COLORFUL HAMPTONS HOME TOUR

Weekends on Nantucket always leave me reeling with home envy. I could stroll around with iced coffee and an iPhone snapping pretty little cottages literally all day long. So it's extra fun to see the inside of a summer home that's particularly well decorated. This one is happens to be in the Hamptons but, really, beggars can't be choosers, amiright? I've added a few product picks below each space to help you get the look chez vous:

Nautical black and white photo (budget-friendly)

Starfish decor 

Pink chair (budget-friendly)

Framed swimsuits (this would be an easy DIY project!)

Neutral settee (budget-friendly)

Bright garden stool

Coral art

Coral chandelier (budget-friendly)

Wicker chair (budget-friendly)

Cube coffee tables (budget-friendly)

Elephant side table (budget-friendly)

Orange and pink throw pillows

Shell chandelier

Canopy bed

Grasscloth wallpaper

I'm definitely a blue/white/green kind of girl in my own space (with pops of pink, of course) but this makes me wish I had extra space to play around with a warmer color palette. Orange, pink, and purple make an unexpectedly chic combo, don't you think? 

*all photos here

Weekends on Nantucket always leave me reeling with home envy. I could stroll around with iced coffee and an iPhone snapping pretty little cottages literally all day long. So it's extra fun to see the inside of a summer home that's particularly well decorated. This one is happens to be in the Hamptons but, really, beggars can't be choosers, amiright? I've added a few product picks below each space to help you get the look chez vous:

Nautical black and white photo (budget-friendly)

Starfish decor 

Pink chair (budget-friendly)

Framed swimsuits (this would be an easy DIY project!)

Neutral settee (budget-friendly)

Bright garden stool

Coral art

Coral chandelier (budget-friendly)

Wicker chair (budget-friendly)

Cube coffee tables (budget-friendly)

Elephant side table (budget-friendly)

Orange and pink throw pillows

Shell chandelier

Canopy bed

Grasscloth wallpaper

I'm definitely a blue/white/green kind of girl in my own space (with pops of pink, of course) but this makes me wish I had extra space to play around with a warmer color palette. Orange, pink, and purple make an unexpectedly chic combo, don't you think? 

*all photos here

COFFEE TABLE BOOKS ON SALE

one  //  two  //  three

To me, there are few things more inspiring than getting lost in a great book with gorgeous photos. My coffee table book collection has grown quite a bit since I moved into my first apartment, thanks in huge part to scooping up multiple titles on sale at One Kings Lane. They have the best assortment of books on art, fashion, food, and interiors... I'd buy one every week if I could! Right now they have the Kate Spade book, my favorite Slim Aarons book, and the Barefoot Contessa cookbooks. Below is just a small assortment of books they have on sale right now but do check out the full selection right here!

P.S. Here's a peek at my collection!

one  //  two  //  three

To me, there are few things more inspiring than getting lost in a great book with gorgeous photos. My coffee table book collection has grown quite a bit since I moved into my first apartment, thanks in huge part to scooping up multiple titles on sale at One Kings Lane. They have the best assortment of books on art, fashion, food, and interiors... I'd buy one every week if I could! Right now they have the Kate Spade book, my favorite Slim Aarons book, and the Barefoot Contessa cookbooks. Below is just a small assortment of books they have on sale right now but do check out the full selection right here!

P.S. Here's a peek at my collection!

H&M HOME LAUNCHES IN NEW YORK

Exciting news!!! H&M is launching its New York flagship on Fifth Avenue this week and it will be the first store in New York to carry their home line. (Don't worry — if you're not in NYC, you can shop the full collection online!) This is definitely going to become one of my go-to sources for decorating on a budget. Here are ten pieces that instantly caught my eye:

First row:  Ceramic jar ($5.95)  //  Zebra pillow cover ($9.95)  //  Bow hooks ($5.95 for two)

Second row:  Candle ($5.95)  //  Ceramic tray ($6.95)  //  Patterned plate ($5.95)

Third row:  Throw blanket ($19.95)  //  Storage basket ($17.95)  //  Pillar candle holder ($6.95)  //  Taper candle holder ($9.95)

How cute are those bow hooks?! I also thought a few of you who asked where the gold candle up in this photo was from would like the gold pillar holder above! Check out the collection online here and, if you are in New York, you can swing by the grand opening this Thursday, July 17, starting at noon. The address is 589 Fifth Avenue at 48th Street. I can't wait to check it out!

*Thank you to H&M for sponsoring this post!

Exciting news!!! H&M is launching its New York flagship on Fifth Avenue this week and it will be the first store in New York to carry their home line. (Don't worry — if you're not in NYC, you can shop the full collection online!) This is definitely going to become one of my go-to sources for decorating on a budget. Here are ten pieces that instantly caught my eye:

First row:  Ceramic jar ($5.95)  //  Zebra pillow cover ($9.95)  //  Bow hooks ($5.95 for two)

Second row:  Candle ($5.95)  //  Ceramic tray ($6.95)  //  Patterned plate ($5.95)

Third row:  Throw blanket ($19.95)  //  Storage basket ($17.95)  //  Pillar candle holder ($6.95)  //  Taper candle holder ($9.95)

How cute are those bow hooks?! I also thought a few of you who asked where the gold candle up in this photo was from would like the gold pillar holder above! Check out the collection online here and, if you are in New York, you can swing by the grand opening this Thursday, July 17, starting at noon. The address is 589 Fifth Avenue at 48th Street. I can't wait to check it out!

*Thank you to H&M for sponsoring this post!

GET THE LOOK: PINK FOYER

I was running through my list of daily reads when a post on Colleen's blog stopped me in my tracks. I've been following along as she decorates her new apartment and her new pink foyer is nothing short of perfection. In case you're similarly inspired and actually have a foyer to decorate, I decided to pull a few pieces to help recreate the look.

One Kings Lane mirror ($399) — budget-friendly option here!

PB Teen pink desk ($809) — I used this mostly for the visual; really I'd buy this and paint it this!

Target lamp ($154 for two)  //  One Kings Lane poufs ($99 each)

Target basket ($35)  //  Design Darling candle ($25)  //  Design Darling picture frame ($22)

Would you dare to think pink for your foyer? I love it but I know it might not be for everyone (especially those of you with live-in significant others!). Check out Colleen's post here and let me know what you think in the comments!

I was running through my list of daily reads when a post on Colleen's blog stopped me in my tracks. I've been following along as she decorates her new apartment and her new pink foyer is nothing short of perfection. In case you're similarly inspired and actually have a foyer to decorate, I decided to pull a few pieces to help recreate the look.

One Kings Lane mirror ($399) — budget-friendly option here!

PB Teen pink desk ($809) — I used this mostly for the visual; really I'd buy this and paint it this!

Target lamp ($154 for two)  //  One Kings Lane poufs ($99 each)

Target basket ($35)  //  Design Darling candle ($25)  //  Design Darling picture frame ($22)

Would you dare to think pink for your foyer? I love it but I know it might not be for everyone (especially those of you with live-in significant others!). Check out Colleen's post here and let me know what you think in the comments!

MY APARTMENT TO DO LIST

My default thought process goes something like this: when in doubt, make a list. (Shocking, right?) Getting my apartment from where it is now to being ready to be shared on the blog feels a little daunting right now so I thought I'd break it down and share what I'm working on. 

*image

1. Buy/plant a cactus and a lemon tree

For whatever reason, I have been obsessed with cacti lately. And having a lemon tree in my apartment is part of my 101 in 1001 list!

*image

2. Plant something for my window

My grandmother suggested a little herb garden. Any recommendations?

3. Chair and headboard from Katie Kime

I am so excited about these that I can hardly contain myself. It has been a dream of mine (no, seriously) to own one of Katie's designs and I became even more obsessed after touring her workspace on our trip to Austin. I'm so excited to invest in such high quality workmanship and I know these pieces will get a lot of love over the coming years. But it wouldn't be my apartment without a mix of high and low, which brings me to the next to do item...

4. Finishing touches from Target 

I'm excited to be working with Target for some of the remaining decorating. You've already seen my green X benches but I'll give you a sneak peek of the striped duvet that's on its way... LOVE.

5. Order frames and mattes for Design Darling art prints

We're really ramping up the art selection in the boutique to make it a one-stop-shop for pretty prints for every room in your home.

*image

5. Hang everything up!

Brace yourselves for a seriously epic gallery wall. I cannot wait!

What's on your to do list for your home? I'd love to compare notes!

My default thought process goes something like this: when in doubt, make a list. (Shocking, right?) Getting my apartment from where it is now to being ready to be shared on the blog feels a little daunting right now so I thought I'd break it down and share what I'm working on. 

*image

1. Buy/plant a cactus and a lemon tree

For whatever reason, I have been obsessed with cacti lately. And having a lemon tree in my apartment is part of my 101 in 1001 list!

*image

2. Plant something for my window

My grandmother suggested a little herb garden. Any recommendations?

3. Chair and headboard from Katie Kime

I am so excited about these that I can hardly contain myself. It has been a dream of mine (no, seriously) to own one of Katie's designs and I became even more obsessed after touring her workspace on our trip to Austin. I'm so excited to invest in such high quality workmanship and I know these pieces will get a lot of love over the coming years. But it wouldn't be my apartment without a mix of high and low, which brings me to the next to do item...

4. Finishing touches from Target 

I'm excited to be working with Target for some of the remaining decorating. You've already seen my green X benches but I'll give you a sneak peek of the striped duvet that's on its way... LOVE.

5. Order frames and mattes for Design Darling art prints

We're really ramping up the art selection in the boutique to make it a one-stop-shop for pretty prints for every room in your home.

*image

5. Hang everything up!

Brace yourselves for a seriously epic gallery wall. I cannot wait!

What's on your to do list for your home? I'd love to compare notes!

ART CRUSH: JENNY PRINN

I took a bunch of art history classes in college but I'm definitely still figuring out what artists and styles I'm drawn to. My newest life goal? To own a piece by Jenny Prinn. I love the bold layered strokes, her embrace of bright color, and the fact that she lives right here in New England. Can you imagine one of her larger abstracts over a console table in your foyer or a smaller piece in a gallery wall above your sofa? Bright white walls + vibrant abstract art = my dream room. Her studio must be a very happy place!

P.S. Where to buy affordable art.

I took a bunch of art history classes in college but I'm definitely still figuring out what artists and styles I'm drawn to. My newest life goal? To own a piece by Jenny Prinn. I love the bold layered strokes, her embrace of bright color, and the fact that she lives right here in New England. Can you imagine one of her larger abstracts over a console table in your foyer or a smaller piece in a gallery wall above your sofa? Bright white walls + vibrant abstract art = my dream room. Her studio must be a very happy place!

P.S. Where to buy affordable art.

SUMMER TREND: TASSELS

One of my favorite summer trends is tassels on accessories, clothing, and decor. I'm obsessed! Tassels aren't so much "trendy" as they is a resurgence of a classic motif... which means you can invest in a few pieces knowing they won't be out of style next season. Here are a few of my favorite tassels at the moment:

one  //  two  //  three  //  four  //  five  //  six  //  seven  //  eight

nine  //  ten  //  eleven  //  twelve  //  thirteen  //  fourteen  //  fifteen

I truly can't get enough: I'm loving tassel earrings, this neutral tassel chandelier (budget-friendly version here), these tassel curtains (I have the shower version), a pair of classic tassel loafers, this Tory Burch tassel handbag... The list goes on. Have you purchased any tassels yet? What other summer trends are you loving?

One of my favorite summer trends is tassels on accessories, clothing, and decor. I'm obsessed! Tassels aren't so much "trendy" as they is a resurgence of a classic motif... which means you can invest in a few pieces knowing they won't be out of style next season. Here are a few of my favorite tassels at the moment:

one  //  two  //  three  //  four  //  five  //  six  //  seven  //  eight

nine  //  ten  //  eleven  //  twelve  //  thirteen  //  fourteen  //  fifteen

I truly can't get enough: I'm loving tassel earrings, this neutral tassel chandelier (budget-friendly version here), these tassel curtains (I have the shower version), a pair of classic tassel loafers, this Tory Burch tassel handbag... The list goes on. Have you purchased any tassels yet? What other summer trends are you loving?

WHICH COLOR SCHEME ARE YOU?

mirror  //  box  //  tray  //  print  //  tray  //  chair  //  matches  //  pillow

print  //  pillow  //  sconce  //  pillow  //  lamp  //  blanket  //  desk organizer  //  pendant

print  //  tray  //  soap  //  desk lamp  //  candle  //  basket  //  map print  //  pillow

When it comes to decorating my apartment, I truthfully haven't made much progress in the past couple months. I have my neutral foundation pieces (mirror, sofa, dining table) and I still need to make a list of pieces I need to fill in the gaps... New chairs for sure. A tablecloth (on the way!). A headboard or an oversized art piece for above the bed. I'd love to know what home improvement projects you're tackling and what colors you're most drawn to. Which of these color schemes is closest to your aesthetic: neutral, nautical, or brights?! 

mirror  //  box  //  tray  //  print  //  tray  //  chair  //  matches  //  pillow

print  //  pillow  //  sconce  //  pillow  //  lamp  //  blanket  //  desk organizer  //  pendant

print  //  tray  //  soap  //  desk lamp  //  candle  //  basket  //  map print  //  pillow

When it comes to decorating my apartment, I truthfully haven't made much progress in the past couple months. I have my neutral foundation pieces (mirror, sofa, dining table) and I still need to make a list of pieces I need to fill in the gaps... New chairs for sure. A tablecloth (on the way!). A headboard or an oversized art piece for above the bed. I'd love to know what home improvement projects you're tackling and what colors you're most drawn to. Which of these color schemes is closest to your aesthetic: neutral, nautical, or brights?! 

HOW TO MAKE A PEONY WREATH

Want to make a peony wreath for spring and summer? Inspired by my friends Kelsea, Loren, and Sara Kate, I set out to create my own peony wreath before my sister came to spend the night at my apartment. What's more welcoming than a fragrant wreath made with everyone's favorite flower? Nothing, that's what. Here's how to make your own: 

1. Gather your materials.

You'll need the following:

- Green chicken wire

- Green floral wire

- Wire cutters

- Wire clothing hanger

- Greenery of your choice (I used a combination of boxwood and plant stems)

- Flower of your choice (I went with hot pink and white peonies)

2. Bend your chicken wire into the shape of your choice. 

Secure with floral wire.

3. Cut a wire clothing hanger and weave the ends into your chicken wire.

Secure with floral wire. If you have a strong hook or nail, you may skip this step.

4. Arrange greenery into your chicken wire.

Longer stems can be woven through the wire. Smaller pieces should be secured with floral wire. This would be especially easy with garland during the holiday season.

5. Place your peonies.

This is the fun part! I wound up using one and a half dozen blooms but you can adjust depending on your color scheme, whether you prefer an organic or structured look, etc. Secure with floral wire as necessary.

6. Hang and enjoy.

I almost wish I made this with artificial flowers so it would last forever but the smell is too good to resist. These wreaths would be perfect decor for a party or a wedding and definitely make a thoughtful touch for house guests. If you decide to make one, tag me on Instagram (@mackenziehoran #designdarling) so I can check it out! 

P.S. DIY letter wreaths.

Want to make a peony wreath for spring and summer? Inspired by my friends Kelsea, Loren, and Sara Kate, I set out to create my own peony wreath before my sister came to spend the night at my apartment. What's more welcoming than a fragrant wreath made with everyone's favorite flower? Nothing, that's what. Here's how to make your own: 

1. Gather your materials.

You'll need the following:

- Green chicken wire

- Green floral wire

- Wire cutters

- Wire clothing hanger

- Greenery of your choice (I used a combination of boxwood and plant stems)

- Flower of your choice (I went with hot pink and white peonies)

2. Bend your chicken wire into the shape of your choice. 

Secure with floral wire.

3. Cut a wire clothing hanger and weave the ends into your chicken wire.

Secure with floral wire. If you have a strong hook or nail, you may skip this step.

4. Arrange greenery into your chicken wire.

Longer stems can be woven through the wire. Smaller pieces should be secured with floral wire. This would be especially easy with garland during the holiday season.

5. Place your peonies.

This is the fun part! I wound up using one and a half dozen blooms but you can adjust depending on your color scheme, whether you prefer an organic or structured look, etc. Secure with floral wire as necessary.

6. Hang and enjoy.

I almost wish I made this with artificial flowers so it would last forever but the smell is too good to resist. These wreaths would be perfect decor for a party or a wedding and definitely make a thoughtful touch for house guests. If you decide to make one, tag me on Instagram (@mackenziehoran #designdarling) so I can check it out! 

P.S. DIY letter wreaths.

CAKE STAND PERFUME DISPLAY

I ran out of serving pieces the morning of my housewarming brunch and dashed to Sur La Table an hour before the party to pick up a few extras. One of the pieces I bought was this white cake stand, which we used for serving macarons. While doing dishes after everyone left, I realized that the cake stand was too pretty to live inside a cabinet. So I put it to use displaying pretty perfume bottles instead! I love a piece that does double duty... Ahem ;) Do you have any similar tips or tricks? I always love to hear from you!

I ran out of serving pieces the morning of my housewarming brunch and dashed to Sur La Table an hour before the party to pick up a few extras. One of the pieces I bought was this white cake stand, which we used for serving macarons. While doing dishes after everyone left, I realized that the cake stand was too pretty to live inside a cabinet. So I put it to use displaying pretty perfume bottles instead! I love a piece that does double duty... Ahem ;) Do you have any similar tips or tricks? I always love to hear from you!

10 DIY PROJECTS WORTH TRYING

I'm not much for arts and crafts but every now and then I stumble upon a do-it-yourself project that looks, well, doable. I love to paint furniture (past projects here and here) but I think it would be fun to branch out and try some paper or party decor projects. Here are a few ideas that caught my eye on Pinterest... 

1. Giant crepe paper roses

2. Gold leaf frames

3. Marbled paper with nail polish

4. No sew monogram appliqué

5. Oyster shell salt cellars

6. Painted door edge

7. Pelmet boxes (did this for my last apartment!)

8. Pom pom baskets

9. Pom pom sun hat

10. Porcelain jewelry stand

Are you a big DIY-er? What's the last project you tackled?

I'm not much for arts and crafts but every now and then I stumble upon a do-it-yourself project that looks, well, doable. I love to paint furniture (past projects here and here) but I think it would be fun to branch out and try some paper or party decor projects. Here are a few ideas that caught my eye on Pinterest... 

1. Giant crepe paper roses

2. Gold leaf frames

3. Marbled paper with nail polish

4. No sew monogram appliqué

5. Oyster shell salt cellars

6. Painted door edge

7. Pelmet boxes (did this for my last apartment!)

8. Pom pom baskets

9. Pom pom sun hat

10. Porcelain jewelry stand

Are you a big DIY-er? What's the last project you tackled?

DALLAS HOME TOUR

I was so excited when Dallas blogger Katey McFarlan emailed me asking if I'd be interested in featuring her home tour on my blog. Not only is her space filled with books, color, and personality, but she decorated with a few Design Darling goodies in the mix! It's the most rewarding feeling to see how my readers incorporate Design Darling into their lives so this home tour is extra special. Without further ado, Katey's apartment eye candy...

Note to self: buy hot pink cocktail napkins for next party!

You know you're in a girly girl's apartment when there are sweet treats in glass jars. Yes please!

I spy one of my favorite coffee table books!

I saw these bright lacquer boxes on One Kings Lane the other day and already regret not snatching one of them up. It's the perfect topper to a pretty stack of books! 

Nothing says Southern hospitality like a couple pineapples in the entry. 

These look familiar! :)

Katey and I even have the same bar cart! Love how she styled hers with a mirror for pretty reflections and a stack of books for height. 

I can't even stand how chic this sequined maxi skirt is... I wish I had an excuse or an occasion! Love it with her turquoise tassel earrings, a best-seller in the boutique. They're the perfect pop of color on a blonde!

Such a pretty bedside vignette. I always light candles before bedtime (this scent reminds me of my first year in New York and these ones smell sooo good without breaking the bank). Bonus: you can reuse both containers after they burn through.

Organization makes me so happy. Katey, come do my makeup collection next?!

Odds and ends from my fave, Jonathan Adler. 

This pillow cracks me up. 

Would pretty much kill for the space to have a mirrored vanity in my apartment. Girly glam at its best! If you think your home is a good fit for Design Darling, email me photos here! Thanks, Katey!  

*Photos by Carmen Evans, full home tour on Katey and Kristin's blog here!

I was so excited when Dallas blogger Katey McFarlan emailed me asking if I'd be interested in featuring her home tour on my blog. Not only is her space filled with books, color, and personality, but she decorated with a few Design Darling goodies in the mix! It's the most rewarding feeling to see how my readers incorporate Design Darling into their lives so this home tour is extra special. Without further ado, Katey's apartment eye candy...

Note to self: buy hot pink cocktail napkins for next party!

You know you're in a girly girl's apartment when there are sweet treats in glass jars. Yes please!

I spy one of my favorite coffee table books!

I saw these bright lacquer boxes on One Kings Lane the other day and already regret not snatching one of them up. It's the perfect topper to a pretty stack of books! 

Nothing says Southern hospitality like a couple pineapples in the entry. 

These look familiar! :)

Katey and I even have the same bar cart! Love how she styled hers with a mirror for pretty reflections and a stack of books for height. 

I can't even stand how chic this sequined maxi skirt is... I wish I had an excuse or an occasion! Love it with her turquoise tassel earrings, a best-seller in the boutique. They're the perfect pop of color on a blonde!

Such a pretty bedside vignette. I always light candles before bedtime (this scent reminds me of my first year in New York and these ones smell sooo good without breaking the bank). Bonus: you can reuse both containers after they burn through.

Organization makes me so happy. Katey, come do my makeup collection next?!

Odds and ends from my fave, Jonathan Adler. 

This pillow cracks me up. 

Would pretty much kill for the space to have a mirrored vanity in my apartment. Girly glam at its best! If you think your home is a good fit for Design Darling, email me photos here! Thanks, Katey!  

*Photos by Carmen Evans, full home tour on Katey and Kristin's blog here!