A Passion For Home

The Santorini...

My connection to Atlanta when it comes to home design and furnishings is Things that Inspire.  I do not need to travel to Atlanta as Holly, author of Things that Inspire, are my eyes and ears.  I read about a great home element on her blog and the next thing you know, I am browsing faucets at Waterworks.  

Her business, Quatrefoil Design (which was just featured in Atlanta Magazine recently), introduced me to framed intaglios.  I now own 4 pieces, thanks to her blog and design site.  

Quite often she discusses design elements in a home, some of which I've never heard of.  I now have chevron floors

Image from Things that Inspire

 and an allée of trees on my dream home wish list.

Image from Things that Inspire

After collaborating back and forth with Holly about furniture and accessories, she introduced me to the Painted Edge line by The Gables Antiques in Atlanta.  

One glance at the Lido Desk and I was pining for a new home office.

I saw the Higgins Drinks Table while visiting Charlotte recently at a local design shop.  I am entranced by the shape of this table.

It was the Santorini Console that won me over.  

I had not seen it in person but I knew it was the ideal piece of furniture to place behind our sofa in the family room.

The one design element that attracted me to the Santorini Console are the 'x' shaped legs underneath the tabletop.  

It fills-up the back of the sofa with great shape and muscle, so-to-speak.

The finish met my expectations and then some. 

I studied the paint samples for severals days, placing them in the family room during daylight, sunset and evening.

The outcome exceeded my expectations.  And I couldn't be more content than I am today with this piece of furniture.  It's amazing what it can do to one's mood when you have achieved perfect harmony in your home.

It is with thanks to Holly who assisted me with this order from The Gables Antiques which included purchasing the sample finishes, placing the order and arranging delivery.  If you are interested in learning more about this line, please contact Holly at ThingsThatInspire@gmail.com.  

Once again I am very appreciative of blogs that inspire me, the camaraderie among the authors behind those blogs and the opportunity to own a piece of furniture made in the U.S.A.

Federal style and stars...

There are a number of design elements I favor and stars are one of them.  It's a classic design and patriotic in a sense, if you think of our American flag.  Perhaps that is one reason you often see this design element in settings that represent a Federal style. 

Below represents patriotism and very Federal, indeed. 

Image from the Monticello Catalog

Just like this Federal Bulls Eye mirror from 1st Dibs.

 
The light finish is what I love most about this mirror.  And the detail and carved figures are exquisite.

Here's another Bulls Eye mirror from 1st Dibs with stars around the perimeter.

My attempt at incorporating a star-embellished mirror comes from Wisteria.

 
The photo is straight from my iPhone, so please excuse the lack of lighting and focus.  Seeing this mirror in the catalog, I knew it was something I wanted in order to add visual stimulation to our foyer.  That is not to say, though, it will remain in the foyer.  I'm always re-working and re-tooling spaces in our home. 

I also favor stars as a design element on floors and can't think of a better example to share than one designed by Mary Douglas Drysdale (if you click-on Ms. Drysdale's name, it will take you directly to the source of this photo) and the decorative painting by well-known artist, Tom Hickey and his company, Riding Tide Inc.

Notice the stars around the perimeter of another design on the bottom right-side of the photo.  Clean and classic.  It gives me a strong urge to strip our floors and stencil them in an attempt to achieve the same look. Actually, my husband would not be excited about stripping our floors right now but a girl can dream, right?

Speaking of dreaming, I discovered a beautiful and sophisticated mirror in a Flor catalog yesterday. 

 

Has anyone seen this mirror?  I plan to contact Flor and see if they can help provide a source.  It is a stunning mirror.  And I say this even though you cannot see it in it's entirety.  With gray walls, it stands out so nicely.  I can't stop thinking about it.

This mirror from Bee Line Home by Bunny Williams where stars decorate the inside of the frame.

I agree whole-heartedly with Bunny Williams when she says "one can never own too many mirrors". 

As for lighting, I enjoy seeing a unique design, a star being one of them.

 
Circa Lighting - Sofia Flush Mount

Designed by Alexa Hampton, it casts a delicate glow through the frosted glass with two 40 watt bulbs. 

This chandelier, designed by Eric Cohler, captures the design element on a ceiling plate. 

Circa Lighting - Venetian Chandelier

I admire a designer's ability to take something traditional and turn it into a modern classic.   

Even details like fabric star ornaments appeal to me.  Their shape provides another dimension my eyes very much enjoy.

How clever of Ms. Drysdale to include a star-shaped pillow on this bed. 

It's the little things that mean a lot in a home. 

Take a look at the pot holders hanging on the wall Ms. Drysdale designed for this kitchen.

 
Her attention to detail is second-to-none. 

You can read more about this Maine Beach House on Jennifer Sergent's DC by Design blog.  It's art for the eyes.

May you enjoy this visual journey into star-land and continue to stay inspired.

White Toast...

When reading blogs, I must proceed with caution.  All it took was a recommendation from Cote de Texas and I was hooked.  

Joni recommended the Cheese platter from Joanne Hudson by providing a link on her blog.  Of course I clicked onto the website and that is all she wrote.  Immediately, I was sucked into kitchenware wonderment and decided we needed new cereal bowls.

Thanks to White Toast's line of cereal bowls, I now have a stylish bowl to fill Rice Chex with each morning. It's not 'Vanilla Ice Cream' but it's the next best thing.  

I do not know anything about Emma Bridgewater from the U.K., but I now utilize her cereal bowls.  Just about anything in cream & beige speaks to me which is why her White Toast line appealed to me.

I am now saving my pennies for her pasta bowls.  

Forever Green Art...

It all began in 2002 when I read an article on preserved topiaries in the Home section of the Washington Post. The article featured a company by the name of Forever Green Art.  The photos with their preserved topiaries placed indoors and outdoors really captured the true essence of what I was seeking in achieving a timeless classic style in our home.

I selected a pair of Blue Point Junipers in urns where they flanked the staircase in our previous home. They survived a move and now sit happily in a guest room, helping to conceal empty space between the bed and console.  

 They remain healthy today as they did when I purchased them 8 years ago.

Only slight aging is noticeable.

They are maintenance-free and require no watering and sunlight.  For me, this is ideal as my responsibilities as a plant-owner are non-existant.  My mother takes pity on our plants whenever she visits. 

The label on the bottom of the urn indicates the juniper was planted in June 1998 and preserved in June 2002.  

As I was seeking updated information on Forever Green Art, I learned that Bellacor carries their line and are offering great deals at the moment.  

I try to tame myself when it comes to topiaries.  If I were to give-in to every topiary I admired, I'd have a museum dedicated to these luscious greens in our home by now.  

Do you need business cards???

CONGRATULATIONS, DENISE!!!

If you do, then you will want to enter this contest for a free set of 500 business cards sponsored by Overnight Prints.  They print business cards, postcards and more.

 

Although the holidays have come and gone, I'm thinking ahead to Christmas 2010 when it comes to gift-giving ideas as Overnight Prints also offers customized bookmarks.  How neat would it be to insert a bookmark that includes your favorite quote on a selected photo into a book as a gift.  Better yet, you could gift an address book that includes a bookmark with your contact details, particularly if you just moved.

A postcard featuring a favorite photo, like your new home, is another way to share that you've just moved. Postcards are also a nice alternative to invitations. Send a postcard of a photo of your favorite wine or bubbly and invite friends and family over for a celebration.  

As much as I love to make my own holiday greeting cards, I'm thinking I may like to send postcards next holiday season.  

The ideas are endless.  

A set of business cards always come in handy.  When I attend social events, I like to have cards handy to give out with my contact information.  It is always a joy to connect with folks, particularly if you share common interests.  

If you'd like to see what Overnight Prints is all about, start here by leaving a comment and I will select and announce one winner of a set of 500 business cards on Tuesday evening, January 13 (Thirteen is my lucky number, I hope it's yours too).  

Let the contest begin and good luck to all!

Intaglios...

If it weren't for Things that Inspire, I would have never discovered such wonderfully classic works of art by Quatrefoil Design.

If it weren't for Willow Decor, I would have never realized just how beautiful this work of art would look on the walls of her home.

If it weren't for my dear friend, Kitty, who shares a great appreciation for classical inspirations, prompting a discussion of this type of artwork, I may not have noticed new pieces being offered by Quatrefoil Design.

The new pieces I am referring to are two 17 3/4" x 21 3/4" framed intaglios, named the Joni I and Joni II. They were inspired by designs from Joni, author of the infamous design blog, Cote de Texas.  

My order arrived just before Christmas, and before Santa could say "Ho, Ho, Ho," they were hung in our upstairs hallway.

 Merry Christmas, hallway!  And Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you.  

Capitals...

For the love of all things architectural, I hope you will join me in admiring a few capitals I discovered online:

Vintage Wooden Capitals from Wisteria.  The display looks so inviting. Such a shame they are on backorder right now because I'd love to ask Santa for one.

Speaking of Santa, look at this Corinthian Christmas Tree Stand, also from Wisteria.  I've never seen anything like it before.  It casts an appearance of romanticism with a bit of ruggedness.

Very sexy, architecturally-speaking.

I am now contemplating ideas on next year's tree decor.  

Restoration Hardware's Roman Capital makes for a nice pedestal. Even all alone, it speaks volumes in terms of great design and curves. 

And these are the type of curves I would not mind having.  

Pretty & Practical Buys for the Home...

...via today's Washington Post, included was a feature on gift ideas for the home.  It is worth checking out.  They included gift ideas from Valerianne, a linen shop I've come to know and the egg crates from Anthropologie are unique and adorable.

For you online shoppers, they included links.  How convenient. 

What a woman wants...

I wish I could speak for every woman and help those in need of gift ideas for the female gender.  I can only speak for myself when I say that I am fickle.  One day, I could be in the mood for a nice pair of cowboy boots and the next I'm asking for a toilet.  Yes, I still want the Toto toilet.

Today, I am sharing a few gift ideas that perhaps the woman or women in your life could want. 

Wallets are a standard gift in our household.  I usually purchase one for my mom every other year.  The Nordstrom Croco Clutch Wallet is a wonderfully thin yet practical wallet.  I know someone who owns one and each time she whips it out, I think "what a nice wallet".  It's not bulky and is quite a stylish accessory.

And more importantly, there are plenty of credit card slots and a zippered change purse. 

The Roberto Coin Small Diamond Circle necklace has a delicate dose of diamonds that won't break the bank.  In 18k white gold, which goes with just about anything.  It's quite a classy gift.

Apple's Magic Mouse is one I can recommend personally.  It's the next best thing to sliced bread.  There are no wheels or buttons to contend with.  To better acquaint yourself with this mouse, it's best to watch the video.

If she travels frequently, the Vera Bradley Frill YTB Duffel Bag is the ideal accessory.  I use this bag to carry all my toiletries, cosmetics, blow dryer, the works.

I like that it is laminated.  And there is something about the shape of this bag that makes it so sexy.

If you wish to gift someone with a fragrance, be sure you know what they like.  Otherwise, you can purchase a sample box of colognes, like Jo Malone's collection.  Like artwork, you really need to know the person you are buying for because it's such a personal preference.

And if she loves photography, cameras always make a nice gift.  From point-and-shoots to digital SLRs, you can't go wrong.  If she has a digital SLR, a lens is ideal such as the Canon 100mm macro for close-up photography or 85mm for portraits.

May these gift ideas help get you jump started with your gift-giving tasks.

Gift me a card, please...

Today was spent not out at the shopping malls but at home, in my pajamas shopping online.  It was nice to take advantage of some great deals and not have to leave my home.

 As much as I like to shop for products for loved ones, I am finding that gift cards are the easiest and practical way to go in our family.  And what I discovered today is Amazon offers gift cards not only for their own website but for many other retailers too.  It certainly makes life easy for me to shop from one site.

In addition to Amazon's selection of gift cards, I have a few others to recommend:

Joann.com is a great, all-around gift card for nearly any type of crafter.  Sewing, knitting, scrapbooking, jewelry-making, and so-on.  I think it is the most well-rounded destination for crafters.

A gift card to Starbucks is very practical.  With the cold weather moving-in, it would be hard to resist a Gingerbread Latte'.  

GiftCertificates.com offers a neat concept in gift certificates where they are redeemable and exchanged for original gift certificates from various retailers.  It gives the recipient to select the retailer of their choice.

The Container Store is one shop I could spend hours in, looking at anything that could possibly make my life easier and more organized.  Right now, they are offering a great deal where if you purchase $100 in gift cards, you get a $25 gift card for yourself.  

Target...what a great place to shop for just about anything.  Toys, home accessories, clothing, beauty, music, electronics and all sorts of great things that cause us to leave the store with more shopping bags then we intended.  I like the ability to purchase their gift cards online so I may send them directly to the gift recipient.

iTunes gift cards are what any iPod user can benefit from.  

Nordstrom is one of my favorite department stores.  And for folks who love shoes, they have a great selection to choose from in all shapes and sizes.

Gift cards are great stocking fillers too.  

I hope your Thanksgiving with family and friends were filled with special moments.  And that today's kick-off to the holiday shopping season was a productive one.

Spending time in the kitchen...

Hanging out in the kitchen watching my guy cook is what I do often.  It's not that I cannot cook, I just do not possess a desire to cook.  On a rare occasion, I will follow a recipe and attempt to create something magical but most often, I defer to my guy to create the magic.  And he loves it.

Because he loves to cook, I've decided to upgrade his 4-cup capacity food processor to a 16-cup Cuisinart food processor that is exclusive to Williams-Sonoma for Christmas, so this is our secret.  I'm not exactly sure he needs 16-cups but I decided to go all out given his joy for cooking.

You can purchase the 14-cup Cuisinart food processor just about anywhere including Amazon where it has received rave reviews.

For our wedding anniversary, I gave him cookware by Gordon Ramsay.  Yes, he's a huge fan.  Most nights our TV is tuned into BBC America where Kitchen Nightmares is on from 5-7pm.

As for the cookware, he loves it.  My intention was to purchase well-known and highly-rated All-Clad cookware until I read the reviews on Amazon on Ramsay's cookware by Royal Doulton. 

Does anyone in your family like to grill?  A grill light comes in handy, especially when it's a cloudy day or if you grill at night.

I think my Dad would enjoy this.  If I had not already purchased his Christmas present (a Bluetooth Car Kit), I would go ahead and purchase the grill light.  Gee, I think I found his Father's Day gift.  Just planning ahead here.

Speaking of my Dad, he too is a cooking enthusiast and swears by his latest toy, a Kitchen-Aid Waffle Maker.  Last Christmas morning, we had the best Belgian waffles made from this contraption.  The waffles cook on both sides of the plate. 

My personal recommendation is the Keurig Single-Cup coffee system.  It is the one appliance in our kitchen I use often.  There are numerous k-cup flavors to choose from.  My favorites are Green Mountain Coffee's Hazelnut and when it's available, their Limited Edition French Toast flavor.

A universal knife is the Santoku.  I observe many chefs on TV using this knife and gifted my guy with one several years ago who enjoys chopping and slicing with it.  It's small enough to fit into a stocking too.

The Le Crueset Dutch Oven is something I am contemplating for my guy for Christmas.  It looks to be the ideal piece of cookware for stews and casseroles.  If the cook in your family has just about everything and you do not know what to get, perhaps this dutch oven is your answer.

There are a number of lists I am working on and will continue to share them over the next few days.  I am certainly enjoying myself with sharing these ideas as it is helping me move along with my holiday shopping tasks as well.

I hope you are enjoying these lists too.

For the love of food and drink...

Cooking is not my passion but food is.  With my favorite food, there always seems to be a great beverage waiting to be consumed.  And I'm always willing to oblige.

If your gift-giving takes you down the path of food and drink, here are a few ideas worth considering:

For the cookie monster, Cheryl & Co. offers a scrumptuous selection of cookies, including frosted cookies, brownies and wonderfully baked delectables. 

If you can't be with your loved ones during the holidays, this is one way of reaching out...with love and sugar.

Speaking of sugar, how about the Barefoot Contessa?  Ina Garten's cooking shows are like eye candy to me and I love seeking recipes from her cookbooks for my guy to try.  Ms. Garten also has a line of baking goods and accessories available at Stonewall Kitchen.

A 'meat and potatoes' type person would love a juicy slice of beef.  Pfaelzer Bros. offers all sorts of meats.  They also offer desserts and other entrees. 

If you are feeling very generous, you could give a monthly gift plan as well. 

For beverages, you could start with coffee beans from the infamous chain of Starbucks.  There are many who prefer to make their daily run to the coffee shop personally, but if they like to brew their own coffee, beans are good.

Tea drinkers might enjoy Numi Organic Tea.  They have all sorts of teas but my favorite are the flowering teas.  I love to give these teas as a Get Well gift.  Tea is a great beverage any time of the day but when I don't feel well, I always enjoy a cup of tea to nuture those 'I don't feel good' emotions.

For those who enjoy a glass of red, white and/or bubbly, there are 3 websites I'd like to recommend:  Wine.com, The Wine Messenger and My Wines Direct.  They are great websites and each have a variety of wines to choose from. 

If they enjoy seafood, perhaps sending a Lobster from LobsterGram would be a welcome gift.  Our realtor likes to give Lobster as a Housewarming gift. 

These gifts are an ideal way of "sending" your love from afar.

If your gift-giving list includes those who like to cook, I will share ideas on that very topic tomorrow. 

Bon Appetit!

Electronically speaking...

As I begin to focus on my shopping list for the holidays, I also listed items I would recommend as gifts to anyone who is seeking inspiration and ideas.  Although these ideas may not be exactly what you are looking for, sometimes it can lead to other ideas. 

Today, I thought I'd start with electronics.  In our household, it seems to be the number one genre of gift-giving.  

The Bose Soundlink Wireless Music System:  From what I've read about this piece of equipment, you can plug the link into the USB of your computer and play music from your iTunes account, internet radio, satellite radio from your online account.  And it's wireless and requires no software. 

I'm honestly considering putting this system on my wish list.

Amazon Kindle:  Any novel-reader would appreciate a piece of electronics such as this.  My friends rave about it and we recently gave one as a gift to my 2nd mother.  You do not have to link it to your computer.  Simply set-up an Amazon account and order your books directly from the Kindle using the 3G network, just like a cell phone.  You can change the size of the font and it even offers an audio version of the book in most cases. 

I've often thought about purchasing a Kindle just to house a collection of cookbooks in order to eliminate some of the clutter in our kitchen.  Hmmmm.....

The Epson Picturemate Charm Personal Photo Lab Inkjet Printer:   There are two features that stick out on this personal printer.  One is it has bluetooth capability so I can print from my laptop without having to use a USB cable.  And two, it is battery operated with an optional rechargeable battery. 

Where were you when I needed you?  I purchased a portable printer by another reputable company but it lacks these features.  For the scrapbooker such as myself, this is the ideal printer for weekend getaways with friends spent scrapbooking.

Anyone who requires a portable photo printer, this Epson sure is a charm!

iPod Touch: If you don't want to switch to AT&T just for an iPhone, the iPod Touch is the next best thing to it.  Last year, our nieces and nephew received one for Christmas which helped to alleviate computer-time when the family shares one computer. 

  

Apple Computers: Whether it's a desktop or laptop, you can't go wrong with a Mac, at least in my opinion.  I switched from a PC to a Mac nearly 3 years ago and have been happy ever since. 

My guy, the PC-user, is now wishing for a Mac. 

Visit an Apple Store if you have one nearby and talk to a sales rep.  And if you do purchase a new Mac, be sure to sign-up for the one-on-one training for $99.  It includes an hour of training each week for a year and they will help transfer your files from your existing computer to a new mac.  This could involve leaving your equipment at the store for a day or two.  And with the holidays almost here, I'm not sure what their turnaround time will be. 

This is not to say you can't transfer the files yourself.  Fortunately, I didn't have much to transfer from my PC.  Basically I filed off my photos onto DVDs and started fresh with my Mac.  

I've got a list in the works related to food and wine.  And I hope to share that tomorrow.  May your week be a productive one.   

Filling a bay window...

A bench, console table, pedestal, plants....these are a number of things that have crossed my mind in trying to fill the space in our living room bay window.

Seeing the lovely ottomans Mrs. Howard offers at her retail shops is something I've kept in the back of my mind for inspiration.  Then I landed on Restoration Hardware's website and discovered their linen covered storage ottomans were on sale.  Actually, I saw them earlier this summer, on sale, and waited too long to order them as they soon disappeared from their website.

A few weeks ago I was browsing Restoration Hardware's website again and noticed the linen ottomans were back and at a sale price I couldn't turn my back on.  It was meant to be.

The ottomans are sitting in the bay window, where I like to call the conversation pit, and is in need of sprucing up it's surroundings. 

They look very lonesome over there.  Just when I thought I resolved one problem, it creates another.  This means I will continue to fuss over this area until my eyes find comfort in what I see.  And so the saga continues. 

Sunday synopsis...

So much to do, so little time.  We've all heard that expression many times and this weekend was one of those times where this motto applies. 

Thanks to a very neighborly neighbor, we were able to order a wonderfully architectural mailbox post by Mayne Company for our home at a group rate.  And this afternoon, my guy installed it with great ease. 

I am very pleased with the outcome.  And it is a great coincidence that our HOA is conforming to an all black mailbox post and metal mailbox (formerly green).  The black coordinates with our front door and shutters.  We lucked out on this request.

My dear friend, Kitty and I spent a considerable amount of time again at our favorite luxury linen shop, Valerianne, today.  They are having a sale up to 60% off through the end of September.  So who can resist a sale like that!?  I was able to purchase the most adorable house slippers by Patricia Greene for my mom at nearly 1/2 the price as a birthday present and threw in a few gifts for our bedroom. 

Since I am playing housewife tomorrow and taking a break from work for a day, I intend to give much needed attention to our home. 

Lastly, I have a dear friend whose pre-teen son suffered from a brain tumor (fortunately has been removed) and has created some wonderful tees and such promoting her charity with "Brain Tumors Suck".  I believe any type of tumor and cancer sucks.  Anything that shortens the life span of youngsters does sucks even more.  So I ask if you have the means to support this worthy cause, please do so by making a purchase via Cafe' Press and search for "BrainTumors".

I don't love brain tumors. but I do love Sundays, particularly when Mondays involve a no-work-day.

My materialistic ways...

I love to peruse magazines and I love to peruse the internet.  And as of late, I've discovered a number of items I had not seen before.

Like this pink 22" LCD TV by Haier (discovered in the latest issue of House Beautiful magazine).  I do have the perfect spot for it in my craft room but priorities take precedent over this TV, like purchasing mulch and fertilizer.  Yes, it's that time of year we must prepare our yard for winter.

Also in the same magazine was this Egg Separator.  I'm thinking this will make a great stocking stuffer for my guy who loves to cook.

I am definitely plotting and planning for the holidays.  Having discovered the 'Christmas List' app on iTunes for iPhone has made gift-giving much more organized and fun.

Today, I learned of a new website offering unique artwork called Sugarboo Designs.  With a combination of quotes, phrases and the ability to incorporate a picture into one of their infamous frames is such a lovely way to express yourself and decorate your walls.

I am IN LOVE with this French Directoire Bookcase from Wisteria.  As I always tell my guy, please do not get me jewelry for our anniversary or my birthday.  Rather, you can gift me furniture instead.  I'm a sucker for upholstery and casegoods. 

There you have it.  A few items to tantalize you with. Inspire you with. Delight you with.  And shop with. 

Cindy Crawford Style...

As a teen in the 80's, I coveted Cindy Crawford's fashion-sense as well as her beautiful face and figure.  In the 90's, I continued to admire the way she grew into a woman with a respectable persona.

And today, JCPenney introduces Cindy Crawford Style .  I went online to check it out. 

The line entails bedding, window treatments, bath, home decor, dining + tabletop and accent furniture.  And as I browsed the goods, I discovered a few favorites:

The Espresso Tower is a piece I can utilize in just about any room in our home.  It has a shapely look to it which makes it very appealing to the eyes.

Do you want to come home with me, Espresso Tower? 

The Interlined Drapes are very elegant without being over-the-top.  Dress them up or down based on the hardware you choose. 

The sheers are like a peek-a-boo of sexiness but in the most subtle way.

Trunks are definitely receiving more attention these days than they have in the past.  They are more stylish, decorative and provide the ability to add whimsy as well as storage to your home.

And nailheads get to me every time.  This Nailhead Storage Trunk is quite a practicable piece of furniture.

Combining two tones is something I love about this Telephone Stand.  The pointed legs (they look like they are on their tippy toes) and oval shape shows that Ms. Crawford focuses on the details. 

I agree wholeheartedly with Cindy Crawford that great style is timeless.  That is a motto I've adopted for our home.  Or I should say that I'm striving for timeless style. 

Congratulations to Ms. Crawford on her foray into the world of design and home interiors.  My eyes are delighted to take it all in.  And there is always room for more when it comes to interior design and anything associated with it.

Hanging & painting...

So I can goof off tomorrow, I attempted to take care of household chores today.  First, I painted our front door with another layer of black exterior paint. 

 

When I purchased the paint at Home Depot, I asked for their exterior paint in basic black.  I learned that the color of true black (Behr brand) is called Mickey Mouse ears.  Very catchy.  It's a name of color that will be hard to forget.

We are also attempting to decorate our upstairs hallway.  I convinced my guy to take a break from the BBC America channel and help hang 2 mirrors.

 

What I love is my guy's affinity for perfection.  He used his Black & Decker laser level (a great Christmas present) and measurements from a future bench we intend to set below the mirrors for proper placement.

On top of weekly laundry chores and dusting, I feel as though I've conquered enough tasks to reward myself with some R&R tomorrow. 

I hope you are enjoying your long holiday weekend too.

A Color Challenge...

A friend who admires home design as much as I do is asking if I could help provide inspiration for a new master bedroom that incorporates green, black & grey colors.  So I'm going to give it my best shot and share my response here.

Idea #1 - Traditional

Grey walls, black toile bedding and add green accents with pillows and accessories.  The flat sheet & pillow shams with a green-stitched border.  (photo - Horchow)

 

 

One way to include green as an accent color is with a bench with green apple velvet, like this one from Ballard Designs.

Natural woven shades are great for introducing texture and warmth into a room.  (photo - Smith+Noble)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Idea #2 - Contemporary

Graphic images on bedding, like this one with foliage from Target brings the color of green & black without looking too dark.

I love these solar roman shades.  They give-off a contemporary vibe and are quite practical.  A good match for the tone of this room.

 

 

Idea #3 - Classic Black

I actually recall when I first saw this photo in a Southern Living magazine a number of years ago.  It's a striking look that can be easily accented with pillows, upholstery pieces and throws in green tones.

Idea #4 - Basic Grey

   

This is where the dominant color would be grey and accessorized with colors of black & green.  The image is from the movie, The Holiday with Kate Winslet (from PointClickHome).

A green velvet boudoir pillow from Pottery Barn is an option and a black bench can bring in some of the desired color for this space.

My goal is to help spark some inspiration as a starting point that could lead to more ideas and potentially a search for more great things as you begin a game plan for your space.

Truthfully, my recent visit to Valerianne provided inspiration and ideas from unchartered waters which is why I try to leave no stone unturned when it comes to resources. 

Inspiration is everywhere.  We just need someone, whether it's a friend or a professional, to help put the ideas together.

Belgian design via Cote de Texas...

If you are interested in knowing more about the new designs featured in the latest Restoration Hardware catalog, please visit Joni Webb's site, Cote de Texas.  Her perspective on the new releases and Belgian design is informative and very well written. 

This catalog is certainly causing quite a buzz amongst us design enthusiasts.

Decorating a man's domain...

Finally, this room has some form of expression to it. 

It was a gift (I found from the Wisteria catalog) to my guy from me for his birthday earlier this year.  He just hung it in his domain.  The Bull now has the pleasure of hearing noise from time-to-time emanate from the speakers it hangs between.

 

For a different occasion, I gave my guy this framed print I discovered from Ballard Designs.  Very regal and masculine.

Perfect for his space which he prefers to decorate himself. I try to mind my own business and let him have at it but I can't help but offer my opinion and ideas here and there. 

So, my opinions and ideas come in the form of gifts...but let's not tell him I said so.  ;-)

And since this room is a work-in-progress, I must come up with some gift ideas for Christmas. 

Restoration Hardware, classically speaking...

Have you seen the latest catalog from Restoration Hardware?

I spent more time last night flipping through the catalog than scrapbooking while hanging out with my gal-pals.  And just about every page had me in wish-list wonderland.

Number 1 on my list is this media library.

 

This is exactly what I am looking for.  A combination of cabinets, shelves and a place for the TV.  The architectural details are very classic and I'm a big fan of classic style. 

Speaking of classical style, this roman capital definitely sets the tone. 

 

And the floor mirror is just as exquisite.  

This Victorian Pendant is divine in many ways. 

 

Can you see how lovely it looks in this setting.

 

I adore the wing chairs and pedestal table.  It's simplicity at it's best.

Here's to a never-ending wish list. 

Shop The Nest Egg...

One of my favorite local home decor shops, The Nest Egg, is now offering online shopping from a select group of accessories and gifts.  This is a great opportunity for gift-giving from near or far. 

Whenever I walk into their shop, I walk around several times taking it all in.  It is a playground for my eyes and my passion for decor. 

They offer a great line of products, including beautiful lighting fixtures from Currey & Co. (I've long admired this chandelier.)

And furniture from Lort's, who offers a great variety in accent furnishings, is another line The Nest Egg carries. (Don't you just love this wall unit?  It's stunning.)

Sid Dickens collectors will love this place too as there's a wall typically filled with his tiles. 

If you seek interior design services, The Nest Egg offers that too.  The options are endless when it comes to shopping for your home.  Online shopping is definitely one more added convenience. I'm glad to know The Nest Egg is willing to serve us in that capacity.

Peacock mirror...

Excitement overwhelms me when I see product in a TV show or movie that I recognize.  And when I do take notice, I shout it out to my guy who becomes concerned that I know these things.  I suppose he believes I spend too much time shopping or thinking about shopping.

I recall watching an episode of Leave it to Beaver and noticing that Beaver came home with a doll box he won at a girl's birthday party.  "Why that's a Madame Alexander doll", I exclaimed because I recognized the signature box.  My guy is not impressed at all.

As we were watching Gene Simmons Family Jewels on Sunday night with our nieces and nephew, I noticed a mirror hanging on the wall along their staircase.  That is when I shouted, "that's the Peacock Mirror from Wisteria!" (Happens to be one of my favorite mirrors in Wisteria's catalog.) 

To prove my point, I took a couple photos from the video which is featured on the A&E website.

 

Gene Simmons Family Jewels

The photos are not clear but hopefully you will get my point.  And it seems they hung the mirror in portrait vs. landscape.

Product recognition during TV and movie viewing is becoming a pastime of mine.  It is my little game of I Spy that I find to be very entertaining.  

As for the Peacock Mirror, it is quite a handsome piece.

angelo:HOME...

Take a peek at Overstock.com where you will see a portion of Angelo Surmelis' new furniture line called angelo: HOME Modern Classics.  (There have been a number of sell-outs already.)

I want to say, how very clever of Angelo to create Nesting Ottomans. 

 

And they do nest!

I have a set on order and plan to share photos soon on how they will be utilized in our home.

Angelo's line will also be available at CSN Stores very soon.  And if you check out his blog, he has paired some of his furniture with a variety of accessories.  It's free design advice at your beckoning.

And my home beckons for his advice. 

Fall Catalogs...

As I try to get over the fact that Southern Accents magazine is shutting down (one of my favorites), I am distracting myself with catalogs. 

Our mailboxes are beginning to fill-up with the Fall edition of catalogs, tempting us with thoughts of the holidays that lie ahead of us.  I'm not ready for those thoughts just yet but it is necessary for me to begin organizing my ideas for gift giving.

Whatever the occasion may be, this Bamboo Wabi Sabi gift set from Viva Terra is a great gift idea.  Housewarming, get well soon, happy birthday or happy holidays for the tea drinker.  What attracted me to this set is the stacking of two trays.  One for storage and presentation of tea bags and the top tray for serving teacups.

I haven't seen the latest Ballard Designs catalog yet but it doesn't stop me from going to their website to see what's new.  When I saw these mini-pendulum clocks, I realized not only would this make a nice gift but it would make a lovely accent for our home too. 

The Wisteria catalog is another one of my favorite catalogs.  They introduced a number of new items in their latest edition, including this Squirrel with Acorn Pot.  Acorns, a definite sign of fall.

I hope to spend some time this weekend reading (and flipping thru more catalogs), planning (making lists of gift ideas), strategizing (home-related stuff of course) and resting while sipping on a cool beverage.  May your summertime weekend be an enjoyable one too.

This & That - Tuesday Edition...

As I turned the page in the recent Tracy Porter catalog, I discovered a mirror that I am taking quite a fancy to.

Quite gorgeous in all it's gold glory.  It's quite inspiring and is making me have all sorts of thoughts about where to place it in our home.  I better move on.

Anyone seeking organization for their craft space?  Did you know that Overstock.com carries the Scrap Box Armoire?  There's a smaller version too called the Craftbox.  All the nooks & crannies and cubbies are enough to make my organizational heart go thump thump pretty quickly.

I was going to start this sentence with 'If I had the space, I'd love to add this piece to my craft room' but I won't go there, if you know what I mean.  Consider this a shared fantasy with all my scrapbooking & crafting friends.

Lastly, these John Derian paperweights are classic and stunning.  An ideal accessory for the sophisticated workspace.  Or any workspace.  Truthfully, a paperweight like this on top of a 'to-be-paid' bill pile would look good.

I hope you are enjoying your Tuesday, folks. 

Aquis Hair Towel...

For the last few years, I have been using a hair towel by Aquis that absorbs excess water and is not heavy on my head like typical bath towels.  Sometimes it feels like I have 5 pounds of towel sitting on the top of my head.

That is why I love my Aquis hair towel.  It is not a turban-style hair towel.  It is a simple rectangular hair towel that is easy to wrap around your head, if you wish.  And it is very lightweight.

With family coming for a visit in a couple weeks, I decided to order more hair towels for the guest bathrooms.  And I ordered a pink microfiber Aquis hair towel for my travel bag. 

This is a great staple for one's linen closet, travel bag, swim gear, dorm and/or spa.

It's weightless towel is hair-drying at it's best!  And my neck thanks Aquis for that very reason.

Magazine clippings...

I love the twinge of excitement I get when I see a photo in a magazine that sparks an interest in my decorating-obsessed mind.

For example, I was trying to relax during a pedicure and began flipping through the August 2009 issue of Southern Living magazine.  My eyes were getting heavy as the therapist was massaging the arch of my foot.

When I flipped to the page that features the table I have been pining for from Wisteria catalog, I could barely contain my excitement. 

I went from a relaxed state-of-mind to an inspired state-of-mind.  It only reiterated my desire for this piece of furniture.  And it was hard to relax again as I wanted to rush home and visualize the table in our foyer.

Reading magazines before I go to sleep is a routine of mine.  It relaxes me and sometimes helps me drift off to sleep quite easily EXCEPT when I see an article and/or photo that strikes my inspirational nerve like this page from the August 2009 issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine.

The fabric-covered drum on the chandelier is what caught my eye.  It's Barbara Barry's signature fabric and quite a clever way to incorporate it into the eating area.  I am truly inspired.  I need to go to sleep but my mind begins to race with possibilities using this fabric. 

Suffice it to say that I find reading magazines both relaxing and inspirational.  I take huge risks reading them as a relaxation mechanism because you never know what you are going to see when you turn the page.

Hanging by a thin wire...

Our bedroom has too many windows on one wall.  If you wish to hang a piece of art or mirror over the bed, it poses a challenge.

Having seen examples of artwork hung in front of a window in numerous magazines and books, I made it a mission to find some type of wall decor to hang over our bed.

As luck would have it, I happen to have a sunburst mirror I purchased on sale from Wisteria several months ago.

And today my guy took a few moments to hang it for me using Invisible Hanging Wire purchased at Michael's.

I love this mirror and how it adds another element of texture among the various types of fabric around it.

He also hung the medallion tie-backs so the drapery panels can expose architectural features for a classic finish to our space.

These two completed tasks are giving me a great sense of accomplishment tonight.  I can rest now and dream about what to tackle next. 

Speaking of what to tackle next, I intend to share some inspiring resources this week when it comes to decorating.  Every day there are new sites popping up.  I enjoy gaining insight from various perspectives and am happy to share my discoveries here.  If you are interested, please stay tuned.

I hope you have one heck of a week, folks!

Brown velvet chairs...

While browsing Traditional Home Magazine's website this evening, I discovered a photo with dining chairs similar to the ones I purchased as host chairs for our dining room last year.

These chairs closely resemble the ones I purchased from the Home Decorators Outlet. 

As much as I admire stylish furnishings by Baker, Roche Bobois, Century Furniture and so forth, I am pleased when I find a piece of furniture with similar designs within my price range at sites like Home Decorators Outlet. 

Investment pieces combined with great bargain pieces are what make up our home into a liveable space that reflects our style.

The process and end result are so rewarding. 

The inspiration is ongoing and the goals are never-ending. 

Happy decorating, fellow friends!

Cricut's Joys of the Season...

Recently, I added a new Cricut cartridge to my collection:  Joys of the Season.

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays but that is not why I purchased this cartridge. 

I purchased it because of the topiary die-cut.  Can you understand and/or relate to my rationale?

My magic ball says it sees Christmas cards with topiaries in my card-making future.  I'm going to give it my best shot.

Star spangled mirror...

Taking a little time this weekend to tend to our home by hanging a mirror (from Wisteria) in the foyer.

I am continuously trying new things with this space.  To me, the mirror represents a Federal style.  It's a style I've been fond of for a long time.

My post is minimal due to some attention I received recently regarding my wrist.  So I'm taking it slow and should be back to normal very soon.

Savor the weekend, friends!

Balance...

Do you want to know what's catching my eye right now? 

Diamond shapes on the corners of this ottoman.

 Overstock.com

I like how the pattern is repeated in the upholstery on the seat too.

The placement of brass buttons on this Agusta Linen storage ottoman is represented in classic form:

 SmartBargains.com

The round handles and zig-zag stitching are quite fabulous, indeed.

We move from zig-zags onto 'x' shapes, crisscross shapes or whatever you wish to call it:

Restoration Hardware

I've admired this Campaign Hearth Flat Screen for a long time.  A classic yet simple pattern in an understated sophistication.  

Balancing patterns and styles that please our eyes is a part of what makes interior design so interesting to me.

And Balance to keep good karma and positive vibes in the home and in our lives is what most of us want to experience in life.

This paperweight represents Balance:

Restoration Hardware

And where there is peace, there is Balance.  And with Balance I feel the karma.

As we fill our homes and surround ourselves with things that make us happy, content and represent who we are and what we are about, there is hope for Balance. 

May we all reach that point in our busy lives.

Keeping it light...

In an attempt to keep things light, I found an open bookcase that fits the bill for our bedroom.

I love to read, particularly interior design magazines, before I go to sleep.  And this bookcase from Home Decorators Collection Outlet was the perfect piece of furniture that does not appear to be heavy in wood and provides an 'open' feel to the space.

It is also an opportunity to showcase some favorites, like a collection of Jo Malone fragrances.

It is a practical yet decorative way to enhance our space. 

And a great bargain is the icing on the cake.  :-)

A case for a bookcase...

What I love about this bookcase:

 

 - The architectural details
 - It shows some backbone with a beadboard backing
 - The ladder, oh the ladder.  Love that feature.
 - It offers a combination of open shelving, drawer and cabinet storage.

All for a very fabulous price via the Home Decorators Outlet.

If we had the space, I would place it in our living room with a pair of loveseats facing each other, sitting in front of the bookcase.  Or 4 club chairs around an ottoman or coffee table.

There are so many possibilities with a piece of wood like this.

Just sharing a little excitement about this discovery.  :-)

And the rug goes to...

Grace!!!! 

I will be living vicariously through Grace as she adds this lovely rug from CSN to her home.  We hope you share photos once it is situated in the spot you've designated it for.

All this talk about rugs has me now searching for one to place in our bedroom.  We finally hung drapery panels yesterday and will share more on that project later today.

Thanks for visiting and for your interest in this giveaway. 

Rugs from CSN...

Do you like neutrals? 

Do you like damask patterns?

Do you like viscose & chenille materials?

Do you need a new rug? 

Allow me to introduce you to CSN, retailer of rugs, who are kindly sponsoring a giveaway of a rug I've selected just for you.

 

It is a 2'2" x 4'2" area rug from Couristan.  Described as a Trasitional Pavé Vintage Damask Golden Pearl Contemporary Rug, it speaks to me at a very large volume. Just look at the texture the design brings to the neutral color palette. 

Neutral color helps to balance bold color in a room. And if you are attempting a neutral monochromatic color scheme, this rug is your answer.

This Couristan can be yours by simply leaving a comment beginning now.  On Monday morning, June 15, I will name one lucky recipient whom I will live vicariously through as the owner of this new rug.

And if you are looking for a new rug, CSN has thousands of rugs to offer on their website.  I spent a couple hours on their site trying to take it all in.

Best of luck, fellow decorating enthusiasts!!

Robb & Stucky...

During our visit to southern Florida last week, I got the chance to visit a furniture retailer, Robb & Stucky, with a showroom that seemed endless and filled with casegoods and upholstered furniture to send me into eye-candy-wonderland. 

I'm not very good about hiding myself from mirrors while taking photos.  I was so distracted by the beauty of this "room" I could only focus on capturing as much as I could into the photo frame.

Do you ever walk into a furniture store and say how a certain piece of furniture would look great in a particular room of your home?  It drives my guy crazy because all he can hear are the dollar signs popping into his head as I think out loud.  And that's what I am pretty much doing, particularly when I said "these chairs and mirrored nesting end table would look great in our bedroom."

You could say that I am vocal about my dreams and fantasize a lot about what could go where in our home.  ;-)

My sister and I were drawn to the wall color and decorative striping on the wall of this particular room vignette.

What drew us to Robb & Stucky was their brochure my sister brought home after a business meeting she attended at their store's community meeting room (this could be a potential meeting place for a crop, right).

Well in the brochure I discovered a leather sofa, potentially for our family room.  So we went to check it out.  It's a wedge-style sectional sofa.  Not too big, not too small.

And with sexy nailhead trim, I had to go run my fingers over it in the flesh. 

The nailhead trim continues around the perimeter of the back of the sofa too. 

They were making it too easy for us to make a purchase from their store as they ship anywhere in the U.S.  I didn't need to hear that.  The good thing is we can stew on this for a bit before making any final decisions on a major furniture purchase as I have the salesperson's email address.

It was quite an experience visiting Robb & Stucky.  I wish we had one located nearby in my neck of the woods but it's probably a good thing we do not.  The temptation would be too great. 

If you are ever near one of their locations, it is worth spending the time perusing their goods as you never know what you might find that would look good in your family room.

Rooms to observe...

Rooms that inspire are brought to you today by Horchow.  When I received their email note prompting me to view their lovely rooms my eyes took great delight in each and every room.  My favorites include:

Salon Moderne for it's delicate color palette.  With the artwork as the focal point and sexy chairs with nailhead trim capturing my attention and a linen sofa that says "lounge and relax".  Sophistication and comfort...something I love.

Make a first impression with a Grand Entrance.  Classic, yes.  Striking, yes.  Alluring, absolutely. 

I'm not a fan of bold colors in the bedroom but Bold & Beautiful is an example of great balance showcasing richness and comfort.  I'm taking note how bold colors on the wall are offset by light color using a rug and accessories such as the ottoman and chandelier.  Perfect.

A Midcentury Glamour dining room with round curves displayed on the wall and with the furniture.  Now if this isn't considered sexy, I don't know what is. 

And do you see anything familiar in this photo? 

I hope you enjoyed my world of interior design fantasy.  No resource goes unobserved.  The inspiration is everywhere. 

May you have an inspirational week.  :-)