My Black Friday Finds...

Traditionally, the day after Thanksgiving is know as "Black Friday". The most popular day of the year for us "shop-o-holics".A day where retailers open their doors before dawn offering ridiculously low prices on merchandise and running specials on the hottest gifts of the season. I am sure some of you were among the shoppers out and about this morning snagging bargains and getting great deals! I envy you! 


Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend this retail ritual, but I found myself inspired by it nonetheless. My inspiration evolved to researching interiors. (what else is new!) I decided to feature some of my favorite beautiful black rooms. 


Theoretically, black is the absence of light, therefore the absence of all colors. Yet, these rooms are designed with balance; considering the lack of color and light, and the enhancement and highlights of accents. Proportion and size is important in these spaces, balancing furniture and decor with the mass of the black walls. 


The bold, beauty of black and white shown below is strikingly dramatic and hard not to appreciate. Reflective surfaces like mirrors and lacquered accessories give additional light to the space. The repetition of vertical lines keeps your eye in motion, heightening the space. Vertically placed greenery softens up the space without competing with the design. 

Black walls are warmed up with rich hardwood floors and accents of copper. Carmel colored club chairs complement the copper accents of this space, and a tufted loveseat becomes the focal point in the room when upholstered in a contrasting white damask pattern. 


I love the mix of the traditional and modern in this room! I am personally drawn toward this image as my own style is similar. The tufted camelback loveseat and club chairs against the geometric copper wall art and geometric throw pillows blend these two styles perfectly. The bold zebra rug paired with the polyurethane end tables are modern elements which ground the look and are balanced proportionally with the traditional seating of the room. 


Texture plays a huge role in this space. The sheen of oversized copper wall art creates a cold, minimalist mood, while the tufting on furniture below softens up the look. Plush fur throws and animal rugs add comfort to the room, welcoming guests into the space.  The mix of pattern and materials used in this space creates interest and drama. The space has character without being cluttered, and is one of my favorite takes off the ever popular black and white theme. 

So, there you have it, my Black Friday finds! I hope you've enjoyed these rooms as much as I did! Until next time be inspired and... live beautifully. 

Delicious Soft Pumpkin Cookies

I hope you are enjoying your Thanksgiving! I wanted to share this recipe with you incase you need a last minute dessert for your guests! I just whipped up a batch of these for my family... and they were a hit. Quick, easy and delicious! I made half a batch with chocolate chips... but you could add pecans or white chocolate if you'd like. They are tasty simply with the glaze on them too! Let me know your thoughts! 

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
• 1 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Glaze (recipe follows)
• 
  

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease baking sheets.
COMBINE flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in medium bowl. Beat sugar and butter in large mixer bowl until well blended. Beat in pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets.
BAKE for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are firm. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Drizzle Glaze over cookies.
FOR GLAZE:
COMBINE 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in small bowl until smooth.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Inspired Interiors is wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving! May you be surrounded by the ones you love and enjoy good food and cheer this holiday. 

"Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live."-Jacqueline Winspear

... live beautifully. 

Houseguest Etiquette

The day before Thanksgiving is said to be the busiest travel day of the year. People traveling all over the country to spend Thanksgiving day with loved ones. Some of us will be hosting friends or family tomorrow and many will be guests on this holiday, however, houseguest etiquette is something everyone should understand, ensuring a pleasant visit for both host and guest!

Those of you who are opening up your home, hosting this holiday, put many hours, even days into preparing for your guests arrival. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. If you are housing a guest your preparation is even more extensive. This is why I would like to share some tips for those who are a houseguest during the holiday season.

Bring a “hostess” gift

I never enter a person’s home empty handed. If I am attending a dinner, bring a dessert or if I’m going to watch the game, I’ll make a fan friendly appetizer. The bottom line is bring some sort of gift, it doesn’t have to be extravagant, but it is a symbol of your gratitude. Present your host with the gift in a timely order, after you are settled and have greeted each other. Some of my favorite hostess gifts to give include: a bottle of wine, a book, an attractively wrapped kitchen gadget or serving dish and of course, your culinary specialty, with a copy of the recipe.

*check out gifts.com for wonderful hostess gifts!                  http://www.gifts.com/personality/host-hostess/1MU

Make yourself useful

Your host has spent hours, maybe even days, preparing for the festivities. Offer to help him or her around the kitchen and assist in household tasks. Do not expect your host to wait on you, clean up after yourself.

Keep your space tidy

Be respectful of your host and maintain a neat an orderly space. You are not at a hotel, it is your responsibility to tidy up after yourself. The same is true of the bath area.

Be grateful

Simply stated, be thankful for the generosity of your friend or family member. Make sure you thank your host while you are in attendance and upon your departure, reciprocate the offer. Send out a thank you note once you are back home. A written thank you is an elegant, thoughtful way to display your gratitude. 

I hope you've found these tips helpful. Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving... and as always live beautifully.

Oh, gravy!... Boat!

Check out Elle Decor's picks for the best saucey server! 

http://www.elledecor.com/image/tid/5902





... live beautifully.

Thanksgiving Entertaining.. Part Deux!

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I say this not only due to the delicious food and the gathering of family and friends, but because of the fall season. I am left breathless every year when the lush, vibrant, green leaves of summer distort to the crisp, rich, warm tones of the fall.

In the fall, mother nature showcases a palette of colors ranging from muted hues of beige, to punched up persimmon and rich saturated tones of garnet, maroon and plumb. Mother nature has inspired me to bring the outdoors in during this season and there is no better time to highlight how beautiful nature is than at Thanksgiving. 

When creating a table setting for Thanksgiving, or any other fall gathering, I love using organic items found right outside my door! There is so much charm in the novelty and rustic beauty of nature, when mixed with stark china the contrast is stunning! 

These place card holders eco-friendly and inexpensive. The directions are quite simple, making this a great project to do with the kids! Below I have attached a template if you wish to cut out leaves as your name tags. 

• Simply select a small pear, gourd, pumpkin, or something mother nature placed in your yard, like a sweet-gum-tree spur!
• Cut out the shape of your choice (a leaf is my pick!) out of card stock
• Punch a hole in the card stock
• Write the names of your guest on the leaves 
• Cut 3" to 4" of ribbon, or for a more rustic design, twine works great!
• Lace the ribbon or twine through the name tag and fasten to your item 

Let the fall season inspire you! And as always... live beautifully!

Thanksgiving Entertaining

At Inspired Interiors we love to entertain as much as we love to design! With Thanksgiving only a few days away I wanted to share with you some of my favorite Turkey Day recipes. 

Apple-Pie Cider

This is not your grandmother's apple pie! This holiday drink is savory, sweet and with a hint of brandy, sophisticate!

Ingredients:

1 1/4 quarts apple cider
3 tablespoons firmly packed light-brown sugar
7 whole cinnamon sticks, (6 sticks for garnish)
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Ground cloves
Freshly grated nutmeg
Salt
1/2 cup brandy (optional)

Directions:

In a medium saucepan, whisk together cider, sugar, spices, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Remove from heat; pour in brandy, if desired. Strain into a pitcher; discard solids. Serve in mugs, garnished with cinnamon sticks.

Stuffed Mushrooms

These stuffed mushrooms are a perfect appetizer when you are entertaining. The bite-sized caps are packed full of flavor and you can customize your filling as you like!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Italian-style dried bread crumbs

1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano

2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves

1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

28 large (2 1/2-inch-diameter) white mushrooms, stemmed

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Stir the bread crumbs, Pecorino Romano, garlic, parsley, mint, salt and pepper, to taste, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium bowl to blend.

Drizzle a heavy large baking sheet with about 1 tablespoon olive oil, to coat. Spoon the filling into the mushroom cavities and arrange on the baking sheet, cavity side up. Drizzle remaining oil over the filling in each mushroom. Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through and golden on top, about 25 minutes. Serve.


So gather your friends and family and celebrate all you are thankful for, and as always live beautifully!


Up next... Table settings and Tablescapes for your Thanksgiving Dinner!

What Inspires You?

in·spi·ra·tion

 noun \ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən, -(ˌ)spi-\

a : a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and  communicate a sacred revelationb : the action or power of moving the intellect or emotionsc : the act of influencing or suggesting opinions

As defined, inspiration moves humans to action. In life individuals gain inspiration from many influences, some including: faith, spirituality, literature and nature. Inspiration often is the motivating force driving a person in his or her journey of life.

In design, inspiration can come from the same influences which fuel an individuals personal life, or inspiration can be drawn from a pre-existing piece of work or artist. 

The purpose at Inspired Interiors, is to create a space for clients where the form of the design benefits the function of the space.  The inspiration of the room(s) is obtained directly from the client, this is why I value the relationships I've built with my clients. The more I know about you and those who will be occupying the space, the more successful the final design is. 

Your home should not only be an inspired space, but it should inspire you. That it my goal, that is my inspiration. 

What inspires you?