Friday Finds: {Dining Chairs under $100}



 

Happy Friday!  Can someone please tell me where January went?  This month has totally flown by!  I hope the first month of the new year has been a good one for you!

 

Today I am sharing some great dining chair options with you!  These chairs are all sold in sets, but if you do the math, each chair comes out to be $100 or less (much less in some cases)!

 

I get asked about the source for my dining room chairs often.  I actually found them at Kirkland's several years ago on clearance.  After driving to several stores, I found four of them which was not an easy task! I paired mine with a antique harvest table and really love the look!

 

 

Below you will see some options for similar chairs, along with a few other fun styles!  As noted below, next to the links, some of the chairs are available in additional color choices! 

 

Click on corresponding number and description for direct link to website:
1. Silver metal chairs-set of 2
2. Gray Tufted Parson Chairs-set of 2 (additional colors available)
3. Black X-back bistro chairs-set of 2  (only one set left!)
4. Vintage Style Cafe Chairs (available in black and tan)-set of 2
5. Wood Cafe Chairs-set of 2
6. Mod Tower Chairs-set of 2 (additional colors available)
7. Distressed metal white chairs-set of 2
8. Clear ghost chairs-set of 2

What do you think?  Which one if your favorite?

Don't forget to check out my other Friday Finds posts for more great deals: (click on link)
Galvanized Goodies
Lanterns Under $200
Chandeliers Under $200

Enjoy your weekend!

Friday Finds: {Galvanized Goodies}

Happy Friday!  It is no secret that I am a huge fan of galvanized metal.  I am not sure what it is, but it always catches my eye when I am out shopping!  Today's Friday Finds post features a few things that I wouldn't mind having in my home!

Click on corresponding number for link to item:
1. Numbered Canister Set
2. 3 Tiered Tray
3. Beverage Dispenser
4. Set of 3 Canisters
5. Beverage Tub/Stand
6. Mason Jar Caddy
7. Two Tiered Plant Stand
8. Galvanized Clock
9. 3 Planter Caddy
10. Napkin Caddy
11. Round Tray
12. Wall Organizer

What I really love about most of the items I featured is that they can be used in a variety of ways.  Buying décor that is multifunctional is always a great idea!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Friday Finds: {Lanterns Under $200}

Hey there, Friday! So glad you are here!  It has been a crazy week and I am ready for a relaxing weekend!

Today I am sharing some lovely lanterns that are all under $200!  From traditional to modern, I've covered a variety of different styles!

 

For sources, just click on the corresponding numbered links:
1. 4 sided glass lantern
2. Hexagon Pendant
3. Angelo Lantern
4. Imports 12 light Lantern
5. Ashley Lantern
6. Leaf Motif Lantern
7. Piedmont Lantern
8. Capital Lighting Bronze Lantern
9. Capital Lighting Nickel Lantern
10. 3 Light Cage Lantern

I am loving number 6, but they are all pretty great....especially for the price!  I promise every "Friday Finds" post won't be lighting, but these were too good not to share!  Have something you are on the hunt for and would like to see featured on a future post?  Leave a comment and let me know!

You can check out some of my other posts on great finds below:
Friday Finds: Chandeliers Under $200
Friday Finds: 3 tiered stands
Shop the Look: Rustic Bathroom
Shop the Look: Coffee Bar
Friday Finds: Ruffle Shower Curtain

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Friday Finds: {Chandeliers under $200}

Happy Friday!


I have been sourcing different lighting options for a few clients and came across these beauties that are all under $200!  A new chandelier is a great way to give a room a new, updated look!

Links (click on description for sources):

1. Beaded Teardrop Chandelier // 2. Aged Crystal Chandelier // 3. Honeycomb Chandelier // 4. Rustic Wire Chandelier // 5. Vintage Wire Chandelier // 6. Wood Bead Chandelier // 7. Petite Bead Chandelier // 8. Crystal Drop Chandelier // 9. Black Iron Crystal Ball Chandelier // 10. Sphere Chandelier

Which one is your favorite?

Enjoy your weekend!

{Designer Spotlight: Kathy Kuo} + a giveaway

Well hello there, 2015! If you are like me, you have packed up the holiday decor (or soon will) and are ready to get your home back in order!  The house feels so empty once the seasonal decor is gone, but it is a great time to switch things up, add a few new pieces and create a fresh, new look!  

I am ringing in the new year with one of my favorite online retailers, Kathy Kuo Home and we have a special treat for one of you!  I cannot tell you how excited I was when Kathy Kuo Home contacted me and asked me to team up with them for an amazing giveaway! 

If you follow me on Instagram, then you will notice some familiar items from my home that are available on their website:

Our Coffee Table:
Link: Urban Mercantile Coffee Table

 

Our Foyer Chandelier:
Link: Bonfire Chandelier

And the newest addition to my breakfast nook:
Link: Metal Cafe Bench

Before we get to the giveaway, I want to introduce you to the fabulous Kathy Kuo, designer and owner of Kathy Kuo Home.

 

"When really good design happens, you just don't notice it." - Kathy Kuo

Born with a passion for travel and a flair for design, Kathy's experience in fashion, media and all facets of the design informs her work for clients around the globe, as well as her namesake online boutique.  Encompassing everything from designing celebrity homes to appearing in FYI network's Rowhouse Showdown, Kathy's signature approach fuses the language of international style with technical and design virtuosity.

A standout talent in interiors - not only as an expert stylist but also as someone who understands first hand the countless materials, crafts, traditions, and techniques of the trade - Kathy has worked with stars like Robert Redford and Halle Berry and has had her designs featured in AD, ELLE decor and other lifestyle publications

When she's not traveling around the world sourcing inspiration and items, Kathy and her team can be found in NYC, sharing their favorite finds with clients and the world at large through www.kathykuohome.com. 

I had the pleasure of asking Kathy a few questions and gained some insight into her lifestyle and her brand!  I know you will enjoy her answers and seeing some of her amazing design work as much as I did!

Q and A with Kathy Kuo:

Lindsay:  As a successful business woman and interior designer, what is one piece of advice you would share with someone just starting out?

Kathy: Figure out what you're good at, find your little niche.  You'd be surprised that that "little" niche is not so little after all.  Stay true to who you are, don't worry about what your competitors are doing, just continue to define your voice and brand because at the end of the day, that is the one thing that sets you apart from everyone else.  
(Great answer and I couldn't agree more!)

Lindsay:  If you had to describe Kathy Kuo Home in just 4 words, what would they be?

Kathy: Elegant, sophisticated, eclectic, and classic (phew! Not an easy one!) 

 

Lindsay:  How would you describe your personal style? 
 

Kathy: The above four words.  As my style continues to evolve, so does my brand.   

 

Lindsay:  Where do you turn to for design inspiration?

Kathy: Everywhere!  I am obsessed with Pinterest.  I read a lot of blogs from travel, fashion, food to mommy blogs (I have a 2 year old), and try to meld that all together in something that's meaningful for our clients.  Now that I have a daughter, practicality, and things that would weather through toddler years became more important to me, though I love white (cringe!).  And light neutrals,
Sigh.  Scotchguard and a good upholstery cleaner are my saving grace! 

 

Lindsay: What room in your home is your favorite and why? 

Kathy: I love my daughters room. I did an animal parchment paper in her reading nook:  {LINK to wallpaper} with coordinating pillows and Matouk's Paisley bedding that just washes so well.  But my favorite part of her nook is the Circa Lighting sconces we wired in, so at night, when all the lights are out - we pretend to be reading 'in a jungle' together, and we go through all the animals (and animal sounds) on her wall, and talk about them.  
 

Her room was designed for a girl that could grow into her tween and possibly teenage years (gasp!), with a built in desk and ample storage. She's not a girly girl...wait, she's 2.  I'm not a girly girl stylistically, hence the neutral and warm palette that also reads "kid" but not "pink princess." 

 

 

(Seriously, I would never leave this space!)

Lindsay:  What current design trends do you see sticking around for a long time?  What trends do you predict we will see in 2015?

Kathy: Nature inspired - quartz, stone, branch, petrified wood, birch are all wonderful materials that we think will stand the test of time in 2015.  Metallic are another classic- seeing more gold and brass especially in kitchen/ bath hardware and decorative accessories.  
 

We love the neutral and natural pallet that Whimsy Girl Design embodies, and we think that the rustic elegant trend will also continue to be strong.  

 

 

Lindsay: Is there anything else you would like us to know about Kathy Kuo Home?

 

Kathy: We're a tight knit group of design obsessed girls here in NYC.  All of us really love what we do, and we truly have a lot of fun through the day.  Our days start with an espresso in the morning, and Prosecco at happy hour and that's a bad day.  

Some will be surprised that I take some customer service phone calls.  It's always fun to hear people shocked on the other end when they ask: "THE Kathy, like Kathy, Kathy?"  Yes, I love answering the phone and answering your design questions!  So call me!

 

Kathy, thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions.  I loved reading your answers and getting to know more about you and your brand!  I am ready to up and move to NYC and work for Kathy Kuo Home....oh, and I am totally calling you for design advice! For more design inspiration from Kathy Kuo, check out The Kuotes Blog!

As mentioned above, Kathy generously offered up a $200 gift card to Kathy Kuo Home to one of my lucky readers!  What I really love about Kathy Kuo Home is that they have a variety of merchandise in several different styles.  Like all retailers, you can shop by item but the great thing is you can also shop by a specific collection/style.  Here is a peek at some of their amazing merchandise...

Click below to see more from each collection:
Coastal Beach  // French Country // Industrial Loft // Rustic Lodge // Hollywood Regency // Global Bazaar  OR Shop by Trend: Trend Shop

I could shop this website all day....so many gorgeous items to choose from!

So...who wants to win a $200 gift card to Kathy Kuo Home?  Now is your chance to enter...see the Rafflecopter entry form below!  Winner will be announced Monday, Jan. 12th!  Good luck!

  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday Finds: {3 tiered stands and my desk calendar}

Happy Friday....I did not have a post planned for today, but decided to pop in real quick when I came across these goodies!

I get asked a lot about the tiered stands I have in my home.  The ones I have came from Homegoods and Tuesday Morning but I know several of you have searched and searched with no luck.  I did a little searching for you online and came across these!  While the prices are a little higher than what I paid, I still wanted to share them with you incase you just cannot live without them!

Link: Rectangular Wooden Stand

Link: Round Wooden 3 Tier Stand

 Galvanized 3 Tier Stand (I don't own this one, but I might in the future!)

 

 

And because so many people have asked about my cute little desk calendar...

I found it for you!!
Click here: Wood and Metal Desk Calendar
**Note: the original source I posted sold out quickly. They are still available but the price is way more than what I originally linked!  You might check back and see if the original source gets more in for the lower price. **

Happy Shopping!

New Year's Ramblings

I am not a great writer.  I overuse commas, I create run on sentences and I don't always convey my thoughts in the best way...so please cut me some slack. I am not a life coach or a therapist, but I consider myself a pretty decent human being. One that has made mistakes, one that tries to see the best in everything, but one that doesn't always get it right.  These are just a few of my thoughts going into 2015.... (I will be back to home decor soon, so don't worry and please bare with me! ) 

There is nothing really magical about January 1st.  It is just another day on the calendar...like every other day.  For some reason though, it creates a feeling of new, another chance, a clean slate, a fresh start.  We are all excited for a new year as we close the door on the last one.  For some that means saying goodbye to fond memories and to others that means letting go of hardships.  For me, I am thankful for 2014, hardships and all.  Life experiences are part of our story, they are what makes us the people we are today.  They do not have to define us but they are the words to our story.

So going into 2015, a new chapter in my book of life, I have goals....just like most people.  There are some simple ones....drink more water, get more sleep, exercise more, blah, blah, blah. I will do my best! 

Then there are some that are really important to me and to those I love the most. 

-Being present in the moment...not nodding yes and saying "uh-huh" while I scroll through my phone when my daughters or husband are trying to tell me something and knowing I didn't really hear what they said.

-Not saying "maybe later" or "in a minute" knowing that I do not mean what I am saying and those phrases are just being used instead of "no".

-Saying "yes" when I can.  I posted on Instagram about this.  I think as moms we often say no (or "in a minute" or "maybe later") because we don't want to deal with a mess, we are stressed out or because we have such a habit of saying no without considering saying yes.  What I find when I say yes, is that it makes me slow down, it gives me a chance to see my kids do something they enjoy, it gives them a chance to discover new things and most importantly, it shows me that I can learn a lot about them (and from them) when I say yes!

-Say "no" to things that do not benefit my family or friends.  I worked on this last year and it was such a relief.  I think sometimes we want to do it all....even when we know we need to manage our time better!

-Schedule time for "me time".  Save the Instagram scrolling, Pinterest pinning, Facebook liking, TV watching for when the kids are at school or in bed. 

-Blogging more...I PROMISE I will be posting the infamous paint tutorials I promised my IG followers!  Pinky swear!! 

-Realizing that while I am not saving lives, teaching our leaders of tomorrow or discovering a cure for cancer...I do have a passion and a gift and I need to use it.  I cannot even tell you how neat it is to have you all follow me on Instagram and Facebook, comment on my photos, read my blog posts and send me pictures of something I inspired you to do!  It makes my heart happy!  I cannot wait to challenge myself to do more in 2015!

-And lastly, be me. Be comfortable in my own skin.  Be confident in what I know I do well and work on the things that need improvement. Push myself to try new things and take a step out of my comfort zone! Be the best "me" I can be....in every aspect of my life.  That doesn't mean be perfect, that means putting my best effort into everything I do and living with no regrets!

May 2015 be the best year yet!

I would love to hear your goals for 2015!  Please feel free to share in the comments section!