Book Review: House Proud by Valorie Hart

House Proud: Unique Home Design, Louisiana is like a tour of some of the state's coolest, chicest homes.

A more articulate summary can be found at Amazon, where you can purchase the book:

"Experience the joy of decor and design, restoration and rebirth, color and comfort - all in the enchanting locale of Louisiana. A New Orleans-based interior designer, Valorie Hart expertly leads a private tour of the most fashionable homes in the state. Sara Essex Bradley's photographs document the personality of Louisiana's homes, from the formal Greek revival house to the warm Creole cottage, the pre-Civil war beauty to the kitschy 50s-style ranch, the grand Victorian to the modern urban loft. This is not simply a design inspiration book, but rather a thoughtful compilation of homeowners' personal stories of restoring and redesigning their dream houses - the stories of the "house-proud."

Here are some of my favorite photos, by Sara Essex Bradley.  I think her photography style was a perfect match for this project.

I LOVE this living room. The ceiling to floor hallway/art gallery, the fawn inspired rug, and the picture hung over the bookcase. I don't know why - I'm just a sucker for that.

The cypress ceilings are original to this home.  And check out the checkered floors.  Drool.

All in all, this book is a glamorous tribute to Louisiana homes, and even if you've never been, there's plenty of eye candy to be appreciated!

Recipe for a glamorous and elegant bedroom

What is elegant and/or glamorous is undoubtedly subjective, but I think that the desired effect is pretty similar.  I imagine most people's response to elegance  would be opulence, comfort, and luxury.

After living in NYC, I see space and privacy as the ultimate luxury.  Even if your space isn’t huge, create the illusion of it by carefully planning out the room’s layout, make sure furniture is a correct scale, and think about the negative space in the room as much as you do the positive.  Leaving an area empty or sparse can create a feeling of opulence!


Think texture and surface!  Mirrors, furs (only faux for me!), silks, and velvets...all of these are typically classified as elegant because of they don't play it safe...they proudly flaunt their texture, sheen, etc...

via Country Living

via Pinterest via Ambition Bliss

Buy high and low.  I'm sure you've heard it before, and it's because it works!  Even if you buy your bedding, lamps, and chest of drawers from Habitat,  be sure to include something that will stand the test of time, and can be passed down for generations, like this David Gundry sofa.  It's craftsmanship will be apparent, and such pieces often have details that less expensive furnishings wouldn't (like those fab tassels!)

via Houzz

Indulge in a bit of the impractical.  A sumptuously dark room, delicate white, outrageously pink - including a touch of the impractical adds elegance because it says, "hey, I can afford to indulge my whims and I get what I want!" - even if a gallon of navy paint only cost $25, and you bleach your white duvet when you accidentally spill your morning cappuccino!

via Rue Mag

via Houzz

Flaunt what you've got. If you're lucky enough to have a home with gorgeous architectural elements, letting them take the spotlight and keeping other objects and elements sleek and clean will create an elegant space without having to spend a fortune on luxury furnishing and soft goods.

via Pinterest via Designed for Life.tumblr

via Houzz

This post in partnership with Webbs of Crickhowell

A house that combines the eclectic and glamorous

While I really like the eclectic style of decorating, but sometimes it looks a bit too "dusty" for my taste. I also really like the shiny newness of glamorous interiors. This home, by the fabulous Angie Hranowsky manages to marry these two seemingly contrasted styles.

 *swoon!  That dresser - that rug! Love them paired together

I wouldn't ever think to combine the mauve in the blinds with the lavender wall.

Love the wicker-ish bed contrasted with the mirrored nightstand.

Do you like Angie's work?

You can see more at her website.

A super chic and glamorous bedroom

Lonny editor Michelle Adams shared her bedroom in the most recent issue of Lonny, including how to get a gorgeous canopy bed on a budget. See her super glamorous retreat below..

A canopy bed need not cost a fortune.  A little handiness with a power drill, and these industrial pipe rods from West Elm ($69 - $99)  and you've got affordable canopy rods.

White, black, and mirrors = no fail chic.

The leopard and floral is a bit too much pattern for me - I would have gone with white or tan benches.

Love the mirrors, the flower pot, and the beauty accessories.

images via Lonny

*disclosure: this post is supported in part by WedoMattresses.co.uk

Friday I SPY wishlist

Love this. Surround it with some glam chairs for an interesting contrast

Great for a small space since they're glass and have a very light visual weight.

Only $54.95 and striking good looks.

campy cute

A cosmetics bag that stands up on it's own is one of my travel essentials

Get them here

Not to be missed: A feminine glamorous apartment in a historic art noveau building

This dream apartment belongs to decorator and TV presenter Ana Antunes, and is located in Chiado, Lisbon's fashion district. I feel like this apartment speaks to the girly girl in all of us who wants to feel luxurious and pampered in every room of your house. Tiffany blues, mirrored furnishings, pastels, and opulent decor are found throughout this stunning space.

The deep, tall windows in this room are to-die-for.

If you couldn't tell, Ana loves all things Tiffany blue.

I always try to use decor that has special meaning to me, just like Ana has showcased one of her mother's paintings here.

So true and so simple "Always believe your instincts and emotions.  If you love something a lot, stick with it because you won't get tired of it easily"

I've made the mistake of really liking something "of the moment."  Even though I might sincerely like the look, I don't always wait to see if I like it for an extended period, enough to make the commitment to it in my home.

Love all the artwork throughout her home.

What do you think of Ana''s home?

via Adore Home Mag

Chic and glamorous - but not too over the top. A designers portfolio

I get tons of emails introducing the work of designers, but I am super glad I took the time to check out Rachel Reider's portfolio. Her work is chic and glamorous, but it's not so over the top that it's impossible to believe anyone lives there. I also like her use of neutrals paired with bright accents.



I normally don't feature children's rooms, but I really liked this one

*swoon* great staircase and entry


I ADORE this dining room. The cozy arrangement, the elegant fireplace





What do you think?

To see it all go to Rachel Reider Interior Designs