Refined Organic Tablesetting

Okay, so I'm going to be telling my age here, but when I first started feathering my nest, the hot decorating colors were mauve and wedgewood blue (makes me a bit nauseous to think about now). Country was all the rage, and I do mean country: I'm talking light oak, tons of dotted cotton ruffles, and geese.

Thankfully, we have so many more options when it comes to decorating these days. Lines are blurred between styles, so much so that they have morphed into rustic modern, refined organic, and more unexpected labels. It's quite freeing, actually. We can incorporate so many favorites into one room by tying in a single element using color, texture, or style.

Here's a great example of this fusion of styles.

The Ikat tablecloth is organic and fun, and the colors are trendy, yet understated. The flatware is classic; its clean lines blend with any style, and the damask stamp adds a special flair. The dinnerware echoes the tranquil look of smooth riverstones. The styling reminds me of what I call "grandma dishes," but with an organic edge. Can you see the delicate braided relief around the dinner plate edge? And what about the medallion stamp on the salad plate? Each of these little details add boutique style to everyday durability. I love the little bowl -- the tulip shape makes it so special. And the glass goblet brightens up the table.

For those of you who are interested, these are the brand new Willow House products (available beginning August 2011) featured in this post:

• Adelaide Flatware
• Riverstone Collection Dinnerware
• Salud Glass Goblets

Each of these products can be purchased through my design workshops, as well as through my online store. (Contact me for details on getting these products FREE when you host a design workshop or virtual party -- August 2011 hosts can get up to 50% of their total party sales in free products!).

{I love that some of the new Willow House Jewelry by Sara Blaine gives a nod to the details of our latest tableware... it's all Simply Good Design!}



© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
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Tip 8: Update your Bathroom

 {This is part of the series "Top Ten Tips for Decorating on a Budget"}

Making some small, but fresh, changes to your bathroom can make a big impact – after all, this is the one room that everyone uses, including your guests!

You might have a powder room (half bath) that serves as your guest bath. This room is fun to decorate because of its small size; little details can really make a big difference. Bold colors carry well here without being overwhelming, so we can unleash our creativity with paint or accents. But the smallness of the room can also lead to a feeling of stuffiness. Candles and flowers are a great antidote, adding an air of freshness to the space. Look for beauty and flexibility, such as the Camille Vases shown. Glass sparkles in any décor, from modern to cottage chic, and these vases can brighten the room with either candles or flowers.

Add a designer’s touch to your guest bath with a beautiful towel ring adorned with a generously-sized hand towel. (Insert Hathaway Towel Ring picture) This simple touch adds an architectural accent that is beautiful as well as functional.

And don’t neglect your own bathroom space. Again, glass can add some pizzazz while corralling your cosmetic accessories. The Amelia Beaded Glass Tray and Trio shown here provide a classic solution to an age old problem.



Note: Would you like to brighten up your bathroom and other spaces in your home? Willow House Makeover Design Workshops are a fun way to make a change in your home, especially when you can earn free and discounted products for hosting! If you’d like to know more, contact me.

Glassware brightens up every style!

Glass just adds class, doesn't it. It's an easy way to tie an area together while not being locked into one color, because you can simply change out your filler, whether candles, flowers, fruit, or collections. It easily moves form room to room, allowing you to change things up in your home without a major project.

For ideas on styling with glass, watch this video. Melanie Grant really knows how to let the glass shine in your design!

For more great glass stylings, visit my Willow House website and browse the catalog!