2012 in Review

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 So glad to have shared 2012 with each of you, and I'm certainly looking forward to all the musings of 2013.  Yesterday, I pondered the year past.  It seemed to fly by for me.  I can't believe 2012 will be over today.  While it was a busy year for me with interior design work,  I have loved every single minute of it.  I do think there is something to the idea of finding work you love.  It just does not feel like work to me.  I have to make myself stop at the end of the day and never did I feel like that when I was practicing law.

Also, I just adore the clients I've gotten to know.  They are truly some of the most interesting people I've ever met.  What makes my work so interesting is with every new job, there is a new challenge - from combining cherished family pieces of different styles/eras in a fresh new way to creating the perfect furniture layout for an architecturally awkward space.

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Believe it or not, I have found there is one common thread for all my clients.  They want to love their spaces.  I know this may not sound like a huge revelation, but it's true.  We want to look forward to what we are coming home to at the end of the day.  Regardless of the budget, each yearn to have a wonderful space welcoming them home at the end of the day.  A space they are proud to invite family and friends into when entertaining.  I feel so honored to be a part of that process for so many of you.

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So, a small toast to 2012!  Here are a few projects, that I checked off the list at my own home last year. Of course, the list goes on as there are always fun things to improve on!  But these were two biggies for me.  I encourage each of you to think about putting a few home/interior design items on your list this year.  The projects below have changed how our family lives in our space and have brought us so much joy.  So, without further ado . . . 

Our Media Area 

We kicked off the year with a project to transform the media wall in our family room - Project in Progress - My House.  This was a Christmas present from my sweet hubby last year.  As you can see, I had thought about this project for quite some before he agreed to pull the trigger!

After a month of dust and a few set backs, the change was complete.  I have to say this small change has totally transformed how we live in this space.  As an aside, we added Apple TV to our entertainment set up and things totally changed in this space.  With this tiny device, we are able to play all our music and pictures from the computer on the TV screen.  We started buying more movies through iTunes.  Now we can watch something wholesome as a family in this new space.  The number of family movie/game nights we have had this year are too many to count!  And, to think, I was opposed to having the TV over the fireplace.  One of the best compromises ever!

Here are all the details on the "after" - Project in Progress Media Area - Before and After

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Kitchen Paint Job

Then, in the Spring, we focused on my kitchen.  It went from this . . . 

To this . . . 

With the addition of paint and new hardware for my cabinets, it feels completely new.  We have loved the change, and when I look at the "before" pictures, it's hard for me to believe that was my kitchen.  This proves you can transform a space on a budget!  As an aside, I'm getting ready to add some lighting over my island. I'll be sharing all the details on this with you in the next month!  So, the process continues . . . 

 Happy New Year!  I hope 2013 is a wonderful one for you. M.

Thank You and A Winner

First, the winner of the Shabby Apple $50 gift certificate is Danielle with comment number twelve!  Congratulations, and I hope you get something extra special with your prize.  

A Great Big Thank You
 As Christmas is approaching, I'm filled with gratitude and just want to say thank you for continuing to visit my blog.  I'm always amazed by those who care enough to stop by day after day and read my musings!  You simply overwhelm me, and I could not be more appreciative.    Here's wishing you and yours a most wonderful Holiday Season.  

Now for that much anticipated long winter's nap.  

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Mixed in with a small bit of merriment making, I confess.  See you in the New Year! M.

  

Craig's List Finds and Tips for Selling

For starters, I first want to simply say my heart breaks for the families in Connecticut who have suffered such an unspeakable loss.  I rarely mentioned things like this on my blog as my goal with this blog is to provide a "mental break" to those in need of a small distraction.  But, the events of this past Friday continue to loom in my mind, and the question of "why?" occupies my thoughts.  To those families, my prayer is that comfort, peace and the presence of the Lord will be felt by you during this very devastating ordeal.  My prayers and thoughts will continue to be with these families. 

Craig's List Finds and Tips for Selling
As I was looking over my list of draft posts this weekend, I realized I haven't done an installment of "Let's Go Craig's Listing" in awhile.  So, I popped over to see if there were any goodies worth mentioning.  Well, let me just say, if you have the time (and money) this time of year, Craig's lists has some real finds.  Also, if you are motivated, this is a great time to get rid of any pieces for some extra cash.
 Just in Birmingham, here's what I found:

Faux Bamboo Dresser

It's hard to see, but this dresser has brass hardware and would make and amazing piece to hang a TV over in a family room.  It's currently a creamy yellow, but with a tiny investment, you could paint it black (if you wanted to be safe) or emerald green (as a current pop of color).  At only $250.00, it's a steal of a deal. 

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Here's what I'm envisioning for this piece.

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Black Lacquered Goodness
At only $100, this would make a fabulous accent chair for a room.  I would reupholster the seat a current fabric and place it near a fireplace, in a corner for a reading nook or as a very cool desk chair.

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The shape is very similar to this one, but the price is not!  First Dibbs - $12,250.00.

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Here's what it could look like . . . 

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Dining Table and Chairs 

At $100, the chairs alone are worth more than that!  Occasional chairs are great for flanking a chest on an accent wall.  By adding them on either side you get more impact on the focal wall.  I tell clients all the time to look for accent or dining chairs that you can remove the seats yourself and reupholster in a fresh fabric.  But, if you are in need of some dining room furniture, you simply can not beat this price.

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This image (which I'm sure lots of you have seen) immediately came to mind when I saw this listing.

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Basic Dresser 

This is $80.00 - would look amazing in a nursery or child's room.  You could leave it as is or paint it any color you like to compliment the room. 

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Foyer Chest - $525.00.  This piece could be really great for a formal entryway.  It also comes with a mirror (that did not WOW me).  

The only thing that's bothering me about this piece is that is needs legs - like these -   

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Then, I would paint the whole thing with chalk paint in a great color like this. By painting the entire piece one color, you will tone down all the ornate detail.

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If you've never experience the power of chalk paint - you need to consider it.  There is no priming, prepping or sanding.  Slap on three coats and get ready to be amazed.  So, you will end up with something like this . . . 

My Tips for Selling on Craig's List

OK, now on to selling things on Craig's list.  I get tons of questions about this from clients.  When I do redesigns, we usually have a few pieces the client does not love; but they're not sure how to get rid of them.  I usually recommend to either gift these pieces to a relative or sell them on Craig's list.  The question I always get - "Is that safe?"  Yes, if you are smart about how you deal with the situation.  Remember, you are dealing with the public and someone you don't know, so you must take steps to keep the situation safe.  Here are a few things I always do when selling on Craig's list. 

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Always include a picture on your post and make it a great picture!  Don't just dig around in your photo library and find a shot of your living room that has the piece in the corner of the picture.  Make sure it is a FABULOUS shot of the piece - and yes that means styling it.  Remember, your goal here is to sell something!   

Here is an excellent example of what not to do.  I just found this image on Craig's list!  Seriously?!  Do you think anyone in their right mind will come to this home and purchase this item?   

Price Is Important

With the goal being to actually sell the item, you need to be realistic about the price.  I start by searching Craig's list for items similar to the item I want to sell.  This gives me a idea of the going rate.  Then, I price it accordingly.  If, after I've posted it, I don't get a single inquiry in three days, I drop the price by at least $25, and repost it.

Timing Is Everything

I prefer to post on a Thursday night or Friday morning.  Let's face it, the majority of people these days work and can only come to view the piece on the weekend.  So, if you post it close to the weekend, you more likely to have someone willing to quickly come and pick it up!  If, on the other hand, you post on a Monday, the stress of the week tends to distract.   Then, by Friday, they have forgotten about your listing.  

The Devil's in the Details

To prevent tons of questions (which you may erroneously interpret as interest), include every conceivable detail about the piece in the listing.  All the dimensions (height, width, depth), any flaws in the piece, the materials it's made of (i.e., marble top, wrought base, painted patina).  Be sure to include a few close up images of any special materials.  Again, the goal is to prevent anyone from contacting you unless they are truly interested in buying the piece.  Also, include every conceivable word for the piece in the description.  For example, if you are selling drapery panels, you need to call them drapes, curtains, window treatments, panels, window coverings - you get the idea.  If you don't do this, you will miss lots of people who are interested in your product, but just don't know how to search for it.   In addition to specifics about the piece, always include in the listing "CASH ONLY."  

Meeting and Pick Up

This one is very important.  Once you photograph the piece, move it out of your living space into your garage, basement, or outside covered area.  I can't stress this one enough - it is extremely important not to allow a stranger to come into your home. Once you receive an inquiry about the piece, tell them they can only come after 5:00pm and make sure you have another adult there with you when they come to view the piece.   My experience has been the person inquiring about your piece is just as nervous about coming to your house as you are about having them come.  If it's a woman, they usually have someone with them too.  And I think the average person feels more comfortable coming into your garage than into your house!  

Focus on the Goal

It's always difficult to get rid of things.  Try to focus on the fact that your space is so much more wonderful without the item included in it.  And, with the extra cash you are getting, you can buy whatever pieces will look fabulous in your space!

That's it for today.  Hope you have a very productive week.  Also, remember to enter my giveaway!  I'll be selecting a winner on Wednesday for a $50 gift certificate from Shabby Apple. M. 

A Little Something Special

With all the things on your plate this time of year, I thought it would be fun to give you a little something special.  Shabby Apple, one of my favorite online boutiques, has graciously offered to give one lucky winner a $50 gift certificate.  In addition to the one lucky duck who gets the $50, they are offering a 10% discount to all Musings readers for the month!  Woo Hoo!!!  All you have to do is use this promo code at checkout: interiordesignmusings10off and your discount will apply! 

If you are not familiar with Shabby Apple, I'm about to change your world.  Whether you're looking for vintage dresses, unique bracelets, shirtdresses, cozy scarves, lace dresses, chic sling backs, and even maxi dresses, Shabby Apple is THE place.

Here are just a few of my favorites as of late.

(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)

Also, many of you have mentioned to me when I've hosted giveaways, what's the catch?  I think some of you have been burned by sweepstakes entries where you get on every single mailing list imaginable after entering.  Well, that's not the case here.  There is no catch.  Just an effort to connect you with some wonderful companies you may not be familiar with on the web.  So, I encourage you to give it a try!  I promise it will not disappoint. 

Details to Enter

1. To be eligible you MUST click over to www.shabbyapple.com, pick your favorite item AND come back and leave us a comment about it!

For additional entries(increase your odds, people!):
- like Shabby Apple on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shabby-Apple/56291792791)
- tweet about the giveaway with the hashtag #shabbyapplegiveaway
- or if you're a blogger, post on your blog about the giveaway

Be sure to include a separate comment for each extra entry (up to 4 entries) including contact information (so I can contact you when you win)!  Winner will be selected by random.org.  

Deadline for entering is next Wednesday, December 19th at 5:00 PM Central.

Good Luck and Happy Wednesday! M.

Family Room Design Plan

Wow, what a fun weekend!  We enjoyed some 7th grade basketball (very fun to watch!), dinner with friends and I had an opportunity to tour a few of the homes on the IPC Holiday House tour on Sunday afternoon.  I have to say Andrew Brown's house was amazing.  Such a cool mix of styles and totally unexpected from the traditional exterior of the home.  I'm sorry I didn't take a single picture.  I decided to treat myself to the tour without focusing on reporting it all.  I did lots of inspiration and will certainly be incorporating lots of the ideas from what I saw into the design plans I'm currently working on for clients. 

Speaking of design plans, I wanted to show you a design plan I put together for a cute couple in Mountain Brook.  They have a gorgeous home and were interested in a fresh perspective for their family room.  Here's what I came up for their space.

Here is the design board for the space.  The fabrics for the pieces shown will be totally different (for example the sofa is a midnight blue jumper pattern), but this gives you an idea as to how the pieces relate to each other.  The game table and armoire were pieces the client had and wanted to use in the space.  They also have a fabulous Heriz rug with lots of navy and gray(sorry no pic of the rug). 

And here is one option for the pillows we're considering for the space. 

How's the holiday shopping going?!  I've decided to do most of mine online this year.  So much easier than braving the crowds.  M.

All sources for these products included in this plan are considered work-product.  Thus, I am not able to share them with you on the blog.  However, if you would like help in pulling a space together or creating a plan to take your current space to a whole new place, I would love to help you! 

Christmas Decorations - Dining Room

Can I tell you how thrilled I am it's Friday!  What a crazy week it's been . . . I've been working on design plans, Christmas fluffs for clients as well as my own decorations.  To add to this, I'm cleaning out my kid's rooms to make way for the addition of Christmas stuff.  All in all it's been productive, but totally chaotic.  So, I wanted to end the week on a calming/inspiring note.  

Here are a few images of my dining room all decked out for the holidays.  One caveat, it was very difficult to photograph, and I found the ornaments could be seen more easily at night.

Here's a view from the other side of the room. 

This past fall, a very dear aunt of mine called and asked if I wanted all her blown glass Christmas ornaments.  She's had these since I was a kid.  I still remember her Christmas tree covered in them.   I would walk around it picking out my favorites - the ballerina, Cinderella's carriage, and a Christmas tree. After I picked myself up off the ground and thanked her for this very special gift, my mind started racing on what I would do with them.  

Since the ornaments are clear glass, they are very difficult to see on a tree.  You really need colored lights to give them some interest.  In addition, these ornaments are the most fragile things I've ever used in decorating a space.  Since I have white lights and my kids are not super careful around our tree, I decided to use them in my dining room.  

My solution was to hang them from ribbon (1/4" chocolate, moss green and cream double sided satin ribbon) in front of the large windows in my dining room.  By grouping them, you really get some impact.  And by suspending them from the ribbon,  you can appreciate all the intricate details of each one.  They truly are like little works of art.

The small ledge from the transom window gave the ornaments just enough space to float in front of the window.  I then added some cedar garland with one strand of white lights to the top to hide the hooks, and I threw in some ribbon for good measure.  As an aside, I did not make a million nail holes in my window frame - each ornament is attached to one of those small self adhesive clear hooks.  The garland is wired to three nails at the very top where they will never been seen. 

Then we (my daughter was waaay into this project) selected our favorites from the entire collection to hang from the chandelier.  I plan to add a bit of fresh greenery from the chandelier the night before our annual party just to hide the string.  I decided to go with the clear rather than ribbon here so our guest would be able to see each other and not be distracted by tons of ribbon hanging from the chandy.  Do you see the ballerina?? Makes me think of the Nutcracker!

Then for the table top.  I decided to keep the glass/natural element thing going and added as much glass as I could squeeze into the center of my table. 

I already had the glittered trees, pinecones, pheasant feathers, sheet moss and candlesticks.  I did add the three cloches for more sparkle.  I got a great deal on them from here.  I saw a white burlap runner from Pottery Barn for $50, and decided to save a little money by going to the fabric store and purchasing three yards of natural burlap for $15.  I simply cut it the length I wanted and frayed the edges.  I had enough burlap to add a runner to my sideboard as well.  Then, I used things I already had under the cloches for little vignettes of Christmas. 

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!  I for one will be taking a nap at some point. M.

Mea Culpa - Color of the Year for 2013

Mea Culpa my Mea Culpa - Update as of 8:00am today, Pantone has announced the color of the year for 2013!!! Apparently, not only did I get the color wrong, I got the date of the announcement wrong too! Hoping you all can relate on some level.  It's just been one of those weeks!  Click here for all the details.

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Phrase for the day . . . 

Apparently, I was so excited about Monaco Blue as the color of the year for 2013,  I failed to realize this is the FASHION color of the year, and not the official color of the year.    This is a new one on me since last year's Pantone color of the year was the same for both fashion and home?! I guess Pantone is mixing things up for 2013.  

From what I can gather after additional research (from a friend who is one amazing google guru), the official Pantone color of the year for 2013 will be announced on December 14th in Las Vegas by Leatrice Eisman, Pantone Color Institute Executive Director immediately before an informative seminar on how the color of the year is selected.  Many are predicting one of the top four Fashion colors I posted about earlier this week will, in fact, be the color of the year, but there is no way to know for sure.  Last year, Tangerine Tango was the color of the year for both Fashion and Home for 2012.  But, Pantone may surprise us this year.  

Thank you to the bloggers who brought this to my attention.  I knew something was up when I received a rather "surprised" comment from one of my all time favorite bloggers in the know, Raina Cox from If the Lamp Shade Fits.  My apologies!  

It appears I'm doing way too much of this these days . . . 

So, please standby - I'm not planning on attending the press announcement this year, but who knows?!  Maybe next year, I can work this into the calendar!  M.

Project in Progress

Wanted to give you a little sneak peek of what I've been working on lately.  

Isn't the view fabulous!   This cozy cottage is located on Jordan Lake which is roughly 25 minutes north of Montgomery, Alabama.  My clients have hired a wonderful local builder to add a screened porch on the lake side of their home.  They (along with everyone else in the community) consider the lake side the "front of the home" which I think is totally appropriate given this view.  The porch will be located here and extend out a bit farther for both dining and lounging.  

They've asked me to come up with a design layout for the porch which will include some affordable finds to make the space feel like a room.  Since the weather here in Alabama is so mild, most people furnish their screened porches like additional living spaces.  I can't wait to show you my plan.  

In addition to the screened porch, they've asked me to help them freshen up on the inside.  We will use lots of pieces they already have, plus a few new items along with tweaking the layout for some additional seating.  I will show you more pictures as the project progresses.  But for now, this is your peek! M.

The MacGyver of Crafting

At the risk of sounding bitter, I wonder what Martha Stewart could do with a pack of rubber bands, some dryer sheets and some used chewing gum found under the kitchen table?  

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Something fabulous I'm sure.  

My Mom and I were brainstorming on my neighborhood gifts this year, and she said, "I think Martha's the only person in the world who could pull off giving you manure as a gift.  She would wrap it up with this marvelous gift tag and double sided satin ribbon that read, 'Homegrown Organic compost to be used when planting your crocus and hyacinth bulbs this Spring.  Enjoy!'"  Of course, the recipient would be oohing and ahhing over it.  

And to prove my point - Exhibit A

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Yelp.  Totally fabulous Christmas wreath made from coffee filters.  You go Martha! 

And no, I'm not giving manure as gifts this year!  But if I can squeeze in a couple hours after midnight between now and Christmas, I'm so making one of these. :)  Happy Weekend, everybody!  M.

Christmas Trend and An Invitation for You . . .

I just love a good design trend, and for me trend spotting flows right over into decorating for Christmas.  This year the biggest single trend I'm seeing in Christmas decor is earthy elements.  

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These would include rustic wood chargers, 

pheasant feathers, 

and pinecones, lots of pinecones.

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We traveled to Mississippi for Thanksgiving and while I was there, I picked up a huge bag of pinecones while taking walks on my parents' property.  My plan was to use them throughout our house to bring in that natural element.  I decided to try my hand at making some garland with them for my breakfast room.  I normally don't include a ton of decorations in this space.  But I thought the garland was fun! 

It was super easy, but time consuming - I sat for at least two hours working on it and create about 14 feet total.  

I do love the results but would not be patient enough to create a garland long enough for a stairwell banister or Christmas tree!

  I then included a few pinecones in my centerpiece arrangement on our table.  

My plan is to carry the pinecones throughout the rest of our home for a pulled together look.  I will be showing you pictures of each room as I finish them.  One room down, several more to go!  As my Mom always says, "Honey, you can eat an elephant, if you really want to.  You just have to take it one bite at a time!"  So, one bite at a time. 

An Invitation

 This is a bit of a late notice, but for those who live here in Birmingham, I wanted to extend this very special invitation.  Tonight, Covenant Presbyterian Church is hosting a evening filled with hope and lots of fun,  "hands on" tutorials.  The speaker, Ashley McCary, is a former church member who was diagnosed with a form of cancer in her eye.  Through this devastating ordeal which has resulted in the loss of her eye, Ashley has exhibited a strength of faith that will encourage you and give you a sense of hope that only God can provide.   The evening will begin with Ashley sharing her story.  

Following, there will be holiday tutorials including everything from how to make bows, decorate your mailbox, and make those fabulous gift tags you see on everybody's gifts.  I will also be there demonstrating how to create a beautiful mantle from start to finish.  These tutorials will give you lots to go home and try in your own home.  And the best part, this special night is completely free.  So, if you are in the Birmingham area, grab a friend and join us to celebrate the beginning of a wonderful Christmas season!  (click here for directions)  M.