Sarah's Cottage HGTV US

Sarah Richardson's comin' to America!!! Well, her show Sarah's Cottage is, at least.  Here are some sneak peaks of her beautiful summer and make sure to watch this Saturday night on HGTV.

{images via Sarah Richardson Design}

High Contrast Two-Toned Furniture

Can't decide what color of casegood to add to your space? Well, you won't have to decide on just one finish with two-toned pieces!  Two-toned accents add a little retro glam and interest to a space.  If you are looking for a way out of the "matchy-matchy" coffee/end/console table rut, try throwing in one of these character pieces.

The above piece is only $119 @ Target!! Who says style has to cost a fortune?

You can even create this look with your kitchen cabinetry!

How chic is this room? (Leave it to Sarah Richardson to try this in a kitchen)

{images via Vanguard, Bungalow 5, Arteriors, DwellStudio for Target, Tonic Home, & Decor Pad}

Sarah Richardson's Country Christmas

Remember my recent post on the fabulous Sarah Richardson?  Well, she's decorated her country home for the holidays!  Take a look at these photos from Canadian House and Home (**hint hint Santa** I'd love a subscription for Christmas!).

Design Crush: Sarah Richardson

I have a major design crush this woman.  I don't know if it even stops at design.  Sarah Richardson is not only one of the only decent design TV show hosts, but she is a funny, spunky, beautiful, and just down right cool.  She is the person I want to be! 

What I admire about her work most, is her attention to detail and her use of consistency in a space without becoming stale and boring.  These traits became more apparent while I was composing the collages for this post.  Not only does she use consistent intensities in her color palettes, but she'll even repeat similar patterns from one part of the house to another.  Also, she never skimps on what important like mechanical/electrical systems, structural elements, and architectural details.  Sarah will cut a corner or two on the furnishings, though, by buying quality second-hand or big box pieces and then customize those pieces so they looks more high-end.  She's a genius!  Take a look at her work to see why I love her so much:

Sarah's House Living Spaces

Sarah's House Work Spaces

Have you ever seen a laundry room as chic as this?   Do you like the matted photography above the washer and dryer?  Ya, that's the fuse box door.  Sarah added hinges to the frame to create a beautiful solution to a usually hideous element in a utility space.  And the gorgeous cabinetry in the mudroom?  It's an Ikea armoire that has been crowned with custom moldings and legs.  You would never know by looking it's not a custom piece!

Sarah's House 2 Living Spaces

The dining table Sarah and her sidekick Tommy bought at an estate auction and paired with upholstered chairs from Sarah's own collection.  I think it's 'Golden Girl's chic' at it's best.

Sarah's House 2 Bedrooms

Notice the leave/floral motif of the master suite pillows, the nursery curtains, and the guest suite lamp and accent wall.  Consistency is your friend!  The bamboo armoire in the top left-hand corner is another estate auction find that has been refurbished for a fun hit of chinoiserie. 

Sarah's Cottage

THIS is how you mix different dining chairs.  The mix-match bench and side chairs were refinished in the same antiqued stain which coordinates with the grey-blue in the captain chair's upholstery.  Gorgeous.

Sarah's House 3

I am so impressed by the color pallete of the pillows.  I would have never have thought to mix burgandy, coral, peach, and pink, but it totally works!   Great play on tones and shades.

Sarah's House 3

Why does Canada have all the best designers?  From Candice Olson to Sarah Richardson, our neighbors to the North definitely have a heads up on American TV design shows.  I just wish Sarah's House was more easily accessed here in the states! 

See more of Sarah's work at:

http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com/

 {all images via Sarah Richardson Design and Sarah's House Facebook}

{images edited by Brooke H. Jones, Allied ASID}

Dreamin' Of A White Christmas

Sometimes the beautiful crimsons and evergreens of traditional Christmas decor just doesn't mix with certain rooms.  If this is your scenario, don't fret!  The great thing about celebrating Christmas these days, is that you're not expected to always go with the expected.  Don't be afraid of decorating in unexpected colors (like Tiffany blue) and funky accessories (like whimsical woodland tchochkes).  Here are some of my personal favorite non-traditional holiday rooms:



Flocking a tree is a great trick if you want to use a real evergreen in a more serene or modern space.
It makes the dark green much less harsh.

The blue floral is still festive while being an unexpected twist to your holiday table.

Simple, elegant, gorgeous.

I adore this room and it's no wonder-- it's designed by Sarah Richardson.

Nothing is easier and more elegant than filling a bowl full of silver ornaments.
I place my extra ornaments under a large cloche and group them with a pair of  mercury hurricane lanterns.
I love the way the candlelight from the lanterns play off the glittery baubles.

{above images via Canadian House and Home}

{Menorah via Pottery Barn}

And HAPPY HANUKKAH!!!   It only took me 3 days into Hanukkah... my bad. 

Starburst Mirrors

It's no secret I'm obsessed with starburst mirrors.  I have one in my living room and one over my bed... I still want more!  To me, a starburst mirror is the ultimate wall decor for the modern sophisticate.

Nickel Starburst from Global Views

Whether you are traditional, contemporary, or even rustic there is a starburst mirror for you!   Take a look at the following collection of photos to see what I mean:

Kelly Wearstler

Kelly Wearstler table accessories for Bergdorf Goodman's

Suzanne Kasler
(So much more style than if a traditional mirror was hung over the chest, don't you think?)

Suzanne Kasler

Arteriors

Metropolitan Home

Sarah Richardson
(my dream bathroom)

Sarah Richardson

Arteriors
(The PERFECT starburst mirror, in my opinion.  I may have to purchase this before too long...)

Nickel Starburst pulls via NestInteriorDesign

Nickel Starburst pulls via NestInteriorDesign
(I really want to know their source for these.  Let me know if you know!)

Suzanne Kasler via Elle Decor

Italian Giltwood Circa 1930 via 1stDibs



Decor Pad

 Next time you have an empty space on your wall, consider adding a little polish and sophistication with a starburst!