Thoughts On Tonal Rooms

So, I recently saw an image on Houzz of a very modern home that was predominately white.  It was lovely.  I was trying to imagine what it looked like prior to the paint job - thinking dark wood paneling and shag rugs.  So, the white really brought it into the current century.  But this made me think about several conversations I've had with clients on doing an all white space.  Here in Birmingham there is a trend (it's actually been around for quite a few years) of everything in the space being super neutral - tone on tone.  It is a lovely look, but believe it or not, it can be very difficult to pull off.

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I've had a couple of consults where the client has tried to accomplish this look on their own.  At first glance, you would think this would be easy to do, right?!  Just pick only things that are white or neutral and call it done!  Well, that strategy doesn't exactly work.  And then they call me to "undo" what they've attempted. 

Traditional Living Room by Redwood City General Contractors Lencioni Construction

A tone on tone room can be stunning, but it takes a great deal of thought.  Contrast in color is a tried and true trick for making a room feel interesting and high end.  When you take away the element of color, you must focus on getting the necessary contrast and interest in other ways for the room to feel right. 

Traditional Bathroom by Birmingham General Contractors Structures, Inc.

Here are a few thoughts to bring in that contrast/interest when working on a tonal aesthetic.

1. Architectural Interest
If your room has interesting architectural details (like vaulted ceilings, custom cabinetry, and interesting beam work) this can really help to pull off a tonal space.

Transitional Living Room by Mount Pleasant General Contractors Phillip W Smith General Contractor, Inc.

2. The Test - What does It Add?
I say this often in any space I design - each addition I make to the space should add something.  It does not have to scream at you (this is an entirely different post!), but it needs to add something to the overall space nonetheless. In a tone on tone room, this becomes even more important.

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3. Fabrics Are Your Friend
You have to use fabrics to get the contrast!  Think tonal pattern and texture - from cut velvets to leather.  It's all about mixing up these elements for interest.  If you do all linen - everything from the upholstered pieces to the draperies, you will have a one note room that will not Wow.  

Traditional Living Room by Atlanta Interior Designers & Decorators Christy Dillard Kratzer

4. Lighting is the Jewelry of the Room
 Think about what you want to highlight in the room and allow your lighting to help you accomplish this goal.  With interesting architectural elements properly lit, they really become artwork for the space in a tonal way.  By the way, I just love this clever bathroom layout with the tub tucked into the shower space.  Great way to have both in a small space!

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5. Focal Points Become Crucial
I do lots of redesigns where we use things the client already has to make a space feel cozy and finished.  Lots of times, clients will say, I don't love that artwork, but when incorporated into the space, it looks great.  If you are working in a tone on tone space, you must be very careful and selective of what you choose to hang on your walls.

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The neutral palette will draw your eye to artwork like driving through a tunnel and seeing the opening at the end (how's that for a fancy analogy).  

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It's mid week - Friday is just around the corner! M.

Jewel Toned Christmas Table

For the past couple of years, I've taken all the red out of my Christmas decor.  (As seen here and here.) Well, this year, I'm jumping back into color in a big way with a mix of traditional red and green along with lots of jewel tones.  They are big big big this year.  So, here's the plan for my dining room table.  All these fun elements coupled with fresh greenery and satin ribbon in emerald green and turquoise will pull it all together. 

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(click on the corresponding number to get one of your very own!)
I have tried to use a lot of what I already have - like my very formal traditional holiday pattern by lenox as well as the cloches I purchased last Christmas and the cobalt blue glass from this summer.  By purchasing just a few new pieces, my entire table is going to be transformed into a huge punch of color.  My goal was to dress down the more formal pieces and dress up the more casual pieces for a fun chic look.  The other great thing about some of these items (like the malachite custom table runners) - they are not really considered "Christmas" so I'll be able to reuse them for tablescapes throughout the rest of the year.  Stay tuned for the pictures once I have everything in place.

PS: I can hear some of you now, "We've not even had Thanksgiving yet!" (which, honestly, sounds like my very sweet husband :) when I start asking about putting our tree up every year).  The truth is I am not hosting Thanksgiving.  I get to enjoy the labor of others who are busy working on their Thanksgiving table and menu.  Buuuttt, I am hosting a couple of things for Christmas.  So, I'm getting my ducks in a row now.  Remember, Rome wasn't built in day, people.  It takes some planning.  So, I'm simply sharing the process with you.   Enjoy your Monday! M.

Friday Five

Welcome to the second installment of "Friday 5" where I'm highlighting five of my favorite finds for the week. 

Just love this image! 

In the midst of all my sourcing, here are a few items I saw this week.  

Saw this incredibly clever expandable extension cord on Brooke's (of Blueprint Bliss) Pinterest board.  Loved it.  I always seem to have things to plug in with the huge plugs, and so I have to skip an outlet in between.  Well, no more!

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On my recent girl's weekend shopping trip, I saw lots of envelop bags.  They are super current and a really great way to transform an ordinary outfit into something chic.  I'm currently crushing on this one by Rebecca Atwood.  Could be very fun for a casual holiday dinner party invite.

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The back is a black/metallic linen.  Yum!

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This is a sneak preview of the 2014 collection from Americh. 

Generally, I think bathrooms can come off feeling very cold and sterile given all the ceramic and glass ordinarily found in these rooms.  So, when I saw this clever free standing tub, I immediately thought about the warmth it could add to a bathroom.  This tub is not even on their website yet, so you will have to call for pricing.  It also comes in a silver finish and another style with a wood surround.

Having trouble getting into the holiday spirit?  This will do the trick!  This has to be my all time favorite candle scent.  It will transport you instantly to a whole new holiday place.  The scent is not like any other I've smelled - its not exactly evergreen or pumpkin pie or even blooming paper whites, but it is divine nonetheless! 

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Saw these fantastic two toned belly baskets in Serena and Lilly's catalog and loved them.  They are so super versatile - not just for a nursery.  I can see them next to a reading chair with magazines stacked high or  in a playroom with rolled blankets stuffed inside them for easy access.  

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Not interested in splurging on two tone baskets?  Well, make your own look alike with this tutorial. 

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Have a marvelous weekend, everybody.  M.

Curb Appeal - Before and After

Back in the summer, I had a client contact me who was getting ready to paint the exterior of her house.  She saw the post I did on another exterior paint project (click here for those details) and wanted my thoughts for her house.  It's been several months and my client has been busy implementing the plan.  She has also been so sweet to continue to send me pictures of the progress.  I thought it was time to share them with you.   

My clients have a lovely saltbox which is a Colonial style of architecture originating in New England.  In all honestly, they were not unhappy with the look of the home - just curious of how it could look if painted differently.  So, I came up with a new paint schedule and recommended a few edits and additions.  

Here's where we started. . .  the before.   

And here's where are we now . . .  the after. 

Since many traditional saltbox style homes do not include shutters, I recommended we edit these.  By removing the shutters, you actually see more of the base paint color giving the home a stately feel.  In addition to the removal of the shutters, I recommended adding some interest to the area above the front door.  Many saltbox homes have an additional window above the front door which adds interest.  Since we did not have this, adding a pediment over the doorway was really essential.  This not only draws your eye up to accent the height of the home, it also helps to provide depth to the facade of the home which was very flat.  One benefit I really did not appreciate when we created the plan was how the dark gray paint plays next to the brick foundation and chimney.  Just love how rich the brick looks now! 

There are still a few items on the list, but we are very close to completion.  The new railing which is more mission in style still needs to be painted the trim color.  Also, the plan is to add more trim work to the bottom of the upper windows to give them more weight and presence.  But just had to show you the progress!  Happy Wednesday. M.

Thank You for Your Service

For as long as I can remember, I have always approached men and women in uniform and said, "Thank you for your service."  I try to always make a point of doing this.  Several years ago, my son asked me, "Mom, why do you always do that?" I told him, "Because thanks to them and the sacrifices they make by protecting our country and being away from their families,  I'm able to be here with you and my family in a country that is free."  I have no idea if the gravity of that statement really meant anything to him.  Honestly, I can't say I truly understand the sacrifice our military are willing to make - but I CAN say, I'm grateful.  

When I look at the picture below, I see husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, and sons and daughters.  For every single face there are people who love them and miss them and would love to have them near rather than away.   

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So, this is why I say thank you. 

So, today, in honor of the freedom we get to enjoy day in and day out in this wonderful place we call home, thank a vet for their service.  I am proud to say Birmingham, Alabama has the nation's oldest Veterans Day parade which began in 1947.  If you live in the Birmingham area, it is truly something to see! M.  

Friday Five

For the past month, I've been super busy with clients ordering/fluffing/preparing for the holidays.  It may sound crazy but with a lead time of 8-12 weeks, you have to start early to have any custom upholstered pieces by the holidays.  So, in an effort to get us all excited and in the mood for the holidays that will be upon us in just a few short weeks, I've decided to start a new series on Fridays called the "Friday Five."  This series will focus on all things holiday.  First starting with Thanksgiving and moving into Christmas.  

So, here are my five picks this week.

Pumpkin Apple Crisp

This looks so yummy.  When the weather gets crisp and cool, I begin to crave these kinds of desserts.  

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I did indulge in a Pumpkin Spice Latte this week from Starbucks - truly pumpkin pie in a cup!

Perfect Weekend Wear

I took a very fun girl's shopping weekend a few weeks ago and was on a mission to find the perfect trench coat.  It never materialized, but I've not given up yet.  Look how fabulous it would be paired with jeans and a navy sweater.  Love.

Cashmere and Gingham by bluehydrangea featuring post earrings

Relaxing Walks
The leaves here in Birmingham are turning the most gorgeous colors at the moment, and weather is so crisp.  My plan is to take a long walk on all the newly finished sidewalks in our neighborhood.   I may even find some natural materials along the way to use on my tabletops for the holidays.

Place Settings

This past week, I worked with a client on some fresh table setting ideas using her china along with a few new pieces to make everything feel new.  We worked on some ideas for Thanksgiving, Christmas and even New Years's Eve.  Now's the time to get your ducks in a row for your table - before the rush begins. 

Look at this stunning table from Sharla Eck - I love the mix of green glass, gold charger, chocolate linens and natural centerpiece.  It makes for a casual, yet sophisticated table.  Love using a mix of patterns and styles on a table.

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Plethora of Before and Afters

If you love a good before and after, you are going to go nuts when you see these final reveals from the "One Room Challenge."  This amazing event is the brain child of the very talented Linda of Calling It Home.  Linda gathered a group of bloggers together to give one room a total makeover in six weeks.  The bloggers in the challenge have been posting once a week on their progress and this week they had their final reveal (which is of course, my favorite part!)

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One of my favorites is this stunning room by Mary Ann of Classic Casual Home.

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But every single one of these bloggers has included some clever ideas in their redesigns.  Go check them out (here's a link to all the rooms you will have to scroll to the bottom to see all the links - the ORC).  Enjoy your weekend! M.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas

For the past three years, my family has attended the Steeplechase for the Arts at Callaway Gardens which benefits lots of great organizations in the city of Columbus, Georgia.  The first year we attended this amazing event I talked about it here.  Each year, we take our feast on the road and join lots of others for a relaxing day at the races.  I snapped a picture of our table for the day.

For the event this year, we had marvelous weather, the races were filled with excitement, the hats were mesmerizing, and the flower arrangements were completely stunning!  For starters, there were a pair of these jumping horses flanking the entrance to the main tent overlooking the finish line.  

In fact, the flowers arrangements were so incredible, many of them could easily be recreated for a Thanksgiving table.  Here are just a few of my favorites.

I love the gerber daisy included in the vase for additional color an interest.  I've never thought to try this.

This simple idea of lavender in burlap bags could be repeated down the center of a Thanksgiving table for an understated, casual dinner.

While you may not want to include a horse in your Thanksgiving arrangement, the pheasant feathers and pewter footed bowl would be fantastic.

Just adore the rustic container with the winter cabbage, hydrangeas, magnolia leaves and pears.  I also love the table linens and plates!  This entire tables would make an amazing Thanksgiving table.

I thought this was a fun take on carved pumpkin container.  Notice the pumpkin still has the stem intacted, and the arrangement is placed in the side of the pumpkin.  

I love this arrangement in the galvanized bucket! The bucket feels casual while the height of the arrangement gives it some formality. 

I snapped a picture of this arrangement before they could even get their table set up!  It's in a silver pitcher.  Love the winter grasses and berries.

Even just a simple basket filled with potted mums adds lots of texture and interest.

And last, my favorite.  This gorgeous silver trumpet vase is filled with okra!  So unusual, and lovely.

So, will you be hosting Thanksgiving this year?  M.