BOXWOODS

Lately I have become obsessed with potted boxwoods. I just added a pair on the front stoop of Melrose and a pair on either side of our outdoor fireplace - pictures to come - and I love how they turned out. They are easy to maintain, indoors and outdoors, and you can't go wrong with their classic look. I especially love them planted in a square pot to offset the rounded shape or topiary. Here are some of my favorite boxwoods that I have pinned.

SHOWER INVITATION: fiesta stock the bar

Hi all! Here is a recent wedding shower invitation I designed for a friend. It was a stock the bar fiesta style honoring the bride and groom. Very cute idea if you ask me! I used cream, linen paper with kraft envelopes and printed them myself. 

If you are interested in custom design, please feel free to contact me! 

BLACK & WHITE STRIPES

Right now I am majorly crushing on black and white stripes - especially in the outdoor scene. I am hoping to snag a few of Pottery Barn's outdoor pillows and cushions for Melrose. Don't these Pottery Barn styled images make you want to prop up your feet with a glass of wine? I love the classic beauty of black and white stripes. Timeless.

sunbrella outdoor cushion

sunbrella awning stripe pillow

sunbrella chaise cushion

Some more fabulous black and white outdoor decor -

sources via my pinterest board

Not only have I been eyeing this bold pattern outdoors, but indoors as well. If ya'll remember the inspiration board for my guest room, I am using black and white striped duvets as a focal point in the room. Here are some of my favorite applications of the traditional stripes indoors.

via my pinterest

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend! Melrose's backyard project is officially complete so I will try to share those pictures asap! 

MORE DIRTY DETAILS

So, not only have I been mesmerized by console sinks, but also by beautifully styled toilets and sinks. I know this seems so random, but I enjoy paying attention to the small details that most people over look. Like I mentioned, our guest bathroom is super tiny so I am trying to maximize counter space, but I can't help to think the sink and toilet look so empty without some sort of decor. It's as if they are screaming style me, please, I feel naked! Do you feel this same way? [If you don't please disregard this post - I know a lot of people aren't as OCD detail-oriented as me. I promise, no hurt feelings!]  Here is some inspiration that has been helping me accessorize both of Melrose's bathrooms.


I have been toying with the idea of installing a shelf above our sink in the guest bathroom for counter space, but right now I have a small soap dish mounted. The candy bowl filled with nail polishes is a fun, colorful idea - and fresh flowers always add a punch of color. 

Another shelf concept with fresh flowers and apothecary jars.

 I wish I had the room for a stool - here's an example of a styled tray for guests

And here is what I have been collecting items for in our master bathroom - some sort of tray filled with bubble baths, salts, perfume, scented soaps, and some personal touches.

Do you use your sink and/or toilet for accessories, or do you go for the minimalist look? 

METAL CONSOLE SINKS

I'm back from my vacay! I still wish I was there, but it's back to the real world for me. Well, the other weekend I followed through with painting my bathroom Benjamin Moore's Newburg Green. It really looks great and is still as bright as ever in the daytime. I am finishing up some last minute touches before I share before and after pictures, but accessorizing the bathroom really got my inspiration wheels turning. Since this bathroom is tiny and lacks any counter space, I have been researching optional shelving. I didn't find too many solutions besides the ordinary, but I have become fascinated with metal console sinks. What is your opinion on them? 


Yes, you do loose storage/cabinet space which may not be ideal for all bathrooms, but boy are they gorgeous! They give the impression of industrial style with the exposed pipes and metal legs, but chic and modern at the same time. Whether it is marble, tile, or a painted wall, these look beautiful in a clean white space. Check out these fabulous bathrooms below. 

This cute blogger has glamourous style and taste - check her home tour - you won't believe the before and afters! I was fascinated with her sources too - a perfect balance of spending your money on the big items that make the most impact and saving in other areas.

via white + gold

designed by Suzanne Kasler for Architectural Digest April 2012 via splendid sass

 a darker approach, but just as gorgeous

 via lonny mag

 what beautiful combinations of marble in here - do I spy three different styles?

Jenna Lyons' former bathroom via simply smitten

all other sources via my pinterest board

Are you sold? Would you give up your private storage under the sink to install one of these? 

IT'S MY BDAY!

Yelp, today is the day. The day in which I turn another year older. It has been a great Bday weekend so far - we had a delicious low country boil with sweet friends Saturday night in the new backyard, finally got some rain and a little relief from the heat, my precious nephew is doing much better (he's been in the hospital with an infection), and to top it off, we are headed to the beach with my BFF and her hubby after work tomorrow for the 4th and the rest of the week! Here's a recap of the weekend and my day so far ...

sneak peek of the patio at night ... the love seat is sans pillows in this picture

Brandon surprised me with some birthday balloons before our shrimp boil

A glimpse into our Saturday night - late night bocce ball, cocktails, and lots of girl talk!

birthday swag from the wonderful Abode Love

Hope you all have a great Independence Day and thanks for all the birthday wishes!