These amazing hand-painted gold stars, contrasted against Light Mint (Benjamin Moore), are the starting point for a Whimsical Woodland themed nursery for a little girl. I love that the mom-to-be (MTB) choose unexpected mint-green for her daughter's nursery. The nursery is in progress, but I'm infatuated with these stars and just had to share (stay tuned for an update on the finished nursery). For the step by step tutorial on the stars, see below.
But, first, here's the overall vision for the nursery. Whimsical Woodland foxes, feathers and arrows mixed with chevron graphics for a modern twist. See the full Pinterest mood board for the nursery at: https://www.pinterest.com/lilpavotcitron/as-nursery/
Inspired by this Sissy+Marley Lucky Star wallpaper but not wanting the permanency of wallpaper, the MTB (after much debate with the DTB) designed a strategy for painting crisp stars in an organized chaos pattern. Beginning with star stencils, the MTB layed out the stars in a grid pattern on the wall and then painstakingly painted each stenciled star. Disclaimer from the MTB, this project required a staggering amount of man hours.
To create your own starry room, here's what you'll need:
Star stencils (create your own out of contact paper)
Green Frog tape
Elmer's Glue or Mod Podge
Yardstick
Step 1: Lay out the stencils on the wall using a yardstick to equally space the stars, and secure stencils to wall with painter's tape. (Hint - start in the middle of the wall and space outwards and stagger top star of each column, placing star at top of wall for every other column and placing star in the middle of the row for the next column)
Step 2: Seal interior edges of stencil with two coats of Elmer's glue or Mod Podge to ensure crisp painted stars. If using Elmer's glue, dilute with water so that the ratio is 3 parts glue, 1 part water. (Tip - Mod Podge is more expensive that Elmer's glue, which can be found at the Dollar Store)
Step 3: Using a mini rolling paintbrush, roll three coats of paint over the stenciled star outlined. (Hint - allow paint to dry at least 1-2 hours between coats)
Step 4: While the paint is damp, remove the stencil. Voila! Starry perfection. (Hint - allow paint to dry for 1 hour and use a razor blade to remove star-tips of stencil)
I don't know if it's the break in the El Niño rain or the glorious sunshine we're experiencing this weekend in San Francisco, but I'm dreaming of Spring. Nothing says Spring to me like a faded blue - from robin's egg to Marie Antoinette-worthy blue. These ethereal blues are singing to me right now, and I feel like cocooning myself in their soft chalkiness until Spring actually arrives. You won't find any moody blues here!
A blue ceiling brings life to this otherwise monochromatic room. {via MyDomaine}
This is Spring - Marie Antoinette blue, delicate lacework and baby flowers. {via Haute Design}
Modern blue tile reminiscent of a Moroccan riad brings a youthful providence to this room. {via Apartment Therapy}
Blue freshens-up this antique armoire. {via Haute Design}
Saturated in blue and grounded in gold - what's not to love? {via Elle Decor}
Dreamy blue drapes paired with antique French chairs, set against a Chinoiserie wall - add a tray of macaroons and this is my decor dream sequence. {via Haute Design}
An inviting blue entrance - love that milky glass modern chandelier. {via Atlanta Homes}
These blue mid-century chairs breathe life into this antique white space. {via Happy Interior}
I love the muted Asian screens against the blue sofa. {via Veranda}
How could you not feel happy walking through this blue threshold? {via House of Turquoise}
These blue chairs contrasted against the dark brown wall are like Spring emerging from Winter...oh, and those books in the fireplace, pure genius. {via Jonathan Adler}
Long after the New Year corks have popped, I'm just now resolving to frame and hang those family pictures and travel mementos that I have collected throughout the years. Living in a small space is advantageous in many ways, but wall space is definitely not one of them. The solution, a gallery wall along the stairwell (well, a partial solution - I mean, really, is there ever enough wall space?). Tucked in the stairwell, the collected wall seems more personal and humble than on display in the prime time viewing area of the living room. Plus, the collected gallery wall will visually occupy the odd corners of the stairwell (winning on a decor dime!).
The challenge? Creating a cohesive collected wall with visual balance. I'm not going for the haphazard look, but, on the same token, I would like a fluid collected wall - one that reflects my life and not a staged static wall. Meaning, a measured grid of color coordinated photos is not going to suffice. While I continue to play around with the arrangement of my gallery, here are some inspiring gallery walls from around the web.
I love the organic spacing of this thematic wall arrangement. (via Elle Decor)
This boho-chic floor to ceiling arrangement visually expands the small space. (via Curbly)
This black and white grid adds a modern graphic punch to the ornate settee. (via Casa Vogue)
This eclectic grouping counterbalances the oversized gilded mirror. (via Habitually Chic)
The fluid pattern of the monochromatic arrangement brings life to this wall gallery. (Design by Ken Fulk)
I love the warmth of this organic (and almost random) collected wall. (via Emily Henderson)
I'm already feeling the stress of the holiday season. With a jam packed work schedule, I realized today that I have only six days (3 weekends) to get my holiday spirit together - shopping, baking and decorating (oh, and of course some- many, cocktail parties)! In stressful times like these, I need a big dose of interior design therapy with my favorite bon vivant designer, Ken Fulk. It's no secret that I have a serious design crush on Fulk - He's a style maestro of bespoke and high gloss glamour with a trademark flair for taxidermy. Here's to feeling Merry with interior therapy featuring some of my favorite Ken Fulk interiors.
I love the juxtaposition of the worn antique trunk against the mid-century modern chairs, but the gilded religious bookshelf is the ultimate statement piece.
Who knew mint green could be an AMAZING interior color!
This bold wallpaper would transform any space into pure chic.
Forget the walls and focus on the ceiling.
Crushed green velvet normally wouldn't sound so nice but, in Fulk's hands, gorgeous!
No space is too small for large scale drama.
Simple chic.
Ceiling to floor gallery wall and muted organic tones.
I never tire of artwork above a bath tub.
A vintage retail display houses Fulk's shoes at his home in San Francisco.
Vintage collars are artfully displayed next to stacks of vintage luggage.
An inviting luxurious loft.
Morocco meets minimalism in this serene living room.
A gray space + Jackie O = love
I love the unexpected cow hide on the head chair.
Layers of patterns are surprisingly in harmony with the bold blue lacquered walls.
Bespoke luxury - stacked trunks and stacked books.
The sink makes this basic farmhouse kitchen swoon-worthy.
Classic, period.
After seeing this, I'm convinced that every bathroom should have a chair in it!
The Battery in San Francisco.
I love the contrast of the eye popping tapestry against the moody brick walls.
Fulk's work studio.
Monogrammed garment bags keep orderly fashion of Fulk's clothing.
The fireplace is pure genius.
I usually don't like themed rooms, but there's something I can't resist about this room.
This glamorous space would surely lift your spirits during the holidays.
Black and white still reign as king of simple-chic luxury.
Being fresh back from Paris, where I saw so many beautiful things, I am currently inspired by the Parisian's seemingly effortless decor style - the curated undecorated look. I spent several days scouring the puce, brocantes and iconic design stores brimming throughout the Parisian streets, in hopes of finding objets d'art that would replicate Paris's iconic beauty at home. And, another several days wondering in and out of the most fashionable hotels and couture shops for design inspiration. Every where I looked, the Parisian design sensibility was awe inspiring - emulating their fashion sense, Parisian decor balances the perfect mix of old and new in an artfully curated way that appears effortless. Here are some design tips worth stealing from the Parisians to make your home look like the coup d'etat of the bohemian, curated, layered chicness that, well, defines Paris style.
Source MelissaMercier.com
L'Art of Mix-n-Match. The Parisians have perfected the art of mixing flea market finds and different styles and periods. It is common to see a modern Philippe Starck Ghost Chair juxtaposed against an antique French farm table, or a Louis XV inlaid bureau topped with a contemporary sculpture. Period pieces of all sorts are welcome in a single room, creating a "collected over time" look.
Source unknown
Typical Stall at Paris Puce
Vintage Curiosities. Paris is famous for its many brocantes. I always plan my Parisian trip around puce market days (generally Saturday and Sunday), ensuring that I have at least two days to scout my favorite puce in Paris, Porte de Vanve. The idea of unveiling a 19th Century gilded mirror at the puce for the price of a cheap lunch (say $25) makes me giddy like a five year old on Christmas morning. Parisians frequent these brocantes in search of unique vintage accessories and curiosities that make their homes distinct and unreplicable.
French Gilt. Modern Parisian interiors are not generally flashy, but they do have a bit of worn sparkle in the form of a gilded picture frame, gilded mirror or gilded side board. Gilt is used sparingly but it is an essential piece of the Parisian decor puzzle. It pairs well against white washed walls and pops against modern saturated colors. The goal is not bright yellow gold, but a faded warm gilded piece that looks like it's been around since Marie Antoinette.
Source Burke Decor
White Washed. Paris homes tend to be dark (unless they occupy the top floor and are drenched with sunlight), so it's no surprise that most Parisians prefer to keep their walls white washed. No doubt the period architectural details and moldings of the typical Parisian home help to prevent the white from washing out the character of the space. But, don't fret if you have a modern space void of architectural details, keep the walls white and add pops of character with dramatic drapes, colorful rugs and graphic art, or perhaps an accent wall.
Source baraperglova.com/blog
Antique Rugs. Parisian spaces tend to be grounded by at least one large antique rug, or layered with smaller antique rugs. The rugs still allow the lovely wood flooring to peak out from beneath but add texture, warmth and color (as well as muffle the echoing sound of high heels walking on the wooden floor). A patterned or saturated colorful rug will pop against those white washed walls, in perfect harmony.
Source Wall Street Journal
Dramatic Drapes. Ceiling to floor drapes, generously puddling on the floor, add a Parisian punch to any space. As an added bonus, they also visually enhance the height of any room. Silk, linen or velvet drapes will do, just don't forget the hardware to loosely pull the drapes back from the window.
Source Sarahklassen.com
Versailles Chandeliers
Chandeliers Galore. Parisians love chandeliers, whether they be opulent crystal and gilt like those in Versailles or modern over sized geometrical shapes (like paper lanterns found at Ikea). It doesn't matter, just hang something grande! This may be one of the easiest ways to add that je ne sais quoi to a room.
Fresh Flowers. Flower markets are abound in Paris, allowing Parisians to easily pick-up seasonal bouquets to bring the colors and scents of the season into their home. Bouquets are artfully displayed in antique apothecary jars, chinoiserie jars or modern sculptural ceramics. Fresh flowers brighten any space with an organic element.
