Love Your Home Challenge: Chalk Paint Spruce Up


I'm so excited to be a part of the Love Your Home book tour. I've been a long time lover of The Inspired Room blog, especially after going to college with Melissa's (the author!) daughter, Courtney. We worked on many interior design projects together over our years in design school. Last year, I began writing a blog post each month for The Inspired Room, so I was thrilled be able to join their team! Melissa's first book, Love the Home you Have, just recently came out, and oh-my-goodness, I just adore it. Melissa does an amazing job of reminding us to really treasure and find joy in our homes, even if it's not perfect. (Because no one's really is!)

 Today, I was invited to complete a simple Love Your Home Challenge, along with other sweet  bloggers, inspired by the new book Love The Home You Have. In the back of the book, you'll find a bunch of super simple ways to really fall more in love with your home. They take little money, time and effort, but they make a huge impact. I think so often, we can be discouraged by our own homes (however big or little it may be), because visuals of other's homes are so readily available. In magazines, on blogs, and for Heaven's sake, the number one offender, Instagram! Everywhere we turn, we're bombarded with other people's gorgeous homes and we are left to feel like ours just isn't enough. Melissa reminds us we are enough, our homes are enough, the decor and our hearts are certainly enough.

 The challenge I took was "Make it Happen", which challenges us to actually get a project done in our houses that have been hanging over our heads lately, stealing joy, and leaving us uninspired. If you follow me on Instagram, you saw a sneak peek of a project I was working on. When I first moved in to my apartment, I had come from California all the way to Michigan, with nothing other than bedding, a few small pieces of furniture, and some pretty goblets I had collected over the years. It was so overwhelming (and now kind of funny) to look around my apartment and see nothing. I was watching TV on the floor of my living room, with my TV propped up on a moving box. One day I went to World Market and quickly chose a TV stand I thought worked "fine" for the room, just to make myself feel like the apartment was getting done. This media cabinet has never felt like "me", so I finally took this challenge and gave it a little chalk paint makeover by painting just the bottom portion. I left the top the rich wood color to give it some contrast. I love how it turned out!



Now the piece reflects my vintage, farmhouse, shabby chic style.

 If you want to buy Love the Home You Have and take one of the challenges, be sure to share about it on Melissa's new website, Home Love Stories. Get all the details here! To end, I absolutely love this quote from the book. Doesn't it ring so true, especially as we enter into Spring?


Let's allow our homes be places of joy and thankfulness, instead of comparison and uninspired moments. You can visit these bloggers to see the challenges they took on also!


Don't forget to visit The Inspired Room and get yourself a copy of the book so you can complete some of the fun home challenges. If you do the challenges, be sure to share on Instagram with #loveyourhomechallenge.

 Have a lovely day!
xoxo
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7 Ways to Have a Great Day

Last week, I'll be honest, it was a rough week for me. Between some personal things and just the overwhelming amount of work to get done before leaving on vacation on Thursday, and oh-- taxes! -- it was a week I would love to forget. It got me thinking of some ways to start off your day well, and I'm here to share them with you today. Today, being a Monday, seemed like the perfect day to post this one.
Andrea Pesce Photography 

 1. Make your bed. I bet you knew that was coming :) I'm not sure what it is about this small task that actually improves my mood...but it works!

 2. Start the day off with a healthy breakfast. I have toast with peanut butter (it's organic!) and some fruit each morning. This, surprisingly, ties me over for quite a few hours so I'm not hungry on errands, client appointments, etc. Around noon I'll make a green smoothie for a quick pick me up, before I have lunch about an hour later. This helps get me my greens, keeping me healthy (which also totally helps you have a good day)!

 3. Take breaks. Whether you're working in an office or from home, breaks are so important. Typically, after a break, my brain can think a little clearer and help me come back to the project I was working on with more creativity.
Ashley Slater Photography for The Bloom Workshop

 4. Speaking of, do something to spark your creativity! Sketch, paint, practice calligraphy, cook a new recipe. Anything like this will help you have a little fun and get your mind doing something different; something you love.

5. Get yourself some fresh flowers. This is a total given, I know! I've been picking up a bouquet of $3.99 tulips each week at the grocery store. They are doing wonders for my dining table and my soul ;)

 6. Listen to some new beats. Some of my favorites are Lennon & Maisy, Kari Jobe, Mumford. If I'm working while listening to music, I love Explosions in the Sky. 

 7. Do something for someone else. Plain and simple!
Can you think of anything else?! Would love to hear!

 Here's to the start of a great week!
xoxo
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Client Reveal: Custom Curtains + Friday Finds!





There are a few Friday Finds down at the bottom of this post, but I couldn't help but share the pictures of the gorgeous curtains in my client's living room first! I absolutely LOVE how they turned out! If you've been following the past few weeks, I've show you a few updates we've made to my client, Brittani's, living room. We styled the bookshelves, picked out custom pillows, and finally, we hung the custom drapes.

 Both the pillows and the drapes are made by my Grandma, an interior designer and seamstress. Together, we have a custom linen shop called Lilac & Grace. We help you source designer fabric and make that fabric into pillows, curtains, bench cushions, napkins, placemats, etc. The options are endless!

 For Brittani's living room, we knew we needed to spice up the darker gray couches with some fun, light and colorful pillows. Once we did that, we realized that the room could be taken to the next level by doing some new curtains in a coordinating fabric to the pillows. The old drapes were a dark gray, almost the color of the walls, so these lighter panels really open up the room and make a huge difference.





I also helped her finish off the space in her entry from the garage. All they had at first was this console table. We added a mirror for function and to reflect light in this darker corner, and added a tray, bowl for keys, and terrarium for some color.

Photos: Michaela Noelle Designs
SHOP: Mirror, Tray, Bowl
What do you think about those curtains?! I wish I took a before picture...bad blogger! ;)

 *Need some interior design help or want custom linens for your home? Get in touch with me to find out about my services and pricing. I'd love to work with you! Contact: hello@michaelanoelledesigns.com

 ***
Friday Finds:
1. Anthropologie is having a Free Shipping deal for orders over $150. Use code FS150 at checkout! Their new spring arrivals are amazing!

 2. Ruche has restocked a ton of beautiful pieces and pretty phone cases! Get them while you can! Shop HERE.

 3. Nordstrom's sale is always fantastic! Shop all the clothing on sale HERE! Here are my 4 favorite sale items, all under $40!!!


4. Lulu & Georgia is having a 25% off friends and family sale! Use code FRIENDS&FAMILY25 at checkout. Shop HERE!
That's all I've got today! TGIF! Enjoy your weekend,
xoxo

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Designer Files: Desiree Hartsock

A few weeks ago I mentioned I would be blogging for Desiree Hartsock in her "home" section of the blog every few weeks. Today I am over on her blog sharing tips for your next outdoor get-together! And guess what?! Desiree is here chatting with us all about her style! Learn how her passion for designing gowns came about, how she designed her own wedding dresses, and learn how her style translates into their home design. We share a passion for vintage details and both attended The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles.

Let's get started...



1. When did your love for design begin?
My love for all things design started the second I could pick up a crayon. I would always draw, sketch and create things, but my love for fashion design began in high school when I would make dresses for my friends. My passion for bridal and wedding gown design really grew while attending FIDM.

2. You are a wedding dress designer. How does your creative process start when you design a new dress or collection? Where do you look to for inspiration?
I am always inspired by nature and the intricate beauty of vintage details, but the process of designing for me begins with the touch, look and feel of the fabrics chosen. I get inspired by the texture, drape, or color of the fabrics and from there the designs begin to come to life. As far as creating new collections and styles, I am often influenced by different cultures or shapes, while still keeping my natural and vintage inspiration as the foundation.

3. What has been one of your biggest design challenges?
TIME! I was doing custom bridal gowns prior to creating my collection with Maggie Sottero and it was difficult to manage the time needed, due to increasing obligations during that time. Being too busy also diminishes creativity, so I had to learn how to take time out for it all...the dresses, the obligations, and for myself to stay creative.

4. You designed your own wedding gowns, which were stunning! Was it harder to design and choose a gown for your own wedding?
It was actually quite opposite. I have worked in the bridal industry as a bridal consultant for many years and have seen almost any dress you could think of. For me, I just wanted to stay true to what I liked and create dresses that were different than what I have seen. I loved wearing them! ;)
Brandon Kidd photography 

5. A design don't:
Don't over emphasize all the assets. Leave an element of intrigue that flatters in the right areas. 

6. Even though you're a wedding gown designer, we'd love to learn how that aspect of design translates into how you decorate your home. Do you prefer symmetry or asymmetry? Tell us a bit about your style.
I would say that I prefer symmetry. Just as I am inspired by nature for my designs, I am inspired by nature when decorating my home. Chris and I both love neutrals with soft grays, blues, and tans. I'm drawn to creating a soft look that is welcoming and also reminds me of living by the beach.


7. I couldn't live without _____ in my home.

Throw blankets. It's the best to cuddle up on the couch in warm blankets and watch a movie. 



8. What is your favorite spot in your house?

My favorite spot is our bedroom! It's so cozy and comfortable. I also like the personal details that make the room even more special, like our wedding photos and a conch we brought back from Antigua where we got engaged.

 ***
I'm not sure about you, but her wedding gown with the gorgeous beaded back is exactly something I'd choose for myself (one day, one day!!) Desiree, want to design my wedding gown when the time comes?! ;) Their dark blue bedroom walls are a beautiful contrast with the white bedding. I think she's right-- personal details are that perfect finishing touch on a space!

 Don't you just adore Desiree's gowns?!

 Head on over to Desireehartsock.com to check out my guest post for her today.

 Happy Thursday!
xoxo
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Save & Splurge





Doormat 1 / Doormat 2 
Gold Garden Stool / Gold Accent Table
Marble Cutting Board  1 / Marble Cutting Board 2 
Wood Charger 1 / Wood Charger 2
Chair 1 / Chair 2 
Isn't it fun to see certain items for your home that look SO similar around the web, in different places and at different price points?! As a designer, it's important to find those stand-out special pieces for my client's rooms and sometimes you have to splurge on those items (and then other times those pieces happen to find you at a garage sale or vintage store for a lot less!) In order to stay on budget for my clients, once we splurge on a few items, we have to save in other areas. Luckily, there are so many great items that have a high-end look for less. Today I've rounded up a little something for everyone's budget! 

 These wood chargers are totally calling my name. We are using them for the April Bloom Workshop photo shoot! I have a purchase list for my apartment, so when I have the budget for the next item of priority I can get it. The next thing on my purchase list is a marble cutting board. I'm going to get this one! It's going to cover up my laminate countertops (blah!), be a great cutting board and pastry chef slab, AND double as a great background for photos. Finally, these chairs. AHH. Love them! World Market has a very similar version to the Restoration Hardware chair. Can you even really tell a difference?!
There are certain things worth spending a little extra money on and then those are some things that just aren't worth it. What pieces of furniture or accessories do you think are worth spending money on and where do you save the cash?!

 Enjoy your Wednesday!
xoxo
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Client Reveal: Home Suite Home Kitchen




I'm so, so, so excited to show you the reveal of the Home Suite Home kitchen. As you might know, I worked with Lauren and her husband, Jake, to turn their mother-in-law-suite apartment into something that felt more like home. We have been posting about this design project for months, polling our readers and asking for design opinions along the way. It was thrilling to see the final reveal photos, and even more thrilling to share them today with you!
The kitchen area final photos was one of my greatest joys of the whole place. The goals of the kitchen were to make that black fridge disappear (or at least not stand out!), create stylish storage, and add some accessories. We painted the back wall with black chalkboard paint, since the refrigerator is on that back wall, placed sort of awkwardly. It's amazing what it does for the kitchen! We added shelving above the island cart and a fun new turquoise bookcase, filled with pretty special touches. 

Just for fun, here is a BEFORE shot of the space, because who doesn't love a good before and after?!


And now for the AFTERS!








What's your favorite element of the design update?! To see the other rooms in the Home Suite Home series, click here.

Happy Wednesday!
xoxo
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La Petite Bloom Workshop Recap + Video


It's a happy Monday over here, because we get to share all about our La Petite Bloom Workshop from March 10th at The Goei Center. It was such a lovely day and I'm here to share it with you today!

The guests arrived to this ahhh-ma-zzzing Flower Bar, which they would soon be able to get their hands on. The set up was made complete with a fun glitter sign from The Bannerie.

What's an afternoon workshop without yummy donuts and sparkling soda?! All of our gorgeous linens are from Mrs. Freund, my go-to for unique and sparkly linens of all kinds!








First up, Jessica Albers taught our attendees the basics of calligraphy. It was so fun to learn from her and try my hand at calligraphy. I will say, I wasn't good at it at first...like, at all! But I've been practicing at home and I'm getting better! There is hope :)






Isn't Jessica's work AMAZING?! You can shop her work HERE.





Next, Spring Sweet taught the guests how to arrange flowers! This was such a fun part of the day. Everyone loved it so much. Can I tell you something? Every single person's arrangement was gorgeous! It was fun to see everyone's personality come out in their arrangement.

 Everyone got to choose their own pretty vase!

Then they picked their flowers at the Flower Bar...

Then they got to arranging!







After the floral arrangements were done, Ashley taught on photography tips and I taught on design and styling tips. Finally, Ashley took beautiful pictures of everyone's floral arrangements on Mrs. Freund linens. I helped the guest's decide how to style the set up. This part was so much fun! Here are some of my favorite arrangements...








One of my favorite parts of the day was meeting some gals I'd known through Instagram and blogging, but had yet to meet in person! Love these girls!
Emily, me, Ashley, & Kaitlin
Spring, Jessica, me, Ashley

 We finally got a group shot at one of our workshops! I loved meeting all these friendly, talented women!
Photos: Ashley Slater Photography & Katie Grace Photography 
Linens: Mrs. Freund, Glitter Signs: The Bannerie, Balloon & Tassel: Posh PR, Venue: The Goei Center

We were lucky enough to have Katie video the workshop! See a glimpse into the day here:



La Petite Bloom from Katie Hollstein on Vimeo.
What a fun day it was! If you'd like to join in on the fun, we still have four more La Petite Bloom Workshops that you can attend this year. Two in Michigan, one in North Carolina, and one in Chicago. Be sure to check out our Register Page for all the dates and locations.

 We'd love to meet you!

 Enjoy your day!
xoxo

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