LG's Holiday Shopping Guide
The holiday season is here - and just like everyone else, I find myself saying:
“How in the world is it already November?!”
Well, November is nearly over, so I guess it’s time to get over that thought and jump into the holiday spirit! As many of you know, I adore supporting local businesses, artists, makers and crafters near and far. If you are anything like me, I can’t stand giving random gifts off the shelf without any thought really behind them.
So if you are looking for a little gifting inspiration, I hope this little guide helps you check off your gifting list all while supporting some pretty awesome independent people and businesses!
The Holiday season is here - and just like everyone else, I find myself saying:
“How in the world is it already November?!”
Well, November is nearly over, so I guess it’s time to get over that thought and jump into the holiday spirit! As many of you know, I adore supporting local businesses, artists, makers and crafters near and far. If you are anything like me, I can’t stand giving random gifts off the shelf without any thought really behind them.
So if you are looking for a little gifting inspiration, I hope this little guide helps you check off your gifting list all while supporting some pretty awesome independent people and businesses!
FOR THE PET LOVERS
Who doesn’t love a whimsical illustration of their favorite furry friends. Alli Arnold’s pet portraits never disappoint and always are stylish, cute and will look lovely on anyone’s wall!
They will make you smile every time you walk by one of her pieces!
FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL LOVERS
We’ve all got the friend that adores the history of their home or a special building in a specific city that they are drawn to - now you can gift them an amazing illustration by Rebekah Lazaridis to commemorate that love. Her vibrant colored pencil works will be a treat for years to come!
FOR THE JEWELRY LOVER
The Rock Shop is the perfect spot for classic gems, antique pieces and off beat pieces. You will be sure to find something for anyone from a glitzy diamond lover to an earthy crystal wearing goddess. Also, they sell records and gemstones, too!
FOR THE PLANT MOMMA OR DADDY
Guys. Plants are in. And I am happy about it! I’m a new-ish plant momma, thanks to an amazing book my husband gifted me last year.
Wild Roots is my go to for all things indoor plant living - they always have a great selection and their staff is more than helpful with all the tips to keep your plant babies thriving! Pick a special plant for someone or grab a gift card so they can choose!
FOR THE CREATIVE SOUL
The Morean Arts Center is a wonderful spot to find gifts for the creative soul in your life! Everything is beautifully handmade my Morean Art Center members, you can find blown glass ornaments, jewelry of all styles, pottery and many other forms of art at various prices.
If you feel like giving the gift of the art experience, check out all the different types of classes the Morean offers: clay, jewelry, print making, blown glass, sketching and more!
FOR THE MOMMA TO BE
(or anyone who loves a reason to play dress up!)
Golden Hour Gowns is a handmade dreamy dress company for photography gowns… you know the ethereal gowns that move and flow with the wind and make your heart flutter! Dip died to create color stories for your most precious photo moments. These beautiful gowns look amazing for maternity photoshoots!
Enjoy their rental program for your photoshoot date or purchase a custom made option! Check out their instagram for more inspiration.
FOR THE BUSY PERSON
(or anyone who just doesn’t like laundry!)
Give the gift of clean (and folded!) laundry! Life gets busy - sometimes we forget to wash things when we need it or switch the wet clothes into the dryer. And, let’s be honest… who really likes to do laundry anyway?! With Laundry Day Delivery service, those laundry day woes are taken care of!
FOR THE STYLISH FELLA
If you want to surprise the stylish fella in your life (or maybe introduce him to a little more style wink, wink) Atlas Body + Home is the spot for that! Everything from quality clothes, hats, shoes and swimwear with the most fun prints! I personally love their selection of soaps, too!
5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD PAINT YOUR WALLS BLACK
Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography
In an era of bright and white instagramable spaces (yes, we swoon over those too!) - we are think you should paint your walls black. It’s no surprise that I am a fan of dark moody spaces. I try to slide in some saturated color into a project every. single chance I get. So here are our top reasons why you should say yes to that darkest color swatch on the paint color fan deck.
1. MAKE IT COZY
Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography
A dark room (especially black) has the ability to wrap you in color and create a cozy inviting space that light colors simply can’t achieve. It’s almost like the room is opening its arms to you and pulling you in for a big bear hug.
2. BENEFIT FROM CONTRASTS
Lisa Gilmore Design | Native House Photography
Other colors will contrast and bounce off like you would’t believe, so the end result is actually bringing more life to the space.
3. BLACK IS SEXY
Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography
Everyone looks sexy in a black room. A black interior is flatering. Your skin tone will thank you.
4. YOUR ART WILL LOOK PHENOMENAL
Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography
Your art will look PHENOMENAL. It doesn’t matter if you are an avid fine art collector, pick up art from the thrift store, have only a few key pieces and a massive collection. Your art will sing on the dark moody backdrop.
5. NO NEED TO FEAR
Lisa Gilmore Design | Seamus Payne Photography
It will not feel small, we promise. Okay - so a few factors do come into play with this promise. One, your ceilings really can’t be lower than 8 ft, and if they are, make sure you balance that dark wall with some of the following: light or bright area rugs and drapery OR light and bright furniture, also varying wood tones add interest to a dark space. (really, any space.) Additionally, if you don’t have a lot of natural light in the space, be sure to add ambient lighting through chandeliers, floor lamps, table lamps and/or wall sconces
Lisa Gilmore | Roohi Photography
GO AHEAD, PULL THE TRIGGER ON THE BLACK PAINT.
There you have it, I rest my case. Hopefully you are now dreaming up which room (or maybe you should just go for it and paint your whole place black!) that you will tackle with this amazing color. And if you get a little scared, don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
With love & design-y dreams,
Lisa Gilmore
DESIGN CHAT:: KID ART GALLERY WALLS
HOW TO DISPLAY YOUR BUDDING ARTISTS' MASTERPIECS
As parents, we all think our children's artwork is amazing and has the potential of being world famous some day. We are bombarded with handprints, scribbles, sweet holiday sentiments, and everything in between. We love our children and their budding talents but what can we do with ALL the art that is sent home? My answer is... MAKE A GALLERY WALL!! Gallery walls are fun, sentimental, and a great way to have your children get involved in personalizing your home.
Lisa Gilmore Design has recently installed two family homes incorporating kid art gallery walls.
Lisa Gilmore Design New England Family Home Project
We changed up the frames with this design. We chose mixed metals, white, and black frames to highlight the children's art. We added some structural, non-kid design elements to break up the wall a bit. The art is hung in a balanced yet, whimsical way.
Lisa Gilmore Design Bold, Vibrant, Chic Project
For this project, we hugged a corner and varied the size of frames and artwork size significantly. The bright colors of this growing Picasso flows into the bold, chicness of the home's design.
To add a kid art gallery wall in your home, please remember these few tips: keep it fun & creative, leave room for additions, and be prepared to feel random sentimentality when you look on your wall.
Happy Hanging!
DESIGN PROJECT:: TIMELESS MONOCHROMATIC PHOTO TOUR PART III (not so monochromatic room)
You've seen part I and part II of this beautiful residence, the whole space is primarily monochromatic finding interest with textures and patterns.
Well, there is one room in the house that is simply not monochromatic. We really got to have fun with this space. I think I will let the photos speak for themselves...
Through the glass french doors into the beautiful sunlight family room
What are those snippets of art I am seeing in the space? Well, my friend, they are exactly forty-four vintage sketches from Men's Vanity Fair. Can you say eye-candy? It really is a feast for your eyes, you can spend hours staring at the walls (good staring at the walls, that is!) at these gents. Each sketch has such a fun story, hanging them in such an impactful way was a no-brainer.
A lot of small details went into the design of this home, one of my favorite are these pillows we had custom made from Hermes scarfs. They compliment the antique vegetable dyed area rug so well.
Sunshine filters in so beautifully in this space, Mr. Franklin is most happy in his custom fabricated dog bed, that perfectly fits the space!
It's really hard to decide which area of this home is our most favorite? Part I, II or III? Cast your vote below!
INSPIRATION
Lisa Gilmore Design Interior Design trends, new projects & luxury design inspiration from your favorite Tampa Bay Interior Designer in Florida.
FEATURED POST
ON INSTAGRAM
