19 Friday May 2017
Nothing says summer is here like lilacs! Their beautiful purple and white blooms are wonderfully fragrant and something I look forward to each year. When in season, I like to cut them in bunches and bring them inside. The sad part… they only last a short time.
To extend the season, we’ve added some beautiful faux lilac branches to a grouping of wired bottles – a lovely and rustic welcome to summer.
18 Tuesday Apr 2017
Posted in Decorating, Living Beautifully, Our Favorite Things...
Tags
#accessories, #alamaison, #baldwinsville, #dooraccents, #downtownsyracuse, #GBCC, #walldecor, Decorating
When it comes to versatility and adding value to your home, you can’t go wrong with investing in a nice wooden tray. Trays are a hard working home accessory – a great option for organizing kitchen counters, consoles and dressers; and a must-have for the buffet table and home entertaining.
Let’s not overlook their great decorative value as well. Trays can add texture and impact to ottomans, cocktail tables and beneath centerpieces – a really detailed tray needs no adornment and can be centerpiece unto itself.
I love this reclaimed slat wood tray for its great texture and large scale – it’s a multi-function piece that I use all over the house throughout the year. As a centerpiece this tray’s substantial size fills a long dining table with ease.
Don’t limit your tray to horizontal use – I’m quite fond of it hang this one on my front door or a blank wall, changing the greenery with the seasons.
It also works great to brighten a blank corner near the staircase.
New or old, you can’t go wrong with a great tray for a little decorating inspiration!
20 Monday Mar 2017
Tags
#alamaison, #baldwinsville, #downtownsyracuse, #fayetteville, #homedecor, #livingbeautifully, #pottedplants, floral
When was the last time you used your ice bucket? Is it hidden away until company comes? It’s time to dig out your beautiful bucket and put it on display. You’ll quick discover that it makes a lovely vessel for potted flowers and plants.
Our Beatriz Ball metal ice buckets loves great with faux potted white agapanthus.
This faux potted plant is so realistic – even the dirt look real.
When company comes, just pop out your faux plant, give your ice bucket a quick wash and you are ready for guests!
13 Monday Feb 2017
Tags
#alamaison, #baldwinville, #downtownsyracuse, #fayetteville, #livingbeautifully, #reclaimed, #rustic, #vintage, Decorating
This was a great weekend for the Graham’s as we have finally finished our home studio remodel! This project took us a while as it kept getting put on the back burner due to other commitments and projects, but this weekend we were able to put the finishing touch on this remodel… hanging the beautiful reclaimed freight elevators doors we found in Ithaca, New York.
The doors needed some TLC, but they were just what I had envisioned for the entrance to my home studio and workroom.
They are made of chestnut and once we cleaned them up with mineral spirits, the color was truly stunning.
Structurally, they needed a bit of work, but my husband did a great job tightening them up and repairing some of the damaged boards. The visible dents and dings are just part of the charm and character of these unique vintage doors.
Now they make a grand entrance to my home design studio and workroom – the perfect space to spark my creativity!
09 Thursday Feb 2017
Tags
#alamaison, #baldwinsville, #downtownsyracuse, #fayetteville, #livingbeautifully, #tablescape, entertaining
I have a weakness for pottery… all kids of pottery and dinnerware. Although, I carry a variety of patterns in my store, I always find a pattern or piece that catches my eye on vacation. I have been known to carry large pottery platters and bowls through the airport and in my carry-on bags to protect my new found purchases.
The challenge with pottery is that it’s fragile, and as a mother of three boys, I’ve lost my pieces of pottery due to breakage. However, I am a very firm believer of using your dinnerware and glassware – everyday and any day!
There is a solution to fretting over and guarding your dinnerware… La Cadeaux fine melamine china. This gorgeous dinnerware is made of a heavier melamine, and truly looks like real ceramic Italian pottery – with designs inspired by the French and Italian countryside.
Beautiful enough for a special gathering, but kid-friendly, unbreakable and dishwasher safe. Perfect for dining by the pool, patio or any of your outdoor entertaining needs.
There may be lake effect snow in New York today, but Spring and al fresco dining season is just around the corner. I can already picture that beautiful La Cadeaux Allegra Red dinnerware on my patio… come on Spring!
31 Tuesday Jan 2017
Tags
#alamaisonaccents, #floralarrangements, #homedecor, #interiorlandscaping, #livingbeautifully, #succulents
Succulents are quite popular right now, and it’s no surprise as they are one of the most versatile plant options for decorating both inside and outside the home.
Today’s permanent succulents are so close to the real thing that you truly cannot tell them apart. Although real succulents are one of the easier plants to care for, you cannot beat good quality faux succulents for a no fuss, no worry greenery option.
They are really easy to work with, and bring a fun, casual look to floral and plant designs. We use them regularly both in the store and in custom arrangements for customers. Whether you want something formal, casual, rustic or contemporary; the container you choose will set the stage.
They also pair beautifully with other plants and flowers, including roses, hydrangea, ranunculus… endless beautiful options await! I’ve been a fan of preserved roses with succulents lately, and used them for several arrangements for our most recent Parade of Homes decor for a local builder.
These zinc planters are great in both rustic and contemporary spaces – adding dimension and natural beauty to a blank wall.
Easy to arrange, just take your pointers from nature – arrange them as they naturally grow. Many craft stores even have a good selection of succulents, so pick a few of your favorites, choose a pot, dish or planter… and have some fun!
30 Monday Jan 2017
Tags
#alamaison, #baldwinsville, #bridalshower, #downtownsyracuse, #entertainingsimply, #givingbeatifully, #wedding, entertaining
Oh how I love beautiful white pottery! It mixes and matches with any style on any tablescape.
Nora Fleming takes it one step farther with their pottery – making it a snap to change to your tablescape for any occasion. As they say, one platter… every occasion!
It is easy with a simple switch of a mini… adorable little pottery pieces that pop into your serveware. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, 4th of July picnic, Halloween party, Thanksgiving dinner or holiday open house – you’re all set with this pottery.
Perfect for the hostess and entertainer… change or update your look for any occasion just by adding new minis. Love it!
Nora Fleming serveware… the perfect bridal shower and wedding gift for 2017!
For more information on Nora Fleming pottery visit a la Maison, Baldwinsville, NY or call 315-440-6637.
15 Thursday Dec 2016
Posted in Decorating, Gift Ideas, Living Beautifully, Uncategorized
Tags
#alamaison, #baldwinsville, #downtownsyracuse, #fayetteville, #homedecor, #homefragrance, #livingbeautifully
When decorating our homes, we always have our sense of sight and touch in mind. We create a room that is visually beautiful, and fill it with a variety of textures in our furnishings, accessories and textiles.
One other important element to considering when designing your home is your home’s scent. A beautiful room layered with the right home fragrance will create a welcoming environment for all who enter. Your home’s fragrance will also leave a lasting impression as our sense of smell has a strong link to our memory.
Scent can also set the mood for a special event. Depending on the scent you choose, it has the power to relax, energize and uplift the mood of family and guests.
When choosing a home fragrance, whether using candles or a fragrance diffuser, natural is best. Choose candles made of soy or beeswax with all-natural cotton wicks.
To find your home’s signature scent, let your home’s style & décor by your guide:
Farmhouse Chic: Typically are homes featuring natural woods, light colors, organic & vinatge accents – look to scents that are herbal & green such as grasses, herbs and woods.
Paddywax Thyme & Olive Leaf is one of our new favorites!
Modern Rustic & Industrial: Think open floor plan, natural architectural elements, stone, wood, modern & eclectic furnishings. Consider woody fragrances with notes of sandalwood, amber, bamboo or balsam.
Transitional/Eclectic: For homes that blend the warmth of traditional design with and the homeowner’s own style – there is lots of room for creativity. Choose from an array scents that are earthy such as scents with herbs, sea salt, eucalyptus, fruits or bordeaux.
Contemporary/Minimalist: For homes with open spaces, clean lines, light colors, simply designed furnishings & minimal décor. Choose clean scents such as citrus, cotton & linen.
French Country/Romantic/Floral: Homes filled with vintage and reclaimed furnishings, floral fabrics and layered décor. Turn to home fragrance with floral and sweet notes of rose, lavender, gardenia and vanilla.
Find your home’s signature scent and Paddywax candles at `a la Maison, Baldwinsville, New York.
14 Wednesday Dec 2016
Posted in Decorating, Living Beautifully
I find that I’m favoring wreaths filled with simple greenery and natural accents this season.
Angel vine and simple ribbon make a lovely accent on this wood slant tray.
You can’t go wrong with evergreen, pine cones and magnolia leaves for relaxed, classic style.
Silver ornaments and bits of hydrangea dress up an evergreen wreath.
Simple and beautiful!
12 Monday Dec 2016
Posted in Decorating, Living Beautifully
Twigs and branches bring a great organic touch to holiday decor. We use a variety of evergreen, cotton and floral branches, along with bottles and stone, to create natural looking vignettes in our store and at home too!
