Curated: Beach Essentials

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

I’m ready for a little fun in the sun.  Going to the beach is much more pleasant when you have the right essentials.  Protection from the sun is important.  In addition to sunblock,  I always wear  a hat and sunglasses for eye protection.  Chic and comfortable the navy soleil sling chair is a great find.  A  monogram beach towel will keep others from claiming  your towel.  I love the awning stripes on this towel.  No trip to the beach would be complete without bringing my favorite magazines and a great seagrass tote to carry them.

 #kate spade #cosmetics pouch

 

Next week I will be attending Blogfest2012 in New York City.  I will not be blogging for a few days. You could follow me on Twitter @idhomedecor for event coverage.

sun hat, sun glasses and  cosmetics pouch, navy soleil sling  chair, towel and tote

 

 

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Thrifting Window Shutters

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

On my recent thrifting trip to Brimfield, MA,  I came across a stack of shutters.   Besides using shutters on the outside of a house there are many creative ideas for recycling shutters.  The best part, you save money and our landfills.

I love the look of the shutters in this cozy living space from Country Living.

Up-cycle shutters into a console table.  This is a charming table.  I would  add a  glass top.  It makes it easier to clean and creates an even surface for a lamp and  accessories.

A  shutter plant stand is another great idea.  I like the look of this stand.  A bust or sculpture would make a beautiful display.

 

Wooden shutters can be just as functional and good looking indoors or out.   Hang shutters to add architectural interest and height to a room, as designer Kim Woods illustrates in this dining room.

Dining Room traditional dining room

Shutter headboards are simple to install.  They look great in this layered headboard installation.

Thanks for stopping by.

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Fashion and Decor

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

I’ve been pinning summer fashion on my  Pinterest boards for a few weeks now.  One outfit  took me out of my comfort zone.  Will I wear animal print and floral at the same time?  I’m still on the fence about it.

Pinned Image

Instead of wearing it, I decided to explore this fashion style in home interiors.

Ivy de Leon - florals and animal prints

What do you think?  Wear it or live in it?

Thanks for stopping by.

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Curated: Brimfield 2012

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

A few of my favorite things from  Brimfield Fair for the home and garden.    A beautiful pair of chairs (couldn’t fit them in my car, so they had to stay.  I love the fabric and details),  garden fountains and accessories, china,  architectural windows and molding, plants, and so much more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 Thanks for stopping by.

 

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Mother’s Day Wishes

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

This Sunday is Mother’s Day!  I’m wishing all  mothers a great day and sending you a warm hug.  Motherhood isn’t easy, but it sure is rewarding.

Sometimes you want to scream…

between work…

and more work…

we’re always on call…

to keep the peace…

occasionally, we get to play and relax.  I wouldn’t change a thing.

Nico models swimwear, 1950s.

Hope your Mother’s Day is extra special and you get some well deserved R&R.

Thanks for stopping by.

Images via : theniftyfifties.tumblr.com

 

 

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Brimfield Antique and Collectible Shows

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

Brimfield is the premier Antique and Collectible Shows.  This May marks the 52nd year of the Brimfield Fairs.  Thousands of dealers from all over the country will be  selling everything under the moon.   The shows, a week each, happen three times a year, May, July, and September.   This year I am attending the Brimfield Tweetup at Hertan’s Field.  This event brings together social media and antiques at the Brimfield Antique show.  Registered attendees will visit the hospitality tent, designed by Shane Inman  and made possible by fabulous sponsors:

Sponsors

The tent will be hosted by

 Hosts   

Oh, did I mention that The Novogratz, Secrets From A Stylist and Cari Cucksey all from HGTV will be joining our VIP event.    I am so excited to be meeting up with designers and bloggers on Thursday.

New England weather is unpredictable.  I’m packing my boots and raincoat,  a few canvas bags, for my finds, and my new iPhone.   Follow me on Twitter @idhomedecor .

Thanks for stopping by.

image: via Pinterest

  

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Weekend Real Estate: 1 Cedar Brook Terrace

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

A beautiful home in Princeton, NJ with a wonderful gourmet kitchen,  screen-in-porch, and pool are just a few of the details that make this  gorgeous home ideal for living and entertaining.

Beautifully scaled spaces are for ideal comfort and stylish living. A gourmet kitchen is a chef’s delight with Bosch and Viking appliances, granite countertops, large island with wine storage, and a fireplace. The eat-in area flows into a great room with hardwood floors, fireplace and French doors to the bluestone patio, perfect for entertaining. A formal dining room, large sunken living room with fireplace and built-ins, screened-in-porch, smart mudroom and guest suite complete the main level. Upstairs, the master suite features a working fireplace, walk-in closets and a lavish bath with a large shower and soaking tub. 3 additional bedrooms on the second and third floors and a separate large bonus space complete the floor plan. The meticulously landscaped 1.39 acre setting includes a beautiful new pool with hot tub & spa. For the most demanding buyer-3 car garage! Princeton mailing address!

For more formation on this listing,  please contact: Amy Granato at Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty

Thanks for stopping by.

 

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Thrifting: Setting The Table

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

Setting the table for family and friends is fun.  Make a welcoming table by mixing old with new, fancy with plain. Look for items in garage sales, thrift stores and consignment shops. Update your tablecloth by adding your favorite fabric for instant layering and interest.   Don’t throw away your old flowers, pick out the greens and salvage the flowers that are  living.  Make a smaller bouquet for a centerpiece.  Most importantly, have fun and be creative.

 

I couldn’t pass up on these chargers ($5/each) from the outdoor flea market,  green fabric from Fabric Discount, and napkins from consignment shop. Oh yes, the flowers not so pretty at first.

Hope you enjoyed these cost saving tips for setting the table.

 Thanks for stopping by.

 

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Trending: Zebra, Bar Carts and Swings

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

Move over owls, hello zebra.  I’ve seen a big increase in the use of zebra prints and patterns in fashion and interior design.  If you’re wild for the look,  incorporate it into your decor by adding a rug, fabric, wallpaper, or accessories.  The trick is not to go overboard.

Have you notice the retro bar cart with wheels.  Yes, the bar cart is here to stay.   Have a small budget?  Here’s a solution: use a tray to organize and display bottles and barware on a counter or console table.  Include simple accessories such as  flowers, candles and lemons.  I like to arrange oranges in a bowl for a pop of color, and they’re healthy to eat.

  

Who says swings are just for the outdoors.  Add a little fun to your decor with a  playful swinging seat in your family room or kid’s room.   This swing will bring out the kid in you.    

To my surprise, I found this image of  a sunroom incorporating all three of these trends.  Fashion Designer Liz Lange’s sunroom is both chic and playful.  Designer Jonathan Adler incorporates these trends  in Liz’s Westchester home.

Get the look:  Bar carts: High Street Market,  Pottery Barn,  Swinging seat: Serena and Lily, Rug:  Ballard Designs, Sheepskin: Ikea
 
 Images:  House Beautiful, Serena and Lily, Apartment Theraphy, Atlanta Home and Life Styles 
 
 

 Thanks for stopping by.

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Thrifting: French Porcelain Basket

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

My french porcelain basket from last week’s thrifting trip got a little TLC and some flowers.  I couldn’t find peonies, so I used what I had.  I incorporated fresh roses, tulips, and lilacs.   The flowers are kept in place by using a flower frog ($2 find),  inserted into a small clear plastic container with  water.  So far so good.  They still look good on day 3.

      

For some more thrifting finds follow Southern Hospitality for Thrifty Treasures Monday.

Thanks for stopping by.

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Out and About: Communiversity

Posted on April 29, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

Saturday was a cool spring day. It was a great day for a walk through town with a friend. I had a fun time catching up. We were not alone. Princeton held its annual festival, Communiversity. The day brings together the town and the university for a day of visual arts, performances, games and food. We enjoyed pretty windows, purchasing beautiful paper and looking at art. Come for a visit and explore the beautiful town of Princeton, NJ. It is ranked 12th in a list of the 20 best small towns in America, by Smithsonian Magazine.

   

 

Thanks for stopping by.

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Curated: Equestrian Chic

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

Inspired by the Kentucky Derby next week, I’m kicking it up a notch.  I found a few favorite things for the home and to wear for the occasion.  Want to evoke a sense of equestrian chic?  Let’s start at the bar.  Make a vignette by adding cut crystal stemware, a few bottles of liquors and classic equestrian art.  Complete the look with a fresh bouquet of flowers.  Now, let’s have some fun… mint  juleps.

Prickly Chairs decor An Alt Equestrian Chairscarf-and-clip-pink-neckChair One Kings Lane1 decor Fab Equestrian Gilt Fit for a King!     Rebecca Ray Harness Pillow decor Rebecca Ray Harness Pillow

#3 Big Pony Optic Yellow Polo - Blue Label Polos - Ralph Lauren UKWestbrook Dessert Plate - Ralph Lauren Home Shop All Home - Ralph Lauren UK

Dappled Grey, Strap and Buckle, One Kings Lane,  Serena and Lily, Tracey Tooker, Pottery Barn,  Spirit of Sports, Furbish Studio,   DecoratorsBest , Ralph Lauren

 Thanks for stopping by.  Enjoy your weekend.

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Thrifting: Life Is An Adventure

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

You probably know by now that Wednesday is my thrifting day.  I look forward to getting outside to the stores and talking to the vendors. Yesterday’s trip to one of the shops threw me a curve ball in the way of a flat tire. I was lucky to be only 500 ft. from a gas station. Safe and back home, I was a little frazzled by the experience, but happy to find a little treasure to share with you.  A french porcelain basket.  I’m looking forward to displaying it with fresh spring flower.

 

Thanks for stopping by.

Image via Pinterest 

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Slipcover Style

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

Slipcovers offer a great way to dress up furniture that is worn, stained or outdated.  No need to add to the landfills with outdated furniture.  Remember to donate pieces you want to replace.  Consider shopping at thrift shops and consignment shops for that one of a kind replacement.  You can completely change the look of your furniture and update the style of your room by using slipcovers.  Consider your lifestyle and overall plan for the room.  If you have indoor pets or young children,  I recommend a  cotton-polyester blend.   I like a semi-custom fit that offers separate seat-cushion covers and great style for not too much money.  Most people shy away from white slipcovers.   I find them easy to keep clean.   Just put them in the wash gentle cycle with a little bleach.  Of course, there are many beautiful fabrics and details you could add to  slipcovers.  If you have a larger budget, invest in beautiful fabric on that special chair.

Marcelo Brito - Sao Paulo - Brazil contemporary living room
Marcelo Brito - Sao Paulo - Brazil contemporary living room
Study traditional home office
Lorraine Vale traditional dining room
Lorraine G Vale Designer
Breakfast Area eclectic kitchen
Classic Hyannisport Residence traditional family room
Images: via Houzz

Thanks for stopping by.

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Eco Chic

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Ivy de Leon

Sunday was Earth Day. It is a day set aside for the world to think about the environment and what we can do to protect it.  It also is a wonderful reminder for us to reduce, recycle and reuse.   Thrifting and upcycling  are two ways to join in saving our earth.  Leave a smaller footprint by walking and cycling instead of driving and bring your reusable water bottle.  In the kitchen, use plates and cloth napkins instead of paper goods.   We all love to shop.  There are many retailers with eco friendly merchandise.  Take a closer look at your favorite shops for earth friendly products.

Savannah Oval Magazine Basket

Sources: Pottery Barn, Bambeco, Burkedecor.com., West Elm 

 Thanks for stopping by.

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