Pepper Design Blog

Project Nursery: Prints & Patterns Part 2

The Thibaut swatches have arrived! I feel like a kid in a candy store amidst all of these beautiful prints. Olivia was overwhelmed too.

After laying out a variety of different color ways, it quickly became clear that a coral, tan and brown palette was the way to go. The strong, saturated colors (mixed with a few softer pastels) would help to feminize the space while complimenting the colors of the wall animals.

Left to right: Pearl Trellis in brown, Baltic Stripe in pastel, Malibu in peach, Pearl Trellis in coral, Coco in natural, Malay Ikat in beige,  Metropolis Stripe in brown and Times Square in brown.

Now which to choose for the curtains…

I knew which fabric that I thought would look best lining the windows… and I was so happy when Liv agreed.

Thibaut’s Baltic Stripe – Pastel on Cream it is!

Now I’m off to pick up some lining from Joann’s Fabrics today to get this party project started.

If you’re catching up on Project Nursery, here’s a link to the initial fabric board, vintage wall art addition, changing table makeover, nursery wall striping tutorial, painted animal project, the initial inspiration board and the before picture posts.

A Merry Modern Christmas

This Modern Christmas photoshoot by Sitting in a Tree is so fun. I love that it’s full of non-traditional colors (no red or green to be found), shapes and patterns - it’s creative, contemporary and a neat spin on the usual this time of the year!

The playful patterns are the best! Oh how I’d love a linen closet full of turquoise stripes and yellow geometric prints. Mix that with a bit of fuchsia, glitter and gold and you have yourself a very merry modern Christmas.

A few of my favorite ideas to steal: individual trays as place settings (you can buy these for just a couple of dollars each at online stores such as Oriental Trading and paint em up any way you choose), confetti ornaments (another great DIY project) and tree branch centerpieces wrapped in book pages (a quick coat of white spray paint and a dash of white glitter would be another sparkly alternative).

The entire design, including home decor inspiration, can be found here.

The shoot was set in San Diego and staged to replicate a new couple’s first Christmas – out with the old traditions while welcoming in the new. Photography by Joielala.

{Deliciously Decorated} Holiday Dessert Tables

There are so many creative {and beautiful} holiday ideas out there that I thought I’d share a quick round-up of a few of my favorite dessert tables.

These buffet-style spreads are full of great DIY projects - from adorable crafts to favors for friends to yummy recipes – that even if you don’t have time to tackle an entire table at your holiday party there’s sure to be an “ah-ha” idea that you’ll love in there somewhere.

For all of the juicy details and plenty of pictures, just click on the link with the theme name to jump out to the original full post.

I love the idea of using a striped fabric or wrapping paper as a backdrop to a delicious spread – and how wonderful are all of the gingerbread details in this “Christmas Candyland” theme design by Bird Crafts and featured over at Hostess with the Mostess?

Below, TomKat Studios shares a whimsical “Let it Snow” dessert table with splashes of bright pink:

Check out the adorable sugar-covered marshmallow men (in the form of skewered pops) on this Christmas Snowman table by Shindig Parties to Go:

Above, WH Hostess (of The Party Dress) shares a “Sweet Treats” aqua and red theme with beautiful feather and tissue paper details.

Below, a “Pink Nutcracker Suite” buffet shared on HWTM by Kate Landers Events makes for a great little girl’s birthday party or even a grown-up girl’s spread before a night out on the town to see the ballet or catch a chick flick!

And that’s the round-up!

Christmas decor is going up in a flurry over here at the Spenla house – I keep wondering what will happen if babe decides to come early (he/she is technically full term now at 37 weeks!) with me amidst rolls of garland, flashing Christmas lights and tiny ornaments as I get the house holiday ready! I don’t think I’d like to come back from the hospital in the chaos that is our living room now…