Randomness and a Little Break

Happy Friday, all.  The last few days the weather has been totally marvelous with tons of sunshine and mild temperatures.  It truly feels like Spring is here and just in time for Spring Break!  My kiddos are on break next week, so I am taking some time off the blog to spend as much time with them as possible.  Never fear current clients, I'm still going to be working on your design plans, just not taking any consults next week.  

My son recently turn 13, and I had a jolt of reality - he'll be driving in three years and out of my house in five years.  So, I'm making a conscious effort to spend more time with my children as this precious time is fleeting. 

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 It's truly a matter of priorities in life and this is a very important one that I don't want to look back on and have regrets.  

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So, I say all this to say - I'm taking next week off from the blog!  A little break for Spring. 

In the meantime, I have to show you some things I stumbled upon over the last few weeks.  Since I'm constantly sourcing items for design plans, I rarely see things totally different and new.  When I do, they tend to stop me dead in my tracks and I start thinking of ways to include them in my designs.    Some may be too edgy for mainstream consumption, but all are interesting and get my wheels turning.  

The Ghostly Host

A slipcovered ghost chair!  These are totally intriguing to me.  They have a balance between modern and french traditional that I adore.  I will have to find the perfect space in incorporate one or two! 

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Careful - Your Lacquer's Showing

Most of you have seen lacquered walls like this. . . 

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Lacquered walls can be totally stunning and dramatic.  They have an equally impressive Wow factor to wallpaper but with an understated nod.   But, it's a game changer when you consider it on the front door!

Even in a safe traditional color, it's a Wow . . . 

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But, you are truly taking it to a whole new place with a pop of color.  

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If you've ever wondered how to achieve this look, it starts with the paint - Fine Paints of Europe to be exact.  Not to mention a painter who knows what they're doing.  This paint has a very special application - consider yourself warned.  As an aside, I think this paint could even make that 1970's door something special.  It would be embracing it and making a statement with it.

J.A. Meets J.C.

Have you heard all the rumblings about Jonathan Adler creating a home decor line for JC Penney?  It's true.  Borrowing the phrase "Happy Chic" from his oh so fabulous book, Mr. Adler is bringing it to Penney's (of all places?!).  

The website says coming March 2013, but it has yet to go live.  And yes, confessions, I have been checking the website like a 15 year old who just tried out for cheerleader checks for the team list!  If any of you find out it's live, please send me an email.  I would love a bit of jump on the selections.  

Clever DIY
OK, everybody knows what a sucker I am for a good DIY.  I saw this leather/brass pull on Pinterest and a world of opportunities flooded my brain on where I could use this.

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You could freshen up a piece of furniture with these pulls, cabinetry in a bathroom (like my son's that is in desperate need of a freshen up), or even a simple detail on an upholstered piece like the sides of an ottoman.  

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Again, endless applications.  Remember, the devil's in the details and they can make a space.

Invitation for a Roast

Lastly, I enjoyed this entertaining post from one of the editor's at Houzz and just had to share it.  The article is entitled, "What is your Designer's Attitude Type?" and it's illustrated in a very funny way!    So, for those of you who have worked with me on spaces, I invite you to share your thoughts on my type.  I do realize I'm completely opening myself up here.  After all, it's healthy to be able to laugh at one's self.  Right?!  Here's the article - What is Your Designer's Attitude Type? 

Happy Spring! M.

Playing Catch Up & Design Trend

Well, I am trying to dig out after a totally fun and relaxing getaway with some girlfriends.  I love getting away but totally hate having to play catch up after a break (I know you know what I'm talking about here).  But I plan to hit the ground running and make it happen.  

So, on Friday, I left you all with a bit of a teaser.  The reason I asked you to say a little prayer for my husband was not because I left him here with the kiddos, all their activities and more laundry than I care to admit.  I asked for the prayer because our house looked as though a bomb had exploded.   We are finally having our kitchen cabinetry painted!!!  So, all the kitchen goodies from pots and pans to food in the pantry is piled on every available surface in our house.  The project should be finished by the end of this week with pictures to follow.  So stay tuned.  I promise to share all the details with you.  BTW, he seemed to manage fine - lots of take out and trips to his sister's house for food! Now, if I can just get everything finished and put back together.    

In the meantime, I wanted to talk to you about a design trend that's making a huge come back - It's sectionals.  They are popping up in lots of spaces.  No, these are not the sectionals of years past.  Most have fresh modern lines that can take a space from OK to totally WOW.  Here are just a few of my favorites. . .  

Love the contrasting welting and nailhead trim on this one.

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Although I usually recommend staying away from a pattern on such a large upholstered piece, the pattern is light and airy and reads like a solid in this example.  Also, love the contrast with the wall color.

OK, this is from Caitlin Creer Interiors, and it's my all time favorite sectional.  I love how she has used this piece to create a secondary focal point with the TV.  Her fabric choice is perfect for hiding dirt in a high traffic area and with the pops of color from other accessories it still feels current.

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Look at all the tufting and nailheads on this one!! LOVE it.

Even in a small space, sectionals can work. 

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This one takes an otherwise shabby chic space and gives it a mad men flare.  

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That's it for today!  Have a great start to your week. M.

If I Were Handy . . .

I would zip over to IKEA and pick up this for $299.00 . . . 

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Then I would order some chalk paint which is very forgiving and easy to work with.  I would get it in this color . . . 

Paris Grey

Then I would sand off a bit of the paint on the edges to let the original color show through like this . . . 

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Then I would change the hardware to these ($4.76 each) . . . 

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And get a very similar look to this for a fraction of the cost . . . 

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This stunning piece retails for $1,500.00 and is on sale for $699.00 at Kings Lane this week.  

Artwork Tip: If you are in the Birmingham area and want to check out some amazing original artwork, my talented friend Ashley Terrell is in town showing off her work.  You can see and purchase her pieces on Thursday, September 29th from 10am-7pm at the home of Betts and Lauten Johnson (2201 Shades Crest Road). Ashley's calling the show "Art with Reach" which is so appropriately titled given her affordable prices!    Have a great day.  M.

Campaign Desk - Stylish Alternatives

Before you read my post today, I want you to go {here} and sign up for the giveaway I posted about yesterday.  I'll wait . . . 

{image via}

Great!  You're back.  Here we go:

As you know, I love a good deal.  When I find something I love, I am always curious if I can get a similar look without the price tag.  I came across this Campaign Desk and thought it looked amazing.  I can see this desk placed in front of a large window overlooking a fabulous view, or even behind a sofa (as an alternative to a sofa table giving you a library table look).  

The price tag for this piece is $2,750.00.

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So, I got busy and found this one.  Similar tone of wood and "X" legs, but feels a bit lighter or thinner  (almost a bit rustic) than the initial find.  The price is better at $599.

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Then! I came across this little find.  It is more in keeping with the style of the initial piece - same tone of wood and more substantial (thicker) top.  

The price (drum roll please!) - $199.99 (on sale right now).

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Here's a closer look.

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Anybody in need of a Campaign desk?!! M.

New Pillows for my Wingbacks

Just before Christmas I discovered this fabric and fell in love with it.  

I kept thinking about all it's lineny goodness and where I could put it in my house.  Finally, I decided to make some pillows for my favorite spot in the whole house - my wingback chairs.  

 As you can see, this room is very neutral, mainly warm grays, browns and a bit of green.  So, when I saw this fabric which included a watery blue with the green, I knew I had to have it.  This picture is more like the true color of the fabric.

Since this is a large scale fabric, I would normally not use it for small lumbar pillows.  Large scale fabrics look best on large pillows or for drapery panels.  But I broke the rules! I picked out my favorite bird in the pattern and worked it into the center of each pillow.  I also included my favorite trim (for the moment) which is a flat flange with a bit of detail on the corners.  

The other great thing about these . . . I only used a yard of fabric.  So, when (and if) I tire of them, I will be off to find another fabric to change the look for around $35.00 or less! 

I have included this project in  Todays Creative Blog link party!  There are tons of crafty ideas included if you need a little project this weekend. 

Find of the Day - Table

I came across this fabulous shabby chic table while sourcing some furniture pieces for a client.  I love the look of it, and it's the perfect size.  It could be used as a side table next to a sofa, between a pair of chairs, in a breakfast room as a small buffet piece.  Lots of possibilities here.  And the most important piece of news, it's only $75!  

http://www.etsy.com/listing/63818560/treasury-lilly

This is the Etsy shop of a great blog spot I have been enjoying as of late called Mossy Rock Interiors. If you have a little time on your hands, check out the blog and the shop!  

I am off to speak at a local garden club today on interior design.  Thrilled for the invite and opportunity!  

Hope you have a great day. M.  

Yumminess

We have snow in Birmingham!  Just a dusting, but of course, school has been canceled.  So, I thought something beautiful that reminded me of summer was needed today. 

http://www.houzz.com/photos/73685/shelves-traditional-family-room-other-metros

I also thought the color combo was appropriate given my husband's anticipation of game tonight.  

Orange and blue have never looked so good.  War Eagle!  

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!

Over Indulgence

Yes, it is Monday.  The weekend was way way too festive and fun; and consequently, I did not get in my quota of this. . .  

 I will resist the urge, as I am too busy today to give in. 

J.C. . . is that you?

 I hope you are having a great week so far.  My little get away was wonderful.  We had a very relaxing trip, and now I am looking forward to Halloween weekend.  Here's what's on my mind today.

  A few years ago, I was looking for a sectional sleeper sofa for our playroom.  I wanted a relaxed slipcover look for the space, but did not want to pay the price for it since I knew it would be totally trashed by my adorable (smile) kids.  During the search, I found a very affordable option at J.C. Penney.

Since then, J.C. has been on my radar.  They seem to be getting it these days.  Check out some of these finds! (P.S. JC Penney is not paying me for all this free advertising, so the pictures are not super clear and you will have to click through to see a larger image). 

$899.00 for the chair

http://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=STY&ItemID=18de2bd&DeptID=70752&CatID=70827&SO=0&SelDim=4294957900%7e&CatSel=4294953305%7cottomans&Ne=4294957900+5+586+1031+877+580+838+1274+966+8+18+904+949+833&x5view=1&shopperType=G&N=4294953305&Nao=0&PSO=0&CmCatId=70752|70827

 It looks a lot like one of my favorite chairs currently on sale for $3,196.00.

http://www.jaysonhomeandgarden.com/product.php?productid=2890


I think a pair of these would look great at the end of a bed or even in a den for extra storage. 

$129.99 each

http://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=17cd86d&DeptID=70752&CatID=70827&SO=0&SelDim=4294957900%7e&CatSel=4294953305%7cottomans&Ne=4294957900+5+586+1031+877+580+838+1274+966+8+18+904+949+833&x5view=1&shopperType=G&N=4294953305&Nao=21&PSO=0&CmCatId=70752|70827


I can see this stacked with books and a couple of very special accessories in a formal living room or even in a dining room as display for glassware and china.

$199.99

http://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=16eee2a&DeptID=70752&CatID=70827&PCatID=70752&SO=0&CatSel=4294953302%7cshelves&Ne=4294957900+5+586+1031+877+580+838+1274+966+8+18+904+949+833&CatTyp=RLE&Dep=FURNITURE&N=4294953302&Pcat=FURNITURE&Cat=Living+Room&Nao=0&PSO=0&CmCatId=70752|70827

This is a great deal on an occasional table that would work in a number of rooms.

$118.99

http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=18aec3b&DeptID=70752&CatID=70827&PCatID=70752&SO=0&CatSel=4294953304%7ctables&Ne=4294957900+5+586+1031+877+580+838+1274+966+8+18+904+949+833&pagesize=1&CatTyp=RLE&Dep=FURNITURE&N=4294953304&Pcat=FURNITURE&Cat=Living+Room&Nao=0&PSO=0&CmCatId=70752|70827


It looks very similar to this table.

$299.00

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/rustic-pedestal-accent-table/?pkey=cside-tables

Ditto for this one. 

$119.00 Each

http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6E.aspx?GrpTyp=ENS&ItemID=15cfa42&DeptID=70752&CatID=70827&PCatID=70752&SO=0&CatSel=4294953304%7ctables&Ne=4294957900+5+586+1031+877+580+838+1274+966+8+18+904+949+833&pagesize=1&CatTyp=RLE&Dep=FURNITURE&N=4294953304&Pcat=FURNITURE&Cat=Living+Room&Nao=0&PSO=0&CmCatId=70752|70827


Here's the pottery barn version.

$249.00 each
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/tanner-cube/?cm_src=OLDLINK&pkey=xsrd0m1%7C20%7C%7C%7C0%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7Ctanner


I really like the lines of this headboard.  The nailheads paired with the curves really balance the piece. 

$449.00

http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=STY&ItemID=1997850&DeptID=70752&CatID=70838&PCatID=70752&SO=0&CatSel=4294953299%7cbeds&Ne=4294957900+877+586+580+838+1021+8+18+904+949+833&pagesize=1&CatTyp=RLE&Dep=FURNITURE&N=4294953299&Pcat=FURNITURE&Cat=Bedroom&Nao=0&PSO=0&CmCatId=70838


It has a very similar look to the Colette Bed by Crate and Barrel, but a very different price.
$1,599.00
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/furniture/beds/colette-bed/f13280

Here are a couple of other pieces that have lots of potential too.

$159.60

http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=17e81df&DeptID=70752&CatID=72434&SO=0&x5view=1&Ne=4294957900+5+18+904+949+833&pagesize=1&shopperType=G&N=4294953218&Nao=0&PSO=0&CmCatId=70752|72434

$189.99

http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=1760da5&DeptID=70752&CatID=72436&SO=0&x5view=1&Ne=4294957900+5+1031+586+18+904+949+833&pagesize=1&shopperType=G&N=4294953216&Nao=0&PSO=0&CmCatId=70752|72436


Sometimes I think you have to think outside the box on where you are looking for furnishings and fabrics.  There are so many options these days and it's really worth doing some research on prices before purchasing.