10 things that rocked my world this week...the Birthday edition

1. 2013. I don't know what it is about this year but I have this feeling that this year is going to be AMAZING. So far, its off to a great start. I had the most awesome birthday with the most amazing people...

2. Wisdom. I just love this. Reminds me to cherish the very special people in my life. 
3. Birthday dinner. I was so blessed by each one of these amazing people and had such an awesome mexican dinner. My fave.
4. Decor. My other love. I fell so in love with this beautiful bedroom in the Feb issue of House Beautiful. This year, I am so getting a canopy bed. 
5. Culture. One of the many reasons I love me some NYC. I went to see this play and it was absolutely incredible. The set decor was really good too. How fun would it be to be a set decorator?
6. Columbus Circle stars. One of my favorite places to go in NY. I was here on NYE, which was a blast! These stars change colors and have such a beautiful glow. I just love them. 
7. NY High school for fashion. How fabulous is this library? Made me want to go back to High School all over again. 
8. Working on my fitness. My new gold headphones, one of my favorite birthday presents...these things just rock my world. Oh and the new issue of Architectural Digest, that rocked my world this week too!
9. My doors. My favorite door of this week. Ah, just so incredibly good.

10. Vision board. Oh, yes. I got my girls together to make vision boards this year. My favorite thing to do. I love being creative, so much fun! 

VANITIES...

It's Friday! The first friday of the year and the Friday that kicks off my birthday weekend. I can't believe I am already getting another year older. Eeeeek. Although, I am kind of excited. So, what have  I been up to the past couple of days in preparation. Filling up my vanity with all of my favorite beauty essentials of the winter. I am totally revamping my girlie area for 2013! Here are my must haves...

 Amarige - my winter signature scent
Argon oil - my favorite hair product
the most heavenly thing I have every put on my body

Tablescape Tuesday...ringing in the new year right

First thing to do in the New Year...throw a fabulous holiday soiree. The first big meal of the year is always a reason to celebrate and this year is no exception. How fitting would it be to celebrate with shades of Emerald, the color of the year! I am completely crushing on this gorgeous tablescape with hints of gold, emerald and black + white stripes...

 Originally this chic little get together was for a baby shower, but I happen to think the look would work perfectly for a NYE brunch to celebrate the new year. Simple flowers and a toast of champagne and orange juice are definitely a must. 


images via...inspired by this
Photographer: Katie Stoops Photography

HAPPY 2013!!!

I can't even begin to describe the appreciation I have for all of you. 2012 was an incredible year for me and The Decorista. I am beyond blessed to do what I love to do every day of my life, and its all because of the love and support I get from YOU. I believe in BIG THINGS for all of us in 2013 and I wish each and every one of you all the happiness and joy and blessings that your lives could possibly handle...and more, because that is what you guys have given me. Thank you. Love you. Bring it 2013!

10 things that rocked my world this week...December 29

1. Truth. I love that word and so I fell head over heels at a holiday party when I spotted this piece of artwork. It's by one of my most favorite artists, Camomile Hixon. Her glitter art is just awesome. This was me trying to capture the magic...on the sly. 

2. Christmas. My favorite holiday ever was this week and I spent it in New York City again. Nothing is better that Christmas in NYC I must say. This adorable little guy is Murphy, my nephew and favorite pup in the world. He is like a little present under the tree.
3. Having lovely days off exploring the magic of Christmas time gave me much time for checking out some new doors of new york. This one was so good, it just got me all happy inside. 
 4. Photography. I am quickly finding my love for photography. As a blogger, I think it sort of comes with the territory...a natural progression. I just am obsessed with good art and oversized photography is  always a win for me.
 
5. Holiday decor. So I have seen my fair share of holiday decor and my new thought process is LESS is MORE. I found myself really liking little moments like this, a natural wood candelabra with a bit of floral garnishing. Simple. Sweet. Perfection. 
 6. Movie marathon. Yep, I think it might be one of my favorite things about the winter holidays. 
 7. Tufting. I have also decided that I am absolutely obsessed with this tufted sofa. So good. Never can have too much tufting. 
 8. I got the sweetest gift from my friend. This adorable tee with this adorable slogan. It's from my church's women's conference. Can't get enough of its amazingness! 
 9. This case piece is incredible. The gold details just absolutely rocked my world. 
10. and this...so good! 

Finding the perfect floor lamp...

Shopping for clients and the perfect lighting for these apartments in New York is an entire situation. You really can never go wrong with lighting because I truly believe lighting is the best accessory, sort of like the perfect earrings. They just make the look complete. Right now I am a little in love with three arm floor lamps. Modern, chic and extremely useful...

I love this design by Ryan Korban, he uses a Serge Mouille three arm lamp as a kiss of perfection.
The three arm look just adds an element of luxury, its almost like a really good piece of art. Well, some of them actually are! 


floor lamps:
1- Mid Century Modern Tri Light $475
2- Serge Mouille $8200
3- Jonathan Adler Havana Lamp

decor images: 1//2//3//4

My ELLE DECOR favorite room of 2012-- gold ceilings...

A while back Elle Decor approached myself and 30 other designers to pick our favorite room of 2012. At first I was thinking to myself, "there is NO way I could pick just one". Until I laid eyes on this gorgeous bar area and remembered how much I loooove it. First, I am always a fan of dark grey walls and wallpaper is always a win. The part that really gets me is the gold ceiling, I am a super fan of gold ceilings and grey walls...If it was an outfit, I think it just might be my staple look....

And last but not least, my very favorite project that I ever worked on...

rooms: 1-Richard Mishaan, 2-unkown, 3-shuistyle 4- ashlina kaposta 5- mary macdonald

bliss in the kicth'...Mainly Marble

Hope everyone had a marvelous Christmas holiday, I know I surely did. I spent a LOT of time in the kitchen making beautiful memories and I must say it was awesome. One thing I found was how much I enjoyed baking on a marble countertop. Gorgeous and ever so easy to clean, I will always be a huge supporter of marble in the kitchen. Or anywhere else for that matter...

I'm loving the contrast of the white and black marble, my eyes always are fond of a high contrast. I love the swirl look too, it is such a classic and artsy look at the same time. Its incredibly beautiful. 

1//2//3//4//5

CAMILLA and MARC for VOGUE Australia

Camilla Freeman Topper. My new style muse has literally perfect the art of mixing modern contemporary, feminine and rustic french decor styles and making is look incredibly chic. The designer  from Camilla and Marc just has a style all her very own. The pink chesterfield sofa just had me at hello and mixing it with a bit of zebra and neon hued artwork, its absolutely genius. I have a new Christmas wish, this home decor, I want it all! 

for the rest of the home tour...

images courtesy of vogue austrailia

10 things that rocked my world this week...December 23

1. It's Christmas! This is absolutely my favorite holiday of all time. Growing up for me it was all about family and presents and Santa Clause, which was fabulous. These days, for me, it's about the birth of Jesus and truly the wonderful celebration that it is. For those who have different beliefs than I do, I celebrate with them the ultimate Christmas exchange, GIVING + RECEIVING. The two best parts of the this holiday. Giving is easy, but truly allowing someone to give love to you, being a good receiver, is the best gift that you could give them...

2. I am so in love with New York right now, especially my neighborhood this time of year. It's so beautiful. 
3. Ice Skating. Yep. Something I will always adore during Christmas time. I think ice skates are so fab. 
4. Christmas Carols. Seriously, my favorite music of all time. Oh, holy night is one song that gets me teary eyed every time. 
5. Decorations. The doors of new york are just abounding with Christmas decor and I have been loving every bit of it. 
6. Details. How amazing is this ceiling? Teal and gold together look incredibly chic and a little 'old world'. I love it.
7. Gold. As we all know, I love me some gold. Gold on the ceiling? It's becoming my signature look. Here, this was my first client who was brave enough let me go crazy with it...love! 
8. My aunts living room. The other day we were in this room having tea, and now that I have been looking at ceilings more, I realized the apple doesn't fall far from the family tree.
9. This magazine cover. It just rocked my world. I've been falling more and more in love with NYC lately and so this was so fitting for me. 
10. This little bit of wisdom sure did rock my world and confirm that being a giver (giving away those things that don't serve you any longer) is such a good thing! 
BONUS: my favorite Christmas song

the weekend blues...

As I prepare for this holiday weekend and get ready for my Christmas plans I can't help but think about my family back in Texas and how much I am going to miss them this year. It's okay though, I have some very special plans in the city to keep me busy. But, I'll definitely be thinking about my grandmother and how much she loves the color blue, especially when it comes to interiors. So today my post is in honor of her...

Blue is always great for a bedroom or bathroom, so very cozy and relaxing. I always love how Kelly Wearstler does blue. This bar is so chic is blue and yellow. 
Something like this blue glossy accent wall is perfect for a rental apartment. Easy to do but packs a lot of punch! 
One of my favorite hotels in nyc is the Mondrian soho. They take blue to a whole other level...

images as follows:
Peter Mikic//Kelly Wearstler//Stephen Gambrel//Jenny UK//Jenny Hill Interiors//Mary Macdonald

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Real Estate

Right before I moved to New York (almost two years ago...wow) I was finishing up a project when I was working for Woodson and Rummerfield House of Design. They had the ultimate job of designing the model units for the Ritz Carlton Residences in downtown LA. It was beyond an awesome job, I had the BEST time. Then, the other day I was watching Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and the real estate was being shown. How amazing would it be to live here...

 First of all W and R are such talented and amazing designers so it would be a dream to live anywhere they adorn. Secondly, I've been working with a real estate expert (trying to learn some things for a business my dad and I are working on) and they advised that the insurance on the place would be ridiculous but with all of the amazing pieces in this place, contents insurance is ridiculously necessary. 
 Other than that...this might be my perfect apartment. 



all images via Woodson and Rummerfield House of Design

office space of the day...MY PLUM DESIGN

I don't think I have seen a desk this good in a while. I need this Coco Desk by my plum design immediately, if not sooner. 
hardwood floors + big windows + cream silk drapes + aqua blue accessories + the perfect desk =
domestic bliss
see the magic of this desk...



 It can double as a vanity and work space. It has a hidden keyboard drawer to keep things looking chic and glamorous. The brass and white combo just makes it rich and oh so fancy! 
images via my plum design.

10 things that rocked my world this week...December 15

1. It was beyond an honor to volunteer for Charity Water at their annual benefit gala. Here I am with a girlfriend of mine Trinity, who encouraged me to volunteer with her, she is doing BIG things for our world. The ball was an absolute blast and the organization raised so much money for countries without healthy drinking water. It is such an incredible act of service that they are doing for those who are really without in our world...

2. I love these cute little good luck kitties. Especially the ones in gold. There are so many birthdays in my circle lately, these make the perfect little gift.
3. I love all the neon in NYC. I am always that girl snapping pics on her iphone of the cool neon signs. This one happened to be at a local palm reader office. I'm not really into those but that sign...I love everything about the word "Future".
4. Its official. THE DOORS OF NEW YORK finally has its own blog. Haaaaaaay! 
5. Okay so Zac Posen posted a picture of his living room and I just about fell over. How fab is this?
6. I think this needs to be called "the decorista kit" Pink tools. Hello! I absolutely love everything about this. Especially that cute little tape measure. 
7. I spied these blue ombre foo dogs in a local antique shop. Um. Loving the new trendy take on a old decor staple. 
8. I will never have too many photos of Bethesda fountain. I've been getting up really early lately to go for morning runs and its so quiet and peaceful. I love it. 
9. Mondrian hotel restaurant. My favorite grouping of chandeliers besides ABC carpet + home. So glam and fabulous, my eyes were full of delight! 

10. Ephesians 5. I can't stop reading this chapter of the bible. It's just rocking my entire life right now. 

HAPPY WEEKEND LOVIES! 

Secret of domestic bliss #69...haute headboards

One of the most important aspects of my home is the bed. I am the kind of girl that has to have the best sheets and pillows. It's one of the things I always splurge on because I believe sleep is such an important part of life. So, I make every effort to make my bed incredibly delightful. This upcoming year one thing I want to upgrade is my headboard. I am all about taking it up a notch and having a custom made headboard and getting it done exactly how I want it. After working with clients in the city, I have found that the happiest clients are the ones who had custom headboards done...

These days you don't always necessarily have to have a custom headboard. So many retailers have really made a move to really get creative when it comes to headboards. They have gotten very "hotel chic" with the shapes, styles and sizes. 
Agh. Headboards just make such a good statement in the bedroom. Want a new one too?
I put together a list of a few favorites of mine that I have spotted and claimed as must haves! 

GET THE LOOK:
ONE: safavieh nailhead
TWO: Felix Headboard
THREE: Skyline white
FOUR: tufted wingback
FIVE: horchow headboard

 decor images: one//two//three//four//five//

Holiday Fireplace decorating...

I'm just loving all of the holiday cheer going on right now. However, my adorable little apartment has no room for a tree. So I have to get really clever with my fireplace mantle. I've been looking for simple yet chic ways to adorn my sweet fireplace without going overboard. So, I found some beautiful inspiration and of course, I want to go for gold...

 
I love the look of golden and white candles, it gives off such a soft and lovely amber glow. 
 And sometimes, all you need is a simple green wreath and it does the job just fine. 
So, this Christmas, should I go for a simple wreath or gold and white candles???

images found here + here.