Shop Small Saturday

Happy Saturday. I love supporting small and local businesses with my holiday shopping...Here is a round up of some amazing small shops and nine great gift ideas!!

1. and 2. Frame + Necklace.  Furbish Studio is having 20% off their entire site through 11/29. 
3. and 5. Planner and pillow - Lulu and Georgia are having a great sale.
4. Coaster
6.    Clutch Two Penny Blue is having 25% off site wide with Code: 2PBFriends (love this company's mission)   
7.  Tray - Erins Gates for Jill Rosenwald.
8. His and Her glasses - Waiting on Martha is offering 20% off entire site. Code: Shopsmall
9. The Southener's Cookbook Peppermint Bliss is offering 20% off their entire site. Code: Holiday20. 

Black Friday for the kiddies...

Here are my daughter's picks for kid clothing deals! (the fleece of course is for her brother)

Mini Boden is having 30% ofF! Hurry, their things fly out the door

30% off Crew Cuts

Gap is 50% off entire site

Black Friday Steals + Deals!!

Hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving... Black Friday is here!! I wanted to share some of my favorite sales with you all! If you're going to buy gifts you might as well save some cashola while you're at it! I've shared some great deals from each site mentioned.

SHOP BOP - This site is full of goodies and this is a great sale. Take spend $250+ take15%, spend $500+ take 20%, spend $100+ take25% off your entire order with the code: GOBIG15

Meli Melo Bag purchase here

Gloves

Bootie

Earrings

NORDSTROM: 25%-40% off a ton of amazing finds. 

Scarf, watch (50% off) and Tod shoes here

J.CREW - 30% off most of the items on the site. Use code: Holiday

Vest here

Hat

BANANA REPUBLIC: 40% off entire purchase and 50% off all sweaters with code: BRFRIDAY

Fox loafers

TARGET IS HAVING TONS OF BLACK FRIDAY DEALS. INCLUDING BUY ONE, GET ONE 50% OFF ON A NUMBER TOYS, TOYS, TOYS.

Star Wars remote control ship

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter and good food. I'm thankful for too many things to list but I will add that I am trying to start each day with a thankful heart! Also, thank you, thank you for stopping by and reading my blog.  I am very thankful for each and every one of you. Your comments, emails and visits have gotten me through some tough times. I am truly blessed..... xo

Welcome Home - 7 steps to creating a cozy home

'Tis the season for entertaining and keeping warm! There isn't much better than visiting a welcoming home or relaxing in your own. Whether you are hosting for twenty or enjoying a night alone, a cozy home is the perfect place to gather or rest. A home should be a refuge (cause isn't the world crazy enough?)...Everyone has their own ideal. I am constantly striving to make my home more welcoming. 

Today I am sharing a designer's perspective on creating a cozier home. Be safe if you are traveling today. xxx

1. Fresh Flowers
When I can, I purchase fresh flowers for my home. I love displaying them in small vases around the house. This is a great idea if you are entertaining.

Kate Spade

My bedroom

See the tutorial on this arrangement here

 2. Rugs 
Carpets and rugs can make a room. They beautifully warm up the space and are a great way to add color and texture. I love both new and vintage rugs and try to mix in each type on my projects. Always ensure it is the proper size. Postage stamp rugs in a large room don't work nor do rugs that don't fit properly.

3. A fireplace

I have a small house for my kids and on my wish list when I was looking was a fireplace! I light mine as much as I can....A warm fire cozies up a home in an instant. I love to arrange and rearrange the mantel top too.

Aerin Lauder

 4. A well stocked bar 
I love displaying vintage glasses and decanters. It's far from this elaborate but you get the idea!

5. Delicious homemade food (this is for entertaining of course but even when I cook soups on Sundays for just myself my home feels more inviting)

See this story on Waiting on Martha, she also has a cool shop here!!

6. Candles and layered lighting

I am not a fan of overly fragrant candles but something about the warm glow of a candle is both flattering and relaxing. I light them on my kitchen counter, in the bathroom and on my mantel.

A well lit house is the key to a beautiful space. I put as many lights on dimmers as I can and I always, always layer my lighting sources and types!

Who styles a table better than Tory Burch!????? Gah, her tables settings are perfection.
**Tory is having a great sale, Code: Thanks. Take 30% of when you spend $250+

7. Textiles

Blankets, crisp white towels in the bathroom, clean window treatments. The soft goods in your home will work wonders for making it more welcoming!

Holiday Gift Guide.....for the home

Today kicks off the beginning of Shelter's gift guides...I'm hoping these come in handy and make your life easier this holiday season. I'll share any great deals and steals when I can! I won't be posting one every day but will be sharing as much holiday inspo as possible with your fabulous selves!!  

Here are my favorite gifts for the home. I often purchase goodies for my house, but that kind of goes with the territory. (most designers and creative types never stop thinking about how to beautify the world around them)...I find my friends and family much appreciate being given gifts for the their homes. 

Happy Monday! Cheers to a short and grateful week!!

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10

#6 - a set of these salad plates are on my wish list!!

5 tips for Holiday Bright

What kind of holiday decorator are you?

Walking through stores this time of year certainly sends the message that there are many people who love  a holiday  glam look with glitter, shine, and layers of finery.   If you've read this blog for awhile you know this won't be that kind of post.  I like my seasonal decor as simple as possible.  When visitors come to my home I  want them to feel in the mood for the season without being burdened by sensory overload.

In honour of the upcoming  holiday season I created a style board to illustrate some of my top tips for for decorating without going over the top.  I started with this stunning chair from Chairish, a US based online marketplace for vintage furniture.  There are so many beautiful accent chairs to choose from, in addition to other great finds for your home.

Mid century accent chair 

I would love to own this chair! It references warm and cosy, but still has a quiet elegance.  It can be yours for a great price.  Check out the link above.

Now for a little creative play, let's give it a new home using 5 simple decorating moves.

Tip #1

Add a fur throw to furniture for instant warmth 

But if  a purchase isn't in the cards for you, don't fret.  You can satisfy  your urge by creating the same look using a faux fur throw or  natural sheepskin.   While you can use fur on any chair,  a framed chair in  black can't be beaten when it comes to impact.  Remember the power of spray paint!  Of course this one with its gold tips is extra special.  Hint, hint,  tape off and spray  the tips  of your stand -in piece gold.

Tip #2

Reference nature 

A quick look around this style board shows nature repeated throughout the space with birds, trees, deer, as well as twigs and berries. They are all easily added and removed for another creative use next year.  What I like about this more minimal approach is it's longevity.  Many of the additions can be left up all winter so you don't have that bare look after the holiday season is over.

Tip #3

Integrate seasonal objects among every day arrangements 

Take down a piece of art and hang a wreath in its place, add seasonal objects to your window ledge and bookcase or tabletop.  Berries can often be added to simple arrangements. 

Tip #4 

Add candles 

Such a simple addition and so much ambiance when lit.  If you are concerned about safety,  purchase a set of battery operated candles.  They are so realistic now with some even having a subtle scent and flickering light.  I especially like  the  remote control function on the ones I have. One flick and instant mood is created. 

Tip # 5

Use pillows for pattern and comfort

Not everyone likes to have a pile of extra pillows around; I get that!  I admit pillows are my weakness and  I have a shelf full so I can make changes through the year.  I think they are a small price for a refreshed  look.   One budget idea for seasonal pillows is to find ones that work well on one side with your every day decor and flip them for seasonal decoration. 

How does this  advice play out in my own home?  

Here's my dining room from last year.  Candles, real twigs and fake berries, white  reindeer, sprayed pinecones, an evergreen and birds. It will all be used somewhere again this year but it won't look the same. 

For something different this season, I've separated my two buffets and changed the art.

artist Mike Gough, The Island 2014

 I've been looking for the perfect place for my new piece of art by local artist Mike Gough.  It seems to be comfortable in the dining room. This painting has a  fall feel that made me think of my moose antler at my summer place.  Let's see if it can be integrated into a more sophisticated environment.  My candles are in place and ....   It needs more than that.  I'm thinking a conversation will happen between what's on the buffets and the table.  Stay tuned.

Shelter Loves

Thank god for Fridays! (insert prayer emoji).  In keeping with my life, my week was a little cray but I am thankful for that. Busy weeks mean more fabulous clients and healthy kids, all good things in my book. Here is what has been on my radar.....I LOVE finding inspiration in everyday life, so if you see something you are dying to share never hesitate to drop me a line or an email with something great!
Wishing you a fabulous and peaceful weekend...

Here we go....

1. Hand woven tapestries like this one from India will infuse your interior with depth and interest. What is really better than something hand made?? I would hang this on a dark wall for contrast.
2. This image resonated with me..First off, I wear my hair like this all  most of the time and her outfit looks like something I would wear to hang out on the weekend. Oh and I start every morning with a hot cup of green tea...
3.  How fun are these??? Resort wear anyone?? Find them here.
4. A simple thought with powerful results!!
5. Okay, I need to google research to see if magnolia leaves would actually survive two weeks in New England but I love the idea of having these beautiful greens woven into my wreath. (have I mentioned I love natural holiday decor?) Purchase this wreath on Etsy here.
6. This stewart plaid shirt is pretty cute, love the way they have it styled here!! (not sure I am the bow tie type though)
7. A bank of windows above a sink opens up a kitchen beautifully. If I get the chance to build or rehab a larger someday, this is something I will do!

Love the look - holiday style

I'm beginning to feel festive and think everyone could use a little cheer this year....Today's "love the look" post shares my favorite holiday fashion finds. Mix or match any one of these or do as we do at my house on Christmas day: choose a dressy item and mix it with a casual one. Snap up these goodies soon, because they are selling out quickly!! And like last year I already missed out on the black watch plaid pants at J. Crew, I just received the catalog yesterday!! 

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9

 J.Crew has a slew of items on sale for 30%-40% off with CODE: ShopNow

Cali Casa

My design tastes really run the gamut: New England prep, California bohemian, Parisian chic, the textiles of Spain, Middle Eastern and African cultures are just a few styles I am inspired and intrigued by..... You name it, I can find something I love in each! When I read about this home in House Beautiful by California designer Erin Martin I was drawn to the rich layering and off beat mix of materials and furniture.....It is far from the norm and I am loving that!! Natural woods and ethnic graphics will continue to inspire in 2016. And that kitchen? Every detail is perfect,,,, right down to those fabulous stools and pendants. Eek..and the best part? All these groovy elements and unexpected colors come together to form one uber cool, cohesive Spanish casa.

Giving thanks - table top

Thanksgiving kicks off one of my favorite times of year. I think we will all be taking the time to focus on the good in our lives next Thursday! I have so much to be thankful for. My five year old daughter has been begging me to decorate the house for the holidays. I promised her that tonight we could put the little white candles in the windows around our home. Sometimes it is the simple things in life that bring the most joy, for me coming home to illuminated windows on a chilly, dark night makes my children and I a little happier. ( I think Matty will appreciate it too) I am not hosting Thanksgiving this year but I will be helping my Mom with as much as I can. These holiday table ideas each looked fairly easy to pull together but are impactful. I LOVE LOVE the idea of the top left-hand image. How ingenious is this? Simply display fruit, cheese and charcuterie selections along a piece of pine. Most hardware/building supply stores can cut a board to the exact length you need. 

 The items I shared layered with flowers, a slew of candles and some natural mixed    greens would create the perfect table for your delicious Thanksgiving meal. 

1. Votive
2. I want to invest in a set of cabbage plates. I love the green too but I think food always looks best on white plates.
3. Serve sides or nuts in a few tortoise dishes. I love the depth tortoise brings to design.
4. I love sipping wine and water out of a large goblet.
5. I usually prefer cloth napkins but these were too fun not to post! Furbish always does a fabulous job sourcing their goodies. Purchase napkins here!
6. Pretty bamboo flatware is always a hit

Je t'aime Paris

Before I share my regularly scheduled post today, I wanted to mention the tragic events in Paris. My hearts goes out to all who were directly impacted by the horrific violence last Friday. My love, thoughts and prayers are with all the people of France. My parents gave me this book when my world was feeling pretty lonely. It is full of uplifting quotes but today I wanted to share this particular one. I have to believe we can build a better more peaceful world. I do know, there is more good in this world than bad....

Love the look..In the Navy

In all seriousness, a huge thank you to all those who have served and all who are currently serving for our country! (Including my Dad who was in the Air Force when I was a baby)

The cooler weather has arrived for sure here in "Bean" town. It's about time to purchase a new wool or down coat. I love the option of navy blue over black. Don't most of us already own a slew of black jackets and coats anyway??

1/2/3 - 25% off/4 - 25% off/5/6/7/8

Gallery Wall thoughts and an insta-peek

Hola! There is lots going on here at Shelter! All good stuff, of course....As you know, I'm finishing up my own home too. My goal is to have it photographed after the holidays. Most designers use their home as a design laboratory of sorts. I am often moving furniture around and changing things out. I have a gallery wall hung in my living room but plan to tweak it later today with a fat glass of Apothic wine near by. I set some of my art on the floor (last image) this morning in preparation. (this is not the layout) 

In the meantime I wanted to share a few gallery walls that work and why. The top one is in the Kate Spade Soho store. They have done a nice job laying it out. Choosing a focal or keystone piece of art is an important first step. Next, place the art around that "keystone" in a cascading design. Be sure not to hang one piece in the center. Notice that no two frames are perfectly aligned on top in this example. For more on this gallery wall visit A.T. Another important tip to follow is the 57" rule. Hang a focal piece or number of pieces at or around gallery height, which is 57" on center, off the floor. I have done that with my own wall and have spaced my artwork around it, at least three inches apart. I also have the challenge of grouping the art around the t.v. (which is not my first choice but I have limited places to put it) Finally, be sure to visually balance your layout. I tackle this process organically but in the past I have taped pieces of craft paper to the wall too. Simply cut out pieces of paper that match the various sizes of art you plan to hang. This saves you from accidentally creating too many nail holes in the wall. It also allows you to move around various layouts, step back and choose your favorite.

This wall (above) feels nicely balanced to me. I also like that each piece has space to breathe.

Here is a peek at some of the art I am working with. I like to mix vintage with newer pieces. Some are originals and a couple have been created by my children. Try to gather an interesting mix of pieces and frames types. I also combine various mediums. Painted pictures, prints, photography and sketches all work beautifully together. Poppy, my kitty, wanted to join in on the fun!