Giveaway: $100 Shopping Spree at Joss & Main!

Darlings, have you heard the buzz about Joss & Main? If not, I cannot wait to introduce you. If so, you are going to love this giveaway!

Joss & Main is a members-only sample sale site brimming with deals on gorgeous items for your home — and they're giving away a $100 shopping spree to one Design Darling reader! Here are some of my current favorites...

A spunky set of four polka dot Global Amici mugs for just $36 $18!

Monogrammed dinnerware by Preppy Plates — just $104 $59 for four!

A tongue-in-chic cluster of ceramic bananas by Gold Leaf Design for $67 $29!

This Bedford Cottage faux leopard throw for $129 $49! But, as you well know, the best part of having a gift card is being able to wait and spend it on something you truly love! Joss & Main features a handful of new sales daily so you're sure to find a way to get that $100 off your hands ;) 

- - - 

To enter:

1. Please follow or subscribe to Design Darling.

2. Sign up for Joss & Main here.

3. Leave a comment with what you're currently coveting!

- - -

For extra entries:

1. Follow Design Darling on Twitter!

2. Like Design Darling on Facebook!

The winner will be chosen at random next Wednesday, April 20. GOOD LUCK!

Darlings, have you heard the buzz about Joss & Main? If not, I cannot wait to introduce you. If so, you are going to love this giveaway!

Joss & Main is a members-only sample sale site brimming with deals on gorgeous items for your home — and they're giving away a $100 shopping spree to one Design Darling reader! Here are some of my current favorites...

A spunky set of four polka dot Global Amici mugs for just $36 $18!

Monogrammed dinnerware by Preppy Plates — just $104 $59 for four!

A tongue-in-chic cluster of ceramic bananas by Gold Leaf Design for $67 $29!

This Bedford Cottage faux leopard throw for $129 $49! But, as you well know, the best part of having a gift card is being able to wait and spend it on something you truly love! Joss & Main features a handful of new sales daily so you're sure to find a way to get that $100 off your hands ;) 

- - - 

To enter:

1. Please follow or subscribe to Design Darling.

2. Sign up for Joss & Main here.

3. Leave a comment with what you're currently coveting!

- - -

For extra entries:

1. Follow Design Darling on Twitter!

2. Like Design Darling on Facebook!

The winner will be chosen at random next Wednesday, April 20. GOOD LUCK!

Two Guest Posts!

Just a short and sweet note to let you know that you'll find me elsewhere this morning and that I would love for you to stop by and say hello!

I'm sharing a few of my favorite vignettes over on the Rue blog...

And dishing on a few of my style icons over on The Iconic Blog! Please pop over if you have a moment and come back here this afternoon when I'll be launching a very fun giveaway!

Just a short and sweet note to let you know that you'll find me elsewhere this morning and that I would love for you to stop by and say hello!

I'm sharing a few of my favorite vignettes over on the Rue blog...

And dishing on a few of my style icons over on The Iconic Blog! Please pop over if you have a moment and come back here this afternoon when I'll be launching a very fun giveaway!

Samantha Pynn

What is it with me and super feminine interiors lately? I can't seem to get my fill. This space by HGTV-featured interior designer Samantha Pynn is tugging at my heartstrings this morning...

{Dark wood floors ground white walls, a capiz chandelier, a white lacquer dining table, and airy striped curtains. I love the large framed sketch as an alternative to a bolder abstract or portrait. And is that chilled champagne I see on the buffet?}

{The adjoining living room is equally delightful. I love the continuity of using the same curtains — although who would want to block out all that natural light? The fact that the combination of white walls and wood floors is so common in rental apartments inspires me to think that my first place need not be boring simply because I won't be able to paint!}

{An alternate view of the living room reveals that Pynn brought in one of the dining chairs near the fireplace as occasional seating for entertaining. I might have used more colorful shades for the sconces on either side of the fireplace but I can't take my eyes off the pink chairs — the perfect conversation starter!}

- - -

What do you think of this ultra-feminine abode? (And are you sick of all these girly spaces yet?)

What is it with me and super feminine interiors lately? I can't seem to get my fill. This space by HGTV-featured interior designer Samantha Pynn is tugging at my heartstrings this morning...

{Dark wood floors ground white walls, a capiz chandelier, a white lacquer dining table, and airy striped curtains. I love the large framed sketch as an alternative to a bolder abstract or portrait. And is that chilled champagne I see on the buffet?}

{The adjoining living room is equally delightful. I love the continuity of using the same curtains — although who would want to block out all that natural light? The fact that the combination of white walls and wood floors is so common in rental apartments inspires me to think that my first place need not be boring simply because I won't be able to paint!}

{An alternate view of the living room reveals that Pynn brought in one of the dining chairs near the fireplace as occasional seating for entertaining. I might have used more colorful shades for the sconces on either side of the fireplace but I can't take my eyes off the pink chairs — the perfect conversation starter!}

- - -

What do you think of this ultra-feminine abode? (And are you sick of all these girly spaces yet?)

I had to share...

I mean, how cute are these? Just in case you're as into elephants as I am.

Dannijo necklace, $295 | Anthropologie hook, $20

I mean, how cute are these? Just in case you're as into elephants as I am.

Dannijo necklace, $295 | Anthropologie hook, $20

Spring Has Sprung!

We're expecting a high of 82 degrees in Pennsylvania today and I for one couldn't be happier. It might be back to the 50s tomorrow but I'm living in the present and walking with an extra skip in my step to celebrate the unseasonable warmth. What's the weather like where you are?

{photo by Anna Spiro}

We're expecting a high of 82 degrees in Pennsylvania today and I for one couldn't be happier. It might be back to the 50s tomorrow but I'm living in the present and walking with an extra skip in my step to celebrate the unseasonable warmth. What's the weather like where you are?

{photo by Anna Spiro}

How To Spend Your Weekend

This weekend you must pop over to Amber Interiors. She is funny, likable, and talented to boot. If her dining room (and homemade art — not joking!) doesn't make you want to see more, I don't know what will! Have a good one!

This weekend you must pop over to Amber Interiors. She is funny, likable, and talented to boot. If her dining room (and homemade art — not joking!) doesn't make you want to see more, I don't know what will! Have a good one!

101 in 1001: Update No. 1

A few of you indicated in my reader survey that you'd like to hear about the progress I'm making on my 101 in 1001 list. I'm happy to report that I've completed ten of my goals since January 1! If you figure I have to complete one task every ten days, I'm right on track!

1. Come up with 101 things.

2. Inspire someone else to write a 101 in 1001 list (Roxy from My Cup Of Te).

7. Redesign my blog as a reflection of my personal style (thank you, Hanna!).

8. Tie up loose ends: business cards, favicon, and Facebook and Twitter pages.

9. Launch an inspiring interview series called The Design Dialogues!

14. Take on an interior design client (hi, Christine!).

28. Upgrade to the iPhone.

64. Try one totally-out-of-my-comfort-zone exercise class.

89. See one (or six) of my sister's Amherst softball games.

91. Try five new-to-me foods: beans, brussel sprouts, edamame, grapefruit, sushi.

- - - 

There's another handful of tasks that I've started on and I feel great about the progress I'm making! Do any of you have a similar list? I would LOVE to see!

A few of you indicated in my reader survey that you'd like to hear about the progress I'm making on my 101 in 1001 list. I'm happy to report that I've completed ten of my goals since January 1! If you figure I have to complete one task every ten days, I'm right on track!

1. Come up with 101 things.

2. Inspire someone else to write a 101 in 1001 list (Roxy from My Cup Of Te).

7. Redesign my blog as a reflection of my personal style (thank you, Hanna!).

8. Tie up loose ends: business cards, favicon, and Facebook and Twitter pages.

9. Launch an inspiring interview series called The Design Dialogues!

14. Take on an interior design client (hi, Christine!).

28. Upgrade to the iPhone.

64. Try one totally-out-of-my-comfort-zone exercise class.

89. See one (or six) of my sister's Amherst softball games.

91. Try five new-to-me foods: beans, brussel sprouts, edamame, grapefruit, sushi.

- - - 

There's another handful of tasks that I've started on and I feel great about the progress I'm making! Do any of you have a similar list? I would LOVE to see!

Old Bones, Fresh Take

One of my [many] dreams is to buy an old home and bring it up to date, preserving what I can and staying true to the home's original character. Some of my favorite homes have wonderful old bones whose rooms are then filled with a happy mix of traditional and modern pieces.

{Historic details like white moulding and a vaulted ceiling become the unexpected backdrop for a contemporary dining table and Eames armchairs. Only the antique chandelier and elaborate candlesticks hint at the home castle's real age.}

{Old ceiling beams are an off-kilter contrast to the industrial pendant lighting and loudly patterned chairs in Susanna Salk's kitchen, featured in Rue Magazine.}

{A Saarinen dining set finds an unlikely home alongside the stunning herringbone floors and dramatic fireplace in this grand living room, featured on Design*Sponge.}

*Thank you to Katie Beth for the edits!

One of my [many] dreams is to buy an old home and bring it up to date, preserving what I can and staying true to the home's original character. Some of my favorite homes have wonderful old bones whose rooms are then filled with a happy mix of traditional and modern pieces.

{Historic details like white moulding and a vaulted ceiling become the unexpected backdrop for a contemporary dining table and Eames armchairs. Only the antique chandelier and elaborate candlesticks hint at the home castle's real age.}

{Old ceiling beams are an off-kilter contrast to the industrial pendant lighting and loudly patterned chairs in Susanna Salk's kitchen, featured in Rue Magazine.}

{A Saarinen dining set finds an unlikely home alongside the stunning herringbone floors and dramatic fireplace in this grand living room, featured on Design*Sponge.}

*Thank you to Katie Beth for the edits!

Outdoor Rooms at Chic Geek!

I'm excited to be guest posting on my friend Catherine's adorable blog today!

She asked me to write about one of my favorite design trends... and with spring allegedly on the horizon, I went with outdoor rooms!

Can you think of a more delightful place to entertain? I hope you'll check out the rest of my post here!

I'm excited to be guest posting on my friend Catherine's adorable blog today!

She asked me to write about one of my favorite design trends... and with spring allegedly on the horizon, I went with outdoor rooms!

Can you think of a more delightful place to entertain? I hope you'll check out the rest of my post here!

Forever Favorite

I will always love this living room. Plain white walls are the perfect antidote to traditional pieces like the wheat-inspired sconces and the deep coral velvet settee. Spunky accents like Moroccan poufs and a predominantly pink book collection (note to self: must duplicate!) complete the picture. It leaves me wanting to see the rest of the home!

I will always love this living room. Plain white walls are the perfect antidote to traditional pieces like the wheat-inspired sconces and the deep coral velvet settee. Spunky accents like Moroccan poufs and a predominantly pink book collection (note to self: must duplicate!) complete the picture. It leaves me wanting to see the rest of the home!

Drum Shades

Lighting is a critical component in any room — yet lamp and pendant shades are often overlooked as an easy place to inject personality and style. My favorite shape lately is the drum shade, which I admire for its simplicity and subtle glamour.

{When I pinned this image, I captioned it "proportion perfection." The dramatic size of the drum shade echoes the round dining table and provides contrast to the diminutive sconces on the opposite wall. Bravo, Samantha Pynn!}

{The khaki color of this pendant drum shade picks up on the mocha of the upholstered benches and draws the eye up along the windowed wall. How I dream of having a similar breakfast nook one day!}

{The simple shape of a drum shade is equally effective on a table lamp. Jessica Stam uses them to break up the straight lines of her modern apartment.}

- - -

What do you think of this classic shape? How have you used lamp shades to zhush up your own home?

Lighting is a critical component in any room — yet lamp and pendant shades are often overlooked as an easy place to inject personality and style. My favorite shape lately is the drum shade, which I admire for its simplicity and subtle glamour.

{When I pinned this image, I captioned it "proportion perfection." The dramatic size of the drum shade echoes the round dining table and provides contrast to the diminutive sconces on the opposite wall. Bravo, Samantha Pynn!}

{The khaki color of this pendant drum shade picks up on the mocha of the upholstered benches and draws the eye up along the windowed wall. How I dream of having a similar breakfast nook one day!}

{The simple shape of a drum shade is equally effective on a table lamp. Jessica Stam uses them to break up the straight lines of her modern apartment.}

- - -

What do you think of this classic shape? How have you used lamp shades to zhush up your own home?

Loved.

Bobbi+Mike's favorite fifty "loved" photos from 2010 made me smile. 

I thought a few of my favorites would be a good mid-week pick-me-up 

for you all too. How cute is the couple in the library aisle?! I'm in love ;)

{discovered via the very cute Tulips & Flight Suits 

which one of you recommended in my reader survey!}

Bobbi+Mike's favorite fifty "loved" photos from 2010 made me smile. 

I thought a few of my favorites would be a good mid-week pick-me-up 

for you all too. How cute is the couple in the library aisle?! I'm in love ;)

{discovered via the very cute Tulips & Flight Suits 

which one of you recommended in my reader survey!}

Why Don't You...

...stake out one space in your home and channel the girly glam interiors of Suzanne Kasler? I adore the unapologetic femininity of this home. Maybe stick to a closet where your boyfriend or husband won't mind ;)

...stake out one space in your home and channel the girly glam interiors of Suzanne Kasler? I adore the unapologetic femininity of this home. Maybe stick to a closet where your boyfriend or husband won't mind ;)

Navy Baby

Try as I might to introduce color into my wardrobe, I will forever find myself falling back on navy. It's the perfect hue against my fair skin and red hair — and I love the way it looks paired with other neutrals like khaki, gray, and white. These J.Crew looks depict everything I want to be wearing this spring and summer: messy hair, inventive layers, and classic stripes. What's your go-to color?

Try as I might to introduce color into my wardrobe, I will forever find myself falling back on navy. It's the perfect hue against my fair skin and red hair — and I love the way it looks paired with other neutrals like khaki, gray, and white. These J.Crew looks depict everything I want to be wearing this spring and summer: messy hair, inventive layers, and classic stripes. What's your go-to color?

In The Details.

We're always being told to look at the big picture. While it's important to keep an eye on the future and to not sweat the stuff, it's just as important to enjoy the little things in life. I love seeing completed before & afters, entire rooms and homes renovated to suit their owners' design sensibilities. But today I'm pledging to revel in the small details that often define the overall: a slightly off-kilter gold fitting, reflective windows capturing a sunny afternoon, intricate moulding framing a light-filled interior. What are some of your favorite details in your home?

{all images via the darling Patterson Maker}

We're always being told to look at the big picture. While it's important to keep an eye on the future and to not sweat the stuff, it's just as important to enjoy the little things in life. I love seeing completed before & afters, entire rooms and homes renovated to suit their owners' design sensibilities. But today I'm pledging to revel in the small details that often define the overall: a slightly off-kilter gold fitting, reflective windows capturing a sunny afternoon, intricate moulding framing a light-filled interior. What are some of your favorite details in your home?

{all images via the darling Patterson Maker}

Kate Spade's Preppy Perfection.

Adeline basket, $325 | Lawn Party clutch, $225

Lawn Party tote, $295 | Cabana Stripe, $295

I must draw your attention to these new arrivals at Kate Spade. How darling is the straw basket with green leather trim or the straw tote with sequin stripes? They're destined to become your new staples for spring and summer. By the way, the names have me dreaming of garden parties and poolside cabanas... Not bad for mid-morning reverie!

Adeline basket, $325 | Lawn Party clutch, $225

Lawn Party tote, $295 | Cabana Stripe, $295

I must draw your attention to these new arrivals at Kate Spade. How darling is the straw basket with green leather trim or the straw tote with sequin stripes? They're destined to become your new staples for spring and summer. By the way, the names have me dreaming of garden parties and poolside cabanas... Not bad for mid-morning reverie!

Friday Fatigue

Where did the day go? I'll be taking the weekend to sleep in, recharge, and spend some quality time with the people who make Bucknell such a special place. Can you believe only six weeks stand between me and graduation? It's at once thrilling and terrifying.

- - - 

What are your weekend plans? Whatever you're up to, I hope it's a good one!

Where did the day go? I'll be taking the weekend to sleep in, recharge, and spend some quality time with the people who make Bucknell such a special place. Can you believe only six weeks stand between me and graduation? It's at once thrilling and terrifying.

- - - 

What are your weekend plans? Whatever you're up to, I hope it's a good one!

For the Love of Leather

Leather need not evoke imagery of motorcycle gangs or overstuffed sofas. Allow me to present these recent favorites from Shopbop as evidence...

1. Alice + Olivia, $495

2. Club Monaco, $79

3. Graham & Spencer, $350

4. Diane von Furstenberg, $265

5. Diane von Furstenberg, $255

6. Jacquie Aiche, $143

7. M Missoni, $125

8. Mason by Michelle Mason, $198

9. Foley + Corinna, $345

- - - 

What other ways are you wearing leather these days?

Leather need not evoke imagery of motorcycle gangs or overstuffed sofas. Allow me to present these recent favorites from Shopbop as evidence...

1. Alice + Olivia, $495

2. Club Monaco, $79

3. Graham & Spencer, $350

4. Diane von Furstenberg, $265

5. Diane von Furstenberg, $255

6. Jacquie Aiche, $143

7. M Missoni, $125

8. Mason by Michelle Mason, $198

9. Foley + Corinna, $345

- - - 

What other ways are you wearing leather these days?

Lived-In Kitchens

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Why then do the kitchens featured in so many magazines give off such a steely vibe? You know what I mean: the granite, the stainless steel, the refrigerators void of family pictures and the countertops void of bills and letters. I love these kitchens for the simple reason that I'm convinced people actually live in them. 

{This might not be your average kitchen sink (filled with flowers in lieu of dirty dishes) but I love the attention to detail. Black counters are an unexpected alternative to granite or marble and they're stunning paired with white cabinetry and pale blue walls. Don't you love the flounce of the skirted sink and gardener's stool?}

{The equipment might be top-of-the-line but there's a very unfussy quality to this kitchen. The hanging pots are practical and pretty — especially with the splash of turquoise! I love the book shelves on either side of the hood.}

{I know people say they're tired of subway tile but to me it's a timeless classic. The open shelving contains an impressive cookbook collection and keeps plates and cups in easy reach. The styling — the potted plants, cut fruit, and phone on the table — gives it that lived-in look I love.}

{one | two | three}

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Why then do the kitchens featured in so many magazines give off such a steely vibe? You know what I mean: the granite, the stainless steel, the refrigerators void of family pictures and the countertops void of bills and letters. I love these kitchens for the simple reason that I'm convinced people actually live in them. 

{This might not be your average kitchen sink (filled with flowers in lieu of dirty dishes) but I love the attention to detail. Black counters are an unexpected alternative to granite or marble and they're stunning paired with white cabinetry and pale blue walls. Don't you love the flounce of the skirted sink and gardener's stool?}

{The equipment might be top-of-the-line but there's a very unfussy quality to this kitchen. The hanging pots are practical and pretty — especially with the splash of turquoise! I love the book shelves on either side of the hood.}

{I know people say they're tired of subway tile but to me it's a timeless classic. The open shelving contains an impressive cookbook collection and keeps plates and cups in easy reach. The styling — the potted plants, cut fruit, and phone on the table — gives it that lived-in look I love.}

{one | two | three}

Rue Hues {They're Baaack!}

I'm so excited to be blogging about two of my favorite spaces from the fourth issue of Rue today. Won't you stop by and share your thoughts?

I'm so excited to be blogging about two of my favorite spaces from the fourth issue of Rue today. Won't you stop by and share your thoughts?

How To Decorate A Small Space

Interior design is rarely easy, but those who live in particularly tiny quarters know that it’s even trickier to decorate without the luxury of space. As a college senior, I have lived in my fair share of dorm rooms... and plan to move into an equally tiny apartment wherever life takes me after graduation in May. Good things come in small packages, right?

{Lonny}

Mirrors provide an easy and inexpensive trick for making the most of what you’ve got. There’s no better way to create the illusion of more light and more space than what you’re really stuck with. We all know this trick works in bathrooms, but I think you’ll be surprised at what it could do for other small spaces in your home.

{Elle Decor}

Place a mirror over the bed or dresser in your boudoir to reflect artwork — or bring in a piece of mirrored furniture to do double duty!

{Mary McGee}

A strategically placed mirror lets you check your hair on the way out the door or, in the case of this dining room, multiplies your view of a vase of flowers or the glow of candelight during a dinner party. 

{Nuevo Estilo}

Mirrors need not be hung, though that’s a great way to maximize use of floor space. Doesn’t this oversized mirror steal the show in this glamorous home office? The combination of black and gold on both the desk and the mirror create a sense of continuity that small spaces often lack.

{Elle Decor}

Go big or go home, right? Channel the all-out allure of Versailles and hang square mirrors in a symmetrical grid on one wall. The effect here is that of a stately ballroom but would open things up in your home too. 

- - -

How have you used mirrors to open up your small space? What are your tricks for decorating a small space?

Interior design is rarely easy, but those who live in particularly tiny quarters know that it’s even trickier to decorate without the luxury of space. As a college senior, I have lived in my fair share of dorm rooms... and plan to move into an equally tiny apartment wherever life takes me after graduation in May. Good things come in small packages, right?

{Lonny}

Mirrors provide an easy and inexpensive trick for making the most of what you’ve got. There’s no better way to create the illusion of more light and more space than what you’re really stuck with. We all know this trick works in bathrooms, but I think you’ll be surprised at what it could do for other small spaces in your home.

{Elle Decor}

Place a mirror over the bed or dresser in your boudoir to reflect artwork — or bring in a piece of mirrored furniture to do double duty!

{Mary McGee}

A strategically placed mirror lets you check your hair on the way out the door or, in the case of this dining room, multiplies your view of a vase of flowers or the glow of candelight during a dinner party. 

{Nuevo Estilo}

Mirrors need not be hung, though that’s a great way to maximize use of floor space. Doesn’t this oversized mirror steal the show in this glamorous home office? The combination of black and gold on both the desk and the mirror create a sense of continuity that small spaces often lack.

{Elle Decor}

Go big or go home, right? Channel the all-out allure of Versailles and hang square mirrors in a symmetrical grid on one wall. The effect here is that of a stately ballroom but would open things up in your home too. 

- - -

How have you used mirrors to open up your small space? What are your tricks for decorating a small space?