Fun Rooms

Just a few fun room photos for today!

This bedroom is in a tiny apartment in NYC and the space has all been used but it doesn't look crowded.  By keeping the majority of the walls, furniture, and bedding white it prevents the room from looking junky.  And the painting above the bed and the leopard stools at the foot of the bed compliment one another but also form the focal point of the room.  And I love the gallery art wall!

This shot looks like it came right out of the 60's but for some reason I love it.  The chocolate brown rug is so great and the hint of lavender makes the room. 

The below living room is so chic! I love how everything is a neutral pallet

except the green accessories and pink flowers.  I can not stress enough how much I love a neutral room... I am a sucker for change and a neutral room makes it so easy to switch out your accessories to get a totally different look!  Love this cocktail table too.

 

 

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I Love this wallpaper!!  The black and white is right up my alley and the pattern is simple but interesting.  I found this picture in the LuxeSource magazine (along with many other amazing rooms) and immediately was drawn to it.  I also love the sconces and the face art.  

 

 

Penn and I have been toying with redoing our dining room.  Like I mentioned yesterday old houses have their quirks and it turns out the previous owners painted the entire house white before they put it on the market.  However, they did not PRIME the walls!!!  They just painted latex over oil base paint which is a major No No.  What's happening is that the latex is bubbling up in places because it doesn't adhere to oil paint and is causing me real nightmares.  We have two options... sand all the paint off the walls, prime, and then repaint.  OR we could add wainscoting around the dining room and then add new sheet rock above the wainscoting.  Option number two solves two problems... it will also hide the painted knotty pine walls (and I could get my awesome wallpaper!)

Something like this...

 

 

Hampton's Magazine - Libby Langdon

 

Weekend Update

Happy Monday!  We had a productive weekend.  We put up beadboard in the master bathroom and it looks fab!!  Still needs paint and a little wood filler for the seams but already it looks so much better.  Old houses have their challenges and this little bathroom proved to be one.  The walls are not square making installing wood trim difficult.  We chose the breadboard look to avoid using base molding that isn't as flexible as shoe molding. I really love the chair molding that we used...  We laid three chair moldings out before we made any purchases so we could get the full effect.  The one we chose had a little interest without being overwhelming and was the middle size. We aren't finished but I wanted to give you a sneak peek! 

Pardon me for my lack of posts this week... I have had morning meetings both Wednesday and Thursday.  Anyway... I stumbled across the BEAUTIFUL home of Atlanta designer Kay Douglass.  I completely love it.

 

The exterior of the home is gorgeous.  A Tudor style with a high pitched roof and the slightly white washed brick.  The lantern is perfect above the wooden front door and the what I am assuming is fig ivy growing on the entry façade.

 

Clean crisp white walls can do a lot for any room... especially if you don't get enough natural light.  I always recommend a satin finish to reflect the light.  Kay's living room below is so simple yet stunning.  I love the white walls, white curtains, and the white furniture with pops of yellow.  And my absolute FAVORITE thing is the antler sphere chandelier.  Stunning! And the way it reflects in the mirror is a major bonus. Notice how she uses the rustic tables in front of the sofas to bring in the rustic chandelier.  

 

 Check out a close up of one of the sofas... So cool! She found the object above the sofa on a trip to Belgium... get this, it's a part of an old farm tool!!  What a unique way to incorporate a trip to remember and also a great conversation starter.  Love this! 

 

 This kitchen is to die for... the bar/island is both functional and good looking.  Notice the double seater barstools.  This is a great way to get extra seating with out a row of barstools that you are always having to straighten.  The legs on these particular bar stools are white washed which is a great idea.  Had they been stained brown they would have taken away from the entire feel of the room.

 

 We sell a version of these rattan woven pendants in the showroom and they are so great!  Where typically you see metal or glass fixtures in kitchens the use of natural product softens the metal appliances.  All please note the ceiling planks!  Love this!!

 

For more information be sure to visit http://www.atlantahomesmag.com/article/cleverly-conceived to see other pictures of Kay Douglass' home and to read the article. 

 

 

Winter Escape

So, so, so, excited!!  We finalized plans for our winter escape to Snowshoe, WV!  We rented the cutest cottage on the slopes and you can ski in and ski out the back door.  There are a few of us who aren't skiers but sledding is an activity I love.  Can't wait for the snow ball fights, toasty fires, good food and good friends. 

 

photo

 

We have a few months before we head off but I can't wait.

Weekend Update

What a great weekend!! We got so much done around the house this weekend and it felt so good.  We took out Bonnie Blue (our 1979 Ford F-150) to practice driving a "H" stick shift.  It's different than a regular stick shift so I need to get some practice.  I like to go early in the AM when there aren't too many cars on the road (I tend to crack under pressure.)  Penn and I bought a black metal tool box for behind the bench seat.  Not sure why I'm so excited about that but I am! 

 BTW - we have always named our cars since I was a little girl.  My grandfather had a beautiful yellow Cadillac with yellow Interior - Lemon Chiffon.  That was one of my fav's)

Making progress on the front door! We made an appt. for a professional to come out and measure this week and then we will special order the door.  Very exciting.  We did go ahead and purchase the hardware and house numbers so once it gets here we'll be ready to go. 

 

On another note we are working on several projects right now.  We have our living room chairs at the upholsterer, having a custom shower curtain made for our guest bath, and now working on a custom dust ruffle in Schumacher's Chiang Mia Dragon in Mocha.  I know it's been out for years and we've all seen it everywhere but I love it.  So happy it's going to finally be in my house!

 Living room fabric for chairs on the left and Schumacher fabric on the right Schumacher Fabric

 

We also bought some new hardware from Pottery Barn for our new dining room window treatments.  Love them!  I will be using this for all window treatments - it also comes in a antique nickel.  So easy to install (well, easy for Penn.) We didn't use the tie backs but I really like them a lot so will keep those in mind for other projects.

 

 

 

Pottery Barn hardware

 

 

 

DIY weekend

Alright - it's happening this weekend.  We are finally getting a new front door- emphasis on finally.  I am trying to decide between two styles both are pictured below.  Windows are a must as we need natural light in the foyer, sadly we have no sidelights or other natural light.  The green door is Arts & Craft style and the blue door looks more traditional.  Our house is a 1950's ranch and currently the front door is very retro and I'm over it. We need an update.

Current front door

Option #1

www.bhg.com

Option #2

www.pintrest.com

We will paint the front door to match our French doors leading to the deck - LOVE this color! 

SW Gabol Gold

Hardware similar to this bronze 

www.doorhardwaresupply.com

I'm leaning towards option #2...  I will be sure to let you know what we decide.  Wish us luck!

Thursday Thought

This is a master bedroom in Aspen, Colorado (via Elle Decor.).  Can't you imagine snuggling up to watch the snow fall??  This room has so many comfort qualities and the pops of orange and pink add some drama.  I have recently gone back to a white duvet and shams and it has made me so happy.  I know that probably sounds cheesy but the white bedding sooths me and that is essential for a bedroom.  The neutral bedding also allows me to change pillows and a throw to bring out different colors.  I am a huge fan of neutral staple pieces and adding color through accessories such as art and pillows.  There is a closet of pillows in our house!  

Foyer

foyer for a client...

 

We need a stair runner and this antelope has always spoken to me!! But I'm loving the geometrics too...  the rails will be painted high gloss black and the foyer floor is black and white tiles.  I love the wainscoting in the last picture and think it would be amazing to add that up the staircase and the walls of the foyer painted highgloss black to match the rails... AMAZ!!!

 

 

 

Consoles are ususally the go-to for foyers but I'm thinking a small settee would be fun and the seat in a fun fabric- a floor lamp on one side..

 

A round mirror will go above to soften the straight lines

 

And a throw rug

 

And last but not least this amazing light fixture: 

 

Fantastic finds

 I saw this dining room in a magazine and fell in love!  I love the low wainscoting and the large crown molding.  I haven't seen this combination before...  The walls look 10 feet tall!  Would be great for 8' ceilings. And don't get me started on those copper pendants - I'm dying over those!!! 

 I was out shopping for clients this weekend an saw several things I thought were great.

Large print - this would be great for the nursery I am working on.

Loved the metallic garden stools - very chic

Great table for beside a chair.  So much interest - my favorite find of the day.

This gold Ming chair would make a fantastic lamp

This fabric is amazing!  The upholstery company I use just introduced it in several fun color ways...  Love it!  Let me know if you need some new chairs/headboard/sofa!!

Golden Globes Fashion

Hollywood got dressed up last night for the Golden Globes and there were some dazzling ladies out there!  I liked a lot of the dresses but below is the list that I loved.

Lupita Nyong'o

I LOVED this dress!  The cape makes this simple silhouette dress and the neckline is gorgeous - showing off her shoulders, neck, and face.  Stunning!

 

Olivia Wilde

WOW!  love the long sleeve dress and the shimmer emerald color together.  This form fitting dress is perfect for someone with a figure and a great way to show off that baby bump.

 

 Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie may be my favorite outfit of the night!  Did you see the E News Red Carpet when Giuliana interviewed her??? She is so cute too! She seemed like someone you could actually be friends with.  This dress absolutely shimmered... the jewels on the sleeves and the upper waist are gem stones and when the lights caught them she sparkeled - GORGEOUS!  And I love the satin green Christian Louboutin's and the high slit in the skirt... she nailed it!

Looking back on my list it's pretty clear I'm over the big ball gown look... these simple silhouettes look more up to date and really show off this actresses great figures.  If you've got it you might as well flaunt it!

  

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I can't wait for Fashion Police tonight on E!  Sure to be a good one!

 

 

GO PANTHERS

For those of you who don't know we gave a major event happening this weekend in the Queen City.  Our  Carolina Panthers will be playing the San Franciso 49ers in the second round of the playoffs, aka The Road to the Super Bowl!  This city is buzzing with excitement and it has been a lot of fun supporting our team.  The Panthers colors are black and a mix between light blue/aqua. Coach Rivera has called for a "blackout" - requesting fans to wear all black as the players will be wearing their black jerseys. For you gals going to the game or watching from home you can abide my the coaches requests with a slight twist - who wants to dress completely in black??  Here is outfit to consider while cheering the Panthers on!

 

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navigation/Sale/AllProducts/PRDOVR~04035/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20+225~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~black%20sweater/04035.jsp?isSaleItem=true&isFromSearch=true

http://www.polyvore.com/seven_for_all_mankind_classic/thing?id=80661159

https://www.maraisusa.com/products-page/boots/rover-bootie-black/
 
 
 

Www.freelogo.com

Real Simple - dinner party Iyalian style

Penn and I love to entertain!  From simple dinner parties to cocktail parties we are all about sharing good food and our home with friends.  So a key to entertaining is to have an easy menu so you aren't in the kitchen all night and instead are able to mingle with your guests.  I always am searching for new and easy menus and I stumbled across this menu for an Itslian style dinner via Real Simple. I love that magazine - everything they feature is actually simple... So nice. Their menu includes an antipasto platter, salad with Parmesan cheese, mushroom and spinach lasagna, garlic bread and for dessert olive oil cake with fresh oranges. Does that not sound fabulous?!?!  I am especially interested in the dessert... Sounds very interesting!

For the recipes visit their site via the link below:

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/italian-menu-00100000076106/index.html#8

You will also need a beautiful centerpiece, cool untensils/stem wear, and fun music.

I love this rustic table and chairs...  The green moss centerpiece is simple but effective- it's all over the design world right now!! If you don't have some you need a little pop of it somewhere.

http://www.vivaterra.com/pls/enetrixp/!stmenu_template.main?complex_id_in=482007.484184.907971.2724571.page

And these are just too fun for water or wine glasses!

Www.retroartglass.com

love the bamboo flatware and the white napkins with charcoal trim.  Simple yet elegant and both are on sale right now at Crate and Barrell!!  (Another favorite of mine)

Lastly turn up the tunes!  I love Pandora and for dinner try Nina Simone (piano jazz musician with a smoky voice - amaz!!). And for after dinner drinks my tried and true - Bruno Mars.

Happy Entertaining!!