New Traditional

What better way to get inspired for the new year than by a new project designed by Studio McGee? This is (by far) my favorite project they've showcased.  I like to call it the 'new traditional'.  

In a square room like this one, a round table is a smart design choice.  Helps make the room easy to navigate.  

Mixing in modern elements, like this lamp, helps keep the room feeling young and fresh.   Like the lamp, but not the price tag?  

Here is a similar one half the cost.  

The dining room is a show stopper, no?  The Hollyhock wallpaper!  I'm in love.   The mix of the light wood furnishings with the dark wood stained floors helps keep the room feeling fresh and airy.  

Like floor color?  Mix one half Ebony and one half Jacobean from Minwax to achieve a similar wood stain.

Such good flow. 

If you are like me and love everything about the look of this project, don't hesitate to contact me and I'll help you create this look for your home!!  And, if you love the dining room wallpaper, it was meant to be, because we are then soul sisters! ;)

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!  

Perfection

Where has this week gone?  It's flying, I tell ya.  This week I received a photo of my client's new art in her living room!!  I can't wait to share some pictures!!  In the meantime, this room below has my name ALL over it.  Seriously, there isn't an element in this room that I don't love!

I love how fresh (and not dowdy) Colefax and Fowler's bowood (fabric on the sofa) feels in this room!!  Love the touches of pink, ticking club chairs, morrocan tables, candlestick lamps, rattan ottoman, animal print rug, that drum pendant and Quadrille's Persepolis wallpaper!!  I mean it all works!!  So genius.  I found this picture via I Suwannee.  I'm dying to know the designer!

Anyone know??  It reminds me of Hillary Thomas' work??

Monday Blues + One

In typical Monday fashion, I didn't have enough time to publish a post yesterday (but I had every intention, so does that count?) and so hence, the title! :)

Reese Witherspoon's new store, Draper James, in Nashville is so beautiful!  I love all the shades of blue, white, stripes, and touches of brass!!  Great inspiration!

Get the look:

{Rug, Chair, Sconce, Lampshade, Wallpaper, Pillows}

PS:  I LOVE the lampshade and am currently using this fabric in a living room project!  It is so pretty in person!!

A Kitchen Refresh

I am working with a client who is looking to update her kitchen.  I actually started working with this client last year when she wanted to re-do her family room and has now moved onto her kitchen.

On the bucket list for her kitchen refresh is new white cabinets, new wall paint, new window treatments, new quartz counters, subway tile backsplash and polished nickel fixtures.  This is all on a budget as this is not her forever home, but she doesn't want to wait forever to enjoy it.  Here are some of her inspiration pictures:

Do you see a theme here?  White, white, white, nickel hardware with touches of blue!  Dreamy!!  I love working with clients whose personal aesthetic is so pretty.   

First phase (happening the end of this month) is new wall color, installation of cabinets, temporary butcher block counters and window treatments.   Here is the current design board…

It feels good to start off the New Year with such a fresh, clean and crisp palette!!

E- Design: A Stylish Entry for a Starter Home

A couple of months ago, a reader contacted me who wanted help with her entry.  She recently got married and she and her husband just bought their first home in Connecticut.

Like many starter homes, space is limited and trying to make a good first impression in a very small entryway can be challenging.  Fortunately, when space is limited, it allows you to stretch your budget because the number of items needed is less.

It was important to this young and stylish reader, that there be some sort of table to house keys, mail and a pretty lamp.  To accomplish this, I picked a demilune table that is perfect for small spaces.  It provides a usable surface, but it's shallow enough to be tucked away.

My reader also wanted the space to be chic, feminine, but also sophisticated.  She loves hints of colors especially pastels.  I knew a decorative rug was key to infusing the color she wanted and a vintage rug fit the bill.  The scalloped flush mount, mirror and table all play to the feminine side while the gray paint and ceramic lamp keep it sophisticated and grounded.  

So, there you have it!!  She loves it and can't wait to start implementing it.  If you need help designing a room, please feel free to contact me! 

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.  :)

ORC: Week Six - Final Reveal

I can officially say that I have completed Linda's One Room Challenge and survived to tell about it!!!  I might've neglected my family, our pet fish and the house for the past week, but I am very, very happy with the outcome!!  AND I can also officially say (and my husband will agree) that our guest room is soooo much nicer than our master bedroom - and there is something completely not right with that!

I am happy to share it with you.  Here is my guest room reveal….

Those beautiful brass nailheads caused a couple of gray hairs and took so painstakingly long.  For every one I got right, I ruined about twenty.  No joke.  But, it worth the hundreds I saved from buying a new headboard.  

If you remember, below is a picture of our guest room BEFORE:

And, this is our guest room (and which also pulls double duty as my office) AFTER:

Below is a snapshot of my huge homasote DIY bulletin board that also serves as my catch all inspiration and design planing board. 

And, my little desk below surrounded by all the many things I love and treasure.  

For those of you who have followed along, thank you so much for sticking with me!  This was a great challenge for me personally and professionally!  If there is enough interest, I'd be happy to put a blog post together about my DIY headboard.  I think I spent approximately $180 in materials and supplies at the end of the day. 

If you are just tuning in, I've just spent the past six weeks participating in Linda's One Room Challenge and you are welcome to read more about my guest room's transformation during the previous weeks here.   Thank you Linda for hosting my first ever ORC.  Hop over here to see the other participants and their crazy transformations. 

Also, I'd like to thank Nicole Pullen who helped me with the photography! She is based in Louisville.

Sources are listed below.

Paint // Euro Fabric // Lumbar Pillow // Coverlet // Scalloped Sheets // Bed Skirt // Sconces // Headboard Fabric // Headboard Nailhead // Bench // Bench Pillows // Desk // Desk Chair // Mirror // Desk lamp //