The Art of Living...decorating ideas for the toilet tank

 It is always such a chore to figure out what to do with the top of the toilet tank, no?
Here are a few decorating ideas for your pearly white tank! 
It may not be the most beautiful place of the home, but why not impress your guests and take the extra effort to make it look its best! It would be so very Decorista of you.

The Art of Living...how to be a fabulous hostess for weekend guests

Want to be the most popular hostess for friends and family?
My must have key elements...
killer seating + plenty of reading material
I have found that this combination will have guests always feeling uber comfy in your home. They have time to themselves and who doesn't love getting into a good book. I always get rave reviews about my book and magazine collection, they always come back for more!

The Art of Living...3 things you can do with scarves

Eddie Ross's brilliant and creative self shows how to turn scarves into pillows...
ooh la la!
Or...
you can frame them in all of their glory and display them as beautiful + exotic art!
or...
you can purchase a ready made scarf turned pendant lamp by the fabulous house of Chanel!

 

Bespoke Chanel Silk Scarf Chandelier


Brilliant stuff, right?

The Art of Living: I am woman!

I don't know what it is right now but I am completely attuned to the art in the world.
I am drawn to extremely feminine art...especially nude female portraits and photography.
There is something very mysterious and romantic about women in art, I am often drawn to the story behind the piece the most. Who the woman in the photo is and what her life was like at that moment.
I love being a woman and I love feeling feminine and art like this is just so beautiful!





the Art of Living....dining with gorgeous lighting

Today, I am more than grateful for everything in my life.
Lately I have been reminded just how short life is, and I don't want to ever miss out on that joy!
I am also praying for our country and the oil spill, its astounding what is going on.
So I just want to take a moment to thank God for every blessing, 
especially you lovely readers who make my days so bright! 
What would I do without you????

Speaking of bright...
I am spending today on the hunt for some amazing dining room lighting and I am needing inspiration.
Modern, bright, unique and over-sized light fixtures are all up in my mood.
I can spend hours gazing at the wonders of vintage light fixtures.
This place has great sources...I can barely pry myself away from the site.
 
 
 
 
 
I,of course, think Ron + Jaime always knock it out of the park!

images via...decorpad, apartmenttherapy, elledecor, woodsonandrummerfield

The Art of Living...how to decorate open shelving with style

I have always been a fanatic for open shelving. I absolutely love the way it looks in a space.It allows for complete freedom when personalizing your space.Have you ever been to someones home and stared at what they displayed in open shelving?It speaks volumes to a person or family's story, where they have been, what they love, etc.Personally, I don't have much open shelving, but I am always looking for ways to incorporate some in my apartment. I genuinely love so many things I own and want to display them all.
Here is some inspiration for decorating your open shelving and giving it a chic + stylish look.

(these photos were sent to me in an email. so i dont know sources. email me if these photos are yours and i will be happy to credit you)

the Art of Living...decorating with silver + gold

Remember when I asked you guys if you preferred silver or gold?
Well, it got me thinking...
and I quickly realized that if you love both (much like I do) you can mix them together 
to create a hip and different look.
It brings a little excitement and something out of the ordinary to the space.
I don't know what it is or why it is, but in these photos, I am loving the appeal.
images courtesy of...
luxe + lillies 
decorpad 
nysd 

the Art of Living... how to set a breakfast table

Setting the table for breakfast is a luxury I only get on the weekends.
(Usually only Saturday because Sundays we go out for breakfast after church)
I relish my Saturdays for this very reason... nothing is lovelier than a beautifully set breakfast table.
My goal is always to make is simple AND lovely at the same time.
I bring out all of my favorite dishes, whether they match or not.
I brew my favorite coffee, set out all the fixings in adorable little saucers...
I fill a pretty clear pitcher of my favorite oj...
I slice up all the fruit I have and sort in different anthropologie bowls...
I light bright, citrusy smelling candles...
I try to always keep some bread for toast + jam...
I open all the windows...
and then I sit back and luxuriate in it all!

images courtesy of...
lucyina
belle vivir
everythingfab 
belle maison
sarah kaye 
unknown
weheartit
picture of elegance 

The Art of Living...mixing it up

Remember last week when I posted about Lauren Conrad's dinner party?
Well, ever since then, I have been obsessed with the look of mis-matched dining chairs.
I think it adds such personality to your dining room and can create quite the happy mood.
So, if you are looking for a way to spice up your dining room...try mixing it up.

Like LC...I adore floral dining chairs but i'd probably want to mix them with something a little more modern, like these high back yellow guys. 
How amazing is this combination done by Anna Spiro? love.

The Art of Living...by the sea

No time or budget for flowers? No problem...
If you have access to the beach, why not make use of it for your home?
Instead of spending your hard earned money on flowers, save it and
grab some seashells, starfish, sand dollars or greens for the beach. 
I have tons of little collections around my home, they are some of my best travel keepsakes. 
I love the memories they conjure up when I look at them around the house.
I just love these looks.

You could even take a photo of your findings and frame it...instant art on the cheap!

The Art of Living...dressing a dresser

I have recently been working on a project for my new bedroom makeover.
I got a freebie dresser that I decided to give a new fresh look.
(pictures to come soon)
However, I am having a dilemma finding just the perfect items on the top.
I want it to look luxe and feminine at the same time.
I need some inspiration quickly.
I have found a few images online that have captured my interest.
Wondering which of these styles I like best...hmmm?
Any advice?





Click on her link to get tips on how to dress a table.


image via ISUWANNE