Turkish Bath Towels

These have been popular outside the U.S. for some time now; but I'm beginning to see more and more of them popping up here.  Are you familiar with these?  They are a very large, thin super absorbent bath sheet made of linen.  

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They can be used like a beach towel (or even a blanket) or in the bathroom as a large body towel.  

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I'm such a sucker for textiles so these are right up my alley.  After a short search, I've discovered the prices for these cover a huge range.  So, buyer beware!  Here are just a few that are priced right! 

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Since Spring is upon us, I'm beginning to think about warmer weather and the beach (thank heavens swimsuit weather is still a few months out for me).  In the meantime,  I can always stock up on some key items for the beach bag!  So where do you line up on these?  Do you love or hate them? M.

Weekend Update for the Locals - Books!!

OK, just an update for those who live in the Birmingham area!  I constantly talk about how important it is to accessorize with books.  They add some much warmth to a space without visual clutter.  

For those clients who I've mentioned you need more books in your rooms, here's your chance.  The Emmet O'Neal Library in Crestline Village is having their annual book sale this weekend.   

It is open to the public today and tomorrow from 10:00am - 5:00pm and on Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00pm.  Remember, focus on hardback selections with interesting titles.  

If you would like more information on this event, Village Living has a great article on the library sale as well as author talks that will be going on all weekend!  Don't miss it. 

All images in this post via Pinterest.

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.

Find of the Day - Vintage Horn Box

I picked up this small horn box from one of my new favorite online sources for unique, affordable, vintage finds . . .

And here's where it landed.

The source for this little jewel.

How cute is that card they included in the box?!  Minty is a brand new shop - the brain child of three very fun, seasoned bloggers in Atlanta who know a thing or two about interior design.

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They have such a nice mix of interesting vintage accessories.  It's totally worth a look see.  If you have a minute to peruse, here's the link.

shop now

PS: And if just need someone to give a gift to, I'm happy to email you my address. M.

Eye of the Magpie - Acrylic Box Update

In July, I posted about this amazing space.  

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Specifically, about an acrylic box seen in the space.  

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Well, I took my own advice and ordered a custom size acrylic box for a very sentimental item that has been in my husband's family for years.  It's a very old pistol.  Somehow, we ended up with it, and it's sat in a box in our attic for years.  Well, no more!  Here's it's new home.  

When I ordered the box, I kept wondering what I would use to prop up the gun so you could actually see it in the box.  I came up with all sorts of elaborate expensive ideas.  Then, I had a passing conversation with my Dad who told me they often use shot gun shells at gun shows to prop pistols up for display. Since this gun does not use shells, I decided to keep it simple.  I went out into our backyard and found a stick of the perfect diameter.  It looks rustic and does the trick, don't you think?! 

When we first acquired the gun, I thought, "What am I suppose to do with this thing?"  Somehow, the acrylic box really makes it feel important and special. 

 I think an acrylic box can make almost any random accessory feel important.  If you need a custom size, expect to pay a bit more.  I used John with AZCustomPlastics, and he was super nice.  It did take a couple of months to get it.  But the quality is great, and I got exactly what I wanted.    

Alternatively, if you purchase a basic size (like for a football or baseball), the price is very reasonable and you get the same impact.  Here's an example I found online just by googling "acrylic display box."   

Order a basic box, and then find something to put in it!! You will be amazed. . .  

On another note, my posting is going to be sporadic this week.  People are beginning to prepare for the fall season and holidays to come.  So, I have a couple of redesigns this week.  Redesigns are an easy way to make your current space feel fresh and new without buying any additional furnishings.  If you are feeling the need to do the same, call me.  I can create a fresh new space for you too!    

Have a great start to your week! M. 

Eye of the Magpie - acrylic box love

When we were relaxing at the beach a few weeks ago, I had time to really read and absorb the current issue of Traditional Home.  One item that caught my eye?

This room . . . which was designed by Patricia Healings and Dan Barsanti for the 2010 Hampton Designer Showhouse.

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I love how they have used yellow to create a neutral palette in this space - which, if you have ever worked with yellow, is difficult to pull off!   

But what really caught my eye - that acrylic box on the console table behind the sofa.  I love it! 

I'm not even sure what is in that box - it looks like a book of some sort, but this idea has so many possibilities.  

As I have mentioned (way more than once) I think a room really needs to include items that are unique to the homeowner and meaningful to them.  Items that can't be duplicated by just running out to the nearest home store.  This acrylic (or glass) box is an excellent way to do this.  

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You can put anything in the box unique to your family, and it will instantly become special and a true conversation piece when friends come for a visit.

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My husband has this very old pistol that belonged to his great, great, great Uncle (the original John Smith T).  It's really a work of art.   It's currently sitting in a shoe box (in the attic) not being appreciated.  I really need to pull it out and put it in an acrylic box.
I guess this is a lesson in do as I say, not as I do.  

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So, I am putting it on the to do list!  I'll of course share pictures when I make it happen.   

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What do you have in your space that is unique to your family that you, too, could highlight with an acrylic box?  I would love to hear about it!  M.

Accessorize

For every great space, you need accessories.  

Here are some very affordable ones that will definitely give you the look.

(1.) (2.) (3.) (4.) (5.) (6.) (7.) (8.) (9.) (10.)

Happy Shopping! M.

Malachite & Spin Off Trend Prediction

Malachite has been around forever, but it really jumped out at me as a new design trend when I saw the malachite roman shades in the featured home of Casamidy in the May issue of Elle Decor.  Then all of a sudden, I started noticing it everywhere. 

 I realize this comment is going to date me, but here goes it.   When this happens (things start jumping out at me) I call it a "6th Sense" moment (for those of you not born when this movie came out, just know it was very innovated for it's time).  Remember when you first realized Bruce Willis was dead, then it was so obvious he had been dead the whole time (when during the entire movie you didn't notice).  WELL, that's what I'm talking about here.  Now the stuff is everywhere for me!!!! 

Regardless, I think it's going to be a fun trend for the summer.  

As with all trends, there is something for every price point.  

Furniture

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Screen ($1,900)

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Paper

Accessories

Bath Tub

And just so you know, you put one of these in your master bathroom, and you are going to be in style for the entire summer!!! (smile here)

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And I always say "go big or go home", so if going to get the tub . . .  What?  Oh no!  It's definitely not too matchy matchy for that space! (smile again).

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Urns ($4,000 for the pair)

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Fabric

Accessories

All kidding aside, if you love the look and want to affordably add a bit to your space, check out these options I found.  I would definitely consider incorporating one of these into my home.

Small Faux Malachite box ($15.99)

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Large Faux Malachite box ($38.99)

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Spin Off Trend Prediction

With every trend like this, there are spin offs, as well as the merging of trends.

So, here's my prediction.

You have malachite . . .

And you have Peacock patterns (which have been hot for a while).

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In comes  "Marbled Peacock"  Like this. 

Now, I realize that marbled peacock pattern is very old (you see this type of paper in the front covers of tons of really old books).  But this old print is going to be made new again, with the merging of these two styles.  Can't you just see a pair of pillows in a fabulous marbled peacock fabric!  

That's my prediction.  Enjoy your day! M.