Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree {Trend Spotting}

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw my excitement over these Oversized Fiddle Branches from Pottery Barn!  I literally saw these branches sticking out of a large vase at Pottery Barn and stopped in my tracks!  Thinking to my self -- "are those fiddle leaf fig branches?!?"  Oh, yes they were!!  I didn't even know you could get these in faux (fake) branches!!  I have only recently been seeing the fake trees versus real.  BUT branches!  Oh my!  I had to have them!

from Pottery Barn

Unfortunately, Pottery Barn no longer carries these online and there were only 2 left in the store.

Fortunately, that meant they were on clearance at $100 OFF Regular Price!!!  Regular Price was $130, I paid $30 each, and I had a coupon for $10 off!  I get excited about a really good deal like this!  Can you tell?  I have looked for additional branches online similar to these but I can't find anything this size under $100.  This might be the deal of the year for me!!

Pottery Barn 

So what's the big deal with these Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees?!?

Well, let me tell you............they are large, graphic and just gorgeous!!!

If you have been following any home design blog or read any decor magazine like HGTV or Elle Decor in the last 5 years, whether you know it or not, you have seen a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree in the spaces.

Emily Henderson's Living Room + one of her favorite indoor plants

According to the Remodelista, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is hard to kill.  "If things 

go wrong, she just cuts it way back and it comes back beautifully." 

Elle DECOR

from Honestly WTF

I've always hesitated about buying one of these live indoor plants because 1. they are expensive (around $150-$200 for a full grown tree) and 2.  I usually kill every live plant I own.  So I wasn't about to spend over $100 on a tree for the house that has a chance to die.

But I still always dream about the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree and its large, glossy leaves...

So, back to the branches I bought...

from Pottery Barn 

I am still trying to figure out what I am going to do with the 2 branches I bought from Pottery Barn.  Do I  just stick them in a vase together and set it in a corner and call it a day?  Do I separate them and put each in separate vases so I can use them around the house in different places?  I would really like to "plant" it to make it look more like a tree, but I am still trying to figure out how to make that happen!  When I figure it out, I will definitely show you what I decided to do.

I still want a real one, but these will do for now!

Personal Shopper {Trend Spotting}

Today -- let me be your personal shopper!  If you haven't been out home decor shopping this month, then you haven't seen all of the new items hitting the shelves for Spring!  I see bright colors, flowers, gold details, and neutral textures in our near future for Spring.

Sometimes, when I feel stuck creatively in a project, the best thing for me to do to get inspiration is to just go shopping.  And that is what I did this week.  With SO many different projects going on right now, I had to just get out there and see, in person, what my favorite stores have available for Spring.

I don't know what I would do without Nate Berkus and Threshold items at Target!  If you are debating about whether or not something from Target will look good in your home and it is either the Nate Berkus or Threshold line, chances are, it will.  So just buy it!!  Their home decor is that good.

Here are some of my TOP FAVORITES right now!

I am noticing a lot of PEACH colored items from Nate Berkus.  Neutrals are still very hot and trendy and will always fit your home decor for years to come.  And navy is still really popular right now as well.

I am really happy to see Target step outside the box and offer some amazing items such as these fringed wall hangings!  

I think I first fell in love with this style of tapestry hanging on the wall after watching Genevieve Gorder on HGTV.  If you know Gen, then you know she loves her Moroccan Wedding Blankets.  She used one here, in this design.

"Soaring Living & Dining Space" by Genevieve Gorder via HGTV

This style tapestry from Target is very similar.  It comes in two different sizes and styles.  The larger of the two is shown below in a space designed by another one of my favorites -- Emily Henderson.

I know this style isn't for everyone -- but I think they are really cute!  I could imagine this in a sweet little nursery (boy or girl) or above a headboard in a bedroom as a focal point.

I love everything Emily did with this space using some of my new favorite Target pieces.

You can see the entire room design on Emily Henderson's blog here.

I think I could go on...and on...and on...about all the new items I love at Target.  But instead, just go here and see all the new home decor for yourself.  Don't forget to shop on store's websites too.  Because sometimes, they have "online only" items that are even better than what you can find in the store.

My next favorite place to shop for more unique, worldly items is Cost Plus World Market.  And here are some things I am crushing on at the moment.

I can't get enough of this mirror from World Market.  I saw it from a distance as I was shopping and I was like a deer in headlights!  I immediately made a b-line towards it to get a closer look.

Gray Round Starburst Vani Mirror via World Market

It has that soft, raw wood look that World Market does so well with so many of their items.  It just has such gorgeous detail to it that makes it unlike most mirrors I find.

If you didn't know -- in the last couple of years, World Market has started offering pendant lighting and chandeliers.  The designs are reminiscent of high end lighting and the prices are amazing!!  Here is one of my new favorites.

Black Metal Hexagon Pendant Lamp $99 via World Market

It reminded me of some I saw last summer in the M/I home at the Indianapolis Home-A-Rama.  See my post here.  

This is a much more expensive version in the show home.  World Market's version does not have the glass panels which saves on cost to be able to sell a much less expensive version of the same light.

And another pillow because I am a sucker for pillows, fringe, and ticking stripes!

Striped Frayed Edge Lumbar Pillow $19.99 via World Market

I mean, who doesn't need a huge black & white watercolor buffalo on their wall?!?  It's very chic!

Watercolor Buffalo by Ben Gordon via World Market

Sign up for their FREE membership to get special deals and coupons AND a free $10 on your birthday, as well as FREE $10 after you spend so much money there.  


Hobby Lobby was my next stop of my shopping trip this week.  Most people think of Hobby Lobby just as a craft store, but it is SO much more.  It is really another one of my favorite places to shop for unique home decor.  They always have items 50% off and if it isn't on sale, wait until the next week and it will be 50% off then.  Or you can always search online for a 40% off coupon.  I always just pull one up on my phone while I am in line to check out if I need to.

They have had some awesome artwork lately at my local Hobby Lobby.  And the prices on these large canvas or framed art pieces are unbeatable!  Here are some of my favorites.....

The World Is Super Lucky To Have You Framed Art $25 on sale via Hobby Lobby

This framed art is by a very talented lady Lindsay Letters.  She has one of those styles that when you see a piece of her work, you just know it is Lindsay Letters.  There are lots of fun prints by her.  We used this same framed print in my niece's playroom.  Follow Lindsay on Instagram -- you won't be disappointed.  She was also the calligrapher of one of my all time favorite design books -- The Nesting Place by Myquillyn Smith.

Other favorites.....

 Hipster Arrows Framed Wall Art  //  Be Strong and Courageous Canvas Wall Art  //  Brown & White Let's Be Adventurers Framed Wall Art 

You can now shop online at Hobby Lobby's website.  But I must say, their website is quite challenging to navigate.  It is almost impossible to find what you are looking for sometimes, so you do have to have some patience if that is the route you are going.


Pottery Barn has really "upped their game" in the last couple of years, adding in some more modern prints and furniture among all of the heavily traditional pieces.

via Pottery Barn

Some really beautiful pillows in those striking orange and navy colors again!

I love all of their wooden beads!  Especially the White Beads Vase Filler.  

Some new modern, global inspired rugs, starting at $250 up to $1000.  

Bolton Shag Rug via Pottery Barn 

I never purchase items for my clients from just one place.  That's boring!!  I know which stores have he best deals and how to stretch the dollar as far as possible.  Besides, a grouping of items from different stores makes a space much more interesting.  As I see more Spring "must-haves" on my shopping adventures, I will be sure to share them all with you.  But for now, I don't want to get too carried away!

If you really want me to be your personal shopper, you can hire me by the hour to find a few new items to spruce up your home for Spring.  Visit my Design Services page for more info on a la cart services and how to contact me.

Trend Spotting: Scandinavian Home Decor

Bringing the Scandinavian design style into your home!

After visiting a restaurant in the SoBro area of Indianapolis for my birthday, it got me thinking about Scandinavian Design.  Its white, light, and simple design palette was a beautiful backdrop to the hot and spicy cuisine of Delicia. 

Scandinavian Design emerged in the 1950's from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.  A design style known for their light, bright, simplicity throughout the decor.

1.  LAPPLJUNG RUTA Cushion Cover from IKEA

2.  STOCKHOLM Cushion from IKEA

3.  Manning Chandelier on Houzz.com

4.  Rustic Arc Table Lamp from Shades of Light

5.  Scandinavian Bird Hook from West Elm

6.  Mackinaw Small Accent Table from Crate & Barrel

7.  Half Moon Storage Basket from Luvocracy

8.  Wishbone White Wood Chair from Overstock.com

9.  Cross Throw Blanket by Pia Wallen from Mjolk

10.  Ottavia Rug from Crate & Barrel

You know that store that I really love for home decor and furniture?!?  You know the one -- IKEA!! Well, if you like IKEA then you like Scandinavian design style. Did you know that IKEA is based out of Sweden, so most of their products follow the Scandi design style or are Scandinavian inspired.  Look around IKEA the next time you are there -- clean lines, not a lot of ornate embellishments, modern, lots of white and cool grays -- it is the easiest way to understand and bring the Scandi style into your home!

via IKEA magazine

The home of style blogger from My Scandinavian Home.

via Stylizimo

A book of Nordic interior decor from the Danish couple Iben Ahlberg + Niels Ahlberg.

Scandinavian interiors will be sticking around for a while as long as IKEA is still in business.  And it has most definitely become more main stream and popular due in parts to IKEA whether you knew it not.  It has become a classic design style intended for the contemporary lovers.

Trend Spotting: Poufs!

I haven't done a Trend Spotting post in a long time!  And after a quick trip to Target the other day (lets be honest, I go to Target at least once a week for myself or for a client, but anyways) I noticed even Target was staying on trend with these Poufs!  And I must admit, Target has done an amazing job with the colors and fabrics of their poufs!

I've been noticing a heavy trend with the Pouf for a couple of years now, but this year especially, the Pouf has definitely caught my eye because they are everywhere!  They are now being sold, not only in specialty stores, but also at places like Target, Home Goods, and even Hobby Lobby.  Of course like anything else, they can range in price from only $50 up to $500 depending on the size and the material the pouf is covered in.

POUF.  Pronounced P-oo-f.  It is a piece of furniture completely covered in a cloth material, but unlike a stool, it has no visible legs or feet.  It is a large, hard cushion sturdy enough to sit on or to prop your feet on.  Also known as a Tuffet.  Tuffet is just another word for Pouf. 

Remember this nursery rhyme...

 
Well, who would have known, that Little Miss Muffet is sitting on a Pouf!  Or a Tuffet.  Whatever you want to call it, they are the same thing!

A Pouf is used as a footstool or a low seat. Or, just by sitting a simple tray on top a pouf, it now becomes a side table!  It can be used the same way as a traditional ottoman or stool. 

1.  via Overstock     2.  via Etsy     3.  via Etsy

In any room of your house, of course!  A pouf can be used in a bedroom for extra seating, in a walk-in closet for taking a quick seat to put on some shoes and socks, in the family room for extra seating that can be quickly tucked away under a coffee table or side table, or even in the entry way.  I love the idea of using a pouf as a foot stool in a nursery.  Or stacking a couple of poufs together in the kids' playroom for extra seating.  How about in a sunroom for a non-traditional side table?  They just look pretty.  So they can be used as a decorative accent piece in any room of the house.

 

1.  Threshold Kilim Square Pouf in Ivory/Yellow

2.  Threshold Kilim Square Pouf in Navy/Ivory/Light Blue

3.  Threshold Kilim Square Pouf in Brown/Ivory

4.  Threshold Kilim Square Pouf in Navy/Ivory

5.  Threshold Kilim Square Pouf in Light Blue/Ivory

6.  Threshold Kilim Square Pouf in Yellow/Ivory

These Target Poufs are a steal compared to some high end ones.  They sell for only $69.99 and are on sale right now for only $48!  So, if you have been looking to buy one, now's the time!  These are covered in a Kilim material, but Poufs can come in a wide variety of material and patterns and colors.

Most commonly, Poufs are covered in a Kilim material.  The more expensive poufs in high end stores are actually covered in vintage Kilim rugs.  Kilim is a Persian derivative for a flat tapestry-woven carpet, historically used for prayer rugs.  But new production kilims are quickly becoming a popular floor covering in Western households.  Made popular by places like Ikea, Target, and West Elm who have lowered the price with new production kilim rugs and kilim Poufs. 

1.  Surya Rugs Accessories Pouf - Kittle's - $149.50

2.  Tufted Spots Pouf - Nordstrom at Home - no longer available

3.  Numbers Pouf in Natural - Land of Nod - $99

4.  Bubble Knit Pouf - West Elm - $249

5.  Moroccan Pouf, Tan - One Kings Lane - $199

6.  Ikat Outdoor Pouf Red/Orange/White - One Kings Lane - $69

I even found a tutorial on how to make your own POUF if you are up for a little DIY project!

Erika from Retropolitan Hip made a super cute Pouf out of $3 Ikea rugs.  And you know how I love Ikea!  I haven't tried this one yet, but it seems easy enough!

via The Lovely Cupboard

via Green Wedding Shoes

via The Glitter Guide

Now I really want to go out and buy a Pouf for my house! I'm thinking an outdoor Pouf for my deck as a little side table.....we'll see what I can come up with!