Holiday Decor... Rustic Redux!

Rustic Redux was inspired by rural, forest landscapes and the beauty of the natural elements found in these environments. In this entry you will find Inspired Interiors' take on rustic holiday decor. An update to the traditional country decor, Inspired interiors adds a bit of sparkle and modern flare to this style, would you expect anything less?  

How fabulous is this garland! At 5" wide and 60" long, you can spread holiday cheer along your mantel or around your tree.  "Happy Holidays" is printed on antiqued paper with elegant scalloped edges and glittered silver snowflakes. I love this garland! The antique elegance of the garland is complimented with the appropriate amount of sparkle, a perfect introduction to Inspired Interiors' Rustic Redux!

"Happy Holiday's" Tree Garland, $12

potterybarn.com

These wooden finial ornaments are hand carved from mango wood and distressed to look as though they  are true antiques. The addition of glitter gives these unique ornaments a bit of sparkle, (which, of course, we love!)perfect for a Rustic Redux style tree! 

Wooden Finial Ornaments, $8.99-$10.99

potterybarn.com

Cone trees are a modern interpretation to the classic tabletop pine tree decoration . Taking the cone silhouette of a traditional pine tree, this version marries traditional and modern design. 

Twig Treees, $29- $69

westelm.com

The symbol of the season, these north star ornaments are made of resin with an antique silver finish. They are 4" in diameter and 4" high. No tree is complete without a star! The many facets of these stars reflect light beautifully and are eye-catching trimming a tree or placed as room decor. For $14 each you can afford to do both! 

North Star Ornament, $14

westelm.com

What a simple and beautiful way to bring nature indoors. These lighted twigs add a soft glow to your holiday decor without taking away from the habitual look of the branches. The LED lights glow at the tips of the branches, each branch about 38" long, 3 per set. 

Lighted Branches, $55 

vivaterra.com

These mini temple bells are a great addition to Rustic Redux inspired decor. At 1-2" in length they are functional temple bells, with metal clackers and are made from rustic brass-plated steel. The burnished gold bells are hung from looped rope and would be a wonderful addition to a Rustic Redux Christmas tree or would be gorgeous used on a gift packaging. Simply use craft paper or mailing paper (it is similar to a brown bag you'd get at a grocery store) and wrap your package, secure with a burlap bow and add a sprig of live greens and some of these mini temple bells and you have a uniquely designed, Rustic Redux gift presentation! 

 

Mini Temple Bell Ornaments, $24 set of 6

vivaterra.com

Simple and stunning, Rosemary Topiaries from Viva Terra are just that. The beauty of these topiaries lies in the simplistic natural form of the greenery and the rough, raw texture of the burlap that wraps the base of these trees. They do not need lights, nor should they be decorated. Simply place two or three of these trees on a mantel, side table, or as a centerpiece and let them be shown in their modest form.

Rosemary Topiary, $49

vivaterra.com

Hopefully, you've found some inspiration from my Rustic Redux themed decor! Stay tuned for our next post and as always... live beautifully!

Holiday Decor... Inspired by Peacock Feathers

With Thanksgiving now merely a memory, and Christmas only 22 days away, at Inspired Interiors we are in full Christmas mode!


I have been in the holiday spirit for a little while now, but find myself getting more excited with every fabulous find I discover! I've scoured the internet, stores and magazines looking for new and exciting decor to share with you.


The first trend that has inspired me this holiday season is the peacock feather. The popular feather was quite fashionable over the past few seasons, used in accessories like headbands, earrings and necklaces. The transition into home decor has begun as well, and we are seeing the fashionable feather evolve into an elegant accessory of the home. Despite the fashionable aspect of the feather, there is also a link to Christianity associated with it.


It is said that the peacock is a symbol of immortality because ancients said they had flesh that did not decay after death. This legend could be the reason there were paintings and mosaics with peacock imagery in Christian artwork.  You will also find peacock feathers used during Easter as church decorations. This symbol of immortality is also directly linked to Christ. It is also said that The Gates of Paradise are guarded by a pair of peacocks,  both Origen and Augustine refer to peacocks as a symbol of the resurrection, and you may also see the peacock among the animals in Christ's nativity. 


I fell in love with this wreath from elledecor. The deep jewel tones of the exotic peacock feathers are gorgeous, and I can envision gold and bronze accessories mixed in with this color palate. How stunning! A very modern and fresh approach of the traditional Christmas wreath. 

Peacock Wreath, $68

JaysonHomeandGarden.com

Pier1 also offers a very similar wreath for an affordable price. It is a bit smaller, but will still create the same feel! This wreath is also a great size to use as a candle ring for a hurricane or a thick pillar candle.

Peacock Feather Wreath, $30

Pier1.com

This season you can find some peacock themed tree trimmings at Crate and Barrel. Check out your local store or shop online for their beautiful clear glass ornaments with an actual peacock feather enclosed in the teardrop! 

Teardrop Peacock Feather Ornament, $2.95-$3.95

crateandbarrel.com

These ornaments are also available at Crate and Barrel and work beautifully with the exotic colors found in the feathers!

Set of 3 Glitter Bead Ball Ornaments, $11.85

crateandbarrel.com

So, fluff out your feathers and fa la la! Let the season inspire you, and until next time... live beautifully!

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.