Monday, August 30, 2010

Moving Day and the Five Golden Rules of Decorating


I'm so excited because today my furniture finally arrives from Nashville! I've been so lucky thus far to find a smashing/cheap apartment in Arlington with an amazing view and lots of closet space. I just cannot wait to decorate my new space. Although I'm trying to keep costs minimum, I will certainly be buying a least a few things for the new place.

I'm not the only person moving these days. My sister and a few of my friends have also taken up new abodes over the past few weeks. Decorating in a new home can be overwhelming, so I think it's important to know a few rules to live by when putting your personal touch on a room.

Thanks to Canadian House and Home, we don't have to come up these rules on our own:

1. Let the architecture be your guide- Understand the lighting and function of a space before diving in. If your foyer has beautiful mosaic tile and exposed beams, for instance, let these features guide your design choices.

2. Add a splash of creativity- I love this rule because nothing makes a room look more original than a piece that is unexpected and a little off. Let's put it this way, if you want to copy the Pottery Barn look you certainly can, but everyone will know you did!

3. Edit- Decorate your room. And then go through and take a bunch of the unnecessary out. Too much clutter prohibits the eye from focuses on the highlights of the room.

4. Add a pop of color- Or better yet, a pop of interest. Something that jumps when you enter the space. I believe this can take an immense amount of thought, but after time the right choice will come to you.

5. Functionality trumps everything- If you really love a white sofa but know your kids will ruin it in .2 seconds flat, or if you think a king size bed would be great but your room is the size of a closet, don't you think you'd eventually regret those choices?? You've got to do what works best for you, your lifestyle and the space you live in. No doubt about it.

Thank goodness for cheat sheets. Happy decorating everyone!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Can't Help It


Look how AMAZING Kim Kardashian looks at tonight's Emmy's! I cannot help but love her. What a goddess.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

One Day...


I shall own this chandelier. Gorgeous.

via

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Jen's New Blog

One of my favorite bloggers, Jen, has started a new spin-off blog called Bits of Truth where she posts all the wonderful quotes she has tucked up her sleeve. I will for sure be following.

And isn't the above SO true?

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Roadtripping

I may be M.I.A. for a few days as I hit the road for a little vacation! Grad school starts in just few short weeks, so I've decided to squeeze in a little more fun before I hit the books. Chattanooga, Tallahassee, Nashville, and Charlotte here I come!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Wanna Buy It Wednesday: 2866 Sugartree Road, Nashville, TN


Happy Hump Day! 2866 Sugartree Road is another home in Nashville that I simply adore. On the market for just over 1 mil, it's brand new and has been designed in an elegant yet functional style. I love the custom built-ins, arched doorways, marble bathrooms and wrap-around porch. The home also sits on a huge lot with a creek in the backyard! It has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.














Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Beautiful

I'm sure this kitchen has been around the blogosphere block a few times by now, but I just can't get over how strikingly beautiful it is! Rachel Halvorson is a well-known Nashville designer who also writes the Nest Egg blog. The two-tone cabinetry, bear skin rug for a touch of rustic and that unbelievable light fixture make this kitchen one of my favorites.

Before:



After:


Monday, August 16, 2010

Loving Right Now: M. Elle Design

I love M. Elle Design comprised of mother Mary Lynn and her two daughters, Marie and Emily. Their serene space incorporate subtle pops of color. Whether it's a mountain retreat or house on the beach, they know how match the indoors with the outside environment. This first picture is my absolute favorite.













Friday, August 13, 2010

Bon Voyage

I'm hitting the road this weekend to take an impromptu trip to Siesta Key! I can't wait :) What's the best part? I get to spend the weekend with 5 girls I've known since KINDERGARTEN. Can you believe it? I haven't seen them in 3 years, but it's still just like old times.

Happy weekend everyone!!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

John Derian for Target


Before I post my dream house of the week, I want to share the exciting news- John Derian is returning to Target! I love Derian's nature-inspired vintage decor. Design For Real Living currently has some of his non-Target affiliated products for sale. They're gorgeous, put pricey. Thank goodness he will be selling over 100 products for under $25!










Tuesday, August 10, 2010

One Year Older and A Million Times More Grateful


Today I'm one year older. It's my 26th birthday and what a year it has been! This year has been both tumultuous and exciting for me with the end of a four year relationship, a move back to DC (in the process), beginning an MBA program, quitting a job I loved and starting this blog. I have grown more in this past year than I have in the last five and I am so grateful for my blessings as well as my struggles.

The greatest gift of all has been this rewarding blog to share my inspirations, thoughts and ideas. Even more, I have been exposed to so many talented individuals who I have become friends with. My life is so much richer because of this wonderful world of blogging! Thank you to you all.

xoxo, Liv

Image via

Monday, August 9, 2010

Decorating With Typography

In case you haven't seen it for yourself, let me spell it out for you- decorating with font and numbers is a great way to add interest to a space without overwhelming it with color. What I love about this trend it that it's so easy to accomplish without much expense. Typographical fabrics and accessories are available, but I'm thinking about using a printed decal or stencil to accomplish the same look.








Images from Ballard Designs, Family Circle, C2B, misc