I read somewhere, that after 35 you stop shopping high fashion and start with decor. In my case this couldn’t be more than true. There is something about decorating your home that makes you appreciate the process in every piece you get. At the end of the day, I believe your home is where your spend most of the days and should be a place that you love and feel proud of.
Since I moved to my actual home, four years ago, we have been updating most of the areas and is still a work in progress. As far as style, I prefer a modern look and unique furniture that can last for years and make a great first impression, without looking too put together. I love when a house has character and can tell a story effortlessly instead of a very "matchy matchy" hotel's lobby type of look and feel.
This dining room was my latest project, the dining table has been a huge success with all of our guests. I honestly love how 8 people can eat so comfortably in a big square table that can work as an amazing place for entertaining with still plenty of room to serve family style meals. It is actually very hard to find nice and modern 8 seat dining tables, this one is from Restoration Hardware. The wall in the back is brick wallpaper from Tempaper, the dining seats are from All Modern and the center tray from Pier 1 imports
As you can see, I like to have statement pieces from different stores in the same room. This is why I would love to share my favorite places to shop. Believe me, I have done the research, you just need to adapt it to your own personal style.
Contemporary: Restoration Hardware Modern and All Modern
Custom Mid-century: Joybird
Resort and Coastal: Serena and Lily (my latest obsession)
Unique finds: Anthropology home
Baby and kids: Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn Kids and Lorena Canal Rugs.
Floors: Pisos Millenium
For inspiration: Houzz and Pinterest are my go to places and recently I have found beautiful pictures on Instagram.
1. Standing planter from West Elm 2. Pendants from Serena & Lily 3. Rugs from CB2 4. Coffe table from Anthropologie Home 5. Counter Stools from Serena & Lily 6. Leather Lounger from White Moss 7. Pillow from Serena & Lily
As a treat for you ladies, I have invited my sister and co-founder, Monica Arango, of interior design and styling company Cest’ Ici, to share her top tips when decorating your home. She recently helped me with my youngest son's nursery.
C’est ici TOP TIPS
TIP #1: KEEPT IT or LEAVE IT. Less is more. DECLUTER. We often tend to pile up a bunch of stuff that is not really necessary. Be determined and keep what you really love and is significant in your life. The rest should be history. Keep it simple and clear.
TIP #2: HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS. Reinvent your walls and be inventive. Stick to one color palette and start building a color story. Stick to the colors that you love and add some darker and lighter tones to those colors. Pick one accent color and make this a statement wall.
TIP #3: MOVE AROUND. We love to reinvent spaces by just moving furniture around. It doesn’t require one dollar and it would certainly change the look and feel of the space. Our tip is to first make a layout of the existing furniture and focus on maximizing the space. You may find that some of the furniture can be added to another space or replaced by a better version.
TIP # 4: KEEP IT SIMPLE BUT SIGNIFICANT: It is often seen that the most expensive pieces of furniture at home are the ‘’big stuff’’ - sofas, beds, side tables and dining tables. Our main tip, is to focus on the details and revamp your spaces with small accessories.
TIP #5: ADD BOTANICALS: Yes, it is one of our signature styling tips and it doesn’t cost a fortune. Focus on the spaces that feel isolated and empty, and add some botanicals. Indoor and hanging plants are lovely accessories to any space and are easy to maintain. Our tip, is to invest is to invest in a nice pot and/or basket.
TIP #6: MAKE IT PERSONAL: Your main aim should be to love the space you live in. Our tip is to ask yourself how you want the space to feel first and always remember that you are the most important part of your home therefore make it personal, add your origins and DNA, it is essential in the process.
Seriously, I wanted to share some good pictures of their work, but it's hard to choose. Check some of their projects and get some inspiration, www.cesticidecor.com you will love! Monica is coming to Miami this Summer, in case you want to revamp your home, just saying...
Hope this tips and info will help you create your beautiful home. If you have any amazing stores or boutiques to share, please comment below. Also don't forget to shop decor during holiday weekends, for sure you will find amazing deals!
xoxo
Diana.
Comments