Kimberly Reuther

A key part of making your house a home is developing your signature style.  This is similar to developing a fashion style.  We all see trends come and go but over time we learn which styles flatter our figures and mirror our personalities.

Creating an inspiration collage is something I encourage people to do, even when not working with a designer.  It is important to gather images of rooms, furniture, colors, accessories that you love and edit to help shape your vision.  As you move forward in purchases for your home, this collage will serve as a blueprint for your style.

I have a framed corkboard that I change out periodically to reflect my focus at any given time.  I’m starting fresh in several aspects of my life and this is my inspiration at the moment.

my inspiration collage

I rearranged some accessories in my apartment as well as pulled new concept photos for my board.  This is always an easy trick to reinvent bookshelves, coffee tables, etc.  Moving things into different rooms gives your accessories and photos new perspective and saves money!

Here are my inspirations at the moment…

I love flowers: real, fake or in photos.  It is too expensive to get fresh flowers, so I settle for realistic-looking fake versions.  Love these from Pottery Barn!

I love looking at photos of my close friends & family, especially my sister Tabs.  I have lots of framed pictures of the two of us all over my apt.  She’s my best friend; can’t imagine my life without her!

I also adore my Patch NYC butterfly plate from West Elm. It is such a cute shaped platter and the free-hand feel of the butterfly sketch is simply beautiful.

Inspiring poems and quotes are included in my collage along with photos of places I would like to live someday.  Outdoor spaces are especially inspirational to me; I love watching nature.  The photo of the crystal chandeliers over the simple vases of tulips shows creative balance.  The Prada sunglasses ad in the center represents how I would like to be perceived: a juxtaposition of an intense & playful spirit.

As I pass by this space, I feel uplifted and hopeful.  I hope you enjoy making your own inspiration collage!

I’m back in search of the perfect design element, this time, ornaments for the tree!  Actually, ornaments can serve several purposes during the holidays, some become hostess gifts, others become napkin rings, the list goes on and on.

So here are a few that I found especially beautiful and unique this year!

Happy Decorating!

Wisteria Glass Ornament

Crate & Barrel Curly Antler Reindeer

Wisteria Silvered Mistletoe

Ballard Designs Burlap Bird Ornaments Set of 3

Pottery Barn Peppermint Sphere Ornament

Horchow Waterford Crystal 2009 Snow Crystals Ornament

Restoration Hardware

Crate & Barrel Jingle Bell Wreath Ornament

Pottery Barn German Glitter Bird Clip Ornament

West Elm Silver Ball Ornament designed by David Stark

Sconces can either fade into the background or they can be a focal point of a hallway, staircase, dining room, etc.

Here are some uniquely beautiful options to inspire you!

Currey & Co. - Midwinter Wall Sconce

Oly - Small Delanie Sconce

Hinkley - Atlantis Sconce in Titanium

Currey & Co. - Moontide Wall Sconce

Fine Art Lamps - Portobello Road Sconce

Troy - Sausalito Sconce

Currrey & Co. - Twilight Wall Sconce

Okay, Part 2 of my quest for great design finds!
I think beautiful chandeliers are like jewelry for the home.  They make a statement and enhance a space effortlessly!

Unfortunately, they can be very expensive!

Recently, I completed a lounge for my friend Vivian.  Everyone loves the chandelier and wanted to know where it was purchased!

Vivian actually found it at Z Gallerie, this is the closest one they sell now.

Z Gallerie - Venezia Chandelier

Here are a few more I love from Z Gallerie & Arteriors Home.

Arteriors Home is a trade-only vendor that is available in some local stores or through design professionals.

Arteriors Home - McKale Pendant

Arteriors Home - Versailles Chandelier Small

Z Gallerie - Calais Chandelier

Arteriors Home - Cherish Pendant

Arteriors Home - Georgetown Chandelier