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A Dining Room Transformation

Hi there!  It’s Natalie Reddell, Virginia based designer and now offical Interior Design Contributor for Interiors by Jacquin!  Today I’m taking you inside my clients’ dining room transformation.  

Every design project, no matter the scale, requires quite a lot of decision-making.  As a designer, it is a joy to explain your design solution and “the why” behind the details.  And, Yes!  There is some method to “The Madness”! 
 
My clients recently purchased a lovely home in Richmond, VA.  The home was built in 1947, and was in need of some updating.  The picture above is the dining room as furnished by the previous owners.  My clients were in need of new furniture, rugs, lighting and art.  Their hopes for the space were to seat at least 8 people all of the time, and up to 12 at the table.  They wanted the room to be sophisticated, but inviting.  They were in need of some storage for table linens, but wanted a surface from which to serve their guests.  Lighting was a concern, too, because the room seemed a little dark.
 

First, I recommended that we brighten things up!  I traded a natural shade for the heavy window treatments, replaced the carpet with hardwood floors, added molding and painted the walls and trim.  I selected HUSH AF-95 from Benjamin Moore’s Affinity Colors for the walls.  It’s a nice neutral that’s warm but not too yellow.

 
Next, I present the furniture layout.  I really wanted to celebrate symmetry!  Placing the two storage pieces on the wall away from the table frees up more room for the table and chairs.  I placed matching chests on either side of the entry into the room to create balance and give lots of storage and serving surface.  I also used matching mirrors to help reflect the natural light from the opposite window. 
 
My clients are used to more traditional rugs, but I thought a neutral bound shag carpet would be fun and add some needed texture for the space.  I selected a classic pedestal dining table in mahogany and its rich woodgrain is quite stunning!  The chandelier is an antique from a favorite local shop.  I placed the light closer to the center of the room so there was more space around the table for food, guests, and family fun.  I added a ceiling medallion to make the chandelier (light) more of a focal statement in the room and add some visual interest to the ceiling.
 
 
I used a pair of dramatic table lamps on the two chests to provide more lighting.  The mirrors behind give depth and the lamps have great organic lines which break up the “matchy” look.  The lamps are directional, which is fun; one is a lefty and the other a right-y!  The finish on the chests is a deep crackled teal, which is a neat juxtaposition to the traditional dining table.
 
I like to use distinct host chairs when you have a large dining table to break-up the look of the other chairs.  Having taller chairs at the end is a great way to make a statement and provide an interesting visual “landscape”.  I selected the traditional Martha Washington chair, but dress her in a very fresh fabric!  I love all things Chippendale, so the side chairs are a no-brainer.  I like the fretwork backs and solid red seats to balance the host chairs.
 
The artwork at the ends of the room are a pair of beautifully-framed music in Latin that the client and I found in a thrift store (always a great resource!).  I bought the two coastal paintings from one of my favorite art sources for original work, T. Botero Galleries in High Point, NC and Atlanta, GA.  The artist, Liang Richardson, is third-generation British artist whose work is widely exhibited in Europe and the United States.  My clients moved to Virginia from Florida and were thrilled with the paintings.  The scenes remind them of happy family memories at the beach and on the coast.
 
Finally, I add shades to the chandelier to soften the light and add weight to the fixture.  The clients are thrilled with their dining room!  They have already hosted several parties and regularly have their family gather for meals.  The layout is working so well and my clients report that thanks to my design selections, (art, lighting and comfortable furniture) they and their company want to linger around the table.  Success!
 
 
A Dining Room Transformation – AFTER
 
Natalie is the newest member of the Interiors by Jacquin team and she will be sharing her designer perspective with us from time to time, so be sure to give her a warm welcome.  I’m thrilled to have Natalie on board!  If you’d like to see more of Natalie’s design work, take a look at her recent home tour.  This “Bloggers at Home” edition is colorful and artistic! 

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Fashion meets Design: Featuring Chloe Johnston

Interior Design image via Vtwonen 
 
Bonjour mes merveilleux amis! My name is Chloe Johnston, and I’m the founder and president of my own passion-turned career called Chloe Johnston, a lifestyle brand born of Parisian experiences in luxurious fashion, art, culture, and the hidden gems of new cities.  

Discovering Paris at the age of 12 and the multitude of trips that followed allowed me to live and breathe French culture, and now I’m sharing my hidden secrets with fashionable tourists who seek the true meaning of Paris. Whether you’re a bride searching for that magical dress, a group of girlfriends dying for the European trip of a lifetime, or just a mom and daughter interested in a bonding experience for the ages, I can whip up your perfect experience complete with the most exclusive shopping.  I recently expanded into NYC and now a few more cities are being whispered about as you read this! Obvious hint: London and Milan!

My personal style is an eclectic mix of classic, chic, playful, and trendy.  I am also aware of comfort and how a piece makes me feel.  I love incorporating the old with the new, and taking my own spin on “trends,” whether they are current or from previous seasons.  The most important thing about my style, is that it is my own!
 

When Jacquin sent my interior design options to base my styled look on, I knew this was the room!  (see below). This lovely room,  is playful yet chic and glaringly fresh! My eyes are immediately drawn to the rose gold light fixture, followed by the unique canary yellow rocking chair (it helps that my favorite color is yellow). What strikes me most are the geometric patterns and shapes expertly positioned throughout the room.  From the pillow and blanket to the table and rug beneath, the geometrical theme is evident everywhere.  

 
This room is all about the unexpected details, from the quirky wall art (do I spy a mustache?) to the pink cup placed casually yet poignantly on the floor.  Modern, funky, and bright, it’s the room that makes me just want to smile and play.
 
Interior Design image via Vtwonen 
 

Our June Look of the Month at Chloe Johnston actually mirrors the playfulness and geometric patterns of the room perfectly!  The Doris Q sleeveless faux layer dress is the perfect addition to take an outfit from basic to avant-garde, and it also boasts a fun geometric design and pops of color among a neutral grey. 

The glossy pink Mellow Yellow Nillusion shoes feature another high-five of neon exposure, mimicking the brightness and pink hues of the room. The multilayer Habsa charm bracelet factors in as our rose gold accessory, much like the room’s light fixture.  Just fantastic!

If you’re looking to visit Paris or NYC and you want to plan a luxury travel & shopping experience, be sure to get in touch with Chloe Johnston’s amazing team!  Now I know just who to call the next time I’m in Paris.  Bring on the fabulous French fashion!

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Lost Art of the Dinner Party

When it comes to being social, it seems that people are steering more toward getting together outside of the home rather than hosting great friends and family inside of the home.  Well today my friend, we encourage you to bring back the dinner party!  Why take the time to beautify and decorate your home, only for no one to see it?  Welcome your friends into your home for a night of fun, food, and conversation.  

My friend Emily Allen of Dinner Party Atelier is here to show us just how she’s bringing back the tradition of dinner parties!  Emily invites us into her home to see how she and her best girlfriends enjoyed a night of dinner and fun together at home recently.  She’s an expert of sorts when it comes to dinner parties so I’ll let her tell you all about it. 

I am honored to be featured on Interiors by Jacquin and excited to share a recent dinner party that I hosted for some of my friends.  After cooking and entertaining, interior design is another passion of mine that follows close behind.  I believe one’s décor is an essential element that defines what styles of entertaining you can accommodate in your space.
 
Entertaining at home around the dining room table is quickly becoming a lost art.  The mission of my website Dinner Part  Atelier is to inspire those who enjoy good food and great friendships to bring back the dinner party!  Those moments spent sitting around a candlelit dinner table, laughing until we cry and relishing a good glass of wine beats any dinner out at a restaurant, and without interruptions from waiters and strangers sitting within earshot.  Hosting a dinner at home is authentic, intimate, and a gift you give to those who attend.  Today I’m sharing with you three easy tips for hosting a stress-free dinner party any night of the week!
 

1. Begin the evening with a special signature cocktail, and place the drinks and napkins right where you want everyone to start. When the girls walk in, I like to have glasses of champagne waiting for them in the living room. This gives an immediate visual cue of where guests should congregate to chat while I’m finishing up dinner in the kitchen. Because my kitchen opens up to both the dining room and living room, I am still able to participate in the conversation. Consider the flow of your own house and use that as a guide to decide where you want any pre-dinner cocktails and conversation to occur.

2. Be creative with the table décor.  A formal dinner does not have to look stuffy and dated.  When I set the table for this dinner party, I wanted to have a fresh, modern tablescape to balance the formality of the china and crystal. In lieu of a flower arrangement and tall candlesticks, I created individual succulent centerpieces that I clustered along the center of the table.  I placed small, simple candles around the succulents to give off a glow without competing visually with the succulents or the pattern of the china.

3. Plan your menu carefully, taking into consideration the prep time for each dish.  I try to only have one dish that needs to be prepared immediately before the party.  In this case, it was the creamed spinach and mushrooms.  I did everything I could ahead of time – diced onions the night before, sautéed mushrooms and onions in butter in advance – and by the time guests arrived all I had to do was heat the mushrooms back up, toss in the pre-washed spinach and cream, and stir in a little parmesan cheese.  The salads were plated in advance, the coffee for the dessert was brewed just before guests arrived, and the main dish was a make-ahead freezer recipe that I just had to defrost and heat up.  How easy is that?

 Main Course: Jamie’s Italian Breaded Parmesan Chicken RECIPE
 

Dessert: Lemon Whipped
Cream with Fresh Blueberries (recipe below)

Emily’s girls’ night dinner party looks like it was a fantastic time!  Hoping you’re feeling inspired to host a fun dinner party of your own.  Emily has plenty more dinner party ideas to share with you on her website Dinner Party Atelier.  Stop by to see the latest!  
 
Before I end this post for today, I have two bonuses for you!  The recipe for Emily’s dessert, Lemon Whipped Cream with Fresh Blueberries, along with an old photo of Emily and I from college.  We studied abroad together in London through Vanderbilt years ago!  
 

Lemon Whipped Cream with Fresh Blueberries:

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 whole lemon
2 tbsp sugar
3 cups blueberries
6 lemon cookies or wafers (I use Meyer Lemon Moravian Cookies)
 
1. Juice and zest the lemon. Set aside zest.
2. Using a stand mixer and whisk attachment, combine lemon juice, cream, and sugar.  Mix on high until stiff peaks form and you have lemon whipped cream.
 
3. Divide whipped cream into 6 bowls.  Top each with ½ cup blueberries. Garnish each with a cookie and lemon zest and serve immediately.  Serves 6.
 
If you’re thinking about how fun it would be to have your favorite friends over for a chic dinner party, go for it! Don’t forget to head over to Dinner Party Atelier before you do. Emily has so many great dinner party tips and ideas! Thanks for reading!

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A Beach Getaway

Welcome to June!  This beach-fresh family condo is just in time for summer.  It’s the vacation home of my college friend and amazing mom, Amanda Morton.  We attended Davidson College in North Carolina together (college home of NBA’s 2015 MVP, Stephen Curry! Woohoo!) along with both of our wonderful husbands. 

Amanda’s family beach home is located in North Wildwood, NJ on the Jersey Shore.  North Wildwood is a family friendly beach town where Amanda and her family have vacationed for years and just recently bought their vacation home!   She’s just finished decorating and is now sharing her nautical getaway with Interiors by Jacquin!  If you’re like me, you’ll want to get to the beach immediately after this home tour!

Amanda on decorating her vacation home…

I tried to combine coastal and nautical decor styles and textures to create a relaxing beachy feel. I drew a lot of my inspiration from the beach using sea foam green walls with pops of navy and driftwood neutrals to create a laid back, casual vacation vibe throughout the home. Mixing in a few authentic nautical pieces and accessories, wall art, jute wrapped sea glass balls, bronze ship wheel themed lighting, porthole clocks, anchors, coral bedding and various other elements give our getaway a welcoming and timeless sea-inspired look.

Amanda’s favorite beach home feature…

The kid’s custom triple bunk bed is one of my favorite furniture pieces in our home. (see below)  The bed is surf-inspired, complete with mini surfboards for safety rails and a hand-painted, weathered frame. Mermaids, bright beach themed accents, and hand-crafted quilts with Hawaiian hibiscus flowers and surfboards in shades of pink and blue create a bright and summery escape for the kids to play and relax. 

A place for family…

Eventually, we will add family pictures of our beach adventures to a gallery wall in the main hallway for a welcoming and cozy touch that celebrates the time we spend together in our home. We look forward to spending many summers in the sun together, playing on the beach and relaxing as a family in our coastal condo!

Thank you to Amanda for giving us a peak inside of her beach home!  We love seeing the interior designs of readers!  If you’re interested in having your home featured on Interiors by Jacquin, feel free to email in a home tour submission or any inquiries.  Have a great week!

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Coconut Curry Grilled Shrimp with Honey Lime Dipping Sauce

Hi! My name is Andrea but everyone calls me Drea.  I’m a Midwest mom of three wonderful children, married to my best friend and obsessed with my drowsy pug named Uniqua.  I’m a former special education instructor turned lifestyle blogger.  Vermilion Lane is my online journal of everything I love: cooking, fashion, family, crafts, interior design and more.  Today I’m sharing my own recipe creation, Coconut Curry Grilled Shrimp, inspired by the vibrant Caribbean islands. 

I just love the flavors of the Caribbean!  Whenever I try an amazing Caribbean dish I’m reminded of my wonderful honeymoon in Jamaica.  Where else do Asian, African and Native Caribbean Indian spices blend so effortlessly? Caribbean cuisine is a global experience in and of itself! One of my favorite finds in Jamaica was high-quality curry. And boy do they curry just about everything from sautéed veggies to roasted goat, from “tip to tail”, as they say.

 
Fresh coconut was another much loved treat on my trip.  I previously thought of coconut simply as an ingredient in old-fashioned dessert preparations such as custard pies, cookie bars and fruit gelatin.  My introduction to fresh shaved coconut meat in savory vegan dishes and poached fish in coconut milk was a beautiful culinary awakening.
 
When I returned home I began experimenting with these amazing flavors.  Ten years later I’m still cooking with curry and coconut with this delightful shrimp dish.  Unlike many heavily breaded coconut shrimp recipes, these are grilled; the result is wonderfully fresh.  The best part is a much cleaner taste and slimmer waist, my favorite food combination.  Enjoy!
 

Coconut Curry Grilled Shrimp with Honey Lime Dipping Sauce

 

Ingredients 

2 pounds jumbo shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails on)
3 fresh lime juice (zest of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon lime juice reserved)
1 cup coconut milk
¼ cup shredded coconut
¼ cup honey
3 ¼ tablespoons spicy curry powder (¼ teaspoon reserved)
2 tablespoon green onions (finely chopped, 1 tablespoon reserved)
1 tablespoon cilantro (chopped)
1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
 
Directions:
  1. In a medium size mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons curry powder, garlic, coconut milk, 1 tablespoon green onions and 1 tablespoon lime juice.
  2. Add shrimp and stir to combine.
  3. Place plastic wrap over bowl, directly over shrimp to remove as much air as possible. (This will allow the marinade to penetrate the meat more efficiently.
  4. Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours.
  5.  While the shrimp is marinating begin the sauce so the flavors have time to marry.
  6. In a small mixing bowl, combine honey, remaining lime juice, zest of 1 lime, shredded coconut, cilantro, remaining 1 tablespoon green onions and ¼ teaspoon curry powder.
Drea shares her tips for making healthy meals  at home more accessible:
 
This is a really great question, given how tempting unhealthy options can be for busy families like mine.  My best advice is also the simplest: Remove temptation! It’s so much easier than it sounds. Start with tossing out the junk and replace it with flavorful alternatives that will keep you satisfied and feeling incredible.
 
 
Stock your pantry with brain-boosting snacks like roasted chickpeas, nuts, dark chocolate and dried fruit. Incorporate raw food into your main meals, too. Raw food is packed with nutrients and the best part is, it’s about as quick and easy as food prep gets.  Think tender shaved asparagus tossed in olive oil and vinegar, kale and pine nut slaw or cucumber and radish salad in a bright lemon vinaigrette. Pair these side dishes with seafood or pasta and you’ll be fit and fabulous in no time.

Bon appétit!

 

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Bloggers at Home: with London’s Sarah Akwisombe

So it’s unofficially London week on the blog! On Monday I featured an interview with Jonas Almgren, CEO of London based online art dealer, Artfinder, who shared with us 3 great tips for selecting artwork for your home. Now we’re showcasing the home of London interior designer, Sarah Akwisombe! I am loving the mod elements in Sarah’s home design along with the balance achieved with her fantastic vintage accents. Take a look. I’m sure you’ll enjoy this unique home tour as much as I did! 

 

I’m Sarah Akwisombe, I’m 29 and a double award winning blogger and interior stylist / designer from South London. My blog empowers people to take risks and try out statement style within their home. I’m passionate about getting people to be a little more experimental and really develop their own unique style. 

I love bringing people’s ideas to life. I believe that as an interior designer it’s not about pushing your own style onto a client but instead taking their ideas and personality and turning it into the best, most exciting version.  I also just love the transformational side – having something that starts off a little lacklustre and becomes the most inviting room in the house. 

My favorite decor accessory at home has to be a vintage heron lamp that I found in a little pop-up antique shop in Barcelona when I was there once on vacation. (see below) I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Along with it being a really unique piece it’s also got great memories attached to it. 

My decorating style is Modern eclectic. I like to take really random and unique, one off pieces and mix them with affordable modern pieces. I love statement colour and pattern, especially geometrics. It’s a real mix of quite urban influenced art and shape lines with more luxury finishes and materials. It’s a nice juxtaposition!
 
For inspiration, I often go to galleries, museums and antique shows to get design ideas from history and less obvious sources. Colour inspiration can come from anywhere, especially when I travel or look at creatures from nature. Instagram is my biggest source of online inspiration – you can look at one account, then another, then another. It really is like falling down a rabbit hole of great visual imagery. 
 

My favourite place in my home is my living room. It was one of the first rooms that we finished and it’s totally ‘me’. Dark walls, geometric monochrome wallpaper, retro teak furniture and loads of random little accessories. It’s really cozy and welcoming too so it’s just nice to hang out in there! (see below)

Sarah’s Akwisombe’s real life decorating tips…
Firstly, create a watertight budget and allow 10-20% as things can quickly escalate. When it comes to design scheme I’ve learnt to make sure I order fabric and paint samples as what you see online can often be so different in real life. Also not to forget the little details – accessories, artwork and extra lighting can really give the space that wow factor. Most importantly, go bold or go home. 
 
 

Apt2B Free In Home Delivery on All Furniture

Art

Artist Spotlight with Artfinder CEO

 

Today I’m pleased to introduce an exciting segment featuring Artfinder.com, a London-based online fine art vendor selling artwork from around the world.  This website has the most extensive collection of fine art, available for purchase globally including the United States.

This multi-part Artfinder collaboration will showcase 3 Artfinder artists over the course of this summer, who I’ve personally selected for the Interiors by Jacquin Artist Spotlight Series.  Today I’m interviewing two great members of the Artfinder team: Jonas Almgren, CEO and Liz Hipkins. 

An Interview with Jonas Almgren, Artfinder CEO 

Jonas Almgren, Artfinder CEO photographed at an Artfinder event.

Jacquin: Hi Jonas!  I’m excited about our collaboration and the opportunity to learn more about you and the Artfinder team.  What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Jonas: Nothing beats hearing back from artists, to hear first hand what our efforts accomplish.  It’s made me truly understand the challenges most artists face, and what a dramatic difference it can make for an artists when their art is validated through a sale.  Also, customer reviews can be great, as this one we recently received from a customer in Australia: 

Jacquin: Show us your favorite contemporary work of art right now from Artfinder! 

Jonas: There are so many great artworks on Artfinder, and I see probably a dozen new works every day that I find exceptional.  I really like when an artwork surprises me, forces me to see something with new eyes, though exceptional technique can be very exciting too. 
 
Recently I’ve been paying attention to the abstracts by Richard Kuhn, a German artists that’s been with Artfinder for quite a while.  He started out selling brilliant evocative portraits, but has recently ventured into large abstracts, that I find very compelling.

Photo of German artist Richard Kuhn at work.   

Richard Kuhn acrylic painting, unknown model, 2015
 
Jacquin: What’s been the most exciting thing about your work so far?
 
Jonas: As with all startups, it’s about building up something from nothing. When we started out, we had a handful of artists and a few hundred artworks.  Now we are proud to say that thousands of artists have sold work through Artfinder, and the Artfinder Community includes artists from 95 countries. 
 
Gradually we hope to eliminate the “starving artist” syndrome as we enable more artists to live from selling art, while helping buyers find unique artworks that they often can’t find anywhere else.
 
Jacquin: What does Artfinder have in store for the future?
 
Jonas: We’re planning a massive US expansion this year, but we’re also launching several new product features that, among other things, we will support interior decorators and architects with key tools to enhance their project processes.  We believe there are plenty of  opportunities working directly with businesses and retailers, and this year we intend to give them our full attention. 
 
An Interview with Liz Hipkins, Artfinder Community & Events Manager
 
 
Jacquin: How did you train for you job with Artfinder?
 
Liz: Prior to working at Artfinder, I worked for 5 years at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, building out the Membership community and working on a very varied program of events.  Before this, my background was actually in music, studying it at university and working for an orchestra, basically submerging myself in the London Arts scene as much as physically possible! 
 
Jacquin: How did you come to be interested in art or fine art, specifically?
 
Liz: It is hard to say, my parents have always had a huge interest in culture, visiting historic places of interest, virtually every weekend.  I grew up in a very rural part of England and so it wasn’t really that easy to pop to galleries and exhibitions, but I always remember coming on a trip to London as a child and going to the National Gallery for the first time and being surrounded by amazing and admittedly very large artworks!  Since then I have always been interested in art and the wider art scene.
 
Jacquin: How does Artfinderpromote its amazing artist? 
 
Liz: We promote our artists through our community events. We host Artfinder Pop-Ups which are still in there early days, but these involve displaying physical art by local Artfinder artists, alongside an interactive experience using touch screens which enable visitors to curate their own exhibitions to promote on to the venue walls. 

Artfinder Pop-Up Event featuring interactive screens, London.

By hosting Pop-Ups, it enables Artfinder artists from all over the world to have their work included and enables us to promote thousands of
artists, rather than just been limited by the size of the space.

Artfinder Pop-Up Event, London.

 Jacquin: Show us a work of art in your home? Why did you choose it?
 
Liz: This is a work called ‘Baron Samedi’ by artist Jayne Evans, an artist based in the UK (see below).  This work was actually chosen by my boyfriend who saw it and instantly liked it, plus he has always been a fan of the Bond series.  It is an acrylic painting, which came framed, as it includes a striking red color again white and black, I wasn’t sure where we would hang it, but as it turned out it looks fantastic against our open brick fireplace, it provides a lovely contrast to look at. (see Liz’s at-home artwork below) 

Artwork by Jayne Evans hanging in the home of Artfinder‘s Events Manager, Liz Hipkins

There are several different layers to the work.  (see above) Jayne Evans actually took part in an artist demonstration at a recent Artfinder pop-up and it was quite incredible watching her processes and the painting evolve over the time.  She is also a lovely artist to speak with!
 
Jacquin: Where do you go for inspiration in London? 
 
Liz: We are very lucky in London that inspiration isn’t hard to find, with wonderful architecture and art around every corner.  I love walking along the river on the Southbank, especially at night when all of the lights are out in full.  With new buildings going up every month, the city landscape is every evolving which I just love.  (see below)
 

Tips for Selecting Artwork for Your Home:

  • (1) First and foremost you need to look for art that’s inspirational and at some level reflects the
    personality of the owner. With over 100,000 unique artworks to choose from, it’s very much like a matching process. The art you will fall in love with is out there, you just need to find it. It should be art you’re happy to live with.
  • (2) Secondly, you need to consider the interaction with the environment.  What impact do you want the art to have on the room where it is placed?  Do you want to add colour, do you want to create sense of peace, maybe add some energy, or a fresh feeling of open water or green overgrowth?  It’s easy to underestimate the tremendous impact art can have on a room, especially if the art is large.  Take advantage of it!
  • (3) Lastly, consider the practical aspects.  How do you want to hang it?  Do you want it framed, or perhaps a ready to hang unframed artwork with painted sides?  If it’s a photography work, be careful with direct sunlight, as it will bleach the colours over time.  If you cover it with UV protective glass, consider how the glass will reflect light (but from lighting, and from
    windows).
If you’re looking to add artwork to your space, Artfinder is THE place to search.  Honestly the best collection of original fine art I’ve seen available for sale on the Internet and it’s so accessible.  Stay tuned as I showcase three Artfinder artists this Summer personally selected by me, Jacquin!  In the meantime, take a look at my earlier feature on Artfinder artist Sal Jones. 

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Bloggers at Home: Nicole Regan

 
Today we have a great interview with Nicole Regan of the awesome Chicago blog Cedar & Rush!  I’m originally from Chicago, so I’ve been especially excited about this week’s feature  You’ll enjoy this cozy home tour along with Nicole’s expert tips for a fun outing in Chicago!
 
Jacquin: Hi Nicole!  Thanks for this interview!  Please introduce yourself for the wonderful readers out there.
 
Nicole:  Hi there friends! I’m Nicole, the little lady behind the Chicago blog, Cedar & Rush. I am so excited to be a guest on Interiors by Jacquin today! I am also a social media consultant by day and have the most amazing husband, Sean, and little pup, Larry. Today’s feature showcases my Chicago apartment downtown – but recently just moved 20 minutes outside the city. I hope you enjoy!
 
Jacquin: What’s your favorite thing about blogging?
 
Nicole: The opportunity to collaborate with brilliant people and create exciting content. And someday I will be so happy I have this “personal journal” to share with my grandchildren someday!
 
Jacquin: How would you describe your personal style?
 
Nicole: Classic, preppy and bright.  When it comes to decorating, I love mixing modern with classic. We currently rent, but when we purchase our first home, I cannot wait to play up the space. Think vibrant colors and printed wallpaper.  
 

Jacquin: Who is your style icon?  What blogs or resources are your go-to for style inspiration? 

Nicole: It’s a tie between Elin Kling and Miroslava Duma. I also read Sequins and Stripes every morning. She opened my eyes to the world of mixing prints and patterns. Huge game changer!

Jacquin: Tell us about your favorite fashion accessory?

Nicole: My favorite style accessories are my scarves from my husband, which there is a fun story behind.  Ever since we got married, he started a tradition of bringing back a scarf when he travels internationally for work.  He picks these out all by himself and I can’t wait to sport them when I’m old and gray.

Jacquin: What is your favorite place, thing, or vignette in your bedroom? 

Nicole: I adore my Pottery Barn lucite lamps with Ikat shades (above).  And my West Elm orange lacquer tray adds such a great pop of color (below).  Classic silhouettes with modern materials. (More on the topic of ikat here.)

Jacquin: What would the perfect day be like for you?

Nicole: Kick off the day with a family coffee walk with my main squeezes, Sean (my husband!) and Larry (my little pup!). Lunch at a pub over IPA’s.  A little bit of blogging and dinner alfresco with friends.  And always a boozy brunch the next morning.  Pineapple mimosas anyone?

And if you’re wondering about this cute dog, that’s Nicole and her husband’s puppy, Larry, getting adventurous in their moving crates.  They’re moving!  

Jacquin: I think a lot of people overlook Chicago as a getaway destination.  What is your favorite thing about Chicago and why should people visit (in a brief nutshell)? 

Nicole: The summer! (And it’s almost here! Woohoo!) The beach, rooftop pools and patios. You can also find my Perfect 2 Day Chicago Itinerary I made for my friends here. It’s the best mixture of everything the city has to offer!

Jacquin: Ok, last question Nicole!  And my favorite question yet… If you don’t mind sharing with us, what are your favorite hot spots in Chicago?

Nicole of Cedar & Rush‘s Favorites in Chicago: 

  • My favorite boutiques in Chicago: P.O.S.H. and Classic Remix.
  • My Favorite casual dining in Chicago: Lux Bar. The Club Monaco and Truffle Fries are where it’s at!
  • My favorite fine dining in Chicago: The newest one! I love trying the latest and greatest. 

And for the inside scoop on Memorial Day Sales, check out my roundup of Home & Fashion Sales this weekend including discount codes! Along with an awesome grilling tip! Click here:

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Let’s Talk About Stripes!

Let’s talk about STRIPES!  Stripes are quite versatile, especially when paired with the right accessories. And you don’t have to be limited to vertical stripes, either.  Stripes can read contemporary like in the Australian designer Greg Natale’s room below, or look traditional and even nautical. Let’s explore!

Greg Natale Design, The Design Chaser

I really enjoy the Bohemian look created with striped upholstery here along side these paisley patterned throw pillows (see below).  So eclectic!  Mixing patterns can be an adventurous undertaking, but most often worth the risk.  

Sydney apartment of interior designer Dominique Brammah, Photography Eve Wilson, The Design Files

Lucy Williams Interior Design Blog

Above we see an example of how stripes can create a more traditional feel in space.  These striped, slipcovered bar seats are the highlight of this room!  Definitely a great reminder not to forget about slipcovered seats as an option for your kitchen.  It allows you the ease of being able to toss them in the washer and dryer if any spills occur (or professional cleaning depending on your fabric).  I suggest having a second set of covers for while they are being washed, as well.  This kitchen has a fresh coastal feel that is just so welcoming!

Morocco home of designer Bruno Frisoni, Vogue

Thinking about horizontal stripes instead of vertical? Here’s some great inspiration for you, both executed completely differently.  And don’t miss that luxurious, sunken plunge-pool bath in the home of designer Bruno Frisoni.  See above and below. 

Home of Virginia photographer Katelyn James, House of Turquoise

Nichole Loiacono Design

Scandinavian Collectors

There are many ways you can add stripes to your space. Wall art is always a great idea, as it doesn’t require any paint or DIY skills.  The room above features a gallery wall filled with striped wall art.  It’s a more subtle approach to stripes, while still being impactful.  

I must admit, I often go for the bolder statement when it comes to interior design.  So I’m a huge fan of this wood-paneled accent wall (below) featuring an amazing, striped graphic geometric design.  Love it! 

Image via Pinterest

Domaine, Photography Skona Hem

Now that you’ve seen how stripes are inspiring me, show us how stripes have inspired you!  Share a photo of your striped accent wall or decor on Twitter and tag @JacquinMH.  I love seeing how you decorate!  

And if you’re looking to add stripes to you home currently, you’ll definitely want to check out these two great Home Depot tutorials on how to do-it-yourself.