secret to domestic bliss #11 ...get geometric

We all know it's all about the accessories, right?
Something I am really loving lately are these wonderfully cute circular mirrors.
Either Captain's mirrors or simply just a framed circular shaped mirror can do wonders for a space.
It gives a little something extra....like a sweet kiss to the room.
I don't know what it is but they always grab my attention.
Such scene stealers they are! I love them.

Even this little pink devil just amazes me.



They always make a great statement above the fireplace.


A huge one can really make the bedroom rock.

I even adore how one is propped against the fireplace.
Such a statement in a dressing room + in gold, too. love.



i mean...why not get a little crazy, and try two!

secret of domestic bliss #10...add an art wall

Art walls are all the rage. 
Because I work in an art gallery, I know how badly people want to create the look of an art gallery in their home.
 Quite frankly, I think it just looks cool.
No matter if you have 5$ art from the local fair or 10,000$ Monets,
it is completely stylish to create the look in your own space.
Then, when guests come over, it makes for a great conversation starter.
For a hostess...that's always a good thing.

Art wall by Anna Spiro...now, she is awesome!

I absolutely love the 'above the staircase' look. Old Skool.
sometimes just a jumble of beautiful frames is all you need.
If you space them really close together it looks like a beautiful collage.
and don't be afraid to throw in other elements, like a mirror.

Symmetry goes a long way + can mage a huge impact!

and if you are an artist like mariska, then put up your own.

all black frames + white mattes give your wall a super crisp look.
Keeping with the same theme of art makes a cool statement too!


see...an artwall just makes you happy!

credits:
some photos i have had in my files forever and don't know the source.
if you find a photo of yours, email me and i will be happy to credit you!

secret of domestic bliss #9...flower power

I know that nothing is better than getting a big bouquet of flowers from a special someone...
but ladies, never underestimate the feeling of buying some fresh flowers for yourself.
Heading to the the local market or stopping by the flower isle of the grocery store can be so joyful!
Isn't it fun to just stop and smell the roses...literally!
Filling your home with flowers is not only aesthetically worth while, 
it is also ravishing for the senses. 
Right now, I am loving Hydrangeas!
They smell amazing and give your home instant bliss!
Try adding a few to your bathroom.
or create a centerpiece to bring your dining room to life!
create a small bouquet for your bedside table to bedtime fragrance.
add some to your vanity for a touch of dressing room glam!


or line your mantel for some added color.
image found here

secret to domestic bliss #8...decorate in threes

To keep up on my design chops, I once read a Feng Shui book
 and to be honest I only got a few things out of it
that seemed realistic to my decorating tastes. 
One of them being that decorating in three's creates harmony in the home.
I didn't know how to incorporate that into my style because I adore symmetry.
I quickly realized in design school that decorating in three's just makes sense,
it creates balance to the room without being too matchy-matchy.
 If ever you are in doubt of how to work accessories or items into your room
without looking overly done, just stick with the rule of threes.
trust me...it works.

Here, three pillows balance the art + lamps.
sets of 3 pillows on couch corners is perfection

3 vertically placed frames warm up these windows
3 pairs of mirrors provide a large scale focal point.
a group of 3 happy blue vases is bliss
3 mirrored panels are a perfect match with this low setee

notice the blue file boxes in groupings of 3.
3 candlesticks + 3 stacks of books make a beautiful tablescape
add 3 items to the fire mantel for simplicity
try 3 layered framed photos....
or try 3 hanging ones above the bed
stack books in groups of 3 to keep them looking tidy
or use 3 book shelves to calm the madness
3 mirrors above a bed is too cute
3 panels of framed artwork in this bedroom keeps it traditionally perfect.
to add color, put 3 matching pillows on the bed
these 3 black tall table stands on the right, completely balance the frames + lamp on the left.


secret of domestic bliss #6...must add jewels

In order to complete an outfit most girls add earrings.
In attempt to make my home the perfect abode...
I am always on the lookout for a new chandelier.
I could literally fill my house with them!
I think my newest obsession is a black crystal one like this one above...
remember this dining room from Domino? I always loved this image.
whitefiles

ladolfina


lamaisonboheme
could you imagine having a reading nook space like this???
oh,what i would give...

secret of domestic bliss #4...hint of animal print

My art teachers used to say "if it's missing something, add a touch of red".
It worked every single time, my work would be even better if I added a bit of the passionate color. It just did something for it and made me fall in love with my creation.
I believe that goes the same for design but if a room or your home is missing something...
I say "add a hint of animal print". Works everytime!
There are plenty of varieties but for an extremely opulent look, you can never go wrong with leopard. All it takes is one small bit and your place will be instantly transformed.

i even think it works with fashion too!

don't you agree?

secret of domestic bliss #3...feminine fragrance

Have you ever been to someones home and been blown away 
by how great it smells?
There is something very chic about a woman whose home smells incredible.
Friends from Paris got met started on Lampe Berger.
This is my secret weapon in making my home smell delicious.
Everyone always asks me "what is that amazing smell?
I usually just show them a candle, but in reality this lamp is the secret.
Lampe Berger has patented a lamp that burns anti-bacterial oil into the home.
It purifies the air and leaves a fragrance that lasts for hours.
There are hundreds of choices in lamps that suit your home decor and 
there are also dozens of lovely fragrances.
They can be a bit spendy, but ebay usually has some great ones for cheap.
Here are some you might like...





Can you imagine your home smelling exactly like your favorite smell?
Whatever you like, you can choose and create your own domestic bliss instantly.




secret of domestic bliss #1...LOVE

I find that sharing my thoughts on what makes a happy home is essential to this blog.
So I am starting a list of the things that bring me domestic bliss that I want to share with you.
Everyday I get inspired by other blogs + magazines on ideas for my home.
For years now, the word love makes a room so unique and modern.
Ever since I saw carrie bradshaw's love art in her new digs I was smitten 
and now forever more I will always have the word love in my home.
They say that words are powerful and I believe that the word has power!
This Valentines day, I am celebrating one of my favorite things in my home...
the word love.















i love the way Selina Lake styled with these LOVE pillows!

"love is all you need"- the beatles