Tricky Oval Window

Here is a great idea I found for dealing with those oval shaped windows.  You know the ones - they add tons of character and make you love the house.  Then you're not sure what to do with them once you realize you need more privacy and/or light control (like in a bathroom or master suite).  

Well, here's a great solution.   

For a more versatile take, I would use a sheer linen, as opposed to a damask, coupled with the nail heads.

PS: I saved this picture awhile ago and have no source for it.  If this is yours or you know who it belongs to, please shoot me an email, and I will gladly give credit!  

PSS:  If you live in the Birmingham area and are looking for something fun to do this coming Saturday afternoon,  Chill Art is having an art show from 4:30-8:00 pm at Escape Day Spa in Crestline.  It's across from Mafiaoz's (you can't miss it).   

Happy Weekend! M.

Back to it . . .

With school just around the corner, I am feeling the need to get organized.  In fact, in many ways I feel like back to school is sort of the second New Year's for me.   I find my self thinking about starting anew when the kids go back to school.  So, I'm putting together a to do list of massive proportions.   Things like - a new exercise program, completing projects around the house, parties to host, AND getting organized.

Here's one little step in the right direction.  I found this on pinterest (it's amazing what you can find there), and man o man is it appealing to my Type A tendencies.

Any guesses what this is? 

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They are plastic grocery bags and a tutorial on how to fold them into this convenient little shape.  Be still my heart.  Do any of you do this?  I know most of you are taking your own bags with you to the grocery, but I actually like to have a few of these around to use for other things.  So I recycle them, but mine are not organized like this!

Hmmm. . . wonder how much I would have to pay my kids to learn how to do this and get that cabinet organized? Have a great day. M.

Eye of the Magpie - acrylic box love

When we were relaxing at the beach a few weeks ago, I had time to really read and absorb the current issue of Traditional Home.  One item that caught my eye?

This room . . . which was designed by Patricia Healings and Dan Barsanti for the 2010 Hampton Designer Showhouse.

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I love how they have used yellow to create a neutral palette in this space - which, if you have ever worked with yellow, is difficult to pull off!   

But what really caught my eye - that acrylic box on the console table behind the sofa.  I love it! 

I'm not even sure what is in that box - it looks like a book of some sort, but this idea has so many possibilities.  

As I have mentioned (way more than once) I think a room really needs to include items that are unique to the homeowner and meaningful to them.  Items that can't be duplicated by just running out to the nearest home store.  This acrylic (or glass) box is an excellent way to do this.  

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You can put anything in the box unique to your family, and it will instantly become special and a true conversation piece when friends come for a visit.

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My husband has this very old pistol that belonged to his great, great, great Uncle (the original John Smith T).  It's really a work of art.   It's currently sitting in a shoe box (in the attic) not being appreciated.  I really need to pull it out and put it in an acrylic box.
I guess this is a lesson in do as I say, not as I do.  

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So, I am putting it on the to do list!  I'll of course share pictures when I make it happen.   

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What do you have in your space that is unique to your family that you, too, could highlight with an acrylic box?  I would love to hear about it!  M.

House Spy - Needle in a Haystack

Over the weekend, I was perusing the real estate listings for Charleston, SC, and I came across this stunning island retreat.

Am I in the market for an island retreat, you ask?  No, but to be perfectly honest,  I could use a little getaway right about now.  With all the hot weather and family togetherness I am enjoying, I've heard, "MMMOOOOMMM . . . I told him/her to stop, and they won't" one too many times this summer. 

Sorry, totally digressed. . .   As I mentioned, I came across this picture.  Beautiful, right!?

With this kitchen . . . 

I thought, "This kitchen looks familiar," but did not think much about it beyond that.  Then, I decided to check out a few of my favorite interior design websites to see if I could find something pretty to share with you.  Well, look what I immediately found!  It's the very same kitchen.
 Talk about a needle in a haystack.

As an aside, the above image is from the Loraine G. Vale's website,  and it is so much prettier than the one on the real estate listing page. 

This beautiful home is the interior design work of Loraine G. Vale.  And it's currently for sale with Daniel Ravenel, Sotheby's (in case you're in the market and itching to part with a bit of cash).

Look at the size of this foyer - very grand (not to mention that ultra cool chandelier).

Another view of the kitchen.

One huge benefit of having two chandeliers is that you can create a very tall centerpiece (one that floats above your guest).  

Wondering if the wine comes with.

Vino and a soak sounds pretty good to me.

So, I must ask?  Was this a weird coincidence or just plain fate?  No matter, the count down for back to school has begun here at the Smith T house; and these images gave me a little mental vacay! Hope they do the same for you. Happy Monday. M.

Fabulous Fabrics - Fabricadabra

I am absolutely thrilled to introduce you to my very first blog sponsor - Fabricadabra.   As you know from following my blog, I am very picky about what I endorse and share with you.  I only post about things I like and think would be interesting to my readers.  Well, Fabricadabra is all that!

This unique company, owned by Donna Halloran, is providing some of the most wonderful textiles on the market today.  Donna has contracted with artisans from around the world who still utilize ancient techniques for dyeing and weaving fabrics.  Most are woven on handlooms and all embroidery is hand done.  Also, Donna works very hard to provide fair wages to all artisans while keeping the cost to us reasonable!

Here are a few of my favorites and what I would do with them in my home.

Samarkand Hand Embroidered Vintage Suzani Throw

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Hmong Hilltribe Patchwork Throw

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These beautiful throws are small works of art.  They add texture, color, and a world traveled feel to a space.  One way to get your biggest bang from these would be to frame them as artwork.

Look at how dramatic they become.  Talk about a focal point.

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When you think about the cost of a painting the same size, you realize what a bargain this is for custom artwork.

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If you didn't want to splurge on a throw, you could get a similar affect by using a large sample of handmade fabric.  Sort of like this.  (as an aside, this is Anne Becker's apartment and was featured in Elle Decor, lovely).

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Here is a very similar pattern in yellow, and would be such an easy DIY project.

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You could also select several different fabrics and frame them as a series or grouping on a focal wall. Here are few to consider.

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Here are some examples of a grouping or series.

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Look at these beautiful images I found with accents using tribal fabrics.  As you can see, it instantly updates a space and makes it feel current while adding a sense of history.


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Or even something upholstered in an Ikat fabric.  I love those pretty stools in pink and chocolate.

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By just investing in a pair of accent pillows you can inject this vibe into your space.

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I hope you will take the time to click over and check out all the offerings on  Donna's fabulous website and welcome her to the Muse!  Enjoy your weekend!  M.

Latest Obsession - Moroccan Tribal Rugs

I am seeing these everywhere, and I love the look!

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They are Beni Ouarain Tribal rugs.  Beni Ouarain (try saying that fast three times) is a confederation of several nomadic tribes in the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

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These rugs grew in popularity in the 20th Century when iconic designers like Le Corbusier began to include them in their designs.

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They have recently had a resurgence and are popping up in some of the swankiest hotels and celebrity homes all over the world.

Jonathan Adler designing for the Parker in Palm Springs

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The main reason I am obsessing over these - they blend wonderfully in both traditional and modern spaces.  

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So, they are an easy way to update a space - you really can't go wrong with one of these.
No guessing, this rug work with your current furnishings.

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Also, the sense of history they bring to a space (even if you didn't travel to get it), should not be underestimated.

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I am not a fan of the "one stop shopping" for all things in a space (even when they are from a very high end store).

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I much prefer pieces that have some history and a story.

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  I love a room that looks as though it has evolved over time to its current look.  

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The only downside to these rugs - the original vintage versions are over the top pricey.  If you are up for some research, there is a lot information available on these White Giants.
Here are some great places to start:
Shop Talk
 My Deco
Simply Smitten
The Brick House
Design Manifest (highlighting some affordable alternatives)

PS: If you live in the Birmingham area, here is a local source for these rugs - Paige Albright Orientals