Selecting the right paint can truly make or break the space, and with so many options out there we do our best to simplify the process for our clients. One of the most common questions we receive is about our go-to paint colors, so here you go! These are our tried and true, most-used neutrals. Which one is your favorite? We’d love to hear in the comments below!
Travel Guide | Must Have Items
My husband and I recently returned from our honeymoon in beautiful Saint Lucia. If you’re planning your honeymoon or just a winter get away from these frigid temperatures, I highly recommend the island as a vacation destination. We started our trip on the north end of the island, near the city of Castries and stayed at the beautiful Cap Maison Resort. At the very end of our trip, we spent two evenings at Ladera Resort which was one of the most unique and amazing experiences of our lives.
When packing for vacation I always want to prepared, organized, and of course stylish. It’s no mistake that these CALPAK packing cubes are number one on the list. I purchased a set for not only myself, but also my husband. We both found them so helpful while packing before we left home, but also keeping our belongings organized and compact when traveling from one resort to another.
When navigating the airport and traveling abroad you always have to have your passport handy. This passport holder is my favorite. Another go to for navigating the airport and travel itself, is always having my ear buds and phone handy. I love this tech organizer because it keeps me from digging around my purse to find those essential items.
Whether it’s sleeping on the plane, or in our experience the middle of the rain forest (Ladera Resort only has 3 walls so you are fully exposed to an amazing view, but also the elements!) this eye mask from SLIP is amazing.
I’m all about investing in good luggage if you’re going to travel. This spinner suitcase is not only super stylish, but holds so much. We can’t forget about the make-up and beauty products. I love the mirror on this make up bag (hello airplane touch-up’s!) as well as the compartments it offers. Last but not least, this item has been my travel go-to for years. I love my Longchamp tote. It holds so much, and is extremely durable. If I’m not bringing it as my handbag for the plane, I pack it away (it folds up so small!) and it use it as my beach bag. Also, how fun are the colors it comes in?
You can shop our travel must haves by clicking on the links! What are some of your go-to’s and top travel destinations? Share in the comments, as always, we love hearing from you.
Project Reveal | Rivers Bend Master Bedroom
What’s better than starting the year off with a space designed specifically for you? It’s hard for me to choose just one space to be the most important in any home, but I would have to say that our bedrooms are at the top of my list. It’s where we start and end each day- and some days the place we go to get away from all the happenings in-between.
When this client asked me to help pull together the last untouched space in their home, we reviewed inspiration images and discussed all their wishlist for the space. I knew it had to hold up to their busy family but also be bright, beautiful, and have a touch of feminine.
For the bed frame, we sourced a custom upholstered bed frame and head board in a clean white fabric. The fabric itself is an indoor/outdoor grade fabric, so it will hold up for family movie nights and be easy to maintain. On either side of the bed frame, we added a pop of color and texture with the bed side tables. The client had an existing leather bench that we utilized at the end of the bed, and to tie in the natural tones we added a natural woven accent chair.
To finish off the space we tied in brass accents in the lamps, artwork, and hardware. The custom draperies really add texture, color, and elegance. You can read even more about the Rivers Bend Master in the latest issue of Midwest Nest Magazine.
| Shop This Room |
Style Guide | Holiday Decorating Picks
It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year, and I’ve put together some of our top decorating picks for the holiday’s. These are all items I currently have in my own home and when I tackle holiday decorating I love items that easily transition my existing decor to a more festive feel. This throw pillow combination will easily take me through the holiday’s and even the winter months.
I love these mini wreaths with the berry accents, I hang them in front of our small picture windows and tie them with the pink ribbon for a fun accent. For the mantle, I use a simple unlit garland and classic knit stockings.
When it comes to the tree, my trick is lots of ornaments in light colors so they create contrast and really pop. One of the most sought after trends this year is a woven tree collar, I can’t wait for ours to arrive! I love the more casual feel it gives from a traditional tree skirt. I’m planning on pairing ours with a faux sheep skin rug to maximize the texture.
When it comes to shelf styling, I love these mini table top tree’s & metal bucket filled with birch branches. My big tip for holiday styling is not to be afraid to store away your existing decor so it doesn’t feel cluttered. It also maximizes the pieces you already own by making them feel fresh & new all year around!
Wedding Details & Tips from a Newlywed!
As you may have noticed in the past few weeks, I've taken a break from blogging. Honestly, we've been so busy! I can't wait to catch you up on everything we've been working on. Decorating projects being installed, new construction homes finally coming to fruition, and full-on basement finish remodels have been in the works.
Personally? I'm married! On June 16th, 2018 I married the man of my dreams & am officially Mrs. Christie. It was an awesome day. We were surrounded by all of our family & friends, gorgeous flowers, delicious food, and endless amounts of champagne. Jared and I headed off to our "mini-moon" for 3 nights on the north shore of Lake Superior. We had the most perfect weather, and I quickly realized it was the first time I had truly unplugged for any length of time since starting this endeavor 9 months before. It was exactly what the doctor had ordered.
I’m so excited to finally be sharing the details of our special day with you all. We had the most amazing photographer, Uppercase L Photography, capture every detail. I had never realized how large of a role a GOOD photographer plays in the role of your wedding day. Who drives you to first look? That gal did. Amanda had never even been to North Dakota before, but we pulled off the perfect ‘sex & the city’ drive by- sans bouquet throw at Mr. Big- and made it to our first look without my soon-to-be husband even catching a glance.
My second but most important tip? Ask for help, and use it! There are so many small details you just can’t plan up until the last minute. Honestly? I forgot all about the ceremony programs. I quickly created them in photoshop, sent them to the printer, and only had one spelling error- but they did the job! This advice is especially important for the day of. I highly suggest ‘clocking out’ after your ceremony rehearsal, and quite literally putting the rest in gods hands. You’ve done the planning, at the end of the day- if you’re married to the love of your life- what more could you ask for? Cliché but true.
Have fun with your ceremony! We had the best music ever, thanks to the ever talented Abby Grimaldi. Our amazing pastor had also given us the advice to use those beautiful music breaks to stop and let it all soak in. It was truly one of my favorite parts of our day, to be just us- surrounded by all of our friends & family. We also wrote our own vows. I will truly cherish those words for the rest of our lives.
Lastly, don’t finalize the timeline with any vendors until the week or two before hand. I had booked certain vendors 6 months prior to the wedding date. Right before our invitations were printed, we had moved the ceremony up a half hour. It’s easy to forget to notify one or two vendors of the change, so when you book them- don’t give out an exact start time. Instead, ask them to call and confirm 2 weeks prior. Most vendors will call to confirm anyways, but if they don’t have any time written down- they will for sure check in!
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[Bridal Gown | Flowers & Event Decor | Venue | Stationary | Bridal Shoes | Ring Bear Accessories | Ring Box ]
Style Guide | Outdoor Styling
I am so excited to celebrate the warmer weather with the outdoor styling guide. Whether you use your space to entertain, or as your own private get away to relax with a good book- these are a few of the staples I love to make the most of your outdoor space .
My favorite furniture types to use outdoors are both treated wicker or a durable metal frame. Although I love the natural look of teak, it will patina with the elements. It's always a good idea to store away cushions and cover your furniture frames when not in use. I absolutely love the clean lines of this sofa, and the whimsy feel of this accent chair.
Flexible accent tables are great for adding function, but also color to your outdoor space. The rich blue of this garden stool makes the perfect pairing to this neutral coffee table.
Even outdoors the perfect accessories can truly make the space. I love using an outdoor rug to make the space feel cozy, along with accent pillows to tie everything together. I've linked the pillows I used in this design below. Last but not least, finding the perfect pot to add greenery to space, can be the perfect finishing touch.
I'd love to hear how you use your outdoor space, share in the comments below!
Style Guide | Layered Bedding
Getting the perfect layered look with bedding is a quick and easy change you can make to freshen up the look of your bedroom in no time. That's why I've decided to break down the (not so basic) bedding basics- that you should use to make your bed look perfect put together.
Let's start with what you don't see. These are the items that really make or break a well put together (and cozy) bed. First step, using a feather bed directly on top your existing mattress creates the perfect fullness affect. If you don't like using a true feather bed, there are down alternatives or really cozy foam options. Combine that with the perfect duvet insert, and you have that "cloud" look and feel you've always dreamed of. Certain bed frames leave an exposed box spring, so be sure to consider that and purchase a coordinating cover if needed.
The next step to creating the perfect layered bedding, is probably the one thing that people have the hardest time finding their favorite "go-to's"... sheets! I've linked my favorites below. Then, I love to add a gorgeous coverlet. You can keep it the same color as the duvet like we did here to create the gorgeous clean white look, or you can switch it up by adding texture and pattern. Placing the folded duvet cover at the end of the bed showcases the coverlet and creates a gorgeous and inviting look.
Along with a gorgeous throw like the one linked above, the perfect finishing touch is always good pillows. The size selected really depends on the size of your bed, but my general rule of thumb is always the more substantial the better they will look. When selecting pillow sizes, always consider creating that tiered affect- and don't be afraid to switch it up! Throw pillows can easily be moved around from different spaces in your home to create a whole new feel in each room. Don't forget your inserts!
The final step? Kick-back and relax, enjoy your new cozy bed.
Friday Favorites | Our Top Pinned Items This Week
Happy Friday everyone! It's been a busy couple weeks getting new construction plans finalized and selecting furniture for spring decorating installations. Although we started the week with a major snow storm in Fargo, it seems that the projects never slow down for very long. In true Midwestern fashion, we work through it all. With that said, I think I can speak for most- spring needs to hurry up!
I love keeping you all up to date on the projects I've been working on, and one way to do that is sharing the inspiration I've been using to kick-start some of the most fun projects. It also allows me to share the love for other designers, a win-win.
Starting each project from the ground up, I love digging into all the details with the team- from architects, to builders, to the home owners- team work truly makes the dream work. For one project, I fell in love with the idea of these warm wooden garage doors. They make the first impression of the home feel so warm, welcoming, and inviting. Just one of the many gorgeous images that inspire our projects. Enjoy this weeks top pinned items.
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Style Guide | Bar Cart Styling
One of my favorite pieces to style in my home is this little brass bar cart I bought a few years back. It's transitioned from home to home with me. It's currently found it's perfect spot in our new dining room. Our dining room is one of the first spaces I designed in our new home, and I can't wait to share the reveal with you all soon! For now, I had a blast changing things up and styling the content for this shoot at Sophie Grace Photography's studio- Downtown Fargo.
I love to change up how I style my bar cart. I swap it up when I'm hosting parties, as the seasons change, or just when I feel like I want a little space refresh. The staples I always make sure to have are a bottle chiller, shaker, and whatever type of serving glass I am using for the occassion.
I also love adding fresh greenery. Seeded eucalyptus is my go to since I can easily pick it up at the grocery store, and it stays looking fresh for a long time.
Layering is also key for bar cart styling. I love utilizing books to change up the height, and using linens to add color. My same bar cart can be found here.
Gift Guide | Valentines Day For Her & Him
It's the week before Valentine's Day and I've created my gift guide for this year. There's a little bit of everything, and a separate guide for her and him! We'll start with ladies first.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
1 | Apple Watch Band: For the girl who loves her tech just as much as fashion, a band for her Apple watch is perfect. I love how fashion forward the watch bands are becoming, making them look more professional as well as stylish.
2 | Heart Jewelry Tray: This cute tray makes the perfect accessory for any vanity. It's also creates a special space for your loved one to store her most important pieces.
3 | Pink Water Bottle: This is the perfect gift for the girl who loves to work out, or just any girl really. I love the new 'Pink Topaz' color that S'Well just came out with. You can also feel really good about giving this gift. It's toxin-free and part of the proceeds of each purchase go to UNICEF to help provide clean drinking water around the world.
4 | Customized Candle: How sweet is this customized candle from The Little Market? They have the most amazing scents and top quality products. The mission of the Little Market is also just as beautiful as their products. They're entire brand is made up of fair trade, ethically sourced, artisan made products.
5 | Lip Masks: For the girl who loves to pamper herself, there's nothing better than an at home beauty treatment. These products from Patchology are the best.
6 | Silk Pillowcase: This my friends, is the secret of all beauty secrets and your valentine will love you for it. It's a pillowcase that saves your second day hair and helps keep moisture in your skin. Trust me guys, it's a thing.
7 | Cards: These are the sweetest cards that your valentine is sure to love. This one from Sugar Paper LA has a mini message (everything mini is cuter, right?) and comes in the prettiest color of blush. For those that love to add a little humor to their relationship Emily McDowell Studio is perfect.
8 | Pave X-Ring: A Valentines Day round up wouldn't be complete without a gorgeous piece of jewelry. For the traditional gift giver, Stone and Strand has the most adorable items. I also love the stacking rings and petite necklaces.
1 | Leather Phone & Card Case: This is the perfect gift for the guy who is always on the go. Not only is it super functional, it also comes in a gorgeous durable leather.
2 | Tumbler: These are perfect for any guy. These Yeti tumblers come in really great colors, are dishwasher safe, and work for both hot and cold beverages.
3 | Face Cleanser Set: I feel like these are the type of gifts guys love, but don't go out and buy for themselves. My Fiance loves this brand. I bought a different brand of face wash and chapstick- he was not impressed. Stick to the good stuff, and this is it!
4 | Cologne: Another gift item guys love to have, but never seem to purchase for themselves. Picking a scent for someone else can be difficult- but this one is super versatile and fresh smelling.
5 | Leather Key Fob: I love this key fob from The Little Market and that the company has expanded to make more products that can be gifted for men. Like the custom candle we included in our gift guide for her, these products are all fair trade, ethically sourced, artisan made products.
6 | Duffle Bag: How sleek is this duffle bag? It also has so many compartments and is perfect for a carry on or weekend road trip. It also comes with a shoulder strap!
7 | Watch: Much like an apple watch, these watches from MVMT have versatile strap options. I love these types of gifts because they can be easily customized. They are also great quality and come in super cool packaging.
I hope you love this years Valentines Day Gift Guide. What other gifts do you love to give? Mention in the comments below!
Friday Favorites | Our Top Pinned Items This Week
We have two weeks of Friday Favorites to catch up on this week. I am so excited to be meeting new clients, contractors and professionals in the Fargo community. Lindsey Grace Interiors has become a member of the Chamber of Commerce, which is such a wonderful and supportive community. I was able to attend the FMWF Women Connect through the Chamber last week, and I met so many amazing business women. We all had the honor of hearing Robyn Benincasa's story, it's safe to say she had the entire ball room inspired.
Last week, I also had a content shoot with the lovely Sophie Grace Photo. All the original content on my blog and instagram is taken by Sophie, and she does such an amazing job! I can't wait to share with you all the exciting posts we have coming up in the next few months.
I plan on starting a short blog series of 'random facts' that help clients get to know the crazy journey that has been my design career over the past several years. Although Lindsey Grace Interiors is new to the Fargo community, I am not new to the design industry. I've had experiences (and adventures) working in New York City, Minneapolis, and the Mid-West over the past several years, and I can't wait to share more with you all-stay tuned!
Now, to our Friday Favorites- the inspiring and gorgeous items I've been pinning this week.
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Style Guide | Wallpaper
It's no secret that I love wallpaper, and I'm so excited when clients want to incorporate it into their spaces. Sometimes I get the question whether wallpaper is back in, and the answer is YES. It can be hard to commit, but when choosing the perfect wallpaper I always encourage clients to go with their first instinct.
There are so many different installations of wallpaper, the possibilities are truly endless. To start, choose a space in your home that you'd like to make feel special- like a laundry room, mudroom or powder bathroom.
E-Design
One of the questions I'm often asked by perspective clients is how far I'm willing to travel outside of the Fargo community. The truth is, I love to travel- so there really is not many places I turn down. Whether it's beneficial for me to travel to the actually site depends solely on the scale of the project. This question also brings up the topic of E-Design, and whether it's the right fit for the job. So- what exactly is "E-Design"?
Basically, E-Design allows you to invite a designer into your home- without actually having to even be in the same city, state or area. It's changed the game of interior design. It allows everyone to be able to benefit from the services offered by designers, no matter how big or small the budget.
Friday Favorites | Our Top Pinned Items This Week
It's that time of year when most of us are only thinking about where we can escape on a spring break getaway. We're having an especially cold winter in North Dakota, and I know the Fargo home builders can't wait to break ground on their upcoming spring projects. I think this weeks pins are a sign that I'm ready to say goodbye to the cold too!
This week we received tons of new fabric samples from our gracious vendors, and you may have seen a few sneak peeks on my instastories for upcoming projects. I love the new spring collections that are coming out and I am so excited to use them. I also wrote a blog on one of my favorite materials to utilize when selecting material finishes for a home. If you missed the post on my favorite cement tiles (and the sources to find them!) you can read it here.
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Do you have an exciting home project you can't wait to start? Or is your mind mostly on spring travel? Share in the comments below!
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Style Guide | Cement Tile
As a designer, I feel like I am constantly claiming my obsession. The truth is, there are several trends I will admit I am obsessed with- wallpaper, brass, a great fig tree- although among the top is, cement tile. Picking out flooring for a new construction job or remodel can be a daunting task. There's a lot of factors that go into selecting the perfect material for each space. Not only does aesthetic and budget need to be considered, but also comfort and maintenance. I could write several posts on selecting the right flooring for each space (and I definitely plan to do so!), but this post is dedicated solely to my love of cement tile.
Without getting too technical, the maintenance and installation of cement tile is extremely important. If clients are nervous about the upkeep, I recommend using the material in a lesser traffic area, such as the laundry room vs the mudroom. With that being said, I strongly encourage you to go for it if you're dreaming of installing that perfect pattern in your kitchen- just make sure it's properly grouted, installed, and sealed. How do you know it's properly sealed? Water should bead on the surface. You'll also have to reseal every couple of years, as needed.
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Since cement tile is a manufactured product made of natural materials, it's important to understand that a natural patina will occur over time. Patina, is a fancy word for describing that it will fade in some areas. Wear will show. I love this about certain products, including cement tile, because it can create that cozy lived in charm.
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Along with proper installation, it's also important to specify how you would like the tiles laid out. Since the pattern is technically created when four tiles meet, there are typically several different lay outs that can be created.
Budget. Although not all beautiful things are costly (even though in the design world this sometimes seems false) I would not recommend cement tiles as a cost saving option. The price of the actual material can differ between manufacturers, but it's also important to remember that the cost usually goes towards the installation. It can be a timely process, but oh so worth it! If you're worried about budget, consider smaller spaces, as a little bit of a good thing can make a huge impact.
Friday Favorites | Our Top Pinned Items This Week
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It's been a busy week and we've been cramming inspiration in for upcoming projects. This week has also been filled with shoveling ourselves out of a winter storm, purchasing as many humidifiers as we can fit in our carts, and staying as cozy as possible inside by the fireplace. I always say January is when the Fargo winter becomes real, and my top pins actually turn to tropical vacation ideas. A girl can dream right?
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I saved this idea for the hood, as well as the cooking storage that they utilized above the range top. This design maximizes counter space while utilizing interesting design opportunities.
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When I hold intro meetings with clients to discuss their new projects, these shower doors are often on their wishlists. I love them too. It's a great way to bring character into a new build, or maintain the charm of an existing remodel. Of course, I'm always a sucker for a good cement tile.
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Details. There was so much that went into this laundry room, and it payed off. I love the fresh subway tile that still looks classic but puts a twist on the 3x6 size we typically see. I'd love doing laundry if I had a space this pretty.
Aside from navigating the North Dakota winter, I also posted a blog on staying organized with pretty accessories for the new year. If you missed it, check it out here. Happy Friday everyone!
Style Guide | Holiday Gift Wrap
It’s nearing the holiday’s and we are feeling oh so festive. At this point, the tree is up, the garland is hung, and the holiday shopping is (almost) done. My favorite part? Gift wrap. I love finding new and unique sources for gift wrapping. To me, the presentation is almost just as good as giving what’s inside. I know that not everyone loves the idea of wrapping gifts as much as I do, so I’ve decided to highlight some of the best resources for wrapping, boxes, and the details to pull it all together.
One of my favorite resources for gift wrap is the Target line Sugar Paper LA. I love that it’s easy to find locally, and they maintain the same aesthetic year after year. This year they added the most beautiful true navy. They have everything from wrapping paper, to bags, to beautiful boxes that take the work out of wrapping. I find myself wishing I had some of the perfect blush ribbon throughout the year, so I make sure to stock up when it’s here for the holidays.
A new addition to Target this year, is the much anticipated Hearth and Hand line from Chip and Joanna Gaines. Their plaid ribbon is my favorite. The black and white plaid pattern was the perfect addition to my white and blush Sugar Paper LA gift boxes. I even used the same ribbon as my tree topper this year. I love to shop local, and it’s super helpful to have those go to resources last minute. If you plan ahead, you can find some really beautiful wrapping. The Emerald Peonies from Rifle Paper Co. is one of my favorites.
Adding simple touches to your gift wrapping can go a long way. I love adding simple greenery, like eucalyptus. It maintains its beauty even after it’s dried out- but another good alternative is simple twigs or branches. Just tuck them into your ribbon and you’re good to go.
There’s also really fun ways to label your gifts, whether you choose to use tie on tags (we love these ones from Rifle Paper Co.), or opt for the stick on labels- there are so many beautiful options. You can also use a monogram ornament as a gift label, which also doubles as a special gift they can keep forever.
Happy gifting! I wish you all a joyous and happy holiday season.
Welcome to Lindsey Grace Interiors
I am so excited to announce the launch of my brand new business, Lindsey Grace Interiors. I’ve been back in Fargo for a few months now, and I am enjoying being “new again” to the area. It’s crazy how in just a short time so many wonderful new shops, restaurants, and developments have grown. With that, even better than the shopping- is the warm welcome I’ve received from family, friends, neighbors and local professionals. After being quite nomadic for the past few years, I have never felt more confident in choosing Fargo as the home base for my life, family and business.
So what exactly does this crazy business venture entail? Being a meaningful member of the community I had grown to love during my college years, the same community I grew to miss the last two years. I aim to help grow the Fargo community through partnering with homeowners, realtors, builders- while collaborating with the vendors that support them.
Over the past several years I’ve been blessed to learn from the best. I one hundred percent credit who I am as a designer to all the professors, mentors, bosses, coworkers and clients I’ve worked with. This career path wouldn’t be possible without every single person who’s helped me along the way- and for that I’m truly thankful.
With that knowledge, I am excited to bring a fresh perspective to the design industry of Fargo. Whether it’s project management for your new construction project or bringing in the finishing touches of decorating your new home, I’m ready to dive in. I truly believe everyone deserves to design a life they love, and I’m here to make that dream a reality.
With all the exciting things happening at Lindsey Grace Interiors, I will be keeping you up to date and the in know. I will be posting to the Lindsey Grace Interiors blog weekly. You can expect to see project reveals, what’s inspiring us, and learn about my favorite products. You’ll also see advice on home styling, decorating and hosting. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss out on all the exciting things to come!