Randomness and a Little Break

Happy Friday, all.  The last few days the weather has been totally marvelous with tons of sunshine and mild temperatures.  It truly feels like Spring is here and just in time for Spring Break!  My kiddos are on break next week, so I am taking some time off the blog to spend as much time with them as possible.  Never fear current clients, I'm still going to be working on your design plans, just not taking any consults next week.  

My son recently turn 13, and I had a jolt of reality - he'll be driving in three years and out of my house in five years.  So, I'm making a conscious effort to spend more time with my children as this precious time is fleeting. 

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 It's truly a matter of priorities in life and this is a very important one that I don't want to look back on and have regrets.  

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So, I say all this to say - I'm taking next week off from the blog!  A little break for Spring. 

In the meantime, I have to show you some things I stumbled upon over the last few weeks.  Since I'm constantly sourcing items for design plans, I rarely see things totally different and new.  When I do, they tend to stop me dead in my tracks and I start thinking of ways to include them in my designs.    Some may be too edgy for mainstream consumption, but all are interesting and get my wheels turning.  

The Ghostly Host

A slipcovered ghost chair!  These are totally intriguing to me.  They have a balance between modern and french traditional that I adore.  I will have to find the perfect space in incorporate one or two! 

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Careful - Your Lacquer's Showing

Most of you have seen lacquered walls like this. . . 

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Lacquered walls can be totally stunning and dramatic.  They have an equally impressive Wow factor to wallpaper but with an understated nod.   But, it's a game changer when you consider it on the front door!

Even in a safe traditional color, it's a Wow . . . 

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But, you are truly taking it to a whole new place with a pop of color.  

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If you've ever wondered how to achieve this look, it starts with the paint - Fine Paints of Europe to be exact.  Not to mention a painter who knows what they're doing.  This paint has a very special application - consider yourself warned.  As an aside, I think this paint could even make that 1970's door something special.  It would be embracing it and making a statement with it.

J.A. Meets J.C.

Have you heard all the rumblings about Jonathan Adler creating a home decor line for JC Penney?  It's true.  Borrowing the phrase "Happy Chic" from his oh so fabulous book, Mr. Adler is bringing it to Penney's (of all places?!).  

The website says coming March 2013, but it has yet to go live.  And yes, confessions, I have been checking the website like a 15 year old who just tried out for cheerleader checks for the team list!  If any of you find out it's live, please send me an email.  I would love a bit of jump on the selections.  

Clever DIY
OK, everybody knows what a sucker I am for a good DIY.  I saw this leather/brass pull on Pinterest and a world of opportunities flooded my brain on where I could use this.

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You could freshen up a piece of furniture with these pulls, cabinetry in a bathroom (like my son's that is in desperate need of a freshen up), or even a simple detail on an upholstered piece like the sides of an ottoman.  

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Again, endless applications.  Remember, the devil's in the details and they can make a space.

Invitation for a Roast

Lastly, I enjoyed this entertaining post from one of the editor's at Houzz and just had to share it.  The article is entitled, "What is your Designer's Attitude Type?" and it's illustrated in a very funny way!    So, for those of you who have worked with me on spaces, I invite you to share your thoughts on my type.  I do realize I'm completely opening myself up here.  After all, it's healthy to be able to laugh at one's self.  Right?!  Here's the article - What is Your Designer's Attitude Type? 

Happy Spring! M.

Playing Catch Up & Design Trend

Well, I am trying to dig out after a totally fun and relaxing getaway with some girlfriends.  I love getting away but totally hate having to play catch up after a break (I know you know what I'm talking about here).  But I plan to hit the ground running and make it happen.  

So, on Friday, I left you all with a bit of a teaser.  The reason I asked you to say a little prayer for my husband was not because I left him here with the kiddos, all their activities and more laundry than I care to admit.  I asked for the prayer because our house looked as though a bomb had exploded.   We are finally having our kitchen cabinetry painted!!!  So, all the kitchen goodies from pots and pans to food in the pantry is piled on every available surface in our house.  The project should be finished by the end of this week with pictures to follow.  So stay tuned.  I promise to share all the details with you.  BTW, he seemed to manage fine - lots of take out and trips to his sister's house for food! Now, if I can just get everything finished and put back together.    

In the meantime, I wanted to talk to you about a design trend that's making a huge come back - It's sectionals.  They are popping up in lots of spaces.  No, these are not the sectionals of years past.  Most have fresh modern lines that can take a space from OK to totally WOW.  Here are just a few of my favorites. . .  

Love the contrasting welting and nailhead trim on this one.

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Although I usually recommend staying away from a pattern on such a large upholstered piece, the pattern is light and airy and reads like a solid in this example.  Also, love the contrast with the wall color.

OK, this is from Caitlin Creer Interiors, and it's my all time favorite sectional.  I love how she has used this piece to create a secondary focal point with the TV.  Her fabric choice is perfect for hiding dirt in a high traffic area and with the pops of color from other accessories it still feels current.

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Look at all the tufting and nailheads on this one!! LOVE it.

Even in a small space, sectionals can work. 

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This one takes an otherwise shabby chic space and gives it a mad men flare.  

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That's it for today!  Have a great start to your week. M.

If I Were Handy . . .

I would zip over to IKEA and pick up this for $299.00 . . . 

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Then I would order some chalk paint which is very forgiving and easy to work with.  I would get it in this color . . . 

Paris Grey

Then I would sand off a bit of the paint on the edges to let the original color show through like this . . . 

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Then I would change the hardware to these ($4.76 each) . . . 

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And get a very similar look to this for a fraction of the cost . . . 

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This stunning piece retails for $1,500.00 and is on sale for $699.00 at Kings Lane this week.  

Artwork Tip: If you are in the Birmingham area and want to check out some amazing original artwork, my talented friend Ashley Terrell is in town showing off her work.  You can see and purchase her pieces on Thursday, September 29th from 10am-7pm at the home of Betts and Lauten Johnson (2201 Shades Crest Road). Ashley's calling the show "Art with Reach" which is so appropriately titled given her affordable prices!    Have a great day.  M.