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! 

Lua's all-time favorite Oscar dresses

In preparation for the Academy Awards tonight, Lua and I have put together a list of our all time favorite Oscar dresses. This is a bit of a departure from my usual blog topic, but I thought tonight might be a good time to start branching out. We have chosen our favorite gowns (and the runners up) by color: pink, white, black, red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. Some of these dresses are on everyone's list (Michelle William's in Vera Wang for instance) and some are just our personal favorite (Nicole Kidman's blush colored Chanel), but each of these dresses has a unique beauty that stands above the rest. What makes these dresses so spectacular? Is it color? Fit? Embellishments? The actress in the dress? Whatever it is, these dresses have managed to make a lasting impression on the fashion industry and 16 year olds shopping for prom dresses everywhere. 

Nicole Kidman - Chanel

Natalie Portman - Rodarte 

Anne Hathaway - Armani Prive

Gwyneth Paltrow - Tom Ford 

Reese Witherspoon - Valentino 

Angelina Jolie - Elie Saab 

Kate Winslet - Ben de Li

Jennifer Lawrence - Calvin Klein 

Charlize Theron - Vera Wang

Michelle Williams - Louis Vuitton

Michelle Williams - Vera Wang 

Renee Zellweger - Jean Desses 

Julianna Moore - Tom Ford for YSL

Nicole Kidman - Dior

Nicole Kidman - Chanel

Hilary Swank - Guy Laroche

Reese Witherspoon - Nina Ricci 

Mila Kunis - Elie Saab

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.