Spring Fever

One of the things I love most about living in the Midwest is getting to experience all 4 seasons. But right now I am Totally. Over. Winter. I can not wait for sunshine, Cardinal’s baseball, and less traffic on 270…. So basically the exact opposite of the current conditions in St. Louis. It is encouraging to see a few 60 degree days creeping into the forecast and before you know it we will be complaining about our allergies or how unbearable the heat is! Until we get there, here are a few things you can do right now to brighten your decor and spirits in anticipation of Spring.

SET THE SCENE

entry table with mirror and decorative accessoriesThe entry foyer is your first opportunity to introduce the overall vibe of your home to guests. This is typically one of the smaller spaces in the home so updating it is relatively inexpensive. You can use these suggestions to breathe life into your formal powder room too. For a quick fix I suggest – a new geometric or mutli-colored rug, introducing a fresh, clean scented candle or diffuser, and finishing it off with a few bright, fun accessories and a fresh floral to complete the look. Adding or switching out a piece of art with a mirror is a great way to brighten up and expand the space too!

TEXTILES & ACCESSORIES

Mixing in a few decorative pillows and accessories can make an immediate and noticeable impact. Remember we are just looking for a few statement pieces to get us through these next few weeks of Winter. Don’t dive in too quickly. The goal here is to not get overwhelmed and abandon the task. Quick fix – mix colored, patterned and textured pillows to create a look all your own, incorporate natural elements in the decor, and add a few pops of color throughout.seating area with bright and bold textiles and art

Are you counting down the days to nicer weather? We would love to know your tips and tricks that get you through these winter months. Already embracing spring decor? Show us what your favorite finds have been so far.

Spotlight on Brentwood

While the exterior of our office at 2900 S. Brentwood Blvd is still under construction, the interior is finally starting to feel like home. In honor of our new location, today we turn our focus on a few of the amazing stores that we now share the 63144 zip code with.

  1. The White Rabbit

The White Rabbit is a mother-daughter owned boutique. The store offers unique gifts, home decor and accessories like old frames, whitewashed furniture, florals and sparkly chandeliers. They are animal lovers so don’t be surprised to see a furry family member when you visit.

Currently coveting:

 

THE WHITE RABBIT  |  9030 Manchester Road

 

2. The Refind Room

The Refind Room is an eclectic mix of vintage, modern, contemporary, mid-century furnishings. Each of their one-of-a-kind pieces is showcased in a designer inspired setting that is fresh, interesting and full of personality. If you love brands like Baker and Henredon or original mid-century art, you’ve found your home.

Currently coveting:

 

THE REFIND ROOM  |  2525 S. Brentwood Blvd

 

3. The Gifted Gardener

The Gifted Gardener is your entertaining HQ. They have gifts, decorative accessories, candles, pillows and more for every occasion and season. Garden accessories including statuary, urns, fountains, birdhouses, architectural remnants and more.

Currently coveting:

 

THE GIFTED GARDENER  |  8935 Manchester Road

 

4. K. Hall Designs

K. Hall Studio brings high quality and uniquely handcrafted home fragrance and personal care goods to the marketplace. This Midwest based company has expanded over recent years to include five brands and hundreds of products. Throughout its growth, K. Hall Studio has continuously maintained its core focus on producing the highest quality products with unique and appealing fragrance and timeless packaging.

Currently coveting:

 

K. HALL DESIGNS  |  8416 Manchester Road

 

Do you live or work in Brentwood? We would love to hear about your favorite places!

Spring Is In The Air

Mother Nature has been teasing us with a few sunny, warm days here and there! In St. Louis, the magnolias, dogwoods and other trees have already begun to blossom. It has definitely given me spring fever and the urge to bring more greenery into the home. Here are some vases and planters I am loving at the moment – perfect for displaying branch clippings or your favorite spring flowers.succulents in concrete planters

potted indoor plants

cherry blossoms in a white vaseThere are also TONS of beautiful options at some great local shops in St. Louis. Bowood Garden + Supply is always a great place to look!

Have a great week!

Decorating with the 5 Elements of Feng Shui

Life is all about balance. From the foods we eat to our work and personal lives we are constantly searching for that perfect balance. We are spending more time than ever indoors – roughly 90%. Because of this our environments and the effects they have on us are more important than ever. As a designer, I intuitively work with the 5 elements of feng shui when pairing textiles, colors, shapes, textures and furnishings, on a daily basis. Here is a brief introduction to the elements and how you can incorporate them into your environments to create a sense of harmony and balance.

EARTH ELEMENT – REPRESENTS STABILITY AND NOURISHMENT

stacks of clay pots on an outdoor tableIncorporating the earth element into your space is said to bring about peace, stability and protection to you and your relationships. Decorating with square shapes and layering tones of beige, sandy and pale yellow tones are a simple way to introduce the earth element. Terracotta pots and stone sculptures also add a nice touch.

METAL ELEMENT – REPRESENTS PURITY AND PRECISION

metal multi-light pendant fixtureAn energetic metal element helps facilitate focus, precision and a strong sense of clarity. Metal is the easiest element to introduce regardless of your particular design style. Picture frames, decorative metal accents, round shapes and the use of metallics, grays and whites are expressive of this element.

WATER ELEMENT – REPRESENTS EASE, ABUNDANCE AND INNER WORK

water element representing balanceThe water element creates a positive sense of calm, purity and relaxation to any space. Mirrors are the most common expression of water in decor. Accessories and textiles with shades of blue and black will also bring this element in to your space.

WOOD ELEMENT – REPRESENTS GROWTH, EXPANSION AND VITALITY

wood cutting board on wood backgroundWood is considered to be a healing element that brings about vibrancy in health & growth and decisiveness in action. Consider floating wood shelves, branches mixed in with your florals or adding a houseplant. Rectangular shapes and decorating with greens and browns will also give this element presence.

FIRE ELEMENT – REPRESENTS HIGH ENERGY AND PASSION

candles and string lights in a windowThe fire element, when balanced correctly, will bring activity and energy to your life and your career. Fire is best used in moderation. Misuse of this element will cause over stimulation and a sense of anxiety. Fireplaces and candles are the obvious way to introduce the fire element. Triangle shaped decor and well placed accents in bold reds, oranges, yellows, pinks and purples are also indicative of fire.