Color Palette No. 4 - Black and White

Nothing says classic like a black and white color palette in home design. It is stunning. Just like the classic black and white outfit or the keys of a piano, this color palette is so versatile and polished. And it loves being accessorized. Because, after all...

Accessories are not an option, dear.
Willow Bee Inspired Philosophy No. 2

Here are some tried and true black and white paint colors.

Benjamin Moore 2132-10 Black

Benjamin Moore White Dove

Sherwin Williams SW7005 Pure White

Sherwin Williams - Tricorn Black

Adding wood finishes such as mahogany, rustic browns, and honey maple to this color palette is perfection! So don't save the drama for your mama - add it to your home with a black and white palette!


Image Sources: Elle Decor, Traditional Home, Veranda, Architectural Digest, Barbara Barry, Charlotte Moss, Decor Pad

Rethinking the Look of Things No. 8 - Pillow Talk

Rethink the look of your rooms by simply updating or adding throw pillows. The look of your sofa can change dramatically just by changing out the throw pillows. And an accent chair can be perked up by adding a colorful throw pillow.

 Adding a selection of sophisticated neutral pillows with beautiful design and stitching is quite elegant.

Or mixing a coordinated collection of pillows with design and texture can add punch to any room.

Animal print pillows are a staple in any decor!



Be creative, have a bit of fun, and think whimsy when updating your throw pillows! And here is some pillow etiquette:

If you "karate chop" your pillows please be gentle. No "bunny ears" allowed!
Willow Bee Inspired Philosophy No. 4

Image Sources: Ballard Designs, Global Views, Horchow, Palecek, Pottery Barn, Ralph Lauren, Lvimade, Thomas Paul, New Victorian Ruralist, Dwell Studio

Gotta Love No. 6 - Shooting Stars

Gotta love shooting stars! One of the best meteor showers, the Perseids, happens in August. Peak time is the middle of August when you are likely to see the largest meteors per hour. So mark your calendars for August 13 and get your wishes ready!

Wishing upon a shooting star, legend says, makes the wish come true. It is said that this legend originated in Europe, when Greek astronomer, Ptolemy wrote that the Gods sometimes, out of curiosity, even boredom, look down at Earth from between the spheres, and stars sometimes slip out of this gap. Thus becoming visible as shooting stars. And since the Gods are already looking at us during this time, they are more receptive to making a wish come true.

Actually, according to NASA, a "falling star" or a "shooting star" has nothing at all to do with a star! These amazing streaks of light you can sometimes see in the night sky are caused by tiny bits of dust and rock called meteoroids falling into the Earth's atmosphere and burning up.

At certain times of year, you are likely to see a great number of meteors in the night sky. These events are called meteor showers and they occur when the Earth passes through the trail of debris left by a comet as it orbits the Sun.

So grab those blankets, a good bottle of wine, the Willow Bee Inspired Mix No. 2 playlist for music, bug repellent, and your pockets full of wishes and enjoy the night sky at its best. And remember the moment you look away, a shooting star will appear, so keep your eyes looking upward.

HERE'S YOUR PLAYLIST FOR STARGAZING - Go to http://www.itunes.com/  and download Willow Bee Inspired Mix No. 2 - Stargazing.


Sources: NASA, Wikipedia, Tumbler

Be Inspired No. 10 - Upholstered Beds

Be inspired to update the look of your bedroom by replacing a dated or tired wooden headboard with an upholstered bed. Adding fabric to the bedroom in this manner adds softness to the room that you will enjoy for many years.

A couple rules to keeping it fresh:

*Make sure you select a neutral solid fabric or leather that will allow for changes to the room's decor. However, if you use hotel collection style solid bed treatments feel free to be a bit more adventurous with the fabric selection.

*Be certain to select a style and shape that are not too trendy.

*Don't be afraid to add nailhead trim. It is the jewelry that will complete this statement piece.

Image Sources:  Decor Pad, Henredon, Eric Cohler, Magnussen, Dwell Studio

RSVP Collection No. 14 - Hot Crab Dip

Stone Harbor Crab Dip

1 c. finely chopped scallions

1/2 c. butter

2 c. light cream

1/2 c. finely chopped parsley

2 T. flour

Salt to taste

1 T. dry sherry

3-4 c. shredded Swiss cheese

garlic salt to taste

1 lb. crab meat

hot pepper sauce to taste

Melt butter in saute pan. When hot add green onion and parsley. Cook until onion is soft but not brown. Add flour and stir. Cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Lower heat. Add cream, cheese and seasonings. Stir to melt cheese. Cook until thickened. Add crab, sherry and hot pepper sauce. Allow to simmer about 20 minutes. Serve hot or at room temp. with chunks of french bread or Melba rounds.



(Here's a tip for using any leftover dip the next day - it is spectacular mixed in scrambled eggs for breakfast!)



Gotta Love No. 5 - Nouvelle Vague - "Dance with Me"

Gotta love the fact that only the French can get away with getting up in the middle of a cafe and dancing. This song is featured on the Willow Bee Inspired Mix No. 1 available for download from ITunes.

Translation Fashion to Home No. 2 - Gray and Cognac

This image for a Spurr menswear collection led to this translation from fashion to home. I'm loving the gray and cognac color combination with a splash of clarifying white.



Image Sources: Spurr, Bradly Hughs, Elle Decor, Decor Pad, Jeffrey Bilhuber