Living Room Refresh

Thanks in part to a new baby, and mostly to a rambunctious 6 year old, our relatively new couch looks well beyond its years at this point. And a saggy, stained couch really drags down the decor factor of any room so a little face lift for the family living space was in order. I am always drawn to grays, and lately I am loving mixed metal accents in bronze, gold and steel. While the room needs to be family friendly, it also has to reflect our taste so its an ongoing process. I love West Elm for mid century style pieces, with an industrial feel. These items seem to mix really well in the updated farm house aesthetic of our CT house.

Any new or favorite home decor sites I need to visit?

Autumn Accents

I love to add seasonal decor elements to the house, but I'm not into large scale, overtly 'holiday' themed merchandise (the kind that lights up and blares a song at you when you walk past, and is more reminiscent of a trip to Chuck E Cheese than anything else). I also don't want to spend a bundle on things that are on display for a few weeks out of the year. 

My 6 year old shares his mother's home decor genes, and loves to accompany me to Pier 1, Michael's and my other top stops for choosing (tasteful, budget-friendly) seasonal items. A few new candles in subtle fall scents set the mood (I love this one from Pier 1), and swapping my summer silver and white vases for some deeper, golden tones is a nice start. Sunflowers are an amazing and local choice for me, and another convenient excuse to hit the farm stand on my lunch jog with Wells. Adding a throw pillow cover in fall hues is simple and wallet-friendly, and easy enough to do in one main living space.

And there is no such thing as too much pumpkin!

Florida Dreaming

My in-laws are off to Florida this weekend, and between the anxiety of the school year and the 6th month of pregnancy I wish i was anywhere but the Northeast (though I do love the New England fall season, don't get me wrong!). When I think of the warm sunlight of the southern getaway state, I think of white, ocean blues, and natural wood. Ideally you have a place in your home where you can feel the calm, serene vibes you'd experience on a Florida vacation anytime of the year. This is what my ideal Florida room might look like, complete with the hum of breaking waves in the distance. 

This post was inspired by Douglas Elliman - they can help you find your dream home or rental. If you'd like to browse some of their Florida properties, you can check them out here.

Fall Wishlist

This season my Fall wishlist is full of items that make me feel cozy and happy in my house. My little one loves his ice cream, and I can't pass up anything from Kate Spade's home collection so this bowl + scoop set is too cute to miss. Tea and coffee are just more delicious in a decorative dainty cup. And what kitchen table isn't better with a set of fun plates? Booties for me are a highlight of the summer to fall transition, I seem to buy a pair each year. Plum nails are as much a fall staple as the pumpkin spice latte (anyone know the release date this year? Starbucks throws us a bone and usually comes out with it in August!)

What are you eyeing for the cooler temps a few weeks down the road?

Closet Dreams

When we were looking at homes in 2012, everything seemed enormous coming from 6 years spent in tiny New York City apartments. As we narrowed our list and began focusing in, details became the deciding factor in the decision making process. Having a space I could finally house all my clothing was a huge treat in my post college, post law school life. I spent months flipping through online catalogs and real estate sites looking for ideas. If Compass had existed back then, life would have been easier for us. You can browse be neighborhood, and instantly see images of apartments within your criteria, whether you want to rent, buy or even sell. When its time to list the house and head back into the City, this will be my first stop.

Design on a Dime with Target

Since we bought our house in 2012, I don't think I'm ever truly 'done' with the decor. I love gray and white basics with pops of citron green throughout. Even once you chose a color palette, there are infinite ways to play up or play down the chosen hues and the overall saturation of the theme. These are 2 examples of how the same palette can play out differently based on the pieces you choose.

Modern Decor with Modani

Modern Decor with Modani by christina-villecco 

Modani epitomizes modern chic. Their contemporary lines, bold silhouettes and rich textures are the perfect compliment to my personal style. I love the icy silver of these chairs against the graphic area rug and citron pillows. Anyone who has been to my home knows I can't get enough citron accents! The modern sofa is the cherry on top- just as the perfect silk blouse can completely make an outfit.

Interiors: Navy + Lime

interiors: Navy + lime by christina-eccleston-villecco featuring an ivory wool rug