Visual Interest - vignette and still life around the home

Creating vignettes and accessorizing is probably the most fun you can have decorating. The possibilities are many, and if you use found object and things you already have, free!

What's your go to object when you decorate a surface?

  1. 91 Mag, 2.,3.,4. Heart Home

Thinking About a Little DIY

Noticing a lot of chatter lately about the hot summer trend of all things nautical - which is so fun for summer.  Here is one great piece I've had my eye on . . . 

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I think it is so chic and would add just the right amount of sparkle to my coffee table.  But, I can't justify $185.00 for a trendy accessory.  I know, it's really great.  Isn't it? 

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So, I was thinking (my husband says he dreads that phase more than anything in the world) . . . What if I took this shell (at $24.95).

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or this one at $25.00 (it's resin). 

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And painted the interior gold (since brass/gold accents are still hotter than hot).  There are so many options for how to add the gold accent.  You could do gold leaf which would add a lot of texture to the inside. 

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or craft paint - this one feels aged to me which is a great thing . . . 

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or even a little metal (anything called liquid metal, I'm in!) . . .

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You've got yourself a nautical/gold chachkie for a fraction of the price!  With a deal like that, I really wouldn't feel bad moving on when the trend is over.  M.

A new store that made me heart skip a beat...

I wish more often I would come across stores like Mockingbird Domestics.  There are lots of online stores, but I get tired of seeing the same thing over and over.  Mockingbird domestics is also a bricks and mortar store, as founders Jeff and Laura are launching a location in Austin, TX.  Any readers living in Austin?  If so, you are really lucky, because I would LOVE to see some of these pieces in person.

Here are some of my favorites -

I NEED this table.  Right now, I need any table, as ours isn't fit for a barn.  This cafe style table would make me one happy girl.

How great is this walnut standing table.  They custom made this for a client and then decided they should offer it regularly.  I try to stand at my desk and I have to put my keyboard and mouse on a box on my desk to make it slightly comfortable.

This very cool rocker is made from Texas wine barrels.

How cool is this handtruck ottoman?!?

They also have a lot of lovely accoutrements.  They take pride that many of their products are from local artists and artisans, as well as having some vintage and international products peppered in.

I find this silver pedestal bowl really striking.

My mother would LOVE these barnyard skewers.

Even though I work as a freelance web designer, I am an illustrator by training, and I really admire the work of Chris Celusniak, who painted this whimsical and detailed Texas Capitol.

What do you think of their products?  You can go to Mockingbird Domestics to learn and see more.

A super charming, relaxed & artsy home by a well-travelled mom and her little one

I really like this house tour out of Covet Garden. It's a nice mix of personality and comfort.

Read and see more about the space here.

Trend Spotting - Bag O' Beans

OK, now for something fun!  I asked the talented Sophie Tardiff if she would put together some thoughts on a trend she is seeing in the interior design world.  Sophie is a writer and marketing guru, and she really has her finger on the pulse of cutting edge trends.  Sophie take it away . . . 

Hello Musers.  I am thrilled to be with you today talking about trend spotting.  When Mandi ask me what trends I was seeing in the interior design world, the first thought that came to mind was bean bag chairs.  While we all know they are amazingly comfortable, the bean bag chair is making a huge come back.  

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They’re soft and conform uniquely to your posture in any way you want to sit or lie on them. They’re like no other piece of furniture. 

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Comfort aside though, it can be easy to think of them as only for the playroom or child's bedroom.  What isn’t obvious is how chic they can be in the right setting.  They also come in so many different forms making them really versatile. Traditionally, bean bag chairs only came in spherical shapes which could be quite limiting. Nowadays, this is no longer the case.

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Square bean bag chairs can be morphed into body pillows, armchairs, or stools. Bean bag ottomans can be sprawled out to create sofas for several people to lounge on. Teardrop bean bags give more back support to emulate an armchair style.

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Different styles of bean bag chairs allow you to emulate existing furniture, which can eliminate an awkward juxtaposition if you intend to put them into a room with actual sofas and armchairs. Again, this is important for obtaining a chic result.

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The other thing to consider is colour and fabric choices. Stark black and white rooms work well with bean bag chairs in a solid bright color to create major impact in a space.  Flat fabric textures work with subdued leather couches, while bold glossy faux leathers can work in a retro 60’s style décor. Warm colours and rough spun fabrics give off a bohemian vibe. 

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You simply have to think outside the box and consider making an old favorite part of your current decor.  

Thanks Sophie for sharing your insight on a current trend!  Now let's get out there and take charge of our Monday!  M.

And the winner of Fashion for Home's Memo Board is....

Lucky #15 - Janet!  Janet says

"seriously love the memo board! please enter me in the drawing for it. already have the perfect spot for it in my office!"  


Janet, please contact me at ashley [at] decorologyblog [dot] com with your shipping address, and I will have your memo board shipped out to you asap!


Congratulations Janet!

Wonderful Friday - Weekend Inspiration

Read that book

Enjoy the light

take in the view

enjoy every minute of the longest days

Enjoy the weekend!


1. High Gloss, 2. Lonny, 3. Sweet Home Style, 4. Smitten, 5. Architectural Digest