Photo Contest from Design Hotels

If you've ever stayed at a "Design Hotels" (or live near one!), check out this photo contest:

The Design Hotels™ Photo Contest

Submit your best images of Design Hotels™ destinations for entry in the first Design Hotels™ Photo Contest! Winning images will be featured on the new website and you could win fantastic prizes including complimentary vouchers and copies of the Design Hotels™ Book!

Find out more at www.designhotels.com/news/flickr

I am crazy about organic decor!

What makes a residential or commercial environment more warm and cozy than a shot of infused nature?  I always use a bit of something woodsy and real in all of my design projects.  You can bring a bit of the outside in by using branches as a centerpiece in a large vessel or by exhibiting a beautiful flower inside a small vase carved from bark. "Found" organic branches can be transformed into modern art.  A wooden floor vase spied at Jayson Home and Garden can even act as a piece of natural sculpture. Just pitched that piece for a spot next to a modern white lacquered Louis II chair from sixinch.   Love that juxtaposition of clean and modern with natural elements!  

Tree Trimming

Looking for some tree trimmings? Check out some of these holiday ornaments:
SEASIDE SUMMER HOLIDAY $86 WWW.BLUMCHEN.COM

HANGING BUTTERFLY $25 WWW.GLASSLILIES.COM

GOLD FORREST $26/SET OF FOUR WWW.SEMPLICEHOME.COM

DAY BREAK $28 WWW.LACECREATE.COM

CRYSTAL SNOWFLAKE $32 WWW.WESTERNSILVER.COM

CAT SILHOUETTE $18 WWW.SILHOUETTESANDMORE.COM

BLUE PINE CONE $18 WWW.JOHNTOOLE.COM

BELL WITH DRAGON $210 WWW.MEISSENUSA.COM

AMALIA CLEAR GLASS $58 WWW.JULISKA.COM

WWW.WORLDTRADINGCO.COM $12

Mid Century Modern Furniture Source

If you are looking for mid century modern furniture, check out LushPad. It's an amazing website for searching iconic mid century modern pieces where you can browse by designer, manufacturer, etc. If you are looking to sell any items, you can also place an ad to sell your items. Good source for buying or selling anything mid century modern!

Get your Christmas fix at Neimans!

As soon as one holiday ends....

another seems to begin!

After having two rounds of Thanksgiving meals yesterday at my parents house, two of my aunts, my mom, my sisters, and myself decided that the eating and socializing must still continue. We had our annual "Holiday Cheer" buffet at Zodiac at the downtown Neimans. If you live in Dallas and haven't been, the buffet menu is incredible...

Every year we have a fantastic time gabbing and catching up, but I can't say that I wasn't just as interested in seeing all of the elegant and always breathtaking holiday decor they put up at Neimans.

Zodiac is a vision within itself. Having been in business for 50 years, this restaurant's color scheme of black, white, and red accents give it a classic, graphic, and glamorous vibe.

Geometric shapes lining the walls give you something interesting to look at when waiting for the elevator

And the view going down the escalator isn't so shabby either!

We always like to stop in at the bridal department just for fun...looks like a beautiful winter wonderland

Red and gold envelope the first floor elevators...if this isn't an indication of the holidays, I don't know what is!

My favorite part- a very clever and cute indication of which elevator will be taking you upstairs- a red pendant (that almost appears to be floating) lights up when your elevator gets there!

Many Christmas trees were spaced throughout the first floor

Large, gorgeous chandeliers hung from the ceilings

The downtown Neimans is definitely unlike any other Neimans in Dallas and is such a fun experience. I love going there once a year to get my stylish Christmas decor fix! If you are in Dallas, be sure to swing by- they even have pics with Santa!

Happy Turkey Day!

I have been meaning to post this bedroom image from Southern Accents for a while. What better time to do it than now?

I thought I'd leave you all with a very beautiful, serene, quiet image before the hustle and bustle of the holidays- a good reminder to me and everyone else to take some time to relax this week, take it easy, and enjoy time with your loved ones!

I have so many things to be thankful for....just a few of them include great family and friends, a roof over my head, and the fact that I get to do what I love. Also thankful for the people who make our design blog possible- the wonderful MG bloggers. You all are the best- I know how much hard work goes into your posts....so a big thank you! Also a big thank you to the readers and fellow bloggers who take the time to share their insights and homes with us. You make our blog worth writing for!

Have a safe and very happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Do you match your home?

{In Style}

I love, love, love seeing my favorite celebrities and fashion designers in their homes. I've heard it said that you either do fashion or interiors well, rarely both. You would think that they go hand-in-hand but trust me, I've seen great interior designers in need of a little make-over (or make-under) and uber-chic fashionistas whose homes leave a lot to be desired.

Michael Kors' home seen above is EXACTLY how I would picture it. I think he "matches" it perfectly. His uniform of black blazer, t-shirt, and jeans is reflected in his apartment with a classic and crisp color scheme of black and white. I think his place personifies the ultimate chic, urban, bachelor pad (no ratty leather recliner in sight).

{for more on her home, visit Bandelle}

I have to admit that the home of uber-stylist and MG favorite, Rachel Zoe, surprised me a little at first. I mean she coined the word, "excessories-" when it comes to fashion she is no minimalist. Her home, however, is a great juxtaposition of her personal style. While her persona is over the top, her home is streamlined and dare I say, neutral. I can totally relate, being surrounded by colors and textures all day, I just want to come home to something totally relaxing without any elements that make me ansy or hyper.


{photos from Habitually Chic}

Amy Smilovic's (of Tibi fame) living room is a great example of how bold color CAN be soothing (and that grey and yellow never seem to get old). By keeping her fabrics and accessories simple, she can add that shot of yellow that really wakes up the room.

I love Molly Sims' personal style (thanks, Rachel Zoe), I think she is gorgeous and her homes definitely seem to suit her. Designer Kishani Perera of Fuse ID (check out her amazing portfolio) is the design talent responsible for her chic abodes.

I love the living room in her L.A. home just as much as her NYC living room.

{check out more on M.A. Belle}

Eva Jeanbart Lorenzotti, the creative mind behind Vivre, is the proud owner of my all time favorite closet. I just found the other shots of her home featured in Global Guide, and they do not disappoint. I love the rich textures and colors...her home definitely reflects a cultured, well traveled fashionista!

So, what about you, do you feel like your home matches what's in your closet?

Los Angeles Event

If you live in the Los Angeles area, there is an upcoming holiday walk on the avenues of art and design come Thursday, December 11th! Mark your calendars!