I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve uttered the words “if you love it, buy it”.  Sometimes I think people get so caught up in decorating in a specific style, one that they may not even truly be connected with, that they buy only items that fit the image of what that style looks and feels like in their minds.  While I am all for someone identifying and understanding the foundation of the style that most appeals to them, I am also someone who believes your home should be and feel personal, be a collection of things that make you feel good and soothe your soul, and most of all be full of things you love,  just because you love them!

And yes, I am one of those designers that believes if you see something, LOVE IT but don’t know exactly where it will go in your house, BUY IT because you will find the perfect spot for it within your home!

If you see a magenta JUJU hat  and it makes you smile…buy it!  The perfect wall decor does not have to be framed and under glass.

If you see a wild piece of  art to fill that empty wall, go for it.  Art is a personal statement and says so much about who you are!

If a striped sofa or a royal blue one for that matter are what you love, buy it and use it as the jumping off point for the rest of your decor.

If a bold rug reflects the energy and zest you have for life, bring it home and let it energize the rest of your home.

If a canary yellow stool adds a sense of sunshine to your home, buy it and place it so that you see it every time you enter and exit your home. 

If whimsical curtains reflect your personality and maybe your love of food, why not?  Afterall, your home should be a personal reflection of you.

If a yellow lamp is calling your name, grab it and make it a focal point.  It just might be the perfect accent to tie it all together!

If just one more pillow turns your bedroom into a retreat, buy it because that’s what your home should be!

When it comes to decorating, we all want a home that is beautiful, but beyond that we should all strive for A HOME THAT WE LOVE!

What does your home say about you?  Do you love everything in it?

all images via Pinterest and can be found on my boards at ConfettiStyle

I’ve pulled together items to create the Valentine’s table the hubby and I will dine at on Valentines. We’ve decided to stay in for the evening and I want to create a table that is pretty and unique.  I’ll be sharing the finished table with you next week. 

As part of my planning, I’ve looked through magazines, my photo files and on Pinterest  to come up with some decorating ideas and have come across a few I thought I’d share with you.  Now that spring is here, there are birthday parties, anniversaries, girls get-together and weddings to plan.  These ideas just might come in handy. 

100layercake.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

My style is not Victorian or overtly floral but I love this mix of  china and the burlap utensil caddy used in this place setting.  The utensil caddie could be adapted for so many occasion and would also be great to hold a menu card.  I also love this idea for a bridal shower luncheon.  I’d pin a vintage brooches on each utensil caddy and give it to each attendee as a party favor.

oncewed.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

I love the arrangement of this napkin, menu card and placecard.  The pattern mix  and black and white color theme are sophisticated yet informal.  When summer approaches, use this same look for a BBQ, substituting a traditional napkin with a dishtowel which would be a for great for keeping the fingers clean of BBQ sauce.

hostessblog.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

What a fun way to set the table for a spring party!  I love the teacups as flower vases and the fun mix of cylinder flower vases as the centerpiece.

busybeelauren.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

Another table with a beautiful mix of patterns.  The oversized dollie placemats are such a fun touch.  This type of tablescape would be perfect for all those leftover fabric scraps I know we all have.  I’d even go so far as to mix and match the napkins too!

stylemepretty.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

I am a big fan of mix-and-match plates and love this casual party look. The white dinner plates help to create consistency within the tablescape while the different salad plates give it personality.  And those flowers are just stunning..nothing but bright and bold.

reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

I was thinking about using 12″ x 12″ scrapbook paper as a placemat alternative when I came across this image.  Love it!  Not only is scrapbook paper a simple and easy tabletop decorating element, but it’s inexpensive to.  Lay several pieces together to create a runner.

sayyestohoboken.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

All you need is a little time and a circle punch to create this fun table decor.  Punch circles from different colored papers and scatter them along the table to create a runner.  When the party’s over, you’ll have lots of confetti circles to create a fun paper garland with.

Don’t these images make you throw a party for no other reason than to decorate?  As for me, my first party of the year will be Valentine’s with my guy.  Stay tuned for a Table For Two!

Do you love decorating for Valentines?  Any fun ideas to share?

If you’ve got a special event or party coming up and would like help creating a design that will take their breath away, email me or visit my design services page.  There’s nothing more that I love than a great party!

 Kishani has a love for antiques and many of her spaces incorporate old and new pieces sitting together in harmony. 

She has a knack for creating elegant and stylish spaces with a true sense of personality.  I love the traditional botanical art display offset by the fun and whimsical polka-dot fabric on the stools. 

This space is another great example of pieces from different eras mixed together to create a comfortable and personal space. 

This space is so beautiful with simple and sleek furniture used in a room full of traditional details.  Love the neutral backdrop and bold pops of color.

 In looking through her portfolio I noticed that many of the rooms designed by Kashani showcase an unexpected element or two.

 What a fun fabric to use on the sofa!

An eclectic mix of textiles and details.

Love this office space–bold colors against white furnishings.

This living room setting is one of my all time favorites.  I love the oversized saying art and the texture and detail within the sofa, chairs and table.  Such a subtle space that says so much.

I’m so glad I stumbled across Kishani’s work.  She has quickly become one of my design inspirations!

 To check out more of her portfolio, take a stroll through her on-line shop Rummage and learn more about my new favorite designer, head here.

images 1,6,7,8,9 via Porterhousedesigns.com

images 2,3,4,5 via ElleDecor.com

image 10 via mackenziehoran.com

So refreshing to see a beautiful interior with gold and brass as the accent.  Gold tones elevate the look and feel of a space adding elegance and high style.  The reddish toned wood walls and flooring enhance the gold finishes while the off-white textiles, carpet and accessories make an understated impact.

p.s.  That coffee table and black and white chair are to-die-for!

eclectedrevisited.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

Here are few things I fell for, all under $50 bucks. 

I love this decorative finial and think it would look fabulous on a console table or as an accent with a bookshelf display.  There’s another style that works with this one as well.

This white lattice top tray is just gorgeous.  What a great addition to a vanity , guest bedroom or bar area.

Whenever I’m looking for decorative accent pillows, Target is one of my shopping destinations.  I love this damask print all done up in chocolate-brown.

Ok, hold on to your boot straps.  This gorgeous mirror is only $24.00.  How great would this be as part of a gallery wall?  Or hanging by itself for that matter.

And last but not least, this red lantern is such a great accessory that could be used in so many different way.  How about as part of your Valentines decor?  It’s available in red or white and comes in two sizes.  The small shown here is $14.99.

Well, that’s just a few of the latest and greatest that Target has to offer.  Items sell quickly so if you’re looking for new accessories for your home make a bee-line to your local Target!  I know you’ll find something great!

Click on the links below for more info on each item!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

via

Today is my 2 year blog birthday!

 I can’t believe how the time has flown, how much I’ve loved sharing with you, how inspired I’ve been  by all of you and how great it’s been to have you along for the ride.

Thank you for following and reading each day!

  I’m looking forward to fabulous things in 2012 and bringing you more of what I have to offer.

Hugs, Kisses and Well Wishes!

Know what I’d love as a birthday gift…for you to head over to my newly established

ConfettiStyle Interiors Facebook Page and LIKE IT.

Have a fantastic day!

When something is irresistible, you should buy it. Pictures, objects, and furnishings that speak to you tend to speak to each other, creating improbably wonderful harmonies.

- Mary McDonald, Mary McDonald Interiors: The Allure of Style

images via pinterest

Last Sunday I had the pleasure of having dinner with some dear friends at one of Atlanta’s newest restaurants, Southern Art and Bourbon Bar, and boy was it an incredible experience. 

Southern Art is located in the InterContinental Hotel and is the latest restaurant from renowned chef Art Smith.  If you know anything about Art Smith, you know that he is an incredible chef with a flair for Southern inspired foods.  His cooking credentials have earned him personal chef roles for Martha and Oprah and are showcased in his 4 restaurants around the country:  Art & Soul in Wash. DC, Table Fifty-Two in Chicago, LYFE Kitchen in Palo Alto and Southern Art here in Atlanta.

I was so excited for the evening and it didn’t disappoint.

First let me tell you about the decor at the restaurant and then we’ll move on to the yummy food.

 The decor at Southern Art is simply stunning.  Very comfortable but full of high style.  One of the features I loved the most were the blown glass chandeliers and artwork ceiling.  Each of the chandeliers are adorned with colorful glass spheres and pendants and are flanked by commissioned pieces of artwork which are suspended face-down for the ceiling.  The ceiling is so colorful and Looking up was really magical!

 There were several styles of seating in the restaurant, but my favorite were these chairs.  A silver-grey leather was used on the interior of the chair and a beautiful orange and grey flocked damask was on the exterior.

 The wallpaper used throughout the restaurant mimicked the chair fabric with an added pop of yellow.  So beautiful.

 One of the most unique details of the restaurant was under foot.  In the areas where carpet was used, the carpeting showcased one of Art’s recipes woven into the rug. 

 Here’s a look at one of the private areas within the restaurant.  What a great way to spend an evening with friends.

And, here is a look at the main dining area.  See the heart artwork on the left?  Well, it is said that Art’s partner, a very accomplished artist, painted those on the fly when it was determined that artwork was needed for that wall.  Let me tell you, they really gorgeous.

Also notice the open back balloon chairs  and banquette below.  The balloon chair was another chair style used in the restaurant, upholstered in a vibrant red fabric.

One of the truly custom features of Southern Art is the meat carving station.  The station sits at the front of the restaurant and houses a great selection of dried meats carved on site.

 Next to the meat station was the dessert bar.  Each of the desserts available on the menu is showcased under beautiful glass domes.

The dessert menu is fairly extensive, so if you’re looking for a place to end an evening with dessert and coffee, this is it.

Mockingbird Cake and Banana Pudding Pie above and  Chocolate Cake below (a work of art)

Cake Pops

Peanut Butter Pie

And a peek at the dessert menu.

In looking at the main menu you can see that it is a personal reflection of all the food Art Smith loves… southern inspired dishes.  As a starter for the table, we were treated with Rosemary Cheddar biscuits and a mini dish of sautéed veggies. Then it was on to the main course.

My friend Shannan had the Southern Fried Chicken which was served in a stylish ceramic “bucket”. 

I had the braised short ribs which were melt in your mouth yummy!

And, my friend Robyne had the New York Strip and Chris has the Catfish.  We also shared a special treat at the table…Arts Mac-N-Cheese.   To-die-for!

Dinner was really good, but we did save a little room for those desserts.  Here’s a peek at what we shared at the table.

That Chocolate Cake with a huge chocolate fan on top.  If you love chocolate it doesn’t get better than this.

Apple Pie–loaded with crisp, crunchy apples and the perfect blend of spices.

Peach Cobbler.  This is what I ordered and oh my gosh was it good. 

And the 12 layer Red Velvet Cake.  And, if you’re wondering, each of those wafer thin layers is cut by hand, by the pastry chef.

All is all, the dinner at Southern Art was incredible.  I had so much fun spending the evening with great friends, taking in all the beautiful decor and eating some of the best food Atlanta has to offer.

After dinner, I snapped a few photos of the hotel lobby.  The InterContinental just changed out all the furnishing and I loved the color and details used in the space.

This balloon chair is gorgeous and the nail head detail is stunning.

The area rugs are a mix of grey, cream orange and gold. 

The nail head trim is repeated on the oversized ottomans used throughout the lobby.

I hope you enjoyed the little recap of my night out with friends.  If you live in Atlanta or are planning a trip here,  make sure to stop by the InterContinental Hotel and enjoy a wonderful meal at Southern Art.

Southern Art and Bourbon Bar

3315 Peachtree Road NE in Atlanta, Ga 30326

404-946-9070

images via Southern Art and ConfettiStyle