True To Form

OK, confession time.  After the winter holidays are behind us, I'm totally over the winter season.  Period.  I'm done with the hot chocolate, scarves, sweaters and rain boots and ready for warmer weather, longer days, lighter meals, and not having to dress in layers.  There, I've said it.

Each year, I tell myself to focus on the cozy, fun aspects of winter like roaring fires and family game nights.  But my mind always goes to the warm days of summer - evening meals outside, fresh cut flowers from the backyard, the basic summer uniform of skirt, t-shirt and sandals.   

So, true to form, I've been dreaming of summer.  To get me through the next few months, I have one little trick to share - I delve into interior design blogs from the other side of the world.  Since it's summer there, they are full blown hot weather - summery fabrics, fashion and food.  If you are like me, here are a few dreamy down under spots you need to visit.  They're better than a cup of hot chocolate in my opinion!

Anna Spiro is the author of this delightful blog based in Brisbane.  She also owns a fantastic shop called Black and Spiro that gives me tons of inspiration when I'm creating design plans for clients.  I love visiting her blog this time of year, as there are tons of fresh flowers cut from the garden in her home and talk about swimming and cocktails in the afternoons.  

This amazing blog is written by Lucy Feagins, a set designer/stylist based in Melbourne who has amazing taste and such a refreshing take on interiors, especially in summer.  

This time of year, when I go to Kelly Green, I feel totally refreshed like summer is just around the corner.  This little blog packs a tons of punch - get ready! 

And Last, but certainly not least . . . 

Although not a blog, this online magazine will make your head spin with ideas and inspiration.  It is a feast for the eyes and this time of year, with the focus is summer interiors. 

So, that should keep you busy for the rest of the day.  Afterwards, you may be in such a summer mood that you go home and make a batch of margaritas. M.

Giveaway Ends Tomorrow.

If you have not entered the Shabby Apple dress giveaway I'm hosting, click here to learn how.  The deadline is tomorrow! 

Inexpensive Artwork

I ordered this fabulous handmade paper for my daughter's bathroom a while ago. When I ordered it, I had no idea what a huge impact it would make in the space.

sorry for the poor quality of the image (it's small and dark in there)

 These pictures truly do not do it justice.  The colors and handmade quality of it really feel like true artwork.  Also, did I mention it was $4.50 a sheet?

When I started sourcing ideas for framing/hanging it, I realized a custom frame would be defeating the entire purpose of the project - namely, inexpensive with big impact.  So, I decided to frame the paper in three inexpensive IKEA frames from floor to ceiling for a gallery wall feel.

I think it really added a lot of interest to this otherwise, blah bathroom.

I have other changes planned for this space.  But for now, this small change has freshened it up a bit.   Here's my source for the paper - Paper Mojo. There are tons of color combinations to consider. M. 

Find of the Day - Ikea Rattan chairs

Just ran across these while sourcing a design plan for a client.  I love it when January brings some new products to consider!   I think all of these have tons of potential for the price - all from IKEA.

High Back Rattan Arm Chair

source

If you recall, I mentioned natural bamboo chairs are a huge trend right now (click here to read the post) and these IKEA chairs come in a natural color for a similar look.  

Here are some images for inspiration.  Look how great these IKEA chairs would be to give you a similar look for less. 

source

source

source

See the painted chair to the left - a bluish green?  That would be a very easy "hack" to the natural version of the IKEA chair.  Yummy.

The Ursula Throw

only $29.99  

source

I'm thinking I need a couple of these  throws for our playroom.  I know it sounds crazy, but the room always looks so messy.  Then when I fold up and put away all the random miss matched throws my kids pull out, it feels neat again.  With these, it won't seem as messy.  Don't you love how I rationalized that!? My husband calls it "crazy logic."

Here's a very similar throw for $79.00.

source

Lack Table

I've always liked this table in espresso, but now it comes in this slate gray for only $12.99.

source

These tables are so inexpensive and can be transformed into something spectacular.  Just to get your ideas flowing, here are two of my all time favorite "Lack Hacks."

Nailhead Goodness

source

Moorish Flare

source

That's all I have for today.  Hope your week is off to a great start! M.

PS: Don't forget to enter my giveaway for the Shabby Apple dress! 

Click to ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Happy Friday and a Giveaway!!

Who loves free stuff on a Friday?!!  Me, Me, Me!

Well, here's your chance.  I'm kicking off the new year (and the weekend) with a fab giveaway.  Shabby Apple has graciously offered to give one lucky Interior Design Musings follower the Baciami dress!  In case you're not familiar, Shabby Apple is an amazing online boutique specializing in women's dresses (all things fashion, really). 

Here's the Baciami dress . . . 

source

Great, right?! I love the idea of a red dress this time of year!! Also, it's a perfect transitional piece for Spring which will be here before we know it.   It's super easy to enter, so get busy. 

Details to Enter

1. Open only to those with a U.S. shipping addresses (boo!)

2. To be eligible you MUST "like" Shabby Apple on Facebook by clicking here AND

3. After you've "liked" them on Facebook, come back here and post a comment telling me which is your favorite item on Shabby Apple's website, click here to check it out.

Extra Entries (increase your odds, people!):

- Become a follower of my blog.

- 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 we can contact you when you win)!  Winner will be selected by random.org.  

Deadline for entering is next Friday, January 13th at 5:00 PM Central.

Antique Lesson - Bouillotte Table

Bouilloutte (click here for pronunciation) is a card game that was wildly popular in France in the 18th century.  It became such the rage a special table (and lamp) was created just for the game.  These tables included a felt top (also known as a bouchon) which would be place in the inset area while the table was used for playing the game and then removed to revel the marble top so the table could also have an everyday use.  

source

The table is in the Louis style (notice the legs), and I think it's a marvelous piece.  I love the traditional french vibe but I also think it is wonderful mixed with more modern pieces (I even think the marble top allows it to blend nicely with midcentury modern pieces).

source

source

For a very detailed discussion of this beautiful table click here.  Also, if you want to learn how to actually play the game, knock yourself out by clicking here!  M.

DIY - Painting Shutters

For the past year, our shutters have needed attention.  I'm sure my neighbors were thinking, "We were wondering if you noticed!"  I definitely did - but, as we all know, life just seems to get in the way and the shutters never made it to the list.  Back in November I thought, it's now or never for this year.  So, we got busy.  

When we moved into this house, the shutters were stained, but in need of a refinish.  We hired a guy to do this for us.  It was expensive and took two weeks.  So, this time, I decided we just needed to paint them (the doors were still in great shape, so we just focused on the shutters).  

Since this was going to be a "quick" DIY job, I managed to talk my husband into helping me.  It was really not a difficult job.  In fact, Chris at Sherwin Williams in Homewood, gave me everything we needed and a lesson on how to do it.  

But, quick it was not.  We painted the entire weekend and still did not finish.  We took a break and finished up the following Saturday.  I know we saved some money, but my question is how valuable is your weekend time with your family?  I'm glad we did it, but not sure I would take it on again any time soon!  

For those who think it's worth your time, here's how we did it.

Step 1

Sand any loose chipping paint from the shutters and wipe them down with a clean damp cloth.

Step 2

Tape off the area to prepare for painting.  This step was crucial for us.  In fact, with the first swipe of my brush, it was all over the tape and I thought, "Wow . . . totally worth the extra time."

Step 3

Apply one coat of the proper primer (ask your paint specialist what you'll need).  Since our shutters were previously stained and varnished, we had to start with a primer that sealed them and allowed you to then go back over them with a latex paint.   

This stuff was as thick as fudge sauce and my arm was killing me when we finished.  But, an ibuprofen and glass of wine later, I was fine!

Step 4

Apply your paint color of choice.  Since the primer we had to use could not be tinted the same color as the paint, it took two coats to do the job.  

I really think we needed three, but realized the second Saturday that I would not be squeezing another coat out of the man, so I'm good with two!  Let's just pretend the pumpkins are not in the picture.  K? (After we finished this job, I got so busy with client projects that I did not have time to draft a post about it - thus the pumpkins in the picture.)  But you get the idea!  

I have a few DIY projects on the list for 2012 and will share them with you in the near future.  What about you?  What do you have on the list this year? M.

It's a Brand New Year & A Little Interior Design Goodness

Welcome 2012!!!!!!

source

I can't remember which media source I was absorbing recently, but I remember the guy saying, "The key to getting what you want in life, is to want what you have."  I know, I know . . .  a bit hokey.  But to some extent, I do think it's true.   Joy and happiness are a mindset - a byproduct of a contented soul.  To assume these can be obtained through the actions or inactions of others will only bring disappointment.  

So, this year my goal is to focus on being content with what I have in life.  The old adage, "Count Your Blessings" is my goal this year.   I have so many blessings - I know you do too.  And I'm going to think about these with a full heart and feel content.

So, here's to all the new adventures that await us this year!!

Now, on to some interior design goodness.

Windsor Smith 
This weekend I took some time to catch up on my shelter magazines.  I love sitting down with a glass of wine and checking out all the offerings - such an indulgence for me.  To say that Veranda knocked it out of the park this month is an understatement.  One of my favorites in the issue (honestly, my head is still spinning from it) is an article entitled, "Dinner at Windsor's."  Now, most of you will remember House Beautiful did a feature on L.A. designer Windsor Smith's home a while back (maybe a year ago).  The article was a straight forward piece on her beautiful L.A. home.  The new feature in Veranda speaks more to how she lives in her home, specifically - how she entertains in her home.   Needless to say, I'm now dying to host a dinner party (or two).

So, just for fun, let's look at some of the pictures from the previous House Beautiful article and this month's Veranda - you can even see where she's made some changes in her decor (which I love to see).

Here's the foyer (from House Beautiful).  It's completely stunning. . .

House Beautiful

 The Veranda article opens with this tight shot of the entry table as an impromptu bar set up to greet her guests right when they walk in the door - Dahlias and all!  Did I mention the dinner was for sixteen oh so lucky guests?

Veranda January/February 2012 issue

Also, if you go back to the House Beautiful image you can see the edge of an etagere in her foyer.  In the Veranda issue,  each one is topped off with an absolutely amazing peacock which has a tail made of fresh greenery created especially for the dinner party!  LOVE them.

Veranda January/February 2012 issue

The kitchen from House Beautiful.

House Beautiful

Not a ton of changes in the kitchen, but in the Veranda article Windsor states that from the foyer, "people are drawn to the kitchen, which is a formal space in my house. . . . It's decorated more like a paneled library." For this specific party, Windsor uses the kitchen table to serve (buffet style) for the dinner party.  

She also had a chef for the dinner party (how fun would that be!).  Windsor explains, "I like a chef to be chatty and share what she's doing . . . . It becomes almost a tutorial.  It's an ongoing tasting."  

Here's the kitchen table as a serving space for the party.

Veranda January/February 2012 issue

Now for the surprise.  The game room from House Beautiful . . . 

House Beautiful

House Beautiful

In the current issue of Veranda, Windsor has transformed this space into a dining room for the evening!  I love this idea - totally mixes things up.   Notice how she has styled the mantel with antler candlesticks and a mirror to reflect the lighting just for the evening. 

Veranda January/February 2012 issue

Also love the idea of dining fireside.  

Veranda January/February 2012 issue

The great room from House Beautiful.  Notice the 2011 color of the year - Honeysuckle Pink.

House Beautiful

After dinner, her guest retired to the great room for an after party of apple tart, coffee, and charades (really).  As you can see in the picture below, the great room walls have been toned down with a buttery cream color and the chairs appear to be reupholstered in chocolate.  For me, the color of year is a wonderful accent, but not sure it's in the budget to go all out with it here at the Smith T house.  

Veranda January/February 2012 issue

 
The entire article is a must read.  If I had to choose between the two features, it would be the Veranda piece.  Even though the House Beautiful feature included more pictures of the entire house, there is something about seeing how a person lives in their space, even if it is for a special occasion dinner party that gets me every time!  Happy Monday.  M.