Thinking About a Little DIY

Noticing a lot of chatter lately about the hot summer trend of all things nautical - which is so fun for summer.  Here is one great piece I've had my eye on . . . 

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I think it is so chic and would add just the right amount of sparkle to my coffee table.  But, I can't justify $185.00 for a trendy accessory.  I know, it's really great.  Isn't it? 

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So, I was thinking (my husband says he dreads that phase more than anything in the world) . . . What if I took this shell (at $24.95).

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or this one at $25.00 (it's resin). 

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And painted the interior gold (since brass/gold accents are still hotter than hot).  There are so many options for how to add the gold accent.  You could do gold leaf which would add a lot of texture to the inside. 

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or craft paint - this one feels aged to me which is a great thing . . . 

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or even a little metal (anything called liquid metal, I'm in!) . . .

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You've got yourself a nautical/gold chachkie for a fraction of the price!  With a deal like that, I really wouldn't feel bad moving on when the trend is over.  M.

Trend Spotting - Bag O' Beans

OK, now for something fun!  I asked the talented Sophie Tardiff if she would put together some thoughts on a trend she is seeing in the interior design world.  Sophie is a writer and marketing guru, and she really has her finger on the pulse of cutting edge trends.  Sophie take it away . . . 

Hello Musers.  I am thrilled to be with you today talking about trend spotting.  When Mandi ask me what trends I was seeing in the interior design world, the first thought that came to mind was bean bag chairs.  While we all know they are amazingly comfortable, the bean bag chair is making a huge come back.  

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They’re soft and conform uniquely to your posture in any way you want to sit or lie on them. They’re like no other piece of furniture. 

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Comfort aside though, it can be easy to think of them as only for the playroom or child's bedroom.  What isn’t obvious is how chic they can be in the right setting.  They also come in so many different forms making them really versatile. Traditionally, bean bag chairs only came in spherical shapes which could be quite limiting. Nowadays, this is no longer the case.

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Square bean bag chairs can be morphed into body pillows, armchairs, or stools. Bean bag ottomans can be sprawled out to create sofas for several people to lounge on. Teardrop bean bags give more back support to emulate an armchair style.

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Different styles of bean bag chairs allow you to emulate existing furniture, which can eliminate an awkward juxtaposition if you intend to put them into a room with actual sofas and armchairs. Again, this is important for obtaining a chic result.

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The other thing to consider is colour and fabric choices. Stark black and white rooms work well with bean bag chairs in a solid bright color to create major impact in a space.  Flat fabric textures work with subdued leather couches, while bold glossy faux leathers can work in a retro 60’s style décor. Warm colours and rough spun fabrics give off a bohemian vibe. 

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You simply have to think outside the box and consider making an old favorite part of your current decor.  

Thanks Sophie for sharing your insight on a current trend!  Now let's get out there and take charge of our Monday!  M.

Eye on Art Series - Meagan Vucovich

This is my second installment of "Eye on Art."  For those not familiar with this series, this is where I focus on local artists who have amazing talent and are up and coming in the art world.  Well, today, you are in for a total treat!!!  The stunning work of . . .

Meagan Vucovich

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I recently met Meagan at a wine tasting for my husband's firm and thought she was so cute and interesting. Then, I came home and checked out her website and was equally impressed with her work! 

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Meagan grew up in Montgomery, Alabama and eventually made her way to Birmingham where she lives and works.  Art must be in Meagan's genes since her Mother is also an accomplished artist.

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Her favorite art is pet portraits and abstracts (which are my favorite).  But the fact that she does both really well shows her true range of ability.

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She also loves teaching and has taught sips and strokes for the junior patrons at the museum here in Birmingham and is in the process of organizing art classes for children.  

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If you would like more information on Meagan and her work, check out her website or Facebook page (here's a little tip, she sometimes hosts giveaways on her Facebook page, so you need to become a friend!).

How's everybody's summer so far?!  I, for one, could use a nap . . .  Maybe I can squeeze one in this weekend.   M.

Design Perspective - Ashely Goforth Design

I recently had a local interior designer (who shall remain anonymous) ask me why I feature other interior designers on my blog.  "Aren't you highlighting their work and sending potential clients to them?"

  After a moment of awkward silence, I stated the obvious - There are tons of talented interior designers out there, and you can gain lots of inspiration from their work.  Even the smallest of details can be interpreted in your own space with stunning results.  So, if any of you are wondering why I feature other designers - The goal is to give you something to think about!  Some inspiration that hopefully can be used in your own space!  So, with that . . . here's my favorite new interior designer . . .

Ashley Goforth

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Based on what I've read about Ashley, she has always had an amazing eye for interior design and enjoyed various interior design related projects for her entire adult life.  Here is just a small taste of her work.  

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This makes me miss the 1980's wall of mirrors I removed from the living room in my previous house (and I NEVER thought I would ever say that!).  Also, I'm working with a client as we speak who still has them in her dining room - so here's a bit of inspiration for that project! 

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A different angle of the same space.  I love layering a mirror on the wall of mirrors and how the abstract artwork reflects off the mirror to look like a pair.  Quite fabulous.

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This is the other side of the same room with the mirrored wall (if you go back up you can see the TV in the reflection of the mirror).  Initially, I thought this was a formal living room, but it's not.  Instead, it's a beautiful family room.  Love the abstracts with the portrait lights flanking the TV.  You know it's difficult at times to make a TV wall look interesting.  Also, love the idea of incorporating some greenery into the space with the over scaled planters on either side of the mirrored console (which is a nice repeater of the mirrored wall).

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This soothing image just makes me stop dead in my tracks.  I love everything about it.  The artwork, the painted brick, the chairs, the styling.  Love. It. All.

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What a nice change from white marble on marble.  The black accents really speak to me - not to mention the large wall of windows.

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OK, I love this image.  Did you notice the knee brackets in the dark stain finish - gives the feeling of rustic beams but for a fraction of the price.  Such a simple addition to the space, but adds so much architectural interest.  Very clever.

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Another view of the same kitchen.

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You would not believe how many deer mounts I work with in the rooms I design!  This space is such a refreshing modern take.  By limiting the artwork to only the mount, then adding the rich wall color, she has created a very modern sleek space.    Oh so good.

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Adore the tub and shower placement in this master bathroom.  Really great.

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Question - would you trust your decorator if she suggested a black wallpaper in your powder room?  Talk about some major drama!  The contrast of the wallpaper and the marble surround is a total WOW for me.

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Here are a few examples of offices.  I must say, Ashley's paint choices are what really make these spaces go from a "just ok" to "totally fab."  Love this color (notice she painted the crown molding the same color but left the windows a lighter trim color.

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Another great paint choice, with the distressed wood built ins and the beams - oh so yummy!

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If you would like to see more of Ashley's work, check out her website!  Hope you're week is off to a great start.  M.  

Things I'm loving at the Moment

Now for some total randomness.  I've been juggling design work and kiddos at home over the last couple of weeks.  I have to confess it's been a bit crazy - but fun crazy.  Summer seems to fly by, and I really want to take it all in and enjoy every minute of it.  I thought I would share a few things I've stumbled upon - a little summer randomness.

White Walls
I adore this space.  It looks like something you would find in a beach house.  Notice the white walls, ceiling, wall sconce and simple roman shades.  All this white accomplishes a couple things.  It makes the space feel bigger and it creates a backdrop for the pops of color on the beds.  Also, notice the headboards are actually upholstered cushions tacked to the wall.  So simple, but so much impact.    

Contemporary Bedroom design by Other Metros Interior Designer Joel Snayd

Sheep Artwork Tutorial
This simple tutorial for affordable artwork really packs a WOW.  Wouldn't it be precious in a nursery?!  Great Job, Em and Elle!

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Gourmet Popsicles

Everybody in Birmingham is talking about Steel City Pops.  These gourmet popsicles are all the rage.  I was having dinner with some girlfriends a couple of weeks ago and one of my friends could not say enough about them.  Then, my husband's firm hosted a dinner last week at the baseball field and Steel City brought a popsicle truck!  The flavors are so unique like avocado and blood orange, and they are all made fresh daily.  And to sweeten the pot (as they say), the owners are giving back by donating 100% of the profits made on their bottled water to developing water sources in third world countries.  So, a true community leader!

Do you remember my post recently of this picture?! . . . Wouldn't these gourmet pops make the most amazing dessert for a summer time dinner party?  Oh yea, I'm on it.  

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Crawfish Boils

Talk about a laid back party.  This past weekend we celebrated the birthday of a close friend.  She and her husband spent several years in New Orleans and all that culture, food and NOLA lifestyle is now in their blood.  So, of course, celebrating big for this cute couple translates into a crawfish boil!  I ate so many I finally had to stop when my fingers were numb from peeling them.  You just can't beat good food, good friends, good music and yummy drinks in the summer!

Hammock Chairs

At the beginning of the summer, I ordered a pair of hammock chairs for my kids.  They are getting too big to use the swing set in our backyard (which makes me a little sad).  But, I'm not ready to tear the whole thing down. 

 Instead, I converted the swing portion of our set using the hammock chairs.  Both my kids love to read, so they've been hanging out up there in late afternoon/early evening with a book.   

I'm thinking I extended the life of that swing set at least more summer!

Wall Container/Window Boxes

My husband and I took a recent trip to one of our favorite nurseries here in Birmingham.  It is a bit farther out, but their plants are always so healthy and really put on a show during the summer season.  If you live in Birmingham, it's truly worth your time to check out Collier's nursery.  

During our most recent trip, the cutest girl helped us (which is another reason to go there, the customer service is spot on).  She taught me something about planting window boxes.  Now, mind you, we've had this box for at least five years; and I've never thought about what she told us.  

The trick is to plant two different trailing plants on each end (so a total of four plants, rather than just two) - one in the back and one in the front.  I've always done just one plant on each end since the container is so narrow, thinking it would fill out nicely. 

 Well, the box has never looked this great, even at it's peak.   I think it's the contrast in color that really gives the container the depth you can't get from a single plant.  Simple idea, but huge impact.  Love it. 

San Tan-tonio Nail Polish

(I told you this post was random!)

I treated myself to a pedicure (which is rare for me, I usually do my own pedicures at home), and I'm loving this color!  I think it helps when you've had a little sun on your feet for color, but every time I look down at the polish it makes me smile (the name just kills me!)

(Bet you didn't expect to see my feet on a Monday!  I kept the picture small in case you tend to get queasy in the morning! Ha!)

Did everybody have a wonderful Father's Day?  We made steaks on the grill last night for our man of the hour; and I called my sweet Dad and wished him a wonderful day too!  

What's everybody been up to lately?! M.

Breakfast Room Updates

What do you get when your husband is out playing golf and your kids are spending some quality with with the grandparents for a week?  

You get some stuff done!!!  Like cafe curtains for the breakfast room.

I was finally able to add some much needed fabric to my breakfast room.  I think I've mentioned this a couple of times, but after painting my kitchen and breakfast room it lost its warm feel.  These were very easy to make - I did not line them.  Also, since we really did not need them for privacy, and I did not want to block our view, I kept it very simple.

Don't get me wrong, I love the new wall color, but it does have some gray in it and because I also painted the trim the wall color, it seemed big and a bit cold.  This can be a common problem for kitchens and bathrooms in general.  So, fabric to the rescue!

Hope your summer is going great so far!  M.