secret of domestic bliss #16 ....the ultimate beTRAYal

When styling your home always remember that small little displays add big style.
Just like in fashion, when the accessories make the outfit, it's complete.
I find that perfectly placing and grouping accessories has the same effect.
If you aren't quite sure how to make this happen...start working with trays.
Whether lucite, silver, acrylic or wood, trays make the ultimate companion for your favorite pieces.
Group your most treasured items together on a tray and poof...instant style!




This one is absolutely perfect for me.
(it's the initials)

Coastal Living
EverythingFab 

The Art of Living...mixing it up

Remember last week when I posted about Lauren Conrad's dinner party?
Well, ever since then, I have been obsessed with the look of mis-matched dining chairs.
I think it adds such personality to your dining room and can create quite the happy mood.
So, if you are looking for a way to spice up your dining room...try mixing it up.

Like LC...I adore floral dining chairs but i'd probably want to mix them with something a little more modern, like these high back yellow guys. 
How amazing is this combination done by Anna Spiro? love.

i'm crushing on...

These two freakishly cool spaces I found today while browsing around on 
apartment therapy.
the brown wallpaper mixed with brown + white walls looks divine...
throw in a few hints of yellow for a pop of color
and there you have...
perfection.
This dining set reminds me of something found in a crazy cool vintage store.
Bay windows and detailed ceilings are the perfect mix with the jeweled chandelier.
sprinkle in a small dragon + bicycle...walk up bliss.

The Art of Living...by the sea

No time or budget for flowers? No problem...
If you have access to the beach, why not make use of it for your home?
Instead of spending your hard earned money on flowers, save it and
grab some seashells, starfish, sand dollars or greens for the beach. 
I have tons of little collections around my home, they are some of my best travel keepsakes. 
I love the memories they conjure up when I look at them around the house.
I just love these looks.

You could even take a photo of your findings and frame it...instant art on the cheap!

SIX TO BLISS: the erin gates edition



Who:  Erin Gates
Where: Boston, Mass (so jealous)
What: Uber stylish blogger of Elements of Style and principal and founder of Element Interiors .




I am soooo honored to have her secrets here because I definitely admire her style.

Here are her 6 secrets to domestic bliss...




  1. Foo Dogs- a brightly colored pair of foo dogs is needed in any space I inhabit! The are said to protect the home from evil spirits, which is a bit of a bonus.

2. Something zebra- pillows, a rug, a chair seat- just something in my all time favorite pattern.


3.Hot pink peonies- this flower never ceases to make me happy and brings such life to any room with it’s big blooms.


4.Wine and coffee- a morning and evening ritual that I adore.


5.A gallery wall- a visually stunning way to display memories and art without having frames galore on every surface.

6.A working fireplace- nothing says “home” to me

Thanks again Erin, for your secrets. Love them! 

shameless self promotion and a sneak peak of my bedroom REVAMP...



Check me out tomorrow at 
Peppermint Bliss!
I'm doing a guest blog post for my girl, the beautiful bachelorette Bailey!
My Secrets of Spring...

also,
My bedroom is a disaster right now because they are repairing my door.
I am getting a better one...yes!
 I took some pics for my mom and decided that I would share a sneak peak with you all.
The color scheme is purple, gold, cream and black.
Dee-lish!
(more pics to come soon...when the new door is up, of course)

art filled homes are my bliss...

I was originally going to make this an art + room post but as I found myself searching the entire
home tour over and over, I knew I had the share more.
Another amazing home tour from Apartment Therapy , Brad + Kendra from Boston (luuuv it)
created a glam sanctuary full of art. 
We all know how much I love my art!
Check out the huge ceilings + black moldings. 
Die.
(for more of the home tour click here)


secret to domestic bliss # 14...a reading nook.

What is better than getting cozy with a good book and some tea?
nothing.
We all know this, so it should be imperative to a home to have a reading nook.
No matter how small or how large it is, try to incorporate this one essential space.
Don't forget to always keeps some books or magazines in the area so you are compelled to read more.
My guess is, we may not always use it, but...
if you have guests, it will make you quite the hostess to have room for them to relax.
Everybody wins!
I think this one might be my most favorite...and lately I am loving reading a new juicy interior decorating magazine on my patio and have my morning coffee.
Lovin it!
images from: livingetc. decortoadore. NYSD.com. bhg alkemie 

your decorating style...

Tonight I was out at a dinner, and one of the dinner guests and i got to chatting about my blog.
I love discussing blogging because I feel it is something everyone should do.
I am a huge proponent of expressing yourself and making friends while sharing common interests.

Interestingly enough, I was seriously stumped by one simple question.
What is your design style?
To be honest, I have no particular style. 
When I walk into a blank room, I get a feeling for the room and love to create the mood, 
the vibe, the feeling. I truly believe each person, and their space becomes its own theme and 
character...so I don't like to pigeonhole myself into one particular style.
Now, I can confirm this because I was emailed these photos and 
asked which one I like better...and I have no answer! 
They all look like perfection to me, just different moods.
You guys tell me...
Which one would be more your style???

dear loving readers,

Please bear with me.
After many deep phone conversations with some people I look up to...
I decided to purchase a domain name.
My new domain is 
It will still be titled SECRETS OF DOMESTIC BLISS....of course.
I am still learning all the new things about the internet and HTML
and I kinda feel overwhelmed....but i'm working on it.
Thanks for being patient.

and please don't forget to update your links...
XOXO