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.

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.

Project - Before and Afters

Sometimes it's hard to get motivated this time of year - with the holidays over and several cold months still ahead of us.  The great news is this is the perfect time of year to restyle your rooms.  Just to give you a little inspiration, I thought I would share a project I've been working on over the last few months.  

I've shared a few pictures of this project with you here earlier, but this week we worked on finishing up. And just in time since the couple is hosting an engagement party this weekend! 

I have restyled almost every room in this house and it has been a ton of fun for me.  But what I wanted to show you today is their family room/den.  I did not take pictures of where this room began (sorry), but here is the initial "After" of the space (btw, the walls were red, so we picked this warm vanilla color to lightened up the space). 

Here is a view of the opposite direction.  These are all items the couple already had in their home - just moved from other rooms for a fresh look.  

Once we finished the restyle, I sourced some additional items should she choose to enhance the space in the future. 

So, a couple of weeks ago, my client called to tell me her husband was taking the leather chair to his office (yeah!!) and that she wanted to purchase the new pieces for the space. 

So, here's the Second After . . .  new chairs.  The slipper chairs moved to the basement/media room; and with the large leather recliner out of the picture, we were able to select a pair of larger scale chairs to fill this space.

And this is the wall with the leather chair.

So what's new you ask?  The console table (found at a consignment shop for a deal) here in town.  I love that this piece visually fills this large wall while it's narrow profile keeps the path to the door clear.  The chairs are from Bernhardt and are a very high quality chair for the money.    Lastly, we purchased the crackle finished plates.  These are a clever way to give you an entire wall of artwork without breaking the bank.  All the rest - lamps, mirror, wall brackets, etc. were pulled from other areas of the home. 

Notice the coffee table is different, we traded the coffee tables with the living room for a change.  I think the glass top makes the space feel bigger.  So, by purchasing a few key pieces, the space has been completely transformed.  

Hopefully, this will encourage you to move some furniture this weekend?!  Have a great one.  M.

You Look Just Like Someone I Know

 I found these great look-a-likes while sourcing furnishings for a design plan and thought I would share them with you.  

Formal Dining

These classic French chairs will never EVER go out of style.

The original in all it's yumminess. . . 

Danielle Chair

($350.00 each)

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Now for the look-a-likes . . .

Vintage French Square

($199.00 on sale right now at RH)

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Preston Carved Oak Side Chairs

$194.00 (with $2.95 shipping on entire order!)

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Inspiration . . . as if you need any for these beauties!

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Informal Dining

Wicker chairs add so much great texture to a casual dining area both inside and out.

The original - love the gray tones of the wicker.

Laila Arm Chair

($425.00 each)

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The look-a-like . . . 

KooBoo Wicker Chair

($149.99)

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Some inspiration . . . 

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No one will ever know the difference! 

Happy Monday. M.

Bergere Chairs

I'm working with a client in her formal living room.  At the moment, all the furniture in this space is considered "leggy," meaning there are no skirted pieces.  So, the effect is what I would call a "nervous" room (only for drinking tea and interviewing boys who come to pick up a teenage daughter).  But all that is changing!  She really wants a cozy, comfortable room for escaping with a good book or for enjoying an evening cocktail with her husband.

So, we are going to edit out this pair of bergere chairs and fill in with a pair of skirted chairs to create a more interesting and cozy vibe.   

The great news for you, she is selling these chairs for a steal of a deal.  They are in a neutral silk damask with a wonderful gimp trim, and she's asking $500 each for them (retail value $1,100.00 each).

Because, they are so neutral they will work in a number of places - very versatile.  Look at all these examples of how to incorporate this type of piece.  

Flanking a Fireplace

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Paired with a skirted sofa

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Paired with skirted chairs and a sofa to create a larger seating area.

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In a Nursery

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As a beautiful seating area in the Master Bedroom

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The possibilities are endless.  I very rarely advertise this type of thing for my clients, but I know these are beautiful chairs and are a great price.  If you live in the Birmingham area and are interested, you can email my client directly - Janet's Bergere Chairs, and arrange for pick up.

Have a great day! M.

Family Weekend

I mentioned we were going to have family in town this past weekend.  It was so much fun.  We were on the go most of the time with sporting events for my kids and a quick trip to the fabric store with my sister-in-law (I'm helping redesign her living room).  With all the running around, it was nice to have dinner at home one of the nights.  My husband's birthday was the week before so we held off and celebrated this past Saturday night. I thought you might like to see my table for the dinner.

I rarely use a lot of color on the table.  I know lots of people do and it is beautiful; but for me, I like a table that's simple and elegant.  

My dining table is much wider than a standard table, so I have to think big for a centerpiece.  This arrangement is an easy way to get impact, not break the bank, and still be able to see your dinner guests (not some huge arrangement).  I took one bundle of pink tulips and tucked the entire arrangement inside this large clear glass vase.  It fills up a lot of space, but does not obstruct your view.  In the summer months, I've also floated fresh hydrangeas in this vase for a pretty look.  

Here's a closer look (below).  

Also, notice the small etched sherbet glasses in the picture below.  These were a recent find, and I was dying to use them.  I only have six, so I filled them with jelly bellies in flavors that my daughter and I picked (after tasting all of them in the grocery store, I might add).  We included our favorites of all the red, pink and white options.  

These were a fun conversation piece and everybody lingered after dessert and sampled them.

Here's another tip I often use:  If you are having more than six people to a dinner party, the number of plates, crystal, etc. that you are hand washing really adds up.  So, what I often do is use real silver and linen table napkins to make the table feel special.  Then I pair this with my every day china (which is just a simple white pattern) and every day glassware (not crystal).  It makes the party special and clean up much easier for me.

One last thing, I used salt cellars with crystal spoons on the table this time.  Although I don't use them often, I think they are unusual and really add to the table setting.  These were a gift from an Aunt when I got married.  It was a ton of fun and I hope they will come back soon for another visit. M.