5 Things That Made a Difference to Lissa

This week I'm happy to feature the lovely Lissa of After Adornment, in the series 5 Things that Made a Difference. Lissa is an interior designer who shares on her blog, her insights, tips, beautiful design inspirations, as well the process of decorating her three floor townhome (which she recently moved into!). Read on to find out what five things have positively influenced her life:

1. Ballet - I danced ballet for 17 years and I would have to say this was probably the most influential thing I have done so far in my life. It has shaped my work ethic, and my drive to achieve great things. It has also taught me that determination and practice, practice, practice will get you far.

2. My Family/My Husband - My family and husband have all been very significant in shaping my life. My sister has always made me dare to be a little more outgoing. My mom has always pushed me knowing I can do great things. My step dad has always let me be me, knowing I will do great things on my own time. And last but not least, my husband is always there to support me in anything I do, even it's the craziest thing he has ever heard! Each of them has helped me figure out who I am in different ways.

3. College and New Friends - College was very instrumental in who I am today. This was the time in my life where I truly came out of my shell and made some amazing friends. Before college I was a shy ballet dancer. I met my best girlfriends in college and we will always be there for each other.

4. Blogging - Blogging has definitely pulled a 180 on some aspects of my life...but in a good way. I also get so much inspiration from reading blogs and from other bloggers in design, business, and just life in general. The blog world is a truly unique place with so many amazing people.

5. Interior Design - Interior Design has always been a part of my life in some way or another. Whether arranging and rearranging my room when I was little, to going to school and getting my design degree. Design is my passion and keeps me going everyday. I love what I do and hope it only gets better from here!

Beautifully Organized Space of the Week

This beautifully organized vanity has a flip top that reveals a mirrored underside and built in compartments that neatly house makeup. Clear acrylic trays atop the vanity keep essentials in order.

photography by Joy Von Tiedmann for House and Home

Shoe Ottoman

Lilly PulitzerRousseau ottoman

Ottomans are so great because they often serve double (or triple) duty. I love that this one is secretly outfitted with 16 pockets for storing shoes (or other things!) and is lined with a pretty fabric that adds such a fun unexpected punch of color.

5 Things That Made a Difference to Piper

Today I'm happy to feature Piper of One Sydney Road, in the series 5 Things That Made a Difference. Piper is an entrepreneur who, late last year, opened a beautiful homewares and lifestyle goods online shop. I first discovered Piper's blog through Makeunder My Life. She was featured as the Dream Reporter, where she shared her weekly updates of her entrepreneurial journey. I found her posts to be so relatable and inspiring and it's been incredible to see how she's made her dreams a reality. Read on to find out what five things have positively influenced her life:

1. My hubby He’s by far my #1!!He’s my biggest cheerleader and a true optimist - he's the glass half-full to my sometimes glass half-empty thinking! He provides such unwavering support for all my dreams (even the far-fetched ones!) and is always there to make me laugh.

2. Dancing This has been a huge inspiration for me.It has influenced my life in so many ways and been a part of my life for so long, it’s hard to write it all down! I’ve been dancing since I was little…my dream growing up was to dance professionally, even star on Broadway (too bad I can’t sing in tune!!)I've been lucky enough to coach and teach some great dance teams and dance students which gave me the opportunity to stretch myself, gain confidence in being creative and work with people who have given me loads of inspiration!Teaching & choreographing also made me realize that there’s more than one way of achieving your dream!Think outside the box – there are always ways to do what you love!

3. My mom No matter what, she was always there encouraging me and saying I could do anything I wanted to do.She was a single mom with no college degree but she never let that stop her! She always amazed me with what she was able to accomplish and showed me that persistence & hard work can pay off! Sadly, I lost her to cancer a few years back and not a day goes by that I don't miss talking to her. But, I can still hear her telling me "you can do anything!!"

4. Blogging I can’t believe how much blogging has changed my life in such a short time.Not only has it provided me with a creative outlet, but I’m even more AMAZED by the wonderful people I’ve met through blogging.They are the most inspiring, supportive, creative people and all these friends/mentors/readers really gave me the support that I needed to start my own biz!I could honestly spend all day scrolling through blogs and just getting inspired by all the creativity out there!

5. Starting my own store / Visiting Australia These kind of go hand in hand for me.Visiting Australia was such a life changing experience – traveling to another country opened up my eyes and got the creative juices flowing!So it’s no surprise that this trip was also when I decided 100% to take the leap and finally do what I had spent years dreaming of – opening my own boutique.Starting my business has been exciting, terrifying, challenging, inspiring and the best thing I could have ever done!

Beautifully Organized Space of the Week

This week's beautifully organized space is from Caroline's tiny 475 sqft studio apartment. I love how she maximized storage potential by using over the door shoe racks to organize her collection of shoes. Don't they look so pretty arranged by color?

Heidi's Home Office

Recently was delighted to stumble upon this lovely office from the home of fellow design blogger Heidi of A Thousand Laughing Starfish. I'm loving the pops of color, the orange chair with nailhead trim detail, the blue knobs on the desk, and the vase filled with vibrant fresh flowers.

Beautifully Organized Space of the Week

Loving how beautifully kitchen/dining items are organized in this modular cubby :

Love that it has little label holders:

Reminds me of this cubby unit.

New Online Mag: Dabble

A few of my favorite shots from the design section of the premiere issue:

The magazine also features great food and travel sections. Go check it out if you haven't already!

5 Things That Made a Difference to Jami

This week's blogger participating in the series 5 Things That Made a Difference is Jamie of Imagine.  Jami is a fabulous emerging interior designer with her own design business.  Jami and I are both from the LA area so I've had the pleasure of meeting her in person. It's funny because when we first met we kind felt like on some level we knew each other from reading each other's blogs so it was so easy to form and instant friendship :-) I'm sure many of you have experienced that when meeting fellow bloggers offline who you have a shared interest with.

Read on to find out what five things have positively influlenced Jami's life:

1. Heading West. Leaving the frozen tundra (a.k.a Minnesota) where I was born and raised and moving to Southern California 6 years ago. The California sunshine has done me good. I always knew ever since I was a young girl that I was born in the wrong state and that it was only a matter of time that I'd go in search of the heat and sunshine.

2. Building my own interior design company. I didn't necessarily think that I was going to be a designer when I grew up, but I always knew that I was not going to be cut out for the regular 9-5 career. I'm thankful everyday that I can wake up and say that I love what I do (and get paid for it!).

3. Going back to school. I received my Bachelor's degree in Sociology a "few" years back, continued to bar tend after spending a good chunk of change on that Bachelor's degree that I never ended making good use of and decided after moving to California it was time again to hit the books...or drafting table! Design school and earning my Interior Design degree has completely transformed my life and the way I see design. I would never, ever have had the courage or support (teachers, mentors, and fellow students) to start my own design company if I didn't have the comfort of knowing that I was formally trained and educated in design.

4. Blogging. This is a huge one. Blogging has tremendously changed my life. Not only have I met some of my best friends and like-minded individuals through the blogging world, it has been THE best creative outlet for me. I could honestly spend hours creating blog posts, scrolling through my blog roll and pinning pictures all. day. long.!!

5. Yoga. This is my release. Tuesday and Thursday nights and Saturday mornings. I've been practicing yoga 7 years and I honestly can't imagine not going one week without a session. I have learned that it is important for me to "turn off" and let the breathing take over.

Beautifully Organized Space of the Week

This week's beautifully organized space of the week is this closet from the home of Erica Cook of Moth Design, which houses her daily staples:

White Ikea frames showcase bags from some of her favorite trips and create a fun little feature wall.

A round white tray keeps all her perfumes organized and at the ready.

Clear Ikea Rationell Variera "spice racks" serve as drawer separators and keep her belts and scarves organized.

*Unfortunately the clear "spice racks" are a discontinued product (at least to my knowledge). I bought several to organize a variety of things in my own home several months ago and absolutely loved them. When I tried to go back for more, they were no longer in stock and was told by an Ikea employee that they had been discontinued :-(

Glass trays and other beautiful containers hold jewelry, watches and sunglasses. An Ikea pant rack keeps her jeans easily accessible and allows her to see exactly what she has.

So chic, wouldn't you agree?

In case you missed my previous post featuring another beautifully organized space of hers, click here. To see more of her gorgeous home, click on over to her blog.

5 Things That Made a Difference to Nancy

This week's blogger participating in the series "5 Things That Made a Difference" is Nancy of Marcus Design. Nancy is a super talented artist, aspiring decorator (check out the great before and after's she's already acheived in her own home, including this genius ikea turned dorothy draper style dresser!), and one of the sweetest design bloggers out there in blogland! Read on to find out what five things have positively influenced her life:

1. First and foremost, I gain so much inspiration from my family! My mom and dad came from Egypt to Canada with a few dollars in their pockets, seeking a life with more opportunity for their future children. They got married when they first arrived here, and my mom immediately spent nearly half of her savings on a wedding dress ... now THAT is inspiring! She has always been confident and hardworking in order to get what she wanted! They bravely built amazing careers (with English as their second language!) and my brother and I have been so blessed by their sacrifices. Watching them work so hard has motivated me to follow my dreams and believe I can do what ever it is I set out to do.

2. My church and my relationship with God has penetrated every part of my life. It has helped me to quit bad habits, start good habits, and have a firm foundation in who I am as a person. I think my mind set has changed as a result of this, I want to go out of my way to help and love others around me, to forgive, and to strive to be the best person I can be.

 

3. My high-school art teacher was such an encouragement to me, and he really influenced me to keep art an important part of my life even though my university studies took me away from it. Along with all the technical methods he taught me, he also taught me to be confident in my work and in creating something beautiful. I still paint any chance I get to pick up a brush, and it is such a valuable hobby that I really plan on making a larger part of my life in the near future.

4. So many aspects of the blog-world have significantly influenced me in the short time I have been blogging. To see all of these young, motivated, business-minded, creative people doing what they truly love is amazing. Ever day I learn something new and take something away from my blog-travels. It's incredible! I feel like the mentors/friends I have made have helped me to be confident in following my dream to start my own art/decor-related business, which is a desire I have had for so long. 

5. A book I read years and years ago, called 'Cancer Schmancer,' by Fran Drescher {yes ... The Nanny named Fran!} has always stayed with me. This book largely focused on her successful battle with cancer, but it was so much more than that. Fran is such a strong woman and throughout the humor-filled memoir she conquers so much adversity in her life and comes out on top. She taught me that you can laugh at the crazy things life offers, and focus on what's really important, even when the going gets tough. She really had the attitude of, 'Whatever life throws you, you can get through it!' What a positive influence to women in all walks of life!

Beautifully Organized Space of the Week

This week's beautifully organized space is from the glamorous boudoir of Alison Rubke, co-owner of the luxury lingerie boutique Faire Frou Frou.

The photo above shows one of the drawers of her mirrored dresser specifically dedicated to her pretty bras, where she keeps them neatly folded and nested.

To see the rest of Alison's sophisticated, unabashedly feminine bedroom, click here.

Good Morning

Welcome to a brand new week :)

Although, as usual, I have an awaiting to do list, I like taking a few calm moments in the morning to pleasantly ease into to the week...

How about you? Do you have a busy week ahead? How do you like to start off your Mondays?

P.S. Isn't that blue chair fabulous??

Image credit: 1

5 Things That Made a Difference to Emily

This week's blogger participating in the series "5 Things That Made a Difference" is Emily of Emily A. Clark. If you don't already know and love Emily, she's a mother of three and a super talented interior decorator with her own business. Her always inspiring blog often features beautiful before and afters and great budget finds. Read on to find out what five things have positively influenced her life:

1. My Parents They never failed to encourage me and my brother and sister while we were growing up. Whether we could do something or couldn't, we were always told we could!

2. The BibleIt's full of God's promises and inspiration for every day.

3. Other Design Blogger MomsReading their blogs is what encouraged me to start my own blog and design business. I'm always amazed by how much they get done, both personally and professionally. Just a few of my favorites: Little Green Notebook, Isabella & Max Rooms, Holly Mathis Interiros, and Pure Style Home.

4. Color I'm always inspired by strong color when decorating my own home. It makes me feel happy and creative.

5. The Blind Side I loved the story behind this movie. It reminds me that it's important to help people and okay to fight for the right things.

Thanks to Arianna for asking me to participate in this fun series!

5 Things That Made a Difference to Flavia

This week's blogger participating in the series "5 Things That Made a Difference" is Flavia Heupel of Estilo Home. Flavia and I met through our blogs months ago and have bonded over our shared love of design, and shared life experiences and situations. I love how blogging brings together kindred spirits! Late last year I was excited to cheer her on as she accepted a full-time interior design position and left her stable yet uninspiring and unfulfilling job. Read on to find out what five things have positively influenced her life:

I was so happy when Arianna invited me to participate in this series! Not only was I flattered, but I also thought it would be a great opportunity to think about some of the positive influences in my life.

1. First is my husband, who is always there to encourage me, support me, and love me unconditionally. A lot of the positive changes going on in my life would not have been possible without him. He is my number one cheerleader when it comes to pursuing my dream of a career in Interior Design. I have recently accepted a job in the field that comes with some financial and scheduling sacrifice, but he was fully supportive of my decision. He makes life a little easier and a lot more fun!

2. I was born in Brazil, and though I have lived in the U.S. for nearly 20 years, I still try to remind myself of the positive attitude Brazilians live by, no matter how difficult life can get. They truly know how to celebrate life!

3. My first Interior Design teacher is another important person that helped to change my life’s direction. I took his class when I first started considering design as a career. After turning in my final project, my teacher was incredibly encouraging and helped me believe in myself. Anytime self-doubt creeps in, I remember my teacher’s positive words that I have what it takes to do this!

4. Last year I took a blogging course taught by Holly Becker of Decor8. As she told us her story, one of her quotes really stuck with me: “Fear is a better feeling than regret.” I found this to be so true, and I try to keep this quote in mind to push myself outside my comfort zone and live life to the fullest.

5. My Australian Shepherd Mac. I grew up with a fear of dogs, but once my husband (somehow!) convinced me to get a puppy, fear immediately went away when I laid eyes on this adorable dog! Seeing him so happy all the time is a reminder that there are simpler pleasures in life. And of course walking him is a great excuse for getting some fresh air and exercise!

Thanks Arianna for inviting me to participate! You are a special part of this incredible blogging community!

Beautifully Organized Space of the Week

This week's beautifully organized space is from the home of fellow blogger Jen over at Organized Design.

Jen keeps everything in her Expedit bookcase contained, organized, and looking great by using matching labeled binders, magazine files, and white boxes she customized with gray stripes by using painter's tape and craft paint.

By the way, check out this fabulous quatrefoil lamp she also customized using paint! Head on over to her blog to read about how she did it.

Closet Organization: Boots

During these cold weather months it's nice to have boots easily accessible in the closet. A good way to keep them standing up straight and in an orderly line is to use boot inserts. Inserts help boots retain theirs shape and prevent them from flopping and toppling over into an unattractive pile.

You can find boot inserts at various places including here and here. For a super inexpensive alternative, use old magazines as inserts (that's what I use for my boots!). *Update: Jami of Imagine shared another super inexpensive alternative: old wine bottles!

If you'd prefer, you can hang up your boots by making something like this with cedar boot trees and large cup hooks, or using something like this or this:

image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5