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Maximizing Space with Stylish Banquette Seating

Image via Pinterest, La Dolce Vita blog

Banquette seating is a smart way to pack more seating into a small space! Here are some stylish homes featuring banquette seating as the star of the room. These banquette style dining spaces are simply delightful!

Although banquette seating can be quite casual, it isn’t just for kids.  The taupe colored leather banquette below paired with the lovely nailhead dining chairs create such a handsome and sophisticated dining nook.  It’s all about how you style the space!

I love unique accents in furniture and home decor.  The scalloped banquette skirt below is so charming!  Makes me want to enjoy hot cup of tea while gazing out of these lovely bay windows. 
 
If you have kids, or happen to be accident prone, remember that you can always select a slip covered banquette seat for your dining area.  That way you can always toss your slipcover in the washer if anything is spilled on it. If possible, have an extra slip cover made at time of purchase so you’ll always have a fresh slipcover available if one gets dirty.
 
 
Isn’t the bright white and blue banquette nook below beaming with cheer? I’d say so!  This is exactly what I want out of my dining area and kitchen. A space that is both upbeat and bright!  The type of kitchen that gets you excited about sitting down to breakfast.  If only this breakfast nook came with a side of nutella crepes…or pancakes! 
 
Image via Houzz, Designed by Charlie Barnett Associates

 

Are you wishing you had your very one banquette right about now?  If so, you’re in luck!  Check out this cheap and cheerful Ikea hack (below) featured on Krys Melo’s blog Melodrama.   This DIY banquette project is definitely worth a try!  Or consider this budget tufted banquette bench from Overstock.com. 

DIY Ikea hack banquttte via Melodrama blog

The banquette featured in Traditional Home below is my favorite space of the day!  I love the character of the arched french doors and beautiful wood panel walls.  This space is styled to perfection!  You’ll be surprised to learn that the dining seats in this room are actually custom crafted from Restoration Hardware’s luxury towels.  Don’t be afraid to repurpose special fabrics and materials in new ways around your home!  These are the kind of projects that receive the most rave reviews, especially since your custom look can’t be purchased anywhere.  

Image via Traditional Home, Designer Marshall Watson, Werner Straube Photography

Do you have a banquette at home currently?  

How do you like it?

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Crab Wonton Recipe – Yum!

I’ve recently prepared crab wontons at home and they were a huge hit! Such a huge hit that I’ve made them about four times in just the last 10 days!  I have a feeling you’ll be hooked on crab wontons too once you try this simple recipe! 

 
Recipe
1. Let 2 packs of cream cheese reach room temperature. 
2. Shred two 8 oz packs of imitation crab (or real crab).  You can shred the crab meat by hand. I make enough to fry another round of wontons the same week.  Feel free to cut this recipe in half.  I make two batches of about 30 wontons each with this recipe. 
2. Chop 1/3 cup of green onions. Add green onions to bowl with crab.
3. Cut softened cream cheese into cubes and add to your bowl.  
4. Add 1 tbsp. of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp. of soy sauce, and 1 tsp. of garlic into the bowl. Combine all ingredients by hand.  It’s messy, but the best way! Salt to taste.  The soy sauce may provide enough salt depending on your taste.
5. Heat oil for frying wontons on medium heat (around 4-5 heat).
6.  Prepare wontons by wetting the edges of the wonton wrapper and add one spoon of the crab mixture to the center of the wonton.  Fold into a triangle and close the edges together.  I keep a small cup with water nearby for preparing the wonton wrappers.  Filling and folding the wontons is a great activity to ask your friends and family to help you with!
7.  Sit prepared wontons in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before frying for best results (but not a requirement).
8.  Lastly, fry your wontons for about 3 minutes or until they are brown and crispy.  Sit hot wontons on a plate with paper towels to drain oil.  
9.  Serve with sweet and sour sauce.  Enjoy!

Wonton Remix Time!

SAVORY:

Crab Avocado Wontons – Creme de la Crumb
 
SWEET:
Pineapple Cream Cheese Wontons – Four Hats & Frugal
 
Please let me know if you make your own crab wontons at home! I’d love to hear how they turned out!
P.S. I’m linking up with other great bloggers this week here.

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Recreating a relaxing bedroom retreat – Room Re-do Time!

This tranquil cream and orange bedroom was a delight to come across. The rustic elements mixed with the luxurious tufted sleigh bed & pops of orange, make for a well-styled space to rest in.  I’ve searched high and low to recreate this look just for you all! Take a look at my fab room re-do!

 

Image via House Beautiful, Designed by Lee Ann Thorton, Thomas Loof Photography

1. Sorona 18″ Orange Jute Pillows (Set of 2) $94 – HomeDecorators.com  (On Sale!)

2. Greenbriar Hardwood 35″ Round Wall Mirror $285 – LampsPlus.com

3. Square Wood Frame and Sheer Shade Chandelier $295 – ShadesofLight.com

4. Burton Tufted Linen Sleigh Bed, Taupe (Brownstone Upholstery) $3699 – OneKingsLane.com

5. Mystere Mango Fabric Tufted Bench $369.91 – LampsPlus.com

6. Faux Fur Throw $146.25 – Horchow.com (On Sale!)

7. Devine Designs Casablanca Cotton Pillow $94.99 – Wayfair.com

8. Wilmington Waterfall Roman Shades (Buff) (Price Size Dependent) – JCPenney

9. Kirkham 1-Light Champagne Ribbed Ceramic Table Lamp $125 – Overstock.com (On Sale!)

Splurge Chandelier: Starburst Light Ray Hanging Lantern (Large) $1500 – ShadesofLight.com

Budget Bed: Marietta Upholstered Button-Tufted Sleigh Bed, Queen $699.99, King $749.99 – Groupon.com

My top 3 items from this stylish room re-do are #3, the square wood chandelier, because it’s just so unique and captures the essence of the room I’m recreating.  I also love #5, the mango tufted bench because it’s such a vibrant piece.  I know it would be the highlight of the room! Lastly, I’d select the textured, round mirror in # 2 because of its detailed, rustic texture. Texture adds depth to a space, which enhances your room’s visual interest, and visual interest is a critical element for your well-styled living. With these 3 items your well on your way to recreating the fantastic bedroom design! 

Tell me what you think. Which decor item is your favorite from this orange room re-do?

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I’ve got the perfect rug for you!

When it comes to refreshing the look of a room without spending much, rugs can go a long way! Today we’re exploring some of the most unique rugs around!  These show-stopping rugs are sure to get you many oohs and ahs from your visitors.   

Let’s begin with rugs from around the world.  You may know by now that I am an avid traveler and lover of all things related to culture, design, and art. Malene B. Carpets offers custom rugs inspired by people and places from the global community.  She travels, takes photos, and designs beautiful, high quality carpets that tell the story of the places they are inspired by.  How awesome!

Global Rugs

Bangkok Rug (Iris Color) – Malene B. Carpets
Wolof Rug (Wild Rose Color) – Malene B. Carpets
Flutter Pattern Rug – Anthropologie
Multicolor Stripe Cotton Rug – World Market

Above, I’ve featured two stunning Malene B. rugs. One represents the people of Bangkok and the other the Wolof people.  I’m so inspired by this approach to art! What do you think?

Bold Rugs

ABC Carpet & Home – Color Reform Spectrum Overdyed Rug – Pakistan
Madeline Weinrib – Tessa Cotton Carpet (Gold) – India
 

If you’re currently searching for the perfect feature rug for your home, but on a budget, I’ve got some great finds for you!  Take a look at these four amazing budget buys!  You don’t have to spend a ton to have a well-decorated home.  One stylish rug will change the entire look of your space, so why not go pick one out for yourself!

Budget Rugs

Aaliyah Handmade Grey New Zealand Blend Wool Rug (6′ x 9′) – Overstock.com
Linon Rugs Quatrefoil Yellow/Ivory Area Rug (5′ x 7′) – Wayfair.com
 
Hand Tufted Paisley Abstract Wool Rug (5′ x 8′) – Overstock.com
Safavieh Handmade Soho Grey New Zealand Wool Rug (5′ x 8′) – Overstock.com
 
Are you shopping for a new rug? 
What are you looking for in a rug? 
 

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My Pinterest Wish List

Today I’m sharing with you a few items from my Pinterest Wish List!  Like many of you, I use Pinterest to collect ideas and fab finds on the web, so here’s a little insight into what I’ve been pinning.  If you’ve liked my style picks and DIY blog posts so far you should definitely follow my Pinterest account here! 

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Gather Round the Fireplace!

Design by Amber Lewis of Amber Interiors

The temperatures are dropping and we are approaching winter quickly.  It may be just the right time to light your fireplace for the season. Here are some lovely home designs featuring fireplaces.  

Image via Intergrazia

 
Still planning out how you’ll incorporate a fireplace into your home?  Why not go custom? A custom fireplace design allows you to really get creative and build a look that’s perfect for your home and style.  Take a look at the artistic custom fireplace above!  
 
If you have one of those fireplaces that cannot actually hold a fire, you can still create the feeling for fire and warmth by filling your fireplace with candles in varying heights.  It will definitely add a bit of drama to your space and will give you that cozy feeling every person with a fireplace is looking for.  

Create a modern look by layering different sized candles within your fireplace.Image via Pinterest

For the candle-lit fireplace above, you can recreate this look at Target! Target is selling it’s Threshold Starburst Mirror for only $39.99 and the 7×4 inch pillar candles for $14.99.  If you are looking to make sure your space is kid friendly, you can recreate the look with battery operated, flameless candles as well.  (These flameless candles even have a timer!) You can spray paint candle holders in gold and add some flowers or greenery in a vase to your mantel and you will have recreated this looks quite easily.

Image via Moco Loco, AKSL Architects

Now for a more masculine approach to the fireplace, with rich wood paneling. Definitely a truly unique fireplace.   

Spazio Rosso Interior Design

Here’s the feminine perspective on a cozy, fireplace centered room.  Tres chic indeed!  Hope you’re feeling excited to go home and light your own fireplace.  Enjoy!

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International Spaces to Inspire

Oslo, Norway – Image via Chic-Deco, Designed by Spanish design firm Masquespacio

Sometimes taking a look at how people in other countries decorate is just the inspiration we need to try something fresh and different! Take a look at these inspiring spaces abroad.  
 
The beautiful, bright green in the Oslo restaurant above is both upbeat and relaxing at the same time.  Below, the Stockholm living room is the epitome of understated, Scandinavian luxury. 

Stockholm, Sweden- Image via Fresh Palace, Noble Interiors, Architect: Aaro Arkitektkontor, Andrea Balon Photography

Stockholm, Sweden – Image via Fresh Palace, Noble Interiors, Architect: Aaro Arkitektkontor, Andrea Balon Photography

Sao Paulo, Brazil designer Sig Bergamin’s Manhattan apartment – Image via Collen Fox Interiors

You just can’t go wrong with Ikat.  I am loving the mixture of prints! This space definitely inspires me to mix and match different prints and textures to create a global, eclectic look, which happens to be one of my favorite styles.  I hope you guys are starting to get some ideas! 
Western Austria – Architect: Alexander Diem, Image via Le Buma Blog
 
This is truly a unique home! I’m sure this Austrian home is the gem of the neighborhood.  I can honestly say that I haven’t seen anything like this – ever! These wood, cut-out walls create beautiful shadows at various times of day and allows the outside sunshine to shine in. 

Western Austria – Architect: Alexander Diem, Image via Le Buma Blog

Sao Paulo, Brazil (Sig Bergamin) – Image via Medley by Oana Singa, Architectural Digest

Check out these Brazilian designed spaces! So colorful and artistic. These rooms (above, below) really illustrate how impactful original artwork can be in a space.  It gives the room a personality that is totally individualized. Inspired yet? 
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Designed by Alberto Pinto, Image via Architectural Digest, Ngoc Minh Ngo Photography
 
Which space inspires you the most?

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The Etsy Eight

1. Amethyst, Lava & Agate Leather Necklace – Elifus

2. Spring Flora Composition, Watercolor Tea Towel – Yao Cheng Designs

3. Set of Porcelain “Egg” Planters with Wheatgrass Kit – Revisions Design

4. Personalized Embossing Rolling Pin – Mood for Wood

5. Jacquard Midi Skirt – Beaute’ J’adore

6. Driftwood Sculpture – Divine Driftwood

7. Leather Mini Tassel Earrings – Sweet Auburn Studio

8. Purple Fall Romance – Trees Landscape (Giclee) – Vizoli Art Prints

If you like the skirt in #5, be sure to check out the blog Beaute’ J’adore where she shows you how to sew this skirt and other high fashion outfits. Enjoy!

 Save Up to 65% Off Top Branded Appliances

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An Artist Collaboration & Two Free e-designs!

I’ve recently collaborated with a wonderful artist, Chirstoff Davis, to come up with stunning room designs to feature her colorful, abstract artwork. Today the Christoff Davis website has featured these e-designs and I’ve included all of the links there for you to shop the look!

Want a sneak peak at the featured artwork?  Here it is! It’s titled “Haze” and it’s a beautifully colorful work of art!  Head over to the Christoff Davis website to check out my e-designs and peruse her collection of original works.  Maybe you’ll find the perfect work of art for your next room remodel!

Sunset 2

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