Black Friday: Online Edition

The rush of the 5am Black Friday Shopping is slowing down. You're back at home trying to figure out what to do with all the christmas gifts you just bought. But are you really done? You've accomplished [or.. pretty much] all of your christmas shopping. What now?

You wish you could spice up the house before the holidays when the inn is packed full of friends and family [and in most cases-even more people than yesterday] But furniture can be so expensive... And it's not so easy to just go out and buy things for the house to spice it up [I'm sure everyone thinks I make it look easier than it really is..]  

Well, don't you worry because the Black Friday shopping is not over yet. And the best part is you can do it right from the comfort of your home That's right - Online Shopping! [The online sales aren't just on Cyber Monday]

Here are a few of my favorite stores and their Black Friday sales:

West Elm

Ends Sunday 12.1 In Store + Online

10% off $100 | 15% off $250 | 20% off $500 | 25% off $1000

[Code: STOCKUP]

This sale excludes their clearance items... But hey, those are already up to 70% off so it's all worth it!

Crate & Barrel

Ends Monday 12.2 In Store + Online

15% off entire order

[Code: SAVE15]

Also - They're including Free Shipping and Free in home [local] delivery!

World Market

Friday Only!! In Store + Online

Deals differ between products - Some of my Favorites:

Towels [Buy 1 Get 1 in store | 50% off online]

Baskets [50% off in store + online]

Wall Art [50% off in store + online]

Target

Friday Only!! Online Sales [Featured]

Deals differ between products - Some of my Favorites:

Mirrored Side Table | Burke Slipper Chair | Windham Cabinet | Griffin Dining Chair Set

Also - Spend $75 and get a 20% off coupon for Dec 1-7!

Whether you've spent the day fighting the Black friday crowds or not, I hope everyone has saved some time for these awesome online deals. May the Black Friday odds be in your favor. Happy Shopping!!

Tabletop Trends

I know I've been saying the holidays are right around the corner for a few weeks now, but lets get real.. they have been. But now it's crunch time. They're here.  There's no messing around. All that procrastinating that you've been doing to put off your "to-do" list for this thanksgiving has finally hit you. You've got a house full of people coming for a huge thanksgiving feast and the last thing on your mind is decorating the table for dinner. [OR] You just got home for thanksgiving break from school or from being a [successful post grad] and you realize that you need to help mom with the table situation cause it's not looking too hot.

Don't worry. I've got you covered. Here are some oh-so-simple ideas that can hopefully spark your imagination and bring out the craftiness in you! Get out your paint brushes and glitter cause these DIY tabletop trends won't break the bank either!

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Instead of just placing the silverware on a nicely folded napkin, why not tie each set up with a festive colored ribbon? Adds a nice touch I think!

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Need placemats? Cut up wrapping paper or old paper shopping bags! Not only good for a placemat, but a little way to share what you're all thankful for this weekend!

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Same idea but for the kids table - Cover the whole table in disposable paper and put crayons on display as a center piece. Keeps the little ones entertained and keeps the mess easy to clean up for later!

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Popcorn isn't just a snack anymore... Grab some candles and popcorn kernels and you'll have yourself the easiest centerpiece ever.

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Not sure what to do with those mini pumpkins or gourds from when you went pumpkin picking with the family? This is where the paintbrushes and glitter come in handy - Paint them white and create a center piece of your own!

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Change it up - Paint the pumpkins white & gold, add some candles, leaves, flowers or anything you see fit and get creative with the center of the table!

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Want to keep it simple? Line a bunch of candles down the center of the table and call it a day!  [I like the added touch of the gold napkin rings - keeps things interesting]

Do any of these ideas make you want to stop procrastinating in time to make you're table look festive for dinner?! Find some other budget friendly [tabletop trends] on my Pinterest board!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Suite Charlotte

Last week I had the opportunity to attend Suite Charlotte's rebranding media party in the Epicentre.  Now, most of you reading this right now must be thinking... How does a club in downtown Charlotte relate to a design and decor style blog like [Defined Designs]??

While most twenty-somethings living in a city might be all about the open bar and the private invite, the design nerd that I am was immediately giddy to see the "new" Suite and all of the design changes they might have made.  With many of my own design ideas running through my head I had no idea what to expect and needed to go see for myself. Not to mention I had heard that they were completing a half a million dollar renovation along with rebranding the entire club. [sounded pretty impressive to me]

Once I got to the Media Party I have to be honest, I was surprised to see that there were only a handful of people who attended.  I might have blown it up in my mind, but I was expecting to walk into a packed house with people and cameras everywhere. Might also have something to do with the fact that every time I've been to Suite previously it's been a packed house..[the kind where a five foot tall girl like myself has to duck and dive to get to the bar]

Getting back to the design...

Rather than just talking about it - why don't I just show you what it looks like

Ceiling feature in the center of the dance floor [lights change colors] In my opinion, THE focal point of the entire club. You can't miss it!

New branded bottle cages and ice buckets for the VIP tables. [fancy, fancy - I approve!]

 VIP area Love that back wall! [Mirror and all!]

 Wall divider and Ceiling features. All those circles hanging from the ceiling?? Don't worry - those change colors with the lights too!

Mirrored 3D wall feature at the bar to showcase liquor [Did you know that the owner of Suite also owns Bubble in the Epicentre also?]

Overall view of the dance floor

Bar countertops [looks like ice right?] With me being the designer I am, the one thing I always make note of when I go to a bar is.. the bar counter.. This one you can't miss!

Another change that I think is really cool:  Lighting.  Lighting can change the atmosphere of a club and makes the space look dramatic. This is true for every space [not just a club]

Perfect example:

The next thing I'm sure most people are thinking... How does a club shut down for a redesign of this scale? Well, they really didn't.  This installation was mainly completed off-site and was brought in after hours and installed within an impressive time frame, I might add.  [They didn't even miss a weekend rush] Now, if that doesn't impress you I don't know what will.

Overall, I liked what I saw.  I love that it has almost an ice-y/ lightning theme to the whole place now. It brings everything together as a whole and adds some drama to the lighting and atmosphere. There were some very impressive features to the redesign of the well-known club [well - if you live in CLT it's well known]

As for the future? I have no doubt that Suite will be as busy as ever with all of the work they've done to it.  I'm sure it'll take some sneaky moves for me to get to the bar next time I'm there..

As a designer myself, I do think that there could have been more of a [WOW factor] and probably would have done it a little bit different.. But doesn't every designer say that??

Just for my two cents..

What do you think? Are you impressed?

Also - Keep your eyes out for their outdoor patio install. Once the weather gets warmer [part two] of their install will be in full swing. Just in time for Alive After Five for all you Charlotteans!

Wonderful Wall Art

With the Holiday's full speed ahead, I know everyone is preparing their wish lists and pondering what they want most this Holiday season.  Whether it's a new pair of boots, the new iPhone 5s, or even just some good ole' cash money from family to help with your student loans [what me? no, never...]

Well, If you're a little stumped with writing your wish lists I think today's post will help you complete it!  Hopefully you'll enjoy these wall art pieces as much as I do! OR- if you're looking for something to buy FOR someone this holiday and are stumped with what they might want, Joss & Main has helped their shoppers out by including which items can be on your doorstep and under the tree in time for the Holidays. [very thoughtful of them - right?]

Runway Library Canvas Print

Pursuit of Happiness Canvas Print

Hey Lolita Canvas Print

Bed of Roses Canvas Print

Infinite Glam Canvas Print

Kashmir India Canvas Print

These are just a handful of my picks from this flash sale.  To see the entire collection of art and decor available, the curated collection is called The Accent Wall. In my opinion, Wall Art is never a bad idea for a gift.  It's something that is quickly interchangeable and can spice up a space within minutes and minimal moving and rearranging.

So, with that - Happy Shopping! P.S.There's only 2 days left on this sale!

Trending Tuesday: Obviously Oversized

Trends don't just have to be the floral or animal print featured on the runway in New York City.  When it comes to Design and Decor, trends are everywhere and some are even easy to miss. You know when you get a new car and you love it so much that you start to see the same car everywhere?  Trends are like cars... [not really but go with it]

With this week's Trending Tuesday post, you're going to start noticing this trend everywhere! Now, I'm sure no one wants to hear the ugly truth, but here it is: Winter is on it's way.  When the cold weather hits, all I want is an oversized sweatshirt, a large fluffy blanket, my tall over-the-knee boots, and a big warm scarf.  Can you notice anything [obviously oversized] in these spaces??

Head over to Creative Juice and check out my post on Oversized Home Decor! To see more obviously oversized ideas, head over to my Pinterest board to see what else could inspire you.

Pantone Prediction

Monday, Monday, Monday.  Personally, I think Monday's are a long shot. They're very unpredictable but wether they are good or bad it sets the stage for how your week is about to go. On this fine Monday, I bring to you a Trend Board for my predictions of the 2014 Pantone Color of the year... but because it is Monday, we'll call it a [Monday Morning Moodboard] Now say Monday 5 times, really fast...

While Pantone has yet to announce the official 2014 Color of the Year, I'd like to share my thoughts.

Navy. [Navy & Gold]

Navy blue is a hot and popular color right now - and an amazing color [in my opinion] to mix and match with anything. Check out my [Pantone 2014] pinterest board to see more navy pairings

Even though I wasn't able to attend the Fall High Point Furniture market, I had all of my design friends keeping me posted and sending me pictures of all the showrooms.  I also did my fair share of instgram and blog stalking to keep up with the trends and what was going on each day.  What color was used the most at market this fall? Yep. You guessed it - Navy and Gold.

And by now, you've most likely figured out that I have a slight obsession with gold and metallics so, what better than to pair my 2014 prediction [navy] with my new found love  [gold]

Like stated earlier, Pantone has yet to reveal the 2014 Color of the Year.  What they have given us is a sneak peak of the Spring 2014 Fashion Color Report. On their website, you can even go and look at all of the designers and influencers who took part in making the decisions for 2014. [it's pretty cool if you ask me]

As for the Spring 2014 Color Report?

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[insert thumbs up emoji here] Soft pastels - check. Bright and bold jewel tones - check. Throw in a few neutrals and earth tones - check.  Solid decision and collaboration on everyone at Pantone's part. My applause goes out to all who contributed.

Who's excited? I know I am. Do you think the 2014 Color of the year will be navy?  Comment with your thoughts below! Take the 2014 Color Survey and Vote for your favorite Colors here! 

Celebrity Style: Nicole Richie

In today's world, everyone loves reality TV.  It's become an american pre-requisite and I'm sure everyone in their 20's has seen the show "The Simple Life" with Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. My friend Emily even owns the first season on DVD.. [it's on my "must watch again" list]

Today I'm bringing you Wish List Wednesday.... [with a twist] Ever wonder what you're favorite celebrities design favorites are? What their stylish house may look like? Or even what their Wish List Wednesday would consist of? Well, Joss & Main gave me a helping hand with this one. Nicole Richie has partnered with my favorite flash sale website to curate her own collection of Furniture and Home Decor.

I became very interested when I got the email last night about her collection and after I took a quick glance at it I knew that I had to feature it on the blog today. The first thing I noticed [besides all of her amazing taste in color and style] were all the options of high back dining chairs. Remember my shopping trip from this past weekend? I forgot to mention that I fell in love with a pair beautiful high back, tufted chairs that were in the dressing room at Nordstrom.. Which is probably why I couldn't help myself when I picked these out:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

I must say, Nicole Richie has great taste. When I grow up and own my own house someday [if that day ever comes..] I will have a dining room that is to die for with high back dining chairs. For now I love love love #2. - but we all know that could change tomorrow.

Now, how could I leave you all hanging and just write about these amazing dining chairs when the entire collection is full of must haves? Long story short, I can't.  Here are just a few of the accents and accessories that I can't help but love.

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Disclaimer: With the holiday season full speed ahead,  expect the large majority of my future posts to be filled with metallic decor. [I can't help it...]

Who's your favorite celebrity that you'd like to see show off their style on Joss & Main? Also, follow my [Celebrity Style] Pinterest board as I find other celebs showing off their design style!

Pretty in Plaid

Preparing for the cold weather seems nearly impossible this year.  My college winter wardrobe consisted of endless amounts of yoga pants and scarfs paired with sorority sweatshirts, Uggs, and the occasional puffy down vest for those extra cold days.  Embarrassing? Never.  I embraced the inner lazy college student in me while I had the chance and I wish I could get away with wearing those things around the office. And while I definitely have the most laid back office of all of my friends [and I don't hate it one bit] I still like to be presentable and look nice at work.

This weekend one of my friends dragged me to run errands with her. Long story short, we ended up at Old Navy, Nordstrom Rack, and the Mall [typical].  While she still thinks I wanted to kill her for dragging me everywhere, I'm very pleased with the plaid shirt I bought at Old Navy. [Who can turn down 30% off at Old Navy? Not Me.]

How I'm pulling off a plaid button down at work today?

Please note: this is not a style & fashion blog, I could never pull that off. My outfits, I try my best.. But just to keep you informed:

Shirt: Old Navy | Jeans: American Eagle | Booties: Target | Necklace: Forever21 (Similar)

This next part, I'm not going to lie.. has me cringing a little. I challenged myself a few weeks ago by wanting to relate as many fashion trends to design as possible. I know what you're thinking: How in the world am I going to pull off Plaid Home Decor? [This isn't grandma's house - understood]

Well, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.

I was pleasantly surprised to find this plaid upholstered chair.  I think it works really well with the home office and brightens up the dark charcoal walls.

The charcoal walls really help modernize the plaid accents in this room. And this plaid bedding is nothing short of amazing.

Privacy screens and plaid. Two things that seem to be out of style these days, but this room makes you think again, doesn't it? Rustic mountain house gone trendy.

Grandma's Sofa? Maybe.. but this might make you rethink buying that slip cover at Bed Bath and Beyond. This plaid couch mixed with modern, funky accent pillows and a gray painted side table give a whole new meaning to Grandma's Sofa.  Am I right?

Lastly.. My favorite. I want this office. I never thought I would ever say that about a room with plaid wallpaper from floor to ceiling, but I really enjoy this space.  Pull the browns from the plaid and match it with a zebra upholstered chair and call it a day.

Are you pleasantly surprised with these plaid decor finds? Surprised enough that you want to see more? Check out my [Pretty in Plaid] Pinterest Board to see more interesting inspiration!

It's all in the details

Hello and Happy Tuesday! Have you ever wanted your house to look just right for when you have guests over? Or have you ever been browsing the home decor section of Pinterest and thought, why can't my kitchen or home office look like that? Hopefully some of today's inspiration will help you master the "Perfect Pinterest" look. Whats the trick? It's all in the details..

Take note of all the fresh flowers in each photo. [hint hint, cough cough]

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Visit my [All in the details] Pinterest Board for more inspiration and detailed spaces!

Colorless Bedroom

Hello Friends! Remember that post about my post grad bedroom? [wayyy back when I first started blogging] Well, I guess it's true what they say about a designer's home never being complete. I think I take the cake for that one... 6 months out of college and I'm back at it. Designing my bedroom once again. This time I think I've come to a decision that will keep me happy for a while [at least I hope so..] I've figured out what makes me the happiest.

Black | White | Grey | Gold

No color. Whatsoever.

Call me weird, it's okay.  I've just figured out that every time I try to pick a color for my room, I want to change it within a few months. PROBLEM SOLVED. Here is my plan for my [Colorless] Bedroom makeover!

White Duvet Cover | Black Sheer Curtains | Black and White Geometric Pillow | Black & Gold Pillow | Gray Quilt [Please Note:  There is no shame in my ikea shopping skills]

And for a better idea as to what I'm imagining...