On the Eve . . .

Of something promising.

I hope you're ringing in the New Year with dear friends and lots of cheer! 

To warm us up for 2011, I thought I would share some amazing pictures from a very extraordinary architectural firm on the west coast - Bosworth Hoedemaker.  If this doesn't make you want a lake house or a friend with a lake house, nothing will.   

The water in this shot doesn't even look real to me.  It looks like a swimming pool.

The tin roof . . .  those french doors.

Talk about a fabulous place to hang out. 

Of course you must have a telescope for boat watching and star gazing.

All those small details do add up. 

It's hard to believe this is new construction.  The entire space looks like it has so much age and character.

Loving the transom windows over all the doors - yum. 

Not to mention the six paneled doors and wide plank floors.

Too much - deep breaths. 

Whole new meaning to reading nook.

Alas, waking up to that view. 

all photographs via Bosworth Hoedemaker

So . . . 2011 - Bring it on!  See you next year!  OK, I do love saying that on New Year's Eve. M.

Merry! Merry!

Wishing you and yours a wonderfully festive Christmas.  I am off to spend time with my family and friends.  Thank you to everyone who continues to read my posts day after day.  

When I started writing this blog a few short months ago, I had no idea how many interesting people I would meet along the way or how many seasoned interior designers/bloggers would embrace my blog and support my efforts.  It has been a true pleasure!  I will be taking next week off from posting, but will see you in the New Year.  I have lots of interesting interior design stuff to show you!
Until then.

P.S. Thank you to Lindsey at Better After for featuring me again on my powder room makeover!  If you have not checked out her blog, you should! M.

Show for the Peeps

Thought a little eye candy was in order (given all the sugar plum business we are in for this week).

All these photos are from a very talented Mother/Daughter duo right here in Birmingham, Alabama.
I have highlighted the more traditional spaces, but check out their website for some high end modern plays on traditional.  Enjoy.

http://www.caldwellflake.com/index.html

http://www.caldwellflake.com/index.html

http://www.caldwellflake.com/index.html

http://www.caldwellflake.com/index.html

Find of the Day - Oval Vessel

I love this accessory.  It's a vessel made of natural horn.  I think every room needs a warm natural element as well as a found object and this would accomplish both.  The inside is polished smooth and the outside rough - so you would not have to fill it with anything.  It is also a deal at $15.00! 

http://www.jamaligarden.com/productdetail/24444/50/natural-pots/9-1-2-x-6in-oval-horn-bowl-with-rough-outside.php

Perfect Piece of Pied-a-terre

A pied-à-terre (French, "foot on the ground") is a small living unit usually located in a large city some distance away from an individual's primary residence. It may be an apartment or condominium.  The term pied-à-terre implies usage as a temporary second residence, either for part of the year or part of the work week, by a person of some means.^[1]

A brand new online magazine of the same name just launched (gotta love more free online sources)!  Pied A Terre is a new monthly online magazine founded by interior designer Urban Karlsson and photographer Ron Reeves.  The premier issue has come out of the gates on fire with feature articles on Interior Designer/Artist Deborah Buck (owner of Buck House in Manhattan)  and Swedish sculptor Eva Hild.

I would love your thoughts on it!  Check it out and tell me what you think. 

http://www.thepiedaterre.com/

Just Featured on Houzz!

I am very excited to announce my staging company is being featured in an Ideabook on Houzz.com!  For those of you not familiar with Houzz.com, it is a "go to" resource for all things interior design.  It provides so much inspiration for interiors as well as connecting designers all over the country.  I don't know what I would do without it!  

So, when Editor Sheila Schmitz contacted me and asked if we would be interested in being interviewed and included in the article, I jumped at the chance!   

The article is entitled,  "Wingbacks - Character for Every Space and Style."  Thanks for including us!  

To read the Ideabook in it's entirety, click here.

Come Back Kid, Again?

I just read Nate Berkus has announced the launch of the Berkus collection which will be a line of decorative home furnishings due the Spring of 2012.  According to the statement, the collection will focus on "approachable beauty meets quality solutions."  The collection will include decorative accessories, dinnerware, bedding, lighting, rugs, draperies and furniture pieces. 

Hmmm?  I guess the spin doctors have confused me, but didn't he already do this with Home Shopping Network?

I'm thinking . . .  if you announce anything in a loud strong Master of Ceremonies voice, will people think it is something new and fresh?  Worth a try. . . 

The MC says . . . 

Mandi Smith T has just announced the launch of a new approach: She is going to expect everyone in her house to make up their beds in the morning.   

Mandi stated, "I know this is going to be a fresh new idea for everyone, but let's give it a try. This is a great way for beauty to meet a quality solution! "


Enjoy your weekend. M.

Toddy Anyone?

I thought it would be the perfect time of year to consider the bar . . . 

http://www.houzz.com/photos/32840/Bar-Cart-eclectic-dining-room-other-metros

Whether you have a wet bar . . .

http://www.myhomeideas.com/room-galleries/riverhills-wet-bar-00400000064399/index.html

A simple niche . . .

http://www.houzz.com/photos/22087/Central-Park-West-Apartment-modern-dining-room-new-york

Or . . .

OK, let's be honest.  You can add a bar anywhere in your home.
Just make it a convenient place where your guests feel comfortable helping themselves to a "freshen up."

http://pinterest.com/pin/1920697/

Bar carts are fun.

http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=8355&index=11&currentPage=0&searchQuery=wet%20bar&searchType=photos

http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=81764&index=5&currentPage=0&searchQuery=wet%20bar&searchType=photos


http://www.myhomeideas.com/room-galleries/bar-cart-00415000068414/index.html

But certainly not required.

http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=81051&index=19&currentPage=1&searchQuery=wet%20bar&searchType=photos

Talk about a serious cocktail hour!

http://pinterest.com/pin/615310/

This one I love.  It looks like an IKEA bookshelf, turned on it's side and filled to the brim with glassware.

http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=69358&index=17&currentPage=0&searchQuery=wet%20bar&searchType=photos

Of course, no self-respecting post on bars is complete without this picture (I know you have seen it hundreds of times, but look again, please)

http://www.houzz.com/photos/22087/Central-Park-West-Apartment-modern-dining-room-new-york

If all these pictures are making you wonder what a proper bar needs to include - here is a great article on a bar set up for a large party or just a visit from the neighbors.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/entertaining/how-to-set-up-a-bar-for-a-party-038796

And lastly, I thought this was an interesting video on a bar area.  They
 have a high/low comparison with a detailed discussion of how to create the look in each.

I am so glad tomorrow is Friday.  Who's with me?! M.

Things Your Decorator Didn't Tell You

When working on a project, these questions seem to always come up.  Many decorators will punt on these (and send the homeowner to the painter, or wallpaper guy), but with the links below it is very easy to give the right answer.  

Question 1

"I found a fabulous chandelier, do you think it will fit in my dining room?

Answer

Size Guidelines Based on the Room's Dimensions and the size of Your Table

http://www.ehow.com/how_5068427_determine-right-size-chandelier.html

Calculate the correct size of the chandelier using this formula as a guide. 

1. If a room measures 10 by 12 feet, add 10 plus 12. The answer is 22; therefore, 22 inches should be the approximate diameter of the chandelier.
2. Measure the height of the room to determine the height of the chandelier. A common rule is 2 ½ to 3 inches for every foot of height for a room. An 8-foot room should thus have a fixture that is 20 to 24 inches in height.
3. Measure the width of the dining room table before selecting a size for the dining room. The fixture should be half the width of the table.
4. Consider the "visual weight" of the fixture. Some chandeliers will appear larger or smaller, depending upon the style. If the visual weight makes it appear light, then the diameter of the fixture can be slightly larger than the calculated size. If the visual weight appears heavy, choose a smaller-diameter fixture.    

Question 2

"Now that I have found the perfect wallpaper, how much of it do I need?"

Answer

A Wallpaper Calculator

http://www.easy2diy.com/cm/easy/diy_ht_calc_index.asp?page_id=35720776

This tool works with standard papers as well as french wallpapers!

This handy calculator will help you estimate the number of rolls of wallpaper you will need to wallpaper an interior room.
Enter the dimensions of your room:
	Feet	Inches
Room Length
Room Width
Room Height
Height of baseboard
How Many? Width of Trim (inches) Height (inches) Width (inches) Doors Windows
Square feet per roll
You will need:	TOTALS
Wallpaper		Single Rolls
Wallpaper		Double Rolls

Question 3

"I love this paint color, so how much paint do you think I am going to need?"

Answer 

The Paint Calculator

http://www.easy2diy.com/cm/easy/diy_ht_calc_index.asp?page_id=35720769

This handy calculator will help you estimate the amount of paint you will need to paint an interior room -- including all the trim. If you plan on applying a primer coat or multiple finish coats, multiply the results accordingly.
Enter the dimensions of your room:
	Feet	Inches
Room Length
Room Width
Room Height
Height of baseboard
How Many? Width of Trim (inches) Height (inches) Width (inches) Doors Windows
Square feet per gallon
	TOTALS
Paint for Walls		Gallons (4 quarts per gallon)
Paint for Ceiling		Gallons (4 quarts per gallon)
Paint for Trim		Quarts

Happy Wednesday! M.

The Deep Blues

I'm normally not a blue kind of girl, but this room draws me in.  All that deep blue with the sharp pops of yellowy green in the chairs and those fun pillows.  This layered on top of a very sophisticated base coat of the chocolate mohair sofa, a zebra rug, a pair of matching floor lamps and that delicate glass top cocktail table.  Sigh.  

It's working for me!

http://www.janshowers.com/InteriorDesign/15/PRIVATE-SPACES/

Let's Go Craig's Listings - Random Stuff

Just took a quick peek on Craig's List in the Birmingham Area and look what I found!

Wing Back Chairs

These are such a find.  I am soooo tempted!  Great deal and fabulous lines to these chairs.  I really can't understand why they are being sold? The price is $75 for the pair. 

http://bham.craigslist.org/fuo/2108376040.html

Looks a lot like this very high end wing back.  All it would take is a neutral fabric, box of nailheads and a good upholsterer who could easily add a skirt to them.

http://www.tonichome.com/catalog.php?item=1584&catid=1&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D1 ($1,065.00 each)

Hutch/Secretary Furnishings

Here are couple of secretary type pieces that could be left as is or if you wanted a modern vibe you could paint them in a high gloss lacquer. 

This one will give you a more airy open feel due to the open leggy base.  You could use this as a focal point in a living room or for china in a dining room.  They are asking $350.00 and you could probably get it for a bit less.

http://bham.craigslist.org/atq/2107690141.html

 It would really look great with the back of the shelving area painted, maybe this color.

BM blue porcelain 1641

Or you could add a seagrass wallpaper to the backs of the shelves and get this look.

http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=6410&index=11&currentPage=0&searchQuery=china%20hutch&searchType=photos

Just because this piece is traditional does not mean that it won't work in a more modern home.  I like the idea of mixing a very traditional piece into an ultra modern home.  

This Craig's list find is a heavier more substantial piece.  They are asking $550 for it; but if you could get it for $400, it would be a fabulous deal.  Again, if you have a traditional home, leave it as is (maybe paint or wallpaper the back of the shelving area).

http://bham.craigslist.org/atq/2107612565.html

Or you could paint it black and include it with more modern furnishing to get this look.

http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=69408&index=1&currentPage=0&searchQuery=bright%20painted%20secretary&searchType=photos

Danish Club Chairs

Danish High Back Chairs ($500 for the pair).  I would offer $350 for these.

http://bham.craigslist.org/atq/2084290324.html

They have a real modern feel to them - similar to this very high end club chair from 1st Dibbs ($1,200.00 each).

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=463515 

Duncan Phyfe Chairs

These I love as they are -  so feminine and traditional.  Would be stunning in the right space ($300 for the pair). 

 

http://bham.craigslist.org/atq/2063792747.html

If you would like for me to go Craig's listing in your area, I would love to do.  Contact me for more information on this service!

More Decorations

Amazing what you can get done when you're actually hanging out at home.  With a kiddo home from school, I got busy.  So, I am officially done with our Christmas decorating!  Now, I can enjoy our home and the season.  Here are a few pictures.

This is our breakfast room.  I have this very large antique orchid bowl that is very expensive to fill with orchids.  So, I decided to use Christmas balls this year!

Here's a closer look.  I love the green color, but it does not go with the colors in my family or living room.  So, I decide to use them in this room - very cheering to wake up to in the morning. 

Here's our tree (sorry the picture is blurry).  We were a bit too ambitious when we picked it out (I think it's as wide as it is tall).  I will let you know if it happens to come down during the middle of the night (that happened one year, long story that I will have to share at some point). 

These are bundles of Christmas cards that we have received over the years.  I can't bring myself to throw them away, so I bundle them (there are some under the tree too).  We love looking back over the cards and how all the children have grown! 

Another picture of the family room.  Those paperwhites hopefully will be in bloom by Christmas Eve.  Also, it is hard to see but the blue and white tray on that ottoman has all the cards we have received this year - fun for us and visitors to look at when they come over. 

This is a shot of the coffee table in our living room.  I have a long tray of chestnuts I gathered from my parent's property in Mississippi and the large glass bowl contains artificial sugared pears and apples. 

So, I am finished! 

Also, I wanted to send a shout out of thanks to Courtney at The French Country Cottage for featuring my powder room makeover!  She has a wonderful blog with tons of inspirational ideas and tips.  If you get a chance, you really need to check it out. 

And here are a few link parties that I am participating in this weekend.  See you Monday! 

http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2010/12/frugal-friday-and-giveaway-winner.html

http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-open-house.html

http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2010/12/deck-halls-its-feathered-nest-holiday.html

http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/12/vintage-inspiration-friday-15-cream-and.html
http://www.poppiesatplay.blogspot.com/