moroccan style with chalk paint

If you live in Orange County and have even a little bit of a crafty bone in your body, then you’re probably familiar with Peinture Studios in Costa Mesa at the SoCo Collection. They offer Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, beautiful stencils, and other unique items. They also hold workshops where they'll instruct you on transforming your own piece of furniture with chalk paint, wax and other finishes. 

Peinture owner and designer Deborah Waltz has opened up her Orange home to Orange Coast Magazine this month and shares the secret to her own personal inspiration.

After a trip to Morocco, Deborah was so inspired that she arrived home with a new mission, to bring some of that old world charm into her home. Here’s a little glimpse of how Deborah transformed her brand new tract home with vintage pieces, architectural salvage, chalk paint and distinct stenciling. 

Salvaged Victorian porch columns anchor this space and give it symmetry. New light fixtures are replaced throughout the home with a variety of vintage ones. Annie Sloan Primer Red is used on the back wall. 

I love that the stencil work on the fireplace is reminiscent of patterned cement tile that's so popular right now. Notice all the different patterns used here. 

Two lovely vignettes of favorite gathered treasures. 

I just so happen to have been at Peinture earlier this week picking up a couple of new colors for a chair and a bench that I’m working on. I hope a little of Deborah’s magic rubs off on me and my projects! 

Here’s a shot from inside Peinture Studios. If you’re in the area, stop by and get inspired! 

ciao! fabiana

via Orange Coast Magazine

easy burlap table runner

On the lookout for a simple burlap runner? Why not make your own? It’s super easy to create! All you need is some burlap fabric-by-the yard and scissors. No hemming required. Here’s the one I made for my Valentine’s Day tablescape…

I purchased my burlap bolt from Oriental Trading, and it's the perfect color and texture I was looking for! I started by cutting my burlap fabric to the size of 17” x 80”. That size seemed perfect for my small round dining table. I took out the two leaves from the table to have a more intimate dining experience.

The secret is to cut the fabric very straight right along the lines of the threads. It’s actually pretty easy, since the burlap already provides a grid pattern. Once you get your cuts made to the size you desire, you need to fringe the edges. 

This is simply done by taking two threads at a time and unraveling them from the fabric to create a fringe on each edge. I ended up taking about 7-8 threads off for each side. This gave me the look I was going for, but you can play with it for a more tailored look or a more shaggy look. I recommend cutting and fringing outside, or in the garage, because this process can be a little messy.

Here’s the finished edge. I hot glued some glittery hearts on the ends that were left over from my gold glitter mantle garland. You’ll see the rest of the Valentine tablescape later this week!

ciao! fabiana

a little valentine's day peek

Happy Saturday! I’ve been working on this Valentine's Day tablescape for the last couple of days and now I'm ready to share a little preview with all of you. I used copper accents as my starting point and went from there. Aren't these mini lanterns cute? 

Two of these provide the perfect ambiance for this cozy table for two. You'll get to see the whole table next week! Until then, I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

ciao for now, fabiana   

the table is home tour ready

Just a little something to help brighten up this rainy day… This gorgeous tablescape was styled by Maison Midi for the Newport Harbor Home Tour in May. 

Shades of tangerine, coral and aquamarine contrast beautifully with the rustic weathered table at this Lido Island home, here in Newport Beach. 

   

The NHHT committee is currently busy selecting fabulous homes for the 2017 home tour, and I can’t wait to see all the amazing décor and table settings this year! 

If you haven’t been on the NHHT yet, I highly recommend attending. This year the home tour is on May 18th. 

The best local designers are always showcased! 

I love how this table décor just brightens up the whole back yard. The flower arrangements casually cascade across the table and soften the whole look. 

Roses, white peonies, alstroemeria, protea and scented geranium are among the flowers displayed on the tables for an elegant and distinct look.

  

Viewed from above, this table's a stunner!

Oh, and meet Pablo. He’s been put out to pasture here on Lido Isle, and he’s devoted to watching over the table and the back yard! 

ciao! fabiana

Photos by our home tour photographer, Susan Rinek.

For more Newport Harbor Home Tour inspiration,
check out this brand new book:

brass furniture now

Brass furniture, once so passé, is looking quite hot these days! Caroline Stanbury’s new home in Dubai is looking sleek and chic. The gold tone of her brass table and chairs gives off a modern vibe, but has the elegant style of the 1970’s, #throwback!    
  

And this look is turning up in lots of fun stores now too! Jonathan Adler, known for retro-chic style, is featuring brass furnishings like crazy right now!

Add a little touch of glamour to your home! Maybe you just need a can of metallic gold spray paint to update some of your things! Think out of the box...

Look at this brass bedside table. It’s got ultra-traditional style that’s always a classic.

I say “YES" to these gorgeous barstools! 

This little work space would look wonderful in any room!

So cute!

ciao! fabiana

photo credit:

Harper's Bazaar

Jonathan Adler

Lauren Conrad

Ralph Lauren Home

Wisteria

CB2

Oliver Bonas

Harper's Bazaar

winter flowers

Aren’t these hanging baskets amazing?! I spotted these yesterday at the entrance of Roger’s Gardens. Pretty deep pink cyclamen and primrose flowers really pop against the green and gray foliage. I've never seen anything like these wooden lantern shaped planters. Roger's always has great new items!  

And what about this mermaid concrete planter? I purchased two similar ones last summer in Laguna Beach and filled them with cascading succulents, but I love how this one’s styled with a bouquet of white flowers. The ranunculus are so charming, spotted in Veranda. And how about your favorite little tea cup filled with English daisies? Treat yourself, or a friend, to something sweet and lovely! xoxo

do something amazing today! 

ciao,  fabiana

black and white curb appeal

White homes with black trim… it’s a look that’s been around for ages, it’s a look that I have blogged about a few times, and today I have a few more of my faves to share with you all, just for fun! Don't you love this idea for different black and white tiles on the front steps? 

The wrought iron details are fab!  

A classic look with a farmhouse fence and gate.

I love the symmetry and those huge palm trees,

and circular driveways are the best! So elegant!

Modern townhouse living with traditional style.

Three stories of fabulousness in this Carolina home,

with tons of outdoor porch space too. 

White painted brick is one of my  all-time favorite looks.

I love how the front steps just draw you in... 

I love the steel framed door paired with this classical pediment.

Story book charm and charming turquoise door.

  

This one of my faves! -- My husband's childhood home in Geneva, Illinois. Not only did he grow up in this house, but so did his mother!

Here’s a cute little cottage in my neighborhood. The stonework really works in nicely with the black and white look.

And for all you "black sheep" out there, why not try a black house with white trim! Kind of a fun look, ya think? Well, I hope you’ve all enjoyed a marvelous Monday and MLK Day. The kids were off school today, and we just lounged around a little today, and got some odds and ends done around the house. 

The fun part for me was that I got plant some winter lettuce and kale in large pots in the yard, and then I ran over to Roger’s Gardens to get a few of my favorite herbs to fill in gaps in my garden; Sage, thyme, mint and lavender. Our lemon tree is practically falling over, full of fruit! 

And, you know what they say, "When life gives you lemons," well, you can fill in the blank, but in my case, we enjoyed this proverb to it's literal meaning. We made some fresh-squeezed lemonade.  

ciao! fabiana

photo credits:

Serena & Lily

House Beautiful

Luxe Source

Pinterest

Traditional Home

Ciao Newport Beach Blog

5 fun things to check out...

Hey everyone!  I hope you’re having a fabulous weekend! I wanted to take a few minutes to share a few things that have got me excited this week. First is the premiere of Victoria on Masterpiece. I’ve heard really great things about this show, and I’m hoping it will help replace Downton Abbey as one of my favorite Sunday night treats. 

This gorgeously done show tells the real story of a young Princess Victoria, who has grown up in a very sheltered environment. The story begins as she becomes Queen of England, falls in love and soon becomes the most powerful woman in the world! 

The details and period costumes look like they're right on par with the stunning production of Downton Abbey. Look for the show on your favorite PBS station. 

And speaking of great things in Britain, if you’re a fan of Ladies of London, then you may have gotten a peek at Dundas Castle on this week’s episode. The ladies plan a little getaway at this magnificent Scottish Castle in Edinburgh. 

The rooms and the grounds are spectacular, and (again) very Downton Abbey! I know next time I’m in the UK, I will try to plan a side trip to Dundas. As you may have noticed, I’m a bit of an Anglophile, so this gets me really excited. Planning my next rip now…lol!

And now off to Denmark… Hygge! I’ve been seeing this word everywhere! Have you? In my head, I kept pronouncing it High-Ghee, but it’s actually Hoo-Guh. Anyways, hygee loosely means comfort in the old Danish language, and it’s basically a word used to express things you can do to comfort yourself, and create a cozy environment. 

For those cold winter days and nights, think a warm fire, a luxurious blanket, your favorite candles flickering, and a delicious beverage to warm your soul. This is what I thrive for everyday! 

Coziness, and now we have 

a whole movement, 

Hygge!

I’m thrilled to welcome two new sponsors to my blog this year, Brick House Fabrics and Cushy Chic Outdoor Slipcovers and Accessories. Brick House Fabrics offers thousands of different novelty home decorating fabrics by the yard. They import many of their fabrics directly from mills in Europe. 

Cushy Chic is the perfect one-stop site for recovering outdoor cushions, at budget friendly prices. They’ve developed a special patent-pending technology to create their outdoor fabrics that come in several fun colors. 

Have a lovely Sunday, 

and let me know what you think of Victoria, 

if you get a chance to watch!  

ciao! fabiana

making a succulent wreath

Here’s a fun little weekend project that will be cheery addition to your home this winter. Enjoy it in your home and then, come Spring, hang it on your door or in the garden. 

If you live in a warm weather area, you can just supplement store-bought succulents with a few cuttings of your favorite garden succulents. 

Most of the plants used are in a pretty rosette shape, with trailing ones used to fill in the gaps. 

do something amazing today! 

ciao,  fabiana 






photos via Rodales Organic Life