Home Sweet Home

{image via apartment therapy}

I'm dreaming of our new place... I can wait have everything unpacked and settled! Isn't this image just the essence of a well planned home!

Three Steps to Moving into a New Home

Crunch time is on! We are set to move into our beautiful new loft. I've done a bunch of prep work to get ready for the big day. 

Step 1: Create a Floor Plan.

The first thing I did was create a floor plan. My best friend, husband, real estate agent, and mother-in-law all helped with the measuring. Creating a floor plan is as simple as taking a measuring tape to the space, creating a rough diagram sketch of the space and noting the measurements. After I had everything on paper, I went home and used a scale ruler to create a more precise floorplan. Never used a scale ruler? No problem-here is a great article on how to use a scale ruler.. Or you can plug your numbers into a CAD program like HGTV Home Software Design or Microspot MacDraft Pro...but you don't have to have all those bells and whistles. For me, I keep it simple.

Here is my handy-dandy work, which wasn't perfect, more like a super quick draft, but its still workable. As it is with moving...you never have enough time!

Once you have the floor plan, measure all of your furniture pieces. Using your trusty scale rule or furniture templates, draw and cut them out onto paper. I used black construction paper and a silver marker. After you have all the furniture pieces in hand, your next step is to consider function. 

Step 2: Establish the Function of the Room.

What do you want to do with the room? What is the function? What are your wants & needs?

{image via Desire to Inspire}

I started to place the furniture that we have on the floor plan. Spaces like kitchen and living room can be obvious on how to space plan, but sometimes there are extra functions that need to happen. In the case of the second bedroom, I work from home and our second bedroom will be turned into my office. We also have want to have an option for guests to spend the night if they like. It's a common issue with extra bedrooms sharing two funtions. So play around with your funiture cut-outs to discover the best layout. It's so much easier than moving furniture.

Step 3: Create Harmony and Balance in your Home.

{image via Hidden in France}

I also want to have a home that feels warm, serene, fresh, and balanced. I based my final layout plans on the principles of feng shui. I had always seen stuff on TV about feng shui, but never really thought to use it in my life. I happen to bump into a few books that really changed my comfort levels at home.  For instance, we used to have our bed directly under our bedroom window. In feng shui, this is terrible because the energy is off. The book I have went on to describe that people who sleep with their heads under the window never feel really settled or safe (someone could literally break that window over your sleeping head and have an advantage).  I moved the bed and it was the difference between night and day.  Why not have a little extra luck & good chi flowing through your home? As I read more, I discovered that most of the furniture placements suggested by feng shui principles are improvements to a space. The whole idea of feng shui is to improve the movement in a space, reflect nature, and live in harmony. Who doesn't want that? The books that I used are by Lillian Too. Check them out at her awesome website.

I've been encouraged by tons of other books, magazines, and blogs, too. These are some of the tools that I used to help with the process of moving! As soon as I am settled into our new place, I'll update with photos and get back to new posts!! See you then!

Stylist Obsession: Margot Austin

{images via Margot Austin Website}

There are those that are taste makers and those that imitate having taste. In the case of Margot Austin, she is the former. She naturally has an eye for creating beauty, enhancing interiors, and creating style. She has cultivated a long career as a stylist, magazine editor-currently she's at Style at Home, and she a fabulous decorator. I am totally loving this collection of images which were created at her home in Tweed, Ontario (say where? LOL!). Who cares! Her home is an impeccable expression of her decorating sensibility. I feel this first shot captures her effortless ability to create simple, elegant, and inviting spaces. 

This is a dream rustic kitchen. Actually, it feels rustic but this kitchen has all the bells and whistles. I love how intimate the space feels. The lantern truly transforms this kitchen. Her kitchen did appear as part of a 36-page spread on kitchens in Style at Home September 2007. It's a great issue if you can pick up a back copy. 

Margot has mixed American Shaker references with Scandinavian touches. The shaker cabinets located to the left are a perfect compliment to the modern aluminum stool on the right.

Here is Margot working in the shot...

This next shot is a great behind the scenes, real life, kind of shot! I love her bulldog.

Now the question is what to eat! 

Margot is overflowing with style. She also remodeled and styled a bathroom in her house. It is so inviting, feminine, and modern.

Margot once again proves that any style, period, and influence can work together. There is the ceramic barrel stool mixed with the vintage curio cabinet. I love the marble countertops the white tile and accent pieces. Isn't this shower curtain heavenly? The chrome waterfall bathtub fixture is total paradise.

Her choice in retrofitting an old cabinet with the sink basin is perfect.

Last but not least, want a peek inside that vintage curio cabinet?

Ah...what an inspiration! Check out more of Margot Austin's work at her website!

Get the Look: Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2010!

{image via w2bam}

This is the perfect collection for the woman that plans on jet-setting around Europe this summer. Beautiful lace, layers of sheerness, ruffles, fringe, its all there! D&G always understand the power of a strong silhouette. Here are a few examples...

D&G bathing suits are just as lovely, retro, and inspired

Get the Look for Less


A quick hop around the web and I can round up a similar look for under a $100. Here goes...

Imagine a fun night our rocking this D&G inspired look! Ruffles and lace are some of the key elements of the D&G show, this dress is Casual Couture by Green Envelope and retails for $95, but worth every penny. Make sure to not let this dress look like the 80's by following the hair tutorial on chignon's at the end of this post. Oh, and we still got five bucks to spend...hmmm...the one other vital element to the D&G look...

{image via Style Hop Blog}

My pick for those vintage red lips, which was inspired by Isabella Roselini, goes to Clinique Color Surge Vintage Red. I was able to find a tube on eBay for $4.99, usually sold for $14, and is brand new in its package. Okay, I blew the budget by a few cents, but I got the D&G look for less!

Okay, I blew the budget by a few cents, but I got the D&G look for less! 


Want this look on yet more of a budget? 


Here are a few tricks...

• Toss on a black dress, empire waisted with soft layers or a cut that gives you a strong silhouette.
• Wear red lipstick and natural eyes.
• Toss a black or white lace shawl around your shoulders. Beta Acessories at Etsy has this awesome vintage black scarf for only $13.50! I'd also suggest checking your local fleamarket and thrift store for similar finds, too.

• Pull your hair into a loose chignon or low ponytail. 

I really love this video on a beautiful loose chignon, too.

Isn't it wonderful to be so inspired! D&G rocks! How would you wear some of these looks? Leave a comment because I'd love to hear what you have to say!