Emerging Trend - Arrow Design

I love it when I begin to see a new trend.  This one is an "arrow" (also called "feather") design.  It's similar to a chevron pattern, but fresher.  I dare say more youthful and fun.  Have you noticed it as of late?

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I started seeing all different versions of it popping up when sourcing fabrics back in the Spring.  Now, it's more than fabrics - I'm seeing wallpapers and even accessories like trays, jars and bathroom accessories.

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I can see using this pattern just as you would a chevron either as the main accent fabric (if it has several colors in it) or as a secondary fabric (if it's a two color fabric like below). 

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Just love this take on the trend - it feels tribal and modern all at the same time.

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I will definitely be working this into a design plan soon.  Happy Monday! M.

Curb Appeal - an Update

It has been one busy week - I have been working on design plans, completed a really fun redesign with one fabulous gallery wall (I will be posting about it next week), and I've been making some changes at my own house (again, I will be posting about this too).  But, I wanted to give you an update on the curb appeal project I posted about back in May.  Here's the original post. 

When I last posted, we had completed the painting and clearing of the yard and were ready to install the landscape design plan for this home.  If you recall, my clients had enlisted the help of Randy McDaniel  for a plan to really play up the best features of this home.  

Well, here's the final result. . . . 

My clients are so happy with how it all turned out, and are especially thrilled to be finished and enjoying their new yard.   This is the side yard - since this home is on a corner lot, it was important for this side of the home to look great as well. 

They magnolia will add some privacy as they grow. 

I love the portion of the lawn thats dips into the bed on the left side of the house - really gives it a welcoming feel and breaks up the sidewalk.

This is one of my favorite things in the design plan - a pair of Espalier trees!  The perfect way to turn a large wall into a lovely focal point. 

Notice the extra large planters in the front - interesting shape and very lush with the addition of the boxwoods.

Happy weekend, everybody! M.

   

Alessandra Branca for Schumacher

Back in January, I was interviewed by Birmingham Home and Garden as a Tastemaker for trends in 2013.  One of the trends I mentioned was the 1980's floral resurgence.  I also posted about it almost a year ago when I first began to notice the florals popping up - Trend Spotting 80's Floral. 

Fast forward nine months and this trend is in full swing - case in point, Alessandra Branca collection for Schumacher.  The colors are extraordinary in this collection.  The number of colors in the signature fabric is over the top.  Also, it very hard to tell from the images I snapped while at the design center, but the floral fabric below is a chintz!  Then the IKAT chevron is a polished cotton.  

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While it does take some getting used to - deep breaths really.  When I look at the floral pattern on it own, I have flash backs of college and all the dorm rooms my freshmen year.

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But, when it's paired with current wovens and fretwork patterns, it feels fresh to me.  Much more hip and chic than my college days.  

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Also, in the more muted colorways like this citrine with blacks and deep greys, it feels much more current to me.  All these are part of the same collection.  I love that she's included lots of secondary patterns to soften the busy floral. 

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So, what do you think?  Are you ready for a blast from the past?! M.

Hand Painted Velvet - Follow up

Do you remember this tease of a post I blogged about back in May?  See the entire post here.  If you recall, I showed you this picture in my post. . . .

 

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I know, it was mean of me not to give you the details, but we had just started this project; and I really wanted to save the reveal once the installation was complete.  I had visited the studio of the very talented Kitty White, and had fallen in love with these hand painted strips of fabric.  We began to collaborate on this project, and came up with a wonderful hand dyed velvet trim to pick up the tone of the teal colored mohair host and hostess chairs.  Kitty then painted a metallic paint onto the fabric and re-dyed the velvet for a wore look.  The process was quite meticulous but the results were well worth it.

Here's the result . . . 

Mandi Smith T Interiors

Kitty White is truly one of the most creative people I've ever met.  Not only is she a fabulous decorator and artist, she also designs some of the most stunning jewelry I've ever seen.  Her studio is in a carriage house behind her home and the entire space is totally enchanting.  If you are interested in something similar for your home, please contact her.  Just a visit to her studio will inspire you beyond words!    

When we started this project, the room was actually a formal living room.  My clients never really used the living room and were in need of some office/homework space on the main floor.  

Mandi Smith T Interiors

Also, they did not want to permanently alter the floor plan of the house.  So, we decided to visually close the large opening between the formal dining room and living room by using the linen drapery panel.  Here's a close up of the tape.  Since our plan was to layer the artwork on top, I chose an inverted flat pleat on the tops of the drapery panels.  

Mandi Smith T Interiors

Once the dining room was in it's new spot, we created the office space in the room beyond (which can now be accessed through the kitchen area).  As an aside, the doorway was not center on this wall, so we used the drapery panel to center the buffet on the accent wall.  

Mandi Smith T Interiors

The result - a marvelous focal wall in the dining room.   As you can see, the oil painting over the buffet appears to be floating on top of the drapery panel.  I will be posting later on how we accomplished this. Since we had two story ceilings in this room, we had to be very clever on how we hung the painting. 

Mandi Smith T Interiors

I promise to share the trick with you very soon!  Until then, I hope you have a marvelous start to your week! M.

Happy Friday!

It's Friday!  We are back in full swing this weekend with activities for the kiddos.  Hoping to relax at least a bit and maybe squeeze in a little DIY project with this!  I found it in a great little shop in my home town and just had to snag it.  Remember my post here about this new product? 

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I decided on the white perfection, since it will allow me to move it from room to room with the greatest of ease.  Now, I've just got to figure out what I want to use it on - maybe a tray?  Maybe some picture frames?  Not quite sure, but I'll let you know what I think when I'm done.  

I'm also hoping to delve into the new online issue of Lonny.  

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If you have some time this weekend, you need to find a comfy spot, grab your reader, and check it out!  I always find inspiration lurking behind the cover of this magazine.  

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Have a wonderful weekend! M.

Antique Lesson - Enfilade

Today I want to talk to you about Enfilades as they relate to interior design.   An enfilade, which is  pronounced like this was originally used to describe a military formation used during war.  To be "in enfilade" means to align your troops so their weapons can be fired down the longest axis in a sweeping motion, such as along the line of a trench or battery.  

How does this relate to interior design you ask? 

Well, this term was adopted by the architectural community to describe a long line or series of rooms.  An enfilade is an axial arrangement of doorways throughout a series of rooms with vistas throughout all the rooms in the row.  

Like this . . . 

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This term is also used by the interior design community to describe a very long, low French buffet.  Again, the concept of a long linear formation.  One source I found stated in order for a buffet to be considered an enfilade it has to have at least four cupboard doors.  Otherwise, it would simply be considered a buffet.  Another source stated in order for the piece to be considered an enfilade the interior compartments have to be open and connected - for the French "enfiler" meaning "to thread."  Either way, here are some stunning examples of enfilades.

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And look! An enfilade in an enfilade!

Traditional Hall by Beverly Hills Interior Designers & Decorators DTM INTERIORS

Regardless of the origin, the next time you hear this word in context you will know exactly what it means.  It's good to be in the know. So glad this is a short week. M.

Labor Day Weekend

Ahhh, the only day of the year that we can celebrate working without actually having to work!  I just love this beautiful image taken by the fabulous Tracy Ayton.  Totally makes me think about the end of summer and those last sweet moments at the lake.

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As relaxing as this holiday weekend can be, it always makes me a little sad to see summer go.  But honestly, once school starts for the kiddos, the pace of summer is really already over - we are back to the morning rush and afternoon carpools.  So, to keep from feeling sad about the end of something, let's focus on the positives of what is to come.  Here are a few of my favorites.

 Oh, before I launch into my Fall favorites, one fabulous thing that happens this weekend?
The Labor Day sales!

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  I have mentioned this rug website to several clients (so hopefully some are reading this).  I have scored several rugs here during these blow out sales (they happen twice a year).  The trick to ordering a rug online (sight unseen) is to stick to the 100% wool rugs only!  You will be assured what you get is high quality when it arrives.  For example . . . 

Rugs USA

This rug is 100% wool in a decent size (5'x8') at only $132.00.  This could look great in a kid's bedroom or a guest room, and it comes in a rainbow of colors. 

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There are tons of others at 80% off right now, so go take a look here. Then, some of my favorite haunts for fab accessories you just don't see everywhere. 

Furbish
Loving this cool bone box for a dark coffee table - only $28.00. 

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CWonder

 Right now, CWonder's sale items are an additional 50% off through the weekend - so this embroidered dot on linen pillow is around $18.00. Total deal, people!  Has a Kelly Wearstler vibe to me. 

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OK, now for my favorites to look forward to now that Fall is right around the corner.

Fall Outfits 

For Fall outfits, you really have to be clever about in the South (since it will remain in the low 90's for quite some time here) . . . 

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And yes, girls in the south do continue to wear white jeans, just paired with darker tones, including a current shoe.

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Then early winter . . . 

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Fall Entertaining

For me, a trip to the farmers market for all the different colors/sizes of pumpkins is like recess to a little kid.

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Tailgating

With a weekend of games already behind us, football is finally here.

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And Let's not forget the food (who are we kidding?  The food is one of the main reasons I go!) . . . 

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If you make these, please include me!!! Yum.

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Block Parties/Galas/Art Shows

(aka any excuse for a Fall Party)

It so fun to get together with friends for intimate gatherings and even to get dressed up and make a night of it on the town.  There's just something about the cooler months that really makes events special.

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I hope everybody has a wonderful long weekend - Savor it! M.