Scenes Around the Shop : Simplicity Interiors & Other Happenings

Life has been busy around these parts. AWD is now booking out as far as late Spring/early Summer for new clients, which brings us a tremendous amount of gratitude along with a healthy dose of that familiar "let's find the nearest Starbucks" feeling. We currently have projects spanning from a gorgeous mountain home remodel in Boone, NC to a commercial renovation for a famous Nascar team's locker room and athletic area. 

The weather here in North Carolina has been a roller coaster as well, and while we are waiting with anticipation to conquer our Spring to-do list, the thick white blanket of snow outside Simplicity-Interiors reminds us Mother Nature may have other plans. This unpredictable weather pattern almost kept us from our much anticipated trip to Nashville (photo's in post), however a little snow and ice wasn't going to keep us from visiting with family and friends, oh and a little trip over to visit the official Stanley Cup. No big deal. 

In the mean time here are a few shots from the shop as well as some other happenings of AWD.

Loving these throws from Jaipur. Soft and they come in gorgeous hues.

This chair is one of our new favorites and can blend so easily into many different decor styles. 

Interesting pieces can always be found at Simplicity Interiors.

Texture and color can make the pillow.

Meeting in Boone, NC to go over cabinet selections.

Making her one of the official rides of AWD.

Our project manager, Scott Whalen, demonstrating our beautifully designed slipcovered sofas to a customer.

Just a few recent magazines AWD has been published in... thanks to all our amazing clients for letting us work our magic on your spaces!

Our junior design associate, Piper, making sure our clients receive their product in great condition. Quality control at its finest.

After delivering a custom piece to a client. If you see AWD on the road give us a honk!

Nashville, TN. Such a fun, lively city with so much to offer. Thanks for treating us right!

Just a little Stanley Cup action. 

If you are looking for design services please contact us at 704.604.5005 or email us at ally@simplicity-interiors.com.

AWD's Top 5 Oscar Looks 2015

Is there anything better than being able to sit in your pajamas and watch the Oscars? Truthfully, sitting down with girlfriends and mindlessly snacking and sipping Cosmopolitans is so much better than being glammed up in a ten thousand dollar dress and partying the night away with your gorgeous co-stars, right? Never mind.

All that being said, without any more hesitation, here is the AWD team's top five Oscar looks of 2015:


LUPITA NYONG'O

Can this gem of an actress do any wrong? Gorgeous in a milky white pearl-embellished custom gown by the incredible designer Franciso Costa for Calvin Klein Collection. We don't think she has made a misstep yet in her career or her wardrobe.

EMMA STONE

We love that Emma Stone took a leap of faith with her color choice. The beautiful chartreuse Ellie Saab Couture color compliments her skin tone and the hair and make up just works. We love when an actress takes a risk without having to be too risqué. Bravo, Emma!

ROSAMUND PIKE

When we think of the Oscar's we think of red carpet. And then we think of red dresses- fabulous, gorgeous red dresses. Rosamund Pike takes this seductive number to the next level. The texture and color of this Givenchy by Ricardo Tisci is breathtaking. A true Oscar worthy gown.

JENNIFER HUDSON

Statuesque and tailored to fit like a glove, Jennifer Hudson's Ramona Keveza gown compliments her figure. We love how this dress is structured perfectly, yet adds a bit of fun with a beautiful canary yellow color. 

MARGOT ROBBIE

All pictures courtesy of Harper's Bazaar.

Margot Robbie's new sleek bob and red lips give this Saint Laurent gown a sultry appeal that surely is Oscar worthy. We love how the sheer sleeves offset the plunging neckline, while the black color keeps the dress playfully demure.

Our top 3 Favorite Neutral Paint colors for 2015

Neutrals never get boring to us. Why? Sometimes you want a paint color to make the statement , but many times it's your favorite accessories and furniture that should make the space. Is there anything more refreshing than a fresh coat of paint? A $30 gallon of paint is one of the most affordable updates you can do to your home, creating a completely new atmosphere without having to refurnish your entire room.
Below is a few of our favorite neutral colors for 2015. We always ebb and flow between our paint colors, however these are some of our tried and true favorites.

Sherwin Williams Sea Salt: At either 100% or 50%.
A beautiful blue-gray that is absolutely perfect for bathrooms as well as bedrooms. Serene and gorgeous as always.

Sherwin Williams Sea Salt

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Benjamin Moore Baby Fawn: 75% or 100%. This tawny greige color is a soft neutral that compliments many different styles.

Benjamin Moore Baby Fawn

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Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter: A famous and fabulous color that is great to use when wanting to add a bit more depth to your neutral palate. It looks wonderful up against a lot of white as well.

Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter

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Our Favorite Etsy Finds

ArtbyOak1

ArtbyOak1: This Toronto based artist hails originally from Korea and has studied both film and art. We love the beautiful colors featured in all the abstract pieces. Reasonably priced and all 100% original.

Elizabeth Mayville

Elizabeth Mayville: We first stumbled upon Elizabeth Mayville on Pinterest many months ago. Her unique perspective and whimsical "Bun" prints are frequently a fond find of many bloggers. We love this particularly for a feminine office or young preteen's room.

Samantha French

We love Samantha French. What's not to love? Her current paintings are reminiscent of warm, sun filled days that transport you to thoughts of peace and tranquility. We also like that you can get many of her prints in 16"x20" for under $200. 

TheClayPlay

The Clay Play on Etsy is a great go to source for interesting, beautiful artwork depicting gorgeous feathers in various hues. Perfect as a beautiful understated piece.

Target Lamp Stylin'

Target Lamp Styles by allywhalendesign

Have you noticed lately that Target is just raising the bar on their home goods? Truthfully, I was really impressed with their new lamp collections they have just debuted. In fact, I was even more surprised when I went online to Target.com and realized you can purchase some really unique, high-end lamps on Target.com. I found their prices to be very competitive, and the best part? Using your Redcard also saves you more money on these beautiful finds. As I've stated previously, I will often times spend a little more in lighting as I feel it really can make a difference in a space. 

Incandescent lamp
target.com

Mudhut grey shade
target.com

Safavieh Jenna Stacked Ball Table Lamp
target.com

Safavieh Long Neck Ceramic Table Lamp
target.com

Threshold Fillable Ambient Lighting Collection
target.com

Threshold Turned Table Lamp
target.com

Easy Affordable Ways to Warm Up Your Front Porch

I think we can all agree that with the cold winter weather keeping much of the country in its frozen clutches, everyone is crossing their fingers for an early Spring. I for one can't wait for all the leaves to return to the trees, the buds to start blooming, and most of all- the sun. I can't wait for extended days and mild breezes. We may have another few months of cold weather still coming our way, so in the mean time I settled on perusing Pinterest while still bundled under a heavy blanket. Are you itching for Spring like me? If so what about collecting some ideas to make your front porch cozy and inviting for sitting outside as the days slowly start to get longer. 

These ideas have me ready for front porch swinging- a cocktail in one hand and my favorite interior design magazine in the other. Who is with me?

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So how would this be for front porch swinging? We actually sell a very similar day bed swing at our store, Simplicity Interiors, in Cornelius, NC. See below how AWD designed an outdoor space using our outdoor swing...

Photo Source: Invision Digital Media

I also love the idea of adding elements from the interior to the outside as well. There is nothing more cozy than enjoying a great conversation with a friend by the light of a small table lamp...having a handsome furry companion may be the next best thing.

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Another great idea is adding drapery to your outdoor space, especially if your neighborhood does not lend well to privacy. 

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Instead of purchasing an expensive outdoor rug, why not try giving your front porch floor an updated look with a quick, easy paint job such as the one below?

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Of course one of the best ways to soften a front entry way or porch is to bring greenery front and center. Is this not one of the prettiest arrangements? AND it's perfect for shaded front porches too!

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Until the Spring temps grace us with their presence these images will just have to do my friends. If you decide to use any of these ideas tag us on Instagram at @awdinspire!

Perfect Picks for Baby

Is there anything more special than decorating a nursery? Whether you are patiently waiting for your baby's gender to be revealed at birth or you have already accessorized everything pink or blue, it's likely you have scanned the interwebs for all the necessities to outfit the nursery.

Or maybe you have a baby shower coming up and need to find something other than the typical Babies R Us gift (although don't get us wrong we love us some Babies R Us!).We decided to do a round-up of all our favorite places to buy for baby along with some pretty cute picks for your bundle of joy.

Polka Dot Peacock:

Caden Lane Aztec Crib Set

We love this gold and mint bedding for a gender neutral nursery. It can very easily go more feminine by putting some pops of pink or lavender in the room.

The Rug Market Twirl Pink Rug

This is a great rug that is just dark enough to not scream baby pink and also has a fabulous design that could grow with the child in to the teen years.

Oopsy Daisy ABC

We love this print for its play on kiddo art. Taking the stereotypical alphabet print and making it fun and whimsy adds character to the nursery.


Layla Grayce:

Olli & Lime Miller Bumperless Crib set- On sale

Here is another great gender neutral crib set that can easily go boy or girl with just a few pops of color. Plus it's on sale right now!

DwellStudio Decor Gold Elephant

Is there anything more sweet than this gold elephant?

DwellStudio Kids Boudoir Pillow Treetops- final sale

A favorite way to add warmth to a glider (especially one that may have been passed down and not particularly comfortable) is to add a chic pillow to the mix. Love the whimsy of this DwellStudio design.


Land of Nod:

Knit Crowd Cat

Adorable stuffed animals. Just like your stuffed animals as a kid- only cuter.

Quincy Rocking Chair & Ottoman

One thing that we have noticed is that over the past few years a lot of nursery design has taken a step away from overly cute to the seriously stylish. We love the clean lines of this glider and ottoman combo and the pewter color is gorgeous.

Young and Wild Personalized Art (Bunny)

Personalized art for the nursery will always be a good choice.

So what are your favorites in nursery decor? Do you have any other sites that you frequent to outfit your bambino's space?