8.31.2011

Chic & Stylish Storage Boxes

agate wooden decorative boxes
Decorative boxes {especially with lids so they can be stacked & stay dust free} are are great way to get organized. It's never been easier to find stylish boxes that do double duty – high function and beautiful form – love it! Layer them on a bookcase, house jewelry or store small office supplies atop a desk - you can't go wrong!

jonathan adler laquer hex box
chevron painted ceramic box
pantone tin boxes colors
For a round-up of chic decorative boxes {including the ones seen above}, visit my ideabook on Houzz. Now comes the hard part… narrowing down your favorites!


Are you organizing your home and struggling with clutter? Here are some helpful guidelines to follow and questions to ask when decluttering.


Happy organizing!

8.29.2011

Entertain with Society Social Cocktail Carts

Even though retail stores are rushing us into fall, I am not ready to move on. I love these last days of summer. It’s my favorite time of the year. It’s also a great time for entertaining – inside or out.

colorful chic bar accessories

Refreshing and festive drinks should be part of any gathering. A well stocked and organized bar helps keep the drinks flowing and the atmosphere upbeat. Lucky for us the gals at Society Social have created stylish and colorful cocktail carts and other home furnishings that make being a hostess easy and oh so chic. Their motto is *living sparkly* and from these images you’ll see why…

faux gold bamboo bar cartcolorful fret back rattan folding chairspink bar cart chic entertainingchic bar carts colorful
society social bar carts pictures

Not only is it hard for me to pick my favorite bar cart, but it’s impossible for me to narrow down a color. Are you able to select your favorite?

Happy entertaining!

8.26.2011

Friday Find: Clothbound Children’s Classics by Penguin

clothbound classic books for kids

penguin classic childrens books hardbound

With my kids heading back-to-school, these delightful books caught my eye. Penguin offers the collection of clothbound classics that feature some of my favorites from childhood. They are sold separately, but who can resist buying the entire collection? Currently Anthropologie is selling six titles including The Wind in the Willows, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.  Amazon carries other titles including Black Beauty, Gulliver’s Travels and The Call of the Wild.  In any case, they would make a terrific gift for any child, while adding a splash or color and style to their bookcase.



organized entry mudroom
{photo via The Zhush}

Today, I am also excited to be guest blogging at Courtney Outloud and giving tips on getting organized for back-to-school. Hope you can drop by!


Happy Friday!!!


*images of books from Anthropologie

8.24.2011

GIVEAWAY: Chic Tray by Mariska Meijers

mariska meijers home decor pillows art
Mariska Meijers’ distinctive Dutch style infused with an Asian flair is found throughout her gorgeous line of silk pillows, chic stationary and wooden trays. I love her whimsical patterns and cheery color combinations. If you love it too, here’s your chance to win one of Mariska’s beautiful trays:

chic colorful tray giveaway
asian teapot tray giveaway


Mariska has generously offered to give one of two beautiful 27x20cm trays {seen above} to a lucky Simplified Bee reader!

Here’s how to enter to win:

• It’s simple, leave a comment and let me know what item{s} you like in Mariska Meijers collection. {provide your email if I don't have a way to contact you}.

• Extra Entry - become a new follower of Simplified Bee's Blog, Twitter or Facebook Page.
• Extra Entry - mention this giveaway in a blog post, FB link or tweet, then leave a comment letting me know.
• Please post a separate comment for each extra entry.
• Entry period closes at midnight PST on Wednesday, August 31, 2011. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be announced on the Simplified Bee Facebook page on September 1, 2011.



Good luck!

8.17.2011

Time Out

lake tahoe sunset summeradopt the pace of nature quote emerson

I am taking a few days off from blogging to enjoy summertime and be with with family.

xo,

8.15.2011

Invite: Decor8 Book Signing in San Francisco



The very popular design blogger, Holly Becker of Decor8 recently released her first book with lifestyle writer, Joanna Copestick. Appropriately titled, Decorate contains over 1,000 design tips, 500 beautiful color photographs and features some of the world's top designers including Kelly Wearstler, Amy Butler and Jonathan Adler. For every room and budget, the book delivers a blend of design inspiration with step-by-step instructions for beautiful results. 






This month Holly Decor8 will be zig zagging the US this month on her official Decorate Book Tour.  Anthropologie is hosting various book signing parties, so look for one near you.

decor8 book signing event san francisco

I will be attending the one in San Francisco on August 25th. I hope you will be able to join me!



*images via Decor8 & Amazon.com

8.12.2011

Friday Find: Mariska Meijers Amsterdam

Artist, Markiska Meijers of Amsterdam has recently been featured in Rue Magazine and I had the fortune of meeting her last month at the San Francisco Design Blogger Meet-up. Her vibrant collection is gorgeous and it's today’s Friday Find.

Handcrafted in the Netherlands, Mariska’s distinctive Dutch style infused with an Asian flair is most notable throughout the line of silk pillows, chic stationary and wooden trays. The whimsical patterns and bold color are upbeat and fresh. I love it all!  

mariska meijers home decor pillows art

Mariska will be showing her exquisite collection at the NY International Gift Fair August 13-18, 2011 at Home Pier 94. Be sure to check back here the week of August 22nd – Mariska will be hosting a giveaway here at Simplified Bee! {yippee!}


Happy Friday!

8.09.2011

Chic Shelf Paper GIVEAWAY

Finishing off shelves and drawers with decorative paper can add just the right touch of color and texture to a space. Chic Shelf Paper offers hundreds of stylish designs and colors to accommodate just about anyone’s taste and needs. Designed to last, these chic shelf papers and drawer liners are made of a high-quality, durable materials such as heavy matte paper, fine weave fabric and laminated vinyl. Best yet, the adhesive backing makes it easy to install and remove. Here are some of my favorites:


chic shelf paper giveaway


The nice folks at Chic Shelf Paper has generously offered to give a $50 gift certificate to one lucky Simplified Bee reader!

Here’s how to enter to win {This giveaway is open to US residents 18 years and older only}:
 
• It’s simple, leave a comment and let me know what style of paper is your favorite. {provide your email if I don't have a way to contact you}.

• Extra Entry - become a new follower of Simplified Bee's Blog, Twitter or Facebook Page.
• Extra Entry - mention this giveaway in a blog post, FB link or tweet, then leave a comment letting me know.
• Please post a separate comment for each extra entry.
• Entry period closes at midnight PST on Tuesday, August 16, 2011. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be announced on the Simplified Bee Facebook page on August 17, 2011.



Good luck!

8.08.2011

Styling a Living Room & Photo Shoot

For the last several months I have had the pleasure of working with interior designer, Leslie Lundgren on several of her projects {watch out for more of her work – she is up and coming!}. Last week she asked me to help style one of her client’s homes for a photo shoot. Michaela, my summer intern is a great amateur photographer and she agreed to take the pictures.

spanish style home living room fireplace
The charming Spanish style home, located on the San Francisco peninsula features gorgeous arched windows, doorways and wooden beams. The beautiful décor blends  traditional, Chinoiserie and a relax California styles.  

california bohemian style living roomLeslie’s client gave her free rein to move items and style the space as she wished. Fresh garden roses and orchids were brought in for the photo shoot, but most of the other accessories and smaller furnishings were simply rearranged.

chinoiserie living room bar designer
The vignette above is a great example of how the room evolved while styling; Originally the chest had the green jaguar lamp {now on the entry console seen below}, a bar set on a wooden tray and a small framed wedding invitation hung above. Although the original vignette was sweet, we added larger and more colorful artwork, replaced the wooden tray with a metal one and added height by bringing in a trio of orchids in a blue and white Asian pot.

entry spanish style home aqau door
We had such a fun time working together. As you can image, we all had opinions on what looked good where. In the end however, our ability to work together and keep an open mind helped evolve the look. Not only were we pleased with the result, most importantly the client loved it. Here was her response,


"Leslie has helped me finish off my rooms with great style and a certain edge that says 'so long to boring beige'!  She and her team brilliantly utilized my existing traditional pieces and adding a freshness through colorful accessories, rugs and simple yet brilliant floor plan changes.  The results are exciting and fun.  She has also helped me hone in on my personal style so that I can move forward on my own (with her input when needed).  She has helped me take chances, and go with my gut on designing.  Fab!"

chinoiserie living room cristin michaela leslie
{me, Leslie and Michaela at the end of the shoot}

Do you have a favorite image? Don’t you think Michaela took some amazing pictures?

*all photo used with permission from Leslie Lundgren Design

8.05.2011

Ronda’s Interview with Amanda Nisbet

SFERRA, a leader in luxury linens, expanded their popular “In Bed With…”  series with with new videos that explore the intimate relationship décor has with bedding.  In each video, SFERRA brings one of its favorite designers to get cozy in a SFERRA bed with host and Brand Ambassador, Ronda Carman of All The Best Blog.  The designers share insights into their linen preferences, inspirations and cherished memories.

sferra linens amanda nisbet
The newest video interview is with New York-based interior designer, Amanda Nisbet. It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Amanda’ work and Ronda Carman’s All The Best Blog, so it just made sense that I share it with you today.

Amanda’s answer to the question, “what’s the number one thing every bedroom should have?” is the best!


8.03.2011

Virtual Design Client: Orange & Blue Boys Bedroom

One aspect of my business that I have really enjoyed is working with virtual clients. After completing a questionnaire and a phone call {or two}, I have a good understanding of what my client is trying to achieve aesthetically and functionally for the space.

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of working with a mom who asked me to design a bedroom for her two young boys. She wanted the room to feel light & airy, incorporate a blue/gray color palette with pops of orange and give a nod to Star Wars {her hubby is a huge fan} without be too cutesy.

Here is one of two inspiration boards I created for the room:
orange blue boys bedroom design
The name “Bingo Breeze” was selected because it’s the name of the bedding shown in the upper left from Little House by Annette Tatum. To be fair to my clients, I will not share the other board, but it complements this board and makes it easy to mix & match items.

RA orange blue monogram pillow options
There are so many aspects of this design that I love, but one in particular are the custom monogram pillows from Jonathan Adler. Here are the three designs that I proposed to the client. Which one is your favorite?

The room is still in progress, but if okay with the client I will share a photo or two of the completed room.

If you are interested in learning more about my virtual design services please contact me at simplifedbee {@} yahoo {dot} com.

8.01.2011

I’m Inspired… New House of 50!

Earlier this year my blogger friend Janell Beals, a Portland, Oregon-based interior designer and editor of Isabella & Max Rooms blog, launched a new online lifestyle magazine, House of Fifty.

house of 50 issue 2 2011
The second issue has hit the virtual newsstands and is so inspirational! It includes a little something for everyone including how to organize incoming mail, decorating with kids’ art and a look at getting fit with pilates.

I loved seeing articles featuring some of my favorite bloggers including:

centsational girl photo tips{photo tips from Kate at Centsational Girl}

lauren liess dc showhouse room
lauren liess dc showcase green room
lauren liess window seat matresses stacked
{Interview with Lauren Liess of Pure Style Home – these are images of her room in this year’s DC Design House – amazing stacked mattresses for the window seat!}

emily a clark boys bedroom
{Curtain Trend Alert by Emily A. Clark  - this little boy’s room is so sweet!}

I hope you get a chance to visit House of Fifty’s Fall issue – you will be inspired too. 
Congrats Janell!

**Planning an event and need flyers or an invite printed? 
You will have to enter the Uprinting giveaway!**

UPrinting Flyer GIVEAWAY

As a small business owner, I am always looking for ways to market my services, but at a reasonable price. Uprinting is a terrific site for anyone interested in creating business cards, flyers, invitations, canvas prints and much more. They have easy customizable options, free templates and super fast turn-around times. You can order promotional materials for your business, gifts for family or friends or new business cards for your business or blog.
 nightflyers
The kind folks at Uprinting.com are generously giving away 250 Nightclub Flyers/Flyers to one Simplified Bee reader. The flyers are available in 2 different sizes, 4.25" x 5.5", 4" x 6" and are printed on 14pt Cardstock Gloss {front only printing}.  Nightclub flyer templates and business flyer templates also available for download. UPrinting will turn around your order in just three days and provide free shipping!


I know you all don’t own a night club or a trendy bar {smile}, but how fun would it be to use these flyers as invites, announcements or menu cards? Can you think of other ways they could be used?


Here’s how to enter to win {This giveaway is open to US residents 18 years and older only}:


• It’s simple, leave a comment. {provide your email if I don't have a way to contact you}.
• Extra Entry - become a new follower of Simplified Bee's Blog, Twitter or Facebook Page.
• Extra Entry - mention this giveaway in a blog post, FB link or tweet, then leave a comment letting me know.
• Please post a separate comment for each extra entry.
• Entry period closes at midnight PST on Sunday, August 7, 2011. The winner will be chosen by Random.org.



Good luck!
* Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive night club flyers for hosting. For more information about flyers, please visit UPrinting.com *