Tag: Decor

Hamilton & Willard: Dynamic Decor Duo

I have absolutely LOVED going out to eat ever since I was little girl. While exploring different types of food is a huge part of this love (duh), I am also drawn to the ambiance of a restaurant. The same holds true for my favorite bars!

When I go somewhere to eat or drink, I am looking for a “vibe”. What are they trying to communicate to me, as a patron, with lighting and decor? This vibe may speak to me, in which case I will remember that feeling and want to come back to re-immerse myself, OR it won’t and I won’t. I will say though, that as long as there is a good vibe created with thoughtfulness (even if that reads as “chaos”), I will respect it! For me, the dining experience is as much about this feeling as anything else.

I tend to favor restaurants on the cozier side and there is no shortage of those in D.C. The Hamilton is one of my favorites! Despite the fact that the restaurant is enormous, they still manage to make each dining area feel private using well placed booths/partitions, ornate lighting, and colorful decor. I would describe my favorite room as Tropical Traditional…

SEE! Tropical Traditional. I’m making that a thing if it’s not already. The food is wonderful and if you’ve never been you should definitely pop in! MAKE A RES though if you are going for dinner, they are always slammed because the restaurant is so close to the White House.

Another wonderfully cozy place to go on occasion* (it’s a tad pricy) that is right across the street from The Hamilton is the Round Robin Bar in The Willard Intercontinental. The hotel is a perfect place to take out-of-town guests which is exactly what I did this weekend! The Willard common areas, like The Hamilton, are huge but feel cozy all the same. It is ornate but warm…

The Willard is an amazing place that is quintessential D.C. in my eyes. Both of these establishments, The Hamilton and The Willard are perfect examples of places that inspire feelings of warmth and comfort that draw me back again and again. I think you will find this common thread in many of the restaurants and bars I feature on my blog! I’d love to know what you look for in a bar or restaurant aside from wonderful food…what vibe draws you in?

Whimsical Wednesday!

As I sit on my tush indoors to escape the sweltering heat this afternoon, I can’t help but daydream about mild summer nights spent with friends, lounging about in flowing fabric with a cool beverage in hand. For me this daydream conjures images of whimsical decor, a space where everyone can tap into the carefree and lighthearted version of themselves and truly relax! If we’re talking whimsy, NO ONE does it like Anthropologie.

I’ve been combing through all of my favorite sites in search of fun pieces for my own place and man, oh, man did I go down the Anthro rabbit hole today. We all need a little whimsy in our lives sometimes so I thought I would share my fave finds from my journey into the amazing vortex that is the Anthropologie website.

Forest Park Floor Lamp

43025634_007_b
A luxe silver tree in my living room? Yes please!

 

Wire Script Scripture 

29190360_003_a
A little something fun but delicate to jazz up your wall.

 

Pearled Magnolia Chandelier 

39970280_010_b
The very definition of “pretty”.

 

Agate Cheese Board

40027450_066_b
I’ll happily serve brie on this whimsically modern piece.

 

Stargazer Globe Lights

33691494_100_b
Insta “summer nights” vibe.

 

Circles Blooms Mirror

40873333_026_b
This large, statement-making piece has a lightness to it sure to brighten any room!

 

Society Animal Wall Art 

39311246_001_b
Oh Deer! This is too delightful.

 

Dappled Glass Votive Set

37632692_067_b
Let the soft glow of these romantic votives melt your stress away.

 

Isla Side Plate Set 

A41609132_040_b-4
As if you are eating right off of the night sky, the most whimsical.

 

Rabbit Forestry Hook 

A25040122_027_b
Take off your coat and stay awhile, this little guy will look after it!

 

Sometimes whimsical is viewed as feminine. I most definitely do not see it this way. I see it as lighthearted or otherworldly, think Harry Potter or Alice in Wonderland. I see twinkling lights, color, fantastical things (like a deer in a bowtie)! Some of the above items are definitely more feminine as that is an element of my style, but not all of them. Whimsy is all about what takes you away to your happy place!

I hope that some of these items speak to you like they did to me and I encourage you to go get your click on the Anthropologie website and see what you can see!