Happy weekend! I am cutting out early to arrange flowers and set the table for our little tapas-dinner party tonight.

Thank you for taking the time to visit me here. Wish you a great weekend. xo

Hello February! Some of you know how much I look forward to sharing my latest tablescapes with you. Which is why I could not wait to show you my latest look for Bright Bazaar, a Valentines Dinner for TWO. Not one for crowded and over-priced fixed meals at restaurants on V-day, I created a budget-friendly, intimate and easy-to-pull together tablescape look for a cozy dinner at home. We kept things fresh, and modern and opted to skip the over-used pinks and hearts.

We decided on a sophisticated black, white and gold palette highlighted with amethyst accents. A cursive fabric becomes an easy table runner, chevron drawer liners double up as place mats and ampersands played up the menu cards and invite.

I have to say I absolutely LOVE how the look came together. Huge thank you to Claudia and Karen, your designs ROCK! And Thank you Will for making this column look spectacular! Friends, do hop on over to Bright Bazaar and check it out.

Menu and invites by Fig2design.com

Gold Chevron placemats/drawer liners by Hammocks and High Tea

Styling and photography by Manvi Drona-Hidalgo

Happy new week!

I’m all about brunches with my favorite people and feel fortunate to live in a city that has a good number of restaurants offering FAB brunch deals. This weekend we hit up a new spot Urbana Wine Bar and Restaurant. I fell in love with their egg-white frittata with manchego cheese and a side of arugula salad. Yum-to-the-mers. I would definitely go there again just for the frittata.

I have long loved the charm of banquette seating and have recently been toying with the idea of raising the height of my chesterfield to function as one. Any links/suggestions on how to do this? I wonder if building custom seating is a better option. I pulled a few images from my files with cozy booth-style and bench seating ideas. I really like the idea of additional storage underneath too.

How do you feel about booth-style seating?

Have a great week ahead. x

Beautifully decorated rooms are usually the result of a well-trained eye for detail, thoughtful purchases and the desire to live well. What makes them personal, warm and inviting, magazine-worthy is how they are styled.

Pick one or two pieces that bring an element of surprise to the overall look.

Like the brass lamp and patterned sidetables in this (above) guestroom,

and this brick wall that makes this dinner for two tablescape look even more inviting,

and this bubble chandelier. Little details but these make a huge impact to the decor.

images: design sponge and house beautiful

These rooms stood out to me for their simple, almost rustic and contemporary styles. I just love the look of dark/reclaimed wood against white walls and linen. Clean, textured and neutral material never fail to inspire me.

Have a successful and productive week!

via: houzz, alifesdesign and browndresswithwhitedots