Let's Talk Rooms - Study

Yesterday we were blessed with some cool weather, not cold or even chilly, but just pleasant, breezy hints of Fall.  It was such a great day, and now I have a toasty warm study/library on the brain.  Here are a few amazing ones to consider.

What a saturated wall color!  It looks like a deep green with a bit of peacock blue mixed in for good measure.  Love the fitted slipcover on the table and the velvet apple green chair. 

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The lavender makes me think this study is for the lady of the house.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a place like this to retreat to when you need some peace and quiet? 

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Love how the built-ins frame those windows.  I would open those windows to get a light breeze as I lounged on that sofa and enjoyed the fire. 

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Notice the detail on the shades.  It looks like a large cut out circle - very cool.

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The others made me think of hot chocolate or a nice cup of hot tea, but this one . . . for this one, it's a pinot noir all the way! 

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I hope your weekend goes well, and you do something that makes you happy.  M.

Design Perspective: Beckwith interiors

The very talented Jamie Beckwith.   Most of the images I have included from her portfolio are more traditional, but her work spans all different types of styles.

Here are my favorites . . .

I would never shut those doors if this place were mine!  It feels like one long room.  Also, notice the blocks of wood above the window in this image.  This innovative product is available for purchase from Ms. Beckwith's website.

Love the herringbone patten inside this fireplace and the matching floor lamps.

Look at the detail on this fireplace surround - beautiful.  Also, I love the mirrors and hanging hardware on the bookshelves.

Notice the wall space between the upper and lower windows. This is a great way to get the floor to ceiling window feel in a space without all the windows - the draperies also help to create this look.

   To check out her other offerings visit her website.  Enjoy your day! M. 

Narrow Bedroom

My first reaction when I encounter a small bedroom is to work hard to gain floor space so the room visually feels bigger.  Why not embrace the size and take advantage of the room's attributes.  In this case, the view.  

Granted this is a vacation spot -  the Surf Lodge in Montauk, NY.  But you could certainly bring the vacay vibe to your own bedroom by floating the bed.  Also, notice they have used the back of the headboard as a "wall" for the dresser.  

I think it would be dreamy to wake up to an amazing view every morning.

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Hope you have a marvelous day! M.

Clever Idea

I stumbled up this picture recently and thought it was beautiful.  I love how the homeowner did not sacrifice the natural light with the traditional placement of a mirror or choose to move the vanity to a different wall.  Instead, they came up with a practical solution to make the vanity work in this space.

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The result is quite wonderful.


PS: If you voted in the coolest small home contest I posted about on Friday, the winner of the contest was announced yesterday and it's  "Jordan's Light, Location and Vibe" (this is the home with the dedicated office).  Congrats to Jordan!

Now, go out and make today your own!! M.

Atomic Era Lamps

These days there are so many online resources for accessories.  So, when I find one that really stands out as unique I bookmark it and shop it often.  That has been the case with Laurel Leaf Farm for quite some time.  I love the site because it has unique stuff that hasn't been "dolled up."  You do have to dig(yes, even online), but the deals are great.  

Recently, I went to their site to source some brass accessories and discovered their sister website known as 1st Stop Retro Shop!  Well, let's just say:

 IT'S THE BOMB!

 And in this case . . . the Atomic bomb (cheesy, huh? Sorry, I couldn't resist).

I stumbled upon these Atomic Era lamps which are so cool.  The Atomic Era developed due to a time in our history when the atomic bomb and nuclear energy were being discovered/considered for defense/energy for our country.  During this period of time, interior design began to reflect our political circumstances.  After all, designers do not design in a vacuum.  It is also worth noting this was during the midcentury modern upsurge, so these pieces have modern lines.

So, there's your history lesson for the day, on to the finds!

Atomic Ear Brass Lamps - these would really bring an authentic layer to any space.  And that is what you want in your home, not something that looks like it came straight from a catalog.  Rather, something that has developed over time into your space.  

These are $60 for the pair (you can't even find this kind of deal on Craig's list anymore)! 

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This one is also $60 and would be amazing on a bedside table or in a study - great patina.

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And last, but not least, (this one is my favorite) this beauty is $50.  It would look unbelievable as an accent lamp on a traditional bow front chest with other accessories including a large piece of modern art to really balance the traditional casement piece. 

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Here's a little inspiration on mixing this modern style with more traditional pieces.

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Find of the Day - Asian Warriors

Last Chance!

Just a quick note: Today is the last chance to enter to win the $25 gift card from CSN Stores.  If you have not signed up and would like a chance, click here!  There are only a few entries, so your chances of winning are very high.  

Now, onto my find of the day . . .  

Asian Warriors

Years ago, I had a conversation with this lovely shop owner in New Orleans.  Her shop was decidedly french.  I remember at the time telling her I loved french country, but did not want an entire house of it.  She said the easiest way to keep a room from being too much of one style is to add one special Asian accent to the space.

It's a subtle trick that works every time! 

Here is a wonderful example of an Asian accessory.  The entire set of five terra cotta warriors is only $19.50.  I think they have a real sophisticated, yet rustic feel to them.  They would look great on a console table in a foyer or grouped on a painted built in bookshelf.

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And just for fun, here are a few rooms using the shop keepers trick.  Can you find the Asian touches in these images?

Beautiful, no?  

Have a marvelous day! M.

Answers: image 1: console table; image 2: coffee table; image 3: blue & white garden stool; image 4: coffee table; image 5: several garden stools; image 6: ginger jars; image 7: side table; image 8: garden stool and wallpaper.

  

Redesign

I think so many people underestimate the impact of re-arranging their furnishings.  By using what you have in new and different ways you can really freshen up a space.  

This week, my business partner and I did a redesign for a wonderful homeowner who calls us every season to "freshen up" her spaces.  We move furnishings around and rotate/edit accessories depending on the season.  Here are some pictures of the results!  Thanks Sherry for continuing to call us.  We love working with all your beautiful accessories. 

If you live in Birmingham, AL and want a fresh new look for Spring, call us!  We can do the same thing for you.  M.

Let's Beat A Dead Horse. Shall We?

I love showing you things you have maybe never seen or really thought about, but today I am not doing that.  Instead, I am showing you a space that I can't seem to get out of my head.

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The first time I saw this room in House Beautiful, I was in a trance.  I looked at these pictures so much that the magazine was dog eared.  I was mesmerized by Melissa Warner's ability to incorporate high and low end furnishings to create an absolutely stunning space.   It feels traditional and funky all at the same time.  Frankly, the whole house was amazing, but the master bedroom was especially fabu.

 Since then, I can't go into a vintage/antique/junk store without secretly hoping to find a dirt cheap pair of real alabaster tulip lamps that someone is selling with not a clue as to their value.  Well, of course this will NEVER happen [it's like searching for a unicorn].  But I kid you not, the thought crosses my mind every single time I get out of my car and walk across the parking lot into one of these shops. 

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I know that many of you have seen this space a dozen times.  But, I just can't move on [it's a bit like a childhood memory that pops into your brain when you least expect it].  I love it just as much today as the first time I saw it.   I can't imagine ever being tired of it.  And that is saying something (coming from someone who rearranges her family and living room seasonally)!  

Do you have a space you adore and are sure you will never get tired of?