5 Easy Faux Marble DIYs

The look of marble is very on-trend right now. Marble countertops, marble cutting boards, white marble vases and decorative bowls... it's all over the decor world. The bad part? It's expensive. And being a natural stone, it's expensive because of just that. It's hard to come by, takes a whole 'lotta resources, and it's quite the process to get it to the state that us consumers want to purchase it at. But what if I told you that you could get that marble look in some ways that won't break the budget?

I love nothing more than a good DIY thats just as useful as it is pretty. But then again, who doesn't? Well, add in the golden word of DIY's; e-a-s-y and I don't know about you but I'm sold. You don't have to tell me twice! Without any further hesitation, here are my 5 favorite faux marble DIY's.

All DIY's are featured on the links below

Kitchen Decor // Cocktail Coasters // Accent Furniture // Shelf Space // Planter

This post is a part of the #DefineYourHome series by Defined Designs. The series is meant to bring inspiration, knowledge, and ideas to you for getting your home in top notch shape and ready for entertaining this summer. I encourage everyone to share a space in your home or something you took home with you from this series on social media using the hashtag #DefineYourHome

5 Trends to Shop for this Spring

The Everygirl // Whimsy Darling // Apartment Therapy // PopSugar // DIY Playbook

Which trend are you picking up on this year?

This post is a part of the #DefineYourHome series by Defined Designs. The series is meant to bring inspiration, knowledge, and ideas to you for getting your home in top notch shape and ready for entertaining this summer. I encourage everyone to share a space in your home or something you took home with you from this series on social media using the hashtag #DefineYourHome

Currently Loving

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

Sharing a few of my favorite decor pieces today. These are just a few of the items on my never ending wish list. How beautiful is this bedding from Crane and Canopy? I would grab the shams and mix and match with my existing stark white bedding and gray upholstered headboard. I've also been dreaming about the new Safavieh rugs at Target... this rug makes me want to re-design my entire living room when I move.

Look for Less

The thing I love about creating a 'Look for Less' is that you can see what it looks like before you put all the time and money into creating the space in your own home. {Also a great reason why E-Design services are becoming so popular and I will be offering those soon! Stay tuned!} What would we even do without Pinterest these days?? Today's look for less from The Glitter Guide is so simple and neutral as a whole, but when you focus on the key pieces within the space, it's made up of bold statement pieces that are all very useful and reusable {great for those indecisive decor lovers!} Let's go over these great statement pieces, shall we?

1. Simple, Modern Bookshelf - Investing in a bookshelf that has simple, clean lines will be a piece that you will never want to throw away. Whether it's simple in price, design, materials or all of the above it's a must have for bringing some height to the space and showcasing those decorative items.

2. Neutral Mid Century Sofa - This space only has room for a small love seat but it doesn't even matter. It's still beautiful. Following along with the clean lines, mid century style upholstery is great for just that. I'm loving this love seat from One Kings Lane. Also, check out this great guide to the perfect {inexpensive} sofa.

3. Small Scale Gallery Wall - You can proabably figure out by now that I love a good gallery wall. Most people find them very overwhelming not only to layer and piece together but also once they're up due to there always being so many items hanging in one spot. This take on a simplified gallery wall blends similar tones with gold/ brass accents. I love mixing shapes and items such as this mirror, this decorative hanging, and this piece of abstract art.

4. End Table - Finding an side table that works as a unique piece is very key in such a neutral space like this. I love this brass side table from Urban Outfitters but this would be the perfect opportunity to test out your thrifting, DIY skills.

5. Industrial Accent Chair - Mixing decorative styles and elements is a very hard thing to do. But it's definitely possible... especially if you're seeing how great this space works. Here's the perfect example where mid century meets industrial and I love every part of it. These chairs from Dot & Bo are a steal compared to some similar chairs in this wire style.

6. Statement Lighting - As much as I love the brass pendant lighting in this space from The Glitter Guide, I know that hanging a pendant light or chandelier wouldn't be too practical for anyone in an apartment like myself. Take the light to the floor but don't to loose the statement by keeping it bold and tall like this one from One Kings Lane. This also brings in the industrial style like those chairs above... {see how I tied it together there?}

7. Mixing Throw Pillows - Another difficult thing to do is pattern mixing. It seems scary at first but this is a great example of how to make it work with no stress. Mix a colored geometric pillow like this one with a metallic pillow like this one. TA-DA!

8. Statement rug - Here is where you can get creative and add your own touch to this space! Most likely, you already have a rug you own.. or you have a rug in mind you want to purchase. The good news about this look for less is that it's so neutral that you can put just about any rug in this space and it will work. Suggestions? Go colorful but subtle in pattern. I'm loving this one, and this one from Target.

{via The Glitter Guide}

FURNITURE:

DECOR:

Look For Less

I've been swooning over this bedroom revamp from The Hunted Interior since Kristen posted the reveal a few months ago. I pinned this image immediately and I just can't get enough of it. I love the wall detail with the fawn wallpaper and the crisp whites with brass accents and pops of color. The entire space has been pulled together so beautifully, I've recreated the look so you {and me!!} can get this look in your home too!

There are a few key pieces you'll need to pull this look off. Once you have these items you can add in other items and finishing touches to make this your own. Throw in a small vase with flowers, your favorite, neutral area rug and you're good to go!

1. Upholstered Headboard - I love this one from target, but you can always check out flash sale sites like Joss & Main or One Kings Lane.
2. Desk - Instead of a nightstand, Kristen from The Hunted Interior used this desk {custom made, read her post here} I love this simple writing desk from target. It's the perfect size & you can spray paint the handle to add more brass accents to the space.
3. Ghost Chair - The ghost chair is a very trendy piece of furniture right now. With some of them reaching as much as $400-$800, this one is a steal at $100!
4. Multicolored Pillow - You can find a multicolored throw pillow pretty much anywhere these days. Geometric, tribal, anything you would like. I'm loving this one from CB2!
5. Oversized Mirror - I'm loving the contrast of the wood framed mirror in this space. There are tons of great mirrors out there, this one is very similar. I also love this one and this one.

{via The Hunted Interior}

9 Ways to Use Metallic This Christmas

It's that time of year again! The holidays are here... I know I said that last week {and probably the week before} but they are really here now! Thanksgiving was a much needed time for relaxing and spending some quality time with family and now December is here and it's time to decorate! And what more do I love than to decorate. I'm so excited to have my own christmas tree this year, posts on that and all of the fun things I'm planning for the holidays will be up soon! But for now, how about a few ideas on how to use metallics in your home this Christmas/ Holiday season? Here are 9 great ways to use metallic this year:

1. Prop Gifts - Don't leave the underneath of your tree bare until Santa comes to town, wrap a few unwanted boxes with some pretty metallic paper and ribbon and set them right underneath the beautiful tree for display.

2. Table Settings - Having the table set nicely isn't only for fancy dinners and get-togethers. Set a few place settings for some  added decoration in the dining room or kitchen and add some metallic chargers or ribbon around the plates.

3. Pinecones - Pinecones are easy to find up and down the holiday aisles this time of year. Grab a can of metallic spray paint and you could use a handful these in a vase for display or string them to some twine for a garland.

4. Candleholders - Candleholders are easy to find especially when they don't need to be a specific material or color. Spray painting different shapes and sizes will bring in the metallic and bring in a unique touch to your holiday decor. Add different size white candles to each for added contrast. {See here, here, and here}

5. Ornament Displays - Mixed metallic ornaments or ornaments that are spray painted metallic colors - doesn't matter which. Lay them out randomly in a tray or vases to put on display. This would be great for a coffee table or dining table.

6. Wreath - The easiest way to bring metallics into a wreath during the holidays would be with ornaments. You can add them to a traditional wreath with greenery or create a handmade ornament wreath if you're up to the task! {super easy tutorial here}

7. Tree Ornaments - Add some metallic ornaments to your Christmas tree this holiday. This is a little more of a traditional approach but still brings that metallic splash into your home!

8. Stockings - Stockings come in all different colors materials and sizes now. Whether you want to branch out from the traditional red and white and get creative or just add a metallic monogram to it - this is another easy way to add some metallic to your space.

9. Votive Centerpiece - Like the candleholders, you can find an arrangement of votives that are already metallic and scatter them across a table as a centerpiece or find a random variety of glasses and glass vases and spray paint them metallic to all match. Tea light candles are easy to find (and buy in bulk) so you can spend a little more on the glasses and create a fun spread.

Cyber Monday

Happy Cyber Monday! Personally, I like this day of shopping steals and deals much more than black friday. All you have to do is just open up that laptop and sit right down on your sofa with a blanket and some hot coffee....and shop. {you can even shop right from your office at work... but we'll keep that between us} Wherever you are today, You don't want to miss these steals! Let's get to it shall we?

1. Gazelle Bookends // 20% off // code: GIVETHX
2. Velvet Cushion Cover // 30% off & Free Shipping // code: 2896
3. ABD Mug // $5 off // code: CYBERMON
4. Kate Spade Book // 30% off // code: CYBER30
5. Minted Print // 10% off & Free Shipping // code: SUPERDUPERSALE
6. Glitter Coasters // 30% off // code: CYBER30
7. Metal Basket // 30% off & Free Shipping // code: 2896
8. 'Eat Cake' Mug // 30% off // code: CYBER30

Black Friday {Home Decor Deals}

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone is having a great holiday and enjoying time spent with family and friends. Who's ready for Black Friday? It's the day that shopaholics everywhere dream of and let me tell you, there is a great line up this year. I've been seeing the best of the best for sales this year! Here's the ultimate home decor line up to get the most bang for your buck!

H&M

Details: Online & In-Store // up to 70% off select items // no code needed // ends 11/29 11:59pm

Design Darling
Details: Online // 20% off everything // code: MANYTHANKS // ends 12/1 11:59pm

West Elm
Details: Online & In-Store // up to 25% everything // code: SUPERSALE // ends 11/30 11:59pm
Details: 10% off $100+ // 15% off $250+ // 20% off $500+ // 25% off %1000+

C. Wonder
Details: Online & In-Store // 40% off everything // no code needed // ends 11/29 11:59pm
Details: Free Shipping on orders over $100 // no code necessary

Zinc Door
Details: Online // 20% off everything // code: GIVETHX // ends 12/1 11:59pm

Crate & Barrel
Details: Online & In-Store // 15% everything // code: SAVE15 // ends 12/1 11:59pm
Details: Free Shipping on orders over $49 // no code necessary // some exclusions

Anthropologie
Details: Online // 25% off everything // code: HOLIDAY25

Shop some of my favorites below:

Get the Look

via Apartment34

Who's ready for Thanksgiving!? I know I am! I'll be heading a little north to the DC area to spend this holiday with my family! I can't wait to see everyone and celebrate the time we have to spend together. Even though I'll be away from my home this holiday, I'll be dreaming of this table top in my sleep... isn't it just so perfect? I know we're getting down to the wire here on the Thanksgiving deadline but if you are a last minute guru like I am, then now is your chance! Gather your shopping list from all of the shoppable links below and head on over to your local Target & West Elm to snag up the prettiest tabletop for Thanksgiving dinner! Dress your tabletop to impress!

Shop the look:

Set the Table

Instagram

Just in time for the holidays... mainly Thanksgiving in my book because personally, I can't wait for turkey and stuffing! The Crate & Barrel Set the Table sale is here! it's running til 11/10 so you don't want to miss out! Grab all of the items you might need to set that table and host the holidays with friends and family at 20% off select, full price items! Check out my favorite items below.

And who could pass up on these Olivia Pope wine glasses... yes, long stems and all!

White With A Pop

In most cases, you'll find yourself stuck with stark white walls if you are living in an apartment or a rental property. Rental communities and landlords always seem to stick with the basic and bland "builders white" paint colors for every room. Which brings up the age old question... What do you do with the white walls? How do you make them look pretty? Growing up I always wanted crazy colors for my room. Since then, I've learned to love the look of those stark white walls and embrace the bright and blank canvas that comes with such a space. Check out a few different spaces that might inspire you to get creative with those stark white walls!

A few things to think about when trying to bring pops of color into a white space:

• Don't be afraid to mix wood tones & color together
• Don't be afraid to mix multiple colors
• Colorful Artwork is an easy way to bring color into the space
• Add a colorful upholstery piece to brighten up the space
• Textiles such as rugs, curtains or pillows are an easy, fool proof way to bring in color
• Don't be afraid to layer white on white (but don't forget to still add color!)

via The Design Files

via Pinterest

via SchoolHouse

via Riches For Rags

How would you add a pop of color to your white rooms?

Creating a Reading Nook

Nina Chair

The other day a few of my close girlfriends and I were talking about starting a book club. Nothing special or too much of a commitment, but it sounds like something fun and hey, it's a great excuse to get together and drink wine right?

Well even though I'm the last person you'd catch leisurely reading a book on a given night, I've always loved the idea of having a little reading nook. And when I saw this beautiful fuchsia chair at World Market the other day, I just couldn't stop staring.  So, I've decided.. this chair will be mine someday.  Doesn't it create the perfect pop of color? This chair would make that space complete - Somewhere you can go to just sit there and enjoy a cup of coffee and a good book. {maybe i'd actually get to put a dent into my never ending reading list...} Here's what I'd put into my reading nook to make it my cozy little getaway:

1. Bright, comfy chair
2. Small side table
3. Table lamp
4. Small bench
5. Coffee mug
6. Decorative pillow
7. Cozy throw
8. Candles
9. Basket for extra throws or books

Styling a Tray with Mintwood Home {Giveaway}

Orange & Green // Blue & Yellow // Pink & Green

I'm so excited to be partnering with Mintwood Home this week to bring you ideas for using trays within your home. If you haven't heard of Mintwood Home before, I'll forgive you... They're kind of the new kids on the block. So I'm here to introduce you - and you can thank me later when you realize that you've been browsing through their website for hours and haven't actually gotten anything productive done... Been there, done that.

If you haven't noticed by now, I absolutely love trays. They're so versatile, come in every size and shape you can imagine and they can be used many {i mean many} ways. Most commonly known for their use on bar carts and coffee tables; they're great for holding books, remotes, and decorative objects as well as organizing your favorite liquors. The one thing most people don't think about are the other fun uses for trays.

So, You've got guests coming over for the holidays and you want to welcome them into your home in a creative way... Set a tray by the window in the guest room and display shampoo, conditioner, a candle and any other bath & beauty accessories they could use while they're there! I know my cousins and college girlfriends would love to have access to the latest Essie nail colors.

This tray would be the perfect pairing for your coffee mug on a sunday morning when you just don't want to get out of bed yet. Set it by the window with style and not just on the window sill like you would have in college... {just me?} 

With a larger tray, you've got more room to play and get creative. Set your guests up with the book you just finished, a candle, and don't forget that wifi password! How many times have you gone to someones house and asked for their password? We are in a world now where internet and social media are must haves and sometimes, you just have to embrace it. Sharing your wifi password with your guests this way adds some creativity to their stay and makes them feel right at home!

Make yourself feel like a guest in your own home and enjoy a good book, with a cup of coffee and a nice candle. All those things that might be cluttering your nightstand can make you feel pampered for an afternoon when you set them up on a tray and enjoy some time relaxing! 

Shop this Post:

Orange & Green Tray // Blue & Yellow Tray // Pink & Green Tray

Blue & White Candle // Gray Candle{similar} // Gray Matches // Pink Matches

Coffee Mug // Gold Sea Urchins // Coffee Table Books

A huge thanks to Mintwood Home for sponsoring this post. Enter Below for a chance to win the Canary Yellow & Cobalt Blue Ikat Tray photographed above! Giveaway ends Tuesday 11/4 and the winner will be announced on Wednesday 11/5!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Moodboard Monday: Mint

Happy Monday! Today's moodboard is a little bit of a sneak preview for what is to come this week here at Defined Designs. Personally, I love the color mint, pair it with white, gold, or even wood tones and it just pops oh-so perfectly. What colors do you love to pair with mint?

All about that Brass

Photo by Andi Perullo

During my time spend styling at West Elm a few weeks ago, I couldn't help but just fall in love with this little guy! I spotted this brass armadillo back when he was a new arrival online and he sat in my shopping cart for a few weeks until I very responsibly convinced myself that I didn't need him. They're all sold out now and I'm pretty sure he was the last one lingering in my local store here in Charlotte.

Well, while I sit here trying to convince myself it's totally acceptable to go back and buy him... Let's take a look at everything brass. Home decor could always use a little sparkle right?

Happy Shopping!

Moodboard Maroons

Here I am again, talking about fall. Last fall/winter season I found the perfect pair of maroon skinny jeans and I just broke them out of the closet again for the season. It's such a great fall color, weather you're wearing it, or adding a little flair of it to your home just for the season. Do you have a fall color you can't get enough of?

6 Steps to Staging a Coffee Table

Photos: Andi Perullo

I'm so excited to finally be sharing this with you all! Last week, I had the chance to hang out at the West Elm here in Charlotte and play around in the showroom styling things. To say I was like a kid in a candy shop is an understatement. Now, This {I think} is one of the easiest and most fool proof ways to decorate a coffee table to ensure it looks nicely put together. Good thing is... most of these items you may already have - but if not, they are very easy to find!

First things first, You're going to need about 7 items. Why am I calling it the 6 Steps to styling a coffee table?? Well, that's simply because I'm going to assume most of you already have #1 covered. Whether it's grandmas old wooden coffee table, or it's this storage friendly coffee table from West Elm {pictured} Any coffee table will do!

1. Coffee Table: West Elm {similar}

2. Tray: West Elm {similar, similar, similar}

3. Stack of Books: {see here}

4. Candle: West Elm {love these}

5. Vase or Candle Hurricane: West Elm {love these}

6. Decorative Item: West Elm {love these}

7. Decorative Item: West Elm {Rhino, Reindeer}

Start with the tray, place it smack dab in the center of the coffee table.

Add your stack of coffee table books or magazines to one side of the tray.

Top your stack of books with your favorite candle. Feel free to take the top off for added flair.

Place your hurricane or vase in the back corner of the open side of the tray. Making sure your vase is just a little bit taller than where the candle sits is key to create a landscape within your tray.

Huge thanks to West Elm Charlotte for having me!

Add your smallest decorative object in front of the hurricane. Add an extra decorative object on the edge of your coffee table to give the eyes a path on and off the coffee table. This armadillo was my favorite little object in the store, I just had to include it! Brass animals are so popular and trendy right now, check out this rhino or these reindeer.


What's the verdict? Seems easy enough, right?? Do you think you can pull something like this off?

Fall Decor with H&M

Fall, Fall, Fall, Fall... Are you sick of fall yet? I know I'm not! I'm just getting ready for it! Not only do I love the changing weather and foliage, seeing pumpkins for sale in every neighborhood, and the fact that I've officially broken out the boots and scarves... But I'm also so happy to see and browse through the new arrivals at all of my favorite home decor shopping spots!

H&M's new fall arrivals are amazing. They would be easy to transition a few pieces here and there into your existing decor and then stash away for next year! Here are my favorite picks for this fall.

1. Gold Basket - Add this to your living room and pile all of your extra blankets into it or keep it in your bathroom to hold your toilet paper. Gold is always a good answer.

2. Door Mat - This doormat will welcome your friends and family into your home in style this fall season.

3. Cake Stand - How delicious would that apple pie look on this cake stand? The holidays are right around the corner, time to think about hosting in style!

4. Faux Fur Throw - I can't stop thinking about this throw...I need it and you do too.

5. Ceramic Jar - Add this jar to your coffee table for the holidays. Use it to top a stack of books, or just sit on a shelf. I'll repeat myself in saying gold is always a good answer.

6. Herringbone Throw - If you're not completely sold on the faux fur throw that I'm swooning over, this herringbone throw is a close second. Who doesn't love a good throw?

7. Velvet Pillow Cover - Changing out your throw pillows is one of the easiest ways to change the look of a space.  This velvet pillow cover would bring the perfect amount of winter white to your bedroom or living room.

8. Small Metal Bowl - This metal bowl would look great paired with it's larger counterpart as a centerpiece on the dining table or coffee table, fill it with gold painted acorns or pinecones for the fall season.

9. Wooden Tray - By now I'm sure you're also aware of my love for trays.  Top your bar cart with this rustic wooden tray for the fall season or place this on your vanity for easy organization of makeup and jewelery.


Have you browsed H&M's fall decor? What is your favorite piece?