Design Perspective - Pursley Dixon Architecture

This Charlotte, North Caroline architectural firm has one of the most impressive portfolios I've seen in awhile.

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I had a hard time pulling myself away from these images.

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Just look at the marble detail on this island.

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Notice the ceiling in this bathroom - not to mention the full length mirrors and the marble/nickel sinks layered in front of the mirrors.

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Such a fabulous use of a narrow space.

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Talk about bringing it to the laundry room!  Pairing a galvanized tub with a decadent tub faucet and floor to ceiling subway tiles - totally divine.  

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Look at the wall to wall windows in that living space!  If I had to live on a farm, this would be the ideal version of it for me.

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This image really intrigued me.  The main kitchen wall is recessed into an alcove that has then been framed with thick trim.  So clean, and walking a tight rope between modern and traditional.  Just adore it. 

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I realize this is not part of the architectural elements of the space, but I just love those skirted benches  with that enormous island.  Totally good stuff.

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Another interesting image - the architecture here is so breathtaking.  Not a stitch of furniture needed to make this work! 

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OK, I could go on and on with this one, but rather than copying their entire portfolio, click over to their website and check out all the offerings - Pursley Dixon Architecture.

Happy Monday! M.

Top 12 Favorites

I'm constantly sourcing fabulous items for clients and striving to find them for a great price.  Here are a few of my latest finds on Etsy.  

For information on these items, click on the corresponding number below.

(1.) (2.) (3.) (4.) (5.) (6.) (7.) (8.) (9.) (10.) (11.) (12.)

Happy Weekend! M.

Hosting a Sip and See

OK, I realize my recent posts have been heavy on the entertaining side and light on the interior design side.  But, it's the summer.  And we tend to entertain more this time of year, so my posts reflect this.  Like the one today!

A couple of weeks ago, we hosted a baby shower - well, the baby (a girl!)  arrived early so we turned the shower into a sip and see for the family's new addition.  

My plan was to keep it simple and do one center arrangement of flowers on the table.  One late night Pinterest search later, and "keep it simple" was thrown out the window.  You know what I'm talking about here!  So many ideas, it's difficult to decide where to focus your time and energy.  

Here are a few pictures of my dining room table decorated for the party (pre-food) . . . 

Can you see the rain boots?

These were so fun to make, I took a pair of Hello Kitty rain boots, and created a simple monogram for the baby to place on top of the Hello Kitty logo.  Then, I filled them with summer flowers to complete the look.  

Here's the table decked out with all the food.  All these delicious dishes were made by two of the other hosts of the party!  It was a ton of work, and I'm so grateful they let me focus on the flowers! 

You may recognize the food offerings.  I tried these recipes out earlier in the summer on my study club which I posted about here just to make sure they were delicious.  There were around 20 couples at the sip and see, and it was during the dinner hour - so there was a lot of food to make!

I did want to show you this trick!  The desserts were store bought brownies and lemon squares.  One of the hosts spruced the lemon squares up by adding a fresh raspberry and a sprinkle of powered sugar.  Before I even knew what happened, I'd downed three of them.  So good.

We did a beverage station in my breakfast room. . . 

I also did these very simple cards for each of the food offerings and the beverage table.  They were so easy to make, and it's amazing how much they add to a table.

At the end of the party, we had party favors (just a chocolate mint or two) to grab on your way out.

We had so much fun celebrating this sweet baby girl's arrival.  She was an angel the entire party, and it was a great getting to share this special evening with some very proud parents.  

Have a great day!  I promise to share more interior design stuff with you later this week. M.

Design Delimma - The Corner

Do any of you remember this movie reference?

Sorry, I could not resist!

  Over the years, I have notice a few small areas which always seem to trip up clients when decorating their homes.  So, I thought I would take some time to discuss them.  First up, the corner.  Many comment on it, and others struggle with it, but may not even realize the isse.  The dilemma . . . how to deal with a corner where two simple walls meet.  No architecture to save you - just plain, empty walls.

I know, it sounds so simple and many of my clients feel silly when they mention it to me.  They say, "what do we do in the corner?"  While every space is unique (when you take into account the rooms layout, the clients furnishings and the artwork available), there are couple of general thoughts to help you tackle this spot.

For starters, you need to create a focal point on the main wall of any space - and it needs to Wow you.  This will take you farther than you can image in dealing with a tough corner.  Once that is accomplished, think about these tricks to address the corner.

Bare is not Blah

It's ok for a wall to be bare.
Do you see that empty corner? Yes, it is totally bare.  The reason it does not seem odd is because the focal points in the room are drawing your eye.

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When a client asks, "What do we put on this wall?" and I say, "nothing." I can sometimes see them deflate before my very eyes.  Then, as the rest of the room begins to come together, they realize what I'm talking about and how the corner just fades away.  It has lots to do with creating the right focal points.

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 This is a very hard concept for many of my clients.  I think one reason is most homeowners have entirely too much furniture, artwork,  and accessories in a space.  What you don't include in a space is just as important as what you do include.   When all the other walls are covered in artwork and furnishings, an empty wall can feel odd and unfinished.  The trick is to edit out other pieces to balance the space.  Blank walls in your rooms allow one's eye to rest and bring them back to the focal point of the space.  It's just that simple.

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Another reason blank walls are difficult for clients - unlimited access to professionally photographed rooms.  Homeowners these days have more access to inspirational images than ever before.  The problem, however, is such images rarely include empty corners.  The photographs are a slice of the room which only includes the major feature wall of the space.  If you've ever been part of a photo shoot, you know what I'm talking about!  Homeowners get so used to seeing these images, it becomes difficult to translate them into their own spaces which have corners and spots that are never included in inspirational images.  Trust me, blank walls are in every well designed space.  

Think Contrast

When a blank wall just won't do it for you . . .  OK, I have a few clients (who will remain nameless) who simply can not accept a blank wall.  They insist we put something on every wall.  If you are in this category, the trick to a great corner is to mix it up.  What I mean is create contrast.

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If you have an oil painting on one wall of a corner, you need to do something different on the other wall else it will not feel "right."  You simply can not continue to hit the same note and expect a different sound! Consider a mirror, architectural remnant or something framed that is not normally considered artwork.  This will allow each wall to stand on it's own and not compete.

In this image, it is a little difficult to see, but there is artwork on the back wall and an antique, weathered ladder on the left wall to create contrast.

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In this image, the homeowner has used a decorative clock on the opposing wall.  This creates contrast with the traditional artwork that makes the corner work.

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In this example, the mirror on the right wall contrasts the small artwork in the opposing corner.  Then on the left side, the use of the wall bracket sets the framed etching apart from the gallery wall on the far left.

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Lighting can even do the trick. . .

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Even an architectural piece, like these amazing shutters creates a nice contrast to artwork on the opposing wall.

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I hope these simple tricks are helpful.  Now, go tackle a corner in your house - and send me some before and after pictures while you're at it.  M.

Getaway Details

This week has totally flown by for me.  I've been working on a couple of redesigns, and I'm not sure where all the time has gone? Since we are staring another weekend in the face, I guess it's appropriate to share some details of my weekend excursion (last weekend).  

We went to Highlands, North Carolina and stayed at the Old Edwards Inn.  

Highlands is a simple drive from Birmingham, and we took advantage of it.  If you have never been to Highlands, it is a must see.  The Old Edwards Inn is one of the nicest places I have ever stayed.  It is beautifully decorated, and the service is amazing. 

One of the biggest treats for my husband?  The Dove bar.  Yes, an entire bar of vanilla ice cream dipped in dark chocolate -  Open 24/7 with no limit on the number you can eat!  Well, let's just say they lost money on my husband!  

We were treated to champagne when we first arrived Friday afternoon!  Such a treat for me (way more fun than Dove bars)!

 OK a totally random picture.  I've been working on a project where we are considering a longer version of cafe curtains on windows and french doors, and I was having trouble finding a example to show my client. I turned the corner and there it was.  Love this look if you need a bit more privacy but still love the idea of lots of light. 

 Saturday morning I took off to check out the sites in the area (thanks to Lisa of Lisa Mende Design who was gracious enough to share her favorite haunts with me).  I only had the morning since I spent the afternoon in the spa (only do this on vacation, and it was so relaxing).  The town of Highlands is so quaint - look at all the shops.

 I stopped by Mirror Lake Antiques and got a fabulous antique lesson from the owner Stan Cochran on Majolica.  I will be sharing the details of this with you in a later post. 

 He had some marvelous examples for us to discuss. 

 I also stopped in and met Laura of the Highlands Gem Shop who is going to be sourcing some gems for me to use in a DIY client project I will be sharing with you soon.  

She and her husband are owners of a wonderful little shop!  Stayed tuned for more on this project - can't wait to show it to you.

And last, but certainly not least, I ran into James Farmer (huge smile here)  If you recall, I posted about Mr. Farmer here.  He is a mover and shaker in the landscaper/design/entertaining world.  Here's how it went down - I was in a different shop when I saw his most recent book at the checkout counter and starting chatting with the salesperson about it.  The salesperson said, "You know he's down at Acorns today signing books."  At that moment, it was all I could do not to run - I quickly made my exit and race walked down to see him.  

 He was such a southern gentleman, and so gracious to entertain my complete monopolization of his time.  He is working on his fourth book as we speak which I hope is out in time for Christmas so I won't have to think too hard about what to give everybody this year.  

If you would like more information about James and just some breath taking inspiration, click over and check out his website.   

Happy Weekend!  M.