Blog — Nora's Nest

Last year, my husband and I purchased and began renovating our house. There was so much we loved when we first saw the house: it sat atop a hill, had beautiful views, was shaded by an enormous pine tree, and had a traditional interior layout. Because it was built in 1938, we assumed it must have changed hands several times before we purchased it, hence the mish-mash of design and aesthetic choices. But these were mostly surface design choices that we could tailor to our own aesthetic, and so we did.

before/afterNora's NestAugust 28, 2013In-the-Nest, home design

Facades of Europe

travelNora's NestAugust 26, 2013Custom Transfer, Out of the Nest, inspiration

Natural Elements

Finding natural elements to decorate your home is one of the most rewarding ways to make your home beautiful. Some natural elements are easily found in a park, on a nature hike, or even in your own backyard. Others are a little more exotic, and you might find them on your travels, nature stores, or florist shops. If I find a natural item with a beautiful color or sculptural design, I take it with me. If I find many of these items, I take home a bag full! There is always something lovely you can create with them. Pictured above, pinecones that dropped from a magnolia tree last fall are nestled in a glamorous, antique bowl.

diyNora's NestAugust 24, 2013Custom Transfer, In-the-Nest

Creating a Vignette

To me, a vignette is a grouping of items that create a beautiful composition together. A single room could have several vignettes: on the walls, in corners, on tables, on mantles, on trays…really anywhere. It usually comprises of an odd number of items — I like to create vignettes in threes. You could also do fives, sevens, etc. I also try to make each of the items at different heights so as to create a visual triangle.

Nora's NestAugust 23, 2013In-the-Nest, elements, home design

Home is Where the Hearth Is

When designing a mantle, I think of it as a small stage. A mantle sits up high, displays a collection of beloved items, and demands your attention. It is the focal point of any living room. Because my aesthetic leans towards simplicity and neutrality, I usually don’t have too many items displayed, but rather, a few items with dramatic beauty.

Nora's NestAugust 21, 2013In-the-Nest, home design

Welcome to Nora's Nest!

Since I can remember, I have loved all things home decor and design. When I was a young girl growing up in Texas, I would steal my mother's home decor catalogs and stay up all night circling the items that I longed to collect for my future home. In 2012, I purchased and began renovating my first home in Los Angeles with my husband, so my dreams are coming true.

Nora's NestAugust 16, 2013About, In-the-Nest