A Master Class in Monochromatic Design

Decor

Leanne Ford might be known for her love of white spaces, but this home on the island of Menorca is giving her a run for her money. If you’re looking for inspiration to really pare down your life and give your magic easer a major workout, this monochromatic masterpiece is the home for you.

While white on white on white might not be the most practical color scheme for day-to-day family living, there are design lessons here that you can apply to any space, regardless of its color palette.

The first is the power of texture. Yes, this home is all about monochromatic design, but a variety of elements, from rough plaster walls to wood beamed ceilings, muted tile floors, and floor skimming linen window treatments all make this home feel very tactile. This isn’t a boring, sterile white box. Rather you want to run your hand along the wall or wander up the turning staircase to see where it might lead you.

The second less is the power of contrast. When you stick to a single white color palette, you can inject bold moments that really make an impact. Greenery around your built-in courtyard seating pops. A single dark wooden basket placed in a window is a scene stealer. One small piece of art or wall sconce grabs the eye. Each object takes on a much larger significance against the stark backdrop. It’s a wonderful reminder how less can truly be more.

While I cringe a bit thinking about dirty dog feet and sticky pre-schooler hands all over that built-in white sofa (trend spotting alert!), I am just sucked into the simplicity and earthiness of this place. We often think this type of aesthetic can only be enjoyed on vacation, but why? Who says you can’t recreate this feeling in your home – no island destination required. This home certainly feels like a wonderful place to escape from the stresses of daily life.

What do you think? Could you live in a monochromatic space like this every day?

For our home tour archive, CLICK HERE.

SHOP THIS STORY

muse vase

Shop now

white metal dome pendant

design & photography by marina senabre

A Spring Wardrobe Refresh

Personal Style

Happy Monday friends! I hope everyone has been enjoying these first few days of spring. If you don’t mind, I wanted to share something a bit personal with you today. It’s been a bit since I pulled back the curtain on my life. In just a couple short weeks, my son will be turning four. While I feel like I’ve finally gotten a handle on many aspects of motherhood and mom boss life, I’ve continued to struggle with the simple prospect of…getting dressed.

There are a litany of reasons for this. Obviously, I had that tiny human (and also kinda birthed This Old Victorian at the same time). I work from home, often going days without seeing anyone during the day. It also doesn’t help that it took me more than three years to feel like my body has returned to (almost) normal. That definitely makes loving your clothes a lot more difficult.

But prior to pregnancy I loved fashion. Style was kinda my thang (have you ever checked out my old personal style posts, or our old Monday Workwear series?? I still kinda miss that one). But for the past year or two, I’ve looked at my (admittedly fully stocked) closet and have had no idea how to put a decent outfit together! It’s turned into quite a problem.

Let’s face it, we all get in a rut with our closets from time to time. But I’ve been feeling more stuck than that. My closet was actually becoming an overwhelming source of stress in my life so I just avoided it entirely. My yoga pants were just the easier option. But the easy way out isn’t much fun.

But getting in a style rut doesn’t mean we need to toss out our entire closet and start from scratch. Sometimes we just need a fresh eye to remind ourselves why we bought certain pieces in the first place.Thankfully, my girlfriend and fellow OG blogger Christine is a professional personal stylist and she recently paid me visit to help me shop my very own wardrobe – and we captured the whole experience on video for you!

Christine takes a very intentional approach to her client work. She helps you reevaluate your current closet and purge what no longer brings you joy. That’s a key step – we rarely evaluate all the clothes we own. It’s truly an eye opening (read terrifying) experience – and is much easier tackled with a buddy to help you through it! Once the clutter is cleared, you finally have enough space to rediscover pieces you love and remember why you bought them in the first place.

Since I no longer have the luxury of taking a lot of time to get ready in the morning, Christine helped me identify my version of a cool mom uniform (sorry silk shirts, I no longer really have any use for you). She then helped me see how to layer back in pieces from my pre-mom life, amping up my style for things like business meetings, date nights and special occasions. Prime takeaway; never underestimate the power of a good pair of heels! Even though I so rarely wear any of my fancy shoes now, I’m glad I’ve held onto all my pretty ponies.

When I took my trip to Scandinavia a couple weeks back I really made a point to diligently wardrobe plan, picking through my closet and selecting the pieces that I felt both stylish but also comfortable in (I have a whole story saved on Instagram about that btw!). As we move into the new season, I’m making a point to plan out my spring wardrobe, selecting all of my go-to looks in advance and adding in a few fun accessories to take things up a notch.

You can check out an example of my spring wardrobe plan below.

SHOP: sneakers / tee / jeans / blazer / necklace / sunnies / sandals / tote / heels

It’s amazing how much better you feel about yourself when you take that little extra effort to put together a good outfit. Now I feel like I can do that quickly and easily – and I didn’t even have to buy anything new.

To see how Christine helped me shop my own wardrobe – and how you can do it too – watch our video below! Eager to hear if any of you struggle with similar challenges.

To check out Christine’s styling services, CLICK HERE.

To check out how I designed my closet, CLICK HERE.

photography & video by andrea posadas creative

How to Decorate with Plants

Decor

My friends, can you believe spring has sprung?! I’m still in a bit of shock as it felt a bit like winter might go on forever, but trust me, I’m beyond happy to welcome a new season!

This spring is particularly exciting as it marks the debut of a very special project I worked on more than a year and a half ago. I am thrilled to finally present to you…

I am so proud to share the new book, Decorating with Plants. Written by the amazingly talented horticulturist and San Francisco based plant designer Baylor Chapman, the interiors in this lovely tome were also styled by moi! Today I finally get to share a major sneak peek of this lovely book with you – just in time for plant season.

I had such an amazing experience styling the spaces featured in this book – we covered a ton of ground. As you flip through its pages, you’ll find unique and creative ways to add plants to virtually every single space in your home (and you might recognize a corner or two from This Old Victorian!). From the entryway to the bedroom, the kitchen, to the bathroom, kids’ room and your home office – you will learn how to decorate with plants anywhere you can think of. Every corner of your house can in fact benefit from a plant – and this book tells you exactly which one to pick and how to help it thrive.

As a brown thumb myself, I was constantly getting new ideas and learning how I might incorporate more plants into our house – and actually not kill them for once! Decorating with Plants covers everything from Plant Care 101 to how to assess your home’s light conditions and tricks for keeping your plants alive while on vacay.

But the book also goes deeper, helping you determine everything from your personal plant style to how much time and money you want to spend on the plants. It really hones in on how to make houseplants work for you.

In addition to offering design and plant styling inspiration for every room in your house, Decorating with Plants also showcases profiles of 28 stunning plant varietals that I hope will finally break us all out of our fiddle leaf fig rut. I am particularly smitten with the Prayer Plant, but you’ll have to get a copy of the book to find out what it looks like!

This project was such a labor of love for all involved. From the photographer extraordinaire Aubrie Pick to all of Baylor’s amazing plant whisperers, everyone put so much into making this book come to life. I have to thank my partner in styling Kate Leonard for all her amazing work on this project. I couldn’t have done it with out her.

And seriously, as someone who can barely keep an air plant alive, this book is the guide you need, not only to fill your house with good lookin’ plants, but also to get them to thrive.

Decorating With Plants is officially available on April 2 but you can pre order your copy RIGHT HERE.

all photography by aubrie pick

Don’t Call Them Mom-Shoes- 10 Sneakers You Need Now

Fashion

Just when you thought there might not be a post today…I just couldn’t leave you hanging! I’m also in the midst of packing for a family trip to Disneyland which means I’m currently examining my of collection sneakers. Now, I never thoughts I’d utter those words – sneaker collection. This is coming from a woman who designed her entire closet to accommodate her heels. I never in a million years thought I would give them up. And then I had a kid. Now I look at those 4″ stunners and wonder what the heck was I thinking.

Thankfully, sneakers have come a long way and so has fashion. You can now pair your kicks with virtually anything – even a suit (actually one of my favorite looks). I love them with skirts, with jumpsuits and there’s the obvious athleisure look – aka legging all. the. time.

So whether you have littles or not, I highly recommend adding some cool sneakers to your closet this season. Your wardrobe and your feet will thank you!

SHOP: reebok for opening ceremony / loeffler randall logan sneaker / v-10 sneaker / metallic sneakers / converse / common projects / addidas / nike cortez / knit sneakers / puma

SHOP COOL MOM SNEAKERS

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”3137626″]

For more spring shopping ideas, CLICK HERE.

images via fancy pants report / could i have that / lovely pepa / citysage / could i have that

9 Minimalist Rooms That Will Inspire Your Spring Cleaning

Decor

Who tackled a major purge this weekend? I did, I did! As each week of April ticks by, I’m desperately trying to tackle the piles, room by room. I want to enter into summer (yes, I just said summer!) feeling light and free. I’m going to be sharing a peek behind the curtain of my spring cleaning later this week, but for now, here are some beautifully minimalist spaces that are certain to inspire you to get your clean on.

Monochromatic at its finest, this black, white and gray space is pristine.

Lovely creams and warm woods free of clutter or unnecessary adornment (endless pillows and throws be gone! What if your couch was just clean?) make this living space feel light and airy.

Proof that less is more (and marble is timeless) in the bathroom. The brass and rustic stool add the perfect counter balance to this space’s hyper minimal look.

Ok, this room is for you minimalist-phobes. I would ditch the throw pillows on the couch and the blanket on the chair. Maybe even edit a few pieces off the console in the back corner. But overall, I like this vibe.

It’s nearly impossible to keep a bedroom stuff-free but I’d love to try. A simple photo, plant and light. A stack of books. And some closed storage is a genius idea (hide the clutter!). I also love bringing in color through bedding. This lovely dusty rose is a super pretty yet calming hue.

Loving all the smooth, clean lines in this living space. The organic touches with the plants soften the look juuuusst. enough.

When it comes to keeping a dining area organized, trays are your best friend. When you corral a collection in a tray, it feels like the clutter is tamed.

This room speaks to the minimalist in me…who still likes to collect things. But the shelfie in the background isn’t over crowded. A nice row of books and just a couple of glass objects add depth and interest. I’d feel like I was on vacation in this dining room.

Who says an entry needs to be crammed full of stuff. A lovely, clean hall table offers a wide open, clutter-free welcome.

Are you feeling the minimalist vibes of these spaces like I am? I know it can be really tough to motivate to deep clean, but when you’re ruthless with your editing, the after is so much better than the before.

Also, when it comes to the actual cleaning part, who says you have to use the same ole same ole plastic crap. Maybe if our cleaning tools were a little easier on the eyes, they’d be more fun to use! I’d be thrilled to add any of these pretties to my cleaning collection.

SHOP CHIC CLEANING: concrete toilet brush holder / modern dustpan & sweeper / black feather duster / washing up whisk / scrub brush / copper cloth / wiper / glass brush

Be sure to check back later this week – you’ll get a major peek at one the dirtiest areas in my house!

SHOP CHIC CLEANING TOOLS

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”3110721″]

images 1 / 2 / 3 / bathroom / 4 / 5 / 7 / 8 / 9

The April Edit

Fashion

I used to have the luxury of spending a lot of time thinking about clothes. They were fun, they were a way to express myself, they were a way to make a statement to the world and if we’re all being honest, clothes are often a means competing with others. For my April edit, I’m taking a very different tact.

But as years have passed and life has gotten much more full, my perspective on getting dressed has shifted dramatically. Now don’t get my wrong, I still fully agree with the ethos of every makeover show that’s ever existed – how you dress is your initial calling card to world so you don’t want to mail it in. But that desire to one up, to out do, or to draw attention feels so childish now.

What if your closet was only housed timeless, classic, high quality staples that looked good and made you feel good every time you put them on? What if your closet was trend free so you didn’t feel the need to purge and replenish after every season, but instead you could pull a piece out like you’re saying hello to an old friend?

My closet is slowly but surely headed in that direction and you know what I no longer spend hours doing (nor even really have the urge to do?!)? Shop! Once you build a closet full of beautiful pieces that let you revel in daily life, rather than worry about what you’re wearing all of that distraction falls away. And I never thought I’d say this but it feels great.

Because life is complicated. Getting dressed shouldn’t have to be.

SHOP: nikes / rachel comey jeans / madewell tunic / denim loafers / leather bomber jacket / luggage / sunnies / hoop earrings / purse / gray t-shirt / denim jacket

There are a few more staples I’d like to add to my rotation this spring. These days I live in high quality t-shirts. They’re flattering. They’re comfortable and you can layer them with everything. And when you invest in a good one, they don’t pill or stretch and so don’t have to be replaced nearly as often.

I’m obsessed with denim jackets that have a little edge. An oversized silhouette. A cropped sleeve. Maybe some patchwork. Something that makes the jacket just a little different. It makes the piece and therefore your look a little more special.

The perfect cream wide-leg jean. You will wear them for years. The end.

The exception to my fill your closet with basics rule is shoes. I do love to have a little fun with my footwear and these denim loafers with a big ole bow totally fit that bill.

Anyone else have itchy feet? I want to take my entire spring edit, shove in it a cute suitcase and jet off to a beautiful destination. Maybe I should go back to Greece this year.

SHOP OUR APRIL EDIT

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”3086503″]

The Perfect Spring Cocktail Recipe

Entertaining

It’s the first day of spring which means it’s time to celebrate! I might have done a little too much celebrating for my friend’s birthday last night which is why this post is coming at you at noon, but better late than never. Last week I shared my new favorite recipe, the ultimate crowd pleaser Chilaquiles Verde. If you missed it, (and the huge sneak peek of my kitchen!) click here. Today we’re back with a spring cocktail also straight from the Doña Tomas brunch menu. This one is a perfect refresher to usher in the new season, but it comes with a little kick that is guaranteed to impress your friends. But really any cocktail novice can knock this baby out. I give you the Celorita.

Now, she’s a little herbaceous, a little spicy and most importantly, incredibly delicious. Mezcal adds an additional depth of flavor and a touch of agave offers the perfect hint of sweetness. And I think her happy green color is just perfect for spring. You could definitely pair this cocktail with food or simply enjoy one on the first semi-warm day of the season (I’m counting down, aren’t you!). No matter when or where you decide to mix up a Celorita, you’re definitely going to want to give this baby a try.

RECIPE: THE CELORITA

Ingredients
6 slices celery
2 slices cucumber
8-10 cilantro leaves
.5 oz agave
1.5 oz habanero infused vida mezcal
1 oz pineapple juice
1 oz lime juice
slice of cucumber & chile salt for garnish

Directions
Muddle the celery, cucumber, cilantro, and agave in your cocktail shaker. Put your back into it a bit. Then add the vida mezcal, the pineapple juice and the lime juice and ice. Shake it like crazy, and strain over fresh ice garnish with cucumber dipped in chile salt

Dare you to ditch mimosas and serve this baby at your upcoming Easter brunches! Don’t forget to check out why I so love Doña Tomas here.

For our entire cocktail archive CLICK HERE.

9 Refined Style Ideas for Spring

Decor

As the tulips begin to bloom and the cherry trees bud out, I’m feeling SO excited for the arrival of spring! After a season of nothing of heavy jackets and heavier news headlines here’s hoping the new season tap dances in all airy and light.

While you’re probably being inundated by the “what you need right now” posts, rather than frantically try to incorporate this season’s “trends” into your world, why not opt for timeless, classic silhouettes, less is more design and quality staples that you’ll love for years to come. Refined style all the way baby.

The formula for classic style is fairly straightforward. Step one: pick a monochromatic color palette and run with it. White is my favorite pretty much all year round, but then comes camel, gray and maybe a touch of navy. Exciting? Not necessarily but you’ll never look at your closet nor your living room and suddenly hate what you see. I’m really loving a head to toe monochromatic look – or a tone on tone room.

And even though they’re called basics, minimal pieces – be they for your closet or your home – can be anything but. If you invest in high-quality materials – think cashmere, Japanese linen, good chunky knits, supple leathers – the craftsmanship is going to stand out in the fast-fashion (and fast everything) crowd. And the details don’t have to be boring. I’m obsessed with the oversized cuff of Anna Quan’s shirts. Levi’s and Citizens of Humanity are doing some very cool vintage denim. High waists, good tailoring or dramatically oversized pieces keep your look feeling fresh.

For your home, think about just going along and removing the top layer of crap. While stuff can add personality and texture to your home, it can also begin to suffocate the space. If you boil things down to what is truly essential or truly gorgeous, you’ll find you appreciate what’s around you more. When things get overstuffed I feel like our eyes don’t see them anymore. I love really architectural bowls or ceramics. A refined bench in a hallway or a large piece of art leaning against a wall catches your eye. And never underestimate the power of a good plant.

So as spring makes its debut, it’s the ideal time to whittle things back to the basics. Set aside the 5-10 things you actually wear and then gather everything else in a giant pile. Walk around your living room and look at anything you don’t ever use or enjoy looking at. Do you see yourself wearing anything in that pile in the next six months? Do you see yourself missing something from your space? If not, out it goes. Consign the good stuff and donate the rest. Then you can fill in any gaps with the aforementioned minimal basics. Trust me, you’ll feel ten times lighter and ten times happier every time you open your closet or walk through your house.

SHOP REFINED SPRING STYLE

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”3070933″]

images in order of appearance fitgny / neustadt / pinterest / pinterest / stairway /apt34 archive / sfgirlbybay / shaina mote

FOR MORE SPRING STYLE IDEAS, CLICK HERE

Idea to Steal: Slow Playing the Shelfie

Decor

A few days ago I Instagrammed the bookshelves in my house and IG (in spite of the algorithm) went wild. And while I love that moment, looking at those shelves got me thinking about the art of the shelfie. We’ve definitely talked about it here ad nauseam. But as I work on my home’s finishing touches, I feel an immense pressure to have everything picture perfect immediately. I suspect I’m not the only one.

Walls filled with art. Shelves stacked with layer upon layer of treasures (or crap depending on your personal taste), side tables and consoles perfectly accessorized. But what if we stopped chasing “the collection.” What if the goal of decorating your home wasn’t about filling it with objects, but instead filling it with meaning? Even as I push myself to finally “finish” my house, I’ve begun to reconsider my perspective. Rather than look at blank spaces as unfinished, I wonder if I can instead find wholeness in the holes.

Sure, things will creep in over time. But that’s the operative phrase – over time. I’ve only lived in my house for just over a year. We only completed some major construction just before this past holiday season. And while I love my blogger and stylist friends who shop and pull until the cows come home, whipping up a “completed” home in time for the afternoon’s photo shoot, I’m wondering if I can just step out of the race entirely.

Instead, I want to create beauty from the one thing, maybe the two things that truly give me joy. I want to reveal in that negative space. I want to be filled up by the openness because our lives are already crammed full of so much stuff (and in my case legos). I want to have room to breathe. I think each shelfie in this post exemplifies this idea.

Yet you often hear disparaging terms applied to this idea. Sterile. Impersonal. Cold. But I just call it real life. There’s no need to swing by Target or CB2 every two days for some new thing. Instead, find an art fair. Take time to walk through your local gallery. Hit the flea market when the mood strikes, but take home only the “I can’t live without it” piece.

I’m pleased to report that I can name the source of everything currently on my bookshelf and there’s not a big box store to be found, but I actually want to edit out even more. I want to try to open up as much blank space as possible and see how the years will fill it. And I want that to feel more than good enough. I want it to feel like home.

For more of our best ideas to steal, CLICK HERE.

image 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Gimme More

Subscribe via Email

SHOP THIS STORY