With Thanksgiving coming up my mind has been wandering about pretty {but also easy and cheap} decor ideas for the table and I am so inspired by these chic and simple kraft paper table top ideas! Kraft paper is warm and festive feeling but also works with the tropical setting here in Singapore. We love having our friends over {and teaching all the non-Americans about the holiday} and the idea of a tablecloth I can just toss when its dirty is brilliant. Plus, how fun to let everyone have some chalk to draw while we finish up cooking. . .  

Do you have any great Thanksgiving tabletop tips? 

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Steal of the Week: Nate Berkus for Target

It's become a family joke how much I love Target {they have some amazing pieces there!} and I adore when designers chose to offer less costly versions of luxury pieces that we all can afford. Nate Berkus's new line for Target is a wonderful pairing of the two! They have some fantastic home accessoires and textiles - I especially like the contrast of ethnic prints and natural materials with a bit of glam and gold. Here are my favorite pieces  . . . 

Any thing you love? I love the hammered gold bowls! 

You can see the full collection here! 

Reminder: Mammoth & Co. Giveaway!

Just a reminder that its your last day to enter the Mammoth & Co. print giveaway! Just comment here for the chance to win any 11x14 print you chose! 

Good Luck! 

Small Space Solution: Two's a Pair

As a designer, I always begin by creating a furniture floor plan of the space. Even if I am not at my computer and its just a sketch, envisioning the interior from a bird eye's view helps me to see it in a fresh way. And I just love the unique layout of the chic living room above! The floor to ceiling bookcases, pair of matching sofas, and slender coffee table work beautifully to help a narrow space feel more generous and create a warm but not cramped space. The pair of sofas are wonderful for entertaining but also make cozy seating for lounging or movie night. Lastly, using slightly reflective materials like the cut velvet on the sofas, silver tea paper on the walls, and mirrors behind the bookcases also help to reflect the natural light and add a bit of drama.  

What do you think - does this layout work?

Etsy Find: Jonna Saarinen's Neon Brights!

I can literally spend hours browsing through Etsy, but it's always worth it when I see gems like these poppy, bright accessories by UK based Jonna Saarinen! These handmade trays, tea towels, textiles and totes are such fun in lovely neon tones and I especially like the organic, slightly imperfect patterns. I even adore her logo and packaging - they all would make perfect holiday, housewarming or host gifts! 

Are you as smitten as me? I would love to take this tote bag to the grocery with me! 

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Tuesday's Designer Tip: Layering Art + Books!

I am of the opinion that a home can almost never have too many books or too much art! One of my favorite styling tricks to hang one or a few pieces of art on top of the bookshelves themselves. I love the depth it gives a space and the eclectic, collected style it can bring. At my first installation of a big, custom project, I was so surprised to see my boss layer various paintings and mirrors over ceiling to floor bookcases - the result was really beautiful and unexpected. The key is to make sure the art covers less than half of the face of the bookcases and to secure it well! 

Here are some lovely examples of layering art and books . . . .

Do you think you might try this look at home? 

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Gorgeous Giveaway: Mammoth & Co. Prints!

I am always searching for original and beautiful art for clients {and for myself!} so I was very, very happy to come across Mammoth & Company. I love when I find a source for affordable and unusual art, and this artist run Canadian site offers a small but wonderfully curated collection of quirky and interesting photography, painting and illustration prints. And I am extra excited to be giving away one 11x14 print - any one you chose! It even includes free shipping worldwide, so everyone can enter. These pieces would be perfect as part of a gallery wall or hung as a pair, I can't wait to see which one the winner chooses! 

To enter:

Just comment below. Tell me which print you would you pick? 

For extra entries tweet a link to the giveaway {just be sure include @spicerandbank!}

Good Luck Guys! 

{The giveaway winner will be chosen at random.org and will close on Monday,October 28th at midnight}

I think that beautiful and moody photograph of colorful paddle boats is my favorite! 

You can see the whole collection here . . .

House Tour: Packing a Punch

Just because it's small doesn't mean a space should not be packed with personality! I love the unusual combination of layered colors, pattern, textures and accessories in this petite Toronto apartment. At 800 square feet, designer Lindsay Mens Craig decided to double up on tons of interesting details to create interiors that are warm and inviting. One tip is to create a few small seating areas instead of one - this creates a division of space and actually helps makes the space feel larger! Also reflective materials like the mirror, glass, and chrome reflect natural light, giving the space an airy feel. I am really liking the unexpected pairing of turquoise and red - any details catching your eye?

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