Home Decor Archives - Page 2 of 3

March 8, 2015

Navigating New Covent Garden Market

I’m always looking for new places to go buy flowers. New Covent Garden Market is certainly not a new phenomenon — a majority of the hotels, restaurants and other major establishments throughout London have shopped this market for all their floral needs for over 40 years. However, it was new to me!

I went one Friday morning to gather flowers before the weekend, and had a wonderful time traipsing around this giant warehouse. It’s a wholesale market, meaning prices are much less than what we’re used to in grocery stores and florist shops. It’s extra energy, but for special weekends or events, it’s totally worth it. Based on my experience at the market, here are my top tips for successfully navigating your way through most any floral wholesale scenario:

1. Go early. The flower market is open from 4am-10am, but really it starts to sell out in just a few hours. Arriving by 8am means most vendors will still be stocked, and you’ll have missed the very early rush. Also be sure to have the right entrance {there are two}. I first went to the fruit and vegetable market, which was about a 10 minute walk from the flower market — oops!

2. Lists! I use lists for everything {to do list addict right here — it’s just so satisfying to cross something off}. Before going, it was super helpful for me to list out what I wanted to find. I got so caught up in the myriad of options that I would have been a little lost if I hadn’t had one.

3. Bring large reusable bags. From the long-stemmed roses to the table decor options, it’s easy to start accumulating goodies that’s too much for two arms. I recommend a heavy canvas bag like LL Bean’s, which protects against any holes that could come from stems poking through plastic.

4. Talk with the vendors. They’ll show the difference between varieties and can help pick the perfect green accompaniment to that pink ranunculus or add texture to that all-green arrangement. They’ll also help out with length, prices {of course} and wrapping the goods!

5. Have both cash and cards. Most of the vendors take credit cards, but for small items that come in under £3-4 total {I picked up 12 seashells to use as place cards this summer that were 30p each}, they ask you to just pay in cash. It makes it easier for everyone.

6. Plan a suitable exit strategy. There are multiple public transit lines that run close to the market, though it is a bit of a walk and with heavy bags of flowers and vases, it can be a daunting task (which I did, and had very sore arms from carrying several dozen roses!). In the future if I’m getting a lot of flowers, I might consider Uber for the pickup {since we don’t have a car here in London}. If you can drive there, all the better.

It was early but so worth it! Like a kid in a candy shop with all my bounty — so excited to get home to decorate.

March 5, 2015

Wedding Registry Glassware

When it comes to wedding planning, there’s so much that goes into every little detail. A special part of that planning is looking at your registry, as most guests these days still want to give a gift to the happy couple. It’s important to decide on home goods that reflects your collective style — my vote is to err on the more traditional side so beautiful gifts don’t go out of style for you in 10 years. {Of course for registries there are a multitude of unique ideas like fulfilling honeymoon activities via Honeyfund and charitable donations like the I Do Foundation, so today’s couples don’t have to go the traditional route.}

With wedding season around the corner, I’ll be taking a look at ideas for building your registry with what you need for entertaining today. Ever the fan of champagne, wine, cocktails, you name it… I’m starting off the series with a roundup of glassware to have in your home. I recommend having 12 of everything so you’re not hunting down additional glassware when you have a dinner party {Mom, I’ve been listening to you all these years!}, and sticking with a global brand that’s widely available like Waterford and Riedel. {You never know, you may find yourself in another country just like me!} That way if one breaks, you won’t have to be hunting a particular style down in a store that stopped carrying the line three years ago.

From left to right:

1. Fancy Wine Glasses – It’s really quite exciting to have special glasses you bring out for celebratory events. Whatever fancy looks like to you, invest in them. I grew up with these exact glasses in my parents’ home and have so many fond memories using them around the table. When we got married it was a great way to honor my family’s traditions and build new ones of our own. {Waterford Lismore Clarets}

2. Fancy Champagne Flutes – You’ll have many, many wonderful celebrations in the years to come. A great idea is using two of the flutes at your wedding for toasts. {Waterford Lismore Champagne Flutes}

3. Fancy Water Glasses – I recommend having a set of complementary water, wine and champagne glasses. Most likely you’ll have at least water and wine glasses out when hosting, so it makes sense to have stemware that looks nice together. It doesn’t have to be all the same brand, but I like the easy uniformity of the pattern. {Waterford Lismore Goblets}

4. Everyday Red Wine Glasses – I must admit, I love holding a big wine glass with a long stem in my hands. It feels glamorous and so adult. We really like wine, so wanted to have two different sized wine glasses {see #6 below}. If you’re not as into wine and short on space, you can definitely choose just one size wine glass. {Crate & Barrel Oregon Red Wine Glasses}

5. Tumblers – My husband adores whisky, so this was definitely happening. I must admit, he uses them often, and they’re also the perfect size for pouring juice to accompany brunch or cocktails in the evening. Stock up! {LSA International Tumblers}

6. Everyday White Wine Glasses – These go with everything. You can also use them as fancy water glasses instead, or another punch drink when hosting a cocktail party. {Riedel White Wine Glasses}

7. Everyday Champagne Flutes – Okay, I know there really isn’t such a thing, and if you’re toasting with champs every day then you are a lucky girl! Crystal can be a little overwhelming though, so I wanted us to have flutes that we could have out at any type of event. {Crate & Barrel Camille Champagne Glass}

8. Everyday Water / High Ball Glasses – A no brainer. We need water glasses that are pretty, effective and dishwasher safe. Plus, they double for mojitos (!) and beer for my husband. {Schott Zwiesel Long Drink Glasses}

As wedding guests, my husband and I love giving glassware. You know the couple will use it and it reflects an “activity” we both love {#socialbutterflies}. It’s also perfect to give the amount that fits your budget. Just remember to fulfill the registry early! The bride and groom will be appreciative as it may alleviate some thank you note duties following the wedding, and you won’t have to stress about what gift to give the newlyweds.

March 4, 2015

Shopbop Sale Faves

The Big Event Shopbop sale is here offering up to 25% off, and I’m eyeing a few key pieces for our upcoming trips {hello Italy and Thailand!}. Moreover, it’s a great time to get a discount on vases, coffee table books and other smalls for the home. Code word: BigEvent15 at checkout now through Sunday.

Jonathan Adler {I sense a theme here!}

March 3, 2015

March Flowers

It’s a new month, and spring is finally just around the corner. It marks the start of many fun travel plans ahead, and flower growing season returns! I’m beyond excited to start seeing new buds and an abundance of blooms in the corner markets. I also have a few hosting duties coming up this month (!!), so I’ve gathered a few images from around the web of beautiful flowers you can find easily in the coming weeks. Tablescape photos to come with a variety of these seasonal blooms — and happy March, everyone!

Images: 1. Narcissus {The Martha Blog} 2. Viburnum {Southern Living} 3. Tulips {Decoist} 4. Iris {HGTV} 5. Delphinium {The Knot}

March 1, 2015

Interior Inspiration: House of Cards

Like the rest of the world, my man and I basically declared it an international holiday on Friday when the Underwoods returned for the third season on Netflix {thank goodness they released it in the UK at the same time as the States — just, yes.}.

Besides geeking out over the new pieces added to Claire’s elegantly-styled minimalist wardrobe — I want every stitch of clothing in my closet like yesterday — I’ve been loving the updated traditional style in their current residence. The light kitchen with its white subway tiles and pendant lights above the island, gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows in the sitting room between the his and hers bedrooms, and the large chandeliers reflecting the light from all the table lamps lining the halls.

I wish the shots weren’t so dark to show off the beauty of their White House interior, but alas it wouldn’t be House of Cards then would it? The Underwoods are back in all their machiavellian ways, and darker than ever.

Those chandeliers, giant crown molding and the grouping of the chairs to create little nooks, more interest and opportunities to use the room.

Everything about this kitchen, with the chrome fixtures and multiple windows, and the sitting area below.

Double couches and that window. Swoon.

Of course there’s a dry bar on the sideboard. Bonus points with all the fresh flowers {I would like this flower budget.}

Love the tall windows in Claire’s bedroom, and the striped couch at the foot of the bed. And that headboard!

{All photos included in this post are stills from House of Cards, Season 3, with Netflix.}

February 26, 2015

Needlework In Vogue

There’s a trend I’ve been loving for awhile now — the contemporary needlepoint pillow. It combines the classic cross stitch with modish designs, and looks comfortable in a variety of interiors. I wanted one for our home to punch up our traditional furniture and feel more playful around our living room. Plus, when I found these black and white monogram pillows from Jonathan Adler, it was a done deal. {I love a little black in rooms, no matter how small — it adds some depth.}

We purchased an ‘M’ for our last name and it makes me so happy every time I look at it. I’ve also seen it done in bedrooms with first name pillows on the his & hers sides of the bed — love. {I think I would be exiled from our bedroom if I tried to add any more pillows though, so that’s out of the cards for us.} Here are a few others out from great designers that would be gorgeous additions — though sparingly — to any home.

Tory Burch To Sleep Pillow Would be perfect in a guest room {Tory Burch}

MP needlepoint_london Local pride {Jonathan Adler}

Designed by the founders of Current/Elliott {Emily + Meritt}

Really into this cool color mix {Trina Turk}

Tory Burch Smart Ass Cheeky and I like it {Tory Burch}

February 24, 2015

Kitchen Herb Garden

For one of the dishes my husband and I made together last weekend, we needed fresh basil. When we were at Whole Foods, I saw a basil plant and immediately was drawn to it. Just a few pence more — truly, it was 50 pence more for a whole plant instead of picked basil in a bag — I knew it had to come home with us. I grew up with my mom growing herbs in the backyard, so she used to just send me outdoors to pick the rosemary, cilantro or any of the other ingredients she grew and needed that night.

Urban living has meant my green spaces have mostly been the likes of Hyde Park {and of course, Central and Washington Square when living in New York}. It does always seem like the grass is greener, as despite this incredible city I catch myself longing for a big open yard with much space to grow anything my heart desires and the climate allows. Luckily, we do have some small trees and bushes outside our building, and I sometimes use some of the leaves for centerpieces (!).

There are great options to bring these sweet herbs indoors {plus plants add so much life to any space}. I’m interested in projects like this and this, but for right now I have planted our sweet little plant in a terracotta pot fit for the countertop. With a little water based white paint, I wrote “basil” in script and it dried virtually clear. I went over it a few times and love the way you can read the name of the herb without it shouting at you in a bright paint. A little wrap of some raffia up top in a bow makes it a cute, simple addition to our kitchen.

All you need, plus some scissors to cut the raffia… and your herbs!

{We used a lot of basil this weekend, I need to prune the extra tall stems!}

February 18, 2015

Let There Be Light

I’ve always had a thing for lighting. The ambience of a room, event and space can be wholly influenced by the type and amount of lights. It can add drama, amplify colors and create a mood. {I mean, there’s a reason why they say everyone looks good in candlelight.}

This week we’ve been busy with electricians rewiring our flat, which has brought the topic of task lighting to the forefront of my mind. I usually favor table and floor lamps over bulky ceiling lights that can cast a harsh glow and bizarre shadows. Lately though, I’ve been getting into the artful details overhead lighting can bring to a space while doing their main job of general illumination. Here are the ones I’m currently dreaming of to decorate our home:

The perfect amount of glam to go over our seating area in the living room. {Aerin}

Growing up at the beach means I love anything to do with water. These capiz shells would be beautiful over a kitchen table or breakfast nook, creating a light airy feeling. {West Elm}

I’ll be the first to admit I am drawn to classic lines and shapes, but I love the energy that comes from pairing the traditional with something modern. This chandelier would create that dynamic feeling over our traditional dining room table. {Jonathan Adler}

Waking up each morning would be that much sweeter seeing the sunlight amplified in this chandelier above our bed. {Williams-Sonoma Home}

In keeping with that whole easy breezy feeling I’m longing for in the guest room, this light is functional and adds a little island vibe. {Alexa Hampton}

I like the idea of an orb chandelier welcoming at the front door. It has a similar feel to the classic lantern but as an openwork sphere. {Ballard Designs}

It’s a little out there, but I love the playfulness of a bubble chandelier over a freestanding tub in the master bath. {PLC Lighting}

February 16, 2015

Spring Table Inspiration

I’ve spent the better part of the last three months wrapped in the coziest knits and doing my best to escape the freezing temps {but it’s been absolutely nothing like the East Coast — Boston, I am in awe}.

Slowly, though, we know the days are starting to get a little longer, the nights slightly shorter, and the air a little warmer. I’m giddy with excitement at the thought of spring coming around the corner.

I’m eager to start moving outdoors — picnics in the park, long walks after dinner — and moving the spring blooms into our dining room to grace the table. I want to feel the freshness of the new season after being cooped up all winter and energized for al fresco entertaining. Here’s a little bit of what I’m dreaming of in the months to come.

Those beautiful cherry blossoms! So elegant and one of my favorite symbols of spring. Our street blooms with them in April and it reminds me of Washington DC every year.

The classic combination of green and white feel so fresh. I also love the cotton cutwork with Kim Seybert’s Nimbus napkins.

This beautiful table feels airy and light with the white linen table runner. I’d recreate this with the Juliska Berry & Thread whitewash set.

So vibrant!

Note to self: love the look of varying mercury glass with tea lights {similar here}.

February 12, 2015

Pillow Talk

A few months ago, my husband and I had the most amazing in-hotel bedding experience ever. So much so that I practically stripped the sheets to see where they were made {and found the goose feather down mattress topper — aha}. Right now, we are on the hunt for new bedding for our guest room and want to make it as incredible as that experience was.

After I arrived in October from New York, we moved into a new flat with two bedrooms to host many of our family and friends from home. With our first guests arriving next month {my husband’s parents!}, we are finalizing those last minute details of hosting overnight visitors for the first time in a new home.

We currently have my bedding from NYC on there. It’s taupe, complete with a down comforter and so many pillows, and I loved it. Now with the mahogany furniture we have in the room (and it’s cozier size), I’d like for us to opt for something much lighter to make the room feel fresh, breezy and casual. Here’s a bit of the bedding inspiration I’ve been perusing…

Big fan of the monogram pillows and duvet on the foot of the bed.

Guest Room 2 That Trina Turk Greek Key accent pillow.

Really this just makes me want to be on a white sandy beach with a pina colada, pronto.

It’s been both fun and a challenge to decorate from British brands with our super American style. We did ship quite a bit over from the States, but there was so much more we needed as we joined forces into one home (!). So far, most of our furniture and decorating details have come from department stores John Lewis and Selfridges, local stores Graham & Green and India Jane for mirrors and special tables, and of course West Elm for decor (dreaming of the opening of Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma).

West Elm might be our go-to for the linens — they have so many pretty white options and a sale right now. I’m also looking into, as in lusting after, Yves Delorme, Matouk (swoon), Sferra, and Peter Reed, an English bed linen brand. I’ll unveil our before-and-after guest room a few weeks from now. Stay tuned!

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