Eye on Art - Gallery 1930

For my 'Eye on Art" series, I normally feature an artist rather than a gallery.  But this is a unique case.  You see, this relatively new (very hip) gallery is owned by an artist - Meredith Keith.

Gallery 1930
Here's the scoop on Gallery 1930 - it's located in English Village (which is one of the villages of Mountain Brook).

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When John and I first got married we lived in the cutest little house near this gallery.  At the time, the building was a gas station!  It has now been completely transformed into a chic hot spot for the village.

In addition to the gallery, the building is also home to Vino which is a very hip and fun restaurant.

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The gallery and the restaurant each have separate spaces, but they share a patio area.  Wine and Art - um, yes please!  This gallery/restaurant concept was the brain child of Meredith and her sister, Laura.  Needless to say, it has been a huge hit since it's opening.

The Artists

OK, so now that you've got the idea on the Gallery, let's talk about the art.  This coming Friday, February 29th, the gallery is hosting an opening reception featuring three very talented artists.

Meredith Keith

Meredith's work is really hitting a note with the 30 somethings here in Birmingham (and beyond).

Her paintings are modern and fresh and really add a level of sophistication to any space.  Also, when I hear the 30 somethings are hot on an artist, I sit up and take notice. Like my Mom always says, if you want to feel young, watch the younger set!

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Drew Galloway
Drew's primary medium is oil and he loves working with tin and metal.  His work really just blows my mind.  The detail here comes off feeling almost like a photograph.  Just look at the water in the piece below.

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From what I'm told, Drew comes from a very talented family as his father is also an accomplished artist. 

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David Kidd

David's work is a creative process that evolves from an idea or concept which then takes on a life of it's own.  I just adore the vibrancy of this piece.

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Switching gears, this more muted piece has tons of contrast and could be a true statement in a room of neutrals. 

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So, talk about the perfect way to kick off your weekend.  Now, go call that babysitter and make a date with your sweetie!  A Friday night date perusing some fabulous art while sipping on a glass of wine - I can think of worst things to spend my time doing.  Right?!  

  
Who knows? The weather may even cooperate for the evening.  M.

Spring (please) - Bring It!

Happy soggy Tuesday.  Over the weekend we had one absolutely gorgeous day.  Finally, there was a break in the cycle of rainy days we've been having here in Birmingham, and our entire neighborhood seemed to be out and about, soaking in the sun.  I didn't realize how much the long succession of grey days had affected my mood.  When the sun came out, it instantly felt like Spring to me - only to be greeted with more rain.

 I think Spring happens like that - with little starts and stops - one minute you think it's here and the next you're bundled up in a wool sweater.  So, for me, I see this as hope that Spring is just around the corner.

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Speaking of Spring, have you seen Schumacher's fresh new offerings?  This brand spankin' new collection for Schumacher was designed by the very talented Mary McDonald . . . 

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It's total goodness.  The tapes are ultra wide with the most detailed embroidery, and I'm a total sucker for a fabulous flat tape.  If you've ever see Schumacher's fabrics in person, you know these images do not even come close to how these fabrics look in person.  There really is a reason they're more expensive. 

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One thing in the collection really caught my eye.  The Appliqués.  These gorgeous "do dads" can be applied to pillows, upholstered pieces, drapery panels - even on linen wall coverings.  The only limit here is your imagination.  Just look how fabulous the addition of such a small detail takes this ordinary sofa to a whole new place!  I will be working this small detail into a design plan very soon!

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Also, I adore the woven jacquards with just the slightest metallic sheen (paired here with a watery green velvet).  Love.  This is the fresh new version of IKAT. 

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If you would like to see the entire collection - click here.  With all the pretty things to look forward to, I think I can handle the rain just a few more weeks! M.

Weekend Update for the Locals - Books!!

OK, just an update for those who live in the Birmingham area!  I constantly talk about how important it is to accessorize with books.  They add some much warmth to a space without visual clutter.  

For those clients who I've mentioned you need more books in your rooms, here's your chance.  The Emmet O'Neal Library in Crestline Village is having their annual book sale this weekend.   

It is open to the public today and tomorrow from 10:00am - 5:00pm and on Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00pm.  Remember, focus on hardback selections with interesting titles.  

If you would like more information on this event, Village Living has a great article on the library sale as well as author talks that will be going on all weekend!  Don't miss it. 

All images in this post via Pinterest.

New Product I'm Loving at the Moment

OK, I first saw these several years ago when they were newly out and had not really perfected the look.  But, in the last two months, I've been in the homes of two different clients who have used the newer versions of this product for amazing results. 

Faux Wood Tiles

Now, if you've read my blog for any length of time, you know I'm not crazy about using "faux" products for the main stay (aka "expensive to change") materials in a space.  But I have to say, these tiles look absolutely fantastic; and when used in the right places, can have fabulous results with a durability factor second to none.  

This week I met with a new client and she had a washed wood faux tile similar to the one in this powder room out on a loggia area.  It was a covered area, but still open to the elements.  It looked so great, I had to lean down and touch it.  She also carried it into a butler pantry like room that connects the loggia to their outdoor space (which is a high traffic area).  

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I also saw it in a basement project I was working on for a client.  They included carpet in the main area of the basement for a very cozy vibe, but in the wet bar area they did the faux wood tiles.  This created a very durable area for the bar, but still warm and cozy for a nice combination with the carpet.  Sorry I don't have pictures of either!  I get so involved with what we are talking about during the consults I forget to take pictures!

Here are a few examples I found on line to give you an idea of the look.  In the image below, they have used a wide plank version of the tile and laid it on the diagonal for stunning results.  

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For me, I have to say the real trick in making this product look right is the proper color and size of the grout used - it needs to be very close in color to the tile and tiny (like a 1/16th inch) grout lines.  For example, in this image, you see no grout at all.  Also, let's face, when you have hardwoods, you also include a rug to give it a more cozy vibe. 

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But here, they have chosen thicker grout lines in a contrasting color . . .
I think gives you a more modern feel to the space. 

Modern Bathroom design by Orange County Interior Designer International Custom Designs

In rooms that tend to feel cold and sterile (like bathrooms) wood (or the impression of wood) really helps visually warm it up.  

Traditional Bathroom design by Grand Rapids Interior Designer Green Apple Design

So, if you are considering a renovation, would like to use wood, but are afraid it will not hold up to the wear and tear, here's another option for you.  

One last note on my impressions of the tiles, they feel real under foot, unlike the lament version that I can detect even through my shoes!   Would love to hear your thoughts on this products and where you have it in your home! M.

Project in Progress - Lake House Update IV

OK, I'm sure you are more than ready to see the finished product here.  But, you have to remember, renovations take time.  I think we get way too comfortable with the "HGTV see it all in one episode" method and forget that renovations require patience.  They can be inconvenient, time consuming, and frustrating.  But, in the end, totally worth the effort!   For more background on this lake house project check out these posts - Update I,  Update II and Update III .

The structure of the screened porch is complete.

Here is a view from the side of the house.  These steps were already there, so they incorporated them into the new porch. 

So, what will we be doing in the way of furnishings you ask?!  Here's the plan. 

In the picture above, the lake is to your left.  Also, there is a large TV to be hung on the wall to your right.  So, we really needed a furniture layout that would work with dual focal points.  Here is the design board for the space.  We really wanted the space to feel like a room, and I think we've accomplished that with this plan. 

Just a few things to mention, for the ceiling in the screened porch area, we decided on a white wash treatment to keep the space light and airy.  This will also provide the contrast we need with the new chandelier and ceiling fans.  

The fans will flank the corners next to the house and the chandelier will float in the center of the space.  As most of you know, I am not a fan of your basic ceiling fan in the center of a room.  However, with a screened porch, you must have fans for air circulation.  So, when we started thinking about fans, this image popped into my brain! 

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After doing some research, we learned that these particular fans were not in the budget. :(  These were a whopping $585.82 each - and very irritating to me!

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  But I refused to be deterred!  So, I did some sourcing and found these look-a-likes in our price range. They are only $129.00 each! And still have that vintage feel to them.

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If you are willing to do the work, you can almost always find a similar look for less.  You just have to do the work!! 

OK, back to the design plan . . . 

Here are a few other things I wanted to mention about this plan.   Our goal was to have the look of an indoor room, but with the durability of an outdoor space.  These days, there are many wonderful furnishings that are made of materials that will withstand and outdoor setting, you just have to look for them.  For example, the side tables are concrete, the coffee table and dining chairs are metal, the rug is indoor/outdoor, the ottomans are slipcovered in Sunbrella fabric.  Also, the sofas and wicker chairs are all outdoor furniture.  The dining table is not an outdoor piece, but we have placed it near the house for maximum protection from the weather.  It will age beautifully in the space.

Mind you, all these pieces were sourced on a budget.  So, you can have a beautiful space without breaking the bank!  Just to know, the install for this space is complete and I will be showing you the finished product next week.   I hope you have a wonderful day!  

PS: If you would like some help creating your our outdoor oasis, I am happy to help you!  Just click over to my interior design page and drop me a note! (click here - Mandi Smith T Interiors)

Happy Valentine's Day

My wish for you today . . . 

You wake up to a sweet Valentine's card on your bedside table . . . 

You have a super delicious breakfast (calorie free)

You put on your favorite shoes (you know the ones that make you smile when you look down)

You're able to accomplish more today than you're normally able to get done in a week.

Thus allowing you to indulge in a long lunch with your besties (who are also in a fabulous mood) . . . 

After lunch, you are greeted with the prettiest flowers you've ever seen! 

And you spend your evening with someone who makes you feel special.  

That's my wish for you on this Valentine's Day.  Just remember, should things not go your way, you've always got the option of a hot bath and a glass of bubbly.  Enjoy your day!  M. 

all images via Pinterest 

Valentine's Day

It's still one of my favorite days of the year!  And in a selfish effort to celebrate this single day for an entire week, I working on convincing my daughter to make her Valentines this year.  There are tons of cute ones on Pinterest these days.  In a single search I found a few favorites . . . 

Just look at the cute sand shovel!!!

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And for the older kids who are too cool for Valentines . . . 

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Or this cute idea . . . 

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And for those who are simply tired of giving out more candy. 

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or how about this one . . .  (I would love for my kids to get this, as we are constantly looking for chapstick around here).

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How sweet would it be to have your pre-school age children make this one for their grandparents!?

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Thought I might share these with you, in case you need a little something fun to work on this weekend. TGIF. M.

What Inspires You?

I've been super busy with design plans for clients.  So, for you faithful readers, I'm sorry the blog has suffered. As they say, "Life Just Happens."  Just know, I am not tired of posting nor am I out of ideas.  It takes time to draft an interesting post and time is what I have very little of these days.  So, I hope you will continue to stick with me.  Like all lines of work, things ebb and flow - so I know I will be able to get back to it more regularly in a few months.

Today, I wanted to talk about what inspires you to do the things you do -  cook, work, dress, choose your friends, or decorate your home?  I include all these things because not only can inspiration come from very unlikely sources, it can also inspire you in very unlikely ways.  The answer to this question can be extremely interesting and enlightening for others.  Hopefully, it can help all of us find inspiration in different places. 

Here are just a few random examples of inspiration for me as of late. . .  

While I'm working on design plans for clients, I wade through lots and lots of unrelated items.  For example, the last couple of weeks, I've been working on living spaces.   So, when sourcing pillow options for clients, I bump into things that inspire me.  Hello, gorgeous. 

Although it doesn't work for the living rooms I'm working on, it would be the perfect jumping off point for a "Room To Grow Into" for a little girl.  I love working on projects with an eye to allowing the space to evolve over time.  This can be tricky.  For a little girl's room, you must find special fabrics with a whimsical vibe, but also a tween factor so they can grow with the child.  This fabric would be totally perfect!  So, I have filed it away for when that special project comes along.  

Same here for a girl who does not love a ton of pink (like my daughter). . . 

I'm also inspired by the way an image makes me feel.  Notice the lighting in this picture.  It makes me think of either morning or late afternoon (two of my favorite times of day).  I looks like the perfect temperature - not too hot or too cold, but perfect (maybe late Spring, early Summer).  Very relaxing and anticipatory - I can just imagine sitting here with friends or family and enjoying each other's company.    

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This ring inspires me -  It makes me think of a chic space with lots of brass.  Also, at first glance it may not seem super important, but upon closer look, you realize what you are seeing - these are raw diamonds.  I love it when you can accomplish this in a space.  Lastly,  I adore things that are different from everybody else's.  This is one reason, I like to start a design by using items the client already has - I feel triumphant when I can make a client fall back in love with an item they already own! 

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I'm also inspired by words . . . 

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Just because someone makes it look effortless, does not mean it's so!  I remember the first time I saw a friend do a backhand spring in junior high.  I thought, "If she can do, I can do it."  Well, not so!!! Now that I'm an adult, the same holds true for lots of things - like entertaining, cooking and even looking great.  Just remember this when you try something new and fail, great things take practice.  

I also think the human connection can be very inspiring.   Whether it's a couples chemistry . . . 

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Or even the connection between a Mother and her child . . . 

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This same human connection is present when I'm hired to work on a family's home.  There is something that happens when someone is brave enough to allow you to help them with their space - it can be very special and vulnerable at the same time.  This always inspires me to come up with the best possible design plan I can for their space.  I want it to be special and "Wow" them.  I want for them what they want out of the design consult.  

I'm also inspired by quirky, I dare say, odd things . . . 

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Quirky things make me smile. period.  I think they can be very disarming and lure you in all at the same time.  As for interior design, I think quirky things make a space feel more interesting and unique.  I love including items in a design plan that you can't just go out and purchase anywhere.  I find there is usually at least one quirky accessory already in the space I can highlight in a fun way.  

So, now it's your turn.  What inspires you?  M.