TradHome This Week!

OK, I have lots of fun pictures from Scott's to show you, but I am too busy today to get the post up and running.  So, please stay tuned for these sometime this week.  

For now, I wanted to let you know TradHome (which I posted about here) is launching a sneak peek of its magazine this week!!!  This is a new online magazine for Traditional Home.  If you want to get a sneak peek of the magazine, click here and subscribe! 

One random thought: we have a commercial grade mirror in my daughter's bathroom and I really want to make it feel more special.  I was thinking about putting a mirror on top of the mirror.  Here's an example, but I was thinking of a more traditional frame.  Also, in this picture it looks as though it's only the frame and not an actual second mirror.  Would love your thoughts on the idea.  

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I am almost thinking that it's the wall sconces that make me love this and not just the mirror.  The wall sconces would be cost prohibitive and make me think I should just wait and get what I really want, rather than a cheap fix on this?  What do you think? M.

A Girl's Day Out!

I'm on my way to Scott's Antique Market in Atlanta for the day!  Woo Whooo.  I have been looking forward to this trip for weeks.  It's actually a girl's trip.  We are going over on a chartered bus (which includes refreshments, I might add) and after a nice long day looking at amazing interior finds, we will return to Birmingham with hopefully some great stuff.

  Unfortunately for my husband, when he thinks of Scott's he has heart palpitations - something about his wallet hemorrhaging?  Who knows?  I can only image what is going through his mind.  

Maybe something like this . . . 

"Honey, I'm home!"

or this . . . 

"You will never believe the deals I found!"

OK, I confess, I have been known to go a little crazy, but it's only because I don't get to go that often (sort of like the kid that never gets to eat candy unless at a friend's house).  But it simply cannot be helped at a place like this.  The possibilities are endless.    

The reason . . . 

Hours of getting to look through this.  I get so distracted, I can't even carry on a conversation (which if you know me, is saying something)  

AAHHHhhhh.  Wish me luck!! 

And have a great weekend.  M.

Most Fun Day

I woke up yesterday not feeling very enthusiastic about my day(really wanted to sleep in), but it turned out to be most interesting.  I met an amazing artist who is in town for a few days.  Her name is Ashley Terrell.  Her work is simply stunning.  

Ashley lives in Mobile, Alabama and is in Birmingham for a couple of days showing her artwork at the beautiful home of one of my clients!  The whole house was abuzz with people when I stopped by yesterday.  They were serving yummy snacks; and Ashley's artwork was sprinkled throughout the entire home.  There was even a piece outside as you entered the front door!  Such a fun time. The weather was perfect for it, too - warm and sunny. 

Sorry for the grainy pictures, but all I had was my phone.  That's me (sunglasses on my head - told you it was a pretty day) with the artist!  Her work is so amazing and incredibly affordable.  

This piece is huge!  Notice it is in front of a set of french doors and totally blocks this entrance to the sun porch.

These pictures are not a true reflection of how beautiful the artwork is in person.  I love my phone, but the quality of the photos is very grainy. 

 I think this one was titled "Storm Clouds."

Here are a few examples of some of her small pieces. 

 Several of her works had this metallic accent overlay on them.  Very cool. 

This was my favorite; and of course, it was already sold! 

She will be in town for one more day.  So, if you live in Birmingham and need some large affordable artwork, you must stop by.  The show is at the home of Anne Cobb who lives in Crestline (121 Crestview Drive).  If you are not in Birmingham, then go to Ashley's blog and shop there.  

She will gladly ship her work.  

PS: I'm finally going to Scott's Antique Market in Atlanta this weekend (happy dance here - it's been way too long since I've made the trip)!  If any of my blogger friends are going, I would love to meet you in person.  Please let me know!  M.  

Coffee Table Dilemma

I think coffee tables are much more difficult to style than bookshelves.     

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There's usually a lot going on in a bookshelf; and if a few of the items are not the greatest, the collection will carry those mediocre pieces. 

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 Not so with the coffee table - more like putting an item on a pedestal.  

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It really becomes a focal piece. 

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When I'm styling a home, I always select a couple of the most interesting accessories for the coffee table. 

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Then, I fill in with some interesting, beautiful books. 

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Something fresh also is a nice touch.

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Remember, accessories on a coffee table need to look great from any angle (i.e., not a picture frame). 

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Think about this the next time you are looking for something special for your coffee table.

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Have a marvelous day! M.

Find of the Day

Affordable Artwork - at $24.00 each, a group of these could really make a statement as the focal point of a space.  I think they would look amazing in a boy's room, a study or even a man's office. 

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The artist is John Golden and he has lots of affordable pieces in his etsy shop!  M. 

Small Spaces - Cottage in the City

Today I'm in the mood to show you an amazing small space.  I saw this space back in December and just have not been able to get it out of my mind.  A marvelously designed small space.  The light airy feel makes it particularly appropriate for Spring!  

This home was designed by owners Lyndsay Caleo and Fitzhugh Karol and was featured on Re-Nest as a green space.  

In one image - the living space, kitchen, dining area, library, and loft bedroom.  It exudes style without sacrificing the homey feel (notice that cute dog under the coffee table)!   

For this small space, the theme is white/light airy coupled with natural elements and modern touches.  Here's a closer look of the kitchen.

  These bookshelves painted out white (like the walls) feel clean, organized and modern.  By including the wood beams, the modern edges are subdued.  Same balance with the dining chairs and table.

Here is the loft space above the kitchen.  If I lived here, I would climb up there and read to my kids every afternoon.

Close up of the table.  The textural elements of the table are like art for the space, yet it's practical.  

This kitchen is perfectly appointed.  I love the idea of not having anything you don't use in your kitchen. Makes me want to go into my kitchen with a huge garbage bag and get busy. 

All this white, really makes this space work.  But again, notice the dark wood countertop to balance the modern white look.

Here's another clever idea for this guest bedroom.  The linens are white (just like the walls) so this bed is not overpowering this small room.  I also love the reading lights.  These were essential since there really is no space for true bedside tables. 

Here is the master bedroom.  Again, natural wood canopy to balance all the white.  My favorite thing about this space is the mirrored closest doors (and the dog).  They bring in tons of light to brighten the space. 

 Last, but not least, the perfect spot for lazy weekend mornings or relaxing in the evenings.   

If you would like to see more of this space and read the full interview, go here.  

Hope your week gets off to a great start! M.

Projects I Want To Do

If you have not discovered Pinterest, I am about to rock your weekend!

I am not really even sure how to explain what Pinterest is except to say members of pinterest will "pin" anything and everything on the web that is meaningful to them.  Then you get to check out what that have found!

I absolutely dig what Shayla McCallum pins on her page.  Frankly, I had trouble deciding which of her folders to show you!  I landed on "Projects I Want To Do," but she has so many that I love.  In this folder, she has pinned DIY projects that she likes.  So basically,  it's the cliff notes for DIY projects.  Yeah, just in time for the weekend!  Enjoy!

Here's one example. 

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PS: I've never tried to link to Pinterest on a post, so I do hope it works.  I know there are limitations to what you can access on this website without being a member, but membership is free.  So, if you can't access it, I would encourage you to sign up for an account! 

Happy Weekend. M.