Maison de Cinq

Friday Favorites – Pop of Red

Now I know red is a color that is fairly controversial. I used to think you either loved it or hated it. But I’ve realized that that simply can’t be true, because I don’t love or hate it! I actually really like it – in small doses. Do I think a great drop dead red dress can be gorgeous? Definitely. I just don’t ever gravitate to such a big statement color in a big way. In fact, last year for Valentine’s Day my daughter didn’t have anything red to wear for her school spirit day so she was looking in my closet, and it was then that I realized that I literally don’t have any red clothing – not kidding! Not a sweater, blouse, or top to be found. But this is the rub. I love it in accessories! I think a great red bag can make an outfit! read more

Green with Envy

I know green has not been the hottest color in the decor world as of late, but I’ve noticed it is slowly having a re-awakening. And I have to say, I for one am thrilled! I don’t know if it is because I love the outdoors and plants so much, or if it’s for some other reason, but a little green in a room really speaks to me. read more

Neutral Fall Tablescape

Are you all getting ready for Thanksgiving and all the fall festivities? Fall is my favorite season and I love doing tablescapes this time of year! For that reason, I’ve created a free e-book with twelve of my favorite tables for lots more inspiration for you! read more

Mantel Dilemma!

Usually I’m pretty sure of what direction I want to go when it comes to decorating. However, I am having a bit of a dilemma when it comes to re-decorating my living room mantel. To give you the back story, until recently I had a tall topiary in a black tole container on each side, and then next to those, a a pair of antique candlesticks. Anyway, I’ve always loved my topiaries but I wasn’t loving the black containers anymore. I bought them years ago and at that time, I had more black accessories in the room and they really worked. So at first, I thought I would just look for two vintage urns or something more interesting to put the topiaries in. I haven’t had any luck with that and now I’m unsure about keeping them at all. For one, I was thinking maybe they are a little dated, and secondly, I already have topiaries in the dining room which is right next to the living area. I’m not sure I should have them in both rooms. Since I wasn’t really sure what direction I wanted to go, I’ve been scouring all my Pins on Pinterest to look back and see the mantels that have spoken to me the most. Much to my surprise, many of my favorite rooms have very empty (or very layered) mantels. There seems to be not much in between! read more

Friday Favorites – Leopard Print & How to Wear It

There is nothing like a pop of leopard print to brighten up an outfit! I tend to favor it in accessories rather than in actual clothing items, but I’ll take it either way! And it adds so much to even something as simple as jeans and a t-shirt. In fact, what I love about it the most is the way it can make even a simple outfit look chic! read more

All that Glitters is not Gold (it’s Silver!)

I’ve been collecting vintage and antique silver for a quite a few years now. It all began when my mother-in-law gave us quite a bit of hers (including a full Tiffany tea set!) After that, I started to notice it in antique stores and flea markets – I guess before that I never did. I mean, obviously, silver had been in those places all along, but I just never gravitated to it. I must’ve thought it was too dressy or old fashioned. I don’t know. What I do know, is now I love it! I love the beauty, of course, but what I really love is the sense of history it carries. Families used these bowls, ate off of these plates, served themselves from these spoons and platters, and poured tea from these pots. I love the formality. I love that there was a special utensil for literally everything! I can’t imagine how these women not only kept everything polished, but had room to store it all! Having said that, I don’t collect everything. I have some utensils and a few tea sets, but what I really love are the bowls and any and all kinds of platters. I use them to display items on tables or buffets, or to serve food at parties. I love that they are usable and practical, as well as being beautiful. read more