THE MINI'S | DINING ROOM DECOR

Most of you know that Alex & I recently purchased our first home.  Being a designer, I have access to  all of the most amazing options as far as everything - furniture, fabrics, wall coverings, lighting, the list goes on.  It is so much fun to browse through all of these sources to see which will work in our space.  Although, sometimes it gets overwhelming because we are exposed to so much and each source has so many amazing products.  It's hard to choose!  We are almost finished with living room and are now moving on to the formal dining room.  A lot of couples our age are opting for a less formal, more open floor plan, but I absolutely love the idea of a gorgeous, wallpapered, fully decorated dining room.  I grew up with one (obviously)... with lots of dinner parties and holidays around the table and we plan on doing the same in our home.  Above are my inspiration photos so far and also my inspiration board.

1.  Christina Murphy 
2. Pinterest | Unsure of designer
3. Mark Sikes
4 | 5. Ashley Whitaker

LIQUID LACQUER

One of our favorite new clients is an adorable, fun couple in a pre-war apartment on the Upper East Side.  We love when clients aren't afraid of color and taking risks and this couple is super stylish and on board with anything.  One element that we are definitely incorporating in this project is lacquer.  On the walls, on the ceiling, the furniture, the accessories.  When mixed with traditional lines, we can't get enough.  It looks like smooth, colorful, ice- just so chic and cool.  

Above is some inspiration...

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SEE SUMMER BETTER

I'm semi- obsessed with the glasses by Warby Parker.  It's a sophisticated, classic, but super cool brand.  When they asked us to contribute to a blog post for their #seesummerbetter campaign we were thrilled!  Above are a few of my favorites and places where we think they would look fab.

1. Griffin in Blonde Tortoise | I think my favorite pair of glasses to go with my absolute favorite place in the summer (or any time of year for that matter)- Southampton beach.  I grew up summering here and it just brings me to a happy place.  I can sit and watch the waves or read for hours.
Glasses | Warby Parker
Hat | Net-a-Porter
Bikini | Shop Bop
Beach Towel | Matouk

2.  Crossfield in Polished Gold | The perfect pair to wear for some beers and great music.  Late summer (end of August, early September), after the crowds have subsided, Cisco Brewery in Nantucket is the most fun spot to party.  You're never to old for an afternoon jam session and a round of corn hole.  Hanging here with my fam is the best.
Glasses | Warby Parker
Striped Top | MDS Stripes
Sandals | Calypso
Jean Shorts | AG

3.  Reilly in Marzipan Tortoise | A chic pair of shades for a day at the Met and a picnic in the park.  Do not miss the current exhibit on China Through the Looking Glass.  It is the most amazing showcase of haute couture you have ever seen. 
Glasses | Warby Parker
Tote | Rae Feather
Jumper | Club Monaco
Flats | Chanel

A SPRING REFRESH

I don't know about you guys, but every season I like to add a little something new.  Accessories really seem to do the trick for me.  This season a new pair of fresh loafers and a statement necklace will really pep up last years white, linen blazer.  Also, I am currently coveting the hermes satchel in this beautiful, blue, but that is wishful thinking.  As for the house- Bode (our bulldog) really needs a cute, clean bed.   Also, I've started hoarding great accessories for the future house.  I'm still obsessing over this scalloped lantern and recently purchased this glass knot for the show house-  it is so beautiful I had to get one for myself as well.

1. Loafers - Tods

2. Lantern - Coleen & Co.

3. Tassel Necklace - Calypso

4. Satchel - Hermes

5. Glass Knot - Antique Store

6. Dog Bed - Amy Berry Design

DESIGN ADVICE FOR THE NEW YEAR

We've come up with a few "Rinfret Guidelines" to consider this year when reinventing your home.  These are our classic principals when working on a new project.  

1.  Use restraint.

Don't overdue it.. think about it in terms of fashion.  How silly do people look when they have caked on make-up or too much jewelry?  Elegant and refined are your two key words to remember when designing a room.

2. Surprises always work. 

Nothing is more boring than a predictable room copied out of a magazine.. Have some fun with your home.. throw in a lacquered chair, modern art with your traditional pieces, or an unexpected animal print. 

3. Use color that makes you happy (even black).

Color guides for the coming year really don't matter.. Ignore them & use what you love.  Nothing changes a room faster than a fresh coat of paint.  White dove for woodwork always works.

4. Make it your own! 

A professional can always guide you with proportions, layout, current fabrics. Even when we design entire homes our clients personalities always shine through..  Add little details like monogramming, pictures and accessories to make it your own.  These finishing touches will let your home will reflect you!

CHRISTMAS DECOR

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We are thoroughly in the Christmas spirit in the Rinfret & Minicucci house holds.  Houses fully decorated, garland hung, wreaths, multiple trees.  There is not a space wasted that doesn't get decorated for our favorite season.  I have been pinning for a few months to get ideas, as I'm sure you all have been as well.  Here is some of our favorite wreath inspiration...

drawing by Inslee Hayes (love her work) 

images via pinterest

Need for Tweed

The picture above inspired me to look for a new tweed jacket for spring.  It's the perfect weight for the still chilly, but kinda hot weather of this season.  I love the classic feel for work and how you can edge it up with some skinny jeans, tee, a hot pair of shoes and a killer necklace for a night out.  These are pretty well priced and Zara has some cute ones as well.  Especially this little yellow number, here, but I need one that can transition from work to fun and I think that one's a bit too trendy for the showroom.  What is your favorite way to wear tweed?

Sunglass Hunt

I want to be this girl.  Her hair, that dress, the perfect pop of color clutch.  I die, but my favorite thing about this picture is the classic tortoise shell sunglasses.  It inspired me to search out a pair.  Here are some different styles above which also come with varrying pricepoints.  The Miu Miu's are my favorite, but they are a tad pricey so the Kate Spade ones will do just fine.  Do you work tortoise into your waredrobe?

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1.  Miu Miu - $325

2. Kate Spade - $128

3. Ralph - $89

A Feminine Edge

This, to me, is the epitome of chic.  Throw a scalloped edge on a basic black short and an outfit goes from ordinary to amazing.  I found a similar version here, from Aqua at Bloomies.  I am in love and need to replicate this exact outfit. Better get my butt to the gym to get those legs in shape for short season!

A little bit of Bad Ass

I adore Stubbs & Wootton loafers and if you're a long time follower- you know this.  The thing is, they are quite expensive.  So, whenever a find an inexpensive alternative, I love posting them for my readers. These Jan Josef skull slippers are very cute and at under $70 they are very well priced!