Things On My Mind

I've started to notice the days are getting longer.  Have you noticed?  It makes me so happy to know that Spring is on it's way.  I really enjoy the change of season, but I feel like Winter is always the longest of them all.  So ready for longer days, flowers and trees budding, change in fashion, and lighter dinner fare! Here's what I've been dreaming of lately.

I've been yearning to sit outside with friends on a Friday afternoon.  This would be the perfect place to do just that.

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Been reading lots of blog posts on Spring fashion.  Seeing lots of bold florals paired with striped tops.  

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Found this fantastic lamp for a client's home.  We're doing a pair of these on a narrow console table.  Great price, the perfect depth, and just a touch of glam.  I love it when a plan comes together!  

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Just read this article on a Bastille party in Charleston.  Our family is planning a trip to Paris this summer, so this post caught my eye.  So many great ideas here for outdoor entertaining - particularly the signature cocktail.

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I had dinner with a very dear friend I've known for 20 years.  She was in town for business, and we seized the opportunity.  The company was special as always, but we had a dessert that I can't get out of my mind. A delicate lemon pudding with a homemade lavender honey sorbet.  The sorbet was mind blowing - It was so light with a hint of lavender - the perfect prelude to Spring.  So, of course I've been researching how to make this divine concoction.  Would love any recipes you have for lavender honey sorbet.

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Stay warm all!  We are almost there. M.

Our Judging Eye and Change

Our life experiences are constantly adjusting/refocusing the lens we use to see the world.  It's what allows us to change, if we are simply open to it.  Interior design is no exception, my taste and style have changed so much since creating this blog.  As I continue to explore different styles, what I perceive as beautiful also continues to change.  It seems to grow.

Love the clever use of the desk on the back of this section in this image.

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The lines also seem to blur between styles and what works together as time ticks on.  What was once decidedly modern seems to become more eclectic and works with more traditional pieces.  I like to think about it like food.  The more foods you taste and try, the more open you are to combinations of foods/spices that once seemed totally strange together.

Love this interesting layout of the seating areas.  Also, notice the deer head and the floral chinz together.  Again, an interesting mix.

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Talk about a mix of styles from the French style mirror and sconces, the rustic stone fireplace, traditional winged back chairs, your grandmothers afghans, mission style arm chairs, and island inspired painted ceiling.  I think what makes this major combination of styles work it the room is done in a subtle way.

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Notice how the artwork has been hung in the alcoves of the built in area creating an incredibly chic art installation that is decidedly modern.  This is paired with a very traditional chandy and dining table.

Traditional Dining Room by Johns Island Architects & Building Designers Christopher A Rose AIA, ASID

I love this vignette . . . it feels fresh, fun and a bit retro to me.

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But I also love this . . . which is classic, understated, and elegant.

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This morphing of our sense of style is a gift.  It allows us to continue to be creative by the blends of styles which results in something totally new and fresh.  I'm grateful for this today! Hope everyone stays warm.  M.

Friday Five (on Monday)

Wow.  The last week of January really packed a punch!  But, look - we are already into February.  With the days getting longer (I've noticed it's not completely dark at 5:30) Spring is just around the corner.  Let's kick off our week with a Friday Five.  Here's what's been going on lately in my world.

I did a photo shoot of one of my all time favorite renovation projects you can read about here.  I love photoshoot days.  A great big thank you for such a fun day.  My client and I had such fun watching these pros work their magic! More news on this in the following months - in the meantime, here's a hint.  You really need to get to know this magazine.  It's too good.

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Found this amazing home renovation on House Tweaking.  You will not believe the before and afters on this one.  What I love most is she used the space she had in the home and made it function perfectly for her family.  By completely throwing out traditional ideas/rules on room (i.e., kitchen, living room, dining room, etc.) she has been able to create something incredibly refreshing and oh so practical.  

I've been working on a couple of children/teen bathroom projects and just LOVE this shower curtain. Wondering if it will encourage my own kiddos to shower without being asked to do so! Ha!

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While we're talking about bathrooms, I also found this fabulous piece.  It's modern but has some traditional elements.  I love that it can be styled with accents to complete the look in a bathroom and it's profile is shallow which makes it perfect for smaller spaces.  It's also on sale right now. 

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So, I love mixing high and low items together for a look that appears to have been collected over time.  It's also true that you can mix high and low end items together with amazing results.  The trick is where you place them in the room.  For example, in a family room, the coffee table tends to be a major focal point for accessories, so you need at least one high end piece to elevate the rest of the vignette.  A favorite go to for the perfect accessory?  The Well Appointed House.  It's a wonderful source for curated items.  

If you've not discovered this website, let me introduce you. I adore this trophy which would give your coffee table some height or you could group several of them on your dining table for a fun dinner party. 

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They have such a fun mix of decorative objects that you can create so many different looks in a room.  This reminds me of the beach and it would be perfect atop a stack of interesting coffee table books.  

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Can you tell I've been shopping for client projects a lot this past week?  Have a great week. M.