A LOVELY RETREAT

The storm came and went and left much to be repaired. I had a shattered window and ruined drains but at least we are all safe and sound. Luckily, I had a lovely fireplace and some wonderful candlelight to get me through. I can't help but be reminded of how gorgeous fireplaces in bedrooms are, especially this gorgeous Rita Konig apartment...

Truly, I would settle for any of these gorgeous spaces! 
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Fireplace styling decisions...

This fall weather is so cozy, I just love a chill in the air. It really makes me want to put my fireplace to use...finally. So, I really want to change things up a little bit on my fireplace mantle and switch up the decor. I have been endlessly searching for ideas and found a few looks that totally inspire me...

A mirror always works above a fireplace, right? I also am finding myself loving accents inside the actual fireplace aside from the wood, like these two brass pieces. How glam are those?
Candles and disco balls always work wonders, too. 
This one might be my favorite. A gorgeous mirror, a statue with style, two really tall lighting pieces, photos, flowers, etc. Such great styling. 
images via here. 

STYLING FIREPLACE...

Well, today I am getting everything squared away that I need to take care of in the city because tomorrow its supposed to snow! So, you better believe that after a big nice warm breakfast I will taking a lovely and enjoyable day relaxing at home, writing some thank you notes and trying out my pretty fireplace for the first time. I love my white mantle...
Oh how I just adore fireplace mantles...these lovely looks are my favorite.
A dash of purple makes for the perfect femininity to the masculine edge of a fire,  don't you think?
Hope you guys have a cozy + wonderful weekend! 
images via

Fireplaces + pastels...

With all of the festivities in my life over and done with, I can now relax and really give 100% to my days and my work. I am attending a seminar this upcoming weekend where I will be taught how to make the most of your days as an entrepreneur. I am so looking forward to getting motivated and inspired for my business. In a perfect world, this photo is all the inspiration I would need. 
I am so into the beautiful fireplace stylings and the pastel color complements...
I love this chandelier and how the pretty pastel paint just comes up to the molding...so interesting.
Antlers are such a great way to accessorize the nook + teeny pastel trinket boxes with gold finishes complement them perfectly...

images 1/2/3

fireplace fantasies...

Going totally gaga for these gorgeous, architecturally perfect and detailed fireplaces. There is something very romantic about a beautiful fireplace and I am just jones-ing for the fall weather and some fireside relaxation...

i love the look of a good white brick fireplace in the bedroom...
oooh and some blue...with books too! 


vogue living & domino mag

DIY decorating secrets from a beach-y bohemian pad...

Many of you know that my affections belong to southern california and that beachy lifestyle. I fell instantly for this adorable apartment. So, I took a few notes on her decor style...
1. Collect a bunch of white vases in different sizes and set atop your fireplace mantle. Fill them with bunches of the same blooms, and your mantle will pack some decorative punch!


2. Display your jewels on sidetables (not just your dresser or vanity) on pretty feminine dishes and combine with pretty trinkets and treasured magazines to make it look like a styled set. This gives you that  boutique display vibe that we all know and love.
3. DIY artwork... stencils, canvas and pretty color paint. Pick a favorite quote, saying or mantra for an everyday pick-me-up.
oh and don't forget to display your prettiest shoes for more happiness...

The Decorista tip of the day.... layer mirrors

One of my E-decor clients is obsessed with making her fireplace be show-stopping! So as I have been researching for some fireside inspiration, I came across this image and fell in love. I think its genius to layer mirrors, they give such dramatic impact. IKEA has fabulous (and budget friendly) square mirrors that you can get and stick on to the wall above a fireplace...and then just find an ornate + glam mirror to lean up on the mirrored wall. Instant style! 

The Art of Living...how to decorate a fireplace

The next few days here in New York are supposed to be wildly snowy. So aside from the bevvy of blogger/magazine launch parties this week, I'd love to be bundled up next to the fireplace catching up on the online glossies. Which brought me to the question that most readers ask me... 
"how do I decorate or style my fireplace?"
I am always a huge fan of artwork above the fire, something extraordinarily beautiful to gaze at.
Mirrors work too, they open up the space and with beautiful ornate framing can be a lovely sight.
A combination of both art and mirrors can work extremely well too.
I especially love this purple room and how to use architectural elements (ie. graphic molding) to create a beautiful look with amazing style.


images here and here

The Art of Living: How to decorate your fireplace mantle...




The ever lingering question of what to put on the fireplace mantle is asked again and again.
It's a timeless tradition, I guess...
I truly believe there is never a right or wrong method. The fireplace is the coziest spot in the house and I believe its where you should place your homes most treasures gems.
Notice these particular fireplaces are not styled as a designer would, purpose + symmetry are out of the question.
However, they are layered up with love and decorated to perfection!





get your GLAMOROUS on...

My friend Dean recently updated his fireplace area and I wanted to share with you guys because it is so chic and glamorous! It is hard to tell but the tile that is the back-splash has a beautiful metallic finish to it. All you need in your home, to amp up the glam, is to add just a bit of metallic shine. Maybe just a lamp, pillow or small table and instantly it will create a huge impact of GLAMOUR, without going overboard.