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Fashion Meets Design: featuring Fashion Blogger Carrie Colbert

Hi there! I’m Carrie from Wear + Where + Well, a lifestyle blog that celebrates fashion, travel, and much more.  An engineer and financial professional by education and experience, I embrace my creative spirit through my writings on my site.  I enjoy learning continually – whether about emerging fashion designers, the hot trend of the season, or a new travel destination – and sharing that with my readers. 

How could I not be inspired by this room Jacquin shared with me? From the lacquered cobalt walls to the black and white floral art plus much more, this room was chock full of inspiration! Here are the three primary ways that I was influenced by the room.
 
1. The color pallet
Coincidentally, this vibrant cobalt blue color is very on trend for fall. I’ve been wanting to dive into this shade fashion wise, so I considered this to be a sign to do so. I immediately thought of this skirt 

Furthermore, I love how the touches of black in the room through both the art and the rug really ground the blue. Style wise, accessorizing my look with black helped keep the blue from feeling too light and spring-like. Much like it grounded the room, the black in my shoes and bag anchored my look. 

By the way, did you notice that small pop of orange in the room via the lamp? Even that inspired me! Can you see how that little red heart I found on the streets of Houston reminded me of the orange in the room? 
 
2. The line
I loved the juxtaposition of lin arity and curvature in this room. The strong lines of the walls are balanced by the curves of the desk, chairs, and more.  Much the same way, the strong lines of my shoes and the skirt border balance out the curves of the florals and the scallops of the neckline
 
3. The style
To me, this room oozes elegance, but in a modern way. So, that’s what I tried to capture with my look
– a fresh, classy, elegant look.

Bonus style tip: Never be afraid to re-purpose an item in
a manner beyond its primary purpose. Here, I’ve let a one-piece
swimsuit
 double as a body suit paired with a skirt. 

 

Shop My Look: 

Thanks so much for letting me share with you here! I’d love to have you join me on my adventures on Wear + Where + Well
 
-Carrie Colbert

Photos by Ashley Cardoza
 

Shop DWR.com

Sonya Winner Gives Rugs a Fine Art Appeal – Think Rothko-esque!

When I’m shopping for a rug I like to look for the most unique selections available, so when talented designer Sonya Winner of Sonya Rugs contacted me with her new collection of rugs, I jumped at the opportunity to share this designer with you.  I love the fine art feel of Sonya’s rug designs.  They all tell a story and are highly creative.  
 

Sonya identifies color as both her inspiration and passion.  On the topic of her rugs and creativity, Sonya expresses just why color is her most transformative tool

Coulour is key- it transforms an environment, changes mood, creates excitement, ambiance, interest and simply makes you happy. My passion for creating rugs stems from my aim to add vibrancy, warmth and positivity to a room.

My first rug was a revelation. I was overwhelmed at how it changed a room. Seeing my design woven for the first made me understand carefully chosen colours and their juxtaposition to one another speaks out to everyone- a universal language. This emotional response to colour and shape is something I want to use to evoke positive emotions in everyone who looks at my work.

 

Sonya describes her most recent collection (shown above, below) as Rothko-esque.  The vibrant colors and geometric shapes certainly do fit in with Rothko’s painting style.

This tree trunk rug design is one of my favorites!  Its organic form brings a natural feel into the living room, along with a pleasant, saturated burst of color.

If you have an eye for truly special and unique decor, then I would definitely recommend a Sonya Winner rug.  They are really quite unique and perfect for the color lover!

For those of you in London, you can learn more about Sonya Rugs in person at Tent London taking place September 24-27.  Tent London is an international showcase of the best in contemporary design.  Sonya Rugs will be located in Hall T1, Stand F20.

Copper Lighting Steals the Show

It’s all about COPPER on the blog today, but before I get into that I want to mention a few updates I’ve made to the blog this week.  I’ve revamped the “Shop” page to highlight all of the great decor and style finds I’ve featured on the blog over time.  This means that all of my chic home decor selections will be compiled in one place for you to shop at your convenience.  Yay!  You can find the new SHOP page at the top, right hand corner of this blog or just click here

I should also draw your attention to 3 great deals going on now, which you can shop of course, on the shop page.  The Dolce Vita sandals are on sale for only $38.90!  So if you need a new pair of sandals, these are it!

 photo dixon sandals_zpsaka8byo4.jpg photo 3 cocottes with tray creuset_zps8kz3ehco.jpg photo margot popover dress_zpsdtqxky2f.jpg

 

COPPER LIGHTING STEALS THE SHOW

 



Image via Brit + Co

Image via Inside Out (AU)
 
(Left) Highgate House Interior Design (AU) | (Right) Charles Suspension Lamp for sale at Delightfull Unique Lamps (EU)
 
HGTV’s Property Brothers design featuring copper light fixtures
 

Image via Daniella Witte

 

My Top Copper Selections for Your Home!

 
1. Grady Facet Table Lamp – Lulu & Georgia
2. Matte Copper Flatware Set – Lulu & Georgia
3. Heirloom Pendant – Lulu & Georgia
4. Nyhavn Outdoor Wall Sconce – Design Within Reach
5. Pounded Dot Bowl (Large) – Lulu & Georgia
6. Copper Coat Rack – Honey Wood Home
8. Sur Hammered Copper Mug (Set of 4) – Lulu & Georgia
10. Selli Candlestick Holders (Set of 3) – Lulu & Georgia
12. Copper Artichoke Lamp – Design Within Reach
 
Which of these luxe copper finds is your favorite?  Don’t forget to visit the new SHOP page!
 

Vote for Interiors by Jacquin blog for the Amara Blog Awards here!

Shop Sofamania for the best price on modern furniture and FREE shipping on all orders.

Amara Blog Awards + “Shabby-Chic” with Chairish co.

Amara VOTE with pink arrow photo Amara VOTE for Interiors by Jacquin_zpspjn7mnix.jpg

Hi everyone!  It’s so nice to be chatting with you again today!  I have a tiny favor to ask you that will make a huge difference for me.  I’m nominated for an Amara Blog Award and I would be very grateful for your vote.  It’s so easy too.  Pop over and vote now!  Just click here.  I truly appreciate it.  Thank you!!  Now back to your regularly scheduled post.  🙂

Chairish co. Shabby-Chic Challenge

I’ve been invited by Chairish, an online retailer for high-quality vintage furniture and decor, to participate in their Shabby-Chic Challenge.  Chairish even allows you to sell your vintage items through their website, which is fantastic. I was able to use any of the furniture and decor on their website to create a single e-design.  I must say that I saw many pieces that were very unique and special, which made this a pretty fun challenge!  
 
When it comes to shabby-chic, it’s all about taking upcycled, vintage, and antique items and making them come together to create a chic and pleasant aesthetic.  The best thing about the shabby-chic decorating style, is that the look can really morph depending on your own personal style.  
 
 
 
Shabby-chic decorating tends to allow an individual’s personal style and personality to shine through.  In fact, I think we can learn a lot about our style & preferences based on the type of pre-loved and antique furniture we select. When it comes to my style preferences for pre-loved & shabby-chic furniture, I must say it’s all about originality and character.  Shopping at a place like Chairish is right up my ally because many of their furniture and decor items just simply cannot be found anywhere else.  So for me, I like to select the most original items, even with a few small dings because I believe this adds additional charm and character to a space.  
 
What you’ll notice most about this shabby-chic challenge is that while I used primarily vintage pieces here, the room is far more chic than shabby.  This just goes to show you that shabby-chic doesn’t have to be overly shabby, but can read more boho, rustic, ornate, or in my case today… a dose of mid-century modern!  Like what you see?  You can shop these Chairish finds below! 
 

Here are links to the FAB Chairish items in my design: 

9. Mid-Century Tufted Blue Couch

Learn more about Chairish and their amazing home decor finds here.  Have a great week!  

Vote for Interiors by Jacquin blog for the Amara Blog Awards here!

 

Globetrotting in Style: Spain with style blogger Morgan Lillian

 
Hey there! I’m Morgan Lillian, fashion blogger and founder of the Morgan Lillian blog.  This Summer I had the pleasure of traveling all around Spain eating, drinking, and experiencing the unforgettable culture, and by that, I mean having the best time of my life.  Spain is really something else, and I am so excited to share my top places and spaces that are a must visit WHEN IN Rome SPAIN.  
 

1. CASA DELFIN – Paseo del Borne, Barcelona 

Casa Delfin is a local favorite, as it has classical appeal and traditional tapas dishes.  The location in Paseo del Borne is the perfect combination of nightlife and a non-touristic feel. Whether you are out on the patio or inside the restaurant, you really get the full experience of Spain through the older, traditional interior mixed with their exceptional version of tapas
If you go you must order the pa amb tomaquet (bread with tomato) and the mussels!  I’m not one for mussels, but these made me rethink everything I have ever known. 
 
Style: Love this matching set from Mango (and
if you’re into fashion at all, you really must go).  It is the perfect outfit for going out.  You can find this set here.
 

2. Isla de Santa Clara– San Sebastian 

Hands down the best part of my trip!
This island is the perfect little escape from the mainland, not to mention you can buy sangria from a little stand right on the island.  It’s about a 7 minute boat ride to the amazing location that looks out toward the mainland.  And the crisp, blue water is the clearest blue you will ever see.  Mix that with lounging  back relaxing with a pitcher of sangria and you have yourself the most relaxing day ever.
 
Style: This off the shoulder romper by
Topshop is light and airy, which was a must for this hot day in Spain. You can find it here

 

3.La Musa Restaurant – Madrid 

If I had to chose my favorite restaurant on this trip it would be La Musa.  It isn’t your traditional Spanish food, but it has an array of different international cuisines. This trendy and welcoming restaurant is decorated with a mix of modern, rustic, and retro pieces creating a totally unique environment.  According to the locals, this restaurant is often visited by many of the movie stars in the area…so trust me, you wanna go. 
 

 

Style: Love this graphic dress! While this dress is no longer available, here is a similar one just as great.
 
I felt as though I wore the perfect dress when I arrived at the restaurant.  The print seemed to flawlessly fit right in, not to mention it was perfect for walking around the rest of the day.  
 
These 3 places were only a small glimpse of just how great Spain really is.  The photos don’t even come close to doing Spain justice, meaning you will just have to go to experience the wonder for yourself.  If you have been to Spain, then you know exactly what I am talking about.  Thank you for letting me share my amazing trip and I hope I’ve inspired you to think about your next vacation, destination: Spain! 
 
x
Morgan Lillian
Check out my fashion blog morganlilian.com!

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Tips for Purchasing Appliances + a Home Tour!

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many new people since blogging and Khristine Holterman of Revuu is one of these great people! Khristine’s website Revuu empowers consumers of high end home products & appliances to access reviews of these products from other home owners, designers and contractors in order to make informed decisions about products they will likely use every day. 

We all value the power of reviews for everything else we do from travel, professional services, and restaurants, and now Revuu.com is empowering consumers to access valuable reviews of items that are not available at big box stores.  These are just the specialty products that require a great deal of research and knowledge during the purchasing process. During my interview with Khristine, she shares valuable tips for selecting and purchasing big ticket appliances, along with a look inside of her well-designed home.  P.S. My favorite thing about this home tour is Khristine’s fabulous lighting selections! Take a look!

Coffee Table (Century); Dark sofa: Lee Jofa; Chair: Lee Jofa; Tripod Table – Jonathan Adler; Biedermeier Sofa: antique; stools: antique. Ceiling Light: Custom from Omega Design in Berkely, CA

Vintage cabinet with white objects; John DiPaolo oil painting

Jacquin: What inspired you to establish your website and blog Revuu.com?

Khristine: Revuu was inspired by my experience renovating my homes.  With our last remodel we had to renovate a century-old home- replacing all the windows, doors, plumbing and electrical and then finally decorate. When I started researching windows and doors in particular, I noticed there was no comprehensive site that provided reviews of any of these big ticket products.  I literally scoured the internet for days trying to determine if the windows my contractor wanted to use were in fact high quality and durable enough to withstand another century of use- but, to no avail.  Finding no resources for window and hardware reviews, I decided to build the website- after we completed the remodel!  

Lighting: imported blown glass lights from Czech republic

Jacquin: How would you describe your decorating style?

Khristine: My style is definitely eclectic or transitional- I love mixing antiques with modern pieces- especially the juxtaposition of modern art with antique furnishings.  I love to pick up special pieces when we travel and I adore books! When I see what I love, I know it, which makes it easy for me to make decisions, but it also means I tend to take my time finding what works.  I have been an avid follower of all things design, architecture and art for as long as I remember.

Jacquin: What is your favorite space in your home?

Khristine: My favorite space is the library, which was the first room I attempted to design on my own.  I found a Kelly Wearstler fabric (see below) and designed the room around it.  While the room is paneled in a darker wood, it is brightened by a huge window.  The yellow in the curtains and chairs makes a great contrast between light and dark.

Kelly Wearstler Bengal Bazaar fabric; Chair: One Kings Lane (vintage); Lamp: Restoration Hardware; Table: antique

Jacquin: How was your experience decorating your home? Did you learn anything new?

Khristine: I learned long ago that this process is slow and requires enormous patience. Fortunately I’ve had help from interior designers, lighting designers and art professionals who have exposed me to great style and products.  With our current home I have enjoyed managing the process and making most of the post-renovation design decisions on my own.  I’ve learned that measuring, remeasuring and then measuring again is key!  With an old home we have some door openings that are much smaller than typical- I had a few pieces delivered that we could not get through the hallway door! 

Lighting: Paul Ferrante; Table: Tritter Feefer; Chairs: Custom

Jacquin: You’ve really made excellent decisions designing your home and it shows in your lovely home tour.  For readers embarking on a home renovation, which appliances do you recommend consumers put the most research into?
 
Khristine: It is a toss up between a built in refrigerator and your range.  Both are the workhorses of the kitchen and both are important in everyday use.  Additionally, both can be extremely expensive!  Even if you don’t enjoy cooking, you do want to have a quality range in your home for resale value.  Of course the refrigerator is something even a non-cook uses every day. Built-in units can be finicky and require quite a bit of maintenance so definitely know what you are getting into before you purchase.
 
Jacquin: Lastly, my most important question!  Any advice on selecting appliances for one’s home that you’d like to share with the readers?
 
Khristine: Obviously my first advice is to check Revuu.com and if the item hasn’t yet been reviewed, then ask your friends for advice.  Check out their homes to see if they have the same brand and how it has held up both functionally and aesthetically. Check out showrooms to see the appliance in person- these are major purchases and you want to see, feel and test them before you make a decision. Once you’ve had experience with the product, be sure to post a Revuu on the site!

Vote for Interiors by Jacquin blog for the Amara Blog Awards here!

 

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare - available at Alyaka.com

DIY Decor Round-up!

This DIY Decor Round-up is packed with unique projects to beautify your home!  I’d love to hear which one of these would you’d like to give a try?  I’m really loving the Copper & Wood Hanging Light (#1) and the Straw Hat Wall Clock (#8), but honestly they all look worth a try.  Nothing like a little do-it-yourself “eye candy” to get you inspired!

1. Copper & Wood Hanging Light – Vintage Revivals
3. Gold Dipped Bar Stools – Honey Bear Lane
4. Minimalist Dining Table – Amber Interior Design
5. Criss-Cross Accent Wall – Rain on a Tin Roof
6. Barn Door Tutorial – House Seven
7. Ikea Hack Upholstered Bunk Beds – Ashley Rachelle
8. Straw Hat Wall Clock – Monster Circus
 
Which of these DIY projects are you most excited about?
 

Vote for Interiors by Jacquin blog for the Amara Blog Awards here!

 

Let’s Hop Over to Paris!

As you all know by now, I love global perspectives so I’m always eager to present the life and style of fabulous bloggers from across the world.  I also love hearing from readers from all over the globe, which always makes my day!  I’ve been thrilled to find that my international readership is really exploding, so I must give a big thank you to all of the new international readers out there, as well as all of you existing subscribers.  THANK YOU!!  

I also want to give a big WELCOME to all of the new readers in Singapore, Russia, India, Sweden, Brunei, and the UAE! Please stop by and say hello in the comments when you get a chance and thanks again for reading!  While we’re on the topic of international perspectives, let’s hop over to France and take a peek inside this chic-meets-vintage Parisienne apartment, home to blogger Naelle of Once in Paris

 
Jacquin: It’s so awesome that you’ve been living in Paris!  What brought you to Paris and how long do you think you will stay?
 
Naelle: I am both German and French, but I have been living in Paris since 2009 when I arrived for my final internship – and I never left. It is for me the most beautiful city in the world, there is so much to do and see, you have to live ten lives before leaving the city! 
 
I founded my blog Once, in Paris in November 2014 as I have been a fashion and design addict for years! I am a huge fan of vintage outfits and vintage decor, and since I bought my own apartment this year, I started to publish interior design articles on my blog too! 
 
Jacquin: How would you describe your personal style?

Naelle: I love chic and elegant outfits that remind me of Parisienne women in the fifties and sixties. Heels are my mantra. 

Jacquin: How did you decorate your space?
 
Naelle: I wanted to combine antique pieces like a wooden fire place with vintage and scandinavian furniture.  Decoration is like fashion, it has to fit your personality and style.  I love when pieces seem to tell you a story and incarnate a particular decade! 
Jacquin: What is your favorite space in your home? 
Naelle: My favorite space is my living room, which is why I thought it would be the perfect room to share today.  It’s where I spend most of my time to read, or drink tea or a glass of wine with friends.  My favorite piece? The teal scandianvian sofa, which I shopped via Drawer.fr.  For me, a sofa is like a dress: The key is to remember, everything else is just an accessory. 

Jacquin: I must ask about your favorite places in Paris to store away for my next trip.  What’s your favorite Paris boutique right now? What’s your favorite cafe or bar?

Naelle: Gosh, there are so many boutiques that I love in Paris, it is hard to chose! ClaudiePierlot, Les petites…, and then all the Vintage Stores in the Marais… My favorite bar however is definitely Le Ciel de Paris: Located on the very last floor of the Montparnasse Tower, you have a much better view from there, than from the Eiffel Tower, but only a few people know it! 

Jacquin: What makes Paris unique and special to you?

Naelle: Paris is the city of never ending surprises! Wherever you go, you will discover something new, something historical, something beautiful.  History is everywhere – You can literally feel it – the presence of George Sand, Coco Chanel, Simonde de Beauvoir…  Also, it is such an elegant city, where you are never overdressed.

Vote for Interiors by Jacquin blog for the Amara Blog Awards here!

 

Sarah Chapman - available at Alyaka.com

8 Ways to Hang A Tapestry at Home… A How-To

Hi Friends! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE! 🙂
If you own a tapestry that needs hanging, or are planning to buy one, I guarantee you one of these 8 methods will work for displaying your tapestry as lovely wall art.  I give you step by step instructions, so this is definitely a post you’ll want to save.  Pin this post to Pinterest for later!
 

Image via Pinterest

1. Rod in Casing

If your tapestry has a casing for a rod, then this may be the hanging method for you.  There are a lot of options for rods out there like you’ll find here and here.  Casings can really simplify things in that all you have to do is slip the rod in and hang it on nails.  If you’d like to add a casing, then simply sew on heavy weight fabric across the back to fit the width of your rod.  Sew along the top of your fabric strip and the bottom, leaving the middle open for your rod.  (A seamstress may be able to help you with the sewing part.) The casing should be sewn perfectly straight and not necessarily lined up with edge of your tapestry, which could be slightly uneven, causing crooked hanging.  This may be one of the more common ways to display your tapestry or rug, but there are others too!

Jane Hall Design featuring an Indian saree turned wall tapestry.

2. Good, old fashioned nails or push pins

You can nail your tapestry directly to the wall with nails, or even push pins if the tapestry is light enough.  This is great for more loosely woven tapestries, as the nails will fit between the wefts.  For more tightly woven tapestries or rugs, you would be putting a small holes along the perimeter of your tapestry, but for long term placement and thicker weaves, this may not be a problem.  



















Floral tapestry designed by BlueBellGray

3. Velcro (attached to a strip of wood)

Adhering your tapestry to the wall with velcro is a great method for those wanting to avoid putting any holes in their tapestry.  For those with a heavier tapestry, I have a helpful hint to make sure your velcro has staying power.  Nail a strip of wood just slightly shorter than the tapestry into wall studs.  Adhere the rougher velcro side to your strip of wood on the wall and the opposite velcro piece to the very top of the BACKSIDE of your tapestry, and then connect your velcro.  Voila!  You’ve hung your tapestry without putting a single hole in your prized wall art.

 Rug hung as wall art, Elle Decor

4. Mounting on Plywood Board

Another method that works well for both heavier and thinner tapestries is mounting your tapestry onto a wood frame (like plywood board).  If you have a heavy or thick tapestry, you can stretch and staple the tapestry over a plywood board or canvas stretchers and then hang it on your wall with sawtooth picture hangers.  The edges of your tapestry will be flipped to the back of the plywood board and stapled down in this method.  

If you are working with a thin or lightweight tapestry, then the best approach is to stretch heavy weight, linen canvas across the front of your plywood board and staple the fabric (tightly) to the back of your wood board around the perimeter.  This wood board would need to be wider and longer than your tapestry, as it will serve as the “frame” for your tapestry wall art.  Once your heavy linen fabric is stapled onto the board, then you will need to hand sew your tapestry directly to the center of the fabric using a curved needle.  The fabric showing along the perimeter will border your tapestry quite nicely.  Make sure to sew your tapestry  around the perimeter, as well as at various points on the interior of the tapestry in order to avoid unattractive sagging later (due to uneven weight support).  Be sure to use thread colors that match your tapestry closely and no one will even notice.  (P.S. You can always dye your heavy weight linen a cutom color in advance for a fine art look!)

Image via Pinterest

5. Foam Core Mounting

Foam core mounting is a very similar process to mounting your tapestry onto stretchers/plywood board.  You’ll be taking similar steps as in #4, except that you’ll be stapling your heavy linen fabric to foam board instead of wood.  You’ll need two sheets of foam board that you will glue together in advance, so be sure that you have enough fabric to cover the edges of your thick foam board.  Cover your foam board with heavy weight linen fabric and staple it down (tightly) onto the back of the foam board around the perimeter.  Sew your tapestry to the fabric with a curved needle, as explained in #3.
 
 

6. Tapestry as a ceiling feature

This is a great idea for those wanting to create a more unique ambiance in a space.  A tapestry hanging from your ceiling can add wonderful drama to your space, along with decorating a rarely decorated element of your home… the ceilings!

Justina Blakeney Design
Decorative tapestry hanging from ceiling, Image via Mamamia

7. Facing and Board Method – For tapestries with fringe

This method is perfect for tapestries with fringe on both ends.  Here’s how it works.  Like with the Velcro method in #3, you’ll need to cut a strip of wood that is slightly shorter than your tapestry.  For this method, then entire tapestry is NOT attached to a larger plywood board, but rather a narrow strip of wood is attached that only goes along the very top of your tapestry.

You’ll need to first add a “facing”  to the back, top of your tapestry.  A facing is basically a strip of fabric about 6 inches in width and the same length as your tapestry, which is sewn to the FRONT, top of your tapestry, just under the fringe.  (You won’t see this fabric or stitching when it’s done because it will be flipped to the back.)  This “facing” is flipped to the back and wrapped around your pre-cut wood board.  Staple your facing down onto the wood strip in two rows of staples, along the top and bottom of your facing.  This will cause your top fringe to be hidden and on the back of your tapestry so that the fringe doesn’t dangle downward over your tapestry.  (I’ve included an illustration below to help you conceptualize this.)  You will hang your tapestry to the wall with nails using the back wood strip now attached to your tapestry.  (For a heavier tapestry you’ll want to hang your tapestry in a place you can find a wall stud.)  Your fringe across the bottom of your tapestry will hang down from the bottom and look quite nice!

Brooklyn home of author Julia Chapman, featuring One Kings Lane rug as wall tapestry

8. Tapestry as headboard

I really love this idea, especially for someone wanting to save a bit of cash by avoiding the more expensive, traditional headboards.   These pictures will definitely inspire you to experiment with hanging tapestries and rugs as bedroom decor.

Image via Good Housekeeping
(Left) Home of Lighting Designer Marjorie Skouras, Apartment Therapy (Right) Image via Country Living