Get the Look- Living Room

Let's kick off the week with a second installment of "Get the Look."  Today we are going to focus on this fabulous living room.  I just love the idea of using four chairs in a space like this.  In fact, I posted about this very idea for a living room.

Here's our inspiration. . . 

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I know!  It's stunning.  So fresh and crisp - but not tied to a specific season.  I could totally see this space in the Spring/Summer months or in the Fall/Winter months.  Really nice combination.  Also, it's modern but with a cottage vibe - very difficult to pull off.  This is the work of Atlanta based interior design firm - The Design Atelier.  This one was a major challenge.  In fact, while I was sourcing it, I thought several times, "Now, why did I decide to do this series?!"  I hope you enjoy my efforts!  

Here are my finds for this lovely room. 

 

 

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Happy Halloween! M.

Happy Friday

We are having some of the most amazing weather here in Birmingham.  I plan to spend lots of time outdoors enjoying it! May even carve a pumpkin or two . . .  

Have a wonderful weekend.  M.

Finished Project - Master Bedroom

I did an installation this week of a master bedroom project I've been working on since the summer.  

We had actually completed everything except the drapery panels which were on backorder for several months.  Sometimes those kinds of things happen, so you just have to be patient and go with it.  

The panels were a great deal, so we waited it out.  Once the panels arrived(Woo Hoo!),  I added the tape detail to them. (I'm going to show you a step by step tutorial on how I did it next week, so stay tuned). 

 Adding this kind of detail to ready made panels is a great way to achieve a custom high end look for less.  

Most of the furnishings the client already had in their home.

We just freshened it up a bit by adding new pillows, drapery panels with custom trim, an affordable etagere, swing arm lamps, an upholstered bench (also a great price from Overstock), and a vanity which my client found at a second hand shop for a true steal of a deal!

Here's a close up of the pillows.  That velvet pillow is such a rich color in person, these pictures do not do it justice!

See the vanity to the left.  The lamps were in her dining, so we switched them out with lamps that were previously on her bedside tables.  Such a pretty place to get ready in the mornings. 

Sorry some of these are blurry!  I just snapped a few to give you an idea.

All the other pieces you see are from other rooms in the home.  It's amazing how moving accessories around can make a room feel fresh.  

The client had this pretty silver tray stored in her buffet in the dining room.  I thought it made the perfect place for the remote and her husband's reading glasses.  There are ways to make the practical look great!

 This artwork was in the dining room.  Remember, there is no rule that says fruit has to stay in the kitchen or dining room.  The greenish yellow of the fruit actually picks of the color of the trim detail on the velvet pillow.  

This bench is a wonderful place to put your shoes on in the morning.  It's right outside the bathroom, so it works! 

There was simply no room for a side table by this reading chair (trust me I tried every single table in the house), so we opted for a basket of magazines. 

We are going to be freshening up some additional rooms over the next year, so stay tuned!  I'll try to remember to snap a few before shots next time! M.  

Thoughts From Simple Dwellings . . .

Recently, I asked Amber from Simple Dwellings to come over and give you her thoughts on interior design.  To my delight, she said yes!  So, here are her thoughts on her 10 favorites in design.

Hello! I'm Amber from Simple Dwellings and I am super excited to be here at Mandi's blog today, discussing my top 10 favorites in interior design! I love Mandi's creative blog and gorgeous design style. I love that she incorporates antiques with new pieces and blends traditional with modern. My design philosophy is similar... I also love to pair different styles together and mix vintage finds with modern pieces. I could talk about interior design all day, so I had a lot of fun putting together a collection of 10 of my favorite ideas, trends and styles for you today!

My Top 10 Design Favorites

I would begin by painting the walls a soft gray. Although not pictured here, I love Alaskan Husky by benjamin moore. It's a subtle blue/gray that almost shows white at certain times of the day. A light wall color can be the subtle backdrop for dramatic art, colorful pillows and an airy feel to the space.

1. I love adding natural woven textures to a space. It helps to bring the outdoors in and is a great way to add texture to a room. This pendant from west elm does exactly that! (It's also on sale right now too!)

2. This modern take on a traditional wing back chair is one of my all time favorites! I have used this chair in a few room designs and it is a versatile piece that blends modern with traditional to perfection!

3. This suzani fabric has so many great colors and is a great way to bring a room's hues together. I love to add colorful pillows with neutral seating, so switching out colors in the space doesn't cost a fortune. I recently had a pillow made in this fabric, and it looks great in person!

4. I love the look of gallery walls! Whether the grouping is symmetrical or not, I can never get over this look in any space! Gallery walls are great for family photos, art or a mix of both.

5. I love the look of dramatic wallpaper! This traditional peacock print is made more modern with its larger scale images. Wallpaper can be done in smaller doses, by framing large pieces, or accomplished on a larger scale, with one or more walls papered. 

6. I think it's fun when a space has a touch of whimsy. This hand sculpture can be placed on a console or coffee table for an unexpected twist! I love to add at least one whimsical piece to any space.

7. I love the look of chevron and use this rug a lot in my designs. It's a fun print that blends well with traditional and modern rooms. It is definitely one of those eye catching accessories!

8. Another way to draw your eye up and make a bold statement in a room is with lighting. This chandelier is fun and makes you stop and take notice. Proper lighting is so crucial to taking a space to the next level and large, dramatic lighting is helpful for that! 

9. I also believe that a space must be both fun and functional. Comfortable seating and storage makes a room feel inviting and practical. I love the use of leather furniture in a space, and this ottoman doubles as storage and seating/place to rest your feet. 

10. And last but not least, I also love adding a bit of coastal charm to a space. I have had my eye on this coral table lamp for a while. I love using coral in a room, and the fact that this doubles as a beautiful light also helps!

Thanks for having me here today, Mandi! It was so much fun thinking about my design favorites! Stop by my blog and say hi some time!

What are your all time favorite interior designs?!  Would love to hear.  M.

Trend Spotting - Silhouettes

I've been seeing them everywhere.   

The great news . . . 

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They are super easy to make at home.

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Love how they look in a space that mixes traditional and modern elements. 

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They can also be mixed very easily with other objects like plates in this example.

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Even in a bathroom.  This is fun because you can use any size and group them for major impact.

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Also, if you use family members as your subjects, the artwork becomes more meaningful.

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If they seem to stark or bland, you can always add color with an interesting mat.  Then vary the shape of the frames too. 

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Look at these.  A funky twist on the idea by using animals! 

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And it doesn't stop with wall art.  

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They even look great with Halloween decor!! 

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Here's the best tutorial I've seen on creating your very own.

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Happy Tuesday. M.  

Get the Look - Family Room

I've decided to start a new series to run through the end of November.  I'm calling it "Get the Look."  This time of year, I'm always busy working with clients who really want to focus on sprucing up their homes for the holidays.  There are still a few weeks left before all the festivities begin. So, I thought it would be the perfect time to give you some ideas for your space.

 First up, a cozy family room.

This gorgeous space has an elegant, rustic country feel.  It was designed by the very talented Christie Hanson, and I think it's the perfect room for a bit of Fall inspiration.  

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Here's the other side of the room.

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Although, I do not have access to the actual sources used in the space, I can at least show you what I consider affordable alternatives to "Get the Look."  

As I've mentioned time and time again, you can achieve a high end look without spending tons of money.  The key is to know when to save and when to splurge.  This coupled with some clever sources (i.e., thinking outside the box) for furnishing will give the the look and save you some money.

Here are my finds for giving you a similar look for less.

  

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Wheh!  I hope you're feeling inspired.  If you get busy, you can have your home looking fantastic before the holidays!! M.

Clever Art Installation

Recently, Teresa of Splendid Sass featured the beautiful work Jimmy Stanton.  The entire post was picture after picture of pure eye candy.

As I was looking at the images, one in particular caught my eye. . .
 
Look what this clever man did on this wall!

Could you tell what it was?  It's clip on drapery rings - go back and look!  He hung them on the wall and used the clip to hold images for an entire wall of artwork!

When I see ordinary items being used in creative ways, it just floors me.  I always think, "Why didn't I think of that!?!"  This little inexpensive trick could be used for so many different art installations to create some major impact.  Just think about it.  If you would like to see the entire post - go see Teresa at Splendid Sass.

Have a marvelous weekend!  See you Monday. M. 

Etsy Roundup - Fall Favorites

Yesterday, we had a little dose of cool weather and it put me in the mood for Fall.  If you're not there yet, maybe this will help!

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My Weekend & Other Randomness

I had a fun weekend and thought I would share a few pictures with you.  My kids were out of school on Monday for a teacher workday, so we decided to visit my family in Mississippi.

My parents live outside the city on a large piece of beautiful wooded property.  Every Fall for as long as I can remember, my Dad hosts an annual Dove Shoot and my husband and son are elated about the whole thing.  This year, we were not able to attend as it was the same weekend of the first Auburn football game, but lucky enough (maybe not for the doves), the season reopened this weekend and my son got to shoot with my Dad.  

For those who are sad (right about now) about shooting the birds, just know these birds do not lose their lives just for sport.  My Mom is an amazing cook, and wild game is one of her specialties. 

The Menu

Bacon Wrapped Grilled Dove

Grilled Italian Sausage

Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes

Wild Rice salad

Parker House Rolls

My children love going to see my family and they are always treated with some very interesting activities.  This trip they milked a cow, played some variation of dodge ball in the Church youth center for a relative's birthday party, swam (I thought they were crazy, but it was in the 80's that day) in my cousin's pool, played war at my brother's house (he has built the most unbelievable tree house that I promise to post about at some point), got to see a raccoon up close.

I love to see the looks on their faces when some of these experiences present themselves.  So, I know your wondering, "Did I milk the cow?"  No, you have to get up waay to early in the morning, but I did relax and enjoy my mini vacation to the country.  I read, and chatted with my parents and other relatives the entire trip.  I also had time to study my Mom's cookbooks for recipes for the Fall.  I love to do that since I always feel like my books become boring.

I also picked some wild flowers that are everywhere you turn down there.

I grew up calling these are Black Eyed Susans, but they may be some form of a Shasta daisy.  Just love.  They look as though they're trying to jump out of the vase!

I also managed to snag some fresh eggs from my uncles chicken coop, and my brother gave me some beer he made.  It's a hobby of his!  What can I say, he's a doctor in our small town, but I guess a chemist (with benefits) is one of his many talents!

When we got home, I had a package waiting for me!  I order this sweater for the winter from Boden and I love it!! The color is so yummy and cozy for winter.

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I'm going to wear my with tights and riding boots and one of those great long necklaces.

PS: My children have half days all the rest of the week, so posting my be spotty.  I'm planning on taking advantage of this time with them!  Have a marvelous day! M.