PESKY HEIRLOOMS

One question I get asked a lot as an interior designer and blogger is, "How do I mix my family heirlooms in with my modern/classic decor?" The answer??

Despite the many many rooms I have in my inspiration files exhibiting eclectic styles mixed and matched, it seems to be a challenge that in real life people have a very hard time tackling. Do you find that to be true for you, as well?

My quick answer is, it's all about balance and proportion and not being afraid to let that piece stand out. My follow up answer is - heirloom or not, if you hate it, you'll never be happy with it. Find a happy home for it elsewhere.

PS - I love this bedroom. It feels very grown up... in a really good way. (via lonny)

COCO+KELLEY FOR LONNY: GIFT GUIDE!

I think it's safe to say we all love waking up on a Sunday to find a new issue of Lonny ready to peruse with our morning coffee! But I was especially excited to see their anniversary issue for one very good reason...

I'm in it! A big thanks to Ellie and Michelle for including me in their gift guide section alongside their own picks as well as the ever-so-chic Katie Armour and her lovely selections.

I have to say, going the 'artsy' route was a bit of a challenge for me. I think most of us would agree that my glamour girl sensibilities normally don't scream indie design. In fact, I think if anything my definition of artsy would be much more along the lines of a chic boheme... so I created a second gift guide here with some of the pieces that didn't make the cut for Lonny! After all, there's no such thing as too many presents...

A few of these beauties are officially on my birthday wishlist now, too! But you'll have to wait another two weeks for that...

*resources: 1. abc home altru soy candle, 2. personalized notecards from gadabout, 3. keel's simple diary, 4. candle & chandelier sleeves from kaarskoker, 5. ball locket necklace from the vamoose, 6. bellissima compact mirror at refinery29, 7. decoupage dishes at julie's adorabowls, 8. color pencil & brass holder set at jayson home & garden, 9. beautiful bracelets by janna conner