Maison de Cinq

Feeling Blue

I have a confession to make. I have never liked blue in decorating. Oh, I wear blue, and it’s cute in my little boy’s room, but whenever I saw blue in a living space, I just didn’t love it. Perhaps it’s because my parent’s house was blue for many years (every room, mind you!) but for whatever reason, it was just not something that spoke to me. My family room/kitchen area is neutrals and cream with pops of red, and it has been like that for quite awhile now. Red toile curtains, red toile chairs, red checked roman shade and a few red striped and/or floral pillows on the cream couches. And I have always loved it. It is fresh and cheerful, and it looks great at Christmas. That is, I loved it until recently. I don’t know what happened, but I sort of woke up one day and thought, “I cannot look at this red for one more day!” I know blue is a huge trend in decorating. And of course, I’ve been seeing a ton of it; in blogs, in catalogs, on websites and on Pinterest. But I’ve certainly seen trends I didn’t follow before. And I’ve certainly seen blue photos that never spoke to me before. But now….. read more

Layer Up

Remember when just a couple of years ago the big trend in jewelry was the “statement necklace”? Big, chunky necklaces that stood out because they were oversized. One was all you needed. Well, now, it’s the opposite! Layered jewelry is the look of the moment. The necklaces are delicate and are usually combined in twos and threes for a statement, but one that is more subtle than what you get with one large necklace. The thing that I love about this look is it’s ability to go anywhere and be worn with anything. They are at once dressy but casual, edgy but classic. They look equally good with a dress, a suit, or a t-shirt and jeans. In fact, I love them best with a white men’s style shirt and loose distressed boyfriend jeans. The jewelry dresses up the casualness of the jeans, while the jeans take the necklaces down so they don’t come off too dressy. To help you get an idea of the look, here are a few photos to inspire. read more

Friday Favorites – To the Letter

I love letters in decorating. They are so personal and unique. Not only do they add some personality to the room, they also add dimension and irreverence. A room with some kind of metal or wood letter, whether it be old or new, seems to say “Relax… take a load off.” It doesn’t take itself too seriously. I personally like vintage ones more than the new, but they are actually pretty difficult to find. However, there are a lot of reproduction letters out there that do a great job of giving the look of vintage, without all the hunting! read more

Floral Fling

I have been thinking lately of incorporating the spring floral trend by buying a floral jacket. A few years ago I probably would’ve never even considered wearing one, feeling like it was too bright or too busy. But now I almost feel it’s a “must have.” All you need is one great blazer to add a lot of pop to your wardrobe for the entire spring and summer seasons. It can easily brighten up a jeans and tee outfit, while also working over a dress as a light layer. I especially like them with distressed denim!

Here is the one I ended up ordering from Nordstrom. Can’t wait to wear it on my trip to Austin next week! Ro & De floral print blazer Sheila xo

Golden

I need to step away from any thoughts of decorating, or clothing, or errands, or “to do’s” today. Last night my beloved Golden Retriever, Scout, had a sudden and unexplained seizure. It was horrible.

To experience someone you love, human or canine, thrashing and drooling and unaware is just simply, terrifying. read more

Friday Favorites – White Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are my absolute favorite flower! But not every color carries equal weight. For me, it’s the white ones. I know people love the blue, but the white are what make my heart skip a beat! I usually have white hydrangeas in a pitcher in the kitchen on a weekly basis when I can find them, and we have them in both our front and backyards. Luckily for me, I have a Trader Joe’s close to my home as they carry them almost year round. And that’s another thing about them; they look good anytime of year! They look spring-y and fresh in the spring and summer months (especially the white ones that are tinged with green), but they also look amazing in the winter. I love them mixed with pine and berries at Christmas! And they look great in any container; from an old crusty urn or bucket, to a crystal vase or a white pitcher (my personal favorite!) They’re versatile and so long lasting – another one of their many wonderful traits!

Love them in a simple vase. Design by Linda McDougald.

Love them in vintage urns. Via The Enchanted Home.

Love them in baskets in the yard or house. (Source unknown.)

Love them in a silver bowl. Via Country Living.

Love them in the yard. Via Houzz.

Absolutely love these by this pool (would love to do this in my yard!) (Source unknown).

Simply stunning! Via Atelier de Campagne.

Wishing you have a lovely weekend! I’m off to the garden store to buy some new white hydrangeas to add to the front beds and to TJ’s to get some for the kitchen counter…..

Sheila
xo