CHIC STAIRCASES

Over the weekend I stayed at quite possibly one of the more beautiful homes...
I have been to yet in the Hamptons. Will definitely post pictures soon, but what really got me going was the beautiful stairs throughout the home. I love great staircases and I do think its important to style them accordingly. Lately, I have had my mind on entryways so when I spotted this adorable little staircase, it reminded me of something that could be in my little Manhattan apartment. Notice the lovely pink tufting?
Then my mind ran wild with all the different staircases I have loved throughout the years. I'm starting to imagine my perfect staircase and what it would look like. 

image sources...1/2/3/4/5

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

1. This week has been such a hectic week, my goodness. I had a few...
different things happening in my apartment and thats always a chore. Not to mention keeping up with work and the daily business. It gets crazy around here. Thank goodness it's officially summer.
 
2. Neon. Its back for summertime...yay! My new Dolce Vita sandals are so fun to wear, the bright color makes me so happy and the little pops of python and gold rock too. 
 3. My old apartment. With all the commotion going on around my new place, it brought back memories of my old little stomping grounds. I loved this sweet little space. It brings back memories I will cherish my entire life.
4. So for one of the shoots in my apartment, I went to check out Kelly Wearstler corner of Bergdorfs for some inspiration. I see a few things that I could take home.
5. My favorite little skull Henry made it in to the shoot. Love him.
6. I got to keep the beautiful decorista pink roses for the shoot and they literally blessed my week. This girl just couldn't live without roses. 
7. I found these sconces for my dining room by following someone on instagram. How amazing is instagram? Hello. The new shopping place. 
 8. Now that the weekend is here, this is where I will be for the next few days. Getting some sunshine. It's good for my soul.
 9. Now isn't this a chic piece of art, dining table and lighting combo? Yes.
10. Now, this is what I am looking forward to when I get back to the city. Things in my apartment will become a lovely shade of dusty rose pink. Eeeeeee! 

A few thoughts on entryways...

 
I've been working on my entryway lately. It's so small so I really have to make sure I use the space very wisely. I already have some fab wallpaper and my gorgeous Sophia Loren print hanging, but now I need to style it up...

I love a gorgeous console piece. A stand out piece is always a good way to go. I also love the idea of a bench or a little seating, a perfect place to take off and put on shoes.
 I always love a good basket set. In NYC we are always looking for some extra storage so baskets can be of assistance. 
 My final thought. A mirror is another great addition to an entryway. A final place to check your outfit and make sure the makeup is looking right. This last one might be one of my favorites. So playful and fun, I just love it. 
images: 1//2//3//4//5

Dreaming in PINK

 Lately, I've been craving some pink in my life...
and there are a few pink rooms that have been rocking my world lately. So, I got a can of pink paint and this weekend, I think I might be changing things up in this apartment of mine. Here are my inspirations...
The apartment of Miles Redd is one of my all time favorite uses of pink on walls. EVER.

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

My Summertime reading list...

I am all about keeping a few gorgeous books around the house to add some color and stylish...
This summer, I want to add some with bright and vivid colors. These are a few books I recently brought home and am getting ready to devour...

Click to buy:
David Stark, The Art of the Party. This book is such a good read full of inspiration for the table. Lots of bright colors, mixing and matching. I can't wait to recreate some of these looks.
Chris Kerr, Crazy Sexy Kitchen. I am all about eating super good foods for your body. It's so important to keep things fresh and full of nutrients. This book is definitely going to be my summer eating bible.
Kimberly Snyder, The Beauty Detox Solution.This girl helps all of Hollywoods most gorgeous faces , stay young and gorgeous. So I keep up with her newsletter religiously, and this summer I will definitely be reading her book.
Annie Falk, Palm Beach Entertaining. The cover says it all for me. I can stare at photos of chic outdoor settings all day. So while I am in the city and not by my favorite beaches, I'll be daydreaming about them.

image via 

WHITE OUT.

As most of you know, I've been searching for some great art for my living room...
I just need to find the perfect piece. After perusing the elle decor world for a while, I found this look. An oversize black white canvas kinda makes a super chic statement.
 No art is art too, no?
 There is something calming about this look. I love it in the bedroom. It gives such a relaxing beach house vibe. A quiet look in the middle of a hectic city.
Yep. I'm feeling it. I'm also feeling the black. 
This look actually might be super glam in my living room.


images via: this is glamorous. elle decor. markdsikes. 

Motivation Monday...

It was approximately 2 and a half years ago when I moved from LA to NYC...
 I can't believe it has gone by so fast. 
Just the other day while browsing the web for some tabletop inspiration for an upcoming shoot, I stumbled upon this photo (above), it was my very first attempt at styling for my own business. While working with the owner of Luxury Monograms on something else, I threw this little look together on a whim and snapped a photo. After that I was immediately hired to come up with lookbook/campaign ideas and style it out. Now I see this image all over the place, especially on Pinterest. 
This picture was the birth of my styling career and I just have the fondest memories. It really reminds me that the only thing you have to do to go after your dreams...is actually just do it. 
I have really enjoyed working with you guys on fulfilling your dreams. I've watched tons of you create the most beautiful blogs after reading my blogging success book + now coaching you all into starting your own businesses has just inspired me to go next level myself. I love watching my peeps succeed!
Want something to look forward to?
Well a crew of us are making our way to Las Vegas this summer to tell our stories about how we turned our blogs into our dream careers and how we keep them going...its going to be so much fun! 
Save the date... July 29th.

10 things that rocked my world this week...June 8

1. JEANNIE MAI. I heart this girl. She is beyond a major fabulous fashionista, on air personality and over all wonder woman kinda girl. She inspires me to always be better. Gotta love a girl like that...

2. This week I worked pretty much every day at my dining table. Not sure why, but sometimes its fun to change things up a little. Plus I love the space, I like to spread everything out.
 3. I saw this vintage lucite bar cart and thought to myself, "Oh, I must have this" Then I looked at the price tag, which said $7,000...I cried a little. 
4. So here is my vintage acrylic bar cart, or the makings of it anyway. Im looking for a perfect art piece to fit in this frame. I love the frame and the size. Now for the artwork...
5. I had the most wonderful lunch here at BG with Lynette Lewis, my newest role model. This woman is on another level inspirational. She has written two beautiful books! One called "CLIMBING THE LADDER TO SUCCESS IN STILLETTOS" This book is genius. Anyway. I attended her conference earlier this week and walked away so empowered. Loved it. 
6. I also attended the summer luau hosted by Dolce Vita, one of my fave shoe brands. It was a blast. Made me want to skip out of town and go to Hawaii.
 7. This mix of china literally had me inspired for some elaborate table setting. I love the art of a good mix. The best part is that pink and gold are the main color forces here, with a sprinkle of blue and purple. This is how to do that well. 
 8. Sometimes you just need flowers to make everything better. Henry, my little skull looked very happy about them too. 
 9. Kravet put on a little soiree with a few talented designers to Celebrate the building of the Ronald McDonald house of Long Island. It was such a grand little party, and this mirror....stole the show.
 10. It sure has rained a lot lately. I kind of like it. I really enjoy quiet moments in my bed, reading my favorite books. So as a gift to my bedside table, I brought in a little DVF blue leopard dish to hold my watch and other jewels while I sleep. It makes them so much prettier don't you think. 
 HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS.

MOO Giveaway for my business gals!


Remember how excited I was to get my fab business cards from Moo? Well, I’m pleased to announce
that I’ve teamed up with the MOO guys to offer this amaze giveaway! 
With all of this business talk going on and the new services I'm offering, this couldn't have come at a better time! Read on to see how you could win yourself some fab MOO products for yourself. 

We have three sets of 50 Classic Business Cards to giveaway for The Decorista readers! 

MOO are the business card printers who love to print! – Specializing in Business Cards, 
Stickers, MiniCards, MOO print it all! MOO’s Printfinity technology allows you to upload multiple designs to create a collection of custom business cards so that your business cards ooze variety! Additionally, there are a selection of designer templates available to customize with your details, so MOO make it real simple make your own business cards online.

Giveaway Prizes:

Three winners will receive a set of 50 Classic Business Cards.

For your chance to win, simply comment below telling us how you would design your set 
of free business cards! Please ensure that you enter a valid email address so that we can 
contact you if you win.
Contest ends Wednesday June 12 at midnight!
Good luck!

CURRENTLY CRAVING: Lindsay Adelman Lighting

I am pretty certain that by now I should know my own style, and I do.
I have a specific look and taste that I usually feel is very "me". However, sometimes I find something that is so not my style and absolutely can not get enough of it. Case in point. These incredible modern light fixtures by Lindsay Adelman. I don't know, something about them just gets me every time.
 They are different looking from most light fixtures that you see. I would actually assume these would be used in a restaurant or hotel, but they look so dang fresh in a more traditional living room or perhaps a chic dining room. Wherever they end up they are sure to look fab. Now I just need to get my hands on one. 
 
images via lindsay adelman studio, Elle Decor and Luxe magazine.

Tablescape Tuesday...THINK PINK

 This summer, I have been stocking up on all the fun entertaining items
that I can get my pretty little hands on. For some reason I have just been really drawn to hot pink, shocking I'm sure. I have some upcoming photo shoots this week, doing a few rooftop entertaining looks and I found the perfect place to shop for these things...C.Wonder. Aside from flowers bringing the color, the store is jam packed with colorful, vibrant and on trend items that will really give my tabletop some personality.
A few items I suggest...




This ikat tray has great shades of pink, red and orange that will match a lot of different looks.
 I love gold and I love bamboo so this bamboo salad set is perfect for salad and the gold bamboo setting will make everything look so much more glam. 
I love the look of mixed glassware. So these chevron low glasses  go perfectly with these pink neon tumblers for some personality. 
I always start with napkins rings and then choose the napkin. I adore these  chain link napkin rings and I think they would mix perfect with this ikat napkin.
You have always got to throw in something unexpected and I adore this lobster bottle opener. 
These cute white foo dogs mixed with some candles and flowers could be a cute centerpiece. 
Also, pineapples are good luck so I would suggest grabbing a few of these pineapple stirrers for some extra fun in the sun. 
HAPPY SUMMER ENTERTAINING! 

Mondays are for Motivation...

Things are getting really fun around here right about now...
I'm not quite sure if it is the excitement that summertime is here or if it's that half of the year is almost over and I am getting a whole new jolt of energy. It seems that business is booming for everyone, which means good things are happening to al of us. Whatever the case, this morning when I sat down at my desk, I realized something... I am feeling extremely motivated, inspired, excited and ready for new things. So this week my blog posts might be a little different from the usual, I want to step outside of the norm and try some new things but first, I must get down to what the bare backbone of what my blog and business is.
Interior designer. E-decorator. Stylist. Creative Director. Author. Business Coach. Consultant. 
That's a lot of freaking titles. I am so honest to goodness thankful for blogging (oops. I forgot to add that one to the list) It helped me create a career and fulfilling business that I am absolutely in love with and I have control as to how far it can go. Isn't that exciting? Thank God I stepped out of my comfort zone and took a risk. (You can read all about my story and strategy here)
While I was on a business coaching call with a mentee last week, I realized something. I do a lot of different things. She asked me about time management and how I get so many things done. I had about 17 different answers, but one of my main points to her was that I didn't wait around until everything looked perfect until I stepped out and tried something. I would just get up, create an idea and run with it. I constantly change things up but at the end of the day... I JUST DO IT. 
My dad (super entrepreneur) always told me to make sure that whatever I do, do good work and that will always bring about success. I could not agree more. 
However, I like to take things one step further. I usually spend Monday mornings planning out my week, looking at instagram or pinterest for motivating articles and quotes. I am always taking on new seminars or workshops to expand or grow my vision and I'm always reading books that encourage, motivate and inspire. I'm always on the move, thinking of new ideas and trying new business ideas on for size. The possibilities are endless and by all of the emails/questions I get from you, my lovely readers, I know you are all on the same path too. Whether you want to redecorate your home, your life, your job or your relationships...change, growth and pushing forward consistently is the key. 
 Know that today, like every other day, you just have to get up and get it done. 
How's that for some motivation?

10 things that rocked my world this week...June 1

1. I don't know if its the fact that its summer and I am all about the boho look right now but everything bone inlay is just calling out to me. I love the look, its very exotic chic.

2. I spent most of this holiday weekend on the beach with this pretty yellow towel and pink ombre tote bag. Oh, the bliss of having so much color in your life when most days are filled with white and black, it does good for the soul. 
 3. This. This is what weekends are made for. 
 
4. My Bright hot pink nail polish was the best. I had to keep it very decorista, it is my brand color after all. 
5. Francois. The best dog ever. He was my muse/model for a lot of the weekend. He posed for pictures so well. Oh, how I am now obsessed with french bulldogs. Adorable.
 6. On instagram I peeped this yellow tufted sofa and almost died. Then I realized, that I may need a mirrored tray like that for my bar cart area. Its so cute. (via @hopedworaczyk)
 7. Sid Avery. The art of the hollywood snapshot. I officially declare that black and white vintage photographs are everything. All homes need some sort of photo and the photographers in those days did such an incredible job capturing the leading stars. Sid Avery's people sent over this book and I have fallen in love with the magic of these photographs. I want them all. Plus, the book is full of photography tips, a great gift for the photographer in your life.
8. I fell hard for this arrangement of pink flowers. How beautiful are they?
9. I really think Francois could be a chair model. These lucite/brass/acrylic barstools are everything. I'm pretty sure he agrees with me. 

10. As of lately all I have been saying is "summer has just begun...the best is yet to come!"
Enjoy your weekend loves. xo

bliss in the kitch'...black and white tile

I am searching endlessly for the perfect backsplash for a kitchen renovation downtown Manhattan...
I'm looking for that mix of a smart traditional look while keeping the downtown cool, fresh feeling. The minute I spotted this kitchen, I knew this pattern was look absolutely what I have been looking for. It's chic and oh so fresh looking.

I also noticed it on the floor of this very vintage kitchen look and it looks great here too. It can go with  that bohemian vibe so well. It also looks gorgeous in a laundry room as the backsplash too. This is my new jam and I'm loving every moment of it.

images via 1//2//3

MALACHITE MAJESTY

 Leaving South Florida and coming back to the city was so bittersweet. I love bright colors, palm trees and bright sunshine...I can never get enough of it. So, when I got back to the city, I got just the sunny dose I needed. This incredible bathroom suite. Hello malachite ceiling...

 Talk about out of the box thinking and living for the details. I can't help but obsess over this room. The green wallpaper adds such softness, its Farrow & Ball Acanthus.
This photo shows such incredible details. Mossy green paint with teeny specs of gold trim, malachite wallpaper, Greek key ribbon, and bordered box valences. I love every little bit of this...
Interior Design by Shelley Johnstone Paschke, Photos courtesy of Veranda

THE HAMPTONS and MORE

This Memorial Day, I am feeling like super recharged and ready.
I'm excited for summer and I have lots of things coming up to look forward to, new work projects, lots of travel and even new hobbies that I have taken on. I'm feeling like the second half of the year is all about MORE.
Which is why I wasn't surprised how fabulous this living room shot was for me. A mirror in More...hello! 
 I love The Hamptons, especially the big beautiful homes with outdoor spreads that you just could never even imagine in the city. It's the perfect time to relax, stretch your legs and enjoy yourself. 
This home would be one that I would love to do just that in. 
 Keeping with that beachy, white wall look, they really stepped up the decor game with fresh modern elements. Pops of blue and aqua colors abound but with super swagger. Like for instance these modern light sconces. A sofa with tufts like I have never seen and a kitchen with the more gorgeous blue modern finish. The more mirror and that mirrored kitchen island, those are just the cherries on the top.  Oh, and that cool mirrored art with funky warm colors, that is pretty much the most rad part of this house...it had me at hello. Seriously.


images via Elle Decor. photography by Simon Upton

10 things that rocked my world this week...May 25

1. One of my most favorite things in this city are the flower stands on almost every corner. Seriously. This makes me so happy. 

 2. The lovely people at Off held a dinner for a few of us. We chatted about outdoor entertaining in the summer. It was at the James hotel rooftop and it was incredible. 
 3. I took the train to DC and I was surprised how relaxing and fun it is. I got to catch up on the news and completely enjoyed myself. 
 4. So the reason I went to DC is because the lovely people at Marriott Hotels  + Resorts Headquarters had me out to work on creating my perfect guest room suite. Very exciting stuff. 
 5. A huge thanks to Moo.com for sending over some business cards. They are so fancy and cool, I love them. We will be doing a giveaway here on the blog this week to give some lucky readers fab cards too. Stay tuned. 
 6. Still enchanted over this gorgeous chandelier I found while shopping for a client. I want her badly. 
 7. Client install days are really so fun. Watching magic come together is just one of the best parts of this job. Especially uber glamorous chandeliers getting hung. Gasp. So good. 
8. I finally got the new Iphone5. I LOVE IT. I am especially obsessed with how my neon pink case pops in my office. Its such the perfect accessory. 
9. I have said this prayer every morning every day this week and I swear my days have been so much lighter, filled with ease and way more productive. 
10. This memorial day weekend I am here...Enough said. 

DREAMING IN GOLD...

This summer is becoming such a busy time and I am loving every minute of it. A current project...
I am working on is loaded with color, purples, blues, reds, gold, teals, and on and on. I love chasing color combinations with all my heart. However, we are coming up with a new look for a new client and right now I am inspired by gold.
If I could create my perfect living situation right now, it would look a little something like this...a dramatic staircase with a big golden chandelier. A soft bedroom retreat with all neutral tones and gorgeous oversized gold lamps on my bedside. A romantic little area for my perfumes, florals and candles are a must. 
 The living room would be cozy with hints of Paris and whimsical pieces like a disco ball in place of a chandelier...
 and a modern kitchen with such out of control gold glamour that I wouldn't even want to leave.
To finish it off a closet that screams "lets get dressed"! The golden yellow tufted ottoman is everything. 


images found randomly on this blog.