Out of Africa Art Shop!

How's everyone doing? I hope you all have been well. Today I am so excited to share with you some gorgeous things out of Africa. I'm excited for the obvious reason that we all love some pretty things, but too, it is my very own mother's shop. This is something she's wanted to do for a while, and I am so proud of her, for putting together such a wonderful collection of arts, highlighting the great talents of African artists. The shop aptly named Out of Africa Art Shop is decor heaven. The shop is located in West Palm, FL, so for you Floridians - lucky, lucky.

These beautiful handcrafted jewelry from South Africa are a few of the gorgeous pieces in store or online. I love the intricate metal work combined with the soft beautiful gemstones.  

This tablecloth with napkin set is one of my very favorite things in the store. It is so fresh and perfect for summer entertainments.

 Doesn't this little gathering of the cutest animals put a smile on your face?!

I picked some favorites, narrowed it down, then narrowed down from that to share with you all :-). They are truly gorgeous pieces, and just knowing how hard she worked and the time she spent making sure that she got the best of the best to showcase makes me even more thrilled for her. Please check out the site for plenty more gorgeous pieces here. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts. I hope you are all having a lovely weekend.

Images: via Out of Africa Art Shop

Design Details

Tonight, while making dinner, I stood over the kitchen sink after a deep breath, and realized that it was only Tuesday! It feels like it should be Thursday already. Yesterday, I got some bad news about something I was expecting to go one way, and it went the other - talk about a bad way to start a Monday. I've been bummed out since, even though I keep reminding myself something better must be in store then.I came across this beautiful home that got me all perked up. We could all use a burst of color in these cold months of winter, no? This gorgeous Georgian home is bursting with personality, and all the right details.

The art work in this guest room is captivating, talk about a conversation piece. I need to know where one can find it, even if the cost is an arm and a leg.

I love the use of the white and yellow tiles to add interest to the bathroom. It is so simple, yet makes an unforgettable statement.

What stands out to you? How is your week going? I hope you have a great Wednesday!

(Images: Living Etc.)

Zara Home Collection

So this has been one of those posts that I couldn't decide if I should, what I should say, etc. I love Zara, from clothes to accessories, so nobody could have been anymore excited than me when I first read about their home collection coming state side. However, it wasn't love at first sight. I felt a bit , okay a lot disappointed that I didn't like it as much, because I thought I'd be swept off my feet. Plus this is my beloved Zara, how could I not be filling up my cart already! So I kept going back looking to see if there is something I'm missing. I should mention that I instantly fell for the kids' collection. I found it to be very colorful, cheery yet stylish. What finally convinced me is their catalogue, perhaps it helped me get it. I think I just didn't get it, therefor I wasn't feeling it.  The styling is gorgeous and very Zara. It's stylish, rustic and has an old world charm to it - it's very European country chic.

I always love this type of styling, feels very organic, as if everything fell into place without any effort. I've said it before, I think styling is such a powerful tool and a hard one to master. It looks so easy, but you have to have a special eye, and talent to arrange things in a way that communicates a feeling or statement that resonates. 

My eyes can't help but zoom into that gorgeous chandelier, reminds me of the intricate rose windows found in gothic churches. I love the different colored glass crystals. I bet they cast a gorgeous shadow. 

I love the gold/brass accents, they have a very glamourous feel to them, but not over the top...just like what a Zara fan would expect. In typical Zara fashion I find their collection to be very unique. The price points are great, and these not the same things you find at every other store.

This arrangement here to me is everything - it is perfection.

I instantly fell in love with the kids' collection, and can you blame me! I love the use of bright colors, and fun images, and they all have a vintage feel - like it was passed down from generation to generation.

So the verdict: I love love the new home collection a la Zara! I encourage you to take a look if you already haven't. I say it is a perfect Monday morning activity :-).

Were you as excited as me about the Zara home collection? Did it live up to expectation, exceed? What are you really about it?

Have a great Monday!

(Images: Zara Home)

Simple Pleasures

Hello everyone! I hope you are all having a lovely weekend! I had one of those wonderful days that was completely unplanned. I find those to be the best.  I was able to capture some beautiful things I picked up and saw to share with you. They were too beautiful to keep to myself. :) It involved walking through the local farmer's market, grabbing some yummy lunch on a patio, going through cute vintage shops and even squeezing in a nap - all on a beautiful sunny day.

I found myself drawn to a lot of the industrial decor pieces in the store. Lately that's where my design meter is at...all things Industrial. Bringing home flowers always makes me happy and this bouquet was just too gorgeous not to pick up. I took some and put in smaller vases and spread them around the living room. Eye candy all around.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

(Images: Fatou Bah)

 

 

Cox and Cox - Fall Collection

Have you noticed the colors for this upcoming season? One that I'm really into is a tint/tone of amethyst. I for some reason have been attracted to amethyst/purple/plum since spring so seeing the same hue in Fall collections simply makes me happy. I've even toyed with the idea of painting our bedroom this color, a tint of it with a grey base, I think will be really cool. Now not sure I'm ready for the commitment, nor the investment of time and energy. 

Now lets get down to business...drool alert!  With Fall right around the corner, I am seeing a lot of beautiful products rolling out, but the stuff from Cox and Cox simply stood out.

 

 

 

I am a firm believer that brilliant styling will take your product or design to the next level. Another thing about Cox and Cox that drew me was how beautifully they styled their products. A successful styling brings the soul to design. I think no matter how beautiful your design is, without the right styling it's hard for people to connect. 

 

 

I noticed a lot of wire baskets, storage and sheet metal pieces, and I am really loving them. The utilitarian mixed with feminine prints and colors is gorgeous. 

 

 

The palette is so soft and soothing to me. These last images really are what I'm feeling for this Fall. Don't those balls of yarn just make you want to cuddle up and get to knitting?! The color palette is a departure from the usual darker tones that are associated with fall decor and I think this is great. It is already dark outside, you can bring the cozy feel in without surrounding yourself with with darker tones if you don't want to. Don' get me wrong I like the moody colors too, but I think it's nice to have this option as well. You can bring in the warmth and comfort that we seek in the winter months with the textures and materials you use. 

(Images: Cox and Cox)