I’ve always been a fan of a great at-home bar. I strongly believe it’s a must-learn life skill to mix up classic cocktails, and as an avid host, it’s important to provide an array...
Looking back on Easter as a child, I remember how excited I was to dig through my Easter basket. Full of chocolate bunnies, malt ball Easter eggs, Peeps, golden coins, and my favorite Cadbury...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
Ottomans, poufs and garden stools are quite the rage among design influencers, and for good reason. It can be agreed that these small-scale decor accents effortlessly build visual interest in any room, and with obtainable price tags, they’re nestling into warm, inviting living spaces everywhere. The possibilities are truly endless in a myriad of colors, shapes, sizes and textures as they offer added surface area for styled vignettes and additional, unexpected seating. But maybe the greatest part about it all? You can transition the piece to another room when you’re craving an easy refresh. And since we’re always looking for pieces that are just as stylish as they are functional, decorative ottomans, floor poufs and stools quickly earn a spot at the top of all of our home decor wish lists.
These small-scale design accents aren’t necessarily new to our scene. As you may remember, the two Cecil Poufs spotted in MKR’s One Room Challenge 2015 Final Reveal (pictured above) really stole the show, and proved that floor poufs pack a punch that’s anything but small. Once considered mostly a bohemian decor accent, floor poufs and the like can now be found in many contemporary rooms with smart details and styles that are anything but beatnik.
What do you think about incorporating these imaginative pieces in your home? Quite the perfect way to feather your nest, don’t you think? Click through the slideshow above to find design and styling inspiration, along with our favorite finds! Cheers, Kat
P.S. For more interiors inspiration, pin along with us. xo
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MASTERFULLY DETAILED POUFS
THERE'S A WHOLE LOT OF PRETTY IN THIS SHOT, BUT THESE MASTERFULLY DETAILED LINEN POUFS DEFINITELY STEAL THE SHOW. THE EFFECT OF THE CREAM-COLORED ROPE TRIM PAIRED WITH DYED TIBETAN LAMB'S WOOL TASSELS IS ANYTHING BUT HUMDRUM, AND THE POUFS ARE JUST AS ENGAGING AS THE CONVERSATION YOU'LL BE HAVING OVER THOSE COCKTAILS WITH FUTURE GUESTS.
A LIVING ROOM QUICKLY TRANSFORMS INTO A WELCOMING BOHEMIAN HAVEN WITH FLOOR POUFS AND CUSHIONS IN VARYING TEXTURES AND COLORS. ALLOW FOR STORAGE THAT'S EASY ON THE EYE BY PLACING THEM UNDER A COFFEE TABLE WITH CLEAN LINES.
HERE, A NATURAL RATTAN OTTOMAN PLAYS PERFECTLY ALONGSIDE A COOL MARBLE COFFEE TABLE. THE COUNTERPOINT OF TEXTURES MASTERFULLY ENHANCES THE ROOM'S OVERALL AESTHETIC. AND WITH A STACK OF BOOKS AND A SMALL VIGNETTE, THE OTTOMAN IS JUST AS FUNCTIONAL AS IT IS STYLISH.
FUR STOOLS ARE JUST AS INTERESTING AS THEY ARE SOFT. PUT THE PAIR UNDER AN ACRYLIC OR LUCITE COFFEE TABLE AND VOILA; YOU HAVE A STYLISH AND PRACTICAL SET OF SEATS WAITING TO BE PUT TO USE.
A TUFTED OTTOMAN IS TEMPTINGLY TACTILE, AND SERVES AS A MORE INTIMATE AND INVITING PIECE THAN A COFFEE TABLE. CONSIDER A CONTRASTING COLOR TO AVOID A MATCHY-MATCHY ROOM.
GLOWING BRASS CRAFTSMANSHIP AND BOLD UPHOLSTERY MAKE THESE X BENCHES THE PERFECT STATEMENT IN THE LIVING ROOM. THEY BEG TO BE USED AS SEATS, OCCASIONAL TABLES OR FOOTRESTS.
INCREDIBLY VERSATILE, GARDEN STOOLS ARE THE FURNITURE ACCENTS THAT WILL NEVER BREAK THE BANK. CHOOSE FROM AN ARRAY OF STYLES (THINK HIGH GLOSS CERAMIC, WEATHERED PORCELAIN OR MIXED METALS) TO COMPLIMENT YOUR SPACE, AND UTILIZE HAVING A BIT MORE SURFACE AREA FOR ANY ADDITIONAL DECOR AND YOUR GLASS OF VINO.
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VIA LONNY, BY DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN AND DESIGNED BY ALESSANDRA BRANCA
It’s official; everything Nate Berkus touches turns to gold. Case in point: his amazing new fall/holiday collection at Target.
I’ve been a fan of Nate’s for what seems like forever, and anytime he releases a new Nate Berkus at Target Collection I’ve been known to rush to my nearest Target at all hours of the day or night to get my hands on pieces from the line. So when I got the opportunity to collaborate on the Nate Berkus at Target fall/holiday line I of course jumped at the chance to add a few of his latest and greatest to my home.
If you remember, this isn’t our first collaboration with Nate. Last year I collaborated on a spring living room refresh and you’ll still find all of the pieces scattered throughout my home and office. That collection was all about laid-back California vibes, making it perfect for the freshness and warmth that spring always seems to bring. But this collection is completely different, and completely perfect for switching things up as temps begin to drop and the holidays begin to sneak up on us.
And I must say, this most recent collection may have any collections from the past beat, because this time he’s introduced furniture to the line! That’s right…furniture. And in all of its black and white and gold goodness, it’s really a no-brainer that it’s going to be a hit. The whole collection is so strong, but I think it’s the furniture that is truly the strongest. I was extremely impressed with the construction of the pieces, especially at the wallet-friendly price point.
With the look of the fall line (textured neutrals, elegant metallics and subtle glam details), I knew immediately I wanted to incorporate these pieces into my bedroom sitting room. This time of year, it’s where you’ll find me with a glass of wine, my favorite magazines by the fire. And as you’ll remember, the space doesn’t shy from the drama; the walls are painted a deep, rich grey and includes a cozy spot with a coffee table and two grand statement armchairs. Pretty much perfect for a little black, white and gold, no?
I was quick to grab this gorgeous gold side table. In any part of my home, I like to have little tables like this for drinks, candles, magazines…you name it. They’re easy to move around, and perfect for when you’re cuddled in a corner and have no plans on moving.
I also picked up this great little black and rattan ottoman. As you can see in the photos, it’s intricate construction makes this piece really stand out, and works wonderfully next to the chairs.
Naturally I have a bar cart in the room, so I picked up these cool gold obelisks as accent pieces as well as this white vase to house my collected quail feathers.
On our coffee table, I added this wood studded box (for stashing the not-so-pretty necessities such as remotes!) and this beautiful starburst gold bowl for my collection of matches. And of course no coffee table is complete without a tray, and this striking black and gold hexagon tray, is both a piece of art and also serves a most functional purpose.
Lastly, throw pillows. I’m one of those people that change out my throw pillows every season, so I was quick at the draw with this faux sheepskin one(it feels very wintery), as well as this fun geo pillow with tassels and denim studded pillow. Those along with his striped tassel throw will help make it hard to leave once settled in.
Obsessed much? Yes, yes I am. But my excitement over the finds doubled (tripled really) at the chance to chat with Nate about the collection. I loved hearing that he really does travel to Target’s HQ in Minnesota, to do a little quality control on every product. That means touching and testing every single sample. And if something doesn’t feel right? In his own words “it’s either fixed or pitched.” Knowing that he signs off on everything that makes it to the shelves makes me love, and trust everything that much more.
I also asked him if it was hard to design within Target’s friendly price point? To my surprise he quickly responded that it wasn’t. Explaining that Target is super open-minded when it comes to his ideas on materials and designs and trying to make what he’s envisioning come to life.
Finally, we of course talked about inspiration. Nate said he’s the most inspired by his globe trotting ways; and is constantly bringing back samples, pieces, and textures from all over the world that he tries to work into his designs. And as if he could get any cuter, he mentioned how much he loves seeing how everyone styles the pieces in their own homes. So get to Instagramming, because NB is watching what you share!
P.S. I’ll be sharinga few more great finds from the collection as part of the big ORC reveal (wait till you see the bathroom rugs), so stay tuned! xo
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Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha | This post is in collaboration with Target and Nate Berkus, both brands we love and adore. All opinions are 100% our own.
There’s something special about a fancy dinner at your favorite steakhouse for New Year’s Eve. But there’s also something perhaps even more special about enjoying a gourmet meal fixed in the comfort of your own home. I know, I know, I’ve been pushing the homebody card quite a lot lately, but I sure love a cozy night in this time of year…and that doesn’t change on NYE.
My husband and I have spent NYE at home the past couple of years; in fact, it’s become our tradition. We avoid the overpriced cover charges and event tickets, the impossible restaurant reservations and fixed menus, and instead we prepare a fancy, decadent dinner at home just like we like it. It’s the perfect excuse to bring out the festive dinnerware, too.
We’re in for a treat this year with our NYE dinner: bone-in ribeye cast iron skillet seared and cooked to perfection with homemade herb butter, fried brussels sprouts and caramelized onions. The brussels sprouts are perhaps the easiest side I’ve ever done; I threw them in a hot dutch oven with frying oil (I used vegetable oil, but you could use grapeseed too), I let them get that crispy charring with soft inside. Seriously SO simple…check out the recipe below.
For this meal, I’ll serve the Mr. his favorite beer. But because you’ll ask about wine pairings (and I love to talk wine, let’s be honest), here’s what I’d go with: a buttery chardonnay for a white wine, and a spicy malbec for a red. Because this is a pretty rich dinner (read: butter, butter, butter) I would stay away from a heavy, cabernet sauvignon or a fruit-forward acidic sauvignon blanc. Enjoy, friends and happy happy 2017! Truly, MKR
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Bone-In Ribeye with Caramelized Onions & Fried Brussels Sprouts
5 tablespoons herb butter to cook, additional to garnish (recipe below)
Olive or vegetable oil
For the caramelized onions
5-6 Large yellow or white onions, sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon sugar
pinch of Salt
For the homemade herb butter
4 sticks unsalted butter, brought to room temperature
4 tablespoons thyme, finely chopped
2-3 sprigs rosemary, finely chopped
For the brussels sprouts
2-4 cups vegetable oil (or frying oil of your choice)
1 large bag brussels sprouts
juice of 1 lemon
table salt and pepper to taste
For the caramelized onions
Melt your butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions to the pan and stir them gently to coat with butter. After 10 minutes add sugar, a pinch of salt and water, stir.
Check the onions every 5-10 minutes. Stir them and and scrape up any fond that forms on the bottom of the skillet. Around 30 minutes, they start to get golden, and around 50 minutes they will be the most caramelized. You can continue to add a bit of water if the onions are becoming dry.
For the steak
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees and place your cast iron skillet inside the oven. Bring your steak to room temperature.
Season both sides of the steaks with olive oil and salt and pepper.
Once heated, remove the skillet and cook your steaks in the skillet on the stovetop for 2 minutes each side on medium heat. While the steak is cooking add the full heads of garlic, thyme and rosemary in the skillet along with the herb butter. Lightly press down on the heads of garlic to release their aromatics.
Return the skillet to the oven and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until reached desired temperature. Ribeye is best rare or medium rare and remember while the steak is tented and rested it will continue to cook approximately 5 degrees.
Remove steaks from the oven and tent with aluminum foil, let it sit for 10 minutes after.
For the brussels sprouts
Heat your cooking oil to high heat/frying point in a dutch oven or thick cast iron skillet (there has to be enough oil to cover the brussels sprouts).
When the oil looks shiny and you hear the oil start to crackle and bubble, it's ready to fry. Drop your brussels sprouts in carefully.
Stir occasionally and once they start to turn a brown color on the outside, use a skimmer or giant spatula to retrieve them from the pan.
Place them on paper towels in a big dish to the side.
Sprinkle salt and pepper and a little bit of lemon juice, to taste.
For the herb butter
Let your butter become room temperature.
In a giant bowl, add the finely chopped thyme and rosemary to the butter.
Combine with your fingers and ball it together.
Use a piece of parchment paper and take the ball and roll it out the long way, like a paper towel cylinder then wrap with parchment paper and place it in the fridge overnight to harden.
When ready to serve, cut into medallions.
By Mandy Kellogg Rye @ Waiting on Martha
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