Kelly Christakos Stivers

Treasure hunter, reinventer, interior decorator, furniture refinisher & dog lover, creating champagne spaces on a shoestring budget. kstivers@Hotmail.com

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Wednesday
Feb132013

fabric faves at lewis + sheron

When it comes to sourcing fabric for my clients (and sometimes even for myself!), Lewis and Sheron has been a tried and true favorite of mine time and time again!  Not only do they have a beautiful selection of colors, patterns and fabric-types, but their discounted prices are pretty good, and their online customer service is unbeatable!  They are a great source for big jobs like curtains or reupholstering, too. While on the hunt for some fabric for throw pillows for an e-client, I stumbled across some (new-to-me) prints that I absolutely love:

This charcoal fretwork has been on my radar for a few weeks now, as well as this la Fiorentina look-alike in bisque:

                                 

Love this navy and powder blue print as well as this taupe beauty for some throw pillows:

                                

This water-colored paisley and this indigo floral would both look amazing as curtain panels when paired with bamboo Roman blinds:

                                

I love ikat mostly when it's done in soft neutral shades and these (here and here) are beautiful Inlineexamples:

                                 

To check out more of their selection, check out their website here.

Tuesday
Feb122013

valentine's day gift ideas for less than $50!

Valentine's Day is two days away, and if you're like me and wait until the eleventh hour to purchase gifts for holidays and birthdays, OR if you're just looking for something nice for yourself without breaking the bank, here are some goodies for less than $50!

How adorable is this burlap monogrammed tote?  And for only $28, you can't pass it up!!!

Love these crystal pave studs - chic enough for every day wear!

Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere has been a blogger favorite of mine for years!  Her book is chock full of style and organization ideas, beauty how-to's and tips on how to throw a fabulous party-the perfect coffee table book!

I had never heard of Glassy Baby before a friend sent me one of their handblown glass candle holders this past Christmas. I fell in love immediately with these gorgeous votives in more than 100 colors and even more so when I learned that GlassyBaby, founded by three-time cancer survivor, Lee Rhodes, donates a chunk of their proceeds to meeting basic needs of cancer patients and their families.  These coral, pink and red versions are perfect for Valentine's Day:

LOVE this color blocked throw pillow in hot pink and navy blue linen:

This whipped body cream is an all-time favorite of mine...it's super soft and lightly scented.  I start hyperventilating, the closer I get to the bottom of the jar!

Add a pop of color to your powder room with wild rose Savon de Marseille hand soap:

What are some of your must-haves this Valentine's Day?

Friday
Feb082013

sarah kaplan home tour

I must have been living under a rock to not have ever seen the home of Sarah Kaplan, owner of interior design wonder Dovecote in Westport, Connecticut until now!  Just like her shop, her home is eclectic, elegant and a little exotic (hello, antelope carpet, leopard couch and giraffe pillows!), yet she manages to pull it all together effortlessly.  Mixing textured wallpaper, bold colors and patterns with traditional furniture pieces is sophisticated and so fresh!

LOVE this butler's pantry with its glossy white glassfront cabinetry and huge double stainless steel farmhouse sink.  Bamboo Roman blinds and a pair of Foo dogs give a modern twist to an otherwise traditional space:

Dark paneling in the libray creates a masculine feel - I will never tire of Roberto Dutesco's Sable Island Horses - such a beautiful focal point over the fireplace:

To-die-for Gracie wallpaper in the dining room is eclipsed only by gorgeous cobalt blue lamps and a breathtaking brass buffet:

The sunroom is one of my favorite spaces in the whole house - glossy beadboard walls and ceiling are a stunning backdrop for a vintage crystal chandelier, a striking armoir and bold patterned seating:

Drool-worthy grasscloth steals the show in a sitting room:

I almost missed the antelope carpet and beautiful geometric wallpaper in Kaplan's closet, thanks to the thirteen Hermes bags!

A lovely, neutral guest bedroom:

Here are my picks for creating a similar look:

Cobalt lamps / Leopard pillow / Garden stool / Bengal bazaar pillow / Settee / Horse print /

Gold etagere / Bamboo mirror /

And, as if her home isn't droolworthy enough, here are a few shots of the goods in her store.  The woman can accessorize a vignette like no one's business!

                                 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday
Feb072013

designer love: miranda brooks landscape design

I never thought I'd be pullling weeds from my lawn in the dead of winter, but with it vacillating between icy, freezing temps and 75 degrees every other day, that's exactly what I've been doing as of late. I don't normally mind the upkeep, but with our bermuda grass brown and crunchy, I can't help but long for spring and summer when everything is lush and emerald green around these parts!  It's especially got me thinking of New York-based landscape designer Miranda Brooks and her stunning portfolio!  I love how she doesn't try to over plant or over style - instead, she lets nature take the lead with perrenial beds and borders, boxwoods and amazing hedges.  I can't wait for consistently warmer weather to get my planting on!  Here are some of my favorites from her portfolio:

And I especially LOVE her work at the Connecticut home of architect Daniel Romualdez, recently featured in Vogue:

To see more of Miranda's work, check out her website here

Monday
Feb042013

gingham style

I must admit, I've never owned any gingham until I picked up this fabulous button down a few weeks back and have since found myself reaching for it in my closet constantly!  Gingham and it's larger print big sister, buffalo check, are classic, traditional, a little bit rustic and bring a fun, fresh vibe to any space.  Mixing old and new is a great way to create a lived-in space that looks collected over time and a traditional print like gingham adds an old-school kick when mixed with more modern elements.  The same goes for your wardrobe - like the fabulous faux fur vest below.  Here are some fabulous examples of how a little gingham adds a crisp twist to your interiors (and your closet!):

Amy Meier

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BHG

Kitties + Couture

via

Amy Meier

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Southern Living

New England Home

Name is Grace

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