Friday Favorite Room

Happy Friday to you all! I hope you have something fabulous planned for the weekend.  I'll be doing a little dog/house sitting for some very good friends while they yuck it up in Vegas (jealous!). Fortunately, they live on the complete opposite side of the valley from me, so this feels like a mini staycation for me.  Oh and they have a pool and they've fully stocked the place with all sorts of delicious eats and adult beverages. 

And, there's only one dog to walk each day. One. Dog. That alone has put me in full on vacation mode.

It's going to be a gooooood weekend.

I'm ridiculously easy to please.

So I've been really really obsessed with this bathroom all week. 

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Those marble herringbone floors are rocking my world, that chandelier is outrageously beautiful and the antiqued mirror doors could not be more gorgeous.

Do you love it?

Have yourselves a wonderful weekend!

xo,
Sarah

If you'd like help finding your unique style and incorporating it into your home, contact us!

The Week in Pictures

This week was such a busy one.  I feel like I drove from one end of the valley to the other and back at least twice.  For you non-Phoenicians, that's a ton of driving!

On Monday, instead of a Spring Training baseball game, the boyfriend and I grabbed lunch at a brew pub and caught a movie. I must admit, after a couple of tasty beers, "21 Jump Street" was pretty hilarious.

These burgers and garlic fries are every bit as delicious as they look!

I did a little vintage shopping this week and found a series of fairy tale books I remembered loving as a small child.

I can't get enough of old books.

There were lamps (of course) but I somehow managed not to buy one.

That's not to say I didn't buy anything.

Wednesday I had the pleasure of listening to a presentation by one of my design and blogging idols, Tobi Fairley. I did take a couple of photos but I was too busy soaking in the knowledge to really focus on quality photography.  Plus, I felt like such a super-stalker trying to snap pictures as she spoke. Trust me, she looked fabulous!  Tobi shared what she's learned about using social media to grow a design business and although I consider myself pretty savvy on social media, I definitely learned some really valuable tools. I love and appreciate it immensely when such successful women are so down-to-earth and willing to share their knowledge with those of us starting out on our own.  She inspired me to want to return the favor when I reach her level.

Since I was at the Design Center anyway I took the opportunity to source some fabric for a couple of projects.

I also got to spend an afternoon with a couple of my sweet nieces and nephew and indulge in a little chocolate-dipped ice cream cone action.  It was such a gorgeous day that we put the littlest one in the wagon and walked to DQ. There was a little park right next door where we spread out a blanket for an impromptu picnic.

I just love those little faces!


The weekend will be focused on wrapping up a couple projects around the house (ahem! guest room!) and most importantly, there's this Sunday night:

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Mad Men is back!!  Finally! Are you watching?

Have a happy weekend!

Life Before Pinterest

Isn't it so hard to remember a time before Pinterest?  What did we used to do all day anyway?  Before Pinterest took over our lives, how did we plan outfits, find recipes, decorate our homes or plan butt-lifting workouts we have no intention of ever doing? All I know is that I can never go back to a world without Pinterest. Never.

Like me, do you still have all these little "Inspiration" folders saved in every nook and cranny on your hard drive?  So, I've been going through mine lately, (figure I'd better upload these gems to my various boards) and it's like I'm discovering them for the first time all over again.

I don't have original sources for any of them so if they belong to you or if you know where they might be from, please share and I'll gladly give proper credit.

Holy mother of...oh that hood!  And the marble!  Ooooh do you see that wallpaper (I think that's wallpaper) on the back of the upper cabinets?  I don't know if I would ever need so many faucets but suddenly I really really want them. One thing though, are those eggs in the middle canisters on the counter? Man I'm in love with this kitchen! Egg-filled canisters and all.

This is my kitchen from the country cottage in my head.  Simple, no frills but perfectly charming in every way.  I have the sudden urge to make raspberry scones with lemon curd and serve fragrant cups of tea out of vintage mismatched cups.  Normally, accessorizing the tops of upper cabinets make me want to punch myself but when it's done in a way that looks like maximizing storage, instead of buying useless accessories for no good reason, I'm all over it.

That beamed wall, fantastic.  This is another room in the country cottage in my head. Pretty sure those beams are from trees that were original to the property and were painstakingly cut by the people who settled this land. The country cottage in my head has a rich, rich history you know.

Rich, rich, rich.  Luxe, luxe, luxe. Love, love, love.  Yes it's another white kitchen with a marble backsplash and there certainly are no shortages of white kitchens but don't you love how they painted (or stained?) the frame around the glass uppers? How about the mix of white cabinetry with that delicious walnut island? Just lovely.

The gigante hood, the beamed ceiling, the corbels under the uppers - I adore it all! Love the well-worn looking stools and oh boy, check the finish on the little snippet of wood floor sneaking into frame behind the stools.  I think they're also from trees original to the property and hand cut by the original builders.

Tufted green velvet, luxe mirrors, rustic wood texture, painted brick...gah, this makes me so happy. I love the mood of this room. The only thing that would make me happier than living in this room would be tucking into that daybed with a vodka tonic.  I look down and on the floor next to me is a basket containing every issue of Domino magazine ever published.....also, no one has ever cracked a single one of them. Do you have chills too?

Do you get the sense that I'm very good at daydreaming?  It's a little out of control yes?

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

For Your Weekend

Today is a hectic day around here, with little brother moving out and all.  Yipeeee!!!!! Is it wrong that I'm not trying to hide my enthusiasm at all?  In my defense, I mustered up just enough sensitivity to talk myself out of making a paper chain to count down to moving day. 

Please. I'm not a total jerk.

Today I'm sharing some of the amazing, hilarious, touching and inspirational things I've seen around some of my favorite blogs this week. Enjoy!

The newest issue of Rue Magazine just debuted and there's so much to love!  You'll pin your little hearts out!

I made this (try to say it without a little drool escaping) DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BANANA WALNUT BREAD and it is outrageous.  Out. Ra. Geous.  Dark chocolate cocoa is perfection in this recipe.  Make it, love it, then take it to work so you don't eat all of it on the sofa while catching up on Season One of Downton Abbey.

{recipe here}

Speaking of Downton Abbey, a show I somehow have managed to miss despite my love for PBS, "My Favorite and My Best" blog does hilarious recaps that just might be better than watching the actual show. 

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Complete with video reenactments.  Beyond enjoyable.

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 As an animal lover who obsesses over the well-being of stray dogs to the point of not being able to sleep at night, my heart melted for Grace at Design Sponge. She found an abandoned kitten with FIV then used her big heart plus blogging and social media platform to find it a forever home.  Hero.
 

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On a completely different note, what would a recap be without some juicy, DIY-goodness? 

The Petersiks are at it again with your run-of-the-mill full backsplash of penny tile installation.  You know, nothing  major.  Seriously, these two are incredible. Not only have they tackled nearly every home improvement project under the sun, they share helpful tips and tutorials along the way.  If you love DIY and corny jokes (who doesn't!) and still haven't checked out "Young House Love", do it this weekend. 

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Have you been longing to dress up plain interior doors in your home but can't afford to replace them all?  Design Sponge features a simple yet dramatic solution.  A little trim moulding, a little paint, bada-bing, new doors!

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Turning an underused bedroom closet into a home office isn't so groundbreaking an idea these days.  Danika at "Gorgeous Shiny Things" raises the bar with a geometric wall detail that is anything but ordinary.

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Oh and the rest of her guest bedroom isn't too shabby either:

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Have a wonderful weekend folks!  I know my guest room and I will!

Orange You Glad......It's Friday

Yeah, I'm a little ashamed of myself for that goofy title but what's done is done. 

Tangerine Tango and various shades of it are having kind of a moment in January 2012 aren't they?  Once Pantone announced the Color of 2012, it didn't take long for a love of all things orange to sweep the interwebs.

While it's fun to follow trends and use concepts like a "Color of the Year" for inspiration in interior design and fashion, it's unrealistic to expect any of us to suddenly turn our homes into "Orangetopia".  I honestly don't think Pantone or anyone else really expects that anyway. For one thing, it would be a ridiculous amount of work and money to completely overhaul the color scheme of your home from year to year or season to season.

Plus, isn't it better to have a distinct style of your own that isn't subject to the whim of this year's trend?

As Coco Chanel once said, "Fashion is made to become unfashionable".

So take this Tangerine Tango pronouncement in the spirit that (I think) it's intended; a call to incorporate bold, saturated color into your existing look.  

Through small, yet impactful touches like art and accessories:

Clockwise from top left: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

What better way to brighten up a cold, dreary winter (I hear they have those outside of AZ) than by incorporating a little orange into your wardrobe?

Clockwise from top left: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Brighten up work and otherwise uninspiring organizational items with a shot of energy:

Clockwise from top left: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Or, invest a little time and a bit of paint to accent existing furniture (or your VW) and stay on trend:

Clockwise from top left: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Or, (the very best idea of all!) stay in and cozy up with a little orange-y goodness:

Like this:

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not this:

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I still love your dresses very much Mr. Valentino.


Have a fabulous weekend!

Friday Randomness

My personal style has changed drastically since I first began actively pursuing a career in interior design.  I've talked about how I'm completely over the whole "super contemporary" look and more recently, my love for transitional style (full of tapered legs and espresso wood) has waned. As I continued to explore various styles, vendors and the work of other designers my horizons broadened considerably. And thank god!  I now describe myself as being firmly in camp "Eclectic".

Which pretty much means, if I like it then it's my style.

These days I also find myself more willing to experiment with bold colors and utilizing multiple colors in a single room. For someone who had the model-home-mantra of "only three colors per house (and one of them was always chocolate, gray or black) drilled into her impressionable head for years, this is a big departure.  Albeit a very, very welcome one!

Pantone listing such a bold color as Tangerine Tango their color of 2012 has inspired me to create a bedroom design board that was big on saturated color. Now, I don't know if I myself could live with this much color in my master bedroom but it has made me wonder.

Also a big departure from my model home days is the mix of styles in this board.  You have a classic Draper chest, chinoiserie chandelier and a modern wing back chair all in one space. I love it this space and for me it works in part because the repetition of yellow and black helps unify the room. 

Everywhere I look, whether it's Pinterest or the dozens of design blogs I read each day, designers and decorators are fearlessly experimenting with color and combining styles in a way that feels (to me at least) so fresh and timeless.  Who knows, in 20 years we may look back on all of this crazy mixing and gag but I don't really think so.  While the overabundance of Ikat and Chevron might make us cringe a little, all in all I think the interiors we're seeing today will still be appreciated in the decades to come. 


On my plate this weekend is a small (I hope!) DIY project.  I'm going to try to rewire these vintage lamps and outfit them with new shades!  They're the first part of my guest room makeover which will get into full swing once the little brother moves out later this month.

Have a happy weekend!

New Design Board

Friday's here and today I've decided to join in on the fun with a Lamps Plus link party over at Maggie Rose. Maggie created a really pretty dining room design using only products from Lamps Plus.  Did you know they carry furniture, art & accessories?  Yeah, me neither!  
My living room design was created using a couple of items from Lamps Plus, I just couldn't resist using additional sources.
My jumping off point was the painting found at this Etsy Shop.  I've wanted to use a navy blue sofa for a while and I found a gem at C&B.  Don't you just want to dive into it?

Playing Hooky Today!

Oh, so glad Friday is here!  It's been a busy couple of days (hence my lack of new posts) with wrapping up a couple of edesigns and gearing up for a new client presentation.  And did I tell you I decided that NOW would be a good time to take up jogging again?  It's my annual "I'm gonna run a 5k in January and get that high and tight runner's butt" delirium. 

I'll keep you posted on both ends.  

 

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After burning the candle at both ends all week, I've decided to spend today indulging in some serious girl time. A good friend has moved back to AZ and this will be the first time I've seen her since she arrived. I couldn't be more excited for today! 

 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone and please come back Monday where things will be back to normal around here.

Friday

I know I've been light on posting this week but I promise it's for a really good reason.  I've been busy working on staging, taking and editing photos for my new interior design website!  I am so excited to share the finished product with you.  It's looking like it will be ready to launch within the next week - can't wait!

 

I have to assume that if you follow this blog that you and I share some similarities.  A love of interior design, strong cocktails, DIY and oh yeah, a complete and utter lack of patience.  So to reinforce bad behavior, here's a little sneaky-peaky:

 

That's all you get!  For now.

Next week looks to be another busy one - I've got a new e-design project to start on and I need to work on some marketing for Sarah Elizabeth Interior Design.  

On that note, I am currently accepting new clients  (e-design, full design services and consultations).  If you would like some help creating a home you're crazy about, especially if it involves mixing in some gorgeous vintage finds, email me!  I'd love to help!

This weekend I'm going to work on some boring tasks like purging and organizing (in anticipation of all the fun clients that I'm hoping the universe brings my way).  

Hopefully I'll get to do some cooking and baking.  This little taste of Fall weather we've had in Phoenix has me craving comfort foods like these:

Click for Recipe

Click for Recipe

Could anything be better than a gooey, bubbling skillet of Poblano Mac & Cheese (especially with those much-coveted crispy edges!) or a Texas Sheet Cake? 

The answer is no, definitely no.

Have yourselves a wonderful weekend!

Neutral and Gorgeous!

So what are your plans for the weekend?  A little shopping, a little movie-watching, a little drinky-drinky?  Maybe a little furniture refinishing?  No?  Just me?  I swear to you and the DIY gods that the sanding and priming of my cocktail table WILL HAPPEN THIS WEEKEND.  It will.  Happen.

Have you checked out Lonny Magazine yet?  If not, here's your chance to get acquainted.  Lonny is an online design magazine that is much beloved by the design blog community. and in my opinion, the love is well-deserved!  The October issue just came out and it's eye candy galore! 

Here are a few pictures of one of my favorite spreads in the current issue.  Proof that neutral is anything but boring.

Love the bit of yellow from the door

So eclectic and pretty (although I wouldn't mind if those printed pillows went away and never came back).

Don't you want to do a belly-flop right into the middle of that sofa?  So nap-able!

Great use of turquoise on the newel post and hand rail.

Clean, elegant, simply styled and timeless.

See?  Eye candy galore! 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and please check back on Monday for an update on my refinishing project!