Watermelon: A Slice Of Summer

Watermelon: A Slice Of Summer

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

Bonnie Plants

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.

Kelly Golightly

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.

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”.

Chango & Co.

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.

Etsy [ShopMejMej]

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

Contact us for all your Interior Design and Decorating needs @mathedesign.com

The Marie Kondo Effect: Tips On A Well Organized Home

The Marie Kondo Effect: Tips On A Well Organized Home

“Being organized isn’t about getting rid of everything you own or trying to become a different person; it’s about living the way you want to live, but better.” ~ Andrew Mellen

House Beautiful

Since the series “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo” has been recently released on Netflix it has quickly become a growing phenomenon. You can certainly find several articles on ways to organize in the month of January, as the new year brings with it new things. The Marie Kondo Effect - takes things to a higher level of mindfulness in a well organized home. As a youngster Marie was enchanted with organization and started her own business while attending University in Tokyo. Having created the KonMari Method which is a state of mind - to cherish things that spark joy in one’s life. She now has consultants around the world that help people to learn the art of tidying up as a way of life. Her book serves as a quide to help people move forward through major life changes beyond the home as well as creating the habit of keeping organized as a lifestyle.

The KonMarie Method is a five category way of tidying which includes:
1) Clothing
2) Books
3) Paper Documents
4) Komono (Miscellaneous in Japanese)
5) Sentimental Items

West Wing Magazine

It is easy to get lost in the quiet calm of Maries voice and feel swept away in learning how she keeps a home together. In her method she starts with thanking the house for being a protecting shelter and being there daily for its owner. As she begins with category one Marie encourages people to collect all of their clothes and determine, by feeling them, whether they spark joy and if not… letting go of them by thanking them and putting them in a pile to donate or discard. Her folding method of creating a half inch rectangle and stacking items upright is so that things are easily viewable. Which helps to keep ones mind clear to make quick decisions and go about their day. She then moves through the categories helping to group like things, organized into boxes and trays.

Marie explains that clutter effects relationships within the atmosphere of a space. By choosing joy and learning to tidy up together it can strengthen bonds in each others relationships. Teaching children the art of tidying while they are young will give them the skills to create the habit before they grow older. They will learn this from watching how you tidy up. She also recommends bringing sentimental items into the home as a reminder of the joy that has brought a couple and family together.

Kitchn Video

A few tips she shares regarding the kitchen and pantry are to check expiration dates of food and organize by food type. With purchased clothes and boxes from incoming mail she recommends to remove tags immediately and place items where they will be stored in the home so they become your belongings. Paper documents get put in two piles, one “to be saved” and the other “to be dealt with” setting a calendar reminder to handle them. In catch-all areas gather similar items and separate into subcategories to easily view so as to not let them continue to pile up. As you may see in her series clearing the clutter does bring magic into a home… it is seen within the process of learning to live with less non-joyful material things, letting them go and sharing with others in the responsibilities of a home together.

Charles J. Williams

We interviewed a professional organizer and asked him a few questions on his perspective in making organizing a lifestyle.

You can find Charles J. Williams company and services at www.compassrva.com

1) When is it a good time to hire a professional for organizing?
Charles: It’s always a good time to reach out for help on basic organizing. We’re here to help guide folks towards living a more simple and efficient daily life through organizations. We help in clearing clutter and creating customized systems of maintenance…and this is something a majority of our customers need. Whether on a minor scale or within an entire household. This can ultimately change the way you live and eliminate the overwhelm and stress caused by surroundings and potential bad habits.

2) Is there a project to small or too large you would tackle?
Charles: Nothing is ever too “small” a project for me. Even if you think it’s something really minor, chances are it’s going to make a huge impact on your life. On the flip side, I refer larger more extreme cases to a professional team in what’s considered, “Level 5” Hoarders…like what you see on television. I am a team of one and those scenarios often take additional help in the field of psychology and extra hands for removal to tackle.

3) What is the number on mistake you see with clients?
Charles: There are two mistakes I see new clients make on a fairly frequent basis. The first is purchasing containers as a “tool” before knowing what and how much of your belongings need to be contained, is simply a waste of money and time. People have come to believe containers to be the ultimate savior when it comes to getting organized, when the systems are what really make the difference. The second mistake being that clients will “clean up” before I get there. I can’t truly see what their daily habits look like and customize new routines if they hide how their space usually looks. There is no judgement on our end…we would rather see the true clutter.

Matt Paxton

We also interviewed a good friend and national renown extreme cleaning expert featured on the hit television show Hoarders. To get some insight on his thoughts on the topic.

While his experience is in a world beyond just letting things go, he deals with massive clean outs caused from more traumatic life events. Matt shares the importance of routine clean up to keep things under wraps. You can find Matts company and services at www.wayforth.com

Here are some questions that Matt answered to expand on extreme clutter cases and his views on the Marie Kondo method.

1) When is a good time to call an extreme clutter expert?
Matt: Reach out to a therapist before you reach out to a cleaning expert for extreme cases. If you are a family member that wants to help, let the hoarder know you care about them, you know they are struggling and you are ready to talk about it with them when THEY are ready.

2) What would be a good average percentage of homes you experience a year that are to the extreme?
Matt: National statistic is 5% of America struggles with hoarding, which is just under 15,000,000. That’s a big number… it’s a real thing and people shouldn’t be embarrassed.  Everyone in America knows someone who struggles with hoarding. 

3) How often would you recommend people keep up with clearing the clutter?
Matt: Technically, I think people should clean up DAILY.  Its like physical fitness or diet.  It’s something you work on and dedicate time in your life to.  I clean every night before I go to bed, so when I wake up, the home is fresh and ready to go.  Also, if you clean 10 minutes a night, the house never gets too far away from you.

4) Do you have any resources of companies that aren’t widely known for donating or who pick up discarded items?
Matt: I focus on LOCAL, not national donation centers.  Give to places that GIVE the products to people in need or give legit well paying jobs to people that need work.  Personally I support “Dress for success, Amvets, Tech for Troops, Catholic Charities, Soles for Souls and St Joseph’s Villas. My hoarders and myself tend to stay away from retail focused donation companies. 

5) Any words of encouragement to share with others to keep tidy?
Matt: Yeah, just tell people that’s it’s just stuff.  It’s not the most important thing in the world.  We keep stuff because of the memories and people attached to those items or what we hope people will think about us for the items.  Focus on your real life, your actions, your experiences and the stories, the memories, NOT the stuff.

Botton line, is Marie Kondo right?  Not sure that her method works for everyone, I know it doesn’t work for my hoarders but she definitely isn’t WRONG.  At the end of day, we are looking for joy, for happiness and unfortunately, we attach a lot of our self-worth and happiness to stuff….that’s the problem.  It’s not the simple, but her method is rooted in positivity, which brings me joy.  

The Closet Factory - RSOL Designer House 2016

In working with an Interior Designer regarding the organization of your home they will help to choose proper furnishings that create inventive and much needed storage to be aesthetically pleasing as well as efficient to use. You may need additional closet space in your master, kitchen pantry or office. Calling on an expert in the field can help lead you into not only - visualizing the destination of a clean home - but making it a reality as well.

Once you’ve applied the method or called on an expert for organizing your home… setting a clear strategy for routine tidying. It’s likely that you will find storage you may already have to group like items. However we’ve also found a few resources for simple containers and trays to potentially help with your process in “the life-changing magic of tidying up”.

We hope you have enjoyed reading more about tips on a well organized home. As home interiors is what we do… we understand the value of keeping it a happy place not only for ones self but also for the loved ones around them.

Cheers!

Melissa Mathe

*Contact mathedesign.com for all your Interior Design needs.

Wake Up Refreshed: Bedroom Design

Wake Up Refreshed: Bedroom Design

“ All you need is love… and a good design.” ~ Melissa Mathe

Bernhardt Furniture

A well designed bedroom will allow you to get your best sleep… waking up refreshed and ready to take on the day. As a beloved sanctuary it deserves a fair share of attention to details to create a serene space. Thoughtful planning will provide not only a beautiful result but one that functions especially for you. In working with a designer it is helpful to talk about how you utilize your space. We’re sharing a few bedroom designs in this blog post to show how a design is pulled together for a client

Bernhardt Furniture

In the first spacious master bedroom design Bernhardt furniture was selected for it’s timeless silhouette and impeccable crafted quality. The upholstered panel bed draws your eye in with it’s bold curved lines. Combining with it a more traditional dresser and a contemporary nightstand gives the master a feeling of grand updated sophistication. While selecting paint the tray ceiling was chosen in a complimentary paint color to the walls so to accent the architectural details. Custom draperies made with additional trim detailing were fabricated for those added designer touches our clients love.

A quiet sitting space was created as a separate area where the couple can retreat to unwind reading or talk about the day. Unique furniture pieces and lighting fill this area and reflect our clients personal style. Personalized touches such as monogrammed pillows give attention to special details that make a room feel more intimate.

We’ve included resources to share for the sourced furniture and fixtures selected on this residential project.

A second bedroom design is pulled together with an adapted theme to it in a subtle way. This particular residential project is located in a warm climate where the sky and sunset were drawn from as inspiration. The cool blue tones paired with warmer coral toned colors create the sense of sunny skies and soaring temperatures all around.

Crane & Canopy

Soft blue walls painted in Benjamin Moore color Harbor Fog bring in the sky inspiration as a backdrop. The design board shows a custom covered upholstered headboard and bedding in a complimenting color palette. For additional interest the dresser selected has capiz shell covered drawer fronts to lend a nod to shell fish from the ocean. Flanking the headboard are two high gloss lacquered navy blue night stands with brass bamboo pulls for that added designer sophistication.

More resources to share with you here for sourced furniture and fixtures selected on this residential project.

Having a bedroom that is designed in a style all your own will help you to related to your space and feel comfortable in it from day-to-day… especially in moments of much needed unwinding.

Cheers!

Melissa Mathe

*Contact mathedesign.com for specialty pricing and all your Interior Design needs.

Color Inspiration: Living Coral Pantone Color of the Year 2019

Color Inspiration: Living Coral
Pantone® Color Of The Year 2019

“Colours are the smiles of nature.” ~ James Henry Leigh Hunt

With each new year comes the anticipated announcement of Pantones new color of the year. Much like waiting to open new presents during the holidays… in early December the color trend forecast is made. To our excitement the 2019 Color of the Year is Living Coral 16-1546. As a global influencer in color systems Pantone sets color trend standards in multiple industries for fashion, home furnishings, industrial design, as well as product, packaging and graphic design.

A vivid color inspiration choice that mesmerizes the eye and mind with an optimistic fresh and cheerful presence. Durived from marine and sea life as well as present in our daily digital imagery. This warm, peachy color with golden undertones nurtures and supports other colors in it’s midst and fulfills the desire for playful expression. It also happens to be one of our favorite colors… so adding this “it” color into our clients interior projects is a welcomed second nature.

Annie Selke

Taelor Fisher Painting

Here are a few sources that we love who embody this color in their product lines. A visionary designer – Annie Selke has offered quality Dash & Albert rugs and luxurious Pine Cone Hill sheets and bedding for over 25 years. Providing happy colorways to fill your home with joy, the herringbone and striped area rugs and throw blanket are the right pop of this color. The ‘Farm Girl’ painting done by the well studied Taelor Fisher is full of this fresh Living Coral “Color of the Year”. A prime example of the way this color attracts your eye as well as creating harmony with other colors.

In a recently designed clients living room we included this bright color in the shown color palette. You can see some of the ways we balanced the room out with fabrics, furnishings and wallcovering. As the ivory and blue in the geometric wallcovering and sofa compliment the backdrop of the sand linen color in the area rug. The coral and green colors in the chair upholstery and throw pillow fabrics add a playful vibrance giving the space liveliness and balance.

Color Palette

We are delighted to introduce this new color inspiration to you and hope you enjoy the examples we’ve shared. We hope you find special ways to incorporate the Pantone Color of the Year 2019 - Living Coral in your interiors and surroundings this year.

Cheers!

Melissa Mathe

*Contact mathedesign.com for all your Interior Design needs.

Color Inspiration: Ultra Violet Pantone Color of the Year 2018

color inspiration: ultra violet
pantone® color of the year 2018

"Color is like food for the spirit — plus it's not addictive or fattening." ~ Isaac Mizrahi

Something exciting about the new year, a fresh beginning and new discoveries to enjoy.  As a global influencer in color systems Pantone has released it's "Color of the Year" for 2018, Ultra Violet 18-3838.  This rich and vibrant shade of purple is forecast to be a color movement evoking creativity in imagination, ingenuity and visionary thinking - pushing all limitations.  In celebration of this we are thrilled about discussing ways to bring this lush and regal color into your interior spaces.

As this color is bold - in and of itself - we've taken thought to how it might be applied as to not overpower a room.  A subtle way to integrate Ultra Violet can be to use it along with other neutral tones of color such as grays, taupes and ivory.  This exudes a peaceful and serene environment.

Jane Lockhart Interior Design

Molly Ray Young Interior Design

Monochromatic shades of color whether lightened or subdued have a luxurious effect in a space.

House Beautiful Magazine

Creating an interesting color story is another way to incorporate unique colors in design.  For instance Ultra Violet is well mixed with other colors such as navy, turquoise, peach, green and golden hues that come together quite nicely.  Wallpaper is a great way to introduce a color story weaving in several nuances of detail in color combinations.

Credited from left to right This Old House - Farrow and Ball, Molly Ray Young Interior Design, Parker Kennedy Living.

Color Pops are a great way to bring whimsy and inspiration of thought into a room or creative environment.  This can be done in several ways with artwork, fabric, furniture, accessories, tableware or fresh florals.  Whether a kitchen, living room, powder room, children's bedroom or playroom these color pops are incredibly inviting.

Traditional Home Magazine - Eileen Kathryn Boyd Interior Design

The combination of these pops of color and white paint can create a very impactful space. This royal color pairs very well with both brushed gold and silver metallic finishes to create a next level magic.

Tarafin Gold Interiors

We hope you are inspired to be daring and incorporate this beautiful luscious color Pantone Ultra Violet 18-3838 into your life and interiors in 2018.

Cheers!

Melissa Mathe

*Contact mathedesign.com for specialty pricing on non-priced item links and all your Interior Design needs.

Design Crush: Capiz Shell

design crush: capiz shell

"If life is like a box of chocolates, then heaven is an oyster" ~ LJW

The shimmery luminous glow of Capiz Shell has gotten us locked-in to it's luxurious quality.  How fitting it is in this winter holiday season for us to share about our infatuation considering it's history in the Filipino culture, where it derives from on the province of Capiz.  These beautiful shells have long been used in star ornamental lanterns called Parols — an iconic symbol of the holiday,  adorning homes and buildings throughout the Christmas Season.

The soft translucent textured shells are made available in a wide variety of furniture and home decor items. For example with inlaid patterns on furniture, cascading down on chandeliers, overlaid on lamp bases, mirror frames, table tops, trays and decorative boxes... you name it. We have recently sourced Capiz Shell furniture and decor for our clients and the result is a "showstopper" experience for all who encounter it's beauty — completely mesmerizing.

Here's a detailed list of these Capiz Shell furniture and decor items:

1) Adagio buffet from Bernhardt  2) Manor Empire Chandelier from AllModern  3) Frances floor mirror from Worlds Away  4) Lauralie table lamp from Safavieh  5) Scalloped Chandelier from Serena & Lily  6) Litchfield accent side table from Bernhardt  7)Brick pendant light from Worlds Away  8) Miranda round mirror from Pottery Barn  9) Andria pearlized tray set from Pigeon & Poodle  10) John Richard decorative box from Wayfair.

Enjoy!

Melissa Mathe

*Contact mathedesign.com for specialty pricing on non-priced item links and all your Interior Design needs.

Design Crush: On Bedside Tables

design crush: on bedside tables

"Keep a notebook and pencil on your bedside table.Million-dollar ideas sometimes strike at 3 A.M." ~ Jackson Brown

We're seeing fresh things in bedside tables... Lacquer with it's glossy elegant finish is catching limelight and sure to elevate the nighttime book in hand unwind. Specialty hardware and bases in different metallic finishes such as gold leafed bamboo pulls, chrome tassel pulls and brass bases show off a sense of refinement. Current textured finishes that fascinate us are the pearl like capiz shell drawer fronts and wrapped geometric grasscloth. These luxurious finishes and intriguing textures create furniture that feels custom, fresh and eye catching.

Here's a detailed list of these nightstands 1) Marcus from Worlds Away  2) Adagio from Bernhardt 3) Hedy Regency from Kathy Kuo Home  4) Brigitte from Bungalow 5  5) Cooper from Worlds Away  6) Nantucket from Bungalow 5  7)Brittany from Bungalow 5  8) Loren+End table from Wayfair.

Enjoy!

Melissa Mathe

*Contact mathedesign.com for specialty pricing on non-priced item links and all your Interior Design needs.

Pumpkin Spice Up Your Space

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

Contact us for all your Interior Design and Decorating needs @mathedesign.com

Fringe Benefits: All The Pom Poms And Tassels

fringe benefits: all the pom poms and tassels

"Life should be chic, glamorous and colorful—and so should your home." ~ Jonathan Adler

Some of our favorite "fringe-pom-tassel" ready-made home decor

Happy Decorating,

Melissa Mathe

Contact us for all your Interior Design and Decorating needs @mathedesign.com

Bringing Blue And White Decor Outdoors For Simple Holiday Decorating

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.

You can find these vividly patterned rugs at Annie Selke, Safavieh and Safavieh.

Create a pattern play with these stunning indoor outdoor pillows from Birch Lane, Surya and Birch Lane.

Finally go out with a bang and make your guests swoon with these accessories located at Annie Selke, Birch Lane and Wayfair.

Stay safe and have a great July 4th!

Melissa Mathe Design

How To Bring A Little Bit Of The Beach Home With You