Decorating around a Piano

This past weekend, I moved our piano to the opposite (and smaller) wall in our living room.  It makes more sense and felt like a huge breath of fresh air to finally have it moved.  This is how I quickly styled it (using everything I already had).....

sorry for the bad iPhone pic!

In my opinion, you can choose different approaches to decorating around a piano depending on your personal preference, style or need.

Since my piano sits in our living room, I wanted a simple and formal look.  However, if our piano sat in our family room, I might consider something like this using family photos:

If you want more of a casual approach, I would do a gallery wall.  Adding a gallery wall helps soften the rather large piano and also helps to fill the blank walls around it.

If you want a casual look, but are not up to the task of hanging a gallery wall, consider a layered look.  I really love this look too....

Have a piano, but you don't want to make it the focal point?  Consider painting the room a bold color....

OR add an oversized mirror or an oversized piece of art....

(BTW, love how this piano is a matte black!)

And, if by chance, you happen to be renovating and want to include your piano in the design, I really like this idea of adding a built-in or molding details to distract your view from the piano, but add a great display of accessories!  

A Dining Room Refresh

I recently completed a design for a client's dining room who I have been very lucky to work with for a while now!  She wanted to update her dining room and wasn't sure where to start. We initially talked about just changing the paint color and well, one thing led to the next, and you know how that goes! :)

Here is a breakdown of how her space will get a new look:

1) The things that couldn't change were the aqua colored window treatments and her mahogany chippendale dining room set.  To start, I wanted to break-up the all the brown in the furniture and so my client boldly agreed to PAINT her dining room chairs a creamy off-white!  The dining room table and chairs pictured above in the design board are actually hers (after she painted the chairs)!!

2) My clients LOVES audubon artwork.  I suggested a large framed audubon print over her buffet table.  It's the perfect spot for something dramatic because you immediately see it in when you enter through the front door.  The audubon's colors are fantastic and determined the rest of the color palette for the space.  Below is a more detailed shot of what I was envisioning....

3) We decided to go bold and paint the walls a beautiful blue green teal.  

4) She also has a beautiful hutch I suggested that she re-paint in a chalky, plaster like off-white color with distressed edges.  The hutch will be flanked with two Ballard Designs Louis chairs upholstered in green velvet with some contrasting welt.  

5) I suggested the Brunschswig and Fils Les Touches fabric for the pillows on her Louis chairs and a warm peacock hue check for the seats of her dining room chairs.  

6) Lastly, we will be accessorizing with a lot of blue and white accessories and bamboo accents as a nod to the hollywood regency look!  

Visiting Draper James

My husband and I escaped for a one night getaway to Nashville this past weekend and it was exactly what we needed (other than more of it, but I will take what I can get)!  It took a combination of friends and neighbors to watch my little ones at home, but I guess that is what they call, 'parent life', huh?

Nashville was great!!  First time there and I absolutely LOVED it.  The beautifully manicured residential areas with pea gravel driveways, the cool/hip stores on 12th Ave South, the pedestrian shopping areas, Franklin's downtown, Leiper's Fork, and it's very down to earth, southern hospitality and friendliness.  It all was so good.

Of course, I visited Reese Witherspoon's flagship store, Draper James.  I love Mark D. Sikes, interior designer who designed the store, and his use of all things blue and white!!

It was so MUCH better in person and I truly was inspired.  I  'geek-ed' out ALL over this store and it wasn't until I came home that it struck me why the interiors of this store really left an impression on me.

It had every element of design that I love (and I mean really, really love when creating a home).  It was one of those Oprah 'A-Ha' moments where you get to experience everything you love in one space.

The store is designed much like a home which is such a brilliant idea and concept.  When you walk in you're greeted with a large table similar to a large round pedestal table in a foyer and a beautiful plaster chandelier that hung in the store's entry.

I am obsessed with the store's lighting choices and this chandelier had a Stray Dog Design feel, but I don't believe it is from them.  It was large, beautiful and made a statement.  And, I LOVED that it was whimsical.  It seriously was the last thing I expected as one of the design elements in this southern store and it was so perfect (in my humble opinion).

Next, your eyes are immediately drawn to the back wall where dark navy grasscloth hangs showcasing gorgeous artwork and serves as a backdrop to the store's countertops which are meant to mimic a kitchen island.  And, yes, the counters are thick slabs of marble!! 

Here, the built-ins are meant to mimic kitchen cabinetry or a butler's pantry.  I adore the antique brass utility latches on the glass fronts (I recently recommended this style of hardware to one of my clients) and the style of brass hardware pulls used for the drawers.  The combination of white and gold really speaks to my love for things a bit feminine, but the brass keeps things grounded which is classic and timeless.  The library boston sconce installed above the built-in cabinetry ties in the gold and white and looks brilliant next to navy. 

Pictured above are the modern counter stools pulled up to the store's countertop.  Another element I love is the bit of California thrown into an otherwise traditional, classic and all-American mix!  

This beautiful brass and navy lantern hanging near the vibrant blue whicker chairs imitate the 'family' or living room.  

Pictured above is the 'family room' and I love how Serena and Lily's blue tonal striped dhurrie is layered over a natural fiber rug coupled with the blue Bielecky Brothers wicker lounge chairs. The chairs were SO comfortable!!

I saw dentil molding, vertically planked walls and beadboard.  Above, an example of the store's full length mirror encased in beautiful molding!  The store's walls were either pristine white backdrops or wallpapered in either beautiful paper or fabric, as shown below.  

Above is Quadrille's Palampore Stripe fabric draped on the walls with navy grosgrain trim.  Beautiful!!

Above was another favorite spot of mine. It did the perfect job of resembling a kitchen nook.  Obsessed with everything about this space.  I love Carolina Irving's Palermo (whimsical) print and Patmos Stripe on the banquette.  All these fabrics work beautifully together!  

A close-up of the gorgeous textiles with the beautiful navy and brass sconce!!  LOVE!  

The store's fitting rooms - gasp - obviously, resembling a home's bedroom and/or closet area.  I am dying to use Farrow and Ball's closet striped wallpaper in someone's home!!  Again, dark navy doors with brass fixtures!! Here, we see a repeated design element of stripes.  

I love the play of vertical and horizontal stripes in the same space!! So fun!  And, the closet hooks!!  I need these!  I found a similar type here, but not in the brass finish.   

I've used the sconce's shade fabric in a client's project before and I love it!!  Perfect for a fabric covered lampshade.  

The color scheme was definitely blue and white, but I love how Mark Sikes threw in 'yellow' to keep things fresh, young and modern.  He has such an amazing eye and love all his touches of playfulness.

I will have to save the artwork for another post - it definitely was a highlight of the store as well as, the store's bathroom, believe it or not!! 

Visiting this store did not disappoint and it confirmed all the things I love and would like to emulate in my own home.  It gave me loads of inspiration and perhaps the little shove I need to finally finish some projects. 

Case in point, I immediately purchased this rug to go in my kitchen nook! :)

Spring Vibes...

Here are some things that I'm loving this spring season…..of course, all blue and white.  I couldn't resist.

1. This gorgeous white Visual Comfort pagoda-esque lamp is on mega-sale on OKL.  I completely envision two of these flanking a console/desk with a bold mirror or a fun piece of art.

2. I love John Robshaw's new fabric, Sata, for Duralee and I could see this fabric upholstered on a Cisco Brother's Piper loveseat with this paint color on the walls!

3. This pick is a departure for me, but hang with me for a moment.  I saw this wallpaper used here and I just loved it!  I think it could look fabulous in small doses and I can't believe it is from Thibaut!

4. This is such a fun desk at a reasonable price that comes in SO many colors!  Would be fun as a console!  It reminds me of Blu dot's strut console, but with a lot more color options and for a lot less.

5. Lastly, who doesn't love a good audubon print!  Seeing these prints in the latest HB issue reminded me how much I truly do love them and need to find a spot in my home for one! 

Dreamy

I'm sure many of you have already seen Rebecca De Ravenel's sunny abode in Domino, if not, you're in for a beautiful home tour.  If you've already seen it, I am sorry you have to see these pictures again, but I couldn't resist not sharing on my blog.  It's that good.

I have to admit this room's paint color has me completely rethinking the paint color I picked for my living room (FB Blackened).  I was all set for a very pale gray with blue undertones, but now I see this and I am rethinking my decision.  Ugh.  I hate when that happens.

If I ever win the lottery, I would love to own Paule Marrot's piece of art called 'Clouds' seen above over the tortoise looking console.  In my dreams, I know.   It is so beautiful, calming, serene and feminine.  

Back to Rebecca's home.  I love the white octagon coffee table and bits of rattan.  Hillary Thomas' shop has a gorgeous white lacquered octagon table (just like this) (on super sale) here.  If I had the space, I'd snatch it up! 

Of course, I spot all my favorite designer's fabrics in my favorite colors.

So much goodness - woven shades, Lulu DK art, ticking slipcovers, awning stripes, raoul textiles…..the list goes on! I love how the decor is so effortless and eclectic.  

Ahh…the bedroom.  Blues and pinks.  Love it all!   So many things to study and to look at.  Do you remember her NY apartment published in Vogue?  See below.  This is how her bedroom looked back then.

And, here is more of now.

Raoul's blue and white Kashmir delft gets me all the time!  How wonderful does it look on that little tufted settee and in her bedroom!  And, the pink shaded sconce?   I remember that settee in her NY apartment which was in her living room.  See below.  

It's always fun to see how designers re-purpose their furnishings.  The settee looks great in both settings.

If you're interested in seeing her NY apartment in Vogue, go here.  It's always fun to see how her style has evolved and how she switched things around!  

Wishful Gift Guides for the Home

I hope you all enjoyed your wonderful Thanksgiving.  Ours was relaxing because we didn't have to host this year and so we got quite a bit of down time to relax with family and do some fun winter activities.  I didn't start any Christmas decorations other than planting two dwarf evergreen trees in our planters flanking our front door.  I plan on cutting some magnolia branches to add to the planters as as well.

I did have some time to make up some 'wishful' guides the home!  Ha!  Priorities, right??  These are all things I love and would welcome as new additions to our home.

I've noticed over the year, when it comes to receiving/giving gifts, I much prefer to receive/give a gift for the home.  Personally, I don't want clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc.  I would much rather be gifted a piece for our home whether it's candles, a lamp, mirror, vase or throw.  

Mirror, Lamp, Throw, Vase, Stool, Accent Table, Bowl

I noticed a theme in my choices - lots of white with touches gold, blue, green and natural wood.

Art, Lantern, Ginger Jar, Rug, Ottoman

Over the break, I thought long and hard about our living room and kitchen which haven't been touched since we moved into our home.  Our living room still sits unfurnished with only a piano and just primed walls (no paint).  Many of these choices are influenced by those ideas - neutral base with touches of sky blue and sea foam green.

Hook, Pillow, Vase, Chair, Wine Bucket, Accent Table

Hope you enjoyed!  And, while these gift guides are fun - mostly dreaming on my part, I don't want to forget that yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent and the Advent season has begun.  :)

Client Preview: Adding Abstract Art in the Living Room

While everyone is talking holiday guides and Thanksgiving preparations, I thought I'd switch it up and talk about abstract art!  Think of it as a pretty distraction!

I'm working with a client who wants to hang a large abstract piece over her antique chest of drawers in her living room.  I love when this is done because it is a great example of mixing traditional with current elements.

Blue Print Store

Do you notice how the art is larger than the dresser?  This works because the drapery panels on either side of the piece of art frame the space.

My client will have her abstract art commissioned.  We are simultaneously working on a fabric scheme for the same room which will influence the colors of her artwork.  Below is the initial stages of a potential fabric scheme.

I think this is a great way to make sure that everything is coordinated and seamless.  Many artists will work with you if you have a specific color palette in mind.

Stephanie Wheeler via Blue Print Store

Do you notice how the art is positioned to the left more?  This is done so the lamp doesn't interfere with the art too much.  

Blue Print Store

I spy one of my favorite ceramic bowls!  This is on my holiday wish list this year. 

A Cy Twombly inspired piece of art by Kayce Hughes - Sarah Bartholomew

Here is a smaller piece of art over an antique chest and it works because the lamp help frames it.  Can you imagine how lost that piece of art would be without the lamp?

Of course, when it comes to your living room, you can always place a large piece of abstract art over your sofa.  

Robert Rea via Blue Print Store

This is gorgeous and can I tell you lately I'm having such a thing for pastels in the home.  It's serious and has me re-thinking my current color scheme.  

Collins Interiors via MyDomaine

If your sofa sits in front of a window, consider hanging smaller pieces of abstract next to the window (like above) to frame it.

Here are just a few of my favorite sources for abstract art: Lucy Williams, Katherine Jury, Rene Bouchon, Kose Bose, Karen Smidth, Tyler Colgan, Jean Jack, Mary Rountree Moore, Lisa Di Stefano, Kayce Hughes

One Room Challenge - Week 5

One more week left for the One Room Challenge (ORC) and still lots to wrap up!  With a chest cold and 20% of my voice left, I got sidelined this past week but slowly getting back in the saddle. (I hope)!

I finally hung up my Serena and Lily mirror  above (that I've had for a while) and some art (that I have also had) above the desk that sits on the opposite wall of the bed!  Since the mirror is small, I need to balance the size of my desk with some artwork around the mirror.  I want to keep it simple and not have a cluttered look.

My desk is a black french inspired desk from Ballard Designs that I got long ago that I will pair with a white slipcovered parsons chair from Ikea.  Desk style similar to below minus the gold detailing.

I finally hung up my  DIY bulletin board (a huge piece of homasote that I reupholstered with ticking fabric) and this will sit above the bench. 

Hanging this was a lot trickier than I originally thought and planned!  Below you can see the bulletin board hung on the wall above the bench with the bed's euro sham and bolster!

So, where am I now?  Oh yes, the headboard.  The headboard has been the most interesting component of this challenge.  I have a new found respect for all the DIY-ers who have made one of these before.  Here is the headboard upholstered with the raffia fabric (bad picture). 

I'm 70% completed with the nailhead and I'll be honest I am not sure I love the headboard with the nailhead.  I know - the horror!!  

I can't put my finger on it as to why, just yet, but I'm hesitating whether to move forward with completing the nailhead or not.  It breaks my heart because I want to love it and after five hours of your life that you won't get back, that is a hard pill to swallow. 

But, that is where I am and I guess both you and I will have to wait for the reveal to see if I decide to keep the nailhead or not.  

But, I know one thing, I'm ready to get this room done!!!  Looking forward to next week - see you then!!  Go here to check out what my other fellow ORC-ers are doing!!