5. Velvet Throw Pillows. The best thing about these pillows is not the amazing color selection, or the plushy velvet, it is the price point. $9.99 y'all!!! Before your 30% off! Gimme three of each! 6. Faux Eucalyptus Wreath. Sometimes Fall + Wreath = A Hot Mess. Which is why we like the simplicity and elegance of this door wreath. It doesn't have to be ALL pumpkins. 7. Brushed Gold Planter with Stand. You know those pots of mums you bought last weekend? Pop those babies in two of these planters on your front porch and wait for the neighbors to ooh and aah. 8. Multicolor Watercolor Foliage Napkin Set. Swap out your bright summer napkins for these muted earth toned watercolored ones. So many rich colors, they will go with just about any dinnerware you own. 9.Ivory Moroccan Wedding Blanket Throw. Unlike those snuggies that you hide in a basket when company comes over, you'll be proud to toss this handcrafted throw on any sofa and leave it there! 10. Shanghai Rice Bowl Set. They may be meant to be used for rice, but we can think of a dozen uses for these brightly colored bowls. Soapdish, trinket dish, serving dips or olives. Trust me, you can never have enough cute bowls. 11. Multicolor Patchwork Cadence Pillow. I mean, doesn't this pillow scream Fall? Pumpkin and cranberry and eggplant! So love. 12. Painted Square Hooks Set. Raise your hand if you've ever walked down a hall or opened a door or stepped in to a closet and thought, "Gee, I could sure use a hook there." 13. Evil Eye Coir Doormat. Not that we are superstitious or anything, but I mean, it couldn't hurt to ward off any evil from entering your home. Right?
0 Comments
Our Artist Spotlight this month is Virginia based artist Juniper Briggs. Her new series, "In The Company of Beasts" is all about facing our fears. "By turning towards the qualities represented by each animal in the collection, we are able to befriend, nourish and even harness our fears, transforming them into fuel for personal growth." We love the energy and spirit of her work and are so excited to share her talent with you.   SGD: Can you briefly walk us through your story? How did you get started and how did you get to where you are today? JB: It’s interesting for me to look back and connect the various influences and experiences that have led to the type of work I make today. I grew up in the mountains of North Carolina in a community filled with artists. My friend’s parents included glassblowers, potters and painters. I learned a lot from them including how to incorporate creativity into my everyday life. I took painting lessons as a kid and always kept a journal with drawings and sketches in it. When I was seven my family moved to Bali, Indonesia for a few months. We lived on a Hindu Ashram in a hut overlooking the Indian ocean. I can remember being totally enthralled by our surroundings. The colorfully patterned sarongs, golden headdresses and tropical flowers were magical to me. Years later, those same elements found their way into my work. It wasn’t until recently that I even realized the connection. In college I studied abroad in Mexico, again falling in love with the colors and bold simplicity of Mexican folk art there. I then moved to Barcelona, Spain for a short time, working as an ESL teacher. I loved visiting museums there. I was especially drawn to the paintings of Pablo Picasso, who remains a huge influence over my work to this day. After college I thought I wanted to be a writer. I found an internship writing for a Fine Arts magazine in Southern California. This allowed me to interview and learn from a spectrum of contemporary artists as well as gallery owners and museum curators. It was during this same period that I first began experimenting and developing my own voice as a painter. I didn’t share my work though or even consider myself to be an artist. I started having these vivid dreams of different colors and compositions. I would wake up and try to paint these ideas that were literally swirling around in my head. It wasn’t until after moving back to the east coast and having my second daughter in 2013 that I started painting every day. There’s something about motherhood that seems to draw out that type of creative yearning. I needed something for myself and I turned to art. I began sharing my paintings on Instagram. I was humbled and encouraged by the reaction of others to my work. Slowly but surely I found myself here, as a full time working artist.  SGD: Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way? JB: Once I finally figured out that I was an artist, things slowly but surely started to fall into place. It took me a long time to get here though. I felt pretty lost in my twenties. I did a slew of meaningless jobs that left me feeling really powerless. I’ve always been creative person but I didn’t know how to channel that creativity into a career. I was in my early thirties and a mother of two before I started seriously pursuing my art. That’s when I began painting every day and sharing my work. There was a lot of trial and error in the beginning, a lot of exploring and finding my voice. Sometimes it felt like I was going into battle with a brush and canvas. On the other hand it was incredibly empowering. Painting has always been an intuitive process for me. My mind is at its clearest when I’m working. It allows me to get out of my own way, which is a rare and beautiful thing. I feel like art gave me a voice that had been dormant for a long time. SGD: What are you most proud of and what sets you apart from other artist? JB: I think I’m most proud of the fact that I am a working artist. I don’t ever want to lose sight of the fact that this life I’ve managed to carve out for myself is a dream come true. Literally. When I first started out, I looked at other successful artists and thought, if only I could make a living at painting. It seemed so far off and unattainable. I kept that idea in mind though and kept going. Eventually I looked up and realized I had done it. I had achieved my dream. That’s an amazing feeling. There’s a quote that says something like, “Remember when you wished for the things you have now.” I remind myself of that whenever I get overwhelmed or stressed out with the business side of things. It helps put everything into perspective. I get to play around and make things with my hands for a living. It doesn’t get better than that!  SGD: What advice would you give to someone at the start of his or her career? JB: Make lots and lots of art. Stick with it. Find your voice and be consistent without being redundant. Make sure you have a website where you can show your portfolio and where collectors can acquire your art. Tell your story through social media. Collaborate with other creatives. Give yourself permission to succeed! Write down your goals and visualize them coming true. Work hard, stay curious and keep going. SGD: If you weren’t an artist, what would you be? JB: I don’t know… I would probably be a writer or an interior designer. (Basically I would be Shauna, lol) I love storytelling in every form. I think that is one reason that painting works for me. It feels like I’m telling a story on canvas. I have a half written novel that I may or may not ever get back to one day. I view interior design as a type of storytelling too. The way we connect to our surroundings tells the story of who we are.   Find Juniper and her work here:
Website: www.juniperbriggs.com Instagram: @juniperbriggs Email: juniper.briggs@gmail.com  Friends and Family Events are like top of our list of favorite things. And when it is a Friends & Family Event for one of our favorite retailers, that's even more exciting. Serena & Lily is known for their breezy, easy California coastal style and we can always find room for that in our designs. We've picked some of our favorite pieces for your home and for gifts. It's not too early to shop for Christmas, you just may as well buy one for yourself too because by December, you won't want to give it away. The Friends and Family Event runs through October 14. Get 20% off almost everything with code BEOURGUEST.
This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated for purchases made via these links. I think we have a serious problem. All of us here at SGD. We're obsessed with wallpaper. It started out small, a bathroom here, a laundry room there. Most clients are game for adding wallpaper to a small space like a powder bath and we are uber giddy when a client says, "sure! I trust you!". It's seriously like Christmas. I think we are turning a corner though to incorporating wallpaper on a broader scale. There's just so much good stuff out there!! Please, just give us your foyer, your powder bath, your dining room. Our wallpaper sample bin is overflowing and don't you want your room to be Instagram famous? Sorry. Clearly we need help. BUT, if you DO have a room in need of a mini face-lift, check out some of our favorite projects incorporating wallpaper.
True story, we posted an image of this bathroom on our Instagram feed recently and someone commented, "I saw this on another blogger's post?" I guess you know you've gone viral when someone thinks you stole your own photo! Wallpaper: Angelina Coral by Tilton Fenwick. Available at Hygge & West.
We love this wallpaper so much, we used the blue version here. Can you believe the transformation? Seriously, so good!  Let's face it, few people love doing laundry. Kalen does, but she's weird anyway. Imagine the buzz of the dryer and the joy you will feel when you walk in to your bright, happy laundry room and retrieve a dryer full of warm towels. It's the little things, y'all. Wallpaper: Anthropologie Abstract from Anthropologie  Beyond bathrooms, your foyer is a great place to incorporate wallpaper. We love this trellis design from Thibaut and with this orange/pink color combo, if people don't walk in to your house with a smile on their face then I don't know what's wrong with them! Wallpaper: Downing Gate by Thibaut  OK, so maybe wallpapering a whole room might be too much for you. Consider an accent wall. We painted the wainscoting in this dining room a bright blue and contrasted with this terracotta chevron pattern wallpaper. Wallpaper: Terracotta Feather from Serena & Lily  The wall behind the bed is also a great place for a wallpaper accent wall. If you change your bedding seasonally, just make sure the wallpaper color will work with both sets. Or not, clearly we will mix anything with anything! Wallpaper: Dashing by Anthropologie Now. Here's a peek in to our basket of goodies just waiting for the right project. 1. Schumacher Citrus Garden
2. Schumacher Magical Ming Dragon 3. Thibaut Sunburst 4. Voutsa Ballet Russes Mini Also check out our wallpaper shop here for more favorites. Are you ready? We are! Target is celebrating 20 years of designer collaborations by bringing back some of the most favorite pieces from previous collections. Encompassing both home and fashion, these collabs with names such as Missoni, Marimekko and Michael Graves bring high end style at affordable prices. The collections launch in store and at Target.com on September 14 but we have a sneak peek at some of our favorites. Michael Graves  The innovative Spinning Whistle Tea Kettle led the way in inspiring the balance of form and function. As said by designer Bobby Berk, "It....reminds you to have a cup and slow down." Missoni  The iconic zig-zag pattern in bold colors speaks to us like few designs do. It was one of the most successful Target collabs and we can't wait to get our hands on these! 1. Stacking Espresso Set 2. Stacking Stoneware Bowls 3. Long Sleeve V Neck Cardigan 4. Zig Zag Silk Scarf Marimekko  Inspired by summers in Finland, which are so short, you have to make the most of them, the Marimekko and Target collab features bold, happy prints with a nod to nature. 1. Melamine Salad Plates 2. Melamine Dinner Plates 3. Reversible Cotton Table Runner 4. Melamine Tray Lilly Pulitzer  These "pieces of paradise" feature bright colors, joyful prints and whimsical details that celebrate the Palm Beach life. "Style isn't just about what you wear, it's about how you live." --Lilly Pulitzer
1. Cocktail Glass Set 2. Porcelain Bowl Set 3. Print Cotton Napkin Set 4. Giraffe Bottle Opener Check out all the design collabs here and be sure to "heart" your favorites for a quick and easy purchase on Sept 14. These definitely won't last long! This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated for purchases made via these links. We recruited the token male in the office once again to help us out with a post on that favorite fall past-time, tailgating. We are all big TCU fans here, but luckily this tailgate fare is Switzerland in its neutrality. Good enough for all fans. Mostly. Go Frogs.  Image credit: Hellman's Disappearing Buffalo Chicken Dip If there are two things we like more than anything, it’s dishes with “Buffalo” and “Dip” in the title. This super easy recipe screams “TAILGATE” and your friends will devour it!  Image credit: Sargento Stadium Meat and Cheese Tray We feel like your tailgate food needs to represent what a tailgate is all about…the stadium! Check out this super clever, and really tasty, edible stadium by Sargento. Yes, THAT Sargento.  Image credit: Cocktailpartyapp.com When it comes to tailgate drinks, we know that beer and wine are king and queen. Throw in an assorted case of White Claw for the Millenials and you're good to go. But, seeing as how we ARE Horned Frog Fans and all, how impressed would your fellow tailgaters be if you whipped up one of these "Purple Cocktails that Don't Suck" courtesy of our friends at Cocktailpartyapp.com. Some are easy, some, not so much but all impressive.  So, you’ve picked out food and drink for your tailgate party. How are you going to get from your kitchen to your tailgate? Might we suggest this little gem from Wayfair. It’s like your suitcase and your picnic basket had a baby.  We love these striped throws to throw down (ha!) on the table or tailgate as a place for all your yummy food. These classic rep stripe blankets from Wayfair make the perfect backdrop to your tailgate party. Or order several for your guests to wrap up in on that rare chilly football-weather day. Available in all the best game day colors.  If you’re going to really tailgate, your peeps are going to need somewhere to sit. Rather than pack up a ton of folding chairs, check out this contraption from Wayfair. It knocks out six birds with one stone. This foldable sports/camping bench will make your life and your friends and family think you’re a genius!  And for those awkward moments when there are too many party crashers that you don't know, a good ol' game of Cornhole is just the answer. Wayfair has a game with the school logo of pretty much any team you are cheering for so no one is getting left out of this party.
Have fun. Be safe. Go Frogs. This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated for purchases made via these links. Our monthly Artist Spotlight series feature for September is Allison Castillo. We have been huge fans of Allison's work since Shauna started this whole adventure and well, we think she is definitely someone worth getting to know.  SGD: Can you briefly walk us through your story? How did you get started and how did you get to where you are today AC: I come from a long line of artists and grew up in Fort Worth, TX. After formal design and art education at Stephen F. Austin University and University of North Texas, I began a career as a graphic designer in the corporate world, transitioning to digital and mixed media as my family grew. I returned to painting again seriously about 4 years ago and haven’t slowed down! Large scale abstracts are my current fav and I love to work closely with families and designers who are looking for something to liven up their space. I also have a line of bold and colorful scarves that are sold all over the state of Texas (www.spiritsnob.com) SGD: Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way? AC: Ha! Is it ever a smooth road? My marriage of 17 years ended almost 2 years ago and naturally has been a huge adjustment to my myself and our three children. Doors have opened up for me across the board that I never would’ve imagined and I have seen the Lord’s hand all over it. I fully believe he has not set me up for failure. SGD: What are you most proud of and what sets you apart from other artist? AC: Like most moms I am proudest of my children- and the fact that I have an orchid green thumb ;) I have a few that are a 4-5 years old. ( kids are 6, 8 and 15) I never imagined that I would be an entrepreneur single-mom at 44 ! I think the one thing that currently sets me apart is that I continue to explore many different styles, techniques and color combinations. Basically if I get an idea in my head it has to come out! I struggled at first because I don’t have a certain constant “look” like a lot of abstract artists, but I realize it’s ok because it keeps my motivation to create flowing and I have many repeat clients because they can have 3 of my pieces in their home and each one is unique. SGD: What advice would you give to someone at the start of his or her career? AC: Do something creative everyday. Find someone who has the job you want , take them to lunch and ask them what they did. Network and use social media to it’s full advantage. It’s hard to be vulnerable as an artist but it gets easier the more you do it. Surround yourself with other like minded people and pick their brains. It’s ok to not know what you are doing! I didn’t really start my current “career” until I was 40 but I am not afraid to ask for help - people respond to authenticity. SGD: What artists do YOU admire and why? AC: That’s such a hard question. Currently obsessed with Ashley Longshore out of New Orleans, she has a killer work ethic and is blazing a huge trail for women and artists alike. A lot of people can paint or draw incredible things, but to create a brand around yourself and sell your art - now THAT is the challenge. She’s the best. SGD: If you weren’t an artist, what would you be? AC: A spelunker. Or and an Egyptologist :)     You can find Allison online here:
Some of our favorite pieces that we've used in projects over the last year are at great Labor Day deals. If you've always wanted to get "that look", now you can for less! Click on the image to go right to the retailer page.
For more great deals, check out these weekend sales:
Anthropologie: Extra 50% off sale, plus up to 30% off select home decor. Even our Fall Trend picks! Pottery Barn: 15%-30% off with code SAVEMORE Pier 1 Imports: Extra 25% off Sale & Regular Price with code LABORDAY Wayfair: Extra 25% off Clearance with code GOFORIT West Elm: 15%-30% off with code SAVEMORE plus up to 40% off Labor Day Deals World Market: 30% off furniture with code FURNDEAL30 This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated for purchases made via these links. As if furniture and decor from Anthropologie was not already at the top of our "Most Coveted List", their fall collection has us all ready to max out our credit cards and go to town. Warm ochre and nubby textures have us feeling uber hygge and ready to nest in with a cuppa tea and a good book. Florals are not just for spring in rich colors and dark backgrounds. Add a dose of whimsy with an animal motif or two in everything from mugs to lamps. And the 70s boho vibe is alive and well with rattan and cane making a big decor statement. Check out more of our favorite fall trends here. OCHRE--Move over pumpkin, this earthy, rich hue pairs with everything from blush to navy to your favorite spicy hues. TEXTURES--Nubby textiles, ribbed glass, textured ceramics and embossed metals are tactile elements that add that one extra detail to make these pieces extra special. FLORALS--Not just for spring, the florals of fall include rich jewel tones as well as delicate inlay and glass floral motifs. ANIMALS--Leopards, snakes and birds, oh my! The animal kingdom is invading home decor in both decorative and functional ways. RATTAN & CANE--Natural elements that bring a boho vibe to any room, rattan and cane details are a light and airy contrast to heavy fall velvets and saturated colors. Shop the Anthropologie Decorating Event for 20% off furniture, decor and bedding. PLUS, for a limited time, save an extra 50% off sale items!
This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated for purchases made via these links. To be honest, it was a group effort, so let's all celebrate! Champagne and cake for everyone! Last week, we hit an Instagram Milestone, 100,000 followers. I swear it felt like the last 300 took us FOREVER to reach. But, we made it and celebrated with lunch from Dutch's Hamburgers and then promtly all went home to take a nap.  Speaking of Instagram, one of the things we love about it now is the ability to follow hashtags. If you are looking for design inspiration (other than from us, of course), these are some of our favorites.  #jungalowstyle--Created by blogger and designer Justina Blakeney, the Jungalow brand is boho chic meets bold color and a touch of jungle fever. If you have a love of plants, this was made for you.  #finditstyleit--Treasures can be found anywhere; flea markets, grandma's house, your closet. Get great inspo on how to style these found treasures in new and different ways.  #ihavethisthingwithcolor-- This is pretty self explanatory. Posts include not only home but fashion, travel, food, anything and everything colorful!  #bohoismyjam-- Lots of macrame, natural elements, and plants in addition to pattern mixing and global textiles. A complete boho smorgasbord.  #houseenvy-- A great combo of interiors, architecture, exteriors, finishings, design and decor. Plus some innovative upcycling and repurposing ideas.  #eclectichome-- Lots of British design inspo with this hashtag. A combination of flea market finds, global textiles and bold pattern mixing.  #myinteriorstyle-- More curated, styled photos that focus on design vignettes, before and after images, and weirdly a bunch of photos of dogs.
|
Categories
All
Archives
October 2019
|
RSS Feed