posh pools.

With the blazing hot days of summer upon us, there is nothing more I would rather do than lounge poolside with a good read, a cool glass of lemonade (splash of vodka optional) and some "Blurred Lines" blaring in the background.

My mouth literally waters at the thought of having one of these posh pools in my very own backyard. A rectangular shaped pool with limestone pavers surrounded by lush grass and well-manicured hedges is as classic as it gets. Throw groups of striped chaises into the mix and you have got one stylish poolside retreat.  These pools are practically begging me to take a plunge!

via

via

via

via

via

Stay tuned this week to see how I would create a luxe outdoor oasis!

benji & the jets.

Yellow Edge Curtain Panels, Land of Nod, $39.00  |  Howard Elliot Bella Silver Leaf Mirror, Noya Decor, $482.00 |  Industrial Task Lamp, West Elm, $79.00  |  Midcentury 6-Drawer Dresser, West Elm, $849.00  |  Capel Rugs Spain Rug, Zinc Door, from $223.00  |  Air Show Lamp Shade, Land of Nod, $50.00  |  Be Brave Print, Etsy, $17.00  |  Ouef Sparrow Crib, 2Modern, $760.00  |  Zigzag Tufted Throw, Nordstrom, $58.00  |  Metal Propeller, Hidden Treasures Decor, $49.99  |  Baxton Studio Letterio White Cradle Chair, Amazon, $110.00  |  Dream A Little Dream Pillow, Etsy, $35.00  |  Links Round Pouf, Wayfair, $244.00

Here's a little mood board I designed for my bestie's baby boy, Benji. Vanessa was inspired by Elton John's hit, Bennie and the Jets and decided an airplane-themed room was perfect for her little guy! (I can't take credit for the title of this post...that was all Vanessa! Cute, huh?!) 

Vanessa already had Benji's room painted a dark aqua-ish color which reminded me of the sky on a clear summer day, so I paired that blue with a sunny yellow for the perfect complementary color. As far as the rest of the room goes, my approach to designing a nursery is simple.  Since furniture is almost always where you invest the most money, I chose pieces that have longevity.  A modern, clean dresser is my choice for a changing table, that way when your baby is no longer in diapers you aren't stuck with a useless piece of furniture.  Also this modern rocking chair is comfy and stylish and doesn't look like most gliders you typically see in a nursery.  I added youthful touches with artwork and accessories to keep the room from being too grown-up.  And in case you can't read it, the throw pillow says "dream a little dream of me." How sweet is that? 

I hope Benji grows to love this room as much as I do!

glammed up entryway.

When I spotted this post on one of my fave blogs it immediately caught my attention.  I noticed that entryway held a few similarities to the entry in my own home. Black console? Check. Gray and purple color scheme? Check.  Since I am always looking for ways to change things up around here, I figured I would take on Abbe's challenge to glam up my entryway!

These two different options I designed both have the same key elements: black console, graphic runner, plum nailhead x-bench stools flanking the console, abstract art that I will attempt to DIY and those A-MAZING agate wall sconces featured in Abbe's shop, Shop Ten 25 (if you feel like losing your mind over all of the gorgeousness she has for sale, go there now)!

So here is option #1:

and option #2:

Which one strikes your fancy?

junior chairs.

Junior Eames Chair, CraveModern, $55.00  |  Vitra Panton Junior Chair, All Modern, $145.00  |  Bertoia Child's Chair, Little Nest, $178.00/pair  |  Phillipe Starck Style Kids Ghost Chair, LexMod, $59.00  |  Little Jake Chair, Room & Board, $49.00

Even though my little one is a mere 4 months old, I can't help but start designing her play area!  I've already designated the perfect spot in our family room for a kids' arts and crafts table.  These miniature designer chairs are right up my alley.  Each offers the right dose of personality and pizzaz while allowing for easy clean up just in case my pint-sized Picasso decides to take her marker to one. I am leaning towards the Junior Eames Chair in white because it pairs perfectly with my existing decor, but I still can't choose.  I adore them all! Which one do you like best?

green streak.

Currey & Co. Goddess Chandelier, Layla Grayce, $2631.00  |  Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler Charlotte Duvet Set, JC Penney, $160.00  |  Nate Berkus for Target Green Tortoise Shell, Target, $39.99  |  Bungalow 5 Chloe Armchair, Layla Grayce, $738.00  |  Kilim Lattice Rug, Rugs USA, $310.00 - $733.00  |  Garden Stool, One Kings Lane, $114.00  |  Dwell Studio Zebra Pillow, Zinc Door, $56.00

It is no surprise green is making its way into many interiors ever since Pantone named emerald as the Color of the Year for 2013.  Emerald is such a rich, beautiful color that really packs a punch when used as an accent or as a main color in a room.  I happen to be a fan of all shades of green- emerald, chartreuse, lime and jade, to name a few.  Use varieties of this hue to instantly energize or freshen up your home! Here is a glimpse of a few spaces that make me green with envy.

via

via

via

via

i've got the blues.

Well, not exactly. Allow me to explain myself.

Interior design has piqued my interest for as long as I can remember. Growing up my mama, who also has a keen eye for style, always consulted me on what color to paint the living room or which combination of throw pillows I preferred on our sofa and other matters of the like.  Just like most girls I fantasized about the idea of one day decorating my apartment in college and eventually having free reign to deck out my very own home.

Cut to March 2010. Just like any other day I made my daily trip to our mailbox only to find the "All About Blue" issue of House Beautiful.  

Yes, those pages are dogeared...this was before Pinterest, people!

As soon as my eyes met the cover I was completely enamored! The soothing shades of powder blues laced with some lavender and touches of gold accents whisked me away to another world.  I closed my eyes and envisioned myself right there in that gorgeous living room designed by Tobi Fairley. And as I devoured the rest of the magazine I was not disappointed.  More and more interiors in every shade of blue on the color wheel danced off of the page.  It was this moment that I realized I was utterly in LOVE with all things related to home decor.

via

I thought I would start this blog to share with you things that charm me- whether it be for the home, my latest fashion fixes or maybe a favorite recipe here and there (I am a decent cook, ya know)! My hope for you, my beloved friends and readers, is that you will visit Good Luxe Charm for the same inspiration and escape this image provides me.