Watermelon: A Slice Of Summer

July 8, 2019 Melissa Mathe

Watermelon: A Slice Of Summer

“When one has tasted watermelon he knows what the angels eat.” ~ Mark Twain

The watermelon is the symbol of summer, especially in July. When taking a bite into a fresh juicy slice instantly you know it’s that time of year for barbecues and beach time. The perfect way to stay hydrated as the temperatures rise… this delicious favorite summer fruit is a healthy snack. It’s loaded with vitamins plus citrulline and lycopene, two amino acids linked to lower blood pressure, improved metabolic health, and decreased muscle soreness after exercise. If you’ve ever wondered about learning how to grow watermelons in your backyard… with all the home gardening being done at home now a days. We’ve linked an online source for you here at Bonnie Plants.

One thing that is quite easy to see with watermelon is its bright crimson pinkish red color. A great way to create a unique color pop in any room, this kitchen is the perfect example.

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In our search for all things watermelon we’ve sourced some fun and inspired furniture, wall art, pillows and accessories. Like this graphic bar stool and watermelon seed credenza from Deny Designs. These pieces are both fun and splashy with a touch of out of the box thinking.

WALL ART

Evoke a summer seasonal vibe by adding watercolor or abstract art to a bathroom or children’s room. A lighthearted way to say “We like bold color without taking ourselves too seriously”.

Decorative throw pillows can easily be swapped out with summer themed accents in a subtle or more obvious way. We’ve sourced three examples below for you.

THROW PILLOWS

Create the unexpected with watermelon removable wall paper or cute wall sticker decals.

WATERMELON DECOR & ACCESSORIES

watermelon dishes // raffia earrings // zipper pouch // laundry hamper // tumblers // colorful doormat // kitschy sandals // tea towel set // throw picnic blanket

SUMMER COCKTAIL RECIPE

spiked watermelon punch

~ Soak watermelon slices in Citrus Vodka, chill
~ Mix equal parts 4 oz. of Watermelon Juice and Citrus Vodka with a shaker and chill
~ In the bottom of a glass pour together 1 shot each of Melon Liqueur and Kiwi Syrup
~ Fill the glass with ice and 4 oz. of Lemonade
~ Pour the watermelon infused juice over the top and place a slice of the vodka soaked watermelon on the edge of the rim of the glass
SIP & ENJOY!
See how this drink was made in this ***video***.

While entertaining for your summer soirées consider one of these watermelon inspired recipes. Click the sorbet and snack bite images to view the flavor-filled recipes. Your guests will be delighted to taste these sugary sweet combinations.

Now that the kids are out of school for the summer it’s time to frolic and play a while. We hope your porches and family picnics are filled with laughter and fruit-filled touches of the season.

Happy Summer!
Melissa Mathe

Make It Match Holiday Decorating

December 10, 2018 Melissa Mathe

make it match holiday decorating

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day.”
~ Andy Rooney

It’s the holiday season… the time of year to make all things merry and bright! From the top of the tree to the center of the Christmas dinner table. You can find pictures of beautifully decorated rooms and you end up with visions of candy canes dancing in your head dreaming of ways to make your home seem just as picture-perfect. But how does this happen?! The approach to making your home feel festive is to ensure your holiday decorations are in the same design style and similar color palette with your everyday interior decor. Bringing these styles together will bring a sense of harmony and flow to your living space. We’ve gathered up ideas for you on ways to achieve this look in your holiday decorating.

rich and bold

An elegant combination of purple and green — from the furniture fabric to the ribbons and ornaments — is brought throughout the wrappings to keep everything looking lively and magical. The simple hanging greenery wreath and table floral arrangement add an element of nature that accents the rich and bold garden inspired color theme.

golden glow

Pops of color with a golden glow delightfully blend with this rooms glam furniture, window coverings and fabrics. Dripping icicles, natural pine cones and simple paper garland are what makes this room sparkle and shine.

neutral nature

The natural textures in this neutral color scheme bring a sense of the woodlands indoors. Owls, feathers and natural fabric — effortlessly used as a tree skirt — help make the space feel fresh and woodsy sitting upon the large pine boughs. This grand tree is sure to be the center of guests attention.

snowy winter white

A light filled neoclassical interior is the perfect clean backdrop for simple holiday touches such as fresh cut sprigs. While the traditional use of bold reds and greens can be busy this space feels bright and airy.

smart style in black and white

Creative yet sophisticated black and white design makes a striking statement. Stripes, polka dots and plaids layer in pattern to enhance the neutral gray decor. Bringing this space to life for those special family moments.

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While the merry bells keep ringing Happy holidays to you!

Cheers,

Melissa Mathe

Contact @mathedesign.com for all of your Interior Design needs.

A Breath Of Fresh Air

March 29, 2018 Melissa Mathe

A Breath Of Fresh Air

"Despite the forecast, live like it's SPRING" ~ Lilly Pulitzer

1) Turquoise Sconces 2) Acrylic Mirror 3) Blue Sofa 4 ) Lilac Accent Bowl 5) Oblong Motif Garden Stool 6) Driftwood Club Chair 7) Multicolored Rug 8) Decorative Pillow Set 9) Abstract Fine Art

We hope you enjoy this colorful room scheme and have a Happy Easter.

Cheers!

Melissa Mathe

*Contact mathedesign.com for specialty pricing, non-priced items and other Interior Design needs.

Sham-Rock Your Space with Gorgeous Green Decor

March 15, 2018 Melissa Mathe

Sham-rock Your Space With Gorgeous Green Decor

"St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time – a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic" ~ Adrienne Cook

As we celebrate the month of March and the turning of the season. We are inspired by watching nature wake up from it's long winters nap. Suddenly pops of green are more vibrant and lively, daffodils appear and what was windy and cold turns warm... sun drenched. We invite you to take a nod from the start of Spring and this coming weekends festive holiday to color your world with shades of green — the color of nature and a restful color for the eye.

... say yes to green lacquer and see our collage product list below

1) Carson Overstreet Price Fine Art / / 2) Gold & Green Lacquer Etagere / / 3) F. Schumacher Twiggy Paperweave / / 4) Empire Birch Parrot Green Ribbon Pillow / / 5) Lattice Lacquer Side Chair / / 6) Nesting Trays / / 7) Nara Nail Head Accent Table / / 8) Table Lamp / / 9) Jasper Square Jar / / 10) Echo Carpet Runner

Add these decor items into your space and you will be ready to rock into this Spring with something new and colorful to enjoy.

Cheers!

Melissa Mathe

*Contact mathedesign.com for specialty pricing, non-priced items and other Interior Design needs.

3 Looks To Dress Up Your Thanksgiving Table

November 20, 2017 Melissa Mathe

3 looks to dress up your thanksgiving table

"I come from a family where gravy is considered a beverage." ~ Erma Bombeck

As the leaves have changed and the air becomes crisp it's clear that Thanksgiving is upon us. In planning for the holiday one can be mindful of a well dressed table to make surroundings warm and inviting. Whether you are having friends over for a casual "Friendsgiving" or you look to impress your guests for a large feast. We've come up with three different looks to help you complete your tablescape. So step away from the burlap and fake leaf garland...we're going shiny and fresh this season.

Our first look is "Elegant" and it includes all the bells and whistles you can think of for setting a table. Including things like a beautiful fresh floral centerpiece, colored mercury glass pumpkins and candles...lots of candles. Using a variety of seasonal flowers to arrange such as mums, sunflowers, and eucalyptus adds a rich and vibrant element of bounty to the table. Golden chargers create an jewel effect to add a shiny pop...and don't be afraid to mix metals with your table decor too.

Candle sticks and lanterns are a great way to do this and using varying heights of candles creates added ambiance. Make unique hand-made napkin rings with fresh rosemary and copper wire for an added natural element.

The second look is a more "Casual" inspired table setting using decor items you may already have around your home like a throw blanket and real mini pumpkins. Using low candle lighting with simple hurricanes lined up gives a clean and modern table center where conversation can easily flow. This look is great for having friends over or for that last minute soiree.

Natural paper tags are a simple way to combine a napkin ring and place card element for guest seating with this look.

Let's include the little gobblers in the table looks with a "Kids" tablescape that's fun for everyone. Line the table with inexpensive craft paper as a runner or tablecloth to keep the youngsters occupied while pulling together the final dishes to serve. The kids can draw their own version of a turkey or play games like tick-tac-toe with their neighbor. We've carved out a mini pumpkin to add a pop of color and usefulness for storing crayons on the table.

Cute thanksgiving day inspired paper napkins, plastic forks and paper tag napkin rings complete this easy-does-it look.

We hope you have a wonderful time sharing great food and warm conversation around your table with family and friends this Thanksgiving! We're incredibly grateful to each and every one of you for being a part of our design inspired world.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Melissa Mathe

Pumpkin Spice Up Your Space

September 14, 2017 Melissa Mathe

PUMPKIN SPICE UP YOUR SPACE

"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall." ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

For information on the items shown above click on these links: athena laurel leaf mirror, chunky rug, colorful throw, knit pouf, gold vases, colorful zig zag pillow, greek key lumbar pillow, gold wire basket, lamp, dish towel and potholder, place card pumpkins

Happy Fall, Ya'll!

Melissa Mathe

*Contact mathedesign.com for specialty pricing on non-priced item links

Tips to: Get Your Home Ready for Back-To-School

August 24, 2017 Melissa Mathe

tips to: Get your home
ready for back-to-school

"You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax all you need is a book." ~ Dr. Seuss

With the school season in full swing comes busy schedules and a lot of new activities. This gets us excited to create and find ways to show encouragement, get organized... and let's face it pick out some cute desk accessories too. Prepping for school isn't just for the backpack and classroom it's also for the home by continuing the learning environment and providing appropriate spaces and supplies. Make going back-to-school fun and easy for everyone with these simple tips.

clear the clutter

from counters

Create clean desk and homework areas that well define where tasks can easily get done. A clear desk equals a more free and creative mind. Store artwork and remarkable school work from the previous year in a clear bin in the attic, to be remembered. Recycle empty jars and repurpose or donate older paints, craft and school supplies.

get crafty and break out the glue gun

Make fun décor to get in the "School Spirit" with this perfect "Apple and Chalkboard" DIY Wreath. Have your kids help with creative decor projects which turn into great backdrops for pictures on the first day of school. This wreath is super easy. Start with a burlap ribbon base add floral apple accents that just poke into the ribbon. Glue the crayons on the chalk board, hand write Back-to-School and put it all together to hang.

use tools to
stay organized

Keep supplies easy to reach and clearly labeled. Make organizing fun by using a label maker, chalk pens on chalkboards or markers on acrylic accessories. Personalize your space with monograms and name plate stickers. Strategically place magazine file holders, paper bins and desk sets so you can keep things orderly and tidy for simple productivity on a daily basis.

Photo Credit: Pottery Barn Kids

*Contact mathedesign.com for specialty pricing on non-priced item links

Committing to stay organized does take time, make it fun and it will feel effortless!

Melissa Mathe

Bringing Blue And White Decor Outdoors For Simple Holiday Decorating

July 3, 2017 Melissa Mathe

simple blue and white outdoor holiday decorating

"Ev'ry heart beats true 'Neath the Red, White and Blue" ~ George M. Cohan

Summer holidays mean firing up the BBQ and getting together with family and friends entertaining outdoors. While blue and white decor is an Interior Design favorite, creating stylish outdoor spaces can be made simple. Celebrate our countries Independence Day in style with adding pops of color to this classic foundation. With colorful chairs, lanterns that glow, a great rug and plenty of throw pillows. After sweeping off the patio and setting the stage add elements of nature with bright red roses and soft white hydrangeas placed in ginger jars from inside. This will welcome your guests and make them feel at home. Here are a few decor resources to get you started.

A great armchair is a smart way to make a statement. These chairs from Wayfair, Safavieh and Bungalow5 are a perfect example of this.

Garden stools and sides tables can be used inside and outdoors for added surfaces. For example this Safavieh garden stool is very classic, the Annie Selke and Wayfair tables are more of a modern touch.