Julep

A Typographic Home

Written by Victoria Smith

By Victoria Smith of sfgirlbybay.

Lately it seems that many of the spaces I save as inspiration all have one thing in common – pops of beautiful and graphic typographic decorative elements. I’ll them all – the vintage metal letters, oversized, or paired with others. Like the “L A D” seen above from photographer Seth Smoot, using letters as accent pieces around your home or office is a great way to bring unique visual elements to a space that could spell out meaning, or hold a more abstract message.

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Decorating with Plants.

Written by Victoria Smith

By Victoria Smith of sfgirlbybay.

With fall upon us, the leaves changing, and the chill coming in, it makes me want to fill my home with greenery even more these days. Something about the fresh green vibrance of these house plants and arrangements gives the space a sense of life and keeps me motivated to work which is why I’ve always loved decorating my space with plants. Here are a few of my favorite ideas to bring green into your own home or office.

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Lighting the Way

Written by Victoria Smith

By Victoria Smith of sfgirlbybay.

One of the easiest ways to brighten up any room is to literally add light. With the changing of seasons and days growing shorter, it’s time to update your spaces to accommodate for get togethers after dusk. From geometric to organic shapes and materials, there are so many fun lighting options out there to choose from and here are just a few of my recent favorites.

I love the vintage, bohemian vibe of these Bright Beads lamps by Marz Designs via Contemporist along with the ability for one to stand alone or to group them together, creating an instant collection.

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rest your pretty head.

Written by Victoria Smith

By Victoria Smith of sfgirlbybay.

Sometimes the best getaway from the busy, fast paced everyday is right here in your own home. These bedrooms, adorned with their ornate and luxurious headboards, take turning your space into a sanctuary of sorts to the next level. I can just imagine myself setting up camp and cozying up with a few good books, a pot of tea and staying put all weekend long. Here are a few favorite pretty beds and headboards that have recently caught my eye.

This cool brick Boston apartment turns into a warm and inviting space by pairing natural textiles atop this off-white tufted headboard. This pretty padded headboard does wonders to bring a softer feeling into the more industrial-seeming space.

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Belly Up To The Home Bar Cart.

Written by Victoria Smith

By Victoria Smith of sfgirlbybay.

When heat waves like this one we’re having in San Francisco roll in, all I can think about is sipping on an ice cold drink in the comfort of my own home. It’s so lovely to see bar carts surge back into popularity, especially because I love the reward of entertaining friends and family in your own home. Here are just a few ideas to kick start the quest for the perfect summer bar cart.Joanna Lavén is an amazing talent at prop and interior styling. It’s no wonder her simple yet modern approach to the home bar cart immediately caught my eye. This gold and black mini bar seen above make a chic and regal statement in this crisp, white living space.

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dining style.

Written by Victoria Smith

By Victoria Smith of sfgirlbybay.

Isn’t it great how some of our favorite memories and get togethers end up being simple dinners with friends and family in our own homes? With family vacations and visits in full swing this summer, I thought we should touch on one of the best conversation starters for any event — dining room art. A dining room should be both inviting yet chic, and as with any space, it’s always nice to have something lovely to look at whether the art be bright, floral or sentimental family photos. Minted has loads of art print options, and I thought I’d share some inspiration to get your curator wheels turning.

Darcy Miller’s home in architectural digest.

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The Boucherouite Trend

Written by Victoria Smith

One of my favorite ways to add a pop of color to a room is with a few Moroccan Boucherouite rugs. These rugs are works of art – made from a variety of materials traditionally woven by hand for as long as a year in some cases. Boucherouite rugs are not your typical floor covering; I love the variety of patterns, colors, sizes and shapes these can come in. Take a peek at some of our favorite Boucherouite rugs and tell us which room you would add one in your own home.

Against my usual color palette of classic black and white, these rugs are two of my own that I added into my home. Aren’t the textures and bright pinks, blues and colors lovely?

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Al Fresco Dining with Globe Lights

Written by Victoria Smith

With warm weather here to stay, we are finding ourselves coming up with any excuse to dine al fresco with our friends. The perfect addition to any space? A string or three of globe lights to illuminate your space as you reach for that second glass of wine at sunset. I found some of my favorite outdoor dining spaces that show off this beautifully practical accessory, just in time for these warm spring nights.

This outdoor party is made so pretty with the twinkling of the globe lights above by Nicole Polk Photography via Style Me Pretty.

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Splish Splash, Art in The Bath.

Written by Victoria Smith

Sometimes I feel like our poor bathrooms are hopelessly neglected. They’re the last thing to get some attention and shamefully ignored when it comes to decorating. There’s nothing easier than hanging a bit of artwork, or giving them a soothing coat of paint. Blue is especially lovely when you’re soaking in the tub and need one of those ‘Calgon, take me away moments’. I thought I’d round up a few different looks from the Minted art prints collection to give you some inspiration. From vintage-modern and bold, to bright. colorful and child-friendly, to a more adult-like quiet space for reflecting after a long day – here’s a few themes for you to consider.

The Vintage Modernist: Love, by Max and Bunny; and Neighborly Narwhal, by Monica Tuazon. Bathroom photography by Seth Smoot.

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Modern Eclectic Mix

Written by Victoria Smith

By Victoria, SF Girl by Bay

Hima is the blog behind Helsinki-based freelance writer Stella Harasek, who writes about all things interior design and everything that relates to the cozy concept called home. Stella’s own home is simply stunning. It’s an unexpected and eclectic mix of everything from classically traditional chandeliers, danish mid-century modern, to inexpensive flea market finds, all working in harmony to create a very comfortable, relaxed lived in look, but with a lot of sophistication enhanced but the subtle pastels and shades of gray she so wonderfully combines. This is my kind of modern eclectic mix…

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