Top Honeymoon destinations with the best interiors/exteriors

I think we all have a dreamy picturesque vision in our minds when we think of honeymoon suites and destinations. Tangled and lost in one another surrounded by the most beautiful and natural of  romantic hideaways seems to always set the bar for most couples. After many months and tireless nights of researching for my destination wedding, I came across so many destinations and accommodations that I never want to forget and hope to have the chance to visit them someday. So if you’re tired of searching high and low for that perfect “walking into the sunset” scene, here are a few recommendations to get your wheels spinning…enjoy!

Amuleto Boutique Hotel- Mexico

 

Sugar Beach Villas/Formerly Jalousie Plantation- St. Lucia

 

Goldeneye Resort/Formerly know as Ian Flemming’s hideaway- Jamaica

 

Ayuna Resort- Bali

Isle De France- St. Barts

Le Taha’a Resort and Spa- French Polynesia

The Sirenuse Hotel- Positano, Italy

Zeavola Resort- Phi Phi Island Thailand

Le Meridian- Bora Bora

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu, Kailua-Kona

Ponta Dos Gachos- Brazil

Auction Houses… going once, twice, SOLD!

One of my favorite resources for finding amazing furniture, accessories, art and more are auction houses. You can get great pieces including antiques, mid-century pieces, lighting, trinkets etc. that you would never find in a retail store or online websites. These are all from estate sales, antique dealers or shut down institutions that offer such special items that people gravitate to these auctions to get their hands on a one in a million item to incorporate into their space.

Auctions can be intimidating, which is why I wanted to introduce them if you are not already familiar. Each auction is setup a little differently but you will need to register for any of them. I always call the contact person and let them know this is my first time with this auction and just want to make sure I know all the terms and conditions before I start. They are always happy to help and get thousands of first timers, so don’t be shy.

Almost all auctions houses you can bid in person live, online or absentee, so you don’t actually have to be there with your paddle.  They’re usually pretty straight forward so once you’re registered and up and running, it’s pretty exciting to sit back and watch the bidding!

 

Here are two of my favorite auction houses, again be sure you know all terms and conditions before you begin… happy bidding!

http://www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/

Skinner Auctions is located in Boston and Marlborough, Massachusetts

http://www.kamelotauctions.com/newaboutkamelot.html

Kamelot Auctions is located in Philadelphia and you do need to arrange any transportation if buying big items to be picked up from the auction house.

Top Non-Toxic Indoor Plants

If you are a plant lover like me, then you understand that bringing in a little nature indoors not only brightens and livens up your space it also has air purifying qualities. There are many benefits for adding a little green in your life, but if you have pets and kids you may want to make sure you are not incorporating toxic plants (if ingested) in their environments. Here are the top non-toxic plants that are safe and have great eye appeal. Find a complete list of both toxic and non-toxic kid/pet plants here… http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

1. Boston Fern

2. Bamboo

3. Cast Iron Plant

4. Money Tree

5. Ponytail Palm

6. prayer plant

7. Succulents

8. Yucca Plant

9. Spider Plant

Reclaimed Wood Flooring

Thinking about putting in new wood floors… here’s an option to mull over. Using reclaimed wood for your flooring not only does your part for helping avoid carbon footprinting and being green but it is such a story to tell your guests that your floors are old timber from an 1870’s barn that was just dismantled.

There are various orgins of this material, including deconstruction, urban timber, fire kill, standing dead and barn wood,  these products are from actual deconstruction and demolition of buildings.  After the deconstruction phase the wood is brought back to milling facilities where it is graded, denailed, and, in some cases, milled… all in preparation to sell the finished product.

You can find any reclaimed wood mill in your area just by googling and doing a little research. Most places offer Douglas Fir, Pine, White Oak, Red Oak, Black Oak, Maple, Elm, Eucalyptus, etc. The reclaimed wood products are 100% recycled content and provide chain of custody statements for LEED certification if it applies to your project.

Online 3D Printing!

It amazes me what technologies are available to the masses these days and what anyone can achieve. Ever have an invention or an idea where you thought “if only I could make that come to life, I could share it with the world!” Now you no longer have to be an engineer or product specialist to have that resource at your fingertips.

i.materialise is an online 3D printing service for all people with an eye for design and a head full of ideas. Turn your ideas into 3D printed reality.
Create, share, and sell your designs with i.materialise. Upload your 3D design and instantly see the price for your models. Choose from a large selection of materials and colors, scale your design(s) to the ideal size, and order as many copies as you want.

check out more at… i.materialise.com

2014 color of the year

Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination. It is an expressive, creative and embracing purple—one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. A captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and health.

Textile designers are already underway working around the clock producing wovens, prints, knits and laces to make it’s grand debut for your 2014 wardrobe ann interior design projects. It will be interesting to see where designers take the color.

Creative lighting

Designers use these crown bulbs when you want to light up out of the way places where they didn’t want or couldn’t fit a lampshade. These inventive bulbs that were once for handy and functional purposes, are now a creative and fun solution! The silver coating serves to totally block light from coming through, while reflecting it back towards the fixture and wall. But nowadays this glinting silver bulb is an eye catcher for purposes of creating a statement.

As vintage is all the rage in the design world right now, why not take the look as authentic as possible?  These reproductions of Thomas Edison’s first light bulb is such a “must have” for many people because it creates a nostalgic ambiance. The lighting is so flattering because it emulates almost a soft golden candlelight and brings our minds back to a more romantic and simpler time.

 The brand new NanoLeaf LED Bulb could indeed be the future of lightbulbs. Yes, they look totally different than any bulb you’ve seen, because that outside is actually a printed circuit board. However they still project light 360-degrees like an old-fashioned incandescent bulb with a nice warm white glow, but wow do they save you energy and money. (Gumbinner, Liz. “The safer, smarter future of light bulbs is here: The NanoLeaf LED light.” Cool Mom Tech. web. 22 October 2013)

Baby it’s cold outside…

As the temps have dropped outside, a toasty fire flickering in the family room is a must have! The mantle seems to always steel the thunder by decking it up with frames, candles & garland… but what about the actual fireplace? Ditch that outdated gold  generic screen or the non-functional doors that jam every time. Spruce up your fireplace this season and give it a whole new look. Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces, but you don’t have to settle for an unattractive screen or a “one size fits all” screen; newer styles offer many finishes, designs, and sizes to fit your fireplace, your living area and your taste.

Nursery Art

1. Baby Fox Little Darling

2. Baby Monkey Little Darling

3. Baby Zebra Little Darling

4. The Animal Print Shop Collection

Moroccan Flair

Morocco is a country known for its zestful communities and culture. From the deserts in the east to the colorful shoreline views in Casablanca, this area has been recognized for its love of color and lively culture. It is nearly impossible not to be tantalized by all the richness of pallets and dancing shapes in this influential lifestyle.

In past years chevron was our best friend… it was our go to design staple from rugs, pillows, window treatments and even clothes and jewelry,  it was an absolute design movement. Well move over chevron, there’s  a new sway in town… the MOROCCAN FLAIR! I have always been a huge cheerleader for Moroccan influence and cannot be happier it has made its way into a lot of people’s hearts. It has this intoxicating and exotic appeal to it that instantly transports you to another world. Maybe that’s why I adore it so much, it is unlike anything here in the United States. It is a place filled with change of scenery, authenticity, sun, hospitality, well-being and culture. There, enjoying the moment and your surroundings is key to the everyday life. The vividness and beauty keeps your mind stimulated and wanting more.

Although we may not have Moroccan architecture or their everyday practices, we certainly can bring the Moroccan flair movement indoors. Gathering spaces for afternoon tea with cookies, pastries and fresh fruit are common in the Moroccan culture, so we find a lot of sitting rooms or family rooms in their quarters.  People aspiring to achieve this look here in the U.S. are transforming their interiors into radiant and inviting places to gather and hang out. This transformation can be as easy as incorporating decorative pillows on your sofa to liven up the space and introduce all those fabulous patterns.

Another accessory that can transform your home into that vibrant tropical oasis are these amazing poufs. I will admit I am obsessed with these as they come in all kinds of different colors and make your space feel completely authentic. Use these poufs as an ottoman with your fabulous lounge chair, use two together with trays filled with unique accessories on top for a coffee table or slightly tuck them under your table for extra seating when you have guests.

If you are looking for a more subtle and muted Moroccan theme for your home, bringing in a neutral colored Moroccan patterned rug can easily bring you that flair but with a palette that may match your existing furniture and decor better. Although most Moroccan textiles are very vibrant, you can achieve any color palette you desire as there are so many options.

If you are an adventuress and want to feel as though you have been transported to another world each time you step into your home, a bolder move may be to add a gorgeous Moroccan tile to either your kitchen or bathroom floors or maybe as a backsplash in your washroom or kitchen. With Moroccan flair being so hot right now, you can basically find it from home depot to your design showrooms. I have a crush on this tile from Ann Sacks. I picture it across my kitchen floor with these amazing hanging pendants with glittering light as the warm breezes blow past the palm fringes into my opened back patio french doors.

Whether you are looking to redefine your entire home, just your bedroom or only introduce a few accessories, I highly recommend dipping your toes into Morocco. It is an experience like no other, very affordable and found at almost every retail and trade store available.