Chic Halloween Tablescape

I am totally holiday obsessed, every single holiday I am eager to make memories and always looking for an excuse to decorate. Halloween marks the beginning of my absolute favorite time of year.. the countdown to Christmas! Halloween is one of those funny holidays that is hit or miss depending on where you are in life. As a kid is great because, candy. But now, while Nate and I don’t have kids yet, and a little old for haunted mazes, it’s become sort of a holiday that’s come and gone without much thought. This year I wanted to have have a go at creating a simple but sophisticated “late 20’s halloween” dinner with friends to celebrate the beautiful fall season.

I kept the palette really dark, maybe too dark? I used these “twig like” gold flatware set (sort of witches broom-esk) , black plates, round “web like” chargers (I got mine at Homegoods but see similar here) and found these little pumpkins, you know so it was actually “halloween” themed.

For the floral centerpiece I bought a black wreath base and then used wire to lazily wrap a few amaranthus stems I snagged from my mother in-law’s garden onto the wreath and placed the Candelabra in the center.

Happy Halloween!

Shop the Table

Table Runner || Black Plates Large || Black Plates Small ||  Black Plate Charger || Pumpkin Decor || Flatware || Wine Glasses || Candelabra Old (see similar here and here) || Candlestick Holders || Black Wreath Base || Salt & Pepper Grinders || Jute Pendant ||

Hunting for: Mid Century Tall Boy Dresser

I've been on the hunt for a Mid Century Tall Boy Dresser for our master bedroom (see before tour here). We are on a bit of a tight budget so I have been scouring thrift stores and craigslist hoping to find a diamond in the rough. These are some I've found online that I am also loving.. which one has your vote? 

SHOP TALLBOYS

Burl Wood Campaign Chest || Parocela Chest || Geo-Marquetry Armoire || Mid-Century Walnut Dresser || Muse Cabinet || West Elm Mid-Century 4-Drawer Dresser || Target Mid Century Cabinet || Tate 5-Drawer Chest ||

Step Inside This Grand Rapids Interior Designers Chic & Sophisticated Downtown Apartment

Meet Kelley Hughes! The beauty behind AesthetiKHs and a creative living and working in Grand Rapids, MI. Originally from Detroit, she moved to Grand Rapids for college and graduate school and never left. She lives here with her sweet beagle, Harper (I might be a little bit biased). She loves Disney World, vintage Louis Vuitton, playing bingo and margaritas/pizza (but maybe not at the same time). She is a firm believer that an environment's aesthetic can enrich your life- enjoying a beautiful experience, surrounding yourself with things you love, or creating a mood that is inherently "you". She is a master in the way of interior design, styling, merchandising, event coordination and creative directing. I've been a long time admirer of Kelley's and excited to share her downtown apartment and share about all things interiors and great aesthetic. 

What made you want to move downtown? 

I wanted to move downtown to be a little more part of the action... and for air conditioning! Haha. I am too boujee now that I am 30 and need modern amenities. I lived it two older historic homes, and while I loved the character and charm, I wanted to try something different. I still mix the modern and vintage elements into my space now, though, and it works! My dog also LOVES the huge windows and keeps an eye on the city all day and night (especially the bar-goers on the weekends).  

How would you describe the style you're trying to achieve in your home?

I still use a mix of modern and vintage, but I like to make it feel more like a boutique hotel. I work a lot, so I wanted my home- especially my bedroom- to feel very zen-like, but with character. 

What’s your favorite piece of furniture in your apartment?  

My bookshelf, burl veneer and clear acrylic goodness. I bought this from a 27th floor apartment in Chicago via Craigslist. It was such a feat getting it out of there and back to Grand Rapids, but I'll never sell it!

What does a good aesthetic mean too you? What do you want people to feel when they enter your home? 

It doesn't matter whether you are a minimalist or a maximalist, you can have a good aesthetic. It's just a matter of having a space that feels balanced (adheres to some rules- ie: proper rug size), sense of personal style (throwing away the boring rules), and feels inviting. I believe that a room should be used- nothing is off limits for my dog, for example, but it can still be beautiful AND functional. 

What’s your favorite part of designing? 

Solving problems with beauty. 

What are 2 major changes you can do in a rental that will make the biggest impact? 

Paint the walls white if you can (gives you more options to show off your creativity in furniture/art/etc.) and plants! Also, remember to pick a place with good windows/lighting. Nothing looks good under yellow boob lamps. 

Top 3 places you are loving in GR right now?  

AK RIKKS (yay!), Citizen, and the Amway Grand Fitness Center (workouts feel like Im on vacation). 

Be sure to check out Kelley's website and follow her on instagram!