decor shopping

When it comes to decor, there's no better way to achieve a classic, laid back look than with stripes. Just in time for Summer, we found nine ways to bring the casual stripe motif into your space — no matter your style or occasion. We've already seen how our favorite designers use this pattern, now get the look in your own space!

If you're ever in Los Angeles, make it a point to visit La Brea Avenue's design district. This small, walkable stretch of inspiration (located between Melrose Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard) is densely packed with everything from quirky antiques to urban fashion. Start the day at Nick Metropolis, a warehouse filled with old movie props (and therefore the best photo props) we have ever seen. From there, we strolled and browsed everything from custom furniture to foreign finds. Between the fashion, food, and interiors, we left with loads of inspiration and new LA favorites. Click through to see our pics!

Hey, girl, the time has finally come for your first apartment — congrats! While being granted your new set of keys is exciting (just don't lose them!), the list of essentials can be rather overwhelming. Making style the main priority (as always), we set out to prove that you can do it on a budget. Sticking with necessities — like plates that aren't paper — we found you ways to save without sacrificing style. And for the times when only the best will do? Well, we found those options, too. Sure, welcome the hand-me-downs, but with a little savvy shopping and this guide, you can furnish your apartment with enough cash to spare for that security deposit.

We'd all love to invest in quality furniture, but sitting down at that sleek new dining table can present some financial hurdles. Luckily, a contemporary Canadian furniture brand is setting out to change that — and at no expense to your aesthetic. By cutting out the middlemen in the industry, Bryght allows people to essentially shop directly from the factories, shedding mark-ups associated with importers, distributors, and sales people — and effectively saving them an estimated 50 percent in the process. Better yet, the brand offers a free 30-day home trial period with free shipping and returns in North America: commitment-phobes, the line starts here!

High-design and high-quality, Bryght's contemporary and transitional collection comes from top international designers who've cut their teeth at companies like Established & Sons, Habitat, and Stella McCartney. In our opinion, it competes with the Crate and Barrels and Room & Boards of the world, but see for yourself. Here are a few of our top picks from the collection.

Bright colors, bold outfits, and dramatic hats out to there — with the Kentucky Derby coming up, we've got charming Southern style on our minds. The annual event in Louisville, KY, is known as well for the patrons' showy, over-the-top style as for the horse races, so we're taking a look at Derby-inspired decor to help you channel the look in your space.

Each year, women wear big, eye-catching hats covered with flowers, ribbons, and feathers, while the men opt for preppy patterned ties and light-colored suits. Love the look? With a mix of pastel prints, floral accents, and traditional furnishings, these Spring-perfect pieces are sure to suit your Southern taste!

It's no secret that embroidered details are classic, but recently we've seen them surface in new and refreshing ways. Between the raised stitches and textural patterns, embroidery detailing can instantly transform a sofa or chair into the best seat in the house. Putting its old-timey reputation in the dust, these pillows have modern patterns and refreshing colors that will elevate any space. For a handmade feel that's still hip, check a few of our favorites.

While it may be easier to buy a full set of dining furniture for your kitchen, mixing and matching your own set will bring a much more interesting style to your space. Overwhelmed by all the options? Not to worry — we're highlighting some chic pairings to help you get inspired. From industrial duos to more rustic styles, take a look at these creative table-and-chair combinations for a unique dining area that's all your own.

Playful details are a great way to show personality and decorative matches offer the perfect opportunity. Since you probably are stockpiling some of the best-scented candles on the market, why not get some matchbooks to complement them? Patterned, printed, monogrammed — whatever your style, we've found some matches that are bound to light your fire.