Friday Five

Here we go . . . 

I've been working on a boy's bedroom and saw these very cool leather pulls - was shocked how simple this tutorial is, but with such amazing results.

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A shameless plug (indulge me, please).  For the difficult to buy for friend/adult child/generous client/you fill in the blank consider a design consult.

 I promise they will enjoy the benefits of this gift far longer than a mani/pedi from the spa.  Also, this service is not just available to those in Birmingham as I work with clients all over the country.  I can meet with individuals in the Birmingham area, but I'm also able do virtual consults with individuals in other areas of the country.  It's a quick, easy way for me to give specific design advice to someone who may not ordinarily treat themselves to this kind of service during the year! Click here to contact me for rates.

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Such a clever idea - This website gives the public access to some interesting inventions that might not ever see the light of day due to lack of funding or support.  Now, anyone can get their invention out there!   Here's how it works.  If you like an invention, you can commit to funding it.  If the inventor reaches their target funding(which varies by product), then you are first in line to receive the product!  It's that easy.  It's also a great way for inventors to gauge interest in their products.  If you would like to check out what people are inventing - click here. 

Have you seen the latest issue of House Beautiful?  It's a show stopper - there's a feature article on Scot Meacham Wood's lovely home.  Included is this stunning image of his family room . . .

When I turned the page and saw this image, a piece of furniture from Wisteria popped into my brain (this happens to me all the time).  So, I decided to go visit it in cyberspace AND it is currently on sale - deeply discounted!  I want. 

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I saw this on Pinterest recently.  I think it is a great illustration of what I try to do in my design business.  

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I say to clients all the time - I have a good feel for your current style, but it's my job to push you a bit.  I want to show you what's current and how we can achieve it without breaking the bank.  But it does takes a leap of faith to get there!  Sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn't - it's all up to the client.  

Happy Black Friday!  Be careful out there - remember that TV is not worth losing a hand! M.

Shop Amazon - Entertain in Style This Holiday Season

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving.  

Today as we celebrate this day of recognizing all things we are grateful for I am reminded of you.  Thank you for taking the time to read my little slice of blog land.  I'm so blessed to get to do something I love every day I wake up, and it's such a treat to get to share it with you here. 

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Your support for this blog and my design business does not go unnoticed by me - the encouragement, excitement, and even surprise I see on your faces when I meet with you, read your comments or hear from friends when they've seen spaces I helped to create.  It means more to me than you will ever know.  So on this Thanksgiving day, my hope is that you feel love, support, excitement and will be thankful for all blessings sprinkled throughout your own life.  Lest we not forget, they are truly gifts from the Lord. M.

Neighborhood Gifts

Around this time of year, I begin to brainstorm on a special gift for our neighbors and friends.  I never reveal what I'm working on for the current year, but instead share with you the past year's gift idea.  I always try to come up with ideas that are relatively easy to make, convenient to delivery, and something a bit unique during the holidays.

Here are the items I've given in years past with links to show you how I pulled it together. 

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Last year when I started working on ideas, I realized I have a bit of an alcohol theme going!  So, I  decided to do something completely different.  I decided to give nachos!  Yelp.  I was talking to a friend about it and asked, "What is something that everybody likes and needs during the holidays?" The answer: "The ingredients for an easy, yet really yummy appetizer/snack."  So, the idea of giving nachos was hatched.  

Nachos may not be the most glamorous of gifts; but let's face, the holidays are a very busy time of year.  It's also the season for a lot of bowl games.  And yes, as unhealthy as they may be, nothing is better than some cheesy goodness with a beer during a game.  So, here's what I did to pull off this idea in a clever and gift worthy way.

1. I put the ingredients in a gift bag - I raided several stores for the blanco version of the cheese!

2. I came up with a clever label and had them printed.  I also did one for "Teachers" too.

3. Threw in some tissue paper and two different types of ribbon.

4. And delivered them to friends and family.

Done and done.  There are lots of fabulous ideas out there for easy no-bake gifts.  You just have to think about it a bit and get organized.  Then, just come up with a clever tag and wrapping to make it feel special.   I've got everything ready for this year's gift.  But you'll have to wait until next year to see it!  M. 

Friday Five

I don't know about you, but I'm thrilled it's Friday!  In addition to sharing my five favorite finds this week, I am looking forward to sleeping in this weekend.  Need to recharge and gear up for next week.  Here are my top five finds this week. 

This just rocks.
Guessing the book title is not a coincidence!

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Metallic feathers could take an ok gift to a whole new level.  There is a DIY tutorial by Lia for this clever idea - Lia Griffith

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Thinking this is the perfect thing for breakfast on Thanksgiving Day - talk about keeping you satisfied/occupied/relaxed/you fill in the blank until that massive turkey lunch begins!

I like these. A lot. 

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A friend sent me a link to this INCREDIBLE product which is launching today!  This device was invented by a Sten Kirkbak after he experienced losing his 3 year old son (Filip) for 30 minutes (count yourself lucky if you've never experience how this feels!).    This clever product is a phone/watch/GPS tracking device.

The Filip

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    So, if you're looking for a very cool gift idea for a younger child (which would benefit you too), this would be it!  You must watch this video to truly understand what this product is all about.

Happy Friday, everybody! M.     

Thoughts On Tonal Rooms

So, I recently saw an image on Houzz of a very modern home that was predominately white.  It was lovely.  I was trying to imagine what it looked like prior to the paint job - thinking dark wood paneling and shag rugs.  So, the white really brought it into the current century.  But this made me think about several conversations I've had with clients on doing an all white space.  Here in Birmingham there is a trend (it's actually been around for quite a few years) of everything in the space being super neutral - tone on tone.  It is a lovely look, but believe it or not, it can be very difficult to pull off.

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I've had a couple of consults where the client has tried to accomplish this look on their own.  At first glance, you would think this would be easy to do, right?!  Just pick only things that are white or neutral and call it done!  Well, that strategy doesn't exactly work.  And then they call me to "undo" what they've attempted. 

Traditional Living Room by Redwood City General Contractors Lencioni Construction

A tone on tone room can be stunning, but it takes a great deal of thought.  Contrast in color is a tried and true trick for making a room feel interesting and high end.  When you take away the element of color, you must focus on getting the necessary contrast and interest in other ways for the room to feel right. 

Traditional Bathroom by Birmingham General Contractors Structures, Inc.

Here are a few thoughts to bring in that contrast/interest when working on a tonal aesthetic.

1. Architectural Interest
If your room has interesting architectural details (like vaulted ceilings, custom cabinetry, and interesting beam work) this can really help to pull off a tonal space.

Transitional Living Room by Mount Pleasant General Contractors Phillip W Smith General Contractor, Inc.

2. The Test - What does It Add?
I say this often in any space I design - each addition I make to the space should add something.  It does not have to scream at you (this is an entirely different post!), but it needs to add something to the overall space nonetheless. In a tone on tone room, this becomes even more important.

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3. Fabrics Are Your Friend
You have to use fabrics to get the contrast!  Think tonal pattern and texture - from cut velvets to leather.  It's all about mixing up these elements for interest.  If you do all linen - everything from the upholstered pieces to the draperies, you will have a one note room that will not Wow.  

Traditional Living Room by Atlanta Interior Designers & Decorators Christy Dillard Kratzer

4. Lighting is the Jewelry of the Room
 Think about what you want to highlight in the room and allow your lighting to help you accomplish this goal.  With interesting architectural elements properly lit, they really become artwork for the space in a tonal way.  By the way, I just love this clever bathroom layout with the tub tucked into the shower space.  Great way to have both in a small space!

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5. Focal Points Become Crucial
I do lots of redesigns where we use things the client already has to make a space feel cozy and finished.  Lots of times, clients will say, I don't love that artwork, but when incorporated into the space, it looks great.  If you are working in a tone on tone space, you must be very careful and selective of what you choose to hang on your walls.

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The neutral palette will draw your eye to artwork like driving through a tunnel and seeing the opening at the end (how's that for a fancy analogy).  

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It's mid week - Friday is just around the corner! M.

Jewel Toned Christmas Table

For the past couple of years, I've taken all the red out of my Christmas decor.  (As seen here and here.) Well, this year, I'm jumping back into color in a big way with a mix of traditional red and green along with lots of jewel tones.  They are big big big this year.  So, here's the plan for my dining room table.  All these fun elements coupled with fresh greenery and satin ribbon in emerald green and turquoise will pull it all together. 

(1.) (2.) (3.) (4.) (5.) (6.) (7.) (8.) (9.) (10.) (11.) (12.) (13.)

(click on the corresponding number to get one of your very own!)
I have tried to use a lot of what I already have - like my very formal traditional holiday pattern by lenox as well as the cloches I purchased last Christmas and the cobalt blue glass from this summer.  By purchasing just a few new pieces, my entire table is going to be transformed into a huge punch of color.  My goal was to dress down the more formal pieces and dress up the more casual pieces for a fun chic look.  The other great thing about some of these items (like the malachite custom table runners) - they are not really considered "Christmas" so I'll be able to reuse them for tablescapes throughout the rest of the year.  Stay tuned for the pictures once I have everything in place.

PS: I can hear some of you now, "We've not even had Thanksgiving yet!" (which, honestly, sounds like my very sweet husband :) when I start asking about putting our tree up every year).  The truth is I am not hosting Thanksgiving.  I get to enjoy the labor of others who are busy working on their Thanksgiving table and menu.  Buuuttt, I am hosting a couple of things for Christmas.  So, I'm getting my ducks in a row now.  Remember, Rome wasn't built in day, people.  It takes some planning.  So, I'm simply sharing the process with you.   Enjoy your Monday! M.

Friday Five

Welcome to the second installment of "Friday 5" where I'm highlighting five of my favorite finds for the week. 

Just love this image! 

In the midst of all my sourcing, here are a few items I saw this week.  

Saw this incredibly clever expandable extension cord on Brooke's (of Blueprint Bliss) Pinterest board.  Loved it.  I always seem to have things to plug in with the huge plugs, and so I have to skip an outlet in between.  Well, no more!

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On my recent girl's weekend shopping trip, I saw lots of envelop bags.  They are super current and a really great way to transform an ordinary outfit into something chic.  I'm currently crushing on this one by Rebecca Atwood.  Could be very fun for a casual holiday dinner party invite.

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The back is a black/metallic linen.  Yum!

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This is a sneak preview of the 2014 collection from Americh. 

Generally, I think bathrooms can come off feeling very cold and sterile given all the ceramic and glass ordinarily found in these rooms.  So, when I saw this clever free standing tub, I immediately thought about the warmth it could add to a bathroom.  This tub is not even on their website yet, so you will have to call for pricing.  It also comes in a silver finish and another style with a wood surround.

Having trouble getting into the holiday spirit?  This will do the trick!  This has to be my all time favorite candle scent.  It will transport you instantly to a whole new holiday place.  The scent is not like any other I've smelled - its not exactly evergreen or pumpkin pie or even blooming paper whites, but it is divine nonetheless! 

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Saw these fantastic two toned belly baskets in Serena and Lilly's catalog and loved them.  They are so super versatile - not just for a nursery.  I can see them next to a reading chair with magazines stacked high or  in a playroom with rolled blankets stuffed inside them for easy access.  

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Not interested in splurging on two tone baskets?  Well, make your own look alike with this tutorial. 

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Have a marvelous weekend, everybody.  M.