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.

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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!

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

I love all things feminine and romantic.  I’ve always been known as a girly-girl who loves makeup, all shades of pink, pearls and shiny things, stilettos, and pretty dresses.  So there are certain simple pleasures that I enjoy like drinking my Diet Coke from a pretty glass, wearing the most amazing perfume (even if I stay in yoga pants all day), taking a bubble bath with candles and soft music, and sitting at my pretty vanity to do my makeup and get ready for the day.  So, I thought it would be fun to share some inspiration with you today and show you some of the prettiest vanities I’ve been swooning over and pinning on my Pinterest boards (Dressing Rooms & Vanities and Displaying Jewelry & Perfume).

I recently shared my Updated Vanity and I do love it so.  But here are some that really make me swoon!

In my Updated Vanity & Bedroom Tour post, I also shared this photo above that is one of my favorites.  Jennifer Lawrence recently purchased this stunning home from Jessica Simpson and one of the reasons she loved it so much was because of this gorgeous vanity.  Isn’t it everything?!

This Vanity, Mirror, and Dressing Chair from Anthropologie make the most dreamy and cozy vanity.  I also love the way they used the wall hook to hang a pretty silk top.

This floating mirrored vanity by Susan Glick Interiors is such a lovely contemporary space.  I love the acrylic legs on the white sheepskin vanity stool.

I always love a mirrored vanity and Kimberly Seldon Design Group added the perfect detail by choosing a tufted vanity stool.  I can imagine Scarlett O’Hara sitting in something like this.  Can’t you?!

Another fabulous vanity!  I love the round stool with the ruffled skirt.  This one is by Susan Nunnerley Design.

This pretty light grey vanity sits just off the ladies’ sink, found on Atlanta Homes.  There are actually pink tones in the marble and notice the exquisite pink drapes in the mirror. But my favorite part is the light pink velvet French vanity chair.  Oooh la la!

Since we’re talking about vanities just off the sink, check out this one by Carrie Hayden.  The mirrored vanity and marble top is divine but the gorgeous cream x-base stool just gives it and added touch of elegance.  Oh, and that mirror too!  Swoon!

Ok, Stacey Cohen Design knocked it out of the park with this one!  The fabulous spotted wallpaper with gold tones and tufted pouf and faux fur rug are just beyond dreamy!  I’ve had my eye on that mirror too for quite some time.

Some shabby chic French inspiration via Harpers Bazaar.  This style never gets old to me.  I love it so much.  Isn’t that just the prettiest little corner?!

Now this vanity, enveloped by white carerra marble and crystal chandelier sconces, has the prettiest “barbie pink” accents.  The pink floral chair with lucite trim and legs is perfectly paired with the most gorgeous shades of fresh pink flowers.  I know it’s not for everyone, but for a pink-lover like myself, it’s to die for!  It reminds me of something Lisa Vanderpump would love.

Pottery Barn Teen makes some very lovely vanities, perfect for any tween, teen, or woman!  The one above is called The Hampton.

They not only have great storage spaces but can also double as a desk or study area.  This is The Chelsea.

This lovely vanity has all the right blush tones.  It’s clean and simple and functional.  And I always love a ghost chair!

This is the perfect vanity for any beauty blogger with plenty of places to store your brushes and cosmetics. I’ve looked everywhere for the original source.  If you know, please let me know so I can give credit.

This fabulous vanity goes Old Hollywood style with the lightbulb mirror, tufted vanity chair and oh-so-gorgeous rose quartz-colored dupioni silk drapes.  It’s perfect and glamorous.  And those ballet slippers on the side…..brings back memories for me.

So, are you feeling inspired yet?  Here are some great shopping sources below for vanities, mirrors, benches, and items to help display your pretty things.  Also check out my post called Adding Glam To Your Boudoir and see how I displayed my jewelry and makeup.

Vanities:

Mirrors:

Benches & Stools:

Display Pieces:

Thanks so much for joining me today!  I would love it if you subscribed at the top of the page in order to receive my weekly emails of all my latest posts.  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!  Hope to see you soon!

xoxo,

*Affiliate links used.

The post The Prettiest Vanities appeared first on Summer Adams.

A new year, a new vanity!  I’d been wanting a new vanity for a while but I’ve looked at so many different desks and vanities and haven’t found one I truly loved.  Or I should say, I hadn’t found one I loved that wasn’t way out of my price range.  Here is the vanity I had before.

In a blog post called Adding Glam To Your Boudoir, I shared that this vanity was a gift from my mother-in-law for Christmas when we were first married.  It was a vintage piece that had been in the family and I was thrilled to get it because I’d wanted a vanity.

I even shared it decorated with this beautiful swag and jeweled garland in my Christmas Bedroom Decor post a few weeks ago.

I loved it for years and was grateful for it.  I love things that have sentimental value.  However, it was little narrow and I wanted something a little more elegant and something I really loved.  I’d looked everywhere!  And then I found this beauty yesterday….

The best thing about finding it is that I wasn’t even looking. I was in a store looking for something completely different when I accidentally happened upon it.  Isn’t that how it happens?  The best surprises come when you’re least expecting them! Seeing it was like seeing my husband for the first time and thinking, “this is the one!” Ha!  Seriously though, I love it.

I love the french details and the vintage look of it.  The light grey goes perfectly with the rest of my room.

While the ivory and cream tones in my room might be warm and the greys and winter golds are cooler tones, I just love mixing them!  I like the depth it gives my room and how the difference in tones almost gives that feel that a “pop of color” gives a room.  It’s serene and calming and relaxing.

My vanity also compliments my vintage french provincial dresser (found on Craigslist) well and helps tie it in to the bedroom.

I actually brought home a beaded rectangle beveled mirror but to switch out as well and it was gorgeous.  However, it did not do this space, or desk, justice like the ornate ivory vintage one did.  So I took the mirror back and kept this one that I love so much.  I love french cottage furniture.  It’s so romantic and elegant and feminine.

I put back my jewelry display,

and I put back my perfume stand and jewelry dish,

and then threw my favorite Ruffle Throw Blanket from my online shoppe over my vintage vanity chair.  I’m actually looking for a different chair but I haven’t found what I’m looking for yet.  I’ll update my post when I do and let you all know.

The rest of the bedroom….

A few years ago we finally upgraded from a queen to king bed.  We thought we never wanted anything bigger than a queen but we wanted a new mattress and headboard anyway so we decided to take the leap.  WOW.  What were we thinking, waiting so long?

I picked an ivory tufted headboard with nailhead trim, a pin tuck duvet cover, some fabulous pillows, and a shimmery taupe quilt on the end.

I’ve wanted mirrored nightstands but I’m quite content with my large vintage nightstands for now so I chose a mirrored bench with linen tufting on top. I’m waiting till our next home (since this is temporary) to choose a different rug but this one works for now, since I no longer needed it downstairs, and brought a fun modern touch to this french-style room.

Often times, like this fall, I’ll switch out a throw blanket on the end of my bed.  This gorgeous, cozy chenille throw was a perfect choice for the winter when I’m sitting on my bed watching TV or working on my laptop.

I can’t believe I’m ACTUALLY sharing this picture but I want to show you that I have NOTHING on this side of the room.  I LOVE my bay windows and dupioni silk drapes.  I even painted an accent table to match my dresser.  BUT….I’m STILL looking for two PERFECT chairs for this room. I’m thinking linen arm chairs with either painted white trim or a natural wood finish, like the top of my new vanity.  There are many pairs I love but not at the right price.  I’ve also been scouring craigslist and Facebook marketplace for a vintage pair (at the right price) that I can makeover myself.  Crossing my fingers.  For now….this space is where we iron our clothing.

I found a vintage mirror (also painting it to match the accent table and dresser) and placed it above the left nightstand to add height because this master suite only has a window on one side of the bed.

It’s so strange and I was so annoyed by it BUT it absolutely works, balancing with something tall on that side.  I think we all have that “thing” about our homes that we wish we could change.  This would be one of them but it is what it is and the challenge is to make the best of it.

I love Oliver Gal canvas art, especially their chandelier prints.  This one is one of my favorites because it has the mixture of both light grey and gold AND it also has some blush tones used in the shadowing.  It’s the perfect hint of pink and compliments pink roses or peonies, whenever I pick them up at the market and bring them home.  My new chandelier is a “winter gold” so it’s not so warm and brassy and compliments the art perfectly.

I found these gorgeous, large, silver crushed velvet zebra pillows at ZGallerie and I love how they look on either side of the large ivory pillow in the middle that I found at Horchow. I had to throw in a long ruffle lumbar pillow.

I’m really enjoying my room and updated vanity. My dream would be to have this one (above) of Jennifer Lawrence’s,  from her home that she recently purchased from Jessica Simpson. But I still love it.

While the store I purchased the vanity/desk from doesn’t have an online store, nor did they share who makes the desk, I am linking a similar one below and similar pieces to help you recreate and part of this look or all of it.  Every girl should have a pretty space to sit and do her makeup and put on her favorite perfume! I’m also linking items from my bedroom for your shopping convenience.

 
Thanks so much for joining me today!  I would love it if you subscribed at the top of the page in order to receive my weekly emails of all my latest posts.  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!  Hope to see you soon!

I hope you’re having the Happiest New Year!

xoxo,

The post Updated Vanity & Bedroom Tour appeared first on Summer Adams.