Be Inspired - 200th Post!

I wanted to take this post to thank you for your support of this blog. I love sharing with my readers. Please look forward to more posts to inspire, cause you to rethink the look of things, obsess over paper, translate fashion to home, share recipes and entertaining tips, and live life simply yet beautifully.

Thank you!

Speaking of Walls No. 4 - Grasscloth

I love the texture and warmth grasscloth wallpaper offers to a room. Whether used on an accent wall, the backs of built-in bookcases, or an entire room - grasscloth wallpaper is a classic and elegant finish.

Grasscloth wallpaper is made from natural grasses and fibers usually grown in Asia and the Caribbean and assembled by hand, making it more costly than other wallpapers. Because these grasses and fibers are abundant, sustainable and renewable, grasscloth is an environmentally friendly option for walls. The fibers are handwoven and backed with paper or fabric.


The process begins with the harvesting of the natural fibers. Many of these grow along wetland areas, streams and mountainous regions. The fibers are isolated from leaves, sometimes fermented and individually chosen for their natural beauty. They are woven together alone or in combination with other grasses and fibers, producing hundreds of different styles.

This look is very transitional. It can be used in a very traditional setting as well as a modern or urban room setting.

Consider adding this texture to a ceiling. It works well with beamed or coffered ceiling treatments.

Here are some of my favorite grasscloth wallpapers:

Ralph Lauren Gilded Weave Bronze

Ralph Lauren Hudson Chevron Check

Phillip Jeffries Extra Fine Arrowroot

I highly recommend you hire a highly experienced installer to hang your grasscloth wallpaper.

Sources: EHow, Beauty & Grace, Suzanne Kasler, Decor Pad, Elle Decor, Ralph Lauren, Phillip Jeffries, Sherill Canet, Traditional Home

Welcome Home No. 3 - The Foyer

A welcome often begins at the opening of our front door into our home. No matter the size of the space it defines us. So don't forget to come in your front door once in awhile to make sure your entry is saying what you'd like it to say to your guests.

Image Sources: Elle Decor, Veranda, House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, Jill Goldberg

Be Inspired No. 26 - Go Red for Women

I recently had the privilege of selecting outfits and dressing models for a local Go Red for Women fashion show. I am inspired by the way the models, all heart disease survivors, embrace life.


Go Red For Women encourages awareness of the issue of women and heart disease, and also action to save more lives. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power women have to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them the tools they need to lead a heart healthy life.

In 2010, the American Heart Association set a strategic goal of reducing death and disability from cardiovascular disease and strokes by 20% while improving the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% by the year 2020. For more information visit www.goredforwomen.org

The fashions featured shades of red and ranged from vibrant interpretations to subtle touches of the color.  This was an easy transition for me as dressing a model with her outfit and just right accessories is no different then "dressing" a room.

So if you find yourself getting stuck with design of a room - approach it like you would an outfit for a special occasion. After all, the room has an occasion whether it is for dining with friends, enjoying a favorite movie with the family, or our quiet getaway at home. Once the room's purpose is defined - then comes the palette, the necessary furnishings to accomplish the purpose, and then the finishing touches of the accessories.

Image Source:  goredforwomen.org

Translation Fashion to Home No. 8 - Spring 2012 Runway

The Spring 2012 runway was filled with a palette of pastel. Here's my translation of this trend for your home.

Image Sources: Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, Decor Pad, Veranda, Horchow

RSVP Collection No. 30 - Chocolate Cake for Your Valentine

• 
  
• 
  
• Chocolate Cake
• 
  
• 1/2 (4-ounce) semi sweet chocolate baking bar, chopped
• 1/2 (4-ounce) bittersweet chocolate baking bar, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter, softened 
• 2 cups firmly packed Light Brown Sugar
• 3 large eggs 
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups cake flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• • 2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • Coffee Liqueur Ganache Icing
  • Mocha-Chocolate Cream Filling
• 
  
  1. 1. Coat 3 (8-inch) round cake pans with cooking spray. Line bottoms of pans with wax paper; grease wax paper with shortening, and set aside.
  2. 2. Melt chocolates in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
  3. 3. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until yellow disappears after each addition. Stir in melted chocolate and vanilla.
  4. 4. Sift together cake flour and next 3 ingredients; add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended. Stir in 1 cup boiling water. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
  5. 5. Bake at 350° for 28 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in racks.
  6. 6. Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread top with 4 tablespoons Coffee Liqueur Ganache Icing. Spread half of Mocha-Chocolate Cream Filling evenly over ganache on cake layer. Top with second cake layer; spread top with 4 tablespoons Coffee Liqueur Ganache Icing and remaining Mocha-Chocolate Cream Filling. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread remaining Coffee Liqueur Ganache Icing on top and sides of cake. Garnish, if desired.
  
  
• Source: Southern Living, January 2006

Welcome Home No. 2 - The Mudroom

There is a saying that back door friends are the best kind. The welcome to your home, whether your friends enter your home through the front door or back door, should be a warm one. So I'm loving the designation of a mudroom in today's home. It doesn't have to take up a lot of space if organization is given the keenest of attention when planning this space.

Take a look at these well-equipped mudrooms.

Image Sources: Veranda, Build Direct, Ballard Design, Pottery Barn