DIY Lamp Knock Off

I have long admired these gorgeous lamps . . . 

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I think a pair of them would be stunning on a buffet, console table or even as bedside lamps in a master bedroom.  But at $645.00 each, they are just not in the budget here at the Smith T house. 

So, here's my idea for a knock off of them.  I have not tried this, but the idea is so simple I am confident someone out there in Internet land has thought of this and actually completed the project.  If you are listening, please send me a picture and your thoughts!   

Take a pair of these at $20 each . . . 

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Turn them upside down and add this (to what was the bottom but is now the top) using a glue specifically for bonding metal to glass . . .

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Or, if you're just not up for a DIY project,  take the vase to a lamp shop, along with a picture of the original and ask them to do it for you. It really is a nominal fee compared to what you would pay for the original. 

Then add a tapered drum shade like this (along with a bulb clip) . . . 

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And you've got yourself a very high end lamp for less!  M.

My Interior Design Website

I am so excited to share my brand new website with you!  As most of you know, I left my staging company here in Birmingham this past Spring to start my own interior design firm.  At the time, I decided to do a complete makeover of my blog and also had the talented Shari Miller of Little Blue Deer come up with a logo for my interior design business.  I wanted the two logos to compliment each other.

Since then, I have been busy working on lots of fun design projects for clients and just have not had the time to put together my design website.  So, last month, I decided I needed to pull it all together.  I found I was getting lots of emails and questions from potential clients on my rates and services.  So, now all this information is online for you to see.  As my business continues to grow and I find time to have my spaces photographed, I will continue to add to my portfolio.  I want to thank each and every one of you for continuing to support my business by reading my blog, sponsoring my blog and hiring me for design jobs.  I have met so many people, both design clients and bloggers in the virtual world, who have made my year one of the most interesting to date.  So from the heart, thank you!

If you have been thinking about interior design help, I hope you will take a look at my design services to see if we could be a fit for a project in your home!  Right now, I am scheduling work about two weeks out, so let me know if you are interested, and I will put you on the calendar! M.

Gifts for Neighbors and Friends

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, I think it's time to kick off the Christmas season with some gift ideas.  Every year, I try to create a unique handmade gift to give to neighbors, friends, and various teachers who have helped our family during the year.  Last year, we gave Rum Butter Sauce.

Although I love the idea of a baked goodie, it's just to difficult for me to pull off.  You have to bake them (consistently I might add - no burnt batches) AND deliver them quickly so they stay fresh.  Then, if someone's not home, you have to make a return trip to redeliver the item (I tried the "leave it at the door thing" one year and a neighbor's dog ate the entire gift)!

Now, if you are a baker and love the process, I am so happy for you.  But, if you are like me and need a foolproof gift, then read on!

Each year, I do a little brainstorming using recipe books, conversations with friends and, as of late, Pinterest searches.  I focus on keeping the recipe simple, but delicious or unique.  If you are curious about past year gifts read this - Christmas Gift Ideas.  Once I get the recipe and packaging idea, I come up with the label or tag.    

Then, I buy all the supplies and pick a weekend I know we will have time to really enjoy the process (i.e., not the same weekend you get your Christmas tree)!

I've also realized over the years, if you wait (and hope) to find the perfect container for your gift while shopping around town, you will never find it.  Things like this get picked over so quickly.  Instead, I always do this part online and then order them in bulk.  My favorite "go to" sources for the perfect packaging are Nashville Wraps, Container & Packaging Supply, and Specialty Bottle.   I always order my containers, ribbon and wrapping early in the season to make sure I will have them when I need them and each gift will seem special.  

Once I have all the supplies needed for the recipe and the packaging, my daughter and I put it all together.   

Since most of the people who receive our family gift also read my blog, I'm not going to spoil this year's gift idea - you'll just have to wait until next year!  But here are a few ideas I found while doing my research to get your wheels turning on the perfect gift from your family.  I would love to receive any of these gifts from freinds!

Sugar Scrub

This would be wonderful in the bath after a long day of Christmas shopping!

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Bath Bon Bons

These would be so cute packaged in a clear cellophone bag with a green and red stripe ribbon bow and gift tag.

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Lip Balm

I adore this idea.  You could actually package these in small pocket size tins and include one for each family member in a clear bag with a ribbon!  Here are the containers for this one - tins.

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Vinegars, Marinades, Dressing & Sauces

There are endless recipes for this type of thing.  The key is to include some ideas on how to use it for the receiver. (i.e., spruce up your favorite salad or add a little kick when marinading that pork tenderloin)

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Gourmet Syrups 

Again, tell your receiver how to use this one (maybe include a dessert recipe that works well with it).

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Cocktail Mixers 

If you read my previous year's gift ideas, you know this kind of thing is my favorite to give.  I think it's fun to make a special drink during the holidays and a great mixer is the perfect way to encourage this!

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Rein Beer!

Love this clever play on words! You could also make a a non-alcoholic version with root beer. 

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Cocoa Mix

These are always fun to receive, but why not make yours a little different like this Mexican Cocoa.  

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Cookie Mix

Not crazy about making the cookies for you, but I can put the mix together all day long!!  Also, I love how the layers this particular mix look in the jar. 

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Sewing Project in a Jar

This one is not for everyone, but if you have friends who sew or who would like to, this apron in a jar is a fun idea.  My least favorite part is cutting out the fabric and with this one, that part is already done for you! 

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Remember, coming up with the idea should also be part of the fun and enjoyment of making the gift. Now, let the festivities (and craziness) of the season begin!! Happy Monday. M.

Inspiration

Some years I am ready for Christmas right before Halloween (not kidding).  Other years, I am still not quite there even after Thanksgiving.  This year I'm there!  But if you need a little push in the right direction, grab a hot chocolate and check out the Holiday Guide by Emily Henderson.

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It's filled with so many great ideas your head will be spinning when your done!  See you Monday. M.

Giving Thanks

Here's wishing all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I'm signing off a bit early this week to finish up some design projects and spend some quality time with my family. 

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I would encourage you to take some time this week to think about what you are thankful for in your life.  Although I rarely mention it here, my number one blessing is my faith in Jesus Christ.  It sustains me like nothing else can.  Without it, I would not be the person I am today.  

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So this year, focus on your blessings, it will do you more good than you know!  At the very least, all that positive energy might just rub off on others around you who need a little pick me up this time of year. 

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Happy Turkey Day.  M.

Trend Spotting: Natural Bamboo Chairs

Have any of you seen the December/January issue of House Beautiful?  Mine just came in the mail yesterday and I took a peek just before bed last night.  I was thrilled to see those natural bamboo chairs on the front cover!  I am working with a client who has a set of vintage bamboo chairs in her dining room, and we were trying to decide if we should keep them, paint them (which is a really current look) or send them to the sister!  Well, I think we keep, as is!  

I am saving pictures of this project for a big reveal, but in the meantime, here are some other inspiration pictures of  a similar look.

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Would love your thoughts!  As an aside, I loved this issue of House Beautiful . . . so many gorgeous interiors, but not a single Christmas decoration in the entire issue.  So, if you need your Christmas fix, Birmingham Home and Garden (holiday issue is just released) is filled to the brim with some of the most amazing Christmas decorations I have seen.  If you live elsewhere in the country, this magazine is certainly worth a subscription!!!  They feature some of the most beautiful homes in Birmingham.

 Happy Friday. M.

Putting a Wish List Together

In our family, the adults exchange names so it's time to put together a little wish list of things I am loving at the moment.  Thought I would share it with you in case you're having a hard time coming up with some items you might like.  Also, these make great gifts for girlfriends or other special people you need to thank during the season.

Cuff Bracelet in Brass

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Personalized iphone Cover

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Brass Necklace

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Gorgeous Leaf Bowl 

(for my breakfast room table)

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Vintage Suede French Handbag

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Urchin

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Enamel "Cotton List" platter

(just b/c it's cool)

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Modern Monogrammed Cocktail Napkins

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What's on your list? M.

Client's Collection

I've been working with this client who has a very unique sense of style.  I find her take on life and interiors really refreshing!  The last time I was over for a design consult, I snapped a few pictures of this really cool collection she has in her sunroom.  The ceilings are vaulted and this is the perfect spot to display her vintage hat collection.  (sorry for the blurry pics). 

There is a story behind each and every one of these hats.

Some have been in her family for years and handed down from generations past.

While others were found on family vacations and hold fond memories.

I just love collections, especially when items have meaning beyond what the observer can appreciate.  Do you collect anything?  Would love to hear about it! M.

Get The Look - Dining Room

Since we have a major holiday coming up that involves the dining room, I thought it appropriate to deconstruct one for our third installment of "Get The Look."

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This lovely space is the work of Karen Cole and Melody Duron.  It feels fresh and current but also has an old world charm to it.  I could see it in a beach setting but also as a country home. 

My favorite thing about this space is the round dining table.  A round dining table is truly the best if you are interested in long parties of lingering at the table.  They are so much more conducive to conversation than any other shaped table (I know this sound crazy, but it's true!)  

Also, dining rooms are one of the most difficult rooms to do on a budget.  I've found when sourcing furnishings for clients you can really save some money on upholstered pieces, pillows, artwork and accessories.  But, it's more difficult to find inexpensive casement pieces that are well made.    

So, with that caveat, here are my picks to give you this look.

(1.)(2.)(3.)(4.)(5.)(6.)(7.)(7a)(8.)(9.)(10.)(11.)(12.)(13.)(14.)(15.)(16.)(17.)(18.)(19.)(20.)(21.)

Happy Monday! M.

The Well-Dressed Home And A Closet Makeover

Over the last year, I've been working on a renovation project for this wonderful couple in Mountain Brook.  I've mentioned other aspects of this project here and here.  Among all the changes, we converted a small office the husband was using into a walk in closest for the wife. 

Also during the process, we replaced the dining room chandelier which was really not large enough for the space with something more to scale (I promise to show you pictures of the dining room at some point).  So, rather than get rid of the old chandelier, I suggested we move it to the new closet for a touch of girly glam.  Also, since the new closet was not very big, we hired a professional closest designer to come in and make the most of the space.   

Afterwards, my very organized client, "styled" the space with her things.  Notice how we painted the back wall a pale blue.  Initially, I wanted to wall paper this area, but we ended up painting it this beautiful color, and I think it was the right decision. 

My client came across this little stool in an antique/consignment shop.  After helping her pick out the fabric and trim, she redid it on her own!  I think the scale works perfectly in the space.

How many of you have crystal pieces similar to these stored in a buffet or closet?  Why not pull them out and use them in a spot that needs some sparkle.

Needless to say, I was BLOWN away by how beautiful it turned out and how indulgent it seemed to have such a wonderfully organized closet!  So, I went home and did my own. Here's the before of my closet (I know, shocking that I'm showing you this!) 

 I was lucky enough to already have the space built out with custom closets (it was here when we bought the house).  But, I had not really put the time and energy into thinking about what clothes I have and how to best utilize the space.

I actually have to share this space with my husband.  His things are on the right and mine on the left.

 Here's the after . . .

I did lots of purging (as in three garbage bags).  My rule was: If I had not worn it in the last year, I got rid of it!

 I also sat down and really thought about the things I planned to keep and how best to utilize the space for these items.  I even made room to "hang" my boots!

I took this picture before I was completely done.  I since have changed out the knobs with some pretty crystal ones and I have added a shelf above the luggage for my purse, keys, sunglasses, etc.  Everyday things I need.

Also, I cleaned up my husband's side up a bit too.
Overall, he's a pretty neat guy (in more ways than one, I might add)!

  I also replaced all my hangers.  I know it sounds indulgent, but I have never had a pretty closet, and I thought it was time.  This alone unified the space more than any other single thing I did.

No, I don't have a fabulous chandelier (will have to work on that one), but I just love being in there now.  I dare say, I don't mind putting laundry away anymore!

   Around the same time I was working on this project, I entered and won a giveaway hosted by Laura on her delightful blog Bright, Bold, and Beautiful for this glamourous book by the talented Annette Tatum . . . 

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When I finally sat down to check it out, I just had to laugh.  The book is about looking at what you wear and taking clues from this to decorate your home.  The idea is that your home should reflect the true you.

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  Well, of course all the images of closets in this book were amazing.  They just made me want to jump into the picture and look around.  So, after I read it cover to cover, I walked into my newly organized closet to see what colors, patterns, accessories I wear day to day.

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For the most part, I am drawn to the same colors for fashion as I am for interiors.  But, I've not really been bringing my love for accessories to the table for interior design projects.  So, I will be thinking about that more on current projects!  

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If you are interested in organizing your closets, I have a great contact I will share with you here in Birmingham to make that happen.  She is wonderful at coming up with the best use of a small spot.  

Also, if you just want to organize your current space, here are my sources for clothing hangers (these are a real find from a very organized friend), skirt and pant hangers and the boot hangers.   After I did my closet, I had two other friends do theirs.  Beware, it's contagious! M.