Gray Scale Throw Pillows Under $30

We've done two installs in the last four days and, as a result, have throw pillows on our minds. I guess we always have pillows on our minds...but just a little more than usual these days. If you follow us on Instagram or Facebook, you know we like bringing lots and LOTS of pillows to our install days. When it comes to pillows, there are never too many options (and never too many pillows!!!). 

Today we've rounded up some of our favorite gray scale pillows - white, black and everything in between - and they're all under $30! For those that are just pillow covers, we love getting the inserts at Joann Fabrics. Don't forget your coupon! 

Oh, and about those installs, definitely check Instagram and Facebook this week for sneak previews. You can expect full reveals on the blog in the coming weeks.

Row 1: Asymmetrical Stripe / Corner Ties / Subtle Stripey Diamond / Round Faux Fur

Row 2: Quilted Honeycomb Pattern / Gray Plaid / Cow Spots / Gray Velvet Lumbar

Row 3: Thick Black Stripe / Black Ticking / Gray Macrame with Fringe

Row 4: Gray Velvet Layers / Black Brushstroke / Buffalo Check / Gray Subtle Diagonal Pattern

Row 5: Black Quilted Velvet / Chunky White Knit / Thin Black Stripe with Tassels

*This post contains affiliate links*

What Home Decor and Furnishings to Get On Amazon

We are big Amazon.com shoppers...like the rest of the world. We buy bulk paper towels and toys and your occasional grocery item. Dental floss. Hand soap. Slippers. The list goes on and, you may be surprised to hear, includes home decor and even the occasional piece of furniture. With many fellow Amazon shoppers out there, we thought it might be helpful to divulge some of our favorite categories of home decor/furnishings to buy on Amazon because it's super convenient and often cost effective.

Plants

First up, plants. You didn't see that coming, did you? We have had great success buying plants on Amazon! Our preferred place to buy plants is definitely our local greenhouse, but that's not always convenient. In comes Hirt's Garden, an online greenhouse...sort of. Hirt's sells all sorts of plants via Amazon and we've found them to be healthy and beautiful. We've purchased fiddle leaf fig trees and pothos plants so far. They're little guys, so you'll need a green thumb to grow them to the formidable size you want (a much easier task with the pothos plant than the fiddle leaf).

(Fiddle leaf fig tree on left, pothos plant on right)

Planters and Plant Pots

Along with plants, we've had great success with planters and plant pots on Amazon. They're considered seasonal items in some stores, so you can't always find a great selection depending on the time of year you're looking. There's no such thing as seasonal on Amazon.

The cuties below are just as adorable in person (we know first hand).

Light Bulbs

With so many light fixtures featuring exposed light bulbs, getting a beautiful light bulb is really important. There are an infinite number of options, but probably only a few at your local Home Depot or Lowes. On Amazon, you can find it all. Leah used the bulbs below in the remodel of her kid's bathroom.

Rae Dunn Stuff (and some cute knock offs)

We're fans of Rae Dunn pottery. Her pieces fall into that sweet spot of simultaneously vintage and modern. And, she has a great sense of humor, which is always appreciated. You can spot her stuff at TJMaxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods, but the pickings can be slim and you'll rarely find exactly what you're looking for. And so, you know what I'm about to say, check Amazon! The prices aren't always as good, but you can usually find the specific piece you want.

We're particularly fond of the cereal/soup/ice cream bowls.

Giddy Up / Wake Up / Mine / More Please

We've also discovered a pretty great cheater brand. It's Mud Pie and it's also sold on Amazon. Check out the resemblance...

sponge holder / appetizer plates / oil and vinegar decanter / cracker tray

Target Stuff for Less

Here's an old trick of the trade: Amazon sells many of the same home furnishings as Target...for less. You won't find the Target specific lines, like Project 62 or Threshold, but most other brands you will. So, before you commit to something on Target, comparison shop on Amazon. Here are two examples we recently found. 

AMAZON

"Madison Park FPF18-0090 Kelsey Round Pouf Ottoman" for $103.03

TARGET

"Kelsey Round Blue Pouf Ottoman Blue" for $119.99

TARGET

"Faux Sheep Skin Rug - Safavieh" in 8' x 10' for $409.99

AMAZON

"Safavieh Faux Silky Sheepskin" in 8' x 10' for $285.16

Here's one more trick - Target will price match. So, if you want to buy everything from Target because it's more convenient or easier to return, just call Target customer service and they will match the Amazon price, even after you've made the purchase.

That's it for now! But stay tuned for client project reveals over the next couple weeks. We have two installs coming this week and next, so be sure to check our Instagram stories for behind the scenes moments. 

- Leah, Michele & Sonia

*This post contains affiliate links*

Interview with Marie Flanigan

In the past couple months we've shared interviews with CC and Mike Creative and Bria Hammel Interiors. It's been such a treat to rub elbows (aka exchange emails) with such talented, influential designers. Today we're more than a little excited to share an interview with Marie Flanigan. 

Marie is at the helm of an amazing interior design studio based out of Houston, Texas - Marie Flanigan Interiors. Her work has such an incredible range. There are minimalist, modern spaces like the stunner below.

And rustic, masculine havens like this.

Her portfolio is major eye candy. We highly recommend you check it out. 

Ok, let's get to it. We were so grateful when Marie agreed to answer of few, fun questions for us. And, now, so delighted to share her wisdom with you. 

Gray Oak - First of all, we love your clean, warm and timeless style. We are constantly scrolling through your IG
account for inspiration! Just wondering how do you tap into your client's style when it differs from your
own?

Marie - Homes should be a reflection of the unique individuals living within and I always design with an open
mind and open ears. I’ve discovered that every client brings a fresh perspective to the way we work,
allowing us to try new things and explore new avenues. So much magic exists in the moments when
everyone is stretching and growing!

Gray Oak - Staying on top of the latest design trend is such a fun part of the job (how great is all the green!?).
What are the best design trends you’re seeing in Texas?

Marie - You’re so right – it’s a blast seeing what’s haute on the horizon each year! I prefer a timeless palette
and tend to stick with the classics, but I enjoy accenting that palette with trendier selections that can be
rotated out with ease. This isn’t really considered a trend but my favorite design elements are those
crafted from authentic materials, including deconstructed, raw, and minimalist products. I also love the
element of surprise and feel drawn to the drama of oversized light fixtures, heavy textures, and
statement drapery that layer a space with interest without being dependent upon the use of bold color!

Gray Oak - What is your favorite type of room (bathroom, kitchen, etc.) to design and why?  

Marie - One of my greatest joys is designing intimate gathering spaces where families can build lasting
memories. So much of our lives are centered around the joy of sharing a hearty meal or tender
conversation, and that makes kitchens and dining spaces a few of the most powerful rooms in the
home.

Gray Oak - Last, and best, what is your dream design project?! 

Marie - I feel like I’m living out my dream every day! Our clients place a great deal of trust in our team and we
cherish that opportunity to experiment and play. I would love to work on more vacation properties,
including a home overseas, because who isn’t having fun when you’re designing for leisure?! Another
dream is adding to the Marie Flanigan Collection by partnering with one of our luxury vendors on the
design of furnishings or lighting – here’s hoping 2018 is the year when all of our dreams come true!

One more incredible design from Marie before we sign off. 

Do you not just want to LIVE in this bathroom? Who needs a refrigerator if that's your vanity?! The millwork, the floors, the elegant decor. Sigh...so gorgeous.

We are so thankful to Marie for sharing her interior design knowledge and hope to continue bringing you interviews with such MAJOR leaders in the field. We'll be back with a new post next Monday. Have a great week!

- Leah, Michele & Sonia