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Moving home is such an exciting time. I am a bit of a moving addict actually, it comes with the territory of being a serial renter. I would get so excited about starting over with my interior design style, choosing new sheets, picking out new prints, and deciding what style of rug would suit my new place best.
And after years of moving, I have worked out what pieces are the most important. I have noticed what pieces come with from home to home, and what’s made it out of the rentals and finally into my own space with me.
interior trends, so it can be tricky investing in pieces for a new home that will stand the test of time. But as both a pro home mover and the Head of Design at Homes & Gardens, I feel equipped enough to share with you the new house decor buys I have never regretted buying. And yes, they are purely aesthetical decor, and of course, you want to be making practical investments like the best mattress, and good quality kitchen appliances too, but I think investing in decor is equally important when shopping for a new home.
What to buy for a new home
Moving into a new home can be a stressful time, so I do think it’s important to allow yourself to get a bit excited about investing in new timeless pieces and treating yourself to decor that’s going to instantly elevate your home and make the new space feel more like you.
Some of these buys are ones I think have longevity and will stay with you move after move, but I’ve also pieces I think are key to making a house feel like a home and for me are the first things I pull out of the boxes when I get to a new space.
West Elm Jute Boucle Rug
Anthropologie Gleaming Primrose Mirror
Case in point, the Anthropologie Gleaming Primrose Mirror. It lived leaning up against a wall in one of my apartments and it still worked.
Pom Pom At Home Chatham Cotton Matelasse Coverlet
I like that this set as it has a subtle texture to it, it adds interest without the need for color or a bold pattern. It would love wonderful layering up with both soft neutrals and brighter colors depending on the look you want to achieve.
Amber Lewis for Anthropologie Marana Table Lamp
CB2 White Picture Frame
Anthropologie Glenna Platter
A Table Full of Love by Sky McApline
Crate and Barrel Edge Drink Glasses
Diptyque Feu de Bois Candle
Diptyque candles instantly elevate a space, and when moving I always unpack them pretty quickly and dot them around surfaces to make the chaos feel slightly calmer and more sophisticated. Diptyque’s ‘Feu de Bois’ is ideal for this time of year, smokey and woodsy and delicious.
So there is my list of new home buys I think are essential. A mix of both investment pieces that every new home should have, and small items that you should treat yourself to to instantly make your space feel more like home. I will say when moving into a new home, do spend a bit of time in the space before buying anything new, the pieces I don’t regret buying are ones I have mulled over, or have had a vision that I know I will love for years to come, not just panic bought because something is on trend or because I am desperate to fill a blank space.
Source: homesandgardens.com
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MILAN — For the first time, designer Joseph Altuzarra’s upscale style can now be found in the home and for a moderate price.
West Elm, a portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, revealed Monday the launch of a new West Elm Kids collection in collaboration with the founder and creative director of the Altuzarra women’s ready-to-wear fashion brand. The collaboration marks the French American designer’s entry into the home furnishings sector.
With celestial elements and elevated handcrafted finishes and upscale textiles, the Joseph Altuzarra for West Elm Kids collection features furniture and decorative accessories that are infused with Altuzarra’s own hand-drawn motifs of moons, stars and hot air balloons.
West Elm said the line was created as “a love letter to the designer’s two daughters and celebrates the signature artistry of Altuzarra while maintaining kid-friendly functionality.”
“When I became a father, I discovered a white space for chic, sophisticated interiors that were both beautiful and functional. Together with West Elm Kids, we created pieces that harmoniously blend style and practicality, capturing the whimsy and wonder of childhood,” the designer said in a statement.
Altuzarra tested the waters in 2020 with a collaboration with a handful of Etsy artisans to create limited-edition home decor items including tie-dye silk pillows, dog beds, ceramic vases, woven baskets, candlestick holders, notebooks covered in silk tie dye and woven placemats.
Sector-wide, fashion brands are making a splash in home decor and interiors, driven by the nesting and home entertainment trend sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. In June, West Elm and L.A. fashion brand Rhode launched a collaboration for the home with decorative accessories, plates, glasses and colorful textiles.
In April, Marni unveiled tableware with Belgian design label Serax, and an upscale wallpaper series with Italian wall covering-maker LondonArt.
In July, Ulla Johnson made her first home décor foray, with a summer tablescape capsule made in partnership with Cabana and sold exclusively on Net-a-porter.
The Joseph Altuzarra for West Elm Kids 42-piece collection includes key items like an upholstered crib, priced at $1,199; a seven drawer dresser at $1,599, and a pendant light priced at $299. The collection is available on westelm.com.
Source: wwd.com
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Quiet luxury, also known as “stealth wealth,” is one of the latest trends taking fashion by storm. Now it’s entering the home space.
The minimalist aesthetic can be summed up by the phrase “money talks, wealth whispers.” Quiet luxury replaces ostentatious displays with subtle high-end staples, eschewing gaudy accents and logo prints typically associated with the upper class.
Gwyneth Paltrow channeled quiet luxury in her court case earlier this year over her skiing accident, while the conniving cast of characters on “Succession” dressed in understated, yet expensive basics by brands like Ralph Lauren, Max Mara and Loro Piana.
The versatility of quiet luxury makes it easily translatable into interior design. Here, WWD explains how to bring the trend to your home.
Color palette
Rather than going for bold shades, focus on neutral tones of taupe or beige, balancing them with lighter shades like white and cream. Darker hues including navy, olive green, brown, gray and black are also synonymous with quiet luxury.
Textures
Embracing comfort is a key aspect of quiet luxury. Cozy fabrics such as linen, velvet and shearling can be incorporated in upholstery, curtains and bedding. Adding some knit blankets to your sleep and living spaces will also get the job done.
For solid surfaces, lean into stone and wood finishes. Textures such as marble, travertine, oak and timber can modernize any space while simultaneously referencing classic aspects of design.
Furniture
Nothing says quiet luxury like quality investment pieces. Rather than giving into current trends, seek out furnishings that will stand the test of time. Crisp, clean lines are a focal point of this aesthetic, so leave behind any standout accents — read: gold leaf and baroque moulding.
Decor
Quiet luxury decor, much like the rest of the aesthetic, relies on simplicity. Pick out simple, abstract prints to cover your wall or accent pillows with minimalistic patterns. To up the comfort factor, opt for soft lighting.
Brands
Retailers like Restoration Hardware, CB2 and West Elm have plenty of furniture and decor options in line with the quiet luxury trend. If you want to get the quiet luxury look on a budget, home lines at Zara and H&M offer simple, yet sophisticated decor options at affordable prices.
Vintage pieces are also a great way to channel quiet luxury. Search for midcentury modern and postmodern styles to achieve a sleek look.
Source: wwd.com
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In our latest real estate tech entrepreneur interview, we’re speaking with Manuela Seve and Renata Thomé from Alpha’a.
Who are you and what do you do?
Manuela Seve (CEO): I have a background in finance, having worked as an equity analyst at Gávea Investments, one of Brazil’s most reputable investment management firms. My trajectory in the art world began at an early age; coming from a long line of art collectors with a foothold in the Latin American art market.
Renata Thomé (COO): I’ve built an extensive network of collectors, artists and dealers over the years. Before joining Alpha’a, I spent time working for major New York City galleries and auction houses including David Zwirner and in the Latin American art department at Christie’s. I also worked as an art consultant for the online auction house Paddle8.
What problem does your product/service solve?
Filling walls at scale whilst maintaining affordable pricing and high design standards is a massive challenge. Current options are expensive art galleries and art advisors, or posters that are detrimental to design concepts.
Alpha’a is an online, community-oriented platform offering tailor-made art collections for businesses across all industries including hospitality, tech, interior design and more — and makes artists’ works, primarily limited-edition prints, accessible to audiences all around the world through cutting-edge technology. With a network of more than 7,000 artists, we have spearheaded initiatives with notable names in contemporary art such as Ernesto Neto, Jarbas Lopes, Alexandre Arrechea and Nelson Leirner. Alpha’a streamlines the supply chain process by printing pieces directly in the originating country of each client’s business. Clients include Airbnb, Gilt, West Elm and Zola.
What are you most excited about?
We recently opened a new $2 million round, which is well on its way to closing. The funding will be used for the continuing growth of the Alpha’a team in numbers and talent across our business units. This will result in creating new design tools, additional platform tools, more partnerships with local creators and an Alpha’a scholarship program in Latin America.
What’s next for you?
Our goals for Alpha’a are simple and powerful: To become the back office used by every artist in the world, to be the largest global source of art without inventory and to use technology to bring artists and companies together everywhere and anywhere.
What is a cause you’re passionate about and why?
As co-founders we share a passion for saving the world’s ecosystem. Using the arts, including other disciplines such as music and dance, we have created campaigns for a number of sustainability projects. In doing so, Alpha’a has partnered with prestigious NGOs such as Ocean, Globo and The Rainforest Alliance to effectuate change through our global artists community.
Thanks to Manuela and Renata for sharing their story. If you’d like to connect, find Manuela on LinkedIn here and Renata here.
We’re constantly looking for great real estate tech entrepreneurs to feature. If that’s you, please read this post — then drop me a line (drew @ geekestatelabs dot com).
Source: geekestateblog.com
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Today I’m excited to feature a dear friend and fellow Seattle-ite, interior designer, Brian Paquette! Brian and I had the pleasure of working on the Sunset Reimagined Home he designed the kitchen! together, but if that wasn’t enough work, Brian was also in the process of designing, not one, but two more entire homes for Sunset Magazine’s Idea Town in Seabrook, Washington.
Brian designed two color-filled beachfront homes with guest cottages that exemplify what Sunset is all about: casual, beautiful interiors and innovative ideas. I am in awe of interior designers like Brian, so I was dying to ask him for some advice. From color application tricks, financial planning tips and his favorite Etsy shops…it’s all right here – along with stunning images of his designs of course!!
Tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind this project. Where did you start in the design process?
I let the natural landscape that surrounded Seabrook be the guiding force here, amplifying the tones a bit to bridge the gap between inside and outside. While walking the massive beaches early in the morning, you can be surrounded by this overwhelmingly comfortable purply fog to the point that you don’t know where the ocean, sand and sky begin or end. All of a sudden, something like the sharp green of the lush landscape or even a piece of colored ship rope pops into view. This stark contrast was how I approached the homes. Being true to nature while also turning it on it’s head, just a tad!
What was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome when designing the homes?
Honestly, most of the process for me is intuitive at this point, but trusting my gut and my inspiration can be a little scary, especially when you have the wandering imagination and bold inclinations that I sometimes have. Time was also a big hurdle, we all had to work fast and smart.
The homes are full of color. What is your fail-proof color palette trick?
When using a bold color, use it in more than one way. For example, we can look at the true green you see throughout the project. I used it in everything from upholstery, to tile, trim paint, pillow welting and in accessories. By using variations of the green hue throughout all of those details, it makes the room look more thought out and textured.
Do you have a design mantra or rules you live by that other people could follow and apply in their own home?
Never stop evolving and changing and looking and learning. The process and excitement of discovering something new and the inspiration that could follow is priceless. Take every trip possible, go down the unexpected path that says “no entry”, read everything!
What is your go-to, perhaps insider!, source that is open to the public? A great Etsy shop or maybe a box store that carries your favorite items?
Not so much of a secret, but after getting the first layer of upholstery, rugs and textiles in a room and then piling in the old stuff like antiques, found pieces and art, I like to pepper in accessories from a lot of different box stores, but my fail-proof stop has to be West Elm. They really have it down, from bedding to vases and ceramics! I am also constantly inspired by some of the artists on Etsy like Jeremy Miranda and Michelle Morin.
Running your own business and being an entrepreneur is a challenging thing. What has been the most surprising thing you’ve learned? Any advice you would give your 25 year old self?
Oh gosh, don’t get me started! I will say I have had some of the best mentors a boy could ask for, but when it comes down to it, I’d suggest two things:
1. Get a financial planner now. You could have 5 dollars in your bank account and a steady job and they could still help you.
2. Not only build, but maintain your network of tradespeople, mentors, creatives etc. It isn’t enough to just meet someone at a party and take their card. True and real connection and an interest in humbly learning something new is where dreams become realities!
There are just so many good things about Brian’s designs. I love that he relied on Seattle based designers in the blue dining room and for his custom artwork from Jennifer Ament hello, crazy good gallery wall in a stairwell! taking notes on this one. I love that Brian is making our hometown proud!!
And did you notice the special project on the stairs? Brian blew up and pixelized images he found of clam diggers on the beaches just outside the homes, from the 1920’s. He then decoupaged them onto the stair risers. It’s such a fun DIY that anyone can do in their home!
I want to thank Brian for all of the great advice he shared with us. It’s such a treat to get behind the scenes of the thought process that goes into design! If you are in the Washington area, the homes will be open to the public through October. If you’d like to tour these beauties in person, find more info here!
We hope you enjoyed today’s decor double whammy!!
images courtesy of Brian Paquette
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Source: apartment34.com
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Trends may come and go, but even through all the ups and down, there’s one classic staple that always manages to stay relevant: Denim. In fact, denim is so versatile that some people are even incorporating the material into their home decor. It might sound odd at first, but think about it — denim is tried and true, and most importantly, it goes with everything. Not to mention, its nostalgic timelessness makes it perfect for the Y2K-obsessed and beyond.
Believe it or not, denim decor isn’t a new concept. Chronically online folks know that jean-based interior design products go viral all the time, like the jitcher, the jouch, and the jench/jool, to name a few. But unfortunately, they go viral for the wrong reasons. It’s no secret that the all-jean aesthetic has been a punchline ever since Britney and Justin walked the AMAs red carpet in those matching outfits in 2001. That’s probably where denim decor gets its underserved bad rap from, and why the style has inspired its very own genre of memes over the years. In actuality, though, when done right, denim decorations can transform to match a range of different interior design styles, including Americana, rustic, and of course, Y2K.
Denim furniture has been around since at least the 1970s when Ikea released a whole line of jean decor that included the Tajt, a foldable chair that’s iconic to the brand. According to TikTok user @fabiiikea, the denim finish, along with its leather and chrome touches, made the furniture piece “easy to incorporate into many different home styles.”
If your vintage style leans closer toward the 2000s than the 1970s, you can take a page out of set designer @keabunz’s book and turn your old jeans into a whole feature wall.
Sure, sleeping in your jeans isn’t all that comfortable, but that doesn’t mean your denim decorations can’t be cute and cozy all at once. Just ask @uglyxaf, who has nothing but good things to say about their jillows, jair, and jottoman. “Jean couture will always be GOATed,” says the creator.
If you’re ready to bring the ~jeanaissance~ into your home, check out these denim decor pieces from HomeGoods, West Elm, and more.
Don’t worry — this jean blanket is made with cotton, not denim.
Jillows are a subtle way to get in on the trend.
These light wash curtains are a Y2K dream.
You can never go wrong with a pouf.
This jair is just as stylish as it is trendy.
The Y2K revival is not only here to stay, but it’s making its way into your home, too, so you might as well jump on trend ASAP before the next nostalgic trend takes over.
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Source: bustle.com
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As we creep up on two years in our loft it’s really evolved into what feels like a full fledged home! So when Apartment Therapy asked if they could take a tour pinch me!!, I felt like the space was finally ready for primetime! I’m so excited the feature went live and that I get to share it with you.
Our living room has really taken shape over time. We started with the base of the couch and coffee table that we’ve had since day one, and slowly but surely have made updates with additional layers to create the warmth and comfort I crave. Our DIY hide rug has come in, gorgeous block printed pillows by my latest discovery Susan Connor out of NYC. They’ve added a lovely bit of handmade style to the sofa. And of course there are our favorite objects, souvenirs and personal finds that add bits of interest and make me smile every time I look at them.
We’re still loving our West Elm Bentwood side table. As we head into summer, I wanted a lighter look so I added my favorite new Bertoia-inspired Maude chair from Lulu & Georgia in front of the fireplace. I love how it juxtaposes a modern flair against more organic elements in the room.
I’ve also added a little vignette at the foot of our staircase. It all started after I couldn’t return the palm we used in this shoot. I just had to find it a home. And I’ve become a huge fan of layering art on the floor. Combined with my Timothy Oulton jumbo mirror from HD Buttercup, et voila!
I’ve also added a ton of greenery – from our beloved fiddle leaf fig we now have a tree & table top version, my new fave, the snake plant and of course fresh flowers! The blooms in these pics came from my favorite florist extraordinaire Natalie Bowen.
For the first time, I’m also sharing pics of our kitchen! It’s still a bit of a sore spot for me because, as a renter, there’s nothing I can really do about the myriad of problems with it. Hello black appliances, builder grade cabinets and poorly laid subway tile. Ugh. It all still pains me, but I’ve learned to live with it. Our stainless steel island has made me like the space a bit more. It’s super functional and super affordable- I got it at a restaurant supply store!
I’ve also added a few fresh details to the bedroom. Throw pillows are the easiest and one of the most economical ways to freshen up a space so I added a few new faves from West Elm to give the bed a spring vibe. I also kept true to my love of all things white by adding these Robert Abby table lamps. My secret to keeping my closet under control is swapping out seasonal items. All of my sweaters and coats are now tightly packed under our bed. Though when I make the seasonal switch it always reminds me how overdue I am for another purge!
It’s such a good feeling to walk into your house and feel at home. While I never feel like it’s truly “done” to the husband’s chagrin, I’m loving what we got goin’ on right now!
I have to thank Apartment Therapy for stopping by. Definitely check out the full feature here – Chloe and Bailey make a cameo!!
shop the loft: Room & Board Wells Sofa, Jumbo Arcitect Floor Lamp c/o LampsPlus, side table west elm, susan connor throw pillows, rebecca atwood throw pillows, maude chair c/o lulu & georgia, vintage wood beads hudson grace, Robert Abby bedside lamps c/o LampsPlus, crane & canopy bedding, Ikea wall mounted entry mirror, CB2 entry table, west elm bedroom throw pillows, missoni home throw, muuto dots wall hooks, a sunny afternoon cutting boards, heath ceramics
images for apartment therapy by kim lucian
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Source: apartment34.com
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Most home owners can probably attest to falling victim to this dark hole: dreaming of all the things you can’t afford in your new house- like, universally-coveted marble countertops! Oh, what to give to be able to just trot down to the marble yard, point to the vein-iest Carrara slab they have and say, “that one!”…*wakes up from dream.* While highly impractical dream kitchen will have to wait, luckily there are some marvelous marble accessories to keep one satiated…at least, until you scroll through Pinterest and find yourself staring at inspiration that looks like THIS. Oy.
While marble far as the eye can see might be out of the budget, this marble-esque Clare V. Oversize Metallic Clutch certainly isn’t! Let’s talk about how amazing this super fab marble-topped side table is and let’s talk about the fact that it is ON SALE. Also, if you can’t buy the real thing, we say, faux it with these gorgeously crafted ceramic serving boards. And who else is ob-sessed with this cute gold-plated bar set, atop it’s own adorable marble slab?! Yes, please.
Even if you can’t cover your house in wall-to-wall Carrara, at least you can marvel at a little mable in your life!
Get Your Shop On:
> Waldorf Side Table on sale for $299!!
> Pierre Hardy Marbled Slip-Ons
> Grey Ebru Marble Ceramic Serving Board
> Gold and Marble Barware Set
> Menu Marble and Copper Candle Holder
> Eduardo Garza Marble Ring Holder
> Marble Cotton Fabric Bench
> Marble iPhone Case
> Clare V. Oversize Metallic Clutch
> Marble Light Pendant
image 1 via In/Out as seen in Belle Magazine // 2 via here // 3 via Menu // 4 via Arkpad
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Source: apartment34.com