Fashionable Fall: Ethnic Pattern

The weather is finally changing! More so in other parts of the country but we are slowly cooling off in Dallas.  With that comes the opportunity to spice up your wardrobe with some new fall trends.  You don't have to look hard through a magazine or out shopping to see that, as usual, home and fashion trends are falling in line with each other. 

Fashion Inspiration: Ethnic Pattern

One of my favorite trends is ethnic patterns.  So, when you grab your new patterned cardigan to spice up your wardrobe, grab some of these fun home accessories too!

Home Accessory

Fun letterpress coasters are an easy way to add a cozy sweater vibe. Shop on Etsy for these guys.

Nothing says "Winter" like stock piled fire wood in a chic container....Whether you actually burn said fire wood is totally up to you.... West Elm

Fab 5 on Five: Faux Doe

Everyone has favorites.  The "go to" places or things that are always the right fit for their sensibilities.  Designers are no different!  If asked, they have a list of favorites for any category in design, whether it's their favorite show stopping sofas or their most coveted accessories. 

Below is another installment of a monthly "Fab 5 on Five", a compilation of my favorite things on the fifth of each month.   In honor of the opening day of hunting season, this month it's faux animal heads.  No rifle required. 

Faux Doe Installment:

 One: Cozy sweater deer by Artist Rachel Denny

Two: Ok, this isn't a deer, but I found it during shark week.

Three: Glass illuminated "trophy"

Number Four: Wire coat hanger from Gretel Home



Number Five: Cardboard cut outs from Cardbard Safari



Impulse Accessorizing III

Most of the time there isn't enough money in the budget for a complete overhaul of a home or room and most of the time people would like a little something new to keep their spaces fresh and evolving.  A few new accessories on a console, mantle or side table can breath new life into a room without being cost prohibitive.

From time to time I come across a piece that I would categorize as an "impulse accessory."  It has to be under $100 dollars (so it doesn't require any major savings or a family discussion) but also it needs just enough style to make an impact.

Third Installment: Retro Tray

This would be great for a funky kitchen on a display shelf or in the family room on an ottoman/coffee table.  These are available in a few different colors and shapes, but I think the sunshiny yellow is happy and lends to the retro feel. Gretel Home has these priced $43.00 plus tax... at that price you could get more than one!

Fab Five on 5: Grey Paint

Everyone has favorites.  The "go to" places or things that are always the right fit for their sensibilities.  Designers are no different!  If asked, they have a list of favorites for any category in design, whether it's their favorite show stopping sofas or their most coveted accessories. 

Below is another installment of my monthly "Fab 5 on Five", a compilation of my favorite things on the fifth of each month.   Painting rooms with grey is really current, but if you get the wrong shade you can end up with a color that appears anywhere from baby blue to baby poo.

Grey Paints: Solved.

1) Silver tone that you can actually see: SW 0055 Light French Grey

2)Warm grey that doesn't go pink: Sherwin Williams SW6017 Popular Grey

3) Cool grey that doesn't go blue: SW 7649 Silver Plate

 

4) Light grey that is inviting and barely there: SW 7671 On The Rocks

5) Darker grey that is great for accenting: SW 7650 Ellie Gray 

Get Your Thrift On

The idea of a safe and cozy home is something that most of us count among the blessings of our life.  While it may not be totally "finished" (with all of the fancy details we could hope for), we are lucky to have a personal space that can perk us up and welcome us home each day.  That is precisely why Lisa Robison founded "Dwell with Dignity" in 2009! Along with co-founder Kim Turner, they decided to pursue their mission of helping families escape poverty and homelessness through design. One household at a time.

Sounds like something you can really get behind, huh? Here's the best part: you can support the cause in a fun and fabulous way!  Every quarter Dwell with Dignity is opening a "Pop Up Thrift Store," and the first grand opening is this Saturday, October 1st!  Want to feel extra posh?  Come tonight for a sneak peak party. All you have to do is donate $25 for the entry fee.  Need to spice up your space?  Come shop until Oct 29th and if you want some EXTRA fun, be sure to stop by on Saturday October 15 from 1-5.  That's when this fancy designer will be volunteering at the store.

Dwell "Thrift" Studio is located at: 1616 Hi Line Dallas Design District Dallas, TX  75207. Open Saturday October 1-Saturday October 29; M-F 10am-5pm

Check out the website for other great ways to get involved http://dwellwithdignity.org/

Got a Light?

Save your clunky Maglight for the campsite and upgrade your exterior experience to include sleek and modern lamps.  Wireless fixtures from Live. Anywhere designer Linda Allen add the warm finishing touch to any exterior living space that only a lamp can produce.  Once charged these table and floor lamps can last on low for about 140 hours!  On second thought, since they are available in chic colors like Khaki, Ivory and Mink with weather proof shades,  I see no need for the mag-light; take these camping too!

For more information, ask you Interior Designer to contact  David Sutherland Showroom.

Fab 5 on Five : Exterior Spaces

Everyone has favorites.  The "go to" places or things that are always the right fit for their sensibilities.  Designers are no different!  If asked, they have a list of favorites for any category in design, whether it's their favorite show stopping sofas or their most coveted accessories. 

Below is my second installment of a monthly "Fab 5 on Five", a compilation of my favorite things on the fifth of each month.   This month it's exterior spaces because the weather is cooling down so it's time to be outside. 

Second Installment: Exterior Spaces

What is great about this setting is that it won't break the bank to achieve!  Inviting and classic butterfly chairs urge you to gather 'round the fire with friends! 

This space is romantic with the worn wooden doors, low rock wall, and the curved glass structure.  I imagine a starlit dinner party or a beautiful brunch. Either way you cut it; I want this in my backyard!

Everything about this sings relaxing after an awesome day outdoors.  I love the idea of an outdoor shower and this particular shower can be closed for year-round use.

Advances in exterior products make this scene completely doable without constantly taking furniture inside and out.  Frames could be fabricated from powder coated metal or teak and upholstered in a beautiful exterior fabric. 

Even an image without man-made things like furniture or lighting can still be really inspiring!  A manicured drive like this one is great in a neighborhood or for a private entry.