Client Project - Pillow Options

Happy Friday!  The last couple of weeks have been a major adjustment for the Smith T household.  My oldest child moved to our junior high this year.  While it is fun and exciting, it's taking a bit of time to adjust (even for me).  I say all this to emphasize just how excited I am to have a long weekend.  We're going to make the most of it - lots of lounging and relaxing. 

In the meantime, I wanted to share some pillow options I sourced for a client this week.  When you have a neutral palette to work with, it's so easy to freshen up a space by simply adding new pillows.  For this cute client, I created two different options for her family room.  

Here is a second option.  Just to show you how easy it is to transform a neutral palette with different pillows.   

All sources for these pillows are available through Mandi Smith T Interiors.  If you are interested in creating a fresh new feel in your home, give me a call.  Also, I know my client would love your thoughts on which option is your favorite.  M.  

The Laundress Linen Spray

Several weeks ago, I was contacted by Gracious Style and asked if I would be interested in doing a product review for them.  

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Free stuff?  Ummm, yes, please!  I was given several options of what I might like to review.  Ultimately, I selected the Fabric Fresh from the Laundress collection.  I was already familiar with the All Purpose Bleach Alternative from this line and knew it was amazing.  So, I decided to go with something else from their collection.  On the bottle it actually says, "Spray in the air, on yourself, and everything in your live that is fabric."  Isn't that cute?  

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The timing was perfect.  When I got the spray, we had house guests coming to stay for the weekend.  So, I decided to conduct my very own experiment.  

  There are so many little inexpensive things you can do to make house guests feel special.  You can include fresh flowers in their bedroom, 

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a stack of current issues of their favorite magazines or great books on their bedside table, 

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even a beautiful decanter of water to quench a midnight thirst.   

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or you could iron their bed linens and spray them with a wonderful scent.  Ironing bed linens really just cost you some time in the laundry room, but the results are a decadent hotel experience for your guests.  So,  that's what I did. . . 

I did not mention this little experiment to my sister-in-law when her family arrived for the weekend.  I truly wanted to see if she would notice.  

The next morning, we got up for coffee . . . not a word.  So, I asked,

  Me: "Did you sleep well?" 

SIL: Yes, slept great. 

Still not a word about the sheets.  So finally I could not stand it any longer.  

Me: Did you notice anything different about the sheets? 

SIL: Yes!  They were ironed.  So nice to get in a crisp bed.

Me: Did you notice anything else?

SIL: Like what?

Me: Like how they smelled?

SIL: You know, they did smell very fresh and clean now that you mention it. But it was subtle, not overpowering at all.

Me: Well, that's win in my book! 

I think a great linen spray does not overpower you.  That's the last thing you want when you get into bed.  You want a subtle freshly washed scent. Also, I didn't mention this but the scent of all the Laundress products is nothing like I've ever smelled before.  The only way I can describe it- a clean, slightly masculine scent - sort of a hint of a high end men's aftershave.  If that makes sense?   

Since my little experiment, I've been spraying our bed linens when I make the bed each morning.  It makes it feel like fresh sheets every night!  So, there you have it, my first product review.  Hope everybody has a wonderful day. M.

Things I'm Loving at the Moment and a Winner!

Just a few random tidbits I've stumbled upon recently and wanted to share with you.

Clever Artwork
I loved this post on inexpensive artwork.  I thought it was so hip and trendy.  I can do trendy when it's inexpensive!  She even created two free downloads of the pieces she created for you to use.

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Compressed Paper Countertops

I'm not sure where I've been, but I just discovered a new(to me) material for countertops - compressed paper.  Who knew?  From what I've researched, this product began to emerge in late 2007, and it is truly an eco-friendly alternative that is surprisingly durable.

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  To get all the details, click here.  Since I'm late to the party, I would love to hear from any of you who have actually used this product in your home or sourced it for a client.  

A Daily Outfit

Just in time for Fall . . . 

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I adore this site.  There is a daily outfit idea and then a category for each season.  You have to check out the "Fall Outfits."  If you're in need of a little inspiration, this is a great place to start.

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The Towel Brush

My daughter is still of an age where she showers at night and we allow her hair to air dry.  I know the days of morning primping are fast approaching.  But until then, this brush is a fabulous solution.  With a quick pull through, her hair is on it's way to dry.  No more drips on pjs with this little tool.  Works like a charm.

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Here's a close up - it's basically little towels all over your head!

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Camera Ready BB Cream

I saw this advertised and was very skeptical.  Many of you know my philosophy on makeup is to keep it light and simple.  I mainly use a tinted moisturizer and no base.  But when I saw this product which is basically a tinted primer, I was curious.  It is a bit thicker than a tinted moisturizer when you first begin to apply it.  But then, it goes on in such a thin, airy coat and gives just enough coverage, and it does not sink down into the little wrinkles.  The added bonus is that it has an SPF of 35.  Love it!

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Now for the Giveaway!   The winner of the $50 Novica gift certificate is Liz who wrote, "I'm a basket lover so many of the handmade baskets would do." Congratulations, Liz!  

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend.  See you Monday. M.

Eye on Art Series - Maggie Greir

I was having lunch recently with a mentor and friend of mine, and we started discussing how rare it is to find people who seem to balance the "right and left brain" tendencies.  They are creative but also incredibly smart.  Well during this discussion, Maggie Grier immediately came to mind. 

 

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Maggie has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama but is a self taught painter.  She painted for fun during college and sold the pieces during local fairs and to decorators.  I love that her work has a modern feel but can easily be incorporated into a very traditional space.  Also, the colors seem neutral but there is often one standout hue that makes her work feel very unique. 

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Her artwork was featured in the 2010 Nashville Showhouse benefitting Tennessee youth, and continues to be featured in Nashville at Bennett Galleries.  These unique, and rather quirky pieces really set the tone in this space.

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It is not surprising that Maggie balances both spheres.  Growing up with two very creative parents who own one of my favorite antique stores in Birmingham (The Nest), Maggie has learned first hand that an eye for beautiful things is only part of running a successful small business in the creative world.   

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If you are in Birmingham and want to see a few of Maggie's offerings in person, there are several local spots where you can take a look - The Nest, Little House on Linden (one of my favorite galleries), and Charlotte Woodsen Antiques.  I am sure you can find a place in your home for one of these stunning pieces.

PS: Don't Forget - my current giveaway ends tomorrow at 5:00pm.  Click here is you would like to enter.  I'll announce the winner on Friday.  M.

Planking Obsession

Well, not exactly what I had in mind. 

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I was really thinking of something more along these lines.

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I have not a single spot in my house with this detail and would love for it to be throughout.  

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It has a casual feel.  But when paired with the right furnishings, it still feels appropriate for a primary residence (rather than just a lake house).

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I also seem to prefer the planking horizontal rather than vertical.  I think it makes the space feel larger.

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Happy Monday.  My kids started school today,  and I'm ready to begin working on some new design projects!  Looking so forward to my consults this week.  Hope everyone has a very productive go of it.  M.

PS: if you would still like to enter my giveaway for a $50 gift certificate to Novica, click here.  You have until this Thursday to enter.  Good Luck.

Back to School Giveaway

Since going back to school can feel a little depressing . . .

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I thought a happy was in order!

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I'm so thrilled to be teaming up with Novica who is working in association with National Geographic to bring some of the most amazing handcrafted items to the world through their online shop.   

When Novica contacted me and asked if I would be interested in a $50 gift certificate for me to personally use as well as an extra one to give away on the Muse to one lucky reader, I jumped at the chance.   Here are few items I'm considering for my gift certificate.  

I adore the crackle finished celadon green ceramics.  They are such a beautiful subtle color and work in so many places.  I could see this filled with white hydrangeas on any table top in my house.

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For those who are not a fan of Big Al, here is another option!  With this style vase, it looks just as pretty without flowers and tucked into a bookshelf.

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I could use a pair of these soap dishes in my master bathroom next to our sinks.  With this price, I could even get something else!

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A small jar like this can be placed in so many different places.  Such a wonderful accessory.  I know you are seeing a pattern here - Celadon Green!  

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To switch gears, I have lots of dark wood furnishings.  A white accessory like this one really gives you fabulous contrast on the table top of dark wood. Love this hand carved soap stone jar.   

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These glossy boxes give a space some much needed sparkle.  Their scale works so well on a small side table next to a sofa or chair.

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Although I am considering items for the home, Novica has lots fabulous jewelry (like these bracelets and earrings), amazing dresses and tops, and even something for the man in your life (if you want to be extra generous).  So, let's talk about what you need to do to win the $50 gift certificate.  

Details to Enter

1. To be eligible you MUST "follow" Interior Design Musings on Facebook, Tweeter  or subscribe to my emails (all these options can be accessed on the menu bar just below my logo) AND

2. After you've "followed" the Muse, come back here and post a comment telling me which is your favorite item on Novica's website, click here to check it out.

Extra Entries (increase your odds, people!):

- Blog or Tweet about this giveaway, linking to my post.

- Include Interior Design Musings on your blog's roll.

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

Deadline for entering is next Thursday, August 23th at 5:00 PM Central.

Guest Post - Thoughts on Bedside Tables

I hope everybody had a great start to their week yesterday.  Today I'm being featured on the wonderful blog The Mustard Ceiling by my friend Elizabeth.  She is undergoing a massive moving project and has put together a guest series.  I am so honored to be kicking off the series for her!  Please click over and check out my post - Thoughts on bedside tables.   

Just a little tease:  I've included some of my favorite tricks for making beside tables work on the focal wall of a bedroom - so check it out!   M.

Fans I Can Stand

I hope everyone had an excellent weekend.  We had a small break from the heat here in Birmingham with temperatures in the 80's.  I could almost imagine the Fall season on it's way.  Given how hot it gets here, ceiling fans are used in tandem with the AC.  Then in the Fall, when the temps begin to lessen, they are a great way to get some air circulation.  I say all this, but honestly, I'm not a huge proponent (see, I resisted the urge to use the word "fan" here) of ceiling fans.    Yes, I live with fans in my home.  More clearly, I tolerate fans in my home.  So, with that caveat,  here are a few I've seen lately that don't completely rub me the wrong way. 

For some reason, the industrial vibe of this one, seems to make it work in this space.  They've selected this fan as a focal point in the space.  So, it has to be spot on in style, scale and interest.

Traditional Kitchen design by Media And Blogs Lindsey M. Roberts

There is something about the placement of the fans in the image below that works for me.  They feel like a practical solution for a sunroom rather than a design choice (even though they are a design choice - everything you include in a space is a design choice).  Also love the traditional blue ceiling here.

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Again, the placement and repetition of these fans works for the space.  

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If I am forced to select a ceiling fan for the center of a room, I will try my best to select the biggest wall flower in the bunch!  I want it to completely go away and be unnoticed.  So, think low profile, no contrasting color, no pattern, etc.  Here are a few that do the trick depending on your space.

I know this one looks so blah, but that's the idea - same color as the ceiling, a hugger, low profile, short blade projectory, and no light.  Unless I am DESPERATE for light in a space and must include one on the fan, I will go for the no-light version and  choose table, floor and wall sconces to properly light the space.  This is the kind of fan when your friend says, "I really hate the fan in our family room" you reply, "You have a fan in there? I've never noticed it!"

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If there are a few pieces in the space with darker toned woods, I will consider this one. 

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Here's and option with a light.   Since the light is going to draw your eye, I think the dark fan is the way to go to give you a bit of depth and contrast without screaming "look at me."

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Based on my experience (just me, not a national survey here), the fan debate is clearly divided along gender lines.  The husband wants one and the wife does not - just saying this has been my experience.  My approach to design is to make the space fabulous while ensuring it is practical and pleases all members of the household - very tall order!  Your home should be a place you love coming home to every evening.  A haven for you.  If that means a ceiling fan for your family, then so be it.  A good designer should be able to  make it work.  M.

How to: Selecting a Lamp Shade

I've wanted to post about this topic for awhile, but I've not had the time to give it the proper focus.  In my opinion, selecting the proper lamp shade can be very tricky.  Now, understand, it's not a monumental mistake - like the financial ramifications of a bad sofa choice or a weak moment when selecting the tile of your bathroom.  But, it can kill the look of a room just as fast.

Why so tricky?  There are lots of the factors to consider - the shape of the lamp, the shape of the shade, the size of the shade as it relates to the lamp, the color of the lamp and shade, the material used in making the shade (paper or fabric), the size of the harp (which holds the shade above the light bulb), and the finial.

Just look at all these options for shapes:

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Here a few things I think about when it comes to lamp shades:

1. Short, fat lamps are harder to get right.  Just like with fashion - everything looks great on the tall skinny girls.  So, you have to be careful with the fuller lamp bases.

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I love the look of a drum shade with these thicker bases.  In this case a tapered drum in a super neutral color does the trick with this very over the top patterned wallpaper - love the results.

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Here, is a straight drum with a larger base.

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I also love a corseted drum shade for a more substantial lamp.  It gives you a very formal look.

2.  Use the Previous Shade (if you can) - It helps to use the previous shade as your guide.  This is truly the best way to select a shade.  Lamp manufactures spend lots of time and money designing the perfect shaped shade for their lamps.  So take note of their selected design.

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If you feel the current shade is dated, at least take note of the height and greatest diameter to know how large you need to go with the new shade.  You will need to know the diameter of the top and bottom of the shade as well as the height of the shade (which is sometimes, but not always, measured on the angle from the bottom to the top of the shade).  

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Here is a wonderful guide on measuring for your shade Steps for Selecting the Correct Shade.  These measurements can get you close to the proper shade, but you must try it on the shade (which leads me to my next point).

3. You've Gotta Try it on:  If at all possible - take the lamp with you to select the shade.  It is extremely difficult to purchase the correct lamp shade without seeing it on the lamp.

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It may look like it will work based on the images and measurements but when you actually place it on the lamp, something is not quite right. So, if you can take the lamp with you and buy the shade locally.  

4. Take a que from similar lamps.  If you are interested in updating a lamp with a new shade, do some research on lamps with a similar shade.

Barbara Cosgrove

I love all the lamps by Barbara Barry, Robert Abbey, Arteriors, and Barbara Cosgrove.  So, go to their websites and look around for what might work with your lamp.  Take note of the actual measurements of lamps that are a similar size to your lamp and this will give you an idea on the proper scale of you shade.

Barbara Barry

5.  Take into consideration where you will place the lamp - Do you have room for a large drum shade?  I adore a layered look as in the example below.

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Will it go on a taller console table or a low bedside table.  All these things will effect your decision.

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One last mention, lamp shades can cost more than you paid for the lamp, so be conscious of this when buying lamps at consignment shops and Goodwill.  The price may seem like a bargain.  But once you purchase the shade for it, the price may not be what you expected. 

P.S. I'm working on a couple of design plans at the moment while juggling back to school errands.  So, this is it for me this week on the blog.  Happy weekend, everybody.  M.