Setting the Table : A Garden Inspired Tablescape

Even though I don't get to do it nearly as often as I’d like (I'm hoping to change that soon!), I loooove hosting a good brunch or dinner party. I'm always lurking in the dinnerware aisle dreaming up tablescapes where the drinks are flowing, and the food is scrumdiddlyumptious. I love that that's an actual word in the dictionary, btw. My best tip is to not be afraid to mix and match colors and patterns because that's where all the fun starts to happen! Hosting family and friends is also a great time to break out all that heirloom and wedding registry stuff that is still stashed in a box somewhere.

Plus I like that it doesn't have to be a formal affair. I’m all about jazzing up a simple "croissants and jam" breakfast. Just add a pitcher of mimosas and you've got yourself an event!

This garden-inspired tablescape features some affordable finds, like these awesome white Ikea plates that I usually use throughout the year. I think it's definitely worth investing in a white dinnerware set for everyday since it can transition from spring to fall and on through the holidays. And now that everything is in bloom here in San Antonio, I couldn’t help to wanna bring in an accent color that reminded me of garden flowers. I added this soft rose napkin and played around with the placement, but ultimately I didn’t wanna hide the salad plate print, so I tucked it underneath.

I know I'm not the only one that feels like all the brass/gold/rose gold trend is going to go out of style sometime soon- but nope. It’s still kicking! Lol. And now with the '80s swinging back around in fashion, I think it's more apropos than ever. I actually have this really nice Wallace silver hammered flatware set that my mother in law got us and we use every day, but I also wanted to brighten up the table and add a little more depth, so this modern gold flatware set from Tarjay did just the trick.

Styling-wise, there are two things that I’ve gotta have on a dining table. Fresh flowers, and lots of candles. I've been wanting to take a floral arrangement class at local flower shop for some time now, and one day I will. But for now, an assortment of Trader Joe's flowers works just fine. I always find myself gravitating towards their hydrangeas, pink roses, eucalyptus, and tulips when they're in season. I tend to avoid the bright colorful stuff. (I really don't know how to work with it, if I'm being honest). If you're up for a rabbit hole session, there are a bunch of videos on Youtube on how to make fancy floral arrangements from basic TJ's flower bunches.

And as far as the candles go, I'm not partial to any one type or another (love them all!), I just like to make sure that they're scent-free so that the yummy smell-goods of our dinner doesn’t get drowned out by say, the smell of Cottage Breeze. Is that a real scent? I dunno. I should have googled that. Anyway, if you're using a tapered candle holder, you may also want to try a dripless candle so that you don't get that funky stuff happening with the wax as it comes down all willy wonka and looks like a scene straight out of Tales from the Crypt. Been there!

A while back, I found these Vidrios San Miguel drinking glasses at a Home Goods. They may still actually stock these, but really I have found a bunch on eBay. I really love the ones I have, but I do wish I would have opted for the more slender drinking glass. Still, the color is so pretty, and I love that it says "100% recycled glass" right on... well, the glass. I use these for water glasses, and in the summertime, they hold plenty of drink and LOTS of ice- so they're nice for ice tea on the patio too. I really prefer cold drinks out of real glass. They just taste better to me! Also, these glass tumblers are much smaller, but still just as cute.

For our wine glasses, I bought a 12-count set of these little mini wine glasses from Crate & Barrell. I say mini cause they're so cute and small, but they actually hold a full glass of wine so don't be fooled! I absolutely love these. They are short and stocky, making them far less fragile than long-stemmed glasses. They do great in the dishwasher and get this - they stack! I'm really glad I have these little cuties. We don't each ice cream often enough, but I bet they'd be great for that, too. Mmmm… ice cream.

So don't be afraid to pair new with old, plain with patterned to create a sweet tablescape of your own. Bring on the ambiance music, the drinks, and the laughs! With the right setting, you can add a little wow into an everyday meal shared with the people you love the most.

So what about you? Do you have any hosting plans set up for this ? Let me know what your traditions look like in the comment section below!

Bright Vibes with Floral Accents

Thank heavens the cold weather is gone! Here in San Antonio it’s been a wonderful 75 degrees at night and everywhere you look, blooms are in season. It’s so lovely! If you follow me on Instagram you know that I absolutely love flowers, and seeing all the beautiful landscapes the past few weeks has got me thinking all about floral patterns! I do like my neutrals, but I can’t help to be drawn to a fun, colorful floral print, especially when the chill of winter starts to fade.

What a sweet little way to say hello to a friend, welcome a guest, or even take notes while on the job. Below is a round-up of some of my favorite floral prints, most of which were designed by a few of my all-time favorite artist. Perfect for a little spring refresh, or just to add a little lovely back into your life.

source — 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

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1// English Garden Throw Pillow - I’ve been following Caitlin Wilson for a loooong time. I mean, I was still in art school and she had JUST started designing her own fabrics. Now she has a few retail shops and a gorgeous textile line with the prettiest pillows, rugs and wallpapers you’ve ever seen. This floral pillow is one of my favorites.

2// Conrflower Dinner Napkin - My dining room is a little on the monotone side and when I set the table, I like to add color and texture with patterned linens and fresh flowers. These cornflower blue floral napkins add a bit of color while still feeling casual. I’ve written about getting killer artwork with Minted, but they also have amazing home decor items too!

3// Blush Botanical thank You Card Set - It’s always good to have thank you cards on deck. Have you heard of the Eli Trier’s The Gratitude Project? What a great concept! I haven’t gotten around to reading the book, but I’ve been tempted to write a thank you note everyday for a year too, especially with these pretty blush pink gold foil notecards!

4// Mathilde Vase - Bring on the color. This stoneware vase would look gorgeous with fresh cut white tulips, and I like that the inside has an accent color. It’s a pretty mint green, but it also comes in pink and in blue. Honestly I could hardly pick a favorite!

5// Vintage Blossom Notebook Set - I always have a notebook on my desk to jot down phone call notes, or do basic math- yup don’t judge me... I will definitely use pen and paper to add 3200 and 1500. And I typically like to have a pretty notebook to make me feel better about having to do that. Have I told you that I’m 6 math credits away from a Communications degree? Anyway, I digress. This vintage blossom notebook set is awesome and makes a great gift!

6// Floral Portrait Wall Clock - I like funky art and it’s no surprise that I’m a big fan of the surreal artwork that Dada22 creates. Mostly featuring beautiful feminine portraits with floral and butterfly cutouts. They’re really lovely and represent both beauty and strength. This wall clock is super cool and minimal with just the right amount of flair.

7// Bearded Iris in a White Bowl Print - Ashley Woodson Bailey. Do you know her? If not, you should. The most beautiful floral photography. It’s dark and moody, a maybe a little bit haunting, but absolutely gorgeous and very chic. This bearded iris print is on the brighter side, and is completely captivating.

8// Une Femme Sleek and Chic Phone Case - Khristian Howell and I met a few years back when I was living in Atlanta and she is the sweetest, most down-to-earth go-getter I’ve ever met! She is an amazing artist and I love this dark floral une femme phone case along with mostly everything else her site! Lol. The gift wrapping papers, gah!

9// Garden Party Thermal Mug & Rose Parade Sipping Tumbler - Drink water! Beat the heat, drill sergeant, beat the heat! Haha. Do you know that chant? We mostly drink out of our favorite thermal coffee mugs and tumblers throughout the day. Ban.do makes really fun vibrant ones that always add a little cheer into getting refills. How cute is this garden party thermal mug and this rose parade tumbler? But seriously- stay hydrated, y’all.

10// Italy Spring Wall Art - Pink and blue together in perfect harmony! This Italy spring wall art from Anthropologie is so sweet and the color scheme is desaturates enough that it doesn’t feel too girly. Plus the framing is just lovely!

So those are some of my favorites. Now tell me, what did I miss?! Tell me about your favorite floral finds in the comment section below. Maybe it’s even one from this list! Ha.

Get Killer Artwork for your Home with Minted

 (This post contains affiliate links, which means Slate Design Studio may receive a small commission for any purchase made through links in this post at no additional cost to you.)

Nothing transforms a room quicker than artwork.

Well, paint I guess is a close second. But together, those two powerhouses can get your home from frumpy to posh in the shortest time possible! I totally get that one-of-a-kind pieces can be crazy expensive sometimes, but there’s another way, folks.

We get our holiday cards printed from them every year, and I've really enjoyed sourcing art prints for my projects from Minted too! It's a great way to connect with real artists without breaking the bank and I’ve been impressed with the selection and customer service. Plus the designer’s dream - I can literally filter through all of their options by looking for exactly what I need. Color. Subject. Shape. Size. You name it. It’s literally a win-win, because the selection and quality is amazing.

I love to make a statement with their largest sizes and they have some prints that can be ordered up to 44”x60”. That’s one large piece of art! I get so many questions about my art selections that I wanted to share some of my current top picks with you. Check them out below.

Another awesome thing Minted offers is customizing your paper type, frame style, and matting, all while selecting the perfect size for your space. And even more awesome for a visual person like me is the ability to see these selections rendered with your styling choices in real time! This way, you know exactly what you're going to be receiving, no blind surprises.

1. Bocas Del Toro // 2. Mesmerize // 3. Passage 1 // 4. Beach Boy 5. Summer Skies // 6. Above the Sea // 7. Trumpets at Noon // 8. Mystify // 9. Green Reflections Connemara Ireland // 10. Walk this Way // 11. Linger // 12. Plant Cell 4 // 13. Oxnard Zachary I // 14. Shuffle Series Downtown // 15. Praia Da Ursa

These are just a few of my favorites, but I definitely have some lovelies saved up for upcoming projects in literally every category! 

What about you, have you bought art from Minted or any other online vendors? If so, drop a note in the comments below, I'd love to hear about it!

Throwback Reveal: The Oakview Project

It's been a while but I can honestly say that #TheOakviewProject is still one of my favorites to date! This cool craftsman was in need of a little refresh, but overall, the architectural details were there, and just needed to be highlighted. The vaulted ceiling in the living room and the southern shutters were totally charming - but the original 80's fireplace? Oy. That was the definitely the first thing to go! 

We updated the fireplace by replacing the stone with a warm marble tile and by lowering the hearth to be flush with the hardwoods, which gave it a modern feel. To keep with the more traditional aspects of the home, we designed a custom wood mantle with craftsman detailing and painted it in a clean, fresh white that accentuated the stone. The paint throughout the room is SW Popular Gray.

The client loved to entertain, so we made sure that the living room had plenty of seating too, in a layout that was conducive to conversation. Don’t be afraid to double up your sofa! In this room, two sofas across from each other kept the space more open than closing it off with a sectional. The window treatments really brought the height of the ceiling down to a more proportionate view and the reading chair is one of my absolute favorites!

In the dining room, we decided to maximize the square footage by adding an oversized round table with super comfy dining chairs and a knockout statement light fixture to brighten up the space. That fixture is everything! We also were able to repurpose the client’s original art in this space and it really came alive against the natural light.

And I have to say, I absolutely love me a good fiddle leaf fig, even though they’re not always the easiest to care for. A little effort goes a long way with this one since this entry packs a vibrant punch with this sweet spot of greenery and large-scale art. We also opted to keep the console really simple with a rustic finish detail to added depth and character.

This home is timeless and we alI loved how it turned out. There’s a modern, earthy and casual feel to this home that makes it unique and oh-so-welcoming! Make sure to follow along on Insta and check out #TheOakviewProject to see the amazing before-and-afters!

So what do you think? Are there any pieces that you could see incorporating into your own home? Let me know in the comments section below!

Bring the Outdoors in with Natural Decor

Hey! Can you believe it’s almost February already?! It feels like only yesterday we were jamming out to “All I want for Christmas” and eating up all the holiday sweets! Ammiright? Well, the month of love is undoubtably just around the corner, and when we talked about natural materials being totally in style for 2019, my heart literally skipped a beat!

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So in honor of Valentine’s Day and all that is lovable, I’ve rounded up my favorite natural and neutral design finds that are seriously worth crushing over.

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1. Rattan Basket // 2. Natural Agate Clock // 3. Aren Pot // 4. Painted Pillar Holders // 5. Recycled Cotton Throw // 6. Acacia Board // 7. Dip Dyed Stools // 8. Zoo Doormat // 9. Black & White Table Lamp // 10. Wood Serving Bowls // 11. Framed Art Print // 12. Two Tier Wall Shelf

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Rattan Basket: This leather basket is so versatile and I LOVE the leather trim and handles! This would be great in a living room to store cozy blankets or under a entry console to hold your favorite shoes.

Natural Agate Clock: I’m absolutely obsessed with this artisan agate clock, it stunning to look at and would make a great nightstand or desk accessory. If anyone is buying me a gift anytime soon, this one for sure is a winner!

Aren Pot: This sweet little vase is perfect for displaying a fresh bouquet of tulips or silver dollar eucalyptus! I like that it’s not too big, so you can corral it in a larger tray to create a pretty catch-all.

Painted Carved Wood Pillar Holders: After hosting thanksgiving dinner (for 20+ people, mind you!) this year- I’m obsessed with alllll the candleholders. These chunky turned wood holders have an antique look and distressed finish that gives it charm and depth.

Recycled Cotton Throw: I love me a patterned throw blanket. This one in particular would look amazing draped over the foot of the bed. With a bold dark gray and white chevron pattern, it’s sure to jazz up a space in need of a little pattern pick me up.

Acacia Serving Bowl: This gorgeous acacia board had me at dovetail! The woods natural split is joined by a butterfly dovetail and the teardrop handle is delicate and seamless. Perfect for an elegant cheese board.

Dip Dyed Stools: Who doesn’t love these perfect little dip-dyed stools?! I see them used everywhere, they’re petite enough to be moved around easily and are great for a little extra surface space. I’ve been dying to get one of these myself for my daughter’s room!

Animal and Kids Doormat: Hahaha! And speaking of my daughter,  this custom doormat always makes me laugh! I have two dogs and a toddler- so it personally rings true, but they’re a bunch of other really funny ones in the shop. 

Black and White Table Lamp: I love this tall and earthy desk lamp! The shape is a perfect mix of sturdy and delicate and the pattern is interesting without being too busy. 

Wood Serving Bowls: These wooden bowls are great for displaying treasures and trinkets. Load one up with a few beaded necklace or do like Danielle Moss from The Everygirl and fill a bowl up with fun polaroid pics. They’ll jazz up your coffee table and be an awesome conversation starter!

Framed Art Print: This is one of my favorite art prints this year. It’s one out of a series of two, so they’ll look great in large format side by side, or you can opt for a smaller one for your nightstand or dresser. I love the neutral colors, and paired with a dark metal frame, it’s chic and oh-so-classy. 

Two Tier Wall Shelf: I love this wicker storage basket to collect everyday essentials! I might use it in a home office to sort mail, but where I really want one is in my kitchen! I could finally store all of our ground coffee jars in something beautiful that’ll keep my counters clutter free.

So there ya have it! What do you think of this round up? Are there any favorites that you’re eager to bring into your home?

5 Interior Design Trends that Are Going to Rock 2019

2018 brought us a shift from light and bright interiors to deeper tones and bolder choices. This year, expect the boldness to continue with five solid design trends that are sticking around and can’t be ignored.

1. Floral wallpaper

Big bold wallpaper is back- and (some) folks have lost the fear! Gone are the days of gray paint and gallery walls to fill up a space. Rooms with colorful wallpapers in botanical themes are really setting the stage for high contrast and cheerful design. Not to mention that the wow factor is amplified, especially when paired with thoughtful trim molding, or used in smaller spaces.

By Michelle Gage

By Lindsay Hill Interiors

By Chango & Co

2. Jewel Tone Furniture

Piggy backing on the deep, moody color trend, furnishings have stepped onto the color wheel and are now being offered in rich emeralds, violets and glorious teals. Pair these vivid tones with leather and natural woods and you have a cozy and dynamic environment that just envelops you in comfort.

By House of Nomad Design

By Studio Ashby

By Cortney Bishop

3. Patterned Tiles

Patterned encaustic tiles are having a serious moment and are possibly here to stay. From colorful backsplashes to monochrome floor tiles, these pattern-rich squares tell a story and can work in a variety of styles from farmhouse to modern. Keep it simple when the surroundings are bold, or really play it up in a tamer room.

By Studio Life/Style

By Old Brand New

By Amber Interiors

4. Natural Materials

Leather and linen are king in my book, and it looks like most designers agree. While I prefer a great performance fabric for kid and doggy friendly sofas, there’s great opportunity to bring these natural materials in to a space through window treatments, ottomans, and accessories. In addition to that, there’s an increased interest in being natural wood, and earthy furniture and decor peices into the home. A great way to bring the outdoors in, I say, and I’m all in.

By Studio Life/Style

By Chango & Co.

By Studio McGee

5. Curved Furniture

This bold ‘70’s inspired style started popping up in 2018 and it looks like we’re embracing it. Moving away from straight lines and boxy furniture, this natural and organic shape can really dress up a room and give it an elegant feel without being stuffy or uncomfortable.

By Leyla Uluhanli Interiors

By Studio DB

By Donna Mondi Interior Design

So there you have it! I’d love to know what you think- do you see yourself implementing any of these design styles in your home? Let me know in the comments section below!  

Lovely to Meet You!

Hi there & Happy New Year! My name is Luz and I am an interior designer living in San Antonio, Texas. Welcome to my little space on the web! A few months ago, my husband and I boxed up our lovely life in Atlanta and transferred it all the way to the big state of TX. Our time spent in Atlanta was amazing, such a beautiful, diverse and vibrant city- we miss it for sure. But, onward we go to new adventures! Our happy one-year-old daughter and two doodle pups have enjoyed the change of scenery. These days our house is filled with lively giggles, little stomping feet, and lots and lots (and lots) of kids songs.

In the spirit of settling in, we bought a rehabbed craftsman which I suspect will go through some additional changes over the course of the next year. With this blog, I hope to share my real-life projects with you and give you insight into my personal design aesthetic. It's also meant to serve as a platform to inspire and enlighten. I'd like to take you along on this crazy journey of mine and hope that we can all learn from each other and evolve together. I can't wait to make this new house a proper home and make some new friends along the way.

Cheers, and so very lovely to meet you!

Xo, Luz