stylish shelves.

There's something about endless shelves filled with books that make a space feel so comfortable and lived in.  I would love to have a stylish library with walls and walls of books one day...and hopefully a nice ladder to access them all! Here are a few photos of great personal libraries; I love the way that some are organized by color, using the books as wall art...the perfect example of beautiful, functional design. I'm absolutely in love with this first room...

via decorpad

via Elle Decor

via Flourish Design & Style

via Final Architecture

designing on a dime

There's nothing better than having your own space...unless of course you have to fill it on a not-so-chic young professional's budget.  I came across these fun images for a little inspiration - sometimes all it takes are a few unique (and bold!) finds to make a space feel styled and full. 

via Decorpad

via Pinterest [The Paris Apartment]

via Decorpad

Annsley Interiors via Decorpad

Good Taste Money-Saving Tips:

• Buy staple pieces like arm chairs and couches in basic colors from inexpensive retailers like IKEA and accent with bold patterned pillows to create an interesting, finished look.
• Try buying inexpensive lamp bases and doctoring them up a bit with fun, bold shades.
• A bold rug (think black + white chevron or a fun geometric print) can unify a room and/or serve as an interesting focal point.
• Make your own modern art. Buy a canvas at your local crafts store and look at modern pieces for inspiration (you don't have to be an artist to do a little colorblocking!).  The bright color will fill white walls so you can avoid expensive paint and alot of effort.
• Search local flea markets or Etsy.com for unique furniture pieces. Chests, headboards, mirrors and coffee tables can all add up, but sometimes a little imagination and a coat or two of paint are just the thing to give a less-than-impressive find new life.  Half the time, these pieces are so unique they end up being statement pieces that stand out more than your more expensive purchases.
• Use staples that you already have in a unique, personalized way.  Style books on shelves with cool frames or color coordinate them to create a visual statement.

How do you save without sacrificing style??

animal instinct.

Animal prints are nothing new - for years, they have famously made statements throughout fashion and home decor.  Often perceived as "trendy" and sometimes even tacky, when done right they exude a richly glamorous, yet fun, graphic style. The zebra print, with its classic black + white color scheme, is the perfect print to add some pop to almost any home [use instead of a bold b+w stripe to add a little more luxe to your look].

Here are a few photos that convey the versatility of this bold print - whether its an over-the-top glam accent to an already rich space, or a colorful version that exudes a graphic, preppy sensibility, the zebra print done right is perfectly divine. 

 Bold, Neo-Trad look from Elle Decor

Jonathan Adler via Elle Decor

Modern glamour from Domino [Elle Decor]

 Stark white with a contrasting focal point from Elle Decor

 Tradtional with a pop of print from Elle Decor

Rich + chic with clean lines via Decor Pad

Monique Lhuillier's stunning Living Room from Elle Decor

Graphic, turquoise prints from Elle Decor

 Dark hues make for a traditional, yet bold look from Elle Decor

bippity boppity boo: the gilded pumpkin!

Love traditional fall decor but need a chic alternative on the average orange pumpkin?  Don't fret - pull a fairy godmother and transform your gourds into metallic masterpieces.  Simply pick out some favorites from the patch and use metallic spray paints to wash them in a chic, shiny finish.  Try using small silver or gold painted baby pumpkins at each place setting for Thanksgiving dinner, or use larger, carved pumpkins set in groupings as votive holders.  Just a little paint can glam up even the simplest of pumpkin porch decor! 

 

Photos courtesy of:  Martha Stewart Living [top left]; Jaimee Rose at azcentral.com [top right];

and Caromal Colours [bottom]

If you're too busy to paint this season, try picking up some simple white pumpkins for a modern, minimalist take on typical fall decor.  Your elegant Jack-o'-lanterns will be anything but ordinary, and won't require the additional effort!

Photos courtesy of Southern Living [top left]; Martha Stewart Living [top right]; 

and Sunset.com [bottom]