Our New Piano: Piano Styling and Décor

Posted on March 11, 2016 by lasalledesignblog

Recently, we received a wonderful gift from my Mother-in-law, Cindy, a piano. The piano was her pride & joy for the past several years. She was ready to pass it on to the next generation and in the process buy an upgraded instrument. This new development was not a completely unexpected addition to our home, we did not expect for it to happen for a few more months. You see, Cindy had been looking around at new pianos off and off for a few years and hadn’t found anything that spoke to her. When we got word of her new purchase we were a bit surprised; however, after seeing the new piano, we completely understood. It is stunning!

Delivery day was very soon thereafter and it would be a mixture of happiness and sadness for Cindy. While her beloved old piano would be departing to its new home with us, a brand new masterpiece would be moving in! The old piano was welcomed into our home with excitement, mostly from me. We had made space in our small townhome for the new-to-us item the previous evening. Ever the level thinker, Geoff was concerned about the logistics of having such a large piece of furniture enter our already brimming home. Meanwhile, I was on cloud nine…

(Cell phone photo from delivery day)

I always wanted to play an instrument proficiently. Two instruments always stuck out in my mind, the piano and the guitar. As children, piano lessons were common among my friends. Very quickly, I realized/decided three things: I would probably make a gawky and comical teen pianist, the guitar looked and sounded cooler, and if I were to learn the piano, I would want to learn on the real thing. In the end, I took guitar lessons and lacked the commitment and will power needed to make something of it.

With an additional 15 years under my belt, I am far more optimistic about the prospect of learning an instrument. I don’t have much in the way of down time these days, but a few major things have changed. I have the maturity to stick with something, a greater appreciation for a variety of music and now… a piano!

The second most exciting thought about our new piano was that I would be able to decorate it!

I had a few general ideas in mind and scouted out other ideas on the web.

I loved the Idea of a grouping of artwork above the piano with a few lamps on top.

Via Emily A Clark

Via Right Up My Alley

Via Shades of Blue Interiors

The laid-back feel of layered artwork leaned against each other accompanied by fresh greenery is also very appealing.

Via Lonny

Via The 36^th Avenue

Ultimately, I’ll probably go for something in between…

Via Design Sponge

Via Love The Tompkins

Via Two Thirty Five Designs

Via One Kings Lane

Via Bo Bedre

And although our piano is an upright, grand pianos deserve an honorable mention, to say the least! These were a few of my absolute favorites. (I see a library complete with rolling ladder and grand piano in my future… or at least in my dreams)

The Menil home
via Flipboard

Via Vogue

Via Jonathan Legate

Via Marika Meyer Interiors

Via tumblr

Do you play or own a piano? How would you incorporate a piano into the décor of your home?

Where Has the Time Gone – Part Two: The New Year

Posted on February 19, 2016 by lasalledesignblog

In yesterday’s post, I brought you up to speed on our events and happenings. Here’s a bit of what happened in the interim.

Geoff and I took off work the week after Christmas to devote as much time as possible to our little man. We explored the Battleship Texas…

… Did some camping and fishing…

But were glad to be home at the end of the week.

New Year’s Day was spent with treasured friends and gave us time to reflect on how much God has blessed us over the last year. I also made a New Year’s Resolution to read more, but I’ll share about that further in an upcoming post.

When we went back to work and school in early January, life went back into the fast, fun pace our family usually sustains.

Major events of note include the acquisition of my new wing chairs. I’ll be posting soon about how I am planning to update these beauties!

And I can’t forget to mention my new look! I am loving my Long Bob cut and can’t wait to tell you more about styling tips, etc.

I really enjoyed decorating for Valentine’s Day as well this year. The pressure of the big holidays was off and who doesn’t like a healthy dose of pink! 😉

And I got to spend the holiday of Love with the two most handsome guys I know!

As I look back over the past few months, I abundantly grateful for the time spent with family and friends. There were times when I missed blogging or began to felt guilty for a lack of posts. Each time I felt God telling me, “No, it’s time to be present and enjoy the moment.” So I did….

… And it was wonderful!

I have enjoyed reviewing the past few months and I am so excited to bring you more updates on ongoing projects, etc.

Have a great weekend and I’ll see you back here soon!

Where Has the Time Gone – Part One: The Holidays

Posted on February 18, 2016 by lasalledesignblog

It has been almost three months since my last post… It certainly doesn’t seem like the last three months could have possibly gone by so quickly!

As you may have noticed, Instagram has been my substitute blog in the meantime. Ya’ll Instagram is my spirit animal… Attractive images, quick posts… I may or may not have a slight IG addiction, but I’m back in the blogging saddle and ready to get moving on new content!

And now, I am excited to catch you up on what has been moving and shaking in my world!

We had a very busy Holiday season in both my work and personal life, so although it is almost half way through February, I feel like I am just now taking a breath. Thanksgiving was a laid back event with my family. My siblings are beginning to get to the age where they are stretching their wings and are rarely home. Although I am so happy that they are following their dreams, it was the first season/semester for us to see them so infrequently. On Thanksgiving Day, we had a small dinner with just our family. We talked, caught up, laughed and enjoyed being under the same roof for a change.

December was filled with Christmas tree cutting,

Polar Express driving,

Symphony Date Nights,

And lots, and lots, and lots of decorations!!!

Our Christmas was a similarly simple affair with Geoff’s family. In the past few years, we have gone to New Orleans to spend the yuletide holiday with my extended family. This year it was time to slow things down. With gifts around the tree and tummies full of good food, we took it easy.

How did you spend the Holiday season?

I’ll be back tomorrow to catch you up on all of our happenings in the New Year!

Southern California Wedding Inspiration – Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Posted on November 5, 2015 by lasalledesignblog

Hi there! Hopefully November is treating you well so far. I can’t believe the Holiday season is just around the corner?!

Now I probably have you thinking of stockings, snow, and decking the halls… but let’s forget those things for a moment and slink away to southern California. Allow your mind to wander towards mild temperatures, rolling hillsides, palm trees and sunshine galore! Pretty great, huh?

Well this week, I was approached by Fairmont to do a design for a Southern California style wedding. Of course, I immediately said yes!! I have loved doing Friday Floral posts in the past and incorporating ideas for weddings. Plus, who doesn’t love looking at/designing wedding décor? Fairmont has asked me to show you some of the gorgeous wedding venues, hotel accommodations, and pristine vistas they have to offer in the So-Cal region.

After perusing their website, I was drawn to the stunning architecture of the Fairmont Grand Del Mar location in the San Diego area. This luxury resort is nestled in the Del Mar area just north of San Diego. They offer beautiful accommodations and the amenities are enticing to say the least.

And now, I can’t wait to show you my ideas!

Photo credits left to right: Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Protea Bouquet, White Anemones, Protea, Scabosia Pods, Pink Garden Roses, Hedera, Place Setting, Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Sashed Chair, Centerpieces, Seaglass Vases, Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Vintage Plates, and Table Runner.

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For the ceremony design, I’d love to see clean, polished furnishings that will allow the venue to be a focal point.

Next, a gorgeous array of unusual florals such as protea and scabosia can be mixed in with traditional, feminine florals like anemones, garden roses and assorted greenery. Oversized vases on tall white pedestals will provide height and drama.

Afterwards, I would have a cocktail hour inside one of the spectacular ballrooms and move onto the lawn for an outdoor evening reception.

A classic dance floor would be placed in front of the beautiful arch steps and surrounded by tables.

On the table tops, simple linen tablecloths would be accented by silver/grey table runners. Gold chairs sashed in a rich silk would encompass the tables. Centerpieces would have an array of florals in seaglass vases. A layered place setting with turquoise and gold accents would await the guests along with the evening’s menu.

Last, candles and string lights will provide ambiance as attendees enjoy the sunset over picturesque landscape and dance the night away.

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That, my friends, is how I would do a Southern California wedding.

This was such a fun post and while design related, it was a welcomed change of pace.

I’ll see you back again soon!

Four Favorites – Halloween Edition 2015

Posted on October 28, 2015 by lasalledesignblog

Can you believe Halloween is only a few short days away?!

For today’s Four Favorites post I wanted to feature Halloween décor that I think is absolutely adorable. There’s still time to run out and grab some cute clearance items.

Personally, I have never been into super spooky Halloween décor or even costumes. So usually I don’t go big on Halloween specific decorations. These are just too fun not too share!