Tag Archives | Chic Home Accessories

One Room Challenge :: Week 5

Say what?! It’s week five of the One Room Challenge and I’m starting to sweat bullets! In case you are here for the first time, I’ve been designing my Foyer in our new house. Here’s a look at week one, twothree and four.

There is good news and there bad news this week. Let’s just get the bad news out of the way first (sigh).

painted staircase before runner // @simplifiedbee

Until late last week, I completely thought I had this challenge all under control. I’m a stickler for timelines and was realistic about what I could do with the Foyer within the amount of time allotted. But, sometimes even with all the careful planning and detailed timelines, things get out of your control. This is the reality of interior design. My carpet for the stair-runner (which is a showstopper!) is somewhere in customs and will not arrive in time for the photo-shoot (super sad face).  I’m still not giving up hope that it does arrive and is installed before the final reveal, so at least I can take an image myself for you to see. Fingers and toes crossed.

top of the staircase before // @simplifiedbeeetsy artwork // birds // @simplifiedbee

Now onto the good news! I’ve selected some fabulous artwork for the top of the staircase and landing. First, I’ll start with the top of the staircase on the second floor. I knew from the start that I wanted a gallery wall at the top of the landing. I’ve adored Michelle Morin’s illustrations for some time and finally had the opportunity to create a gallery of her work. I selected 5 birds and one bee (had to!) for the collection and had them framed locally in a faux bamboo. Here’s a look at the arrangement before installed. Love, love, love them!

staircase before // @simplifiedbee

The landing needed art desperately, yet was a very tricky spot because of the placement of the doorbell chimes. I could have done a couple things here; 1. Relocate the chimes to have more freedom for artwork or 2. Work with the chimes and place art one either side. I decided for option #2 because it was more cost effective and it didn’t change the original architecture of the home. Because the series of bird illustrations was already committed for the opposite wall, I wanted a pair of larger images to go on either side of the chimes. Here were some of the ones I narrowed down from another fab ORC sponsor, Minted (yes, they offer so much more than just beautiful holiday cards!).

art selections // one room challenge foyer // @simplifiedbee

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

Selecting the two pieces for the space proved to be challenging. Minted has such an amazing collection, it was super difficult to narrow down. I knew I wanted color and an abstract. But finding two pieces of art that were complimentary, the same orientation (running vertical) and would work with the door chimes was indeed a challenge. In the end, I selected #5 a beautiful dyptich, High Cascades by Amelia Gluba. The abstract image works beautifully with the chimes, pulls blue from the wallpaper in the Foyer and gives a nod to the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains surrounding our home.

dyptich artwork at Minted // @simplifiedbee

The entry needed a few accessories too. A fresh doormat is always a great way to spruce up the space and welcome guests in style. Here are a few fun doormats I considered:

doormat options // one room challenge // @simplifiedbee

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

I quickly narrowed down the options to doormats that could be personalized. I’m a sucker for monograms so I ended up selecting the Antlers Graphic Doormat from Mark and Graham (a go to destination for fabulous personalized home decor). It’s was personalized with our family initial. Here’s the image I shared earlier this week on Instagram. Isn’t it perfect for a mountain house?

monogrammed antler doormat // @simplifiedbee

I have a few other accessories to add to the Foyer before the photo-shoot this week. One is a floral arrangement for the console table. I’ve been going back-and-forth on what to do – traditional orchids? cut seasonal flowers? cacti & succulents? I’m still deciding.

cacti + succulents // @simplifiedbee

Again, I’m keeping hope that the stair-runner will be installed soon and would love for you to drop by next week to see the final reveal!

Check out what the other ORC participants are up to – holy cow, there’s so much talent here!

* Big thank you to Minted and Mark and Graham for their support and sponsorship of this challenge!

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Read full story By on November 4, 2015 in color, curated look, etsy, foyers, gallery wall, home accessories, interior design, Interiors, monograms, pattern, simplified bee portfolio

Nate Berkus Target :: Spring / Summer 2015 Collection

disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means Simplified Bee receives commission if you make a purchase using these links.

Have you seen it? The Nate Berkus at Target Spring & Summer 2015 Collection is stunning and now available! The collection includes numerous geometric, natural and gold pieces at very affordable price-points. And just in time for spring cleaning, it also touts great stationary pieces to help keep your desk organized in style!

Here are a few items from the collection that caught my eye:

Nate Berkus for Target // Spring & Summer 2015 Collectionproduct links:

1. faceted lamp // 2 . desktop organizer // 3. brass accent table // 4. round tray // 5. chevron rug // 6. basket

happy shopping, happy spring!

cristin

 

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Read full story By on March 30, 2015 in 5 favorites, breakfast nooks, contemporary decor, Features, furniture, home accessories, lighting, office supplies, Organization, Paperwork, rugs

Holiday Gift Guide 2014 :: For the Home

disclosure: This post contains an affiliate links, which means Simplified Bee receives commission if you make a purchase using these links.

holiday gift guide 2014 // for the home // simplified bee #holiday2014 #giftguide

 

Gifts for the home are always a welcome sight for the decor lovers on your list. Today, I’ve hand-picked some fabulous items that I’ve been swooning over this fall. As you will see, I’m gravitating to home furnishings and accessories in neutrals (great for layering), with a touch of brass (still so hot!), and clean lines (always timeless). From a stunning chair by Kelly Wearstler (splurge) to a festive stoneware pitcher by Oh Joy! for Target (super affordable), there’s a variety of gift ideas ranging in price. I’m hoping Santa brings me one of two of these lovely items for my home!

links to holiday gift guide 2014 – for the home:

1. bud vases // 2. raw alabaster table lamp // 3. pinecone & pomegranate wreath

4. tom dixon brass form bowls //5. kelly wearstler elliot chair // 6. brass bordered stone box

7. houda rug // 8. rattan bar cart  // 9. oh joy! pitcher

10. tom dixon brass tea pot

 

happy holidays,

cristin
The Land of Nod HoliDAILY Toy Sale

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Read full story By on December 8, 2014 in bar carts, brass, chairs, contemporary decor, Entertaining, furniture, gift guide, Holiday, lighting, rugs, Uncategorized

Getting Organized :: Stylish Desk Accessories

As we look forward to 2014, many of us are setting new year’s goals and resolutions. High on most lists is getting organized (no surprise here I’m sure!). For me I struggle with desk organization and aim to keep it more tidy this coming year. The right desk accessories are key to creating an efficient work-space, yet so many are ho-hum and aren’t pretty. That’s why I’m thrilled about teaming up with See Jane Work at Office Depot to help me create a beautiful, streamlined desk that reflects my personal style. Their collection combines fresh style and smart organization – can’t get better than that! See Jane Work’s chic office accessories come in fresh patterns and color palettes perfect for mixing and matching. I selected items in hues of blue, pink and white and love how it coordinates with the items I already owned.

stylish desk organization - simplified bee + see jane workstylish and fresh desk accessories - simplified bee

above: See Jane Work cup holder, tape dispenser and stapler – all in a crisp white

stylish desk organization and accessories - simplified bee + see jane workpink and turquoise desk accessories - simplified bee

Organizing Tip: Write down your list of to dos and cross them off as they are completed – prioritize them for even more efficiency! Here I’m using See Jane Work’s “To Do” sticky notepad!

stylish desk accessories - simplified bee + see jane work

See Jane Work’s desktop letter sorter in a blue and white herringbone pattern (above) is so chic and I love how it keeps my stationary close at hand. Awe, doesn’t it feel good to be organized?

Happy new year and happy organizing,

Cristin

*Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Office Depot, although all opinions are my own.

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Read full story By on December 30, 2013 in home accessories, home organization, Interiors, new years, office supplies, office/study, Organization, organization tips, Paperwork, product review, simplified bee portfolio, stationary