Happy Friday

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It's been a very productive week for me.  I am working on a couple of projects I want to share with you very soon!  I will working on them over the weekend.  So, until next week . . . have a wonderful weekend.  M.  

Find of the Week - Ashley Terrell

Today is your day to snag an amazing piece of original art for a fraction of the price.  I mean it!! 

If you are in Birmingham, and have a free moment, grab a friend and swing by to take a look.  

Art Within Reach

Thursday, September 29th

10am-7pm

At the Home of Betts and Lauten Johnson

2201 Shades Crest Road

Vestavia Hills, Alabama

Here's a sampling of her work.

What I love about Ashley's style is it's very easy to incorporate into traditional or modern spaces.  

It adds a high end element that you just can't get with a giclee print.

This wonderfully talented artist is not paying me a dime to say these things about her.  She is just that good. 

Ashley is my find of the week! M.

PS: If you are reading this and a little mad (smile) you don't live here in Birmingham today, you can visit her website to see more of her work.  She is more than happy to work with long distant clients! 

Here's a link to her page - Ashley Terrell

If I Were Handy . . .

I would zip over to IKEA and pick up this for $299.00 . . . 

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Then I would order some chalk paint which is very forgiving and easy to work with.  I would get it in this color . . . 

Paris Grey

Then I would sand off a bit of the paint on the edges to let the original color show through like this . . . 

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Then I would change the hardware to these ($4.76 each) . . . 

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And get a very similar look to this for a fraction of the cost . . . 

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This stunning piece retails for $1,500.00 and is on sale for $699.00 at Kings Lane this week.  

Artwork Tip: If you are in the Birmingham area and want to check out some amazing original artwork, my talented friend Ashley Terrell is in town showing off her work.  You can see and purchase her pieces on Thursday, September 29th from 10am-7pm at the home of Betts and Lauten Johnson (2201 Shades Crest Road). Ashley's calling the show "Art with Reach" which is so appropriately titled given her affordable prices!    Have a great day.  M.

Eye of the Magpie - Acrylic Box Update

In July, I posted about this amazing space.  

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Specifically, about an acrylic box seen in the space.  

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Well, I took my own advice and ordered a custom size acrylic box for a very sentimental item that has been in my husband's family for years.  It's a very old pistol.  Somehow, we ended up with it, and it's sat in a box in our attic for years.  Well, no more!  Here's it's new home.  

When I ordered the box, I kept wondering what I would use to prop up the gun so you could actually see it in the box.  I came up with all sorts of elaborate expensive ideas.  Then, I had a passing conversation with my Dad who told me they often use shot gun shells at gun shows to prop pistols up for display. Since this gun does not use shells, I decided to keep it simple.  I went out into our backyard and found a stick of the perfect diameter.  It looks rustic and does the trick, don't you think?! 

When we first acquired the gun, I thought, "What am I suppose to do with this thing?"  Somehow, the acrylic box really makes it feel important and special. 

 I think an acrylic box can make almost any random accessory feel important.  If you need a custom size, expect to pay a bit more.  I used John with AZCustomPlastics, and he was super nice.  It did take a couple of months to get it.  But the quality is great, and I got exactly what I wanted.    

Alternatively, if you purchase a basic size (like for a football or baseball), the price is very reasonable and you get the same impact.  Here's an example I found online just by googling "acrylic display box."   

Order a basic box, and then find something to put in it!! You will be amazed. . .  

On another note, my posting is going to be sporadic this week.  People are beginning to prepare for the fall season and holidays to come.  So, I have a couple of redesigns this week.  Redesigns are an easy way to make your current space feel fresh and new without buying any additional furnishings.  If you are feeling the need to do the same, call me.  I can create a fresh new space for you too!    

Have a great start to your week! M. 

An Inside Tip for You!!

Ok, as most of you know, I rarely post on Sundays, but this giveaway hosted by Splendid Sass was simply too good not to share.  Teresa has partnered with Barn Light Electric and is giving, yes I said GIVING away two separate gift certificates.  One for $1,000.00 and another for $500.00 to two lucky winners.

I know exactly what I would do, if won either gift!  I would order four of these yummy sconces.

Exeter Wall Sconce

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And I would use them as library lights over our bookshelves.  I've been thinking about doing this for quite some time.  But, they are expensive; and there are so many other things on the list.  But if someone is going to give them to me!! Well, what can I say -  this giveaway, has certainly encouraged me to post about it!  

Here is a picture of our bookshelves.  I would place each of the sconces at the top of the four arches.  I think this would give that area a much more purposeful look.  

Here are a few images that inspired me to consider library lights for our bookshelves. 

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So, that's what I would do with the gift certificate.  Now, here's how you can enter to win too!

1.      Look around Barn Light Electric and pick lights you’d love to own.

2.      Feature your lighting picks on your personal blog, and link to the lights if you can!

3.      Copy/Paste these rules at the bottom of your blog article.

4.      Once your personal article is up, you must email your blog link to:contest@barnlightelectric.com to be qualified to win. The contest ends October 12^th, 2011.

5.      Don’t have a blog? Find out how you can enter by visiting their website.

Good Luck! M.

Design Perspective - Charlotte Moss

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I know, I know, it's like stating the obvious.  I usually highlight interior designers who are not as main stream as Ms. Moss, but today, I have a good reason for featuring her.  First, she's coming to Birmingham, Alabama.  And second, I won a ticket to see her in person and hear her speak!!!  I'm never star struck over Hollywood Stars or professional athletes, but when it comes to talented interior designers, authors, and other artisans - I am smitten.  It's one thing to be able to pull pretty things together to create an amazing room.  But, when you are able to design and create the "pretty things" (i.e., fabrics and accessories) for the space, you are on a different level - Charlotte Moss is all that!

 The good news is, if you would like to join me at this fabulous event, there are still a few tickets available.  Ms. Moss is speaking on Friday, October 7th at 10:30 AM.  I'm also told that she will have signed copies of her most recent book available for purchase, "Charlotte Moss Decorates."

This lecture series is in conjunction with our city's gorgeous Botanical Gardens annual fundraiser "Antiques & Garden Show."  The tickets are a mere $30 and, I was told, there is a high risk of sell out, so if you are considering it - Get your tickets now!!

In case, you on are on the fence about it.  Here is just a tiny sample of her stunning work. 

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So, I hope you will join me!  I am confident, this event will not disappoint.  

Enjoy your weekend! See you Monday. M.

Let's Go Craig's Listing - Pair of Bookshelves

A pair of narrow bookshelves for a steal of a deal at $75.00!

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You could paint them with this . . . 

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To make them look like this . . . 

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And you could use them like this . . . 

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Or this (image on the right).

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I can't believe it's already Wednesday.  Hope your week is going well! M.

New Sponsor - 2dplan

OK, I first want to thank you for all the comments yesterday on the "top sheet" debate.  I loved reading them all and had no idea that many of you were already doing this.  I am not sure I want to give mine up yet, but the comments certainly gave me lots of food for thought!

Now, for today's post . . .

Please say Hello to my newest blog sponsor - 2dplan.  When I came across this website over the summer, I immediately wanted to share it with you.  If you love redesigning your spaces.  Or if you would like to redesign your spaces, but don't know where to start, you need to check out this product. 

It's called 2dplan and provides the graphic tools necessary to create a totally new furniture layout for your space.  What's great is you can create the space without moving a single piece of furniture to determine if you will like the new design.  Then, once you're satisfied with the layout, you can call in the hubby to give you a hand on moving everything. 

  When I first started working as an interior designer, I quickly realized it was so much easier for my clients to understand my vision for their space, if I included a diagram of the new furniture placement.  It isn't enough to show a client fabrics and new furniture pieces if they don't understand what you would do with the pieces.  Also, I find that once I go over the plan and the client has time to sit down and look at the new layout out and how the pieces relate to each other,  they begin to get comfortable with my vision for the space.  So, I always to include a diagram in every design plan I complete for a client. 

So, if you are like me, a small business owner who works from home but insists on producing a professional product at an affordable price, you should consider this software.  But, 2dplan isn't just for interior designers.  They have software that would be very useful to architects, landscape architects, and those in the construction business who are looking to market their properties in an effective way.  

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Also, this would be the perfect Christmas gift for any young person who is considering going into a design field - as well as those who are just graduating with a degree in the same.  

The software is super simple to navigate, and there are programs designed specifically for each category of design.  There are also tutorials on each software program for you to "try before you buy."  Additionally, 2dplan gives you a free downloadable sample of a few of their symbols all of which are very professional.  If you have time this week, please go on their website and take a look.  At the very least, it might inspire you to re-arrange your space!!  

Hold the Top Sheet, Please!

Recently, I had a conversation with a well traveled client on not using a top sheet with your duvet coverlet for bed linens.  To be clear, you would use a fitted bottom sheet on the mattress, but no top sheet between the duvet cover and the fitted bottom sheet. 

 This has been the norm in France and other countries for years, but it has not really caught on here in the states.  

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I'm sure there are lots of reasons people do this, but my client wants to simplify her morning routine and did not want to sacrifice the look of the bed by eliminating all the accent pillows.  So, with this arrangement, she does not have to bother with adjusting and re-tucking the top sheet each morning.

 For this particular client, we are going to buy two duvet coverlets (just as I would recommend for bed linens, slipcovers, etc).  So the bed can be changed immediately without having to wait on the laundry!

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Well, needless to say, I am intrigued with the idea.  On the one hand, it would save a ton of time and would be particularly good for new moms who barely have time to bath (at least that's how I felt during that phase of life) and for children who are just learning to make their own bed.  Talk about easy!  

But, a few tiny negatives keep creeping into my thoughts.  If you slept with someone who takes more than their fair share of the covers (I'm not naming names), you may literally end up in the cold.  Also, I LOVE a layered look on the bed.  It adds depth and color and gives you lots of temperature options in the middle of the night.  You also have to consider that the coverlet needs to be super soft since it's not buffered by a top sheet.

But, I'm still pondering the whole the idea.  Where are you on the "top sheet vs. duvet coverlet sans top sheet" debate?  Would love your thoughts.

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If you would like to read more about this trend in Europe, Apartment Therapy has some interesting points.  Happy Monday! M.

Let's Talk Rooms - Study

Yesterday we were blessed with some cool weather, not cold or even chilly, but just pleasant, breezy hints of Fall.  It was such a great day, and now I have a toasty warm study/library on the brain.  Here are a few amazing ones to consider.

What a saturated wall color!  It looks like a deep green with a bit of peacock blue mixed in for good measure.  Love the fitted slipcover on the table and the velvet apple green chair. 

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The lavender makes me think this study is for the lady of the house.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a place like this to retreat to when you need some peace and quiet? 

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Love how the built-ins frame those windows.  I would open those windows to get a light breeze as I lounged on that sofa and enjoyed the fire. 

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Notice the detail on the shades.  It looks like a large cut out circle - very cool.

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The others made me think of hot chocolate or a nice cup of hot tea, but this one . . . for this one, it's a pinot noir all the way! 

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I hope your weekend goes well, and you do something that makes you happy.  M.

Home Made to Order

While we were at the beach this summer, I did some catching up on my back log of magazines.  One article that really struck me was in House Beautiful (July/August 2011) "The Tiny House Movement."  For some reason, I am fascinated with the layout of small spaces as well as the architecture of small homes.  The very next day after reading this article, we took a bike trip and passed by a small empty lot of beach front property (which is so rare) in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.    Well, that's all it took for me to daydream all afternoon about how I would design a tiny little beach house just for us.

I pondered thoughts like . . .
What would it absolutely have to have(the essentials for a comfortable visit to the beach)?
Which rooms would I make super tiny and which would need more space to be really enjoyable?
What style would I like best and would fit into the architecture of the area?
How would the outdoor space relate to the cottage since outdoor living is really at the top of the list for us when we are at the beach?

All of these questions coupled with the eye candy of the tiny homes featured in the article really made for a wonderful afternoon ponder.

So, no, we are not going to invest in a beach house.  But a girl can dream, right?!  Here are my favorite websites for these tiny jewel boxes.  Some are the actual homes that are delivered to you in parts that fit together like a puzzle (not kidding) while others are just the plans for you to build your own.

 Before you think, "I just couldn't go that small,"remember for beach vacays you spend most of your time outside, so supplementing these wonderful little homes with some amazing outdoor space would be a must.

Here's my list in no particular order.

The first three are all from Cusato Cottages which is an interesting company founded by Marianne Cusato.  Marianne is a designer who came up with the concept of these tiny homes to encourage green living while not sacrificing the quality of life in a beautiful space.

Model KC 697
I really wish these plans had cute names, so I've decided to give them each one.  I think this one should be called "Easy Living."

I love the porch on the front of this one and the tin roof is all the rage in the beach community along 30A.

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The real reason I like this one so much is the open floor plan with the kitchen and family room in one large space and the windows along the front for tons of light.  I think it makes a small space more efficient and actually live larger than one with walls separating the rooms.

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KC308 Model (aka "Creole Comfort")
The style reminds me of a the type of house my Dad always called a "shot gun" style home because you could shoot a shot gun straight through it.  You see a lot of this style home in the neighborhoods in and around New Orleans; but I think it would work wonderfully at the beach.

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Here's the layout of the space and yes, it is super tiny.  I think we would need at least one extra bedroom:

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Model KC480 (aka "Afternoon Retreat")

OK, I think this one is perfect.  The only thing I would add would be a screened in porch that opened onto an outdoor lounge area with dining space.  I LOVE the simple kitchen configuration along the one wall.  Makes me think that you would not be cooking a lot, just light breakfasts and lunches, and then out on the town for dinners.  You do have to share a bath, so that might get a bit frustrating when you all come off the beach at the same time.  But while someone is rinsing off all the beach furniture, another could grab a quick shower.  

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The Wildflower  

This tiny home is not only green but it's a kit (rather than the plans) and you put it together when it arrives.  Not sure I could go this small, but I just adore the look of this home.

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It is super tiny, and I'm assuming that you would use the living space for sleeping quarters too.  Maybe a pull out Murphy bed.   This design feels more like something you would see in the mountains rather than at the beach. 

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  Well, I dreamed about it that afternoon and then decided, to move on!  But what a fun thing to think about.  If you want to read more about the tiny home movement, here are some great resources I found.
http://tinyhouseblog.com/
http://tinytexashouses.com/
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128109273
http://www.livingoffgrid.org/the-pros-and-cons-of-tiny-homes/
http://www.comingunmoored.com/