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Kitchen design: focus on color
We all agree a bright white kitchen is timeless and fresh, I’m the first one to jump on this wagon and then add small details to give warmth such as copper, brass or chrome accents… However, recently we have seen more and more colorful cabinets and/or tiles, even appliances; and yet, the results are often polished and edgy. But how to get it right? How to choose a colour that keeps the kitchen elegant yet trendy and that you will not bore you in a year? After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home, so better give it a lot of attention and character!
1/ The cabinetry
Personally, I prefer dark, rich hues for a polished look. However, pastel colours have also entered the kitchen and give this delicate and romantic feel to the space… Whatever your style, I would strongly advise against any colour that…
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Kitchen design: focus on color
We all agree a bright white kitchen is timeless and fresh, I’m the first one to jump on this wagon and then add small details to give warmth such as copper, brass or chrome accents… However, recently we have seen more and more colorful cabinets and/or tiles, even appliances; and yet, the results are often polished and edgy. But how to get it right? How to choose a colour that keeps the kitchen elegant yet trendy and that will not bore you in a year? After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home, so better give it a lot of attention and character!
1/ The cabinetry
Personally, I prefer dark, rich hues for a polished look. However, pastel colours have also entered the kitchen and give this delicate and romantic feel to the space… Whatever your style, I would strongly advise against any colour that look too bright, as it might look cheap, and you’ll probably be tired of it quickly. If bright colours are your thing, consider adding them as accents, like a shelf rather than going for all the cupboards. Alternatively, if you want to add colour but want to remain more “neutral”, you can always do bicolor cabinetry (shown pic 4) or just have the kitchen island done in your favorite shade. HOWEVER, if you want to go bold and add colorful cabinetry, you have to be mindful about the other parts of the kitchen. For a sophisticated, polished look, pick a more traditional and stylish countertop and backsplash; I personally favor marble-like countertop as it instantly looks more elegant and it is timeless, and I would even go for a matching backsplash; but some tiles for backsplashes work perfectly fine, as we can see in the first picture below. Another thing to pick carefully when having colourful cupboards, the handles, pulls and knobs, it is important to pick something that will complement the colour and for brass, copper and chrome will certainly do the trick; they work perfectly with deep hues, making them even more rich and they add elegance to pastels. If bright metallics are not your thing, then go for clear, crystal-like pulls, handles and knobs; it definitely completes a polished style.
To sum up:
- Choose deep, darker shades or pastels – Bright artificial colours are an absolute no no!
- Add a more traditional, neutral countertop and backsplash; marble-like ones are my pick for an elegant finish.
- Elevate the design with brass, chrome or copper accents, such as door knobs, pulls and handles and even faucets etc…
- For a more “neutral” look, consider having only the kitchen island or only the top or bottom cabinets in your favorite shade.
Mercury Mosaics
2/ Vibrant tiles
Incorporating colour through tiles is a great way to make a statement but in a more subtle way. I like patterns in tiles, so it gives this ethnic chic atmosphere in the kitchen, and adds colour without overwhelming the room.
You can also create a “rug effect” with colourful tiles:
3/ Appliances
If you want to add some fun to your kitchen, colorful appliances are definitely the way to go. The good thing is that it’s easy to replace when you’re tired of it, unlike changing the whole cabinetry… However, in my opinion, coloured appliances are fun and cute but if your goal is to add colour while remaining elegant and timeless, it is better to opt for more neutral coloured or dark shades appliances, as brighter colours sometimes (but not overtime, see pic.5 below), look a bit kitschy. Here are few pictures, I let you be the judge:
My Favorite Holiday Tablescape Ideas
I am sucker for the Holiday season ! It just gives me another excuse to add home decor and temporarily transform my house! It’s also a good excuse to explain my husband why I’m spending money on more and more decorations;) So whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, New Year or just like to decorate your home for the holiday season; here are some of my favorite inspirations to create tablescapes that will impress your guests! Not hosting any party? It’s a merry and fun season so nothing prevents you from adding holiday decorations on your dining table! But before I show you some of my findings, I just want to outline a few Don’ts, in my opinion!
The Dont’s of Entertaining:
- Plastic and paper everything: It really depends on how many people you are entertaining, I wouldn’t want any one to spend their holidays cleaning up BUT as much as you can, try and avoid plastic or paper cups, cutlery, plates, platters etc… The absolute no; and no matter how many people you have is NO PLASTIC TABLE CLOTH! Just put a nice fabric cloth, runner or some nice placemats, it will make the look of your tablescape instantly more polished! You can find very nice ones for every budget, so there is no excuse. Then if you have a big party and it is just easier to use plastic and paper (really weigh in whether it is necessary), then go for the ones that resembles the most porcelain, glass, crystal and silver (or brass). Too much color and/or patterns will make it look cheesy and cheap. You can also find very nice paper napkins matching your table decor; again, for a chic look, not too many colours and/or patterns.
- Cardboard centerpieces are an absolute no without discussion! No matter how fun they are, they are way too cheesy!
- Fresh flowers VS Faux flowers: Fresh flowers are always preferable! Having said that, they usually do not last (it would be nice to have something that last at least throughout the holiday season) and they are expensive. If you have the budget for it, then yes splurge into luscious flower decorations; (see below Kylie Jenner’s Thanksgiving table, it’s just a dream!) – If you have a tighter budget, either try to combine both fresh and faux , or just decorate with faux flowers and petals BUT look for good quality faux flowers; otherwise it looks faux and consequently it looks cheap!
- Avoid any banners and cheesy paper garlands
- Finally less is more, even when it comes to holiday decor. By this I mean, you can obviously add lights and gold and metallics and colour; it’s holiday decor after all! But be mindful and don’t mix too many different colours, use deep and rich colours or pastels as opposed to electric and artificial looking colour; do not use too many different patterns etc… For instance: You want a blue and gold decor, go for a rich deep teal or navy; same goes with green, go for a deep emerald/dark green rather than a forest green… You can also go for pastels, they can look very polished when mixed with metallics. You can also use different patterns as long as they are in the same colour palette. Basically, the authentic it looks the classier…
Now here are few inspirations for your holiday table decor:
Happy Holidays!
With Love,
Leslie
Boo! My tips to create a Halloween Chic decor
Source: Nordstrom
Personally, I love this time of the year; pumpkins and rich hues start flooding the street and the homes… It certainly is colder outside but somehow the home gets warmer and cosier! It is also a good time to spend times with kids and engage in fun and artsy indoor activities such as pumpkin carving and decorating, baking yummy treats etc… However, as much as I love Halloween and fall decor; I find it sometimes lacking glamour and always revolving around one colour: orange! But we can keep it chic and glamour while still entertaining and fun (and a tiny bit creepy) for the kids! I have gathered the best halloween chic decorations to inspire you to recreate the same “ambiance” at home; I know I will definitely use, mix and match, these inspirations to decorate my home this weekend – After all, Halloween is the best time to dare and be audacious, so don’t forget to keep your decor fun and spooky; happy Halloween!
1/ Skull home decor are dark and definitely a trendy Halloween decor
- Ralph Lauren has been creating skull themed items for a while and they are definitely a posh and rock n’ roll addition to your halloween decor – Bonus point: It is trendy all year long, so in a way, worth the price (or so I told my hubby).
Source: Ralph Lauren Home Collection
- Want to go the extra mile, add skull art
Source: Grandin Road
2/ Black lace and old books for a sexy and vintage decor
Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest
3/ “Bling Bling” and sparkly halloween!
- This one would be a great addition to any halloween decor, after all diamonds are a girl’s best friends!
Source: Pinterest
- Take your brooms and make them sparkle; you will be the glitter witch of your household!
Source: pinterest
4/ Light it up! I love candles and sparkly little lights to make a home feel cosy and entertaining – Here are few sweet and fun ideas:
- Pumpkin and gourd candle holders
Source: Harper’s Bazaar
- Lit backyard for a romantic and boho chic halloween
Source: Harper’s Bazaar
- Halloween village decorated jars
Source: Pinterest
- Mysterious and spooky lighting ideas
Source: pinterest
5/ Go bold and add gold:
- Time to get your spray paint on and turn those boring pumpkins into gold
Source: Pinterest
- Gold always adds glam and chic; don’t you think this front porch decor is brilliant? I leave in a Condo, so this decor really leaves me frustrated!
Source: Pinterest
- Love these mantels, so glamourous yet all the halloween elements are present (pumpkins, skulls, bats, spiders, boos…)
Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest
6/ Timeless with a black and white themed halloween decor
- Black and white pictures and candles
Source: Home and Decoration
- Spooky and vintage black and white decor
Source: Pinterest
- Romantic and flowery pumpkin
Source: Pretty My Party
- Boo!
Source: Pinterest
- Keeping halloween with the Kardashian – Leave it to Kourtney to create a spooky and sophisticated black and white halloween decor!
Source: Harper’s Bazaar
7/ All white for an ethereal, almost ghostly style
Source: Pinterest
Source: Harper’s Bazaar
Source: Sugar & Cloth
Source: Tone on Tone
8/ Keep it traditional with a touch of orange
- Who would have thought pumpkins could make such an entrance!
Source: Harper’s Bazaar
- Love this simple, yet chic idea of filling a lantern or a vase with fall elements
Source: Pinterest
- Just add colorful candies to your black and white decor
Source: Pinterest
- Mercurized glass always adds glam and vintage to your decor
Source: Pottery Barn
- Create a pumpkin tree
Source: Grandin Road
- Studded pumpkin – It is definitely a glamourous version of the traditional orange pumpkin
Source: Brit + Co
- This mantel is a halloween decor that will never go out of style 🙂
Source: Remodelaholic
Dark wooden floors VS Light wooden floors
Credit: Alexander James Interiors via Pinterest
Some will say dark floors are more sophisticated some will say that a lighter shade is more modern and fresh. However, there are pros and cons to both shades, and one should carefully think twice before choosing the colour of the floor; as it will not only determine the style but also the atmosphere. But as everything in art and design, your first factor should be one’s own taste.
. Dark wooden floors:
Credit: Architectural Digest
Pros:
– Less stainable. You will worry less about dark marks or colored food stains.
– Looks great in sun-filled rooms; it will reflect the sunlight.
– Looks more sophisticated, but you better opt for a satin finish to perfect the look.
– Timeless and versatile; it looks great in both a contemporary interior and a more classic one.
– Looks great in a large room, open floor plans and houses. – If your cabinets are of light/natural color, dark floors will stand out.
– Looks better if you have a dark or reddish shade of wooden furniture and/or cabinetry *
Source: cover.dk / Design : Tina Seidenfaden Busck
Cons:
– Darkens a room, so better to consider another option if you have poor exposure to natural sunlight.
– Also not too great in a small space as the space might appear smaller*.
– Dust and light food stain will be more obvious.
– Although it is less stainable than light hardwood floors, deeper damages such as scratches and dents will be more visible on dark wood.
– Consequently you might need to screen or rebuff and recoat more often than light wooden floors; as dark hardwoood floor tend to look “outdated”if they are not in good condition.
*If reddish-brown wooden furniture and/or cabinets, go for a darker shade of wooden floor; as it will not look so great if the floor matches.
*If you really prefer dark hardwood floors and have a small space, then make sure you go light with the colour of the walls and the furniture. And maybe add a light coloured rug to add brightness.
Credit: Katty Schiebeck via Pinterest
. Light hardwood floor:
Credit: Elle Decor
Pros:
– Works wonders in spaces with no natural light; it will make it look brighter.
– Will make a small space look larger; therefore it is perfect in a space with lots of small rooms or in apartments.
– Looks more contemporary but also looks looks great to perfect a vintage, rustic chic or French country style.
– Adds softness and complements well pastels colours for a shabby chic interior.
– Ages better than darker floors as scratches and dents are less visible on the light wood.
Source: noiretblancunstyle.blogspot.com/ Design: Double G
Cons:
– Although it ages better than darker wood floors, it does stain and dark marks will be more obvious.
– It can look “cheap”, if poor quality and colour.
– it does not look so great if you have reddish wood cabinets and furniture.
Worried about resale?
Again, everyone’s taste is different and I think that as a buyer you see what works best in the space. However, whether you choose to go dark or light; try to avoid red woods, as they tend to look outdated and are therefore harder to please; or you can tone it down by mixing different shades of brown… I usually advise to change the colour to either a very dark shade or grays, if you want to opt for dark wooden floors; or for a very light and natural shade of wood if you opt for light floors. Personally, I have a crush on natural coloured wooden floors with white stains for a French country chic and authentic style.
Source: homebunch.com via pinterest
La vie en rose quartz
Source: Homedit.com
One of the biggest design trends this year, is blush pink or pantone colour of the year, rose quartz. Although difficult to use to decorate a bachelor pad, it is definitely applicable in a family home or a new couple’s nest. It is obviously perfect in a baby girl’s nursery, or even a girlie girl teen room; spaces where you can allow yourself to be bold with this beautiful and tender colour. This trend has been so successful that it took all spaces by storm, we even saw it in the bathroom and the kitchen. I have selected for you my favorite rose quartz spaces and decor, whether you choose to be daring or subtle. And if the men of your home are really not big fans, you can always add a touch of this beautiful colour with flowers here and there.
Just because I am obsessed with doors…
Source: thefrenchtangerine.com
La cuisine* en rose quartz
The kitchen is becoming as stylish as any other rooms, and the traditional kitchen colours (wood, silver, chrome, grey, white… ) do not have the monopole anymore. We see more and more non traditional colours in the kitchen and rose quartz is definitely one of them. Whether you choose to have pink cabinets or just a colourful rug, it is definitely refreshing! My only advice: just keep in mind that it should not look like your daughter’s mini kitchen; so first make sure you do pick rose quartz or blush and not a brighter shade of pink and even if you want to be bold, tone it done with more neutral colours and even with metallics.
Pink cabinets with a black countertop and copper hardware – Source: Superfront.com
Just a touch of rose with object of decor for a glamour and subtle touch – Source: laurenconrad.com via Pinterest
Source: Bluestar appliance
Pink and white cabinets with dark grey countertop. source: thekitchn.com
Rose quartz ceiling and rose gold lamps for a glamour and polished look – Source: luxe.com
Dark grey and rose quartz rug for a subtle yet refreshing touch – Source: akstudioblog.com
Pink dishwasher in a very modern kitchen and wood cabinets by Smeg UK – Source: Smeguk.com
La salle de bain* en rose quartz
The bathroom has often been a space where you can be bolder as it is a more intimate space. You might also have a girl only bathroom, where you can have pink walls and pink curtains; however if you have one bathroom for the whole family, it can be trickier to use rose quartz, so subtlety is definitely key.
Pink walls with other pastel colours for a springy and sugary feel all year long! It remains chic and “adult” thanks to the mouldings, the beautiful fireplace and the vintage-style tub and bathtub faucet. Source: House & Garden.co.uk
Shiny Pink tiles for a glamourous room -Source: Decor Salteado via Pinterest.
It’s all about accents; rugs, flowers, towels; for a subtle yet trendy use of rose quartz – Source: Domino.com/ Credit: Alyssa Rosenheck
Girl’s bathroom by Restoration Hardware.
Just a subtle touch of blush with flowers and pink bath salt in a see through container. Source: TheSimplyluxuriouslife.com via pinterest.
La salle a manger* en rose quartz
As always, metallics compliment perfectly pink and makes it look more polished and even more glamourous; you can add a beautiful copper chandelier above the table or brass details and finishes on blush pink dining chairs etc… If you love the trend but would like a less permanent and visible decor, you can always go for tabletop decor with blush and metallic accents; and why not create yummy light pink cocktails for those endless summer dinners.
Source: Pinterest
Source: ByKoket.com
Source: Domino.com via Pinterest
Dining room design: Suzanne Kasler via jenniferschoenbergerdesign.com
Stay Chairs by Nika Zupanc for Sé Collection
Blush and copper tablescape – Source: friedatheres.com via Pinterest.
Le salon en rose quartz
In the family room, rose quartz blends in very well with neutral colours and greys; and as mentioned before metallics are a perfect match. It adds softness to modern and scandinavian style furniture; glamour to more traditional interiors and chic to a more bohemian style home.
Grey + brass details + rose quartz – Source: Living After Midnight Blog
Rose quartz + Lavender – Source: decoholic.org
Source: decoholic.org
Source: elledecor.com
Source: Living After Midnight Blog
Source: www.brabbu.com
Source: http://cover.dk/
Source: Living After Midnight Blog
Source: thegreeneyedgirl.co.uk via Pinterest
Source: eijerkamp.nl
La chambre* en rose quartz
It is the obvious colour for a girl’s room but not so much for a couple’s bedroom. However, I found some beautiful bedrooms that have rose quartz accents and that can definitely please your partner… If you are a single girl and love this trend, then dare to be bold because it will not be as easy to do it once you’ve found your better half!
Teen Girl Bedroom by Restoration Hardware
Source: http://www.adairs.com.au
Source: findingshibusa.com via Pinterest
Copper, white and blush bedroom for fresh and springy feel – Source: Bloglovin.com via Pinterest
Source: theprettyblog.com via Pinterest
Girl’s room with a delicate pink bed frame and lamp shades by Restoration Hardware Baby & Child
Girl’s bedroom with blush pink beddding by Restoration Hardware Baby & Child
Pretty in blush pink baby girl nursery for a delicate and soothing space – Source: mydomaine.com
Source: The French Bedroom Company, UK
Chic and subtle mix of blush, greys and lavender – Source:Hotel Royal Monceau, Paris.
Charcoal, blush and copper for delicate yet not too girly couple’s bedroom – Source: Bloglovin.com via Pinterest
Le bureau* en rose quartz
Even the office is not spared. If you want to make your home office space more glam and girly; and therefore more inviting, add a touch of blush. Why not also try adding a pillow or just blush pink flowers to your desk at work.
Source: Bloglovin.com via Pinterest
Source: bloglovin.com via Pinterest
Source: Amie Corley Design via amiecorley.com on Pinterest.
Source: Ikea.com
*The Kitchen; *The Bathroom; *The Dining Room; * The Living Room; *The Bedroom; *The Office
A Pineapple a day keeps the worries away
Credit: themidwestbride.com via Pinterest
One of the most delightful and fun trends of the season is to bring home the tropics by decorating with pineapples. There are pineapples decorative accents in every shape and sizes, so you can choose to be bold and have pineapple wall or add just a touch of fantasy with cute salt & pepper shakers. Whatever your style, this beautiful fruit will definitely put your brain in a summery mood. Here are my top picks to decorate with pineapples. Spoiler alert: there is a lot of gold in my selection!
Golden pineapple print – Source: Westwing.fr
Pineapple candle – Source: stylishpetite.com via Pinterest
All black pineapple lamp – Source: westwing.fr
Pineapple pots – Source: westwing.fr
Pineapple table lamp – Source: Urbanoutfitters.com
Golden pineapple on black and white stripes print – Source: westwing.fr
Pineapple vases and and table decor – Source: pizzazzerie.com via Pinterest
Golden pineapple decals (comes in 32 colours) – Source: Etsy.com via buzzfeed.com
Pineapple shower curtain – Source: junique.de
Pineapple salt & pepper shakers- Source: worldmarket.com
Golden pineapples pillow – Source: chicfetti.com
Vintage pineapple glasses – Source: theneotrad.com
Vintage pineapple sconce – Source: Ballard Designs
Golden pineapple lamp (other colours available) – Source: Target.com
Pineapple tumbler – Source: kellygolightly.com via Pinterest
Pineapple night lights in soft pastel colours – Source: alittlelovelycompany.nl
Bohemian chic, when the runway takes over your home
Coachella and other festivals had big impacts on fashion designer and inspired a lot of collections lately! So much so that it is taking over interiors and outdoors… Bohemian style is all about plants, flowers, colors, patterns and texture; to keep it chic and glamorous, the best is to not overdo it. If not carefully selected and mixed, bohemian can look messy and overwhelming. Bohemian, is also a lifestyle, a relaxed, low-key way of living; therefore, the way the furniture and accents are displayed plays an important role in the styling of your boho chic space. Hope the images below will inspire you and help you create a bohemian and chic home.
Credit: James Ramsey and Jennifer Blumin via mydomaine.com
Credit: Feng Shui Interiors via Harper’s Bazaar
Credit: Brit+Co
Credit: Ball & Albanese / Lonny Magazine
Credit: thefoxandshe.com/bohemian-home-decor/
Credit: thefoxandshe.com/bohemian-home-decor/
Credit: El Ramla Hamra
Credit: Amber Interiors via mydomaine.com
Credit: kitchenwalls.nl via Pintere
Credit: lemme-holla-at-you via Pinterest
Credit: Elle Decor
Credit: Style Estate via Pinterest
Credit: Thedesignfiles.net
Credit: Architectural Digest
Credit: Architectural Digest
Credit: Martin Lawrence Bullard design via Pinterest
Credit: thedecorist.com / Jamie Chung Home designed by Ashley Redmond
Credit: mydomaine.com / Jessica Alba Home designed by Mat Sanders
Credit: Static1.squarespace.com via Pinterest
Credit: Sarah Sherman Samuel via Pinterest
Credit: mydomaine.com / Jessica Alba Home designed by Mat Sanders
Credit: Amber Interiors via mydomaine.com
Credit: mydomaine.com via Pinterest
Credit: stylemepretty.com
Credit: Brit+Co via Pinterest
20 stunning pool area inspirations
Summer is fast approaching, so it is about time to revamp your outdoors and here are some inspirations to get the most enviable pool of the neighborhood. Everything goes with nature, so think outside the box and play with colours, patterns, shapes, art, flowers and plants to create your perfect retreat.
1/ Asian inspired : Artsy, uncluttered and modern white furniture for a zen pool
Credit: Ando Studio.
2/ Create your life-size aquarium with an above-ground pool!
3/ Colorful accents and hanging chairs for a bohemian chic style
Credit: Style Estate via Pinterest.
4/ Curtains, wooden furniture and a fireplace make for timeless and elegant pool area
Credit: Style Estate via Pinterest
5/ Copper and brass lanterns, patterned tiles, mosaics and luscious plants for an oriental oasis
Credit: Priceypads.com via Pinterest.
6/ Build a partly elevated pool floor to add furniture in the pool and create a surrealist landscape
Credit: Delano Hotel, South Beach via kiwi collection.com.
7/ Rocks, cascade, plants and a fire pit to create a cosy, countryside, retreat
Credit: styleesteate.com.
8/ Cypresses, stone wall, and Mediterranean jars for a Tuscan look
Credit: stylestate.com.
9/ Play with lighting – There are so many outdoor lighting options and it has the power to transform your “meh” outdoor into a glamorous one.
Credit: Anthony Exter via Pinterest.
10/ Create your Meditteranean retreat with orange trees, and greek-temple style pool house
Credit: Style Estate via Pinterest.
11/Black and white stripes for an unexpected chic and timeless outdoor
Credit: CB2.
12/ Red is the new standard to add color to contemporary outdoors
Credit: Taiwana Hotel, St Barts.
13/ Colourful patterns, curtains and chic lighting for sophisticated and glamour outdoor
Credit: Traditional Home.
14/ Decorate with balls in the pool and outside
Credit: House Beautiful / Design: Jay Griffith.
15/ White airy curtains and light wood for an ethereal feel
Credit: House Beautiful/ Design: Bill Brockschmidt and Courtney Coleman.
16/ A perfectly landscaped garden and touches of yellow for a Palm Beach style outdoor
Credit: House Beautiful/ Design: Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller
17/ Make it a fun pool with a statement pool float and colorful floating accents
Credit: Lovely Indeed via Pinterest.
18/ Shades of blue to reflect the pool and the sky, what more natural?
Credit: House Beautiful/ Design: Kim Coleman and Michele Green.
19/ Casually placed outdoor pillows on the floor for a cosy and laid-back style
Credit: House Beautiful/ Design: Markham Roberts.
20/ Try and mix orange accents with the blue waters of the pool and you’ll discover a true match!
Credit: JANUS et Cie.
La Maison by Elle 
