|
One of my favorite spaces to style is a dining room that needs a little love. It's not terrible, it's just lost its luster. The dining room is an important place in the home. Gone are the days where dining rooms were a place you visited only on special holidays. Families are using them daily for meals and homework, and game night on the weekends. I'm going to show you three of my favorite dining room space makeovers. 1. Beth Beth's dining room looked like this the first day I visited.    The table was beautiful and staying. The chairs were in good shape, so I suggested we reupholster the captain's chairs and paint the side chairs. The plan became... 1. Paint the walls and trim 2. Replace the ceiling fan with a light fixture. 3. New rug 4. Paint the existing side board. 5. New lamps 6. Turn the table the other way to open up the space between the living and dining areas. (Note: in the above photo we turned the table around so I could show her what it would look like) 7. Add drapes 8. Use textiles she already owned (like the suzani) and make them into art. Here is how the room transformed.          2. Sheri Here is what the dining area looked like before... (Note: it was housecleaning day so that's why the chairs and curtains are out of place)   The design plan 1. New table and chairs 2. New light 3. Add a rug 4. New drapes 5. Add plantation shutters Basically this makeover was all cosmetic. Sheri and her husband have two young kids and they use this space all the time, so it had to be functional and durable. Here's how it turned out.        3. Valerie When I visited her house for the first time, she told me two things had to stay in the room--the art and the chandelier. So I designed the space around them. Here is what the room looked like before.     The design plan was this... 1. New colorful rug 2. New table 3. New chairs 4. Add accessories 5. Add drapes and art        Product links below:
1. Beth's house Rug Chandelier Otomi fabric on end chairs 2. Sheri's house Chandelier Dining table End chairs Side chairs 3. Valerie's house Dining table Rug End chairs Side chairs Have a room ready for a makeover? Contact us for rates and appointments. We also do E-design!
1 Comment
Not surprising that our Holiday Cocktail post from last year was one of our most popular. I mean, when you are home with family for days upon end, there are only so many Hallmark movies you can watch before going bonkers. Truth be told, we never NEED an excuse to try a new cocktail, but holiday gatherings, family events and parties are prime opportunities to venture outside the cocktail box. Beyond the Moscow Mule, you might say. This year, we turned to our friends at The Spruce and their food and drink site The Spruce Eats for recommendations for our Holiday Cocktail round up and the selection didn't disappoint. Coffee drinks, cold weather drinks, festive drinks, there's a LOT to choose from. Our selections were strategic in that they go from morning brunch and coffee to after dinner in front of the fireplace. Christmas Mimosa The Spruce Eats / Teena Agnel Nothing new and spectacular about bubbles and cranberry juice, but the addition of this garnish gives it a bright kick. Christmas Jones Cocktail The Spruce This boozy smoothie is the perfect way to kick off Christmas Day. Plus Shauna's kinda partial to the name. Italian Coffee Cocktail Brian Lestart / Photolibrary / Getty Images A caffeinated jump start to your day, or as an after meal treat, this liqueur infused coffee drink is at its best whe made with dark roasted beans. Spiced Cranberry Margarita The Spruce / Todd Coleman It takes a little extra effort to make the cinnamon simple syrup for this cocktail, but it's worth it. Go ahead and make up a big ol batch to have with your tamales on Christmas Eve. White Christmas Dream Cocktail The Spruce A lovely alternative to egg nog, this dessert cocktail is a dreamy end to a festive dinner. For a larger party, serve in shot glasses to give everyone a delicious dose. Mulled Pomegranate Warmer Joy Skipper / Photolibrary / Getty Images The first of our hot drinks, this spicy, fruity drink will warm your bones after a brisk walk or snowball fight. Let it simmer on the stove to fill your house with its spicy yumminess. Warm Old-Fashioned Eisenhut and Mayer Wien / Photolibrary / Getty Images Picture it: A roaring fire. Christmas Vacation on the TV. A pile of crumpled wrapping paper. A snuggly throw. The only thing missing is this classic cocktail, now warmed up for the longest winter night.
Enjoy responsibly, my friends. And best wishes for a happy and safe holiday!
The last of our holiday gift guide is all about the kids. We've found some really cool, unique gifts that go beyond baby Yoda and whatever else is hot this year. Some of them may even be *gasp* educational. But don't tell the kids. That's a sure way to get something quickly stashed in the back of a closet somewhere. If you are still hunting for gifts for the adults in the fam, check out our Gifts for Him and Gifts for Her posts, or find EVERYTHING gift related in our Gift Guide.
This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated for purchases made via these links.
Poor guys. It's always a sweater. Or another pair of socks. I read in a book recently a letter the male author wrote to his wife about what guys really want and the answer could be summed up to be "anything that has an on/off switch or needs batteries". His wife replied that their vacuum cleaner had been acting up and well, that fit his description to a T! NO! We are not advocating getting the man in your life a vacuum cleaner. Although those Roombas are pretty bad ass. But we DO have some pretty sweet sweaters and socks mixed in with gadgety and techy and one-of-a-kind finds for your special guy. Check out more of our gifts for him in our Shop page, and click here if you missed our Gifts for Her post.
This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated for purchases made through these links.
In a former life I wrote a fashion style blog and put out a Gift Guide every Christmas. My husband quickly figured out that that gift guide was his ticket to winning at gift-giving. I mean, how lucky for him that I gave him such a vast list of great items complete with links to purchase directly? He also realized that this treasured guide was ALSO the winning ticket for all of his male co-workers who no doubt struggle every year with what to buy for the women in their lives, and sent out the link to all of them explaining that their gifting dilemmas had been solved.
Fast forward through several job changes and alas, the Gift Guide blogs went by the wayside. And every year about this time, my husband would lament over its loss and was once again left stranded on the gift idea island. Imagine his joy when I joined the SGD team last year and started writing blog posts again. In fact, he asked me just over the Thanksgiving holiday when my Gift Guide was going up as he was ready to get shopping. Well, my dear. Wait no longer. In fact, you not only have the items in this post to peruse, but so many more in the Shop section of our website. For the guys who were blindly led here by a concerned friend, welcome. And trust us, here you can find everything you are looking for for that special woman in your life. XO Kalen
Check out our previous Gift Guides for her, him and millenials for even more ideas, and for our favorite holiday decor, click here.
It's crunch time now. Make those lists and check them twice. We've been making our lists for a week or so now, and are excited to share with you not only some great products from companies you may or may not know about BUT you can WIN all of them on Instagram during our "12 Days of Giveaways"! Today? A preview of all the goodies. Then check our Instagram feed daily over the next 12 weekdays and enter to win the featured gift on each day. Contest Rules: To enter to win the featured item, follow Instagram account for featured company, and tag 2 friends in the comments. Winners will be selected at 9pm CST each day, so follow, comment, tag, enter before then. Winner will be notified via Instagram direct message within 24 hours of winning. Now for the goodies!  Listed top to bottom:
1. Lillian Farag Leather Coaster Set: Set of four hand-painted coasters in a splatter dot pattern on natural tanned leather. No two are alike so its like an original work of art! 2. Annie Selke Java Plum Wristlet*: Purple python embossed leather and the perfect size for all your essentials; phone, ID, credit cards. 3. Weezie Makeup Towels: No more makeup stained white towels with this set of 2 soft cotton navy towels made just for the task! 4. Chantal Ceramic French Press: Pretty enough to sit out on the counter, this 4 cup ceramic french press keeps coffee warmer way longer than the glass versions. 5. KT Woven Diamond Blanket: Seriously one of the best blankets we have come across recently. Gorgeous colors, perfect weight and soft cotton that softens every time you wash it! If you can't wait, buy now and save 20% with code SHAUNA20. 6. Annie Selke Como Voile Kaftan*: Be one of "those" girls who wears a kaftan just because you can. Exclusive tie-dye pattern from artist Laura Park. 7. Annie Selke Citrus Garden Spa Set*: Ease away the stress of the day with this lavender infused flaxseed pack. Matching eye mask also included! 8. Annie Selke Mora Camel Suede Tote*: Rich camel leather tote is hand crafted in Ethiopia and designed to hold everything you can toss at it. 9. Annie Selke Gold Hide Tech Case*: Gold accented hide leather pulls double duty as a case for pads and tablets or a go-to clutch for a night out. Perfect for travel! 10. Faribault Everyday Throw: From our friends at Hygge & West, this cozy woolen throw is made from 100% repurposed wool. Buy now and save 20% with code THANKYOU. 11. Alana Kay + Shauna Glenn Dessert Plates: Created and designed by artist Alana Kay and Shauna, this set of 4 melamine dessert plates brings bright and bold colors to your holiday table. 12. Dana Gibson Leopard Accent Tray: Serve your holiday cocktails on this uber chic metal tray and maybe buy another one for your friend who will surely be jealous. *Save 25% on select Annie Selke products with code CYBER19 Be sure to follow our Instagram for our daily posts! Yay for Giveaways! As much as we shop major retailers, we are always on the hunt for cute, locally owed small businesses. When Ida Mae Home approached us about partnering with them we took one look at their quirky, fun kids bedding and felt like anyone who put lemurs on a kids quilt was someone who was speaking our language. And while our initial plan of a kids room makeover didn't pan out, we still found some adorable bedding and pillows to give a guest room a nice refresh. Nellie obviously approves and who are we to argue.  In addition to bedding, pillows and throws, Ida Mae Home has the cutest jewelry, bags, gifts, kitchen accessories, candles....you see where I'm going. You just have to see it all for yourself. AND you can join Shauna there this Saturday, November 16 from 11-12:30 for a Sip & Shop Event. See more of our favorite goodies and get all your holiday shopping done in one place. For more info, check out their Facebook page.
Last year, we got a huge jump on holiday decor shopping because, well, stuff sells out and we wouldn't want y'all to have FOMO over these great finds. So, now this year....we started our hunt for holiday decor around the same time, mid October and it was pathetic. Nothing cute. Weird ornaments (a roast turkey? really?). Same stuff we saw last year. It was very depressing.
Well, as it turns out, apparently all our favorite retailers had just been holding back from us and once November rolled around, we found all the great stuff we had been searching for. It's time to start decking those halls, friends! 
1. Pom Bonanza Wreath--Anthropologie
2. Vintage Snowflakes Pillow--Pier 1 Imports 3. Flash Milk Glass Trees--CB2 4. Embellished Happy Holidays Pillow Cover--West Elm 5. Village Salad Plate Set--Pier 1 Imports 6. Retro Christmas Ornament Doormat--Pier 1 Imports 7. Sputnik Stocking Holder--West Elm 8. Noel Floral Lumbar Pillow--Pier 1 Imports 9. Claus Pommed Stocking--Anthropologie 10. Letters to Santa Mailbox--Pier 1 Imports 11. Clarence Monogram Stocking--Anthropologie 12. Bottle Brush Trees--Pier 1 Imports 13. Jingle Bell Garland--West Elm Shop more of our favorite holiday decor items here. This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated for purchases made via these links. If you've been a follower of SGD for a while, you are already familiar with the work of our next artist. Gina Julian's art was included in the HGTV Magazine story on Shauna's house last summer and featured on the cover. Needless to say, she is one of our favorites. Her studies on perspective and color seem simple on the surface but encourage you to spend some time and experience the impact of color and emotion. We recently caught up with this Franklin, Tennessee based artist.  SGD: Can you briefly walk us through your story? How did you get started and how did you get to where you are today? GJ: Like most creatives, I became interested in art when I was very young. I loved to paint and draw, and eventually took commercial art classes in high school. The skills I learned in high school landed me a job as a graphic designer, and from there I worked in the publishing world, in ad agencies as a senior art director, and also a web developer and designer. After 20+ years in the digital world I became interested in interior design and was invited to decorate a bedroom in a local show house. I loved creating my own art for my spaces, so I made an optical art (op art) painting to go over the vanity. That painting was eventually featured in a story on domino.com and the rest is history! SGD: Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way? GJ: I don’t think it’s been terribly rocky, but there are always some challenges. My biggest challenge is that I’m a control freak (if you couldn’t tell from my art) which means I like to do everything myself. While this ensures that the job gets done my way, it can also make for some very long work days and nights. Also, I need very good light to make sure my paintings are precise, and there never seems to be enough daylight hours in the day, especially in winter.   Interior design by Katherine Berschback SGD: What are you most proud of and what sets you apart from other artist? GJ: I’m most proud that my art is distinctly “me”. It speaks to so many parts of my personality and my life experience. I’m an adrenaline junkie and a natural born risk-taker. My use of flat color was inspired by doing web and interface design all those years. My love of bright color is straight from the crayon boxes of my childhood, and the straight lines are a direct result of my OCD tendencies. Precision is my jam, and I find it very relaxing to paint a perfectly straight line. You can see all of these things in my work, and I’m so happy that I can share a part of myself with others in this way. SGD: What advice would you give to someone at the start of his or her career? GJ: If you’re struggling to find a style that is uniquely yours, look to the things that make you, you. Find your passions and your quirks and figure out how to use them to your advantage. Do you have a green thumb? Perhaps nature should be your subject matter. Got a love of fashion? High fashion figurative works might be your thing. I took my love of exactness, graphics and color and turned it into my life’s work. I hear young artists all the time say “I just want to create beautiful things” or “I want to make people happy.” And while those are worthwhile endeavors, the only thing that’s going to set you apart from the crowd is to do something that only you can do because it’s a part of you. Others may try to copy you, but because it came from your personal passions and natural tendencies, they will always be poor imitations at best.  Interior design by Katherine Berschback SGD: What artists do YOU admire and why? GJ: I’m a huge art collector myself, and true to my nature I’ve noticed that I love two kinds of art: abstracts with a strong focus on color, and colorful realism or photorealism (gotta love that precision!). Works in my personal collection include art from: Mallory Page, Brian Tull, Christina Baker, Christopher Stott, Denise Stewart-Senabria, Tjalf Sparnaay, Rolando Rosler and Vita Kobylkina. My all-time favorite artist is Wayne Thiebaud, and I would die a happy woman to have one of his oil paintings in my collection. His use of color to create a halo effect on his subjects still baffles me to this day. SGD: If you weren’t an artist, what would you be? GJ: No doubt about it, I’d be a pastry chef. I am a sugar addict and my love of baked goods runs deep! Consequently, when I’m not painting my straight-lined op art I’m usually painting sweet treats like donuts or macarons just for fun. Food is a wonderful subject matter that everyone can relate to. Plus, you can eat the models when you’re done. :)  Gina launches a new collection of large op-art works today! Check out her website to see all the amazingness.
Contact Info:
With the cool weather finally blowing in to the Metroplex, we are having a moment with fall bedding. Duvets and quilts in rich colors and yummy fabrics like flannel and velvet. Plush and faux fur blankets and throws that make it even harder to get up from the couch or your bed and turn off the most recent Netflix binge. Recently we shared with you Shauna's guest room update with bedding from Serena & Lily and another recent guest room project on Instagram stories featured a gorgeous quilt from Anthropologie. So, if you are in the market for some cozy layers, rich colors and a surprise or two, grab a mug of cocoa and check out our favorite fall bedding picks.     Velvet Velvet is definitely not going anywhere, and we are so OK with that. From pillows to quilts and duvet covers, velvet is the affordable luxury that everyone needs. These are all available in multiple colors, so you have no excuse, really. 1. Belgian Flax Linen and Cotton Velvet Duvet Cover--West Elm 2. Crinkle Velvet Duvet Cover and Shams--West Elm 3. Velvet Tufted Quilt and Shams--Pottery Barn 4. Kantha-Stitched Velvet Quilt and Shams--Anthropologie    Prints Used to be that florals were reserved for spring. Not so much anymore. Both in fashion and in home decor, fall florals in rich colors make a bold statement in your bedding. Add in some texture like embroidery or fringe and our boho selves are in heaven. In an interesting twist, as we usually stick to white sheets all year round, these watercolor floral sheets layered with a faux fur blanket have us giddy with the prospect of an afternoon nap. 1. Helena Embroidered Duvet Cover and Shams--Pottery Barn 2. Meguro Duvet Cover and Shams--Anthropologie 3. Lani Floral Sheet Set and Gray Faux Fur Blanket--CB2     Blankets & Throws
We debate between the importance of warmth over softness when it comes to blankets and throws. While wool might be the warmest, there's just something about that faux fur that we can't give up. With blankets, layer on top of sheets but under quilt or duvet for maximum insulated warmth. Throws are vital too so have a basket of them in the family room as well as on the end of the bed for naps and that Netflix binge we mentioned earlier. 1. Wendover Wool Striped Blanket--CB2 2. Sophie Faux Fur Blanket--Anthropologie 3. Overlock Orchid Throw--CB2 4. Hilda Pom Throw--Anthropologie Don't miss these sales on Fall Bedding going on now! 25% off all throws and poufs at CB2 through 10/29 Up to 30% off bedding at West Elm (limited time) 25% off everything with code HOLIDAY25 at Pottery Barn through 10/29 And shop more of our favorite bedding here. This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated for purchases made via these links. |
Categories
All
Archives
February 2020
|
RSS Feed