Where I Find Interior Inspiration

I'm very much an Early Bird—I wake up early almost every morning, enjoying the peaceful hour or two before everyone else gets up. One of my favorite things to do during this time is scour the pages of AD or Elle Decor.

This month’s mood and state of mind are all things home. We're finally getting settled into Charleston and I'm excited to start collecting pieces that make the space truly ours. I started a new Pinterest board where I’m collecting home goods and inspiration in case you’re interested in following along!

I source inspiration not only from magazines, but blogs and websites like Rip & Tan, Remodelista, Lonny, and even Into the Gloss—there's something about peeking into the bathrooms and beauty cabinets of others that's so satisfying. I look for spaces that feel clean, but not sterile; open and airy, but intimate; collected and intentional. I think the best homes are the ones that are really, truly lived-in, where no space is off-limits and each piece serves a purpose. 

Here are a few other things around the home I'm looking forward to this month:

✓ Organizing our home and donating the pieces that no longer serve us
✓ Flea market shopping (Charleston locals—I love this one)
✓ Getting crafty with our storage
✓ Al fresco dining on the porch
✓ Cooking/developing new recipes using local produce
✓ Planning a wine and floral arrangement night with my friends

Where do you find inspiration for your home?

5 Budget Ways to Upgrade Your Bathroom

I've been living in a 2 bedroom home for the past two years and while the space has some wonderful features—hardwood floors! marble countertops! huge windows!—there are bits and pieces that leave a little to be desired. 

Dealing with a space that isn't your forever home can be frustrating. You don't want to invest the time and money into something that you won't live in forever, but at the same time, you want your space to feel like it's yours.

Whether you're renting or working with a small budget, here are a few affordable upgrades so you can make the most of your space:

Embrace what you're working with

I'm working with a windowless bathroom at the moment. Natural light in the bathroom wasn't something I identified as a must-have when I was house hunting, but now it's a must on my list. But rather than fight it, I'm working with the challenges that the space has given me. I swapped out the unflattering yellow bulbs for a much more natural hue and left the walls white to really open up the space. Though the bathroom is a bit narrow, I love the high ceilings and marble countertop. 

Image via The Design Files

Shop the look

Hand Cream—Grown Alchemist / Charcoal Toothbrush—Binchotan / Mirror—Amazon

Add some greenery

Plants can really liven up the most sterile of spaces. As I mentioned, I'm working with a windowless bathroom that doesn't get enough light to keep anything real alive. I've found some pretty convincing faux options and air plants that add some color and life to the room. 

Image via Sheerluxe

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Potted Aloe Plants—Amazon / Artificial Fan Palm—Crate and Barrel / Eucalyptus Bundle—West Elm

Inject some personality

I'm a huge fan of a collected home. I love to add interesting objects and textures to my living spaces. While I'm saving up for my dream home, I've been gathering pieces that I know I'll take with me for years, like this wooden ladder from McGee and Co. that I've been using as extra storage. Even if it's just in the form of pretty product packaging (I'm a huge fan of Aesop products), adding things you love to the space makes it uniquely yours.

Image via Design Love Fest

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Hand Wash—Grown Alchemist / Mint Julep Cup—Amazon / Turkish Hand Towel—Amazon

Texture, texture, texture

I'm not a huge fan of color, but an all-white space can read pretty boring. I like to add contrast with different textures, whether it's glass, rustic wood (like the ladder, above), chunky jute weaves, slate and more. I've been really into Moroccan rugs and patterns to add some interest to the space.

Image via Studio McGee

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Decorative Ladder—Amazon / Jute Rug—Amazon / Charcoal Toothbrush Holder—Amazon

Adorn the walls

Artwork can go a long way in personalizing the space. Because I don't have windows, I'm faking it with this print from Max Wanger shop. It helps fake the idea of an open space and being outdoors. You can find some affordable prints at shops like Urban Outfitters and Etsy or hit up a local thrift shop for more unique finds.

Image via Monika Hibbs

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Cactus Print—Amazon / Little Cactus Print—Minted for West Elm / "The Wait" Print—Max Wanger Shop

*This post may include affiliate links. Thank you for your continued support.

—Olivia

Eclectic and Cozy Home Tour

Happy Labor Day weekend! Can you believe that Summer is coming to a close? It's been over 90 degrees here in Charleston, but my mind has been thinking ahead to Fall. I can't wait to get our home ready by adding some cozy accessories and luxurious candles (Diptyque Feu de Bois is my favorite seasonal scent.) One of my favorite ways to get inspired is to pick up a few magazines, trend forecast, scroll through favorite sites and blogs, and get my creative juices flowing.

I'm usually a fan of more pared down spaces, but Michelle Adams, founder of Lonny Magazine, has my mind changed with this modern meets traditional mix that makes up her Michigan home. The colors, textures, laidback farmhouse vibes, and her gorgeous kitchen have me wanting to hit up every antique store to get this collected look. Enjoy!

Get the look:
Built-in bookcases ✓
Bright and airy lighting ✓
Wood panel walls ✓
Open kitchen ✓ 
Statement accents ✓

11 Woven Pieces To Buy This Spring

I'm a big fan of woven materials and natural textures, so this season's woven accessories trend has me all heart-eyed.

There's something really cool and laid back about the look—it's very reminiscent of summer, the beach... And who isn't relaxed when they're on vacation?

I recently picked up a macrame tote from Shopbop for my trip to Charleston (similar here) and it doubled as my camera bag for the week. It's neutral color and cool texture looks great with any outfit and I can't wait to get more and more use out of it. (How cute would this be as a farmer's market bag?)

I've rounded up my favorite woven pieces in all shapes and sizes so you can get in on the trend: 

Sweater Weather

I hope you're all having a wonderful week! I am so tired from all of the fun, but I'm excited for the weekend. We had a lot going on this week, so I'm excited to kick back and relax with my feet up and enjoy this wonderful Southern weather.

It might seem strange that I'm posting about sweaters after a week of 90 degree weather, but hey! It’s almost fall, so why not start stocking up on the good stuff? Sweaters are a staple in my closet, they’re the key to the cool months and for braving chilly office temps. 

I have a thing for hunting down knits that make a statement, so I thought I would share a handful that I’ve added to my list. There’s nothing quite like being wrapped up in something cozy, is there? 

I picked up a couple recently to kick off my collection this year, that I can see myself mixing and matching with multiple outfits. I like to invest in 3-5 sweaters every season that are classic and I know will stand the test of time. I don’t bother with anything cheap, because I feel like the quality really shows in sweaters. Pilling is never a good look. My favorite places to look for quality, investment pieces are Net-a-Porter, Everlane, Jenni Kayne, Need Supply, Cuyana and, surprisingly, Zara. You can also find some amazing wool pieces at your local thrift store!

Shop my favorite classic sweater styles (plus a few on-trend) below:

How to Transition Your Straw Accessories Well into Fall

And like that, Summer is over—for most of us anyway. Down in Charleston, we're still enjoying a few late sunsets and endless beach days.

I will say, however, it did feel like this season went by in the blink of an eye. Admittedly, I’m excited to get out my fall favorites—ankle boots, denim jackets and start stocking up on cozy blankets and textiles for the home. But I’m still trying to get some last-minute wear out of my new Summer pieces while I still can.

I recently got a pair of gorgeous rattan slides from Carrie Forbes and I haven’t been able to stop wearing them since. They're the perfect accent to my end-of-summer outfits and looks good with anything, even more structured pieces. It's spurred somewhat of a straw and rattan addiction. I keep spotting woven pieces on Pinterest and while I'm out shopping. I just can’t help myself—I even want to start introducing some rattan into the home!

From hats for you to baskets for your home, I’ve rounded up some of my favorites here.

The List: 5 Trends I’m Most Excited About For Fall

Fall clothes are something I look forward to each year. Even though I'm no longer in school, the season always feels like a time to experiment and reinvent my style. I love chunky knits, perfectly worn-in denim and a solid pair of leather boots. This year, I’m more excited for the shift than ever before. Living in Charleston, our Fall season pretty much extends until Spring. I'm excited to wear my layers without having to hide underneath bulky coats and gloves.

I'm usually one to lean towards neutrals, but for some reason I'm all about color and pattern this fall. I love a pop of cherry red against tan or white. It gives your outfit a punch and personality.

Here are some of the trends I'm most excited to wear this season:

1. Mules—A good slide can make even the most basic outfit feel fresh and fashion-forward. I'm loving a good menswear inspired mule. So chic when paired with a feminine and flirty mini skirt.

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2. Updated Basics—Blazers, plaid, a cashmere tee... I'm all about elevating the everyday basics this season.

3. Florals—I love a good floral for Fall. I'm especially into rich, deep colors and shades that pair equally well with worn in denim.

4. Silk—There's something about silk that feels so elevated and luxe. To me, it screams Fall. I can't wear to layer silk tops with chunky knit sweaters. Something about the juxtaposition of the materials is so cool and effortless. 

5. Rounded Details—Give me all the rounded handle bags and buckles. I'm seriously crushing on all things round this season, bonus points when paired with this season's other trend, polka dots, for maximum impact.

What are you most excited to wear this fall? Browse all my favorites in the shop!

On My List

With Summer coming to a close, I've been feeling a bit bored with my wardrobe. The Charleston heat isn't for the faint of heart and I've been living in cut offs and tees to stay cool. What I'm looking forward to most is the Indian Summer that seems to last well into Winter. That means I can get much more wear out of my favorite pieces, from statement blouses to open-toed shoes. 

Right now, I'm gravitating towards jewel-toned pieces mixed in with neutral tones and materials. Pieces that stand out, but are still classic if you know what I mean.

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01. Blouse―Ulla Johnson / 02. Sandals―Ganni / 03. Scarf―Janessa Leone / 04. Perfume―Byredo / 05. Jeans―M.I.H. / 06. Anklet―Ariel Gordon / 07. Mules―Robert Clergerie

Freshly Picked: Shopbop Seasonal Sale

It's the most wonderful time of the year—the Shopbop seasonal sale! Get 20% off your entire order or save 25% when you spend $500+. The sale runs today until Friday and is the perfect opportunity to fill in the gaps in your Spring wardrobe.

We've rounded up my favorite pieces from the sale, which you can shop below. If you can't tell, we're really feeling the vacation vibes as we have a long weekend in Charleston planned!

[Image via Janessa Leone]