Orient Express

Today's title is inspired by one of my all-time-favorite Agatha Christie novels, which is perfect for one of my all time favorite looks - oriental rugs! I seriously went crazy with this post because I had so many beautiful examples of this timeless and classic staple of interior design. Beautiful in all different shapes and sizes, there are no hard-and-fast rules to styling an oriental rug. Oriental rugs are typically synonymous with a more traditional style but I wanted to show modern and eclectic versions of this look as well.  If you like interior design at all, you will hopefully like this post! 

Hey there, Herringbone!

My day-trip to the Biltmore House several weeks ago left me filled with inspiration and a notebook of ideas for Luabell. At the very top of that notebook was "HERRINGBONE" underlined and in all-caps. Herringbone has been popping up all over the place as of late and the Biltmore's entry hall has the most incredible herringbone ceiling, so I felt inspired to highlight a more modern version of this classic pattern ~ herringbone floors! Seen in everything from marble to wood to brick, this trend can be accomplished in a variety of mediums and when done correctly, has a truly stunning effect. 

These thin tiles of striated marble are so divine, they manage to steal focus from everything else in this incredible bathroom.  

Dark and polished, with a hint of wear-and-tear, I fell in love with these floors at first sight. 

I'm not sure how this floor would handle a pot of marinara (cleaning anything out of that grout might be a nightmare), but this floor is amazing/beautiful/marvelous none the less. 

I love the unexpected pop color provided by the emerald tile. This courtyard is the refection of an unique designer's eye and the result is extraordinary. 

This herringbone floor takes this hallway from beautiful to astounding! What a great way to spice up traditional hardwood floors. 

Brick floors in the kitchen again...I think I really like this look?

These thick, black tiles make a daring statement against the white grout and marble blacksplash.  

Okay, so this might not technically be herringbone, but I thought this was a great alternative for those who prefer a more modern look. 

This is a kitchen is the epitome of English Country and it's orange herringbone floors compliment the design to a tee!

Sleeping under Chandeliers

The thought of my mom hanging a chandelier anywhere that isn't the dining room or entryway is absolutely laughable. I use my mom's taste as a benchmark for all things classic, so when I do a post that I know goes against her taste, I always wonder if I will regret it in ten years? On that pessimistic note, my inspiration today comes from some very special lighting ~ chandeliers! Chandeliers have moved far beyond the traditional crystal in the dining room and now can be seen in a variety of colors, shapes, designs and materials. (Just look below!)

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I think special lighting (like a chandelier or fireplace) is the perfect way to enhance the romantic feel of your bedroom. If either of those options feel a little out of budget or maybe you need something more temporary, I would go for candles or twinkle lights.

Emerald City!

I just saw the new movie trailer for Oz and I am sooooo excited. The Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite movies of all time (original, right?) and Wicked is one of my favorite books (and plays!), so it's probably not surprising that Oz is going to be a movie I actually go see in theaters. I digress, however, from today's inspiration ~ the vibrant color of emerald! I am born in the month of May, so I have a natural predisposition towards emerald as a gemstone, but I am really loving it as an accent color in decor right now. I'm not talking earthy, mossy green accents either. I'm talking about lush and energetic green. The kind of green that would make Liz Taylor proud.  Hope you enjoy!

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Dalmatians 101

Did you see how I reversed the title there? I've fallen in love with a new animal print that I didn't even know existed in the interior design world~Dalmatian! I feel a little bit like I'm taking Cruella de Vil's side on everything, but it is such a fresh take on polka dots. (I'm also really into this antelope pattern shown on Sadie + Stella as a cute substitute for polka dots ). Only the truly bold will start with the wallpaper version of this pattern, but I think a quick throw pillow in a dalmatian print would a great addition to any couch.