I grew up the oldest of six children, with three brothers and two sisters.  I always shared spaces with sisters and the sharing continued as I went off to college and had roommates.  It continues as a married woman (and that is the sharing I love), however, my beautiful vanity is a space of my very own!  Today I’ve partnered with Pottery Barn to share tips with you to organize and style an elegant vanity.

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy and here for my privacy & cookies policy.  All opinions are my own.

I love those old Hollywood movies where the movie stars are sitting at their vanities and using their talc poufs, applying lipstick, and putting on their diamonds.  Don’t you want that to be you?  Instead, the reality is sometimes having your vanity turn into a “hot spot” or landing area for junk and clutter.  It becomes a place to to set your things at the end of the day.  It may even be a place where you think you need to store every single piece of makeup or every pair of earrings you own.

WRONG!

If you’re like me right now (and the rest of the world), you’re probably loving the Tidying Up “movement” going on and you’re organizing every inch of your home.  Besides the the closets and the drawers that are getting attention to organization, it’s important to organize and beautifully style the spaces that you look at every day also…..like your vanity!

Here are my simple tips.  Follow these and you can easily create an elegant vanity also!

GET RID OF THE CLUTTER & DON’T DISPLAY EVERY PIECE

First off, make things easier and sort through the good and bad.  Go through all of your perfumes and through out what you don’t use or what’s expired.  Go through your cosmetics and do the same.  Through out your hair and cosmetic brushes that are no longer useful.

I love perfumes but, while I have my signature perfume that I’m known for wearing, I always change it up depending on my mood or the weather or seasons or the event.  However, I don’t need to display every single bottle that I own.  It would look so cluttered.  Right now it is spring and so I’ll keep a couple of spring/summer scents displayed and put away my heavier scents or scents that I might tend to wear more in fall/winter in my closet or in a special drawer.  Make the few things you have out feel “special”…ha!

If you’re displaying some jewelry, choose the few pieces beautifully that also coordinate with your room.  Think of them like a piece of decor as well.  Don’t display all your compacts of brushes or lipsticks…again, choose just a couple or a few that coordinate with and compliment the space.

Less is more in this case. You also want enough space to bring out and set down your makeup case or hair tools while you’re getting ready.  A vanity shouldn’t be over-crowded before you even sit down to use it.  It needs to be functional!

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX WHEN STORING/DISPLAYING YOUR PERFUME & COSMETICS

I’ve had this darling vintage-style cake stand with crystals and have displayed my perfumes on it for several years now but I’ve also thought that I wanted to find a pretty way to hold my favorite Scentbird perfume vials (the others are in the vanity drawers below or I’ve given them as gifts) on it also.  I also have a ton of makeup brushes and I like keeping my newest ones displayed as well as some of my prettiest lipsticks.  I’d repurposed old candle jars before and that was darling BUT when I thought of really taking it a step up and giving my vanity an even more elegant look, I knew exactly what I needed from Pottery Barn!

I already own one set of these around my home but I grabbed another set of these White Eclectic Mercury Votive Holders to use for storage on my vanity.  The largest votive was absolutely perfect for my perfume vials/rollers that I pick from on a daily basis.

The other tall votive holder with the fleur de lis medallion was so darling with the new set of brushes that I just received.

ONLY CHOOSE A FEW SPECIAL PIECES OF JEWELRY TO DISPLAY

I have drawers and boxes of jewelry.  I’ve owned a boutique for over 11 years so I’m always getting in new, pretty pieces.  I keep them organized in my dresser and in my closet, depending on what they are.  However, for my vanity, I wanted to bring out some treasured pieces that I adore and wear often.  So look at what you wear most and what you love most and then ask yourself…
Would it look beautiful if it was displayed on my vanity?
Would it go with the look I’m trying to achieve?

HOW TO DISPLAY SPECIAL JEWELRY ON VANITY

These are bracelets I wear often but also are reflective of my style.  I chose Pottery Barn’s stunning Glass Cloche Jewelry Storage pieces and this watch/bracelet cloche is just precious!  The few pieces you choose to display under each cloche feel even that much more special when displayed like this.

The ring cloche is really neat because it holds a few of my favorite rings and then it also has some extra space along the bottom so I decided to just grab a few of my special pairs of earrings that I wear more often and put them there also, including my grandmother’s pearl earrings.  Doesn’t that look so pretty?!  There’s also something else of my grandmother’s that I have displayed in another cloche below.

Isn’t this necklace cloche the most gorgeous thing you’ve ever seen?!  I’m telling you…this set just takes your vanity to the next level.
I chose some meaningful pieces and some that I wear a little more often than others, like my monogram or initial necklaces.  The most special piece to me is the Young Woman medallion (hanging on the right) that my grandmother received for accomplishing some goals that she’d set for herself in church in the Young Women’s Program.  I have the same one that I earned so it’s really neat to have them both hanging in this cloche.

With your jewelry displayed like this in these glass cloches, there are a few things I really love about it:

First, they also double as decor for your room and look so elegant and luxurious. Second, you don’t have to dig for those intricate pieces and they don’t get tarnished or tangled as they normally would.  Third, those sentimental pieces, like my grandmother’s necklace and earrings, bring so much joy when you get to see them every day and think of the person that they belonged to.

I can’t believe what a difference these pieces have made!  I’m so in-love with the storage and organization of my vanity and the elegance and added glamour that they’ve brought to my bedroom.

To choose a vanity, mirror, or stool….see THIS POST for so many beautiful ideas and links of beautiful finds.

I’m linking the items I used below as well as other gorgeous jewelry storage and organization pieces from Pottery Barn for your shopping convenience.  Please click on the arrows to scroll right and left and click on the picture of the item to shop.

A huge thank you to my friends at Pottery Barn for collaborating with me today so that I could share this pretty space with you!  They have so many other solutions for storage and organization so make sure to browse their site as you thoughtfully plan out each space that you need to tackle next!

I hope you’re feeling inspired to reorganize and style your vanity and make it a luxurious and elegant space of your very own!  On a silly note…one of my sisters is coming to visit next week with her kiddos and I may even share my vanity with her for a few days {like the good ‘ole days} and let her sit there and feel like a queen while she gets ready (wink).   I think she’ll love it!

I’m so glad you could stop by today!  I would love it if you could subscribe at the top of the page in order to receive my weekly emails of all my latest blog posts and see everything I’m working on!  You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to see what I’m up to in creating a home and lifestyle of inspiration!

Want to shop my Instagram posts?  Click on any square below! 

The post Tips To Organize & Style An Elegant Vanity appeared first on Summer Adams.

Welcome to another edition of my Bright White Home Series! Today I’m so pleased to share with you a new friend of mine and her beautiful home. I met Julie Alpert on Instagram a few short months ago. She became a quick friend and I just loved her feed and her home. It was not only bright and beautiful but so inviting and had all the perfect touches of a good homemaker. You could just tell that she loved her home and making it beautiful for herself and for her family. If you see one picture, you’ll want to step inside her stunning Floridian home and see more. So come on in with me as I share this Bright White Home of Julie Alpert!

The sweetest face greets us. Is that not the cutest thing or what?!

Entering Julie’s home, you quickly feel happy. The light enters and bounces off all her beautiful mirrored furniture and warms the feeling of the room and of the entire house.

Julie’s home has a gorgeous coastal style with a touch of glam which is perfect, as she resides in the sunny state of Florida.

She chooses accents and decor that help continue to reflect light and allow light to pass through instead of using heavy, dark pieces.

I love the floor plan in her home. Each space flows to the next and Julie has done such a perfect job of allowing the decor to flow as well, instead of creating completely different spaces.

Julie has added cool, ocean colors to accent each space so beautifully.

Julie beautifully balanced a stunning dark table with light linen-covered chairs.
This shot shows off these gorgeous bleached wood floor of hers.
The beautiful blue and white chinoiserie ginger jars were found at Home Goods.

The wall color Julie chose was Sherwin Williams Alpaca SW7022 and the trim in Extra White SW7006.

These gorgeous wall sconces, found at Ethan Allen, bring in that coastal yet vintage element that Julie loves so much, as do I!

Just outside those gorgeous french doors is the lovely patio and swimming pool. I’ve said it before but a swimming pool is a MUST HAVE if you can afford one. It’s not only the perfect way to add value to your home but also gives your family hours of enjoyment! Take a look on California Pools to find out more but can you imagine feeling the gentle breeze in the living room and then continuing on out to the back patio for a lovely evening dinner with a little swim afterwards? Again, Julie designed the flow of her home so elegantly. It truly feels like an oasis, whether you prefer being indoors or outdoors.

I love this coastal dining room! This bright space is sure to please any guests!

Notice how easy it is to add a piece of darker furniture for contrast while keeping the home feeling bright when you choose lighter flooring, wall colors, and cabinetry.

It also allows each natural element to create a true pop of color, whether it be a plant, flower, or produce.

It’s the kind of kitchen you just want to sit in and visit for a while. Don’t you think?!

Julie chose these gorgeous pendants from Pottery Barn. They catch your eye but also allow light to pass through, illuminating the kitchen. It also allows you to see the beautiful cabinetry without effort.

The gorgeous linen saddle seat bar stools also allow you to see and access the kitchen island easier.

I love these beautiful pieces that Julie chooses to entertain and serve her guests.

Isn’t she adorable?! Truly the hostess with the mostest!

Julie chose white shutters to keep things light or keep light out. Opening all the way allows more light to pass through and brighten the space that much more. This is so important for any kitchen, as it seems to be the hub of all homes.

Julie’s open concept keeps her home truly “open” to entertain guests and to know what’s going on with her family. I’m so glad that open concept homes are more popular than ever! Gone are the days of pining away in the kitchen…all alone! Nope, everyone’s invited!

Someone is waiting for us in the bedroom. This definitely seems like the perfect cozy spot in the house!

You can create a “bright white home” without using all white furniture. Julie shows us how using lighter bleached wood pieces, again with mirrored accents, keep everything feeling light and serene. It definitely feels spa-like in here, wouldn’t you say?!

I love the french influence in Julie’s home, and her soft feminine touches.

Every girl needs a vanity or writing desk of her own.

I’m a firm believer in any bathroom feeling like a spa! We love to go to the spa and we spend hundreds of dollars because, besides their fabulous services and pampering us, the ambiance is serene, calming, and quiet. Julie perfectly designed and styled her bathrooms to feel that way. Treat yourself to pretty trays and lotion and soap pumps, glass accessories, rolled towels, and even fresh flowers. You’ll enjoy being home and in your own spa so much more when you create a tranquil environment.

*****

Thanks so much for joining me in another edition of Bright White Homes! What was your favorite space in Julie’s home? I love the extra effort she gives each space to feel extremely special and comfortable, soothing and inviting. I hope this has inspired you to reflect on what changes you might want to make to create that same feeling in your home and I hope you enjoyed touring it as much as I did! Please follow Julie on Instagram HERE for continued inspiration! Julie, thank you for allowing us to tour your home!

I would love it if you subscribed at the top of the page in order to receive my weekly emails of all my latest blog posts and hear about digital printables & freebies, as well as sales or new items in My Online Shoppe. You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to see what I’m up to in creating a home and lifestyle of inspiration!

xoxo,

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The post Bright White Home of Julie Alpert appeared first on Summer Adams.

Welcome to my blog today!  If you’re new and coming from Styled With Lace, Kim & Lacey’s blog, thanks so much and I hope you come back again and again.  To my regular readers, I LOVE YOU for always coming back!  It’s so fun to have you!  Today I’m sharing how I’m adding a little fall decor to our temporary townhome in this blog hop with my friends AND also a non-alcoholic peach drink recipe.  Make sure to stick around for that!

On A Personal Note…

In May, my husband’s company moved us from Dallas, Texas here to Vancouver, Washington to take a promotion.  We are in the middle of building our home and it should be done in about 6-7 weeks at most.  {I’m crossing my fingers and praying and squinting my eyes and knocking on wood right now not to jinx it since I just said that out loud and we’ve already been delayed.)  We are in a furnished townhome with all of our things in storage.  We literally only brought what we could fit into suitcases and then sent a few boxes.  I am so grateful to be here and it was so kind of them to find us a temporary home.  At the same time, I can’t help but feel a little sad that I don’t have my own things, like ALL my holiday and seasonal decor, to make this place feel more like home.  We’ve moved around so much, between education and going where our company needed us to go, that I’m pretty good at turning any rental into a home.  But right now I have none of my own things and no seasonal decor.  So I added a few minor touches to this little townhome to help me ease into fall, until our big move next month (knock on wood again).

The Smell Of Fall

Let’s start with the “smell of fall”.

Isn’t it the best thing in the world when you get to bring out your spicy cinnamon, vanilla, and pumpkin candles?!  My dear friend Rachel of Agape Candles brought me this candle, Pomme Spice, when I met up with her and a few other blogging friends this summer in San Francisco.  It was so so fun!  I’ve talked about how much I love her candles before and these new scents for fall had me all giddy and excited to try them! This candle is just sooooo yummy!

Most of you know I just LOVE a bright white space (see my Bright White Home Series) and I was so glad when this company had furnished a white sofa for us.  The furniture is dark but I added a little white tablecloth over the coffee table to give me the calm and relaxation that a bright white space does for me.  It worked.   I grabbed one of my favorite gold trays and then brought out this blue and white ginger jar from my own home decor stash of things I’ve been buying for the new house.

Last week, I shared a little bit of this blue decor when I posted The Best Blueberry Pie I Have Ever Eaten on the blog (a fabulous dessert this time of year).  So many of you loved it and I’m so glad.  I decided to keep the blue going.  I love the way it pops against the white!

And then I happened upon this gorgeous mercury glass pumpkin with a touch of gold and brought it home with me.  I love neutral fall decor and I love that this gave that touch of glam that our little temporary home desperately needed!

Last year in one of my Autumn’s In The Air Fall Tour, I shared how I used fur to decorate my coffee table.  I almost did that today but instead just draped it across the shoulder of the sofa.  It gives this room a more cozy feel and added texture.  Also, I grabbed my set of 3 gold mirrors from that stash of decor in the garage for the new house (it’s growing weekly and Josh just shakes his head…ha!) and hung them on this wall.  We will be here almost 6 months by the time our home is finished being built and I had to replace the dark blue and green art that was on the wall.  The mirrors are so much “lighter” here than that heavy, dark piece of art and they help reflect light off the walls of an already small space with few windows.  It made a HUGE difference!

I haven’t done anything yet with our mantel, I’ll save that for another post.  But let’s move over to the kitchen nook….

Same thing happened in this nook.  There was a dark piece of art so I hung it in the garage and swapped it out for another pretty mirror from my “new house decor stash” in the garage.  Bless that stash, ha! This is a tall dark table with tall barstools so I also threw a white tablecloth on this table to brighten up the nook.

I’m not one to use a lot of color but I loved that blue so much that I decided to bring it into the kitchen as well.  Blue hydrangeas, added to my existing white roses, were just the perfect touch!  Of course, my regular readers know I love to put flowers in a pretty white pitcher, just one of the ways to add a little glam to your home.  I know farms in our area are probably already producing little white pumpkins but I haven’t had time to go and grab them.  So instead I threw one I saw at the Target Dollar Spot in my cart and thought it would work until we went out this weekend or next to look.

Most people think of apples and pumpkins for the fall.  I do too!  However, peaches are still in season through the end of September here so I try to bake with them as often as I can.  I make a killer Peach Meringue Pie each summer and I just looooove my Cinnamon Baked Peaches this time of year.  The smell permeates through the home and you know fall is coming!

But today I thought I’d make a yummy drink with peaches.  After all.  It’s still really HOT outside so I want a little something to cool me off.

I’m sharing with you this Non-alcoholic Peach Drink Recipe that your entire family can enjoy!  I started making it years ago, something I came up with on the fly and it turned out great.

Peach Drink Recipe (Non-alcoholic)

Ingredients:

2 cups 7-Up or Sprite
32 oz. peach juice (refrigerated section of your supermarket)
2 TBSP grenadine syrup
2 peaches peeled and pitted (or equivalent frozen/canned)
2 cups ice

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients in a large blender.  You may have to blend half of the recipe at a time and then the other half, if your blender is not large enough.  Pour in glasses and serve with a peach slice if desired.  Enjoy!

It’s so frothy and delightful!  I hope you love it as much as we all do!

For your convenience, I’ve used affiliate links for items from my post today (or similar ones) for you to shop below.

I so thrilled you stopped by!  Hop on over to my amazing friend Janine at Happy Happy Nester and see what inspiration she’s sharing for fall!  Make sure to visit everyone sharing today, which include:

Happy Happy Nester  |  Remington Avenue  |  Maison de Cinq  |  Simple Cozy Charm
MemeHill  |  Designs By Laila  |  I Don’t Know How She Does It  |  2 Ladies & A Chair
The Design Twins  |  Citrine Hill Living  |  Lindsay-Hill Interiors  |  Modern Glam Home
Crazy Chic Design  |  Styled With Lace  |  Summer Adams

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SaveSave I would love it if you subscribed at the top of the page in order to receive my weekly emails of all my latest blog posts and hear about digital printables & freebies, as well as sales or new items in My Online Shoppe.  You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to see what I’m up to in “creating a home and lifestyle of inspiration!“

xoxo,

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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The post Adding A Little Fall Decor To Our Temporary Townhome & A Peach Drink Recipe appeared first on Summer Adams.