Tuesday, May 14, 2013

74 Target's Real Life "Dollhouse" Display

It all happened so fast.  Like I blinked and I was on a call with some fabulous folks at Target being invited to join their Inner Circle {more on that here}.  Then I blinked again and a week later I was jet setting off to the fabulous state of New York to check out the most fascinating and incredible display ever, set up in the very beautiful Grand Central Station.


So, if you follow me on Instagram {which is my most fav social media avenue so you should totally follow}, you would have seen a bunch of pictures of the amazing two day trip.


The trip was a complete whirlwind, and New York City is incredibly beautiful during springtime.  I loved every last moment....

But back to the Dollhouse.  Y'all, Target set up a life size dollhouse inside of Grand Central station!  No joke, this thing was 1,600 square feet of delicious eye candy!  And the best part is that they used over 3,000 Target products {hello Threshold Line!}, to fill'er up!

The first night was a private showing of the dollhouse, in which I was able to hang out with my gal pal Sabrina Soto {pictured above} and casually gaze in a very non-creepy way at the oh so fabulous Nate Berkus.


I also was able to get an intimate look at all of the details within the Dollhouse setup.  Seriously, they thought of everything.  It was really incredible to see the style throughout the house flow seamlessly from room to room; yet each room really told it's own color story.  They even made the "outdoors" feel warm and welcoming.  Well done Target.


Who wants to see more goodness?  Let me show you around!


The front door leads right into a gorgeous blue kitchen.  Because I am dreaming of our own kitchen renovation, I really clutched to all the inspiration I found here.


Warm wood tones, oil rubbed bronze finishes and beautiful colors throughout.  I am still in the middle of the open shelving in the kitchen debate, Target gave me reason to want them even more!


And check out that backsplash!  I am surprised I wasn't physically removed from the house since I just kept on touching it.  Love.



What I loved most about the kitchen is that even with the nice pale blue paint on the walls, so many fun and happy colors could be used as accents within the space.  Reds, blues, yellows and greens all made an appearance throughout.


The kitchen was open to the adjoining dining area.  Again, just take a moment to let all the awesomeness absorb.


They hung three lampshades over the table as pendants, used really fun patterned chairs and paired them with a rustic wood dining table.  The table was topped with pretty white dishes, yellow linens and a playful cutlery caddy.


I also really liked the use of the cake stand in the center of the table to give the flowers a little added height.


Peering over your shoulder in the dining room, you see this great display of wall to wall bookcases.


One thing that I am constantly learning, is the styling of bookcases and shelves, so I was sure to take some notes here.  I love the mix and match of materials, the woven baskets bring in a natural element and the blankets say, "come in and relax".  The accessories are also of different finishes and textures, a combination of woods, golds and oil rubbed bronze.  Books always make the perfect accent and a combination of short and tall objects create visual balance.

Speaking of balance, check out how they balanced the weight of the sofa within the living space!


The grouping of mirrors made such a dramatic and fun moment within the space.

More gold goodness....


They also used a really awkward corner of the room, to create a small workstation right within the living room!


This was one of my favorites spots in the house because it was a really small nook that now has storage and function.  Target does it again.

Moving right along and you find yourself in the calming and lovely master bedroom.



What I learned here is that you can really have fun with patterns in your linens, yet still have a calming place to rest your head at night.  The rug, comforter, quilt, shams, throw pillows and lampshades all had different patterns, yet they all played nicely together and complimented one another because they all carried the same color palette.  

The dollhouse also reminded me that the bedroom is a great place to install a gallery wall of your favorite memories and artwork.  I think bedrooms are often times untapped happy places, and really should be used as a relaxing oasis.  Although the combination of black frames in different sizes creates a visual impact, the black and white prints tone it down and also create a balanced and soothing effect.


The bathroom was setup to give the ladies some extra primping space {really, they had stylists giving gals the love all day long!}.


The upper level could not be accessed, but the view from below was just as breathtaking as the rest of the house.


I wanted to go do a load of laundry, that's how much I swooned over that laundry area.  I love the dramatic grey paint with the white washer and dryer, the shelving for linens and the folding table with pretty woven baskets below.  A+!

The opposite side was a shared bedroom filled with more pretty pattern!


Even Fido has a warm and welcoming place to play and then rest.


Pretty incredible right?  I am still in awe just looking back at the photos and thinking about how in the heck Target pulled this off.  It really did feel like a giant dollhouse, and the fact that you could walk around inside was superfab.

You can find more details and watch a video of the Dollhouse being assembled over on Target's A Bullseye View Blog here.

So what do you think?  Did anyone else get a chance to pop in and explore the Target Dollhouse in person?  Did you take away any design inspiration from the tour {virtually or in real life}?  What Target Threshold products are you swooning over?  For me, it's the kitchen canisters and accessories, the patterned curtain panels and lampshades, the mirrors and gold lanterns.  I seriously couldn't pick just one thing.

Oh, but I am not done just yet.  Target is here to share some love with you and help you fill your home with some Threshold goodness too!  Who wants a $50 Target gift card?!  Great, because today I am giving away 2!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks everyone and good luck!!


As a member of the Target Inner Circle, I was invited to participate in The Dollhouse Event and my travel accommodations were paid for by Target.  Target has provided me with two $50 gift cards for me to give away to two readers/followers.  IHeart Organizing official giveaway rules can be found here.

74 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness! I wish I knew about this earlier...We live 40 min. from NYC. LOVED all the pics...I totally love Target and their new line. Can't pick a favorite...there so many.

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  2. What a fun idea! We're finally getting a Target here on Maui... and I can't wait! =)

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  3. What a fun trip! I loved all of your NYC Instagram pics! I wasn't jealous at all! ;) Such a fun post!

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  4. My cousin works for the promoting company and she was there. We came out to see her and the dollhouse....it was lovely!

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  5. This dollhouse is absurd. And amazing.

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  6. I love the bright colors in Targets threshold line. I love the master bedroom especially because that is how my bedroom has ended up being decorated - around some patterned curtains which were hand me downs from my mother. I was worried all the patterns would clash, but because I was careful to keep the colors the same they actually look awesome, and give my cookie cutter apt complex bedroom lots of character (I miss old British houses :().

    The problem I always end up having with places "styled" like this is how cold they feel. Even with all the color, without the clutter of peoples mementos, personal belongings and everyday lifestyle designed spaces just never feel warm and welcoming to me. This one is definitely one of the most successful I've seen though.

    One more thing....Photos!!! I hate this "modern design trend" where it is apparently unacceptable to display your own photos. Screw that - I hang and display mine with pride, and no, I am not a professional photographer.

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    1. I agree with your photos comment. My home is filled with photos of my kiddos and I wouldn't have it any other way. :)

      xo,
      Jen

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    2. I agree with the comment about the pictures. I like to feel I live in a home, not just a house. My home is not on display or for sale every day. It is just for me and my family. My children and grandchilren now love to see pictures of themselves in our home.

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  7. I love that corner desk nook! Now I am wishing I had an odd corner in my house...

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  8. Oh my gosh, that it SO COOL! Kinda jealous of everyone who got to see it in real life. And add me to the folks who are really liking their new Threshold brand.

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  9. Oh my! Can I move in the Doll House?
    I am totally in love with the kitchen, the little desk nook, be master bedroom and the laundry! Totally found a lor of inspiration! Thank you so much for sharing!

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  10. Oh my goood! I absolutely love this decoration!!

    El blog de lauritapurple

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  11. The kitchen colours are exactly what I am planning in my kitchen when it finally happens. It has given me even more ideas.

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  12. As Liz Lemon would say - I want to go to there.

    Gorgeous, gorgeous post!

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  13. This dollhouse is possibly the coolest idea I have ever seen. I LOVE it. So sad we don't have target here :(

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  14. Beautiful photographs! It's simply house of dreams :)

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  15. Oh my goodness, I love this! Inspiration everywhere! As if I didn't love Target enough already! What a fun trip! Thanks for sharing!

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  16. Such a great opportunity for you! I loved the tour through Target Wonderland. I would've been beside myself :)

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  17. I was just in Target not too long ago and saw all the new Threshold stuff...OMG I cant wait to buy it all for my new house!

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  18. That doll house set up is soooo cool! xo Kristin

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  19. What an incredible experience! How exciting! What I'm dying to know though, is where did you get that adorable dress and belt? :)

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    1. Thanks Sharon! The dress is from Gap and the belt is from The Limited a few years ago. :)

      xo,
      Jen

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  20. lovely house and I love the starburst mirrors

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  21. Thank you for sharing your adventures!
    Hugs,
    Morena

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  22. Oh goodness I am just swooning over that dollhouse. I kept seeing pictures on Instagram but hadn't seen it all together. Did you make a big Target run after that? Also, how did you and Sabrina Soto become friends? She just seems like the nicest person on TV!

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    1. Thanks Megan! I actually met Sabrina about two years ago when she was at my house filming a show for HGTV {more on that here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/04/our-hgtv-story.html}. She is a super lovely person!

      xo,
      Jen

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  23. What a cool experience and what a great house! I loved the color of the front door. I live in a white colonial and inherited the red door/black shutters and have been trying to think of other options. Do you know where they are going to have more info on the house? I poked around on the internet and didn't see much.

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    1. Hi Kate!

      I don't know too many more details about all of the finishes and specifics. Specifically colors and fixtures. So sorry, but I will be sure to update the post if I can snag some more info.

      xo!
      Jen

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  24. It's "y'all" not "ya'll."

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    1. Thanks! I am sure I have been spelling it wrong forever..

      xo,
      Jen

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  25. I wish I could have seen it in person. I wonder who came up with the idea...and how they convinced everyone else it was possible to achieve. Someone deserves a raise! lol

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    1. Haha, not sure, but it was pretty incredible! :)

      xo,
      Jen

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  26. SO cool! And how fun that you were invited to explore to your heart's content! I think that if I could have that laundry room, I would be in heaven *sigh*

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    1. I agree, I was over the moon in love with that laundry room too...

      xo,
      Jen

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  27. That is just too cool...and entire house of Target! Wouldn't that be so fun to decorate, too??

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    1. Totally, their designers did such a great job! Must have been a blast!

      xo,
      Jen

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  28. Jen, in *you*, Target chose a perfect candidate for their "Inner Circle". I adore your blog and your enthusiasm is infectious. You looked fabulous as did the "dollhouse". I can imagine how thrilling it was for you. You deserve all the great things that come your way.

    Best,

    Deby

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    1. Thank you so much Deby! You are sweet as pie my friend!

      xoxoxo!
      Jen

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  29. I love my couch...but I could use some of those Threshold items for decor!

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  30. I am DROOLING over here!! Love Target, LOVE this idea. WOW! When can I move in? :)

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  31. I want that backsplash. Too bad the display was only set up for a couple days because I'm going to be in NYC in 10 days and would have loved to see it!

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  32. Is everything in the dollhouse available at Target? I love the barstools, but have never seen them there.

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    1. I asked someone there, and they said basically everything was Target with the exception of the island, the table and the couch. They look very similar to these: http://www.target.com/p/dakota-adjustable-height-swivel-stool-espresso-bronze/-/A-14204942#prodSlot=large_8_15

      xo!
      Jen

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    2. Oh phooey...I was looking all over trying to find that dining table on Target's website. It's gorgeous!

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  33. Ashley from CanadaMay 15, 2013 at 11:52 AM

    Wow! That house looks phenomonal! I was wondering if you could help me out: That dining room table is EXACTLY what I am looking for! I looked around target's webiste but didn't see it there. Might you have any idea where it's from? I am BEYOND excited for target to FINALLY open up in Ottawa this fall! Thank you so much for your help :)

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    1. Hi Ashley!

      So sorry but I am not totally sure about the table. I asked someone there, and they said basically everything was Target with the exception of the island, the table and the couch. I am with ya, the table is gorgeous!

      xo!
      Jen

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    2. Ashley from CanadaMay 15, 2013 at 1:24 PM

      Thanks so much for the response Jen! That's pretty disappointing, but I suppose not surprising. My search continues... P.S. LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog :)

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    3. pretty sure this is the table in the house..
      http://www.potterybarn.com/products/benchwright-dining-table/?pkey=ctables&
      but there is a more affordable/comparable option at world market...
      http://www.worldmarket.com/product/garner-ext-table.do?&from=fn
      I only know this because i am in LOVE with it, and have both bookmarked...one day! (sigh)

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  34. It looks great! A little of topic, but where is the demin shirt dress?

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    1. The dress is from Gap and the belt is from The Limited a few years ago. :)

      xo, Jen

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  35. WOW! What an absolutely gorgeous space! I am going to study this house like it's my job -- there are just so many amazing ideas! I would totally get in trouble for touching every item in there, too, lol. Also, congrats on becoming a member of the Inner Circle!! You always do so many amazing things with your target finds. Talk about a match made in heaven -- I can't wait to see what you have in store! :D

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  36. Wow this is very cool And all the stuff in the dollhouse is from Target I assume??

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  37. Ok, that house can definitely provide some inspiration!! Gorgeous colors and a fantastic use of space. I need to really take a good look! Thanks so much for the giveaway!! :D

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  38. So pretty and inspiring!! I love that they're all items found at a local Target!!

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  39. That is one of the most swoon-worthy spaces I've even seen!!! No doubt your new kitchen will be just as fabulous as theirs :)

    Congratulations to you on becoming part of their inner circle! What an amazing opportunity.

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    1. I'm another one who'd love to know WHERE I can find that dining room table! Any idea who to contact to ask about it?

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  40. beautiful, like the IKEA showroom but even better!

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  41. Now I'm about to throw a tantrum because I want my own life size doll house. NO FAIR.

    xo,
    Samm
    www.dysfunctionaleverafter.com

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  42. That is an amazing dollhouse! I would have loved to be able to see it in person, but you did a great job showing it through pictures.

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  43. I have to say, I have mixed opinions on blogger partnerships & sponsorships but having read your blog for a couple months this one fits. Kudos to you for holding our for the kind of partnerships that make sense for the brand. I love that this dollhouse is bigger (I think) than my apartment.

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  44. I love the lamps and vases!

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  45. How fun! Looks like you had a great time.

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  46. What a wonderful opportunity! They certainly made the right choice when they asked you to partner up with them. You both fit each other so well. Also, thank you for offering this spectacular giveaway.

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  47. I hope I win! This is amazing and Target is my favorite store!

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  48. What a beautiful idea from Target, this huge dollhouse is so beautiful!

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  49. Where is the couch from?

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  50. This is fantastic! I love Target. This is the perfect example of how to get a high end look at discount prices! TGFT! Thank god for Target!

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  51. Fantabulous photos! Love that Dollhouse, so amazing and what an exciting trip for you, it must have been incredible fun.

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  52. Wow! That life size dollhouse is amazing!! Target recently opened here in Canada and a $50 gift card to shop would make my day. Thanks for the chance to win!! =)

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  53. Oh, I am just praying they do one in the MOA in Minneapolis :) Would of LOVED to go to NYC and see that. What an incredible thing to experience!

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  54. I went the day after when it was open to the public. Eye candy for sure!! My favorite moment though was when there was what appeared to be a homeless woman (sorry if that sounds offensive) throwing those yellow petals in the master bedroom across the bed :)

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  55. I love shopping at Target ( I spend tons of money there) they have really nice stuff at ok prices. However there is really something that bugs me about Target they don't keep anything in stock long. Take the Y-Weave baskets you use in several of your areas they got rid of them and changed colors now they are getting rid of those again. You can not use alot of Target containers because if you need a couple more in a few months they won't have them. I have learned my lesson. Target needs to have a line of organizing containers that it maintains. But they bring new products in and then 3 months later gone never to be seen again. I have several areas which I use the Y-Weaves in Black, Dark Green and the Dark Blue now they don't have any of these in the colors I need and I need at least 4 more of each. I wish they would look at some of the design and organizing blogs there is always a ton of comments how people would use the containers if only the Target would carry them.

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