We have a winner! The winner of a reed diffuser in the scent of their choice from Votivo is…
Heather from DiSabella Designs! You lucky girl, you. Do let us know what scent you chose and how you incorporated it into your new home! Please email me at nomadluxuries@gmail.com with your information!
Thank you to all who entered in this fabulous giveaway! I think we’ll have to do these more often, so much fun to read all your comments!
Xx
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My mini panic attack this morning was calmed when Petar found the pictures I thought had erased. Phew! I love when I’m one step ahead of myself. Moving on, I thought we should finally talk about this DIY I keep bringing up. We finally finished it in our condo and love how it turned out so much, that we are going to do it in the main entry way and perhaps some of the bedrooms. SO…. what is this project you ask?
Door Trim! We went from this….
To this… of course, we painted the door a high gloss black for an added dose of glamour, but you can really paint it in whatever color you choose. Jenny from Little Green Notebook did the same for her girl’s room and painted the door a bright yellow while keeping her office doors in a sleek black.
It’s a fairly easy project even though it does require some planning and measuring…
I was initially going to purchase a pre-made kit from this Etsy shop for convenience but frankly I thought it could be a fun project for both the hubs and I. However, the trim layout from the shop did serve as inspiration for our layout. Saving a few pennies to splurge on some other items isn’t so bad either! Like this rug, I’ve been eyeing.
Take basic measurements of the door. Length and width. We went to home depot and purchased the trim in pine. They have a miter and saw at home depot that you can cut the trim to fit your needs, but they won’t do it for you. I was especially bummed about this. You want to cut at 45 degree angles and on each piece of trim you want to alternate the way the angles face.
They need to alternate so that they can fit each other like a picture frame. After all your pieces are cut, I would recommend drawing out an outline on your door for good measure. You’re going to paint anyway. Nail in small nails about 1/2″ to an 1″ away from the edge so that the wood doesn’t split. We learned this the hard way.
Once everything is nailed on, fill any spaces with sealer. I would let this dry for a couple of hours or all night if you can. Once dry, sand a bit just to make sure everything is even and start painting! This is the easy part.
We started with the kitchen door since this was our first attempt. I used Rustoleum high gloss black paint and love how it turned out. Since we didn’t prime, it did take a few coats but since the paint dries so quickly, we were able to finish our four coats within an hour.
And you have a glam door for under $40.00 and a bit of elbow grease! Can’t beat that!
How many of you think this sounds easy enough for a weekend DIY? Any of you had success already? Would love to see your finished doors, especially if they are in a fun color. Email me at nomadluxuries@gmail.com and I’ll do a door roundup!
Xx
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Good Morning! I’m so bummed- I wrote out a whole big post on a the simple DIY I’ve been meaning to share with all of you only to realize that I lost all of my pictures…and well, since the project is done and I can’t show you a step-by-step, we’ll leave it for another time. Serious sad face over here!
With that being said…I feel a bit exposed…post-less if you will. So let me share with you a quick glimpse at the progress of our guest bedroom/home office.
We finally had our sleeper sofa delivered on Monday, and just in time. Petar’s younger brother arrives in two weeks!
We purchased the Baxton Studio Keeney sofa bed from Interior Express Outlet after seeing it on Joss and Main for $100+ more. I’m a big fan of Joss and Main but I decided to google and see if I can find it for a bit cheaper. And we did! IEO happened to have an additional 10% sale going on when we bought it and we paid a whopping…are you ready… $500 for the sofa bed! Say what?
While I was contemplating getting a twin bed or a day bed, I’m so glad we went this route. This sofa actually turns into full size mattress which can accommodate two people and still looks chic.
I’m a big fan that the sofa has arms, since so many futons don’t and I think that’s part of the reason they look a bit cheap. It comes with two back cushions and the three pillows which are great to have. An easy DIY to grab a fun fabric and make pillow covers for. Overall, it fits perfectly in our room and doesn’t close off any of the natural light from the windows. Thumbs up from me!
P.S. Do you spy a carrera marble end table to the right? It was a recent Craigslist find and I love the detailed brass base. I will have to take a closer photo and share it with all of you. I’ve got tons more photos on Instagram, follow me here!
Still Pending:
Curtains
Lighting
Office Chairs
Extra file storage/shelving
Any projects you are working on you’d like to share? Would love to see what’s brewing in your homes!
Xx
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Good Morning! I dug up this recipe from one of my binders where I store hoard all my magazine clippings and decided to give it a try a few weekends ago. This recipe was a huge hit that we made it this weekend too!
The recipe is easy to make and delicious! Not to mention, the whole wheat and berries really steps it up a notch to a healthy breakfast recipe. I like to serve this in addition to something savory, but they are so filling that you can really eat them on their own and be satisfied. They taste just as good the day after!
The original recipe calls for wheat germ which I didn’t have available, but would like to give that a try in the next batch.
Ingredients
Directions
Step 1: For the pancakes: Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Whisk in buttermilk, oil, and eggs. Let stand 10 minutes.
Step 2: For the compote: Heat blueberries, lemon juice, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until berries begin to burst, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in sugar. Add cornstarch and simmer, stirring often, until thick enoughto your liking. About 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, and stir in blackberries.
Step 3: Coat a nonstick skillet with cooking spray (I use EVOO spray), and heat over medium heat. Spoon in 1 tablespoon batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles appear. Flip, and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Serve compote over pancakes.
To see the original recipe, check it out here.
Enjoy!
Xx
Y
Hello Loves! Hope you had a wonderful weekend! I want to hear all about it… As for me, this weekend was a bit busy in a good way: celebrated one of my best friend’s birthdays and finally finished up a DIY project at home. Got some shoppin in too and well….I’ll show you my splurges this week.
This week is looking like a busy one and it just started but I’ll be around for most of it. I’ve got a recipe for you all and a fun and simple DIY that you can do at home to add a touch of luxe!
I’m headed to NeoCon tonight at the Merchandise Mart and seriously looking forward to seeing what’s new in the industry! I’ll snap a few photos while I’m there!
I’ve got home office on my mind so, I leave you with this great office nook for today’s inspiration!
While I love the colors and the aesthetic, I also really love how they created a pin board out of a vintage frame and wallpaper remnants to fit the overall space.
What do you all think? Do you love this look?
Good Morning and Happy Thursday! The weekend is almost here and I hope you’ve all entered into my giveaway with Votivo! The giveaway runs through next Wednesday, June 12th and we could all use something that smells and looks beautiful for our home. Am I right, or am I right?
One Kings Lane, had a whole special on Greek inspired furniture and decor for their Greece Escape Sale. While I am a bit biased, I absolutely love the calming effect of the Aegean blues, brass accessories and neutral color palette. If you remember, I wrote this post on how to incorporate Greek-inspired design into your own home!
Speaking of which, I just HAD to pick my faves from OKL and share them with you today. I’m finally using Polyvore- follow me for more inspiration!
Well hello loves! Do I have something special for you today…
Our new condo is still a work in progress. The major renovations (for the time being) have been finished, but my DIY lists keep getting longer. I’ll even sometimes get a whiff of paint or wood stain and I’ll be reminded that, while it’s feeling more ‘homey’ by the day, we’ve still got a long way to go…
I want to walk through our door and be greeted by an inviting scent- you know, like that new car smell? I want, well, a new home smell. So, I teamed up with Votivo and gave their reed diffusers a try. Since it’s Spring, or at least it’s supposed to be, I wanted a light and refreshing scent. I ended up with two fragrances from Votivo’s new Spring Collection- Jasmine Neroli and Azure Garden.
I use Jasmin Neroli for our entry way- its fragrance is inspired by lush orange groves and exotic flora while balanced with wood notes and sweet vanilla. Hints of tuberose make this scent extra mysterious. It’s feminine yet sultry and fresh. Now, whenever I walk into our home, I feel like I’ve entered a private retreat. Often times, my mind drifts to Moroccan orange groves and burning incense. After a busy day at work, things immediately slow down and embrace me. Come in and stay a while it beckons…I don’t mind if I do.
I have it on my jadeite cake stand styled around a vintage art print of Rome- taking me back to my days of living in the Eternal City. The spring colors on the console table are as fresh as the scent itself!
Smoke and mirrors…
Since our bathroom is on the smaller side and we on only have one, I wanted the space to feel light and airy. Azure Garden is the perfect subtle scent that doesn’t overpower the small space. Notes of dewy grass and blossoms play off the hints of teakwood. Azure Garden instantly creates a tranquil and calming atmosphere; perfect for relaxing baths and mental escapes of blue skies and green fields.
My Votivo reed diffuser sits atop a mirrored glass tray next to a boxwood topiary and lucite storage.
Paired with unscented candles to give off a soft glow.
The mirrored tray reflects the light and creates the illusion of a larger space.
Now for the important stuff: Votivo is kindly offering one winner the chance to win their own reed diffuser in their favorite scent to NL readers!
Here’s what you need to do to enter:
1. ‘Like‘ NoMad Luxuries on Facebook.
2. ‘Like‘ Votivo on Facebook.
3. Finally, hop over to the Votivo site and choose your favorite Votivo fragrance/product. Leave a comment back here, describing how you would incorporate the fragrance into setting the mood or atmosphere for a space in your home.
Contest ends a week from today, Wednesday, June 12th at midnight.
Good Luck!
Y
Good Morning! If you’ve all been following me on Facebook and the sorts, I announced last week that I have decided to go back to school. I am now officially a student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and will be certified as an interior designer sooner than I know it.
It feels great to finally take a step towards making my passion a reality, and while I am swamped between work, the blog and now homework…I am loving every minute of it. ‘Homework‘- haven’t used that word in quite some time.
I’m still continuing to work projects at home and a few new clients I’ve taken on- so exciting! Busy bee over here!
Here’s a few Instagram favorites of what’s been going on over on my end…
New B&W abstract art from West Elm for the guest bedroom. It’s on sale now too!
The Waverly Aegean rug fit perfectly with the color scheme in the guest bedroom…and I got it for a steal!
Look at that beauty- burl wood heaven!
Morning brunches don’t get better than this! IHOP- International House of Puaca!
Spinach, mushroom, arugula and cheddar quiche…
Loved this styled vignette at one of the booths at Randolph Street Market. I picked up a lovely blue pot I can’t wait to plant!
Evening strolls…when the weather cooperates.
Sawing away for our latest DIY… Can you guess? Here’s a hint…
Should be done next week!
My new Sam Edelman leopard loafers I can live in…and practically do!
Art deco floral arrangements in the BofA building.
A recent peony arrangement…I want to be surrounded by peonies, all the time and everywhere!
And finally- a sneak peek of tomorrow’s well-awaited giveaway- I spy the blue pot I snatched from the flea market and other garden inspired accents. It even smells like a garden!
Remember to check bright and early for tomorrow’s giveaway! You and your nose won’t be disappointed!
Xx
Y
Good Morning loves! The weekends fly by too fast, don’t they? I hope you all did something fun or relaxing. Either way is just as good!
This morning, I thought we’d chat gems.The colors, the shapes- it’s oh so magical! While most of us think of gems in baubles, it doesn’t necessarily have to be on your finger to be enjoyed. Of course, no ones complaining of that either…
Gems are popping up everywhere; art, fashion and design. I remember coming across Veronica Sheaffer’s site, My Hands Made It, after her home was featured on Apartment Therapy. I absolutely love what she did with her kitchen and that plain old rock she turned into art…yup.
Still love it! The gold frame and the pop of white against the dark colored walls. While I might not take the same painting risks, I absolutely love this kitchen!
To see more of this adorable house tour, check out the full post here.
Want to recreate the same art for your home? Why not simply blow up a photo from online? Otherwise, Etsy has some great options to get your gem fix!
Can’t decide on one gem? The top print has all shapes in sizes in hues of pink and purple!
Agate heaven!
Bold blue or go abstract with this print!
Flat wall art doesn’t do it for you anymore? How about we step it up a notch and grab a pair of scissors… and go 3D like this art installation?
Since we did mention baubles…I think we should tease ourselves with some fabulous jewelry from Jen Altman from Cisthene. She takes these little beauties to a whole new level. I absolutely L.O.V.E. her site and her beautiful products. This is a great place to learn about the healing powers of gems and find your own personal talisman. Or simply wear something pretty!
Here’s a glimpse of a few of the pieces I’m gushing over.
Are you loving gems as much as I am right now? Do you have any gem art in your home or do you even use them as paper weights? I have agate coasters I absolutely love!
Xx
Y
It’s Frrriiday! Love how that word just rolls off your tongue. I hope you have some fun things planned this weekend! What are all you up to? Hmmm?
It was a short and productive week for NL. So, I’m going to take it easy on the blog. How about we show these links some love and call it a day? It’s the weekend, after all.
1. This DIY is so fun and simple- there’s no reason not to give your old plates a face-lift. Mix with fun textiles and china for a global look.
2. Oh, Oprah! 5 easy ways to reduce stress at work and they are easier than you think. Buy some plants folks.
3. This Mexican corn salad looks perfect for late summer bbqs.
4. A modern take on flamenco fashion? This dress is fabulous and can be easily worn for a casual day running errands or dressed up with a pair of heels for a fancy dinner.
5. Who said you have to have a big outdoor space for entertaining? Take a peek at these fabulous balconies, in all sizes.
6. Water will never be the same with these lime and mint ice cubes. R.E.F.R.E.S.H.I.N.G!
7. I recently signed up for this Interior Styling e-course after hearing rave reviews. Discount for new students- come and join me!
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! See you Monday!
Xx
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