I'm having one of those "I have nothing to wear" days...
I'd like to hit refresh in a striped blouse, color-blocked sandals, and timeless accessories. What do you wish you were wearing today?
Apartment Essentials {The Headboard}
My ideal first apartment has white walls and wood floors. In other words, it's a blank canvas for whatever colors, patterns, and textures I decide to bring in. As we've discussed, the easiest way to break up those white walls is by adding colorful art. But in the bedroom, my favorite way to break up a big blank expanse is to add a beautiful headboard.
{Sasha Adler}
Headboards create a chic focal point and add instant elegance to an otherwise generic space. I love the prices and the selection at More Headboards, especially from the brand Skyline Furniture (which I know many design bloggers love!).
I picture this tufted khaki headboard ($345) paired with pale blue linens in a very elegant boudoir.
You know my all-time favorite color combination is navy blue with hot pink. Why not pair this navy headboard ($235) with crisp white bedding and a hot pink throw?
If it's a gender neutral look you're after, this black nailhead trim headboard ($270) is perfect! The nailhead trim is more masculine, the curvy shape is more feminine, and the black hue appeases everybody!
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My three favorites are priced as headboards for full size beds but available in any size your apartment will fit! What's your favorite headboard look?
Neither Here Nor There
Just a few life updates and fleeting thoughts on this lovely long weekend...
1. My first week of work is behind me and I can't tell you how much I love Bollare. I'm working with really cool people and really cool brands (here, here, and here — lend them a "like," won't you?) and I'm learning something new every day. Isn't that what it's all about?
2. My brother Grayson is getting ready to apply to college and it's bringing back all sorts of memories. I want him to wind up at Bucknell so badly but I think it's best not to push the issue.
3. Knowing that some of my friends are back at school and I'm out in the real world is such a strange feeling. Seeing pictures of rush festivities pop up on Facebook definitely tugged at my heartstrings. But I'm really happy with where I am right now — and there's always Homecoming!
4. Confession: I've spent hours researching apartments in New York even though I know I can't afford to move into the city right away. It's just fun to know what's out there!
5. On a related note, the worst part of working in New York is my commute from Connecticut. An hour train ride each way plus time on the subway. The bright side, though, is plenty of time to read books and magazines. I finished Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell this week and I highly recommend it.
6. I'm insanely and unattractively jealous of everyone who's going to New York Fashion Week. Seeing a show is on my 101 in 1001 list and I'm determined to make it happen in time for next year.
7. I'm not sure where my new Tumblr is headed but I'm loving it so far! Won't you follow along? Remember, you can ask me anything! I've already gotten a few questions ranging from advice for studying abroad to how to store makeup.
8. I have a couple really fun interviews lined up to bring Design Dialogues back with a bang this fall. It's my way of bringing you original content without having my boyfriend follow me around with a camera documenting my outfit changes ;)
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I'm kind of all over the place today, huh? What's new with all of you?
And the winner is...
My apologies for the delay in announcing the winner of the Plum Pretty Sugar giveaway. Here we go...
Congratulations to entry #3, Alex of Things That Sparkle! Please email me so I can put you in touch with the lovely Charlotte to redeem your beautiful new robe. Thanks to everyone who entered and have a wonderful long weekend!
Desk du Jour {Back to Black}
In complete contrast to Tuesday's light and bright office tour, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite black and white spaces. As much as I adore white walls, there is something so graphic about colorful book spines tucked into black bookcases. Maybe it's all about striking a balance, like the black and white stripes in the second space or the black moulding and white ceiling in the third. What do you think — would you dare to paint your walls black?
{via here}
Apartment Essentials {Art}
When I announced this series, an overwhelming number of you expressed the need for affordable art options to cover bare walls and introduce color without breaking the bank. Here are a few of the tricks up my sleeve...
20x200 is an excellent source for limited edition prints in various sizes. A 14"x11" print like this ubiquitous Christian Chaize number (which, for the record, I still love) will run you $50.
I adore the Etsy offerings of painter Janet Hill, whose vintage-inspired prints would be a playful addition to any interior. Nothing in her shop costs more than $55 and this charming print of a well-clad redhead is just $26! Frame it in gold with a green matte and you're good to go.
This Swiss blogger stocks her shop with travel photography that will lend an esteemed air to a simple studio. These peonies, which Sarah photographed in Zurich, are a personal favorite.
Prefer sketches to paintings and photos? This Australian illustrator's work is breathtakingly precise. I'm drawn to this messy topknot — how perfect for in a closet or powder room!
One of my favorite solutions is to frame a colorful scarf. This hand-painted option (currently sold out but I believe can be custom ordered) would be particularly cheery in a breakfast nook or a foyer.
Framable options abound at The Lucky Fish. This vintage Vera Neumann scarf is a graphic statement piece that could easily inspire the color palette for your entire space.
I have featured Amber's dining room before but the fact that she took pictures of clouds and blew them up for her dining room continues to strike my fancy. In fact she makes me want to run to Kinko's with some of my Instagram snaps. Think travel pictures, family portraits, the sky's the limit!
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If you'd prefer a DIY project, I might suggest painting panels or framing wallpaper. What's your favorite art resource and how are you covering your walls these days?
Plum Pretty Sugar Giveaway!
I was so delighted when the lovely Charlotte reached out to me about hosting a giveaway for her "loungerie" line Plum Pretty Sugar. I have been following her blog and her Pinterest for quite some time and just adore her unabashedly feminine aesthetic!
Charlotte's line incorporates cotton and silk robes, tunics and dresses, and accessories like headscarves and even bow ties for men. I am excited to be giving away one knee-length cotton voile robe in "Sweet Love and Yonderflies!" I'd wear it around the house and getting dolled up for a night on the town. Girly and glamorous!
To enter the giveaway, please follow Design Darling and like Plum Pretty Sugar on Facebook. Simply leave a comment below letting me know you've done both!
I will draw the winner on Friday morning. Good luck!
The Coveteur + Who What Wear
When two major names like these join forces, you just know it's going to be good. The Coveteur's photo tour of Who What Wear's L.A. headquarters is true to both brands: clear, crisp, and dripping with style.
I think it hits the perfect note between contemporary and vintage pieces, don't you? I love that the most eye-catching decorations are inspiration boards — it means that each room has a new look every time you update that one board! Summer brights, jewel tones for fall...those white walls are a blank canvas!
Soaking Up Summer
I've had an amazing week on Nantucket and I'll be making the most of this effortless beach hair every last minute on the island. What are your plans for this most wonderful weekend?
P.S. All you east coasters, stay safe this weekend!
{images via my Pinterest boards}
Idea Board {Apartment Living}
I wouldn't be me if I didn't admit to a little daydream decorating of our currently nonexistent first apartment. For now I'm content to live with my family and save my pennies. But when the time comes? White walls, painted furniture, and metallic accents with a decidedly feminine flourish. Who's with me?
Apartment Essentials {The Rug}
Problem: your apartment/dorm room carpet has seen better days. Solution: camouflage it with a chic and cost-effective option from Rugs USA. They were kind enough to send the Ultra Shag Natural Flokati rug my way and I absolutely love it! It will undoubtedly be a fixture in our first apartment whether it's concealing icky carpet or warming up hardwood floors.
Rugs are investment pieces and can cost you big bucks if you don't know where to look. Fortunately Rugs USA has an amazing and affordable selection complete with customer reviews so you know you're getting the most for your money. The rug they sent me is super soft and totally versatile. Sure, flokati isn't the easiest thing to keep clean — but when it looks and feels this good, who's complaining? Of course if flokati's not your choice there's plenty else to choose from...
Do you see where I'm going with this? No matter what look you're after, I'm certain you'll find something you love at Rugs USA. They were a dream to work with and frankly their selection is the best I've come across to date.
But don't just take my word for it. My puppy Fenway is equally obsessed!
Flower Power
One summer during high school, I worked at a flower shop out here on Nantucket. Well, the flower shop. It wound up being my only summer as an employee there (probably because I missed the clothing discounts that came with working in retail) but I'll always look back fondly on the time I spent cutting in flowers and delivering bouquets to hotels on the island. Flowers just make people so happy! They're beautiful, fragrant, and indulgent in a way that's not at all superficial. Pop by your favorite florist this evening and treat yourself to a few fresh blooms — you deserve it!
And the winner is...
The winner of the Graphic Image giveaway is entry #61, Kelly Carlin! Congratulations to Kelly — please email me so I can put you in touch with the lovely folks at Graphic Image to redeem your gorgeous new 2012 planner! Thank you to everyone who entered; I have a couple more exciting giveaways lined up over the next month that I can't wait to share with you!
Introducing Society Social!
Remember when I predicted big things in store for my friend Roxy of My Cup of Te? Since then she has designed, produced, and launched a stunning furniture collection called Society Social. I could not be more proud of her — or more eager to get my hands on the following!
The playful range of colors speaks to Roxy's fun-loving personality and "Live Sparkly" motto. Curious to learn more about the brand? Last week she released her Manifesto Magalog — with a couple features produced by yours truly! Congratulations, Roxy!
P.S. I'm sharing one of my favorite tablescapes at the adorable Simply Southern today!
Design Darling on Tumblr!
I'm excited to invite you to the virtual inspiration board I've been working on! It's an easy way for me to save images I stumble upon without stopping to craft them into a real blog post. More importantly, however, I'd like it to become an informal space where I can interact with all of you! I've enabled the "ask" feature so you can fire away with questions about fashion, interior design, or whatever else strikes your fancy. Ask away HERE!
{This gorgeousness and more on Design Darling's brand new Tumblr. Check it out HERE!}
Apartment Essentials {The Sofa}
Given that lots of you are young professionals furnishing your first place, I thought I'd kick off an informal series called Apartment Essentials to showcase my favorite budget finds for key pieces. (This is of course pertinent to college students as well!) First up: the living room sofa.
{Rita Konig in Decorate}
In many first apartments, the living room sofa serves many purposes: the place you cozy up with popcorn and a movie, the spot you read blogs and skype home, the alternative to the dining room table (which is inevitably covered with magazines and mail), and — let's face it — the guest bedroom for visitors both expected and impromptu. Therefore it's important that the living room sofa be comfortable, durable, and stylish. Here are a few of my favorite affordable options on the market right now.
Feel free to disagree with me here but I'm going to say that anything priced below $1,000 is a very reasonable price for a quality sofa. These are only a few hundred dollars more than your college futon but kill it in the style department. Most of these are available in multiple colors but I chose gray as a goes-with-everything neutral that's way more chic than beige.
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What do you think of this series? Any particular pieces you're looking for?
Graphic Image 2012 Planner Giveaway!
My friends at Graphic Image are graciously giving away one 2012 planner in the winner's chosen color and monogram! They kindly sent me a bright orange planner (that I wish I could start using immediately!) and it officially has my stamp of approval.
Look at all the pretty colors! The leather quality is to die for and there's plenty of space to write — a must for this compulsive list-maker!
To enter the giveaway, simply become a follower of Design Darling and leave a comment below. The winner will be announced on Friday morning. Good luck!
On The List
Three more tasks that made it onto the list of 101 things I'd like to accomplish in 1001 days...
5. Work for one of my dream companies.
12. Throw my first dinner party.
61. Try my hand at calligraphy.
What are some of the things you'd like to achieve in the next two or three years?
{image via Patterson Maker}
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