Divine Dining Rooms: My guest post on SummerHouse's blog: Always Summer



I'd say that the dining room is probably the room I talk about the least. I major part of that is probably because I've never had a proper dining room, and because even after spending hours in the kitchen preparing a beautiful meal, you're likely to find me enjoying it curled up on the couch.

However, I'm coming to realize that now that we are looking for a home, I might actually have a real grown up dining room, and once I have kids we will not be dining on the sofa. Also, the up coming holidays are probably when dining rooms see the most action, so I've gathered up some dining rooms to inspire me and other dining room neglecters like myself to give it a little more attention. Your sofa will thank you!!

I wish I was genius enough to put together spaces like this... those benches with that wallpaper? Sublime.  I also think that's the closest to sofa-like one can get proper dining room seating! Oh, and did I mention those windows!?!



Okay.  Can we talk about that amazing gold chandelier?!?!  There is very little I wouldn't do for that chandelier....very. little.

See more...


1. via BHG, 2. via FLOR Blog, 3.  House of Fifty

Let the Christmas decorating begin!

So maybe some of you have already started your Christmas decorating, but if you are like me, you might still be looking for some inspiration. Here's what I've gathered for some ideas this year.

 Silver and mercury glass accents are definitely a sophisticated, polished look.

So cozy! The garland over the mantle is cute and something I haven't seen before.


I am always drawn to ornaments and decorations in non-traditional colors, so I was instantly drawn to the purple in this room.

LOVE this room!




1-2. Ideal Home, 3-6. Country Living

For a beautiful christmas in white and gold....

I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving!  Now it's time to get started on finding gifts to delight.  Here are some items I'd be proud to give....and THRILLED to receive!!



 A stunning and cozy throw for curling up by the fire (with some yummy wine)
Get at Joss and Main for $46.95


Simply stunning. Captured dream earrings from Spool 72, $28.00

I didn't think a lazy susan could look chic...but this one also doubles as a striking objet d'art! Get it at Joss and Main for $21.95 in the "Jenertaining" sale.

Sweet paper ornaments.  Get it at Joss and Main in the "All I Want for Christmas" sale.


Simple. stunning. From One Kings Lane


I really want 4 new gorgeous cream upholstered chairs for the antique table I found on Craigslist...
You can get these on One Kings Lane



Just the right amount of pop and protection for my iPhone 5 - which I've been waiting to ship since the end of October! Agent18 SlimShield Lux Hard Shell Case for iPhone 5, Limited Gold Chevron from Day Deal

Last day to enter to win one of two beautiful art posters, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  Don't forget that today is the LAST day to enter to win either the Pride and Prejudice poster or the Alice's Adventure in Wonderland posters.  If you like design you will definitely appreciate how Affichionado's posters are both modern and timeless.

Click here for more information and to enter.

The Pride and Prejudice poster on the left.


The adorable Alice poster



A sneak peek of my home office.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Chic and unique gifts from some of my fav. online sources

'm sure by now most of you have heard of flash sale sites.  I hate to admit that they consume about 15 of my precious minutes almost everyday.  The deals are too good to resist, especially if there is something you've been "needing," or if you have some gifts to check off your list.  Here are finds that would make great gifts this holiday season.
Adorable vases perfect for the person who loves nature but also a bit of the glamorous.
$19.99 at Ideeli


These hanging terrarium are too cute!
$21.99 at Ideeli


This beautiful watch from La Mer would delight young ladies in body and young ladies at heart.




How could a pair of ivory sequined pillows go unappreciated? So glam!
$85.90 at Joss and Main

Chic and unique - a croc embossed silver tray



These vintage Stangl Pottery vases are authentic and would fit in seamlessly with today's love of metallic and metal decor. 


I know that if I bought this pouch for someone I'd end up keeping it for myself ;)



How cool are these stone magnets?!
$25 at One Kings Lane
Festive for the holidays, but this damask plate and bowl set would look fabulous all year long.
$29.90 at Rue La La
This cocktail ring is so stunning - love the colors!
$59.90 at Rue La La

Last but not least...cute and comfy slipper socks!

Where are your favorite places to find great holiday gifts?

Quick and beautiful last minute decorating ideas!

Is it just me, or did Thanksgiving really sneak up out of nowhere this year?  If you are like me, you're going to need a lot of last minute decorating ideas, which means, fast - but still adorable of course!

1. Find some free printables that look custom designed (skip goofy looking turkeys and pilgrims please!)  These menu templates are gorgeous, free, and she has lots of free matching goodies to go with it.  Get it here



2. Make some cinnamon roasted almonds.  These were life changing for me.  The are relatively easy (depending on the recipe you choose), you can make them in large batches (great for guest favors), and your kitchen will smell great.  Here's a recipe I found.


3. Keep your centerpieces simple and striking. Mason jar + stalks of dried wheat = homestead chic.

via OopsyDaisyCrafts

4. Add a memorable detail.  Who knew walnuts could look so expensive?  To boot - it's easy to do! Find out how at A Pumpkin & A Princess.


Happy weekend everyone!


Interior designer Mark Sikes' Southern California Home: Open, glamorous, and elegant

Interior designer Mark Sikes' and partner Michael Griffin's home is full of unexpected and wonderful moments of old world Hollywood glam, while still maintaining an open and organic feel.  Check it out below:
Couch in the kitchen?  How genius is that for entertainers.  Just make sure it's a stain proof, easily washed material.  Not as crazy about the pendant lights though...



Super comfy looking daybed in a super serene home library.


All the below pictures are of their devine guest bedroom and bathroom.


I would love for a bed half as dreamy as this to be in my master!


The black and white striped awning outside, as well as the black and white palette in the room makes me think of the book "The Night Circus"

Great mix of eclectic (armoire) and elegant (chair)

How unreal is this bathroom - check out the chandeliers!


Love the shower curtain that looks like drapes.  I can't figure out if that framed black and white photograph is in the shower of just a reflection...

What do you think of this Southern California home?
See and read the entire story at Lonny Mag

Giveaway: Beautiful words turned into beautiful art

Lucky Tuesday Decorology readers!  I haven't held a giveaway in a while, so why not today?  This giveaway is for something I particularly like, and is near and dear to my heart.  It's for art (I have my degree in illustration),...and literature (I know how to read) ...and the beauty of typography (I'm a web designer).  I will award two posters by Affichionado to two lucky, randomly drawn winners. Check it out below:


One of my favorite heroine's stories, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, is artfully composed on this poster.  The first winner drawn will win this poster.





The second winner drawn will win the adorable and pretty Alice poster.  I think this would look especially cute in a nursery or little girl's room.






Another cool thing is that the posters can be hung landscape or portrait. The paper they are printed on is top notch, in fact, they look great even unframed.  
I think The Narrative of Sojourner Truth poster looks particularly snazzy hanging in my little home office - what do you think?



To enter, use the widget below to either "Like" Affichionado on Facebook, "Like" Decorology on Facebook, and/or tell us what literary masterpiece you'd like to see on a poster. Each option you complete earns you another entry in the giveaway. The contest will close on November 21 at 12:01 AM EST. The first name drawn at random will receive the Pride and Prejudice poster, and the second name drawn at random will receive the Alice's Adventure in Wonderland poster. You must use the widget for your entry(ies) to be counted.
a Rafflecopter giveaway All dark, poor quality photos property of decorologyblog.com, all other photos property of Affichionado