How To Dress Up The Bookshelf

Bookcases are not just for books.  There are many ways to style a bookshelf.  My style is to keep it personal.  Collections, family pictures and art can all be enjoyed on bookshelf.

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Blue and white Asian happiness jars I’ve collected are on display on the top shelf,  high enough to enjoy and protect from young visitors.  Stack books horizontal and vertical for a casual look.

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Investing in furniture, rugs and lighting leaves little for accessories.  Shopping estate sales and HomeGoods allows me to bring home quality at a fraction of the original cost.

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Boxes are great for storing TV remotes.

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A bookshelf holds a grouping of tortoise shells I started. Leaning a tortoise shell on the backshelf adds depth and texture.

For a cost saving and environmentally friendly idea, shop the local library for books.  Ask for books that have been weeded and are going to be discarded. These are free.

There are a few more bookcases to finish.  I like the way they are taking shape.  They tell my story.  Design takes time.  Make it personal.

ivy

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How Will You Celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

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On this beautiful day, I’m taking a little break in the courtyard to celebrate with a healthy mango and pineapple smoothie.

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Just in case you are looking for a sangria recipe or cocktail to celebrate the occasion, I’ve put together a cocktail board.  From a Passion Fruit & Ginger cocktail to an Ultimate Rum Punch recipe, I’m sure you’ll find a refreshing drink to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

ivy

 

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Spring Market Quality Bed Linens Introductions

Happy Monday!  Wake up to new bed linens, coffee and sunshine.  I’ve sourced high quality bed lines on my recent trip to spring High Point Market.  Spring is the perfect time to spruce up the bedroom.

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For a summer cottage or beach house these selections add color and pattern.

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Perfect pairings for a modern mix.

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For inquiry contact me at info@ivydeleon.com. Thanks for stopping by.

ivy

 

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Power Monday: Spring Pastels

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Swing into spring with pretty pastels for work.  A floral scarf or umbrella to wash away the Monday blues and get into a Power Monday state of mind.  Go ahead conquer that task, make the pitch on that idea, or try something new.  The arrival of spring brings rebirth and opportunity.  Happy Power Monday!polyvoreswingintospring

ivy
 
 Zara Bell Sleeve Coat / Panacea Pastel Crystal Flower Bib Necklace  /Valentino Pastel Colorblock Swing Coat /Nomad Footwear Blue Puddles Rain Boot /Lily and Lionel Multicolour Flores Pastel Scarf /Oscar de la Renta Floral-print nylon-blend umbrella    
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Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s Eden Chandelier For Daum

Martyn Lawrence Bullard, a Los Angeles based interior designer, is renowned for his broad range of styles and eclectic designs.  Martyn is also an award winning designer, known for creating seductive interiors.  I had a chance to visit him at the Daum showroom in New York City this week.  Inspired by the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden, Martyn  has teamed with the legendary French glassmaker Daum to produce the Eden Chandelier.  The light fixture is a breathtaking piece of hanging sculpture.

 “The Eden Chandelier is a crystal homage to the ‘original sin,’ the beautiful tree, the tempting red apple, and persuasive serpent,”  Bullard explains.

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The limited-edition 40-inches-high chandelier depicts the scarlet orb nestled among lush green foliage with a burnished bronze snake coiled around the suspension system above.  It is also available in an edition without the serpent. photo (213)

To accompany the sensational light fixture, Bullard has created two complimentary accessories, both in the form of emblematic fruit:  A large Candle Holder and Apple Paperweight.  The candle holder is magical and  enticing when it flickers.  The paperweight is art glass which makes a beautiful gift and is sure to be a collector piece.

All images and opinions are my own.  Description courtesy of Daum.   

 ivy

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Power Monday: Simple Black and White

Starting the week feeling refreshed is important. These black and white stylish pieces give you one less thing to think about heading out the door.  Basic, simple and elegant essentials that are versatile to build a wardrobe. Dress them up or down with shoes and  necklace.  Happy Monday!

bwivy

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Caps On The Water: Get the Look

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Spring has arrived; we are focusing on our backyard.  We want to head outside and enjoy the long days.  We took some inspiration while on spring break to one of our favorite places to dine,  Caps On The Water.  The food is great.  You may have to wait for a table.  Grab a drink and sit by the pier. We love dining by the water and watching the sunset.

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The views and sunsets are breath taking.  It’s worth the wait.  Walk towards the back and you’ll find a bar and small intimate outdoor rooms.  We like the look of the outdoor décor with a Moroccan style copper lighting, wall mirrors and climbing ivy.  If you like the look as much as I do, here’s how to get it on a small investment.

GET THE LOOK: CAPS ON THE WATER

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Head outside this weekend and collect mirrors from garage sales.

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Visit your local Lowe’s for cost saving hanging baskets and plants.

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We like the recycled antique copper Moroccan hanging lamps at  vivaterra.com

 

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April Showers

I’m back from my little break. Feeling energized and ready for a new week. Hope you had a great holiday.

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April showers bring May flowers. Although nothing is blooming around me, I found this image of a peony in my garden last summer, reminding me that there is beauty in every season.  I’m ready for the rain, I’ve dusted my rain boots and have my umbrella in hand.  Happy Monday!

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ivy

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Nourish The Body and Mind

Good morning!  Last week I met the HomeGood bloggers in NYC. It was great to see everyone and reconnect. After a full day of meetings, shopping and eating, I headed home.

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A change of clothes and repacking and I was ready for spring break. Time to nourish the body and soul.

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Enjoy the little things.

BEACH

ivy

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In the kitchen at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show

There was no lack of kitchen appliances and ranges at the Architectural Digest Design Home Show.  One particular range stood out, the ILVE® range.  The customizable features had me hooked.  The 60” dual fuel range with up to 7 semi-sealed burners and 2 multi-function European convection ovens has a rotisserie and full-width warming drawer. French top and removable Griddle are also available.

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7-burner with Fry-Top (standard)

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Available colors:

The kitchen is the heart of the home.  I spend more time in the kitchen then in bed sleeping.  Like a kid at a candy store, a kitchen faucet is like eye candy.

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Brizo® stood out with its Artesso™ Kitchen Collection.  It has a sleek take on industrial aesthetic. I loved the versatility of motion that enables the position of the faucet to be exactly where you need it, not spraying water all over the kitchen counter or my clothes. This one is a winner.

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It would look great in a modern or farmhouse design.

Kalamazoo – Outdoor Gourmet

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Cooking outdoors never looked so good with Kalamazoo outdoor kitchens. A favorite was the pizza oven in stainless steel.   From outdoor cooktop features like  double-burner designs to outdoor freezers to keep ice cream frozen, Kalamazoo is luxury outdoor cooking.

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That’s it folks.  I totally enjoyed being in the kitchen at Architectural Digest Home Design Show.  Thanks for stopping by.

ivy

 

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