Repurposed Antique Furniture

For the past two years, I was shopping around for an mid-century buffet  that I could repurpose as a kitchen island. However, so far I was not able to find one that I really like. As an inspiration, I pinned these pictures and hopefully, soon I can start working on this creative project.

Using an antique buffet or farm table as a kitchen island, would look great in an shabby chic or French Country style kitchen. The top can be replaced with granite, marble or a butcher block countertop.
Also, after some additional changes, these pieces could be used as a bathroom vanity.

For a dining room, a Rococo Sofa could be reupholstered and used for seating.

Also, instead of purchasing an expensive bar cart, you could use a vintage buffet.

Picture Source: 1/2/3/4

Backyard Decorating Ideas

After taking a long vacation, I am finally back and while the summer is almost gone, I just started searching for backyard decor ideas.

After buying our house, we did some major upgrades to it, however, we didn't make any changes to the backyard. I am really hoping that next year we'll start to tackle this project as well. Some of the major things I would like to have are a fireplace and an outdoor kitchen.

Since I live in Arizona, I can not have in my backyard some of my favorite flowers like peonies, hydrangea and wisteria. So, I have decided to plant citrus trees and bougainvillea.

Also,  having a herb garden is on my list.

When it comes to your backyard, what do you envision?

Pictures: 1 / 2/ 3

Great Finds: Abstract Paintings by Linda Donohue

Colorful Abstract Seascape Landscape by Linda Donohue

Large Ocean Seascape Painting Original Art Ocean by Linda Donohue

 Emerald Green Landscape Seascape Original Painting by  Linda Donohue

Glamorous Dining Room Decorating Ideas

Source

This fabulous dining room is inviting and dramatic at the same time.

I believe that only a few of us would dare to use so many dark elements in one space, but it definitely paid off in this case. 

These bold choices make this dining room unique and inspired me to create the below design board. 

1. Trellis Wall Stencil - CuttingEdgeStencils

2. Behr  Premium Plus Ultra Interior Paint - Jet Black

3. Black Crystal Chandelier - Overstock

4. Empire Mirror - ZGallerie 

5.Casa Cortes Brushed Glass Teardrop Base Table Lamp -Overstock

6. Decorative Grass Ball -Save On Crafts

7. Hourglass Dining Chair - Pier1Imports

8. Terra Dining Table -West Elm

Paris Inspired Kitchen Decorating Ideas

Today's post was inspired by Paris and my love for kitchens. To decorate a Paris-inspired kitchen, use vintage  porcelain serving pieces, gold accents, high quality fabrics and antique crystal chandeliers.
I have selected several items on a budget which can help you create a vintage Paris-inspired decor for your kitchens.

1 Kitchen Towel  Flour sack Towel  Dish by MODERNVINTAGEMARKET, $10.00

12" Victoria Lantern from One Kings Lane, $45.00

Paris Clock from One Kings Lane, $149

Paris Photo Fine Art Photography Creamy Blue Lace by happeemonkee, $35.00

Pic 1 Source

Elegant Kitchen Styling Ideas

This kitchen was featured on House Beautiful magazine and what I love the most about it is the natural light and the homey feel.
Having open shelves in the kitchen, gives you so many styling options: from displaying some of your favorite serving pieces to paintings or antique finds.

The marble countertops are very elegant and go well with these dark cabinets and the wood flooring.

Reusing  a vintage furniture piece as a kitchen island is an original and budget-friendly idea. 

In my inspiration board, I have included items which can be used in your kitchen in order to get the same decorating style.

1. California Impressionistic Landscape Painting by jayraymondart

2. Luigi Bormioli Pitcher -Amazon / HIC Porcelain 32 oz Pitcher- Amazon

3. Art Print Horse Landscape Painting 16 x 20 inch by LynnFogel

4. Bodum Chambord 8 cup French Press Coffee Maker, 34 oz., Chrome -Amazon

5. Oneida® Chef's Table™ White Porcelain Dinnerware and Serveware - Bed Bath and Beyond

6. Pink Peonies Flowers fine art photography by BeverlyLeFevre

Easter Decorating Ideas

1. Easter Tabletop Decor -Picture Source

2. Easter Table Centerpiece -Picture Source 

3. Tulip Wreath  Door Basket Wreath  Easter  by WreathsByRebeccaB, $60.00 

4. Hand-painted Easter Eggs -Picture Source

Ideas for Bar Cart Styling

Bar carts are one of my latest obsession and if you love entertaining then this is a must-have piece.

To style your bar cart, use various glassware, decanters, ice and champagne buckets, trays, barware tools and a cocktail shaker. Do not forget  to include straws,  elegant coasters and napkins.

Picture Source: 1 / 2 / 3

Here are a few of my favorite items I would use to style a bar cart:

1. Studio Barware from ZGallerie, $19.95-$49.95

2.White Everglades Coaster Set from ZGallerie, $19.95

3. Vintage Silver Cups s/6 by vintageluxe on Etsy, $40.00

4. Crystal Decanter with Stopper by AtticandBeyond on Etsy, $75.00

French Farmhouse Kitchen Decorating Ideas

 The simplicity and warmth of the French farmhouse decorating style reminds me of my grandmother's house. Her house was filled with items which were passed on from generation to generation and had a rustic charm to them.

Some of the signature French farmhouse kitchen pieces are: ironstone serveware, ceramic pitchers, copper cookware and wicker baskets for storage.  

You can display these items on distressed wood wall shelves or in antique cupboards.

For the wall decor, choose still life paintings or serene bucolic landscapes.

Burlap, striped or plaid fabrics can be used for chair covers and curtains. 

For the color palette,  the most popular choices are earthy tones like: cinnamon, autumn leaves and caramel inspired hues, neutrals like antique, tulip and vanilla blush whites and warm colors like honey, pumpkin and lemon hues. 

French Farmhouse Inspiration Board:

1. Flatware - TheOldRedHen

2. Paul Revere Copper Pan

3. Four Bin Mercantile Cabinet - sadieolive 

4. Regency Gold Napoleon Bee Soup Terrine - OlsenVintageMarket

5. Impressionist Style Still Life  by MeaghanArt

Picture Source: 1 / 2  / 3

Glamorous Vanity Room Decorating Ideas

1.Watercolor Fashion Illustration Dreamy Necklace print -JessicaIllustrations

2. Silver Century Table Lamp -ZGallerie

3. Perfume Bottles- One Kings Lane 

4. Silver Textured Glass Jewelry Box - Lamps Plus

5. Hayworth - Mirror & Vanity - Pier1 Imports

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Parisian Apartment Decorating Style Paris Inspired Home Decor

The Parisian Apartment Home Decor is one of my favorites. I especially love the mix of neutrals and subtle tones of color with rich antique finishes in gold, bronze or silver. 

Some of the most fabulous Paris-inspired decor color combinations are:

•  light iceberg blue and silver 
•  lavender and silver
•  creamy off-whites and gold
•  rose petal pink and gold.

You can use this as inspiration for your wall color and decor. Also, instead of using one color you can create a more rich look by using an elegant wall paper or stencil.

Even small apartments can be fabulous as long as edit the decor. Less is more when it comes to the color palette and number of furniture pieces and accessories used in space. Preferring quality over quantity especially when it comes to furniture is always a good principle. 

 For accessories using vintage and antique pieces is the best.  For the wall decor, I prefer photography and on Etsy I found very affordable and gorgeous art prints. Another idea is this large clock replica of an early 20th century French Tower Wall Clock.

1. Paris Apartment Image

2. Moroccan Stencil Zamira  Short version  by CuttingEdgeStencil

3. Paris photography gift set  a set of 5x5 Paris by elgarboart

4. French Tower Large Wall Clock  replica by Klocktime

For more Parisian Apartment Decor Ideas, click here

Traditional Christmas Decorating Ideas

A traditional red and green Christmas Decor is simple and timeless. 

1. Candy Cane Table Decor via BHG

2. Christmas Wreath  by WreatheHavoc

3.Christmas Photography  red ornament white by FirstLightPhoto

4. Christmas Tree and 20 Felted Acorn Oranments Decorate by Fairyfolk

For more Christmas Decorating Ideas, click here.

Glamorous Christmas Decorating Ideas

                                  1. Set of 6 Glitter Drip Ball Ornaments from Crate&Barrel

                                  2.St. Nicholas Square® Snowflake Ornament from Kohls

                                  3. Snow Globe Mason Jar by AirthandOlson

                                  4. Elegant Christmas Ornament Wreath by ParteeCreations

Modern Southwestern Home Decorating Ideas

To be honest, I am not a big fan of the Southwestern style which of course, is very popular in Arizona. 

However,  I like some of  its elements: the pottery, turquoise and the earthy tones.

For this inspiration board,  I picked modern pieces in order to achieve a fresh look. 

1.SWEETLIGHT  8X10  Original Signed Fine Art by desertphotography

2.Seven Falls Colorado Pottery / Vintage Desert Pottery by 86home

3. Accent Chest - Crackle Aquamarine from Z Gallerie

4. Ariana Dhurrie Rug - Chocolate from Z Gallerie

{Fall Home Decor Ideas} Mercury Glass Pumpkins

Antique Mercury Pumpkins

I have always liked mercury glass, so I was very happy to see that mercury glass pumpkins are in the trend this year.          

                                                          

Source: potterybarn.com via AZCreativeStudio on Pinterest

Champagne Mercury Glass Pumpkins

Since I like to use silver for Christmas, I decided to go with orange and used it as my centerpiece for the kitchen table.  On a antique tray I displayed the pumpkin with a few gold mercury glass candle holders.

SONOMA life + style® Short Glass Pumpkin

What are your favorite fall decorations?

Moroccan Home and Outdoor Decorating Ideas

Today I wanted to present a few Moroccan style inspiration and buys.

1. Inspiration:

Source

Buy:

Set of 2 Moroccan leather Pouf Ottoman Poof Pouffe pouffes hassock Footstool from FezArt

2. Inspiration:

Source

Buy:

S/2 Gazebo Lanterns from OneKings Lane

Grey and Black Contemporary Glam Kitchen Design

I am very excited to offer you a sneak peek of my kitchen. They are only a few things to be done and soon it should be complete.
When it comes to interior design, I like the contemporary style...mixed with Hollywood Regency and this is what I wanted to create when designing my house.
The main color palette is dark grey for the flooring - we used 12 X 24 rectangular tiles, stainless steel appliances, light grey for the walls and kitchen countertops - Nieble Silestone Quatz, modern KraftMaid black cabinets, round kitchen table and white for the baseboards and upholstered chairs.
The mosaic rectangular tile backsplash encompasses all four neutrals. For a touch of 1920's glam, I used this crystal chandelier  I found on Overstock.
I am sure many of you recognized the  Ranunculus photograph by Jessica Nichols. The ethereal colors and composition of this piece made me fall in love with it. I needed art to bring colors into this space and this was perfect. Also, the yellows and pink mix beautifully with grey. I got this photograph in a large format: 16 X 24 inches and a modern black frame for it.

Please let me know what you think about my kitchen and what is your style?

Thank you,

Ali