Let There be Light: A Bright and Airy Bathroom Makeover

After living for many years with a first floor layout that included a bedroom and a study with only a small bathroom, two empty nesters decided it was time for a change to better suit their lifestyle now. Eliminating the study made way for a major bathroom makeover (and for the addition of a walk-in closet). The resulting room is a bright space filled with tactile and visual details that give the room an abundance of personality.

Key to keeping the sleek serenity of the space is the crisp yet inviting color palette. Choosing a soft neutral for the walls and under-the-sink cabinets makes the space feel bigger, calmer, and soothing.

To shed light throughout the new space, Sara doubled the room’s natural lighting by adding another sight-line window. In addition to overhead recessed lighting, she also added plenty of shine-reflecting bling in the finishes.

Pops of color and texture add intrigue and enliven the space. For example, the painting above the mirrored chest is a sea of organically crafted and warmly colored brushstrokes, painted by Sara herself,  while the ushak floor rug creates a cozy, lived-in feel.

A vintage relief sculpture of a woman in a hat adds an artistic dimension to the wall.

Despite its luxe appearance, the shower was finished with tiles in a marbled design in taupes and greys in lieu of actual marble. Tile doesn’t require the maintenance and care (or cost) of natural stone, but still offers a natural, polished look. A panel with a design breaks up the shower area and adds another layer of texture, while the glass door makes the space seem bigger.

With elements toggling effortlessly between the modern and the eclectic, we transformed the bathroom into a bright, relaxing, and soothing oasis that the homeowners will enjoy for years to come.

First Home Essentials

As I get ready to celebrate my anniversary it brings back memories of all the firsts and exciting moments of getting married and preparing to build a life together. Looking back almost 15 years I am sharing a few things I have learned along the way...

Whether you live together prior to marriage or not, moving into your first home as Mr. and Mrs. feels special…and getting a little help in purchasing all the things you want and need is a wonderful bonus of getting hitched. Your registry provides the perfect opportunity for you to request goods, furniture, art, and more that will reflect your relationship and interests as a couple and help prepare you for your lives together. 

So many choices and areas can make the registry process seem overwhelming (Towels! Matching tennis racquets! 35 types of waffle makers!), so we made our list of the Top 5 best things to register for, invest in, and use often. And that last part is of utmost importance: if you don’t have aspirations of hand-making your own noodles for spaghetti night, skip that pretty KitchenAid with the pasta arm attachment. A surefire way to kill newlywed domestic bliss is to end up with cabinets and closets of appliances, décor, and knickknacks that are simply collecting dust. On the other hand, surrounding yourself with beautiful and useful items that you choose together can keep that warm glow of love going.

China and Dinnerware

This is the time to splurge! Your wedding is likely the one time in your life someone else will be buying china and dinnerware for you so select pieces you go ga-ga for. While it seems like you can buy anything on the Internet these days, we highly recommend that you take a trip to the store before adding these every day and special occasion essentials to your registry.

Hold the mugs, feel the weight of the silverware, examine the plates: these are the MVPs of your kitchen and dining room so you want to make sure you are choosing wisely and for the long haul.

And speaking of the long haul, the price of sterling silver can increase dramatically over time, so if your wedding day yield is a mix and match of silverware pieces, make sure you save some of your gift cards and extra funds to fill out at least one set so that you have it for life. This is a good tip for dinnerware as well: go ahead and purchase the rest or at least several sets. Some stores discontinue lines or even just certain colors, and you don’t want to be stuck without enough pasta bowls or end up with a hodgepodge of mismatched dishes. To get varied looks (and the most bang for your buck), consider picking a simple and classic dinner plate and then adding wild, playful, fun dessert, salad plates or chargers.

A good sofa

Whether you have visions of watching your favorite movies huddled together, hosting friends for wine, cheese, and charades hang outs, or spending lazy Sunday afternoons napping, picking the right sofa is of key importance and another instance where you want to try it out in real life. To choose a sofa that will last whatever life throws at it (and on it), seek out a kiln-dried hardwood frame and cushions with eight way hand-tied springs. As for fabric, we don’t have any hard and fast rules, other than to choose something that’s durable and that you find yourselves drawn to, whether it’s neutral or in a statement pattern or design. If your tastes change quickly, and you love switching things up regularly, consider erring on the neutral side. Throw pillows and blankets are a great way to incorporate bold colors, and swapping out these décor details will be less painful (and expensive) than a whole sofa!

Original art

Art is a deeply individual part of the decorating process, and it’s crucial for adding a personal touch to your home as well as setting the tone and mood. Original art sourced from galleries, Etsy, or your artist friends truly elevate a room and help make the space uniquely yours. One-of-a-kind pieces are conversation starters; even a few smaller, distinctive pieces framed well and hung with care over a second-hand sofa looks much more put together than a poster from college hung with push pins. Trust us: we are hereby giving you permission to throw away, recycle, or move into the attic anything that graced your walls during your college years.

If you and your significant other love a piece of art, it will likely be eye candy to some of your visitors as well, but don’t worry about whether the art is “good” or “worth it” from an investment standpoint. You and your spouse will be the ones living with it so select something that stands out to you! Of course, building your own art collection is rewarding, but for many novice art buyers, it’s more important to select pieces that work for your budget and your style now. You can always save up later for your own little Matisse or Kahlo original!

Versatile and investment-worthy furniture

Playing with the size and shape of your rooms and what can fit in it is one of our favorite activities as designers, and you and your significant other can play too with a few foundational furniture pieces. Look for versatile options that are built to last. Select furniture crafted from wood from sustainably certified forests, antique pieces that have stood the test of time, and/or pieces that feature evidence of craftsmanship and expertise, as evident in dovetail details. 

Finding hardworking pieces that can transition between different rooms is a major goal here. For example, a chest of drawers could be used in an entry hall, topped with a lamp and a beautiful bowl for mail and keys. It could just as easily be incorporated into the master bathroom as an elegant way to store linens or as a functional TV stand in the living room. And take your time. Some hand-crafted furniture takes weeks or months to arrive after ordering. The wait will be worth it (and you won’t even remember it) years down the road as you are still enjoying your carefully chosen pieces.

Something that you choose TOGETHER

It’s common that one half of a couple takes the registry reigns and makes many of the decisions. If you or your spouse truly doesn’t have an opinion or trusts the other completely, your selection process will undoubtedly be easier than that of two highly opinionated people.

However, we highly recommend that BOTH of you weigh in on the registry and selecting pieces for your new home together. Not only is it a good bonding experience, but having both parties join in the decision-making process will make your home feel like what it should be: a reflection of the both of you. Have some fun and incorporate your common interests, complementary styles, and respective sensibilities. Whether it’s an amazing painting you found in a gallery while on vacation, a statement chair that reminds you of the pink dress you wore on your first date, or a hand-thrown vase that makes you laugh and think of your ill-fated attempt at a couple’s pottery class, find and invest in pieces that make you both happy and that reflect your unique personalities.

Museum Fix

Museums are slowly opening up, and returning to more traditional travel is (knock on wood) on the horizon, but jetting around to the latest exhibitions seems ambitious at the moment.

For those of us who are still committed to armchair travel to get our fix of arts and culture, we have some compelling online options, several of which are hands on and fun for the whole family. 

One of the silver linings of the pandemic is that museums and galleries have put more of their pieces and the stories behind them online, so you can access them anytime!

Museum of International Folk Art

In addition to exploring the museum’s mind-bogglingly extensive online collection of folk art from all around the globe, you can try your hand at some of their DIY art projects, inspired by traditions including Mexican paper making and Japanese fans.

Tate

Through podcasts, articles, videos, and more the Tate offers a deep dive into numerous pieces in its collection and the passionate creators behind them. We also recommend the  Create Like An Artist series, with fantastic hands-on projects for both kids and adults with options including soap carving, making chocolate paintings inspired by Jackson Pollack, and using the techniques of master watercolorist Joseph Turner.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi

Online options at this gorgeous museum are extraordinary. We could spend days exploring, from an online book focusing on clothes and costumes in the collection to curated playlists to spoken word poetry inspired by various galleries to a “futuristic audio and visual experience”.

National Museum of India

Looking for some bite-sized art education? The National Museum of India’s Museum at Home features short videos on sculptures, artistic traditions, and more. The video gallery also offers quick, insightful dips into India’s fascinating art and history. 

Bata Shoe Museum

This quirky Toronto museum focuses on shoes throughout history (yes, the collection is as amazing as it sounds).  With the museum’s #BSMFromHome offerings, you can brush up on your knowledge of various shoe-making techniques, get a virtual tour of exhibitions, or de-stress with some shoe-themed coloring sheets.

Petra

If you haven’t been able to cross off the architectural wonders of Petra off your bucket travel list (or if you just want a return trip), this comprehensive “tour” of the Rose City might satiate your wanderlust for a short time. It’s not technically a museum, but there’s enough history and art to make for an educational and inspiring armchair voyage.

Happy Earth Day

With many people spending most of their days indoors in front of a screen, it’s no wonder there’s

a pervasive sense of feeling disconnected from nature. It also isn’t a surprise that spending even

a little time regularly in nature does wonders for our health, outlook, and well-being. In honor of

Earth Day we wanted to explore and learn more about Biophillic Design.

“The Green Grid” Courtesy of Kulenturato Carpets

The term “biophilia” was developed by Eric Fromm in the 1960s to describe the human affinity

for the nature-based world. In design, this principle helps guide design decisions to include

elements of nature or pieces that evoke the shapes, textures, and feelings of the natural world.

In layperson’s terms this translates into using rugs made from materials such as sisal or jute,

integrating pieces of art that transport us to dense forests or peaceful beaches, creating spaces

that allow for the most natural light possible, even choosing antique furniture that display the effect of time.

Design Courtesy of Massive Design

Photo Courtesy of Interior Design

We can’t wait to continue exploring biophilic design and it’s power to enhance our connection with the spaces we live in, and creating chic, personal, and practical homes and offices that respond to our natural need for repeated engagement with nature.

Happy Earth Day!

Celebrating Black History Mont

We couldn’t let Black History Month pass by without honoring three of our favorite Black creatives from the past and present. While it’s impossible to capture their scope and influence on the world in a short blog post, we hope these snapshots serve as a celebration of just a few of the many Black artists and creators in recent history.

Ann Lowe

Ann Lowe is best known as being the dressmaker to Jackie Kennedy and her entire bridal party. Her impact on fashion in the 1950s and 1960s, however, is still being unpacked and realized since her many of her designs were sadly (but perhaps unsurprisingly) uncredited or miscredited at the time of their creation as a result of racism.

Lowe’s work with silk flowers, which she began creating from scraps as she was learning to sew from her mother and grandmother, became a signature design element and one that brought a sense of whimsy yet realistic detail to her elegant, gorgeously crafted debutante gowns and wedding dresses. Known for wearing a signature black hat while she worked, Lowe faced numerous adversities as a Black female business owner, from the times she was segregated in a separate room from other students during her design classes to the fact that she was consistently paid less than white designers for her extensively meticulous creations.

Lowe’s skills as a master craftswoman, however, speak for themselves and are evident in the dresses that hang in renowned collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture today.

Yinka Shonibare

Yinka Shonibare was born in London to Nigerian parents and spent most of his childhood in Lagos. He returned to England in the summers and to attend university, where he began exploring in depth the idea of cultural identity and how it is constructed on both a personal and societal scale. Incorporating brightly colored Dutch wax fabrics into his work has become a statement and a frequent point of discourse for Shonibare, whose impactful pieces have been exhibited throughout the world.

Shonibare’s work addresses the effects of colonialism, post-colonialism, and globalization (with a focus on the links between Africa and Europe) on the current states of race and class through paintings, film, sculpture, textile, photography, and installation art.

In one of his latest collections, Shonibare, who was named a member of the Royal Academy and is a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, created Earth Kids, a “call to action” to protect the planet for future generations.

Simone Leigh

When Simone Leigh represents the United States in the 2022 Venice Biennale with her own pavilion, she will become the first Black woman to do so. Leigh is famous for her medium-bending, groundbreaking works that often depict Black women (some well-known and others anonymous) and their hidden traditions and histories. Brick House, a 16-foot-tall bronze bust of a Black woman that is currently exhibited on New York’s High Line, is one of her highly celebrated recent works and is part of Leigh’s Anatomy of Architecture series, which fuses elements of the human body with architectural influences from Cameroon, Benin, Togo, and Chad as well as the American South.

We’ve Got a Whole New Look!

We have been hard at work over the past few months totally overhauling our website, adding more to the services we offer, introducing our online store, and even launching a brand new design platform.

The new and imporoved sarahillery.com

We are so excited to officially debut our new and improved website. We have been working hard upgrading not only the look of our website, but the services we offer. Now you can fill out a design request online, allowing us to get right to work making your house the home you always dreamed of. We have expanded our portfolio with some of our most recent projects. And you can pick from three design services that will suit your unique needs!

Sara Hillery Curated Collection

The Curated Collection is a carefully selected grouping of furniture, case goods, art, accessories, and lighting for sale online as well as the full line of Sara Hillery Home textiles. Our working relationships with vendors across the US and abroad ensures our customers have access to an extensive variety of new, antique and one-of-a-kind products. 

Design Delivered by SH

We have launched an innovative design platform called Design Delivered by SH which brings the design process directly to homeowners who want to work at their own speed. The launch of this platform represents a new approach to home design projects and comes during a shift in the design industry as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Completely contactless, Design Delivered is a web-based platform that gathers an individual’s home project information and design needs and produces a new design all within six weeks.  Whether it’s a complete room re-design or a simple space refresh, Design Delivered produces a comprehensive package put together by Sara Hillery and her team of designers. The package comes with various pricing options, based on the size and scope of the project, and includes a floor plan, a color storyboard and proposals for window treatments, art work, lighting, fabrics, upholstery and paint plans. After a Zoom consultation and accessing a private design portal to upload inspiration images, a questionnaire and how-to measuring guides, the client then receives in the mail a final design box with a plan of paint colors, fabrics, wallpaper, draperies, furniture, accessories and of course a floorplan - all within six weeks.

While you’re here, you might be interested in Five Reasons to Hire an Interior Designer

Pantone Color of The Year

After a year like 2020, most of us could use some uplifting and some grounding. Pantone is ushering in the New Year with two colors that emanate emotions both calm and bright. While Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are not shades we frequently utilize, we’ve gathered some visual ways to make these colors (or similar hues) livable from our past projects. 

Incorporating a shiny golden-hued ceiling is a little like living just a bit closer to the sun. We used warm shades of yellow throughout this room along with gold accents and creams (and even a honey-hued seagrass rug) to keep it light and bright.

Just a pop of this yellow is enough to transform a room. The bone-colored busts of composers, earned from participating in piano recitals and a nod to the family’s avid interest in music) pop, especially when situated within a contrasting black frame.

Sunny yellow and gold unite the furniture, artwork, and accessories in this sitting area, while the subtle differences in shades add texture and vibrancy. The two-toned sofa is a modern, refreshing choice.

Incorporating calming “greige” roman shades might seem like a minor style decision, but they offer just enough contrast to the white carpet and walls to help create a soothing transition for the eye. 

We love all the earth and jewel tones in our client’s beautiful collection of pottery and vases. Selecting sunny yet subtle yellow chairs with matching chevron pillows helps to lift the space while also drawing attention to the variety of pieces on display.

Pantone describes the color duo as a “marriage conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting”, and we hope you begin 2021 harnessing that fortifying, uplifting energy in your homes and in your lives.

Sara Hillery Interior Design’s Holiday Table

This Christmas, our table focuses on the joy and warmth of the season.  This has been a unique year, and we wanted our Christmas table to feel warm and welcoming with a touch of nostalgia.

Classic, gold-rimmed Lenox china is layered over festive gold reef chargers and a touch of bright plaid ribbon is added around the salad plates for a feeling of extra cheer.

Traditional sterling silver candle sticks and Juliska glasses beg to be filled, brighten up the table even more.

Delicate sterling silver bud vases bursting with holly are woven into a ground of glossy magnolia leaves, and ribbon tied hemlock sprigs adorn each setting.

Finally, shimmering light green napkins and a plaid ribbon tie the colors of the table together while giving a nod to our traditional southern style. The eye-catching shine of silver and gold, the pops of vivid red and green, and the combination of elements and accents both cherished and new: our table honors the past, celebrates the present, and heralds a bright new year.

Don’t Panic, You Still Have Time to shop: Here is our Last Minute Gift Guide

If you’re like us, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas or Hanukkah seems to get shorter and shorter each year. If the holidays have snuck up on you this year, never fear, we’ve gathered some of our favorite last minute gift ideas from our favorite local shops that can be purchased online or in stores.

Posh People Journals from Dana Gibson

These 6x8 journals fit perfectly in a tote bag and are so pretty you’ll never want to tuck them away. Featuring the artwork of Dana Gibson, These are stylish yet functional.

Get Yours Here!

Thucassi Oil Diffuser from Fraiche

With notes of smoked fig and pear with woodsy undertones, these oil diffusers are to die for! Fraiche, one of our favorite local shops has plenty available, so pop in and pick one (or two) up.

Get Yours Here!

BLACK OBSIDIAN GUA SHA TOOL from Apothec

We can tell you from personal experience, this Gua Sha tool from Apothec lives up to the hype! It’s not only a beautiful piece, but its promise to increase circulation and lymphatic drainage does not disappoint. This little wonder-tool promotes overall skin health and is the perfect stocking stuffer.

Get Yours Here!

Earrings from Monday Morning Press

These statement earrings are made from super lightweight letter press paper and are perfect for those who want the style of chunky earrings but not the uncomfortable weight. You can’t go wrong with any of the jewelry from Monday Morning Press, but we are obsessed with their earrings!

Get Yours Here!

Muttini Bar Collection from Haute Diggity Dog

Let’s not forget about our furry friends either! The Muttini Bar Collection by Haute Diggity Dog is so cute and clever, from “White Paws” to “Kennel One Vodka” you’ll be sure to find something that makes you chuckle.

Photo Credit.Velvet & Linen

The Freshest Holiday Décor Trends of 2020

The Holiday season is in full swing, and if you are looking for ways to refresh and up the ante of your holiday décor, look no further! we have created a list of our favorite, freshest, and most festive holiday decorating trends for 2020!

BLUE IS BIG!

“Classic Blue” was named Pantone’s color of the year for 2020 so there’s no huge surprise that hues of blues might pop up in holiday décor, blue feels unique and fresh, especially for Christmas décor!

We love mixing in Chinoiseries pieces with our decorations. These blue and white porcelain pieces, planters, and ginger jars have been popular for quite some time now, but utilizing them for holiday decorations is trendy and fun. Not to mention, if these are a staple in your everyday home décor, you’ll be saving time and energy when it comes time to pack up the holiday decorations!

Design by Emily Clark

Get Them Here

These chinoiserie painted oyster shell ornaments are another great way to incorporate blue into your décor this year.

Another way to use blue this holiday season is by using classic navy. Not as bold as black, but just as chic, navy is an unexpected and gorgeous color to use while decorating!

Design by Becki Owens

Blast from the Past

With all of us living through a global pandemic, it’s no surprise we are yearning for the idyllic holidays of the past. Try raiding grandma’s attic for vintage decorations!

A throw back to a Victorian trend, try displaying your holiday cards over your mantle. You and your family will love seeing all of the season’s greetings you received this year!

These iconic ceramic Christmas trees have become popular again after taking a back seat for decades. We love this version in an updated all-white colorway!

Get One Here

Get Them Here

These traditional Christmas tree Highball glasses provide the perfect subtle festive touch to any holiday cocktail!

Pretty In Pink

This one is just fun! Pops of pink provide an unexpected and crowd-pleasing ambiance. It’s definitely not a traditional look, but we love how surprising and cheeky it is.

A forest of pink bottle brush trees is a great and easy place to start if you’re unsure how to tackle the pink Christmas trend. Scatter these across a credenza or mantle for instant fun and charm.

Get Them Here

Design by Arin Solange at Home

Design by Jennifer Perkins

Bright shades of neon pink are sure to make a big splash! Try using pink ornaments and garland to create a unique and crafty mantle vignette.

For a more classic look, try dusty pink rather than a brighter shade. This combination of crisp, white table linens, crystal drinkware, long leaf eucalyptus, and dusty rose blown glass ornaments is absolutely gorgeous!

Design by Joli Place

Mix and Match

This one is definitely a favorite of ours! A maximalist approach creates such a warm and collected look for the holiday season!

Design by Quintessence

Layering, and layering, and layering pattern, textures, and colors is key here. Don’t be afraid to embrace several different colors and patterns!

If you’re unsure where to begin with this trend, try out a block printed tablecloth as your base and build from there.

Get One Here

Design by Sara Hillery Interior Design

Scandinavian Chic

In contrast, Scandinavian minimalist décor with natural elements, this straightforward yet chic style will be everywhere this year.

Design by Homeyohmy

With a focus on, simple, fresh, and natural materials, these wreaths are a tasteful nod to the minimalist elements we associate with Scandinavian design.

A great way to add depth and drama to your minimalist décor is to embrace black! It might seem crazy to use black for your holiday decorating, but when mixed with fresh greenery and sleek Scandinavian elements, using black makes for show stopping décor!

Get Them Here

Design by Burkatron

No matter how you decide to decorate this holiday season, we hope you stay healthy, happy, safe this year!

Celebrating Fall and Thanksgiving in Color

One promise we made ourselves during this challenging year was to add sprinkles of joy whenever possible. So for our Thanksgiving table this year, we moved it outdoors! We wanted to change it up a bit this year, we’ve been having a wonderfully mild Autumn and wanted to take advantage of the nice weather before Winter. Moving outside also allowed us to gather and remain Covid-safe.

We leaned heavily into our love of natural elements, vintage details, and handcrafted pieces, and plenty of color, of course! Instead of creating a monochromatic or neutral color palette, we embraced a variety of warm colors to give us and our table guests some life and vibrancy.

We began with a fresh white cotton tablecloth that had been hand block printed with repeating blue patterns reminiscent of leaves and tree branches. A rattan charger grounds each place setting along with folded and draped gorgeous ikat napkins in dreamy purples and pinks. The green bamboo dinner plates from Blue Pheasant add gloss and texture, while flatware in gold and green tie into this color scheme while adding modern flair. Vintage Kaiser white bowls from Germany finish off the clean and composed look of the place settings.

For drinkware, we chose chic yet distinctive variations from typical clear glass. Blue, vintage inspired goblets and hand blown “tortoiseshell” glasses offer a faint whisper of the exotic and prove that unconventional matches can work beautifully together.

A vintage brass bowl overflowing with globe amaranth and coleus leaves and surrounded by mini pumpkins, apples, and figs makes the table feel especially romantic. By drawing from colors found throughout nature and pairing surprising textures and tones, we created a table that celebrates the simplest and most pleasurable of joys these days: sharing an intimate meal with loved ones.

Where to Find Inspiration in RVA Without Going Indoors

We love a good house or museum tour as much as the next person (perhaps more!), and we’ve found plenty of design throughout the Richmond area that is both inspirational AND COVID-safe. Check out these local options to get your design fix and some fresh air while you are at it!

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

A perennial outdoor favorite, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will open up for an all-outdoors version of its popular Dominion Energy Garden Fest of Lights from November 23rd-January 10th. With thousands of lights, favorite light displays from past events, and new features such as outdoor model trains, the whole family can experience the beautiful garden and grounds (Even fur babies are welcome to frolic on December 3rd and January 7th!).

Video Courtesy of Dominion Energy

The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design

The Tudor revival, Branch House is open for a few limited tours, but a large scale Trojan horse crafted out of bamboo created by local artist Ed Pokoj (and named Ody the Outsider) is reason enough for a outdoor visit when the weather is nice. If you are still craving an inside peek, check out the insider webinars on topics such as decorative plasterwork and brickwork.

Check Out the Insider Webinars Here

Maymont

With over 100 acres, Maymont’s treasures can be experienced during multiple visits. Although the Victorian Dooley Mansion is currently closed, you can easily make an afternoon walking the grounds and visiting Maymont’s multiple gardens while boosting your knowledge with Maymont’s free audio tour. A visit to the farm and wildlife areas is a must-do when you have some animal lovers in your crew.

Check Out the Free Audio Tour Here

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

The VMFA is open at this time, but inspirational art can easily be found without stepping indoors by visiting the Robins Sculpture Garden. From Chihuly’s Red Reeds to Kehinde Wiley’s Rumors of War, the museum’s outdoor space is not to be missed and is a great fix for cabin fever.

Berkeley and Shirley Plantations

A little further afield (about 30 minutes from Richmond) are a number of historic plantations. The grounds of Berkeley, which served as the movie set of acclaimed film “Harriet”, are currently open for exploring. Visit in December when greenery and natural arrangements from the Berkeley gardens will be incorporated as festive decorations to celebrate the holidays.

The grounds, gardens, and outbuildings of Shirley Plantation, Virginia’s first plantation, are also open. After visiting either of these historic homes (both of which acknowledge the complexity of their roles in the lives of enslaved persons and invite further inquiry), head over to Upper Shirley Vineyard for a picnic and live music on the lawn as well as impressive views of the Presquile National Wildlife Sanctuary.

My Top Five Trends From High Point Market Fall 2020

We’re officially back from High Point Market (the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world), and we’ve put together a list of the top trends we spotted in home décor for the rest of 2020 and 2021!

1. Extra Deep Sofas

   One of the most interesting trends we saw all over market was extra deep sofas. With so many of us spending more time at home, working from home, binge watching television, and lounging about it makes sense that sofas are getting even more comfortable.

Imagine taking movie night to the nesx level of coziness with this chaise lounge!

2. Global and Travel Inspired Accessories and Materials

We saw a huge amount of global and travel inspired decorative accessories and materials this market. From rattan wrapped light fixtures to painted pottery, to worldly looking figurines and sculptures.

Our favorites were definitely the textural rattan lighting, each fixture is totally unique a will add interest to any space. Check out this chandelier from the Laura Kirar Collection

These rustic figures, masks, and pottery pieces are a perfect option to round out a space. They are great for accessorizing, filling in holes in bookcases, or standing alone as striking art.

Woven wall hangings have been popular for the past few years and the trend is still going strong. Often times, more affordable than paintings, wall hangings are a great alternative!

We are obsessed with these antique plaster molds repurposed as art pieces! Their well-worn wood has so much character and would add interest to any wall or bookshelf.

If you want to create an escape within your own home, look no further than this jungle themed wall mural. The colors and fine detail will definitely make you feel like you are on safari or in the tropics (without all those pesky mosquitoes)

3. Blonde aND wHITE wASHED fINISHES

Blonde and light wood finished are back in a big way! With the rise of boho chic and coastal cool aesthetic on the rise over the past several years, lighter wood finished have been in high demand. We love the way their tones can be easily mixed in with other materials, colors, and textures without overwhelming a space.

Blonde and lighter finishes are so versatile and buildable! Consider swapping out your dark dining table with a lighter option, the depth that can be created by layering textures and tones allows investment pieces, like a dining table to grow and change with your style for years to come!

Coffee tables and dining chairs are also absolutely stunning in light wood, allowing for the finer details of each piece to be highlighted in a way that feels fresh and new!

4. Rich Earth tones

We saw burnt orange, deep greens, and vibrant ochres everywhere!

We were so inspired by this burnt orange velvet sofa! It would look amazing in a room with light, airy walls or it could be right at home in a traditional study with rich, darker materials.

We swooned over these sienna colored leather pillows and poufs. The color is so versatile and could be used as a more dynamic neutral.

Shades of Persimmon offered a softer take on the burnt orange trend.

We found another swoon-worthy velvet sofa in this deep olive green hue. The classic silhouette pairs perfectly the the statement velvet for a cool, classic look. Green has been very popular the past few years, and we are so happy to see that it will continue to show up in home décor!

5. The Marble and Alabaster “Look”

We saw faux and genuine alabaster and marble all over market this season and couldn’t be more excited! With all the difficulties the world is facing during the pandemic, supply chains too have been impacted driving the price of materials through the roof. Faux alabaster and marble products hit market hard and we are so impressed with their quality!

This faux alabaster statement pendant is a show stopper for sure! These curves would cost a small fortune to create out of genuine alabaster, so this faux piece is a stunning alternative.

We found this natural marble occasional table and loved the idea of each piece being totally unique. This simple design is elevated by the use of natural marble and would look amazing in any space.

This planter has son much subtle dimension, it won’t take away from the beautiful plant it holds, but offers so much visual interest.

Easy Halloween Decorating During a Pandemic

It’s safe to say that Halloween 2020 is not going to look the same as other years. In some communities, trick-or-treating is banned outright, and in others, the festivities are feeling more than just a little subdued. If you have little ones in your life, however, cancelling Halloween is simply not an option. You can still celebrate this fall favorite and herald the beginning of the holiday season with some home-focused activities.

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We are also fans of this modern pumpkin hoop wreath. Both of these can carry your décor through Thanksgiving.

Decorate Outdoors!

Putting up some Halloween decorations well in advance of October 31st will set the festive mood in your neighborhood. We love this dried golden wheat wreath, it’s unique texture will bring warmth to your front door.

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Whether your decorations skew creepy, like these oversized spiders, or slightly more playful, like this trio of bate garden stakes, you can create a eye catching display that’s a visual treat for me than just one night.

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Encourage friends and neighbors to decorate ahead to make the holiday atmosphere last for several weeks: seeing the spirit of Halloween will cushion the blow of a having a less traditional celebration this year. Your family can walk or drive by decorated houses, perhaps making a game of counting the number of spiders, ghosts, or bats along the way.

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Bring the Holiday Home

Especially if Halloween ends up being a home-based affair this year, adding little holiday touches around the house can actually go a long way in keeping the mood feeling festive.

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A cozy plaid throw will be in heavy rotation this fall (and is the perfect thing to hide under during the spooky parts of Halloween movies).

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We also adore this chic, subtle ghost tassel banner for adorning fireplaces and doorways.

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Grab a Pumpkin (or several) and Get to Work.

If pumpkin patches are open in your area and have set up appropriate precautions, going to select your own pumpkins is a time-honored tradition. If not, head to a nearby grocery store and select different sizes or colors, then come home and decorate! Add your finished beauties to your porch or steps to add to your house’s decorations.  Even left au natural, pumpkins look great when grouped together. But first…

Make Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.

We love roasted pumpkin seeds: by the handful, folded into granola, sprinkled on salads. We promise they won’t last long however you decide to use them. Here’s a tried-and-true recipe that you can spice up as necessary

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Play With Your Food

Halloween-themed food is so easy and so much fun to make, your kiddos may even forget all about the candy. Just kidding, they will definitely remember the candy, but at least they can nosh on these creations in between getting their sweet fix.

Mini Pumpkins: Peel a bunch of clementine. Chop up a celery stalk into small pieces to resemble a stem. Stick a celery piece into the clementine and voila-snackable pumpkins!

Ghost Bananas: This is such a simple and sweet idea. Add two chocolate chips as eyes to a peeled banana.

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Mini Mummy Pizzas: Place am English muffin half or a mini bagel half on a sheet pan. Spread on some tomato sauce. Pull apart a cheese stick into shreds and layer/cross the shreds on top to look like mummy bandages. Finally, add two black olives slices as eyes. Toast until warm if desired.

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We hope that everyone has a happy and spoooooooky Halloween Season!

5 Reasons to Hire an Interior Designer

In a world of Pinterest boards, readily available internet design apps, and design savvy homeowners, people often wonder why they would even hire an interior designer and if it’s “worth it”. We absolutely think that experienced, professional designers are worth their weight in gold, and we’ve outlined 5 reasons why you should think about hiring one!

1. The price of a good designer is offset by the connections, time savings, and reduction in stress levels!

Decisions, decisions, decisions! When designing a room or a house, you have tons of choices regarding styles, colors, textures, and more. Thinking about designing or redesigning a house or even a room can be so overwhelming that people often end up giving up and living in a space that doesn’t serve them or their interests. We get it: many decisions can’t be taken lightly. Buyer’s remorse, especially for big- ticket items like custom furniture or a whole house paint job, is painful and real (especially because they are often nonrefundable). By talking through the process of what to expect and things to consider as well as using our years of skill-building and expertise with a huge variety of clients, designers can help make the decision process much easier and streamlined. As we get to know you, we can quickly identify what best suits your personality, preferences, and budget and connect you with the resources you need. We also help ensure your projects proceed in a timely, predictable manner and that the final product is one you absolutely adore.

2. We can broaden your style horizons.

There are a multitude of options beyond mass-produced versions such as those at Crate and Barrel or Pottery Barn, and we are constantly learning about new vendors through trade shows, word of mouth from other designers, antique distributors, and social media. The result: your home looks and feels personalized and unique. Instead of having the same pieces as everyone in your neighborhood, we can help you find artists and artisans that perfectly reflect you and your family. Some of these smaller, independent vendors are often able to customize pieces!

3. Our senses of scale, functionality, and proportion are well-honed.

While many people have a great sense of color, getting a sense of scale and size within a space can be tricky. In addition to our formal training, we’ve worked in a huge variety of homes and living spaces and pride ourselves on our ability to make sure a space feels balanced, fresh, and serene. We know all sorts of tricks to make spaces appear bigger, lighter, and more open, and we create rooms and homes that feel comfortable and chic. As a company proudly run by a mom-of-three, we are experts on stylish, family-friendly living and choosing design elements that durable, sustainable, and hardworking.

4. We can help with projects big and small.

On one end of the spectrum, we offer full service interior design for whole house renovations and new construction. We guide you through the whole process from soup to nuts! Having a professional act as your liaison to help handle logistical issues as well as aesthetic ones keeps the process manageable. Tackling whole house redesigns is a challenge we are happy to accept, but we also don’t underestimate the power of even a single room refresh. Whether through adding new window treatments, helping to select new art, or finding the perfect paint color or wallpaper for an underutilized room, we love taking a space that needs a little TLC and make it functional and livable.

5. Designers work WITH you and the pieces you love and don’t push unnecessary changes.

The job of the designer is NOT to clean house entirely and start from scratch with entirely new pieces and products (unless, of course, that’s what your heart truly desires). We strive to incorporate the elements and pieces you currently have and love into the final edit. Because of our expertise and experience, we have innovative ways to incorporate the collections, keepsakes, and new purchases that tell your story. Our clients love that they end up with a marriage of some of their “favorite things” alongside impactful additions or changes. Our specialty: creating a space that still feels like home…but newer, fresher, more inspiring, and representative of the life you and your family are living.

BONUS REASON!

We recently launched another service that brings interior design right to your mailbox, Design Delivered by SH is a flat fee room by room design and decorating service and a great option for all those do it yourself-ers out there. Click the link below to learn more!

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Covid Safe Fall Entertaining

Picnics in busy parks, neighborhood BBQs, get togethers with friends: oh how we miss thee, especially when the outdoor weather is begging to be celebrated! While the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over yet, we are hoping that we can gather for meals and hang-out sessions that are safe, small, and outdoors this fall.

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Quarantine or not, we have long loved the cozy vibe of hanging out by the fire. While families and friends might have to keep a little more space between them for the moment, having a mini firepit is an easy way to stave off a little chill and keep the “party” going longer. There are even tabletop versions that are portable (and surprisingly stylish)! If you do have more space and can accommodate a larger pit, roasting marshmallows is a beloved activity for parents and kids (not to mention an easy dessert). And, as long as everyone keeps track of using their own stick, it’s virtually germ-free!

If you plan to spend an extended period of time outside, such as when serving a meal or watching a movie that’s being projected on a wall, an outdoor heater such as the DOME by Heatsail is a great backyard or patio addition. The DOME has a dimmable light and is rustproof and weatherproof, making it useful year-round.

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Some of our favorite outdoor games are naturally suited for the socially distanced lifestyle. Bocce and croquet are among our top picks-both are easy to make safe and sanitary. If you have beanbags for each person, a game or two of cornhole is also a great option! Or you can get a shuffleboard set and some chalk for a novel activity-all you need is a strip of sidewalk or smooth driveway.

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As the weather continues to cool down, pamper outdoor guests and keep them warm with blankets. Pendleton makes some of our favorite wool blankets-these luxuriously soft blankets are beloved for their craftsmanship and quality. We also love these faux-down, cotton blankets from The Company Store and the fact that they are machine washable!

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Getting together with our friends and family (and getting outside the walls of our home) feels more important and precious than ever. With a few simple modifications and backyard additions, you and your guests can focus on catching up and enjoying each other’s company: facing the new normal is always easier when you’re with people you care about.

How to Convert Your Dining Room Into a Home Office

Necessity is the mother of invention, and March 2020 and the months following have put our homes to the test: they suddenly needed to serve as schoolhouses and home offices (not to mention play space). As the COVID-19 pandemic rolls on and the landscape of work-from-home for many sectors becomes potentially permanent, re-configuring and reconsidering rooms in our homes has become a reality for many of us.

A dining room is an ideal place to serve as a defacto home office especially when there are children in the household that also need some school time supervising. Vinyl tablecloths can be a durable and colorful way to simultaneously protect the table and get kids visually primed for their day. Kids will love using a label maker to designate “their” stuff and give them ownership of “their” space, and it’s also a calming way to reinforce consistency during a turbulent time.

Need a little separation from your mini “coworkers” (or your adult partner)? Consider investing in or repurposing a secretary. We’ve also used them in family rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms to help clients carve out a little space of their own. Placing glass shelving above is functional for corralling papers and other stackables and adds a chic, airy vibe. The secretary itself can be closed at the end of the day, an important signifier that the workday is done.

Emily Clark

If your dining room has built-ins, now is the ideal time to refashion them into a library. Whether these spaces hold bookkeeping tomes, children’s activity books for when a Zoom meeting distraction is needed, or even objects that inspire, built-ins keep the room’s chaos looking contained (even when it feels the opposite!). Staying creative is key: we even converted a bookshelf into a desk for one client by replacing on of the shelves with custom depth to allow for more work and knee space.

When the dining room table isn’t an option for a school or workspace, the kitchen island is another popular landing spot for activities. As the traditional school year calendar gives way to summer, this space is ideal for cooking activities, science experiments, and crafts.

Our life’s work is based around creativity and adaptability, and the last few months have demonstrated that design can and should be flexible. Whatever the new normal is moving forward, creating a streamlined, user-friendly work and school space is possible and personalizable.

Sara Hillery’s Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is right around the corner! It’s the perfect time to spoil mom and show her how much you care. We’ve created the ultimate gift guide to help you shower mom with all the love she deserves!

Addison Weeks Jewelry

Addison Weeks is one of our go-to sources for beautiful and unique gemstone hardware, but did you know that the brand actually got their start in jewelry design? Their gorgeous designs are the perfect gift to show mom how much you love her!

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Alexis Walters Lavender Sachets

These organic lavender sachets are a little touch of luxury you can gift to your mom. She can toss these in her dresser or closet and her clothes will smell divine!

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Akola Bracelet Kit

For the crafty mom, why not gift her an Akola Bracelet Kit? With multiple shades of hand-rolled Karatasi beads, raffia tassels & plenty of stretch cord she’ll have everything she needs to create 5-7 unique bracelets! Did we mention that 100% of the proceeds from Akola sales go directly back into supporting the women in Eastern African who create their products?

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Back In The Day Bakery Cookbook

Owners of the beloved Back in the Day Bakery in Savannah, Georgia, Cheryl and Griffith Day created a cookbook to share ways to lovingly craft desserts, breakfast pastries, breads and more! Your mom is sure to love this beautiful and cheerful book!

Art By Amanda Tucker

We love these sweet paintings from Amanda Tucker’s “Mama Collection”. They perfectly capture the love only a mama can give. And as a special treat, enter code HILLERY15 at checkout for 15% for Sara Hillery Interior Design Followers!

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Huger Memory Pillows

From her very first house to one that she raised her family in, Huger Memory Pillows can turn your mother’s treasured home into a beautiful pillow! The creative use of color, fabric and texture gives it an uniquely personalized feeling. These pillows are sure to be a conversation piece and reminder of special times to those who see it.

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The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

This breathtaking story of five extraordinary women and their remarkable journey through the mountains of Kentucky and beyond is such a great read! A story of female empowerment your mom will be sure to love.

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Italian Herringbone Throw Blankets

These cozy throws come in every color of the rainbow; their classic herringbone pattern is perfect for cuddling up under all year round.

Dana Gibson Bamboo Pens

These bamboo pens make writing so much more fun! In a variety of colors there is sure to be one that fits your mom’s style.

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Palm Orleans Pillows

We love Palm Orleans fabrics, and now they offer pillows in some of our favorite prints! These are perfect for the living room sofa or to add a pop of color to a bed!

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Strawberry Fields Flowers and Finds

Keep it classic with a beautiful arrangement from a local florist! Our favorite, Strawberry Fields Flowers and Finds offers a wide variety of arrangements and gift sets that would be prefect for any mom!

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Elsie Frieda Ranny Collection Necklaces

For the fashion forward mom, we love Elsie Frieda’s Ranny Colleciton! Made from African record beads, these colorful statement pieces are sure to be your mom’s new favorite jewelry!

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No matter how you show your love to your mom, Mother’s Day is a special day. We want to wish all moms, grandmothers, step moms, moms-to-be, and Mr. Moms a very happy Mother’s Day!

Bringing The Outdoors In!

Although we help our clients express themselves in a rainbow of colors, it’s no coincidence that many people prefer to decorate in greens and blues. Subconsciously or not, people lean toward these colors because they are commonly found in nature, and we crave that connection with the bigger, biological world around us. In our tech-obsessed, phone-glued-to-the-hand, rush society, coming home to soothing colors and textures that remind us of nature feels like a return to the calmer, rhythmic nature of the outdoors.

Photo Courtesy of Decoration Magazine

Beyond a nature-inspired color palette, bringing the outdoors indoors can mean as grand a gesture as creating easier, literal transitions between your interior and exterior spaces.

Photo Courtesy of Flavia Chic

 Or it can take a much smaller, more subtle form. Our favorite mood-booster, fresh flowers, instantly create a natural focal point in any room and remind us to stop and smell the roses (or whatever you gave in your current arrangement).

Large plants, such as a ficus tree, can provide a more lasting reminder of nature in your home. Consider adding a citrus tree such as a dwarf Meyer Lemon tree for a splash of sunshine; depending on where you live, you can move the tree outdoors for the warmer months.

Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Photo Courtesy of House Beautiful

 If you’ve got a brown thumb, try low-maintenance plants such as succulents. Even incorporating a fake tree in the décor may help give you a little lift (and serve as a reminder to head outside for a real nature fix).

The Pass, Byron Bay, Australia (Gray Malin)

Featuring natural fabrics into your home also brings a multi sensory indoor/outdoor experience that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. We often select materials such as wool, silk, bamboo, and linen over nylon and polyester. Not only do we like the fact that they derive from naturally occurring and replenish-able resources; these materials are often more breathable, pleasantly tactile and even tout some cool properties. Cotton and linen, for example, are both fade-resistant. Choose jute or sea-grass for a natural floor covering option: the feel of these natural fibers will instantly bring you back to your childhood years of playing outside with bare feet.

Photo Courtesy of Serena and Lily

Photo Courtesy of Habitus Living

Finally, let there be light! While shutters are common design feature for certain home styles, we favor letting in as much natural light as possible and maximizing views to the outdoors. During some client renovations, we have even added windows to allow more light into the space.

Being in nature has been associated with a panoply of benefits including lowered stress levels, improving mood, and increased ability to focus. It may be a tall order to ask our interiors to do the same, but by choosing natural colors, textures, and fabrics, we can create a pleasurable room that celebrates the outdoors even as we remain indoors.

Photo Courtesy of Old House Online

Passport to Horse and Hunt Country, Middleburg, Virginia

Photo Courtesy of The Salamaner Resort

In the midst of winter and its attendant colds, germs, and cabin fever, having a mini vacay on the calendar is always a smart idea. A recent weekend trip to Middleburg, Virginia, aka the nation’s horse and hunt capital, was just what the doctor ordered.

Named because of its location as the midway point on a popular trading route, Middleburg has been a popular stopping point since it was established in 1787. There’s never been a better time to soak in the town’s history, eat at fabulous restaurants, visit nearby vineyards, and watch (or participate in) equestrian events.

We found these amazing silhouette at a local antique shop!

With the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background, we spent the weekend perusing through the town’s many charming antique shops, finding treasures including paintings, silhouette portraits, and furniture.

Simply walking around town is a history lesson: Middleburg has over 160 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places including The Red Fox Inn and Tavern. Now a boutique hotel with delicious, locally sourced and inspired dining offerings, The Red Fox was established in 1728 and has since hosted famous names like Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Paul Newman.

We would have happily stayed much longer at the Salamander Resort and Spa: they offer trail rides and riding lessons, ziplining, art classes, hiking, even archery and axe throwing among their many activities. And, of course, we would have liked to move in to the spacious spa with its varied treatments including seasonal rituals that incorporate aromatherapy and massage and a special Riders’ Relief Massage.

The Spa at The Salamander Resort

Photo Courtesy of Family Vacation

One of our favorite activities at the Salamander: spending time with the resort’s resident celebrity, a miniature horse named Cupcake! In addition to holding court at the stables, Cupcake also welcomes visitors to the Salamander a few times a week in The Living Room, a popular gathering space.

Cupcake! What a cutie!

Photo Courtesy of Visit Loudoun

We returned from our weekend feeling restored in mind and body…and inspired to seek out more new-to-us spots. Middleburg is only about two hours away from Richmond by car, proving that you don’t have to go far to get away. We can’t wait to visit again soon!