Know Your Decor Patterns

My pinterest account is full of design ideas, beautiful spaces and decor!  I've noticed that the spaces I am most drawn to create a lot of visual interest using color and pattern.  If you find spaces you love and want to recreate a similar space of your own, it's helpful to know the names of prints and patterns so I thought I would help you out!  Here are some of the most popular prints and patterns, feel free to use this as a guide for your next decor project.

Ikat

Ikat is created using a resist-dying technique.  You can easily identify ikat by it's blurred appearance.  You will often find ikat in damask, chevron and geometric prints, amongst others.

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Damask

Damask is a heavy print made of a reversable figure.  Mostly commonly, damasks are a single color.

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Chevron

This print is all the rage right now!  (I've used this pattern to make chevron clutches.) This zig-zag print comes in many colors and can be used in any part of your decor!  This print is so easy to re-create.

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Paisley

Paisley looks like a twisted tear-drop or similar to a kidney shape.  The print is actually of Indian and Iranian origin.



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Floral

Pretty easy to identify flowers! :)



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Geometric

Geometric prints are made up of regular or repeating lines or shapes.

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Toile

The toile print reflects English & French design and can be a very formal print.  It is easily recognizable by the scenery repeated on the fabric.

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Next up - I'll share some tips on how to mix and match patterns to create the look you want!

Have a great Wednesday!

What To Pack For A Warm Weather Getaway

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We are getting ready to go on a 6-day vacation to Mexico!!! We can't wait to spend our days on the beach and by the pool drinking fruity drinks (and maybe a couple of Corona's)!

There is a down side to this vacation - I hate packing.  Absolutely hate it.  It causes me stress just to think about it...

Luckily, I found this list for what to pack for a weekend getaway to somewhere warm in Lauren Conrad's book titled "Style." I modified the list to accomodate a week-long trip. Here is my version of the warm weather getaway packing list!

Packing List: Warm Weather Getaway

2 bathing suits

1 cover-up

1 pair of cheap sandals (to wear to the pool or beach)

1-2 sundresses

1 set of "beach bum" clothes (comfy shorts + t-shirt)

1 pair of jeans (I prefer straight leg jeans because you can roll them up to capris)

3 pairs of shorts

4-5 cute tops (t-shirts + tank tops)

1 jean jean jacket (they go with anything)

1 party dress

1 pair of going-out shoes

1 pair of "nice" sandals

2-3 necklaces (pick your favorites)

2-3 pairs of earrings (pick your favorites)

1 hat (cap or big hat)

1 beach bag

wristlet (don't leave home without one)

pajamas

undergarments

1 pair of sunglasses

make-up (your favorite look + waterproof mascara)

bathroom essentials

camera

ipod

book/magazine (any suggestions?!)

What did I miss?  Anything that is a "must have" for your warm weather vacations? 

Guest Post at On The Banks Of Squaw Creek

Today I am excited to be a guest blogger over at On The Banks Of Squaw Creek to help Katie out with her "Love Your Little House" series.  I'm offering some tips for decorating little houses.  Stop over to her blog to read this series and get great ideas for making the most of your space!

While you're there become a follower of her blog and a Facebook fan too!

Aquamarine Dream

One of my favorite colors is Aquamarine (blue with a hint of green) and since it seems to be one of the latest color trends, I thought I would pass along some tips for decorating with this blue hue!

1} Be Bold

Aquamarine is a bold color so before you commit, test it out by painting a small section of your wall or taping a paint chip to the wall to preview it in different light.  Get a feel for it first!

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If you're not ready to make a commitment to paint (or go through the hassle of painting) pick out a few pieces of furniture in an Aquamarine hue.  Try out chairs, a book case, or ottoman.  I painted a dresser in an Aquamarine shade.  To see my aquamarine dresser, click here.

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2} Create Balance

One of the keys to decorating witha bold color is to create balance because bold colors can easily become overpowering.  Try to avoid accessorizing with aquamarine on every surface.  A small dose of aquamarine can make a BIG impression.  Try accessorizing with pillows, vases, lamps, curtains, or throws.



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3} Pair It With Another Color 

Aquamarine can be an overwhelming color, especially if you paint a whole room.  To break it up, try pairing the color with greys, creams, or whites. 

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 If you are looking for some additional color try browns, yellows, oranges, or a shade of purple.

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If you would like to see my Aquamarine guest bedroom accessories, paired with deep pruple, check out this blog post!

This color is beautiful, fun and has so many possibilities wether you are painting, re-decorating or simply adding some spring color!  Enjoy!

All of the pictures are from Pinterest.  Please pin responsibly by clicking on the link below the picture to take you to the source of the original picture to pin their awesome ideas to your decor boards! :)