little black book: Nate Berkus

This just arrived on my doorstep and I couldn't be more excited.

I have so much love for Nate Berkus. To begin with, he's from the Midwest {more specifically the great state of Minnesota, but I'm bias}. He rose to fame on the Oprah show and creates an incredible price-conscious line of high-design home goods for Target. He successfully headlined a spin-off talk show has worked behind the scenes on numerous projects to include executive producer of The Help. Did I mention that he's absolutely adorable? Finally, his design mantra could not be more in line with my own. I wouldn't say that we have the exact same taste or style but it all comes from the same place: the desire to create a collected home full of nostalgia and love. 

That is my favorite excerpt from his new book, The Things That Matter, and below are a few more tidbits from this interview that I found pertinent about the fabulous Mr. Nate Berkus. 

I've recently used a few pieces of his Target collection in my own home. The attention to design and detail makes this lower priced line perfect when I can't spend top dollar on a custom item. My absolute, hands down favorite are these drapes. The embroidered pattern adds texture and weight while the modified loop hanging method gives the illusion of pleats without using pins or an advanced track system. I paired them with some basic pottery barn poles and can't tell you how thrilled I am with these panels. Not to mention they are under $25 a piece!

Happy Thursday!  

little black book: Copper + Walnut

I've been dropping a lot of hints lately. From products that I mention are "coming soon" to the {sneak peek} in my sidebar, something big is looming. Instead of interviewing an inspirational person this week I wanted to share a bit more about where Copper + Walnut is heading.

We plan to be more than an online store. Our virtual collection will feature hand picked and custom products that you can't find in the retail market. Aside from offering pretty things there will be one unique element that sets us apart: educating our customer. Whether it's tips and tricks on how to place a sofa in your family room or a scale drawing of a chair, we are passionate about making sure your hard earned money is spent on pieces that are right for you.

Someone recently asked me what I wanted C+W to be when it grew up. Without thinking too hard I quickly answered, "I'd like it to become the J. Crew of furniture." I know that is a bit of a lofty goal, but the sentiment is accurate. At a baseline the fashion powerhouse is a fusion of quality + style. They have mastered blending classic silhouettes with modern, trendy fabrics and their accessories complete and personalize a look.

Combine those two elements and you have our mission:

Copper + Walnut will specialize in well-made, classic furniture that can be customized and modernized by our fresh, on-trend fabrics and accessories. In conjunction with the blog our virtual collection will feature educational elements that ensure you are purchasing a piece right for your space, your style and your lifestyle. 

I hope you are as excited as I am about where we are headed!  

little black book: Dorothy Collins

My obsession interest in interior design did not happen by accident. It happened by DNA. I am so lucky to be a member of such a creative and talented family. As one of the original game-changing interior designers in the Midwest my grandmother was recently featured in Minneapolis, St. Paul Magazine and coined a "Doyenne of Design." 

In case you aren't familiar with the term "Doyenne" is means a woman who is the most respected or prominent person in a particular field. My grandmother worked incredibly hard to build her business and deserves every bit of honor that title holds. She was also nice enough to let me interview her for the blog and here are a few highlights from our conversation: 

My grandmother has worked with a plethora of clients from all demographics over the years. Some had 20,000 sq. ft homes they wanted to completely design and furnish, others were taking it room by room. As someone who is a first time homebuyer on a budget I sought out her advice and came away with five great tips: 

1. Invest in furniture, not in built-ins. This way you are putting money towards assets you can take with you, rather than sinking it into the home. 

2. Think about angles in your home, can you view a corner of your office from your dining room? Always design based on viewpoint rather than just room boundaries. 

3. When purchasing furniture think about at least 2 rooms your could see it used in. The first, in your current home. The second, in another home or 5-10 years down the road. This test allows you to only invest in pieces that will make transitions with you and your family and as your style evolves.  

4. Never go the cheap route on things that you use everyday. 

5. Re-imagine furniture and be creative!  For example, even though an armoire is shown solo on the website you can pair two of them together in a bedroom giving the illusion of high end built-ins. You create not only a place for your TV but double the storage for your clothes. 

I'm so lucky to have a wonderful mentor in my grandmother and someone who inspires me to continue pursuing my passion. If I had to describe her it would be simple, she's one of a kind.  She is a self made woman who always knew the value of hard work. She's an entertainer who can throw a mean dinner party and she loves fashion almost as much as design. Her favorite color is lavender and if you see her out and about she loves being social, so don't be afraid to buy her a drink. Just don't get it wrong, she's rather specific: vodka on the rocks, wedge of lime, splash of soda in a brandy snifter. 

Love you Grandma. 

little black book: Tory Burch

Who doesn't love Tory? I mean, she built a $500 million brand in seven years, is stunningly beautiful and rather than boastful seems actually humbled by her success. Not to mention her designs are always spot on. From iconic flats to pattern mixing perfection she can almost do no wrong. What I love most about her though is the philosophy that drives her: a passion to make luxurious things affordable, but not cheap. I couldn't agree more. 

For these reasons I chose Tory for my first Little Black Design book post. I know she isn't an interior designer but the woman has impeccable taste and not only does it show in her own clothing line but it's evident in her real estate as well. I read three articles (here, here and here) and compiled an interview that hopefully gives you a little insight into Tory as a designer and as a woman. I've also featured my favorite rooms in some of her spectacular homes.

Even though she is a woman unafraid of color her style is still very traditional. I love the way she mixes timeless elements with more modern hues, it comes across very chic and eclectic. From black and white floors to endless patterns I adore the bold choices she made in both her NY apartment and North Hampton home. 

*please note: the responses in this interview are an interpretation of content in three separate articles and were not supplied by Tory or her team. 

glitter guide

"My house, like my wardrobe, features a mix of high-end statement pieces and thrift store finds, vintage and modern, and unexpected color combinations."

-Marlien Rentmeester

For fashion trends and interior design tips one of my favorite blogs to follow is the fresh, and sparkly, Glitter Guide. Fashion and design are such personal forms of expression, it's only natural that they intertwine. I'm obsessed with the "style at home" segment because it features insight and advice from highly successful, inspirational women in tandem with photographs of their living spaces. Presenting a relatable departure from the glossy pages of styled magazine spreads, the homes manage to be both functional and tres chic. The feature this week is no exception.

It's not often that I come across someone whose personal style and interior design approach are so in tune with my own. Phillip Lim has never personally complimented my jewelry and I might not have the guts to put leopard carpet in my guest room (yet)  but it's always reassuring to have a design philosophy in common with someone so talented.  As the west coast editor of Lucky Magazine, Marlien Rentmeester is know for her eclectic taste "mixing Zara and Marni, Topshop and vintage designer." Combining old with new and vintage with couture is a look I personally strive to achieve and am consistently in awe of those who master it effortlessly.

As if Marlien wasn't fabulous enough, she also has her own fashion blog. 

If I had to define the style I am aiming for in our home it would be very similar to Marlien's. Rather that following a strict color scheme her home appears to be collected; almost as if each piece has its own story.

To me this house represents the perfect balance: comfortable and casual enough for everyday family living yet chic enough to throw an adult-only dinner party on a whim.

...and I wasn't kidding about the leopard carpet.

all photos via