photo by Joyelle West for our Glitter Guide home tour in 2018 If you’re anything like us, you’re running out of activities to keep your younger children occupied throughout this difficult stretch. While we read to Max every night before bed, I sometimes forget how nice it is to read during the day. It grounds both Max + I in the midst of chaotic days that blur together…the problem is that I don’t do it enough! So in the hopes of reminding myself to do it more, I thought I'd share some of our favorite children’s books! For reference, Max is about to turn 4. Some of these books we’ve had since she was born, others have been added to our collection recently, and some I hope to add soon after many recommendations. I’m also looking forward to getting into some chapter books with her soon! Any suggestions?! 01 / Max got The Honeybee in her Easter basket and it’s become a fast favorite. The illustrations and playful wording make learning about pollination and how important honeybees are an absolute delight! 02 / I can’t remember when we got the dreamer but it’s full of wonder for kids + grownups alike. 03 / “In an old house in Paris…” Madeline, a classic. 04 / Eva Chen’s second story about Juno Valentine, the little girl who this time finds herself visiting female icons throughout time in Juno Valentine and the Fantastic Fashion Adventure. 05 / Green on Green is on our list. It follows a journey throughout the seasons. 06 / Forever one of my favorites, Julia, Child is utterly charming and especially cute for a budding chef! 07 / Joanna Gaines wrote We are the Gardeners with her kids to share their family’s love of gardening, and how it came to be. 08 / I think our edition of Miss Rumphius came from my own collection and I dream about living in a house surrounded by lupines… 09 / If I Had a Little Dream has been in my Amazon cart for far too long. the message is just as inspiring as its illustrations. 10 / This is How We Do It is a wonderful way to teach kids about our differences…and how much we still have in common. 11 / Yes we got Max the Brave because of the name but it’s adorable for kids who aren’t named Max. 12 / We started watching Pete the Cat before we started reading the books and Max is obsessed with this collection of stories. 13 / A newer addition to our collection {I think I saw it on Sarah Sherman Samuel’s Insta}, when I am big encourages kids to think about their futures and what they can do as they grow up. 14 / Empowering and educational, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is a book that can grow with your child. Max doesn’t always understand what she’s hearing, but she gets in moods where we have to read about a different kickass woman every day for a week straight. She understands the sentiment and it’s a book she will cherish as she gets older. 15 / One Thousand Things lays out theme-oriented collections of “things” in a beautiful way. 16 / Maybe my all-time favorite book, we’ve had The Wonderful Things You’ll Be since max was a baby and we both enjoy reading it to this day. Fact: I have it memorized. 17 / Home is a great way to show kids how others live and that no matter what your home looks like, it’s a special place. And there you have it! What are your favorites? emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I’ve linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

There are two things I am an unabashed hoarder of…rugs and throw pillows. But pillows? Well, they have my heart. And since one of the most asked questions I receive on Instagram is about the pillows on our couch, I thought iId dig into how to mix + match pillows to your heart’s delight. Why pillows? Oh so many reasons! / They require little legwork. As in you arrange them on the couch and voila! Instant update. / There are endless options {fabrics, patterns, colors, textures, sizes + shapes} to choose from. / They are one of the cheaper ways to change up your decor. $30 goes a long way. / Neutral couch? No problem! Pillows can transform a blank canvas. / Looking to change things up on a seasonal basis? PILLOWS! Amber Interiors Studio McGee As with everything in #farmhousedialfano, as well as my client projects, I mix high end and low end pillows, artisan and mass-produced. Meaning I’ve invested in pillows that are more than $100 from favorites such as Ellisha Alexina and McGee & Co., and stock up on others that are $40 and under from the likes of Target, Home Goods, and H&M Home. I aim to have a stash of pillows of all sizes and shapes on hand so I can change things up on a whim {which is often}. Some tips… 01. Build up a collection! While you’ll end up with plenty of sewn pillows {ie. those whose covers can’t be removed}, I also recommend snagging a bunch of pillow covers. They are great because they don’t take up a lot of room and you can easily swap them out. H&M Home, IKEA, Etsy, and OKA have some great pillow covers. 02. Think about the story you’re trying to tell. are you leaning towards a more neutral look? It doesn’t have to be boring! You can combine various earth tones and add visual interest with subtle patterns or textures. or are you looking for something bolder? Pick brighter colors and busier patterns. Consort Design Jenni Kayne 03. Come up with a general color palette, taking your couch into account. I suggest 3-5 colors. 04. Do you want more of sparse look or one that’s fuller? Can your couch accommodate a lot of pillows? If you’re concerned about space, focus on just a couple pillows on the ends. and if you want a more-is-more look, consider lining the length of couch. 05. Be mindful of the size of your pillows. You want your biggest pillows in the back with smaller ones in front. 06. Think about symmetry. Do you want a more uniform look with the same number of pillows on each end? Or something a bit unexpected with 3 on one end and 2 on the other. Do you want to use a couple of the same pillows or use all different ones? If using two of the same pillow, I always recommend mixing them with other designs and trying to space them out. the #mstarrnatickupdate Harlowe James 07. An L shaped sectional offers up lots of pillow space. I like to focus on the ends and where the L meets in the middle. 08. Do you want more of a refined look {work on perfecting your “karate chop”} or more of a relaxed, lived-in look? 09. When buying pillow inserts, I recommend a size bigger than the size of your cover. Inserts have the tendency to deflate easily, especially with extended use, and a larger size keeps them looking fuller longer. 10. As I always say when styling, have fun! It might take a few tries before you have the combos you’re looking for. Speaking of combos, I've put together some favorites below… 01. back / middle / front 02. back / middle / front 03. back / middle / front 04. back / middle / front 05. back / middle / front 06. back / middle / front 07. back / middle / front emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I’ve linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

the #mstarrcontemporarycottage cottage with items from serena & lily, lulu & georgia, and parachute / mStarr design it’s memorial day weekend! how did that happen?! time flies when you’re stuck at home i suppose. basically every retailer is having a sale of some kind and since summer plans are very much in limbo for everyone, it’s a good time to stock up/indulge in some items for your home or yard. we haven’t gotten new towels since our wedding…in 2011. so i think i’ll finally be upgrading to new ones from parachute! i’ve rounded up some favorites from parachute, lulu & georgia, mcgee & co, and serena & lily {many of the items are in our home #farmhousedialfano or in various client projects}… happy shopping, happy weekend! parachute home sale 20% off everything {happens just twice a year} through may 25th lulu & georgia 15% off $500+ with code MDW15, 20% off $1000+ with code MDW20, 25% off $1500+ with code MDW25 through may 26th {ps. you can use code MSTARR20 for 20% off at any time after the sale ends} mcgee & co 20% off through may 25th with code TISTHESEASUN serena & lily 20% off with code LIVEWELL through may 26th emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I’ve linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

image + work by Ron Nicole Last week was intense. And enlightening, and eye opening, and inspiring. There’s so much work to do but dare I say that I feel hopeful? That we might finally see some change in this country? Last Monday on Instagram, I {along with countless others} made the decision to mute myself as part of the #amplifymelanatedvoices initiative. But I changed my mind the next day {you can read more about my decision here}. I realized it wasn’t about me muting my voice or my platform…it was about muting my own content to share the work of black designers. It was about muting a lot of the mundane stuff I share on stories to instead share resources, educational content, news stories and inspiring black activists, artists, designers, mamas, and creators. I certainly didn’t deserve or need thanks for doing this but the number of comments and DM’s I received about the new-to-them accounts I shared was quite high and it felt really good. While it bums me out that I may not have found them otherwise, I couldn’t be happier that I did. I am committed to staying committed beyond this week, next week, two weeks from now. I’ve been thinking about what I can do, besides donating {we’ve donated to The conscious kid and the equal justice initiative} and staying educated, and something easy that’s also quite enjoyable?! Shop black-owned businesses! I’ve been saving every single one that I’ve been introduced in the past week plus and have already ordered a few goodies for myself. Thanks to the overwhelming {and much-deserved} promotion of these talented humans, much of their work + products are currently sold out or shipping is delayed. I signed up for a bunch of newsletters so I don’t miss out on restocks + new items and I encourage you to do the same! Note: none of these are affiliate links. Tree Fairfax My first purchase of the week…this beautiful, handmade leather waistbag {aka. fanny pack}. How beautiful is the color?! Tree hand crafts each bag from traditional harness leather. Aquarian Thoughts And my second purchase…a 14k yellow gold {also available in white + rose gold} handmade ring with a natural raw diamond. I chose for the stone to be set horizontally but it can be vertical if you prefer. The Koop New York And my final purchase from last week…a few of Koop’s hand poured candles. Each one is free of phthalate fragrances, uses cotton wicks, and the vessels can be repurposed once the candle has burned! Ron Nicole It’s hard to express how unbelievably beautiful Ronni’s work is. She creates what she calls floral inspired fossils, preserving flowers in clay. I will pounce the minute new pieces are released! M. Koby Art I was introduced to Melissa’s work on Instagram and am just SMITTEN. It’s bold. It’s powerful. And it’s oh so beautiful! I have a few prints in my cart for Max’s room, our room and potentially the living room! Linoto I’m a sucker for any and all linen bedding and tableware. All Linoto products are made in the USA and shipped in plastic-free recycled packaging. You can find neutrals and bold colors so there’s something for everyone. Clare Jess + I are proud to be partnering with Clare on our room makeover project. They offer a wide variety of colors that are zero VOC and GREENGUARD gold certified {in layman’s terms: no toxic fumes}. Bonus points for peel + stick swatches! Anastasia of IDCO’s kitchen 👆🏼 Estelle Colored Glass Owner Stephanie Summerson Hall founded Estelle Colored Glass in honor of her grandmother Estelle who was an avid antique shopper. This luxury brand of hand-blown colored glass is made by artisans in Poland and are aptly described as “jewels for your table”. Big fan. Me-cháris Handmade Dolls These are the most charming dolls I’ve ever seen. The end. Sun and Lace Yeah Max is gonna need one of these bags + scarves. Owner Briana hand cuts and sews all items which also include shoes + hair accessories for the littles. Tracie Hervy Little i did realize that Tracie is the maker behind some of my favorite pieces at Bloomist. Tracie is a trained ceramicist and that training shows in her simple and timeless work. Brave and Kind Books Brave and Kind Books is a neighborhood kids bookshop in Decatur, Georgia. Owner Bunnie offers a diverse + classic mix of books {including gift bundles!} and hosts events, workshops + even birthday parties! Portrait Coffee Roasters A coffee company with a conscious? Yes please! Portrait’s mission is to include black and brown people who have been eliminated from the speciality coffee narrative. The entire team lives in Southwest Atlanta and are all committed to seeing the historic west end {where the shop is located} continue to thrive. Adding to cart right…about….now. Naked Clay Ceramics Based in England, these one-of-a-kind pieces are inspired by earth tones + textures and are hand made by using a combination of handbuilding {creating forms without a pottery wheel} and slip casting {filling molds with liquid clay to form a cast layer}. You’ll find unique tableware + homeware pieces in simple stoneware and porcelain. Milked In her own words, owner Kathy says milked products are always pretty; always natural. And YES they are pretty, oh so pretty! Soaps, lotions and oils are all formulated without the bad stuff and with the good stuff {food-grade oils, natural and cosmetic-grade colorants, paraben/phthalate-free fragrance oils or all-natural essential oils. Alyissa Letters Alyissa has one of the most cheerful + inspirational instagram feeds i’ve ever seen. She’s a graphic designer and hand letterer who has an Etsy shop, Society 6 shop, Redbubble shop, and is available for custom work. She’s also a part of the Cherry Pit Collective which is a communal studio space for women creatives in Kansas city, Missouri! Two Days Off This sustainable line of clothing + accessories is made in LA and designed by owner Gina Stovall. natural fiber textiles such as linen, cotton, wool + ethical silk are sourced from deadstock textiles in LA, meaning the fabric was already manufactured but unused. I’ve decided I need this oversized linen top for summer, and zero waste bento bags seen above. Bolé Road Textiles Brooklyn based interior designer Hana Getachew founded Bolé Road Textiles to merge her love of Ethiopian handwoven fabrics {she’s a native of Ethiopia} with her interior design career. All pieces are handmade in Ethiopia by skilled artisans and are globally inspired. Looking for neutrals? Bold colors + patterns? Bolé has you covered. Élan Byrd Élan is trained multidisciplinary artist + textile designer living in Miami. She crafts one-of-a-kind pieces made from natural fibers. They’re contemporary but influenced by the cultural commonalities of ancient civilizations. I’m totally smitten her work. Black Pepper Paperie Co. Based in DC, Black Pepper Paperie Co. is a mixed-media art and design studio, and lifestyle brand. Maker Hadiya creates globally-inspired, handcrafted pieces ranging from wearable ceramic jewelry to home decor, paper goods and apparel. While I have so many more businesses to share {and will do so in subsequent posts}, there are a couple other resources i came across…one is post 21 which is an amazing online marketplace that features contemporary + design-forward products from black-owned businesses and makers. You can find clothing, goods for your home, your kids, your pets, and more. If items are out of stock, they have gift cards! Another site I found is BLK + GRN which is an all-natural, non-toxic marketplace featuring all black artisans. After seeing the firsthand effects that harmful ingredients + practices have had on the black community, all of their products are carefully selected by black health experts after going through a 4-part approval process. BLK + GRN, founded by Dr. Kristian Henderson {who has a fascinating + inspiring story} connects black people to high-quality, non-toxic brands. I’ve also started a Pinterest board where i’m saving black-owned makers + artists. Check it out! Please let me know if there are any black-owned businesses, artists or makers you’ve been following, have found, or are fans of! In the meantime, happy shopping! emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

We all have a love/hate relationship with Amazon right? But there’s no denying the expansive offerings and quick shipping {I’m a Prime member} make it convenient. Between social media marketing, recommendations from others, and searching for something based on our needs, I’ve discovered plenty of seemingly random items and many of them I truly can’t live without now! I’ve rounded up my favorites below… 01 / Smells be gone! I was looking for something to help reduce smells in the kitchen from cooking and an AC-triggered musty smell that’s occasionally in the living room on very hot days. I stumbled upon this Hamilton Beach TrueAir Odor Eliminator and Bill and I noticed a difference the very first day. PS. It comes with an optional scent cartridge {we don’t use it}. 02 / It’s iced latte season and I remain obsessed with our Breville Barista Espresso Machine. But after finding a travel mug for my hot lattes this past winter, I realized I didn’t have a good one for cold drinks! While it’s not fully insulated, this silicone-wrapped glass mug keeps my coffee cold for awhile and bonus: it’s super cute! 03 / We have central AC {thankful for this!} but our kitchen is always hotter than the rest of the house and bread tends to get moldy more quickly. I found this simple white bread box and am happy so far! It fits a lot but doesn’t take up a ton of space, has a silicone gasket to keep everything fresh, and the metal handle is a nice touch. 04 / We are big fans of our Caraway cookware but because they’re oven safe, the lids can get pretty hot. These lid covers are easy to put on/take off and do the trick. 05 / I’ve been swapping out a lot of our old metal cooking utensils and replacing them with more eco-friendly wood versions. This set comes with a bunch of options and looks great on our counters! 06 / I would pay someone to give me a scalp massage every day if I could. It’s one of my greatest joys. This scalp massager shampoo brush isn’t quite the same but it does feel good and gets my shampoo extra sudsy! 07 / We had a similar dish rack that got kinda gross after a couple years. I didn’t feel like ordering it again from Crate & Barrel and had to place an Amazon order so found this one and it’s been great! I kinda wish it had a wood accent on the handles but it’s sleek enough to look good on the counters everyday. 08 / I shared these adhesive nose strips on Instastories. For masks that either don’t have built-in metal nose pieces or you want a little extra protection for indoor use, these are great. They’re not foolproof and may not adhere to certain masks as well as others but overall I recommend! Check out some of my favorite masks in this post! 09 / This digital angle ruler has come in handy while installing the shiplap in our bedroom as part of the #mstarrxohidesign makeover project {more to come on that}! 10 / I use these terry cloth headbands while washing my face. They’re a must for keeping soap etc. out of your hair! 11 / We are long overdue for a new washer + dryer, and our front-loading washing machine gets moldy even after just one wash. These affresh cleaning tablets are septic-safe and freshen up the inside of your washer. 12 / Max has a combo picnic/water table and the bins that came with it started breaking. I found these colorful bins to replace them {they also are great for gathering small outdoor items}. 13 / Forever a favorite, the Ice Roller is a must-have for relaxation/cooling down/headaches/skincare. Keep it in the freezer and use whenever you need a pick-me-up. 14 / Julia Marcum {of Chris Loves Julia fame} recommended sweat wristbands when washing your face. I sometimes forget to put them on and am immediately reminded of how well they work for not getting your shirt soaking wet! Do you have any favorite Amazon finds? Let me know! emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I’ve linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

Gallagher London Shoppe Amber Interiors It’s Friday! And a happy one indeed. I’m very excited to introduce a project I’ve been working on behind the scenes with my good friend Jess of Oh I Design...we are designing a room in each other’s homes! Jess and I met several years ago when I was still doing wedding design and she was establishing her existing blog and interior design business in Boston after moving here from San Diego. We hit it off and thus began a personal + professional relationship that I am grateful for. We’ve long explored ways to collaborate and eventually came up with this idea. Which is perfect because when we’re not quarantined, we spend time in each other’s homes and we’ll able to revisit our work! As designers, we tackle client projects with gusto. When it comes to our own homes though? Well, we can be indecisive and overwhelmed with options and resources. You see us post countless photos of our kitchens, living rooms, kids rooms etc. in #farmhousedialfano and #oidhome. We spend countless hours and dollars on these spaces and they look good, right? But there is one room in each of our homes that you haven’t seen in ages...my master bedroom and Jess’ guest bedroom {which currently serves as a sleeping spot for her 1 year old son Harvey and a qurantine “office” for her husband Cody}. These are rooms that we can’t figure out no matter how hard we try so we are turning to each other! And we’re taking you along for the ride. While this project has been in the works for awhile, the current pandemic has certainly affected how everything is coming together. We’ve had to modify and are still working through some details, including not being able to get a full range of samples + swatches, and you know, not being in each other’s homes to help out and see progress! So you may be seeing smaller reveals before the big room reveal but we are slowly but surely moving along, and partnering with some incredible brands who we can’t wait to share with you all. #FARMHOUSEDIALFANO / THE BEFORE Let’s kick things off with where we’re starting from! Jess’ room is in farrrrrr better shape than mine. Our bedroom is tricky...it’s an awkward size + shape, has a small closet, a bump out, and only one spot for the bed to go {you essentially walk into it when entering the room}. So needless to say, Jess has her work cut out for her! #OIDHOME / THE BEFORE Jess’ guest room also has a bump out but it’s a fairly straightforward shape and is decent sized. I’m toying with moving the bed but it may need to stay where it is to keep the room as opened up as possible. OUR GOALS! Jess and I both have needs and wants for each space to be the most functional {and beautiful of course!} for our families + homes. For Jess’ room, I need to think about the bigger picture since the room is currently a multi-purpose space. The plan is for Harvey to move in with his older sister Evie in a few months, and for Cody to go back to work! But for now, I need to design something that will work for the immediate future and the long term. Jess and Cody often host out-of-town family and friends and I know they are looking forward to making this space a real retreat for their future guests. Additionally, Jess wants to eliminate wasted space in front of the closet, finally organize what’s in the closet, and add window treatments to the window behind the bed. photo by Tessa Neustadt Shoppe Amber Interiors As for me? Honestly, anything will be a MAJOR upgrade. Now that the dining room is mostly done, our bedroom is the last room to tackle. And after almost 6 years in the house, I'd say it’s about time. Jess is such a talented designer who has a clean + fresh perspective, and I know she’s going to crush this for us! I want to make sure we maximize the limited {and odd-shaped} space we have, ideally have some built-in or custom storage, and we need a custom rug to bridge the gap between the 2 sides of the room that are split by the bed and bedroom + bathroom doors. My big want is an architectural element such as {vertical!} shiplap. We’ve been gathering most of our inspiration over on pinterest {you’ll notice some of our top images throughout this post!} and have moved into the design phase of the project. It’s gonna get real good from here on out so be sure you’re following both of us on Instagram {mStarr design / Oh I Design / project hashtag: #mstarrxohidesign and pinterest {mStarr design / Oh I Design}. And don’t miss any of our future blog posts! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and the Oh I Design newsletter. emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I’ve linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

Once in awhile, a collection comes along that makes me heart go pitter patter…and gives me actual anxiety about how I’m going to get my hands on an extensive list of items for both #farmhousedialfano and my client projects. Seriously. That collection is the new Studio McGee x Threshold for Target. Sure their first collection this past Spring was chock full of beautiful items {and you know I stocked up on throw pillows} but HOLY SH*T this Fall collection is truly beyond. These pieces look high end. They look well-made. There are some trends {bouclé for instance} and plenty of timeless designs. They are budget items that don’t look budget. The official launch date is September 13th and if it’s anything like the first collection, it’s going to sell out quickly. There’s also the possibility of random items showing up in store before the launch date {this too happened last time}. *UPDATE: There are lots of items in store! I’ve snagged several 🙌🏻. While nearly everything caught my eye, the pieces below are must-haves for me! I highly recommend you save your favorites by logging into your Target account and clicking the heart button on each item. You can then add them to your cart on the 13th! 01 / Um yeah this woven lamp needs to grace Max’s room. 02 / A sherpa chair that will instantly elevate any space while lending a cozy vibe. 03 / A classic round mirror in a rich walnut wood color. 04 / I am in love with this arched bookcase. It could work in so many places! As a bar in the dining room, as an actual bookcase in the living room, even in the kitchen to display everyday + special items. 05 / This two armed chandelier {which also comes in brass} is probably the most high-end looking of all the pieces. It’s a signature McGee style and if I didn’t love our dining room as much as I do, I would replace it with this in a heartbeat. 06 / McGee & Co. {Studio McGee’s shop for those unaware} has some of the best faux trees and branches {these are a favorite in our home!} so it’s no surprise to see a good looking olive tree in this collection. 07 / Bouclé for the win! This neutral colored pillow will add such lovely texture and coziness to your couch, chair or bed. *UPDATE: I found a couple of these in store and I am OBSESSED. They are cozy and add just the right amount of cozy texture. 08 / I literally just got a side table that looks so similar to this table…but is more expensive. What a beautiful color and design! *UPDATE: I saw this in store and it’s as beautiful in person as it looks in pictures. 09 / The hardware detail on this nightstand is Dreamy with a capital D. And I love the dark navy color. 10 / Another impressive lighting option! This seagrass drum pendant adds a casual and beachy element to a space. 11 / Original and vintage art has its place but I’ll gladly decorate with this sketch. 12 / Well hello cool temps…cozy up with this knit blanket. 13 / This rounded walnut cabinet with cane doors is a serious show stopper! Zoom in to take in all the unique details. *UPDATE: Saw this one in person too and it’s really quite lovely. 14 / A versatile sconce that plugs in so you don’t have to hardwire. Good looking plug-in sconces are hard to find, especially at this price! 15 / A ceramic table lamp with an earthy feel. Yes please! 16 / I love the idea of this sherpa ottoman in a nursery. 17 / This console table could easily double as a desk in a work-from-home setup. 18 / You can find similar cane cabinets like this in various places but none at just $300! 19 / A contemporary Windsor style counter stool that comes in 3 different colors. 20 / One can never have enough wood bowls in their home. This would work great as a fruit bowl or a general catch-all on a coffee table. 21 / An oversized photograph…for $60! And I love the thin brown frame. *UPDATE: super pretty in real life. 22 / This faux wood stump table is made for both indoor and outdoor use. It has elements of a tree stump but with square sides. 23 / Add a natural element to your dining room with these woven chairs. 24 / I set out the other day to find some bigger vases and was thrilled when I found this one! It’s just perfect for displaying dried Fall florals. 25 / Another in-store find…this pillow. And naturally it came home with me. 26 / Quite enamored with this cozy and neutral patterned hand-tufted rug. emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I’ve linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! #mStarrdesign #McGeeCo #StudioMcGee #Target #ThresholdbyTarget 0 Likes

Garnet Hill bedding It’s been a minute but I’m excited to be back with an update on the #MSTARRXOHIDESIGN makeover project! As a refresher, my friend Jess of Oh I Design and I are designing a room in each other’s homes. I’m designing her Guest Room {also currently serving as a temporary nursery for her son and work space for her husband while his office remains closed} and she’s tackling our Master Bedroom, a very sad space that has never been designed. You can read all about what we’re working with + what we envision for each space in this post {read Jess’ post here}. While you haven’t seen much on Instagram {that’ll change very soon!}, we have been working non-stop behind the scenes finalizing details and designs, and even starting some of the execution. We have partnered with some amazing brands on this project and are thrilled to share them with you! PAINT When Bill and I bought #farmhousedialfano nearly 6 years ago, we had exactly 1 day between closing and moving. Thankfully there were no major updates to be done but we did want to paint as many of the rooms as we could, and one of them was our bedroom. I never did much more after that {other than our Hunter Douglas shades} so it’s time for a refresh! Paint is such an easy, and often affordable, way to make a major update in your space and Jess and I are thrilled to be partnering with Clare on the paint for this project. Clare has a wide variety of beautiful colors {neutrals and bold colors alike} to choose from and you can feel good about using their paints in your home as they are Zero VOC {non-toxic, not-harmful} and GREENGUARD Gold certified {meets rigorous emissions standards and has fewer pollutants}. Bonus points for the company being founded by a kick-ass woman who is also a talented interior designer {Jess and I both loved Nicole’s episode of the Second Life podcast if you’re into podcasts}. Clare aims to make paint shopping enjoyable and not overwhelming which let’s be honest, it usually is given just how many colors and finishes there are at your typical paint shop. They have a Color Genius quiz to help pinpoint what you’re drawn to and Jess and I are both big fans of their adhesive {and removable} paint swatches. We like to see how a color will work in various spots in a room and at different times of the day. Jess’ guest room gets good natural light and our bedroom gets pretty decent light but like many rooms, if the day is especially overcast, the walls can transform.  Being able to easily move around the paint swatches throughout the day was a huge help for Jess and I to finalize our colors. We’re going to keep you in suspense about what those colors are but you can see the samples we received below/above and I will tell you that each room will feature two colors...an overall room color plus an accent wall in my room and accent closet doors in Jess’ room! WALL TREATMENTS When Jess and I shared our wants and needs for each room, I told her that the one thing I really wanted to make happen was some type of wall treatment to add character to the space. We both agreed on shiplap! Given how uneven our walls, ceilings, and trim are, the idea of installing true shiplap was honestly unappealing. Too much work, ha. Enter Wallplanks, a company that offers peel + stick wall accents that are environmentally friendly. The raw materials used in their products are sourced only from managed forests in the US, the top coats + stains used are all water-based and UV cured to protect air quality, and there is no added formaldehyde in any of the products. We decided to go with their classic shiplap and install it vertically which is a bit more contemporary and will hopefully make my small room with low ceilings appear larger and taller! Wallplanks shiplap has a pretty genius interlocking system which takes the work out of having to space the planks yourself. You get a professional ⅛” nickel gap and a far easier installation. I’ve started the install and so far, so easy. We’re not used to perfection {or close to it} in this almost-200-year-old-house and true to form, there are going to be gaps and lines that I’ll need to deal with. The good news is we plan to paint the shiplap which will help cover them! While there’s lots more to come on this, I thought I’d at lease share an exclusive promo code in case you’re looking to take on a new project in the coming weeks...use code MSTARR35 for 35% off your order! CARPET Jess and I work with The Carpet Workroom for various client projects and they were our first pick for this project. A family-owned business with years of experience and hundreds of carpets to choose from, we knew they’d have the perfect options for our rooms. While there are many things that drive me nuts about our bedroom, never having a rug that fit is at the top of the list. In order for a rug to fill the length of the room {17’}, it would also have to be VERY wide and well, that doesn’t work when the width is just 9’. So I’ve always just used a 5 x 8’ rug on one side of the room which goes partially under the bed, and then a 2 x 3’ on the other side of the bed so there’s at least something underfoot. It’s been ugly. And impractical! As you’ve seen, the room is broken up into 2 areas...the bed area and the storage area with the main door and bathroom door essentially forming these 2 spaces. Because we need to account for both of these doors opening into the room, the carpet {and pad} can’t be a super high pile. Jess’ room, thankfully, is a pretty standard shape + size and we both want some of the wood floors to show rather than do wall-to-wall carpeting. Since her room is bigger, we’re leaving about a foot of floor visible and just 5 or 6” of floor in our room. We haven’t been able to get to the Carpet Workroom showroom due to quarantine but Matt, one of the owners, sent us a bunch of samples based on what we were looking for and came over a few weeks ago {with his mask of course!} to get final measurements in both our rooms. The orders are officially in and we can’t wait to share what we chose! MATTRESS When we moved into the house, we had a queen bed {seen in our design*sponge feature here} and while it does fit the room better, we simply need more space while sleeping. When I was pregnant, we sacrificed the extra space for a king bed and never looked back. For the past several years we had a memory foam mattress that was admittedly quite comfortable but did a number on my neck and back {I have chronic issues with both}. I had been told numerous times that memory foam isn’t good for me so this project was the perfect excuse to finally do something about it. Have you heard of Avocado? A few years back, the founders wanted a green mattress that was affordable and couldn’t find one. So they created their own and now offer non-toxic products made from organic materials that are luxurious, comfortable and don’t break the bank. Jess and I are SO happy to be working with them on this! The reviews are overwhelmingly positive and we can add ours to the thousands of others who love their Avocado. Bill and I are very different sleepers. He’s primarily on his stomach and I’m primarily on my back or side. After sleeping on our green mattress with the green topper for a few weeks now, we are both pretty obsessed. We feel supported but completely comfortable. We also got pillows and the best part is being able to remove or add filling to get it just right for each of us. Jess has a pretty new mattress in her guest room but we did select a topper and pillows to upgrade it...hopefully by the time our project has wrapped up, she’ll be able to host family + friends again! BEDDING Keeping with the theme of piecing-together-random-things over the years in our bedroom, our bedding has been a mishmash. Mostly of good, high-quality items because we’ve wanted to be comfortable but nothing that really looked put-together. Jess has previously worked with Garnet Hill and I’ve been a longtime admirer of their bedding so they were a natural fit for this project. Garnet Hill is a New England-based company that operates with a social and environmental focus, and gives back to the community in various ways. In other words, they’re a company we feel great about partnering with, and they have the prettiest bedding to choose from! We’re sticking with our existing comforter because it’s lightweight and I’m a hot sleeper, but I told Jess to find a duvet cover, sheet set, shams + end of bed blanket. I chose the same for her and everything has already arrived and is SO beautiful! Linen and cotton and silk oh my! FURNITURE What makeover would be complete without new furniture?! There were a number of directions we could’ve gone in when it came to furniture and we explored plenty of them. In the end, an opportunity came our way that we couldn’t be happier about. Chilton is a family-owned company based in Maine {yay for another New England partner!} making hand-crafted, American-made wood furniture in traditional, Scandinavian and contemporary designs. The majority of their pieces are made by builders in small Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont workshops and can be customized in various woods and sizes. More to come on our selections {!!} but we picked a bed, nightstands and a dresser for Jess’ room and decided on a dresser and armoire for my bedroom which I am beyond excited about as both our existing dresser and armoire have been with me for well over 15 years! We skipped a bed for my room and not because there weren’t plenty to choose from but because the options are quite limited for finding a frame that will actually fit the space and allow the door to the room open. The good news is that we’ve got something else in the works that will be just perfect! photo by Reading my Tea Leaves And there you have it. We are actually still confirming a couple remaining partners {thanks Covid!} and will share as soon as they’re confirmed. In the meantime, be sure to follow along on Insta as we have lots of sneak peeks coming your way, and stay tuned for selections and design boards in our next posts! emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I’ve linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! #mStarrdesign #roommakeover #OhIDesign #GarnetHillBedding #ChiltonFurniture #Wallplanks #Shiplap #ClarePaint #TheCarpetWorkroom #AvocadoMattress #EcoFriendly #farmhousedialfano #homerenovation 0 Likes

You all know my love {unhealthy obsession?} for throw pillows. Just reference this post, this story pin, and the dozens of Insta pics featuring dozens of pillows. My love for them runs deep and while some may call be a hoarder {I’m looking at you Bill}, they remain my favorite way to change up a space. So if you’re anything like me, you might be looking for new pillows and McGee & Co. has you covered with their 25% off pillow sale happening now! I have several pillows from their shop and there are SO. MANY. GOOD. ONES. right now. They are giving me alllll the fall vibes and I’m here for it. See below for my current favorites and use code COZYUP to receive the 25% discount through August 10th {excludes vintage pillows}. Please note: these are just for the pillow covers. I find the inserts from West Elm and Crate & Barrel to be good quality at affordable pricing, and I always recommend doing an insert one size bigger than the cover. 01 / The color palette of this Margaret striped pillow is perfection. 02 / The Gracie has been a favorite for a long time. It’s got a vintage vibe and pairs well with almost any pattern or color. 03 / The Dorothy features a bold yet refined block print and would look great on a couch, chair or bed! 04 / Loving this dark Bisa pillow with fun pattern + tassels. 05 / The embroidery is so subtle on the Jamille pillow, it could pass as a solid. 06 / The Archie pillow’s neutral colors and striped pattern make it a timeless design. 07 / I am wholeheartedly obsessed with the Lydia pillow. Hello fall! 08 / You’ll notice the Deliah in the photo above. It’s one of my favorite patterns, so much so I’ve thought about getting another one to use in another spot in the house! 09 / The Elora silk stripe pillow boasts a rich berry color that adds warmth for the fall and winter. 10 / We have the Demi pillow in a larger size but I just used this color + size for a client project and it’s 👌🏼. 11 / Gingham tends to be very in your face but the soft color of the Edison design makes it quite neutral. 12 / The Baylee IS in your face and a pillow to build your design around. 13 / I LOVE the timeless Abigail silk stripe, particularly the extra long lumbar size. Happy shopping! emily PS. Don’t miss a post. Subscribe to our newsletter! Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product I’ve linked to, I may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands I support! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction. We’d love to work with you! 0 Likes

here’s to the moms…the unsung heroes. to the zoom coordinators, the grocery shoppers, the home hairstylists, the keepers of the house, the caregivers. you are amazing, and you deserve to be celebrated every day, any year, especially this year. i’ve rounded up some ideas that i hope will bring joy to both the recipients and the givers. 01 / getting fresh flowers isn’t as easy as popping into the grocery store or farmer’s market these days. and we’re still in blooming season around here so YES to all the flowers, especially when they come from farmgirl. pair a bouquet with a handmade vase from bloomist. 02 / this tee from the bee & the fox is incredibly fitting for our current circumstances, yes? 03 / give her a siesta emblazoned blanket by clare v for anthropologie…and the time to take that siesta. 04 / this sunbeam necklace by zoe chicco is a splurge but she’s worth it right?! right. 05 / a tumbler for her water, a tumbler for her wine. win win with these rifle x corkcicle beauties from gus & ruby. 06 / luxurious sandals from jenni kayne are a year-round staple. 07 / sure it’s a trivial + a total first world problem but man could this mama use a manicure. and not one by my daughter. give the at-home mani kit from olive & june everyone is talking about {i have some of their products and can highly recommend!}. 08 / treat her to breakfast in bed! tray / pitcher / vase 09 / i don’t think i would ever take this washable silk set from lunya off. 10 / puzzles have become a quarantine staple. this one from inner piece is beautiful! find it at olives & grace. 11 / ariel kaye, founder of parachute, just released her first book called how to make a house a home. it’s a perfect book to peruse and pull inspiration from, especially with spending so much time in our homes. pair it with a comfy robe also from parachute. 12 / i received a spacemask recently + have been waiting for the best time to use it {ie. when i just can’t use my brain anymore. we’re getting close.}. these masks are self-heating and infused with jasmine which is one of my favorite scents! 13 / she’s out of this world, give her the moon + the stars…in earring form. BONUS: for every order placed, missoma is donating 2 meals to those who need it most right now. 14 / as someone with chronic neck pain, i’ve had my eye on this neck, back + shoulder massager. and i’m pretty sure any mom could appreciate + use this right about now. 15 / this bath caddy from anthropologie has stunning floral details and would like mighty fine with a glass {or two} of wine on it. 16 / speaking of wine…sign her up for monthly delivery! helen’s wines is now shipping nationwide and they have various packages depending on your price point + preferred shipping frequency. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! emily ps. don’t miss a post. subscribe to our newsletter! disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product i’ve linked to, i may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. thank you for supporting the brands i support + for allowing us to be a source of inspiration! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction.we’d love to work with you! #mStarrdesign #mothersday #mothersdaygiftguide #giftguide 0 Likes

tomorrow is the day one of the most anticipated home decor collaborations goes live…studio mcgee x target. and i am HERE FOR IT. few brands have found the type of success studio mcgee has found in the past 5+ years. their rise to the top of the interior design world {and retail with their shop mcgee & co} is practically unprecedented and completely warranted. i started following shea right at the beginning, stumbling upon their newly-created hashtag at the time: #smmakelifebeautiful. and that hashtag remains a source of some of the prettiest inspiration. target’s design collaborations tend to be very successful, including a long-term partnership with magnolia, and limited edition releases with the likes of leanne ford. there is no doubt this one will be any different, with studio mcgee bringing their signature clean, often transitional aesthetic to the masses {and target obsessed}. it’s a multi-year partnership which means items will be released consistently throughout the year. word is there are some items already in store {i haven’t been inside a target in 3 weeks and i feel empty inside} but the full collection launches tomorrow SATURDAY, APRIL 4th online at target.com. with everyone at home, there’s a good chance for this collaboration break the internet, and you can bet i’ll be on my computer the minute it goes live! see below for my picks {including a couple pieces that i’m using in a client project!}, and you can find the full collection here. 01 / this is such a studio mcgee pattern and you can bet i have both colors + sizes bookmarked. 02 / this bench looks way more expensive than its $99 price tag, and would look great at the end of the bed {two of them} or in a living room. 03 / while not intended for serving food, this stoneware bowl is just screaming for a bunch of oranges or apples. it would also look great on open shelving. 04 / a woven basket that could corral your kids toys or spare blankets. 05 / i am always on the hunt for good-looking frames and the asymmetrical matting on this one has me all kinds of happy. 06 / another multi-purpose piece that could work in the bedroom, entryway, mudroom or living room! 07 / vintage {and vintage-inspired} art is all the rage, and you can’t beat the price on this piece. 08 / wood beads are an essential styling element for your home. 09 / a more traditional looking basket gets an update with a unique leather pull. 10 / the woven material on these nesting tables looks similar to our hunter douglas shades. they’re a great way to add some texture to a room’s design. 11 / the most perfect terra cotta planter. 12 / the subtle grid pattern on this pillow allows it to be mixed + matched with a variety of other patterns. 13 / add a touch of whimsy with this rattan-wrapped side table. 14 / ticking stripe = timeless. 15 / everyone needs a stoneware vase {or two or three} in their collection. 16 / a classic black console with an unexpected rattan shelf for added visual interest. 17 / i’m a certified pillow hoarder and this jagged striped design has me swooning. hope you all get the pieces you want! wish me luck getting mine. emily ps. don’t miss a post. subscribe to our newsletter! disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product i’ve linked to, i may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. thank you for supporting the brands i support + for allowing us to be a source of inspiration! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction.we’d love to work with you! #homedecor #thresholdbytarget #target #studiomcgee #retailtherapy

hudson and harlow / outdoor playhouse roundup by mstarr design castle & cubby / outdoor playhouse roundup by mstarr design the promise of warm weather combined with every waking hour at home has me ready to give max her first outdoor playhouse! of course i made the mistake of pulling up some pictures when she was in the room and she was like a moth to a flame, immediately running over to ask “what’s that?” and “i want that one”. i’ve seen some really beautiful makeovers, some with minimal effort and some with herculean effort that i probably don’t have the patience for. i ended up ordering this one from wayfair which is made of weather-resistant cedar, has good “bones” for a makeover, and is a good price point! it’s on the smaller side and while we technically have plenty of room for something bigger, this feels like a good size to start with. maybe if it goes well, we’ll upgrade her to a double decker down the road, ha. i have some thoughts on what i want to update and add…everything from adding a sconce, painting the sides, adding flooring, and of course decorating with lots of flowers! iron and twine / outdoor playhouse roundup by mstarr design porche and co / outdoor playhouse roundup by mstarr design what do you think? should i go white? black for a modern twist? a color? i’ve rounded up additional options below…some are good to go as is and others could use some help whether with paint and/or decor. 01 / this market playhouse was a top contender. i’d maybe spray paint the yellow bins + swap out the turquoise fabric but the rest is lovely! 02 / this is more of a custom design and a higher price to go with it but OMG IT’S AMAZING. IT’S A FARMHOUSE! 03 / those scalloped shingles are just adorable. 04 / a true cottage style playhouse, i mean look at the chimney! can you believe it could look like this?! 05 / a quick painting of the roof and this guy is ready to go. 06 / i just love the green color of this victorian house. 07 / picket fence for the win! 08 / another investment and a stunner farmhouse style. 09 / this is the modern style that molly {almost makes perfect} used for her break-the-internet makeover. it’s out of stock until may but often gets restocked more quickly than that. 10 / playhouse + playground all in one. 11 / love how this one has a built in bench for optimal pretend serving. can’t wait for ours to arrive + to get to work! emily ps. don’t miss a post. subscribe to our newsletter! disclosure: this post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase a product i’ve linked to, i may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. thank you for supporting the brands i support + for allowing us to be a source of inspiration! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction.we’d love to work with you! #mStarrdesign #outdoorplayhouse #playhouse #playhousemakeover

it’s only taken 5+ years but we’re finally on our way to creating more of an outdoor sanctuary in the yard. we’re fortunate to have a large, enclosed backyard but there’s a lot of upkeep {which admittedly we aren’t always the best with} and part of it is sloped which makes placement of certain things tricky. thanks to joss & main, we have finally added a hammock to the mix! i’ve wanted a hammock for years yet could never quite pull the trigger. until now... the gadson arc hammock with stand is everything i've been looking for! and you truly can't beat the price point given that it includes a {beautiful wood} stand. i knew that i wanted a simple hammock and an arc stand, and the combo of the off-white fabric with the wood is just perfect and suits any environment. it's currently located under our pretty plum tree but is easy enough to move should we decide to switch up the layout as we continue to add new pieces. i decided to up the comfort factor by adding a couple outdoor pillows. these thorson indoor/outdoor lumbar pillows look chic in black + are neutral enough to go with other colors/patterns if we decide to swap out the fabric at some point .joss & main has a great variety of hammocks right now, plus so many other aweseome {and affordable!} outdoor pieces right now! including outdoor seating options that, when purchased, joss & main will donate 10% of profits to the feeding america covid-19 response fund. we're SO looking forward to making other updates to the yard, including the next project: max’s playhouse! it’s that weird in-between stage here in boston with some things in bloom and lots not so i'm particularly excited for when we can relax on the hammock underneath a lush tree, shaded from the sun. i can picture it now… emily ps. don’t miss a post. subscribe to our newsletter! disclosure: this post is sponsored by joss & main. as always, opinions are my own. mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction.we’d love to work with you! #mStarrdesign #jossandmain #outdoor #hammock #outdoordecor 0 Likes

minted offices i’ve spent a good portion of the past 5 weeks compiling an oversized, ever-growing list of ideas for mStarr and for this blog. one thing i’m trying to commit to are regular series on here. building on my what i’m pinning posts, i’m introducing weekly moodboard posts. moodboards can be a bit cliché sure, but they can be really powerful too and remain an important part of design. whether digitally curated in photoshop or pinterest or tangibly taped on a wall, they set the tone for what’s to come and how to get there. this first moodboard is a special one. behind the scenes, i’ve been working on a rebrand and new website. i’ve always been one to do most of the design + web building work instead of hiring someone, relying on family + friends to give advice and feedback. sure i do check in with some pros about some things but it’s always felt right to have control over the process and to be able to make updates on a whim if needed {rather than contact someone + wait for them do it}. with that said, the process is MUCH LONGER. ha. but the end is in sight and i thought i’d share some of the inspiration i gathered. there are plenty of elements that have been a part of mStarr design since the beginning: soft neutral colors, organic details, textural components, hand lettering. but with this next phase of mStarr comes a bit more polish. more of an elevated whimsy so to speak. below is a taste of what’s to come. emily ps. don’t miss a post. subscribe to our newsletter! disclosure: this post may contain affiliate links which means if you purchase a product i’ve linked to, i may receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. thank you for supporting the brands i support + for allowing us to be a source of inspiration! mStarr is a lifestyle studio specializing in approachable interiors, e-design, content creation, and creative direction.we’d love to work with you! #mStarrdesign #websitedesign #webdesign #rebrand #branding #pinterest 0 Likes

it’s a new year and with it comes the new mStarr…new logo, new site, new name. we’ve ditched the “event” and are now mStarr design. why? well we do more than events. sure we still specialize in weddings but we also design parties, showers, photo shoots…and i’m super excited to officially expand our services into interior styling, something we’ve been doing a bit on the side until now {and personally, ever since the hubs + i moved into #farmhousedialfano}. in the coming weeks, you’ll be able to find us at both mstarreventdesign.com AND mstarrdesign.com. admittedly, blogging has fallen by the wayside in the past year {we had a realllllly busy 2015} and up until recently, i actually planned to scrap it. but i thought more about it and the goal is to get back at it, at least somewhat regularly, even if just to share news or recent press. i did, however, discover that it doesn’t seem possible to import old blog posts so this may be a true fresh start! but if there’s anything you’d like to read about moving forward, we’re all ears! welcome to the new mStarr. take a look around, let us know what you think and if you find anything that may need to be fixed or updated! there always seems to be some kinks to work through in the beginning. hope you enjoy. #mStarr #mStarrdesign #mStarreventdesign #website

if you follow us on instagram or facebook, you’ve seen us post about a super exciting project we’re a part of…the first-ever wedding planners gathering. the sweetest angel of love & splendor put this whole shebang together and i thought i’d share some more info about it today…especially because early bird registration closes tonight {tomorrow?} at midnight! here are the deets: WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT / the WPG is a two-week, online learning event for existing or aspiring planners + designers, brides + grooms or any other creative professional. can’t get to or invest in an in-person workshop? this is for you. beginning on may 16th, you’ll receive a new video every day that covers a key design, planning or business topic. you’ll have access to the videos for a year and can be viewed on your own time in the comfort of your own home {or studio or favorite coffee shop}. you’ll also receive three freebies…a planning timeline, a rentals checklist + a wedding mishaps video. PLUS the opportunity to join in two live Q&A webinars. this is a really unique opportunity and if we weren’t involved, i’d personally be all over this. this is continued learning at its best…the chance to stay inspired, expand your horizons and learn about things you may have thought about…or not thought about! WHO’S INVOLVED / it’s honestly a pinch-me-that-i’m-included group of instructors. these are the best of the best in the industry…a mix of floral designers, planners + event designers. the list includes: sinclair & moore {foundations of floral + event design}, jesi haack design {creative backdrops + displays}, beth helmstetter {creating a beautiful wedding, no matter the location}, lace & likes {life that inspires art – finding your authentic creative voice}, gather events {creating a cohesive stationery suite}, karson butler events {designing the culinary experience} alison events {breakind down the budget}, details details {behind the scenes, top 20 wedding day tips} + type a society {branding + marketing your planning business}. WHAT MSTARR IS COVERING / tablescapes!! our favorite. our bread + butter. we’re sharing how to conceptualize, source + style three very different tablescapes…using the same table + some of the same items. we’ll have our girl kaylyn from 1956 blooms on hand to share the floral love and some incredible rentals from borrowed blu, among other things. PLUS we’re offering a fourth freebie: how to best shoot a tablescape for instagram! WHAT IT COSTS / until tonight {march 4th} at midnight, the cost for everything listed above {10 videos for a year, 4 freebies, 2 webinars} is just $249. yes you read that correctly. it’s such a no-brainer, i shouldn’t have to say more. so i won’t. after tonight, the price goes up to $349. still wayyyyy wallet-friendly, right? next steps for you? / click right here / to enroll {whether today, tomorrow, or anytime in the next couple of months!}. and then spread the word! until next time folks… #mStarr #workshop #loveampsplendor #mStarrdesign #typeAsociety #detailsdetails #gatherevents #karsonbutlerevents #bethhelmstetter #1956blooms #tablescapes #sinclairampmoore #alisonevents #laceamplikes #mStarreventdesign #onlineworkshop #weddingplannersgathering #jesihaackdesign

my almost 2 year old. taken by uncle jesse of two elk studios since becoming a mama myself, mother’s day unsurprisingly feels different. i have a new gratitude for my own mother {who is the best grandma, or “ema” as max calls her}, and a better appreciation for female genealogy. while gifts shouldn’t substitute for love and affection, they can have meaning and they certainly can be fabulous! they don’t need to be fancy or expensive, but they should be thoughtful and/or useful! enjoy the curated list i’ve put together and note that some of these will not arrive in time for sunday but a printout with some beautiful flowers {and maybe some rosé?} will suffice in the meantime. 1 / vinter’s daughter is an indulgence that’s worth every penny because but that’s the point of a mother’s day gift right?! 6-8 drops and it feels like a mini {totally non-toxic} facial. 2 / a body wash / lotion combo from one of my favorite beauty lines. maybe even throw in a balm dot calm which is my everyday go-to for a little glow. 3 / i’m a teeny bit obsessed with true botanicals pure radiance face oil so it stands to reason the body version would be equally as lovely. 4 / hatch is a must have for pre/during/post pregnancy and their new beauty line for mamas looks awfully luxurious. 5 / i have an old clarisonic that hasn’t been touched in years. with my investment in {mostly} non-toxic skincare products, and a propensity for clogged pores, the pmd clean seems like it would be a good addition to the regimen. 6 / since having max nearly two years ago, i’ve alternated between a fawn diaper bag and a madewell transport backpack but neither really suit my {nor max’s} current needs. my newest bag fits the bill though! this skip hop backpack is affordable, roomy, comfortable and the vegan leather makes it easy to clean! 7 / i’ve been eyeing these everyday leather mules for months now. 8 / a new lightweight version of a personal favorite and the beige color goes with virtually everything. allbirds are particularly great for travel! 9 / so not everyone is a hat person but i certainly am. janessa leone has beautiful, simple designs {ps. major bonus points for matching mama + babe hats!} 10 / love these simple birthstone rings from ariel gordon. max and i are both june babies {a day apart!} so pearls it is. 11 / i can’t remember where or when i came across these silhouette necklaces but they’re such a nice twist on a personalized piece of jewelry. 12 / cuyana crafts timeless leather bags that she’ll use forever. this oversized tote is a great size for the mom who needs to lug around lots of stuff but can be worn as a messenger style to distribute the heft! 13 / leave it to gwyneth to offer the perfect signet ring…for your pinky! available in silver or gold. 14 / washable. silk. jumpsuit. enough said. 15 / one of my beloved bags. give her a forestboun escape bag…combined with an actual escape! 16 / bill gifted me a maya brenner letter necklace long before max came into the picture, and i wear it every single day. perhaps it’s time for an upgrade?! 17 / apolis makes chic and useful market totes. these mom + daughter versions, available at anthropologie, are the cutest! 18 / who doesn’t love joanna gaines? pick up the latest edition of magnolia journal and gift it with a yearly subscription. 19 / for the design enthusiast, a shameless plug for the book our home is featured is in. 20 / rupi kaur’s words are uplifting and thought-provoking. gift her debut book, “milk and honey“, with her recently released “the sun and her flowers.” happy shopping and happy mother’s day to all of you beautiful, tough, resilient mamas! #mStarrdesign #gifting #shopping #giftguide #mothersday

if you caught my instagram stories {now a highlight under ‘max room’} and posts these past couple weeks, you might have noticed a theme. for both practical {she doesn’t need a “nursery” anymore. insert wow and crying emojis here} and aesthetic {read: i’m bored} reasons, i’ve been spending a lot of time revamping max’s room. the layout is now perfect for her to play and grow and really opens up this small room which is only 9 x 11’. there’s just one thing that’s not quite working…her existing dresser {i added these knobs}. i love the dresser itself and it’s served us well, fitting all of max’s clothes as she’s grown. but in order to make this layout work, the dresser needs to go between the closet and main door. and as you can see above, it’s just too wide and the door won’t fully open. for now it’s fine but it looks a new dresser is on the horizon. i’ve rounded up a few that i think would work well in the space. whatever we get needs to be spacious given it’s max’s primary storage {right now the closet in the room is a combo catchall for max, bill, and storage} so it needs to be a taller chest of drawers vs wider dresser, but not too tall that it overwhelms the small room and its low ceilings. one / might be a little too modern but i like the overall look. two / a pretty classic style that will look good with different design schemes. three {in natural maple} / can’t decide if the base is too bulky but love the matching handles. four / also like the matching handles here and the base is similar to what we have now. five / the color is what gets me here. six / this is an unfinished style so i’d probably just seal it and keep the color as is. seven / this is a whopper of an investment from kalon studios but it’s handmade and perfect. eight / i’m so so on the base but like the general design. keep in mind that for the styles that have knobs, i would replace with something more decorative. lots to think about… #farmhousedialfano #allmodern #interiors #mStarrdesign #jossampmain #roomandboard #wayfair #kidsroom #toddlerroom #interiorstyling #kalonstudios

urban outfitters has become a go-to for affordable and often trendy home goods, joining the likes of h&m home, target, zara home etc. i have a couple things in the house including the curtains in max’s room and recently used this adorable side table in a client’s nursery. last week i was on the lookout for another post i’m working on and noticed some pieces they’re previewing for spring. sooooo good! one / THIS. BED. I. DIE. if we hadn’t just gotten a new bed frame {which incidentally we do love}, i would get this in a heartbeat. two / this armoire is so chic and has space for hanging and displaying items. three / stools are super versatile. i keep a few around the house. four / before i looked at the description for this chair, the words utilitarian and chic came to mind {spoiler, this is in the description}. five / a multi-purpose mirror slash ladder. six / there’s nothing particularly “special” about this dresser but i love the streamlined design. seven / a modern yet classic platform bed. eight / how good are those metal pulls?! all seem to be available for shipping at the end of february / early march. #homegoods #farmhousedialfano #mStarrdesign #affordablehomegoods #urbanoutfittershome

finding lovely le clair decor this is a very exciting post about a very exciting project! lindsay, who has worked with me for years and whose wedding we designed in 2017, and her husband mat recently purchased a fixer upper and by fixer upper, i mean they have gutted the ENTIRE house. and are redoing the landscaping as well. and they have asked mStarr to work on the design, hooray! from my first visit / you can see the old shutters and siding, and mossy roof. new siding, windows and roof! kept the stone entrance and most of the original door because duh. as you can see above, the house has a distinct cottage feel. lindsay and mat love the charm and rustic elements but really prefer a more contemporary aesthetic. and so…the #mstarrcontemporarycottage was born. there will be one primary floor for living but there is a great unfinished basement that they will eventually tackle. we’re currently deciding on general paint colors and possible wallpaper for the various rooms. perhaps not surprisingly, we intend to use many of the same elements and colors from their wedding in the design. a color palette of warm neutrals with pops of dusty blues, black, and gold. they love grey but it’s important to keep some warmth in the space so we’re going with more greiges vs. blue greys. from my first visit / a look into a kitchen corner from my first visit / rustic beams will encase both openings on the side of the fireplace a more recent photo looking from the dining area into the kitchen a more recent photo looking into the dining area from the kitchen a more recent photo showing the wraparound beams heading towards the kitchen/living room. we’re heading into an inspection period for the core components of the home and the most pressing decisions to be made are in the two bathrooms. the master is going to have everything we all dream about (or at least what i dream about)…a tiled shower, double vanity, a freestanding soaking tub, and so. much. more. we’ve been pulling inspiration from the below images. the angles in the bathrooms make for some slight challenges but nothing that can’t be worked around. and below is the current mood board for the master bath! there are still some things up in the air but i think you can get the idea. SO good right? i’ll continue to share more about this one on instagram and here on the blog {if you aren’t signed up to receive notifications about new posts, do that here!}. and to see more of our general inspiration, follow along on pinterest! what element do you like the most? #interiors #remodel #mStarrdesign #bathroom #mstarrcontemporarycottage #fixerupper #interiorstyling