Project in Progress - Family Room

Just picked up a few fabric samples I'm considering for a family room project I'm working on at the moment.  The homeowner just renovated the kitchen and opened it up to the family room.  It is a stunning space and I promise to show you pictures soon.  We are going for a rustic, traditional retreat with a modern twist.

The walls have been painted Ben Moore Coastal Fog 976.

And we are including a pair of these chandeliers in the vaulted area of the ceiling (it's a huge space).

And here's a sneak peek of a few of the fabrics . . . 

It's hard to fully appreciate the main accent fabric from the small sample above.  It's a very large scale floral.  What I love most is being able to hand pick the portion of the pattern you want to use on pillows.  Here's a picture that shows more of the pattern.  

There are several fabrics we are still waiting for memos on- a woven linen for the four skirted swivel chairs, rich leathers for the winged back accent chair and ottoman, and secondary fabrics for pillows on all the upholstered pieces.  Fabrics have to be one of my favorite things about interior design!  Selecting them is right up there with shoe shopping for me.  

Have a great weekend! M.

Design Perspective - Francie Hargrove

I was introduced to this very talented lady by another talent lady, Lisa Mende.  When my husband and I took our trip to Highlands this summer.  I contacted Lisa and asked if she would share her favorite haunts in the area with me.  She graciously agreed and Francie Hargrove's shop in Cashiers was on the top of her list!  

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Although I was not able to actual go inside her amazing shop.  (It was Sunday when we passed through and it was closed.)  I came home and found this eye candy on her website.  I then got busy with kids home from camp, back to school, design jobs, and yada yada yada (still love that episode) here we are at the beginning of Fall. 

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But now that Fall has arrived, it reminded me of Ms. Hargrove's style.  As you can see it has a very cozy "Fall like" feel much like the entire feeling of interior design in that area.  The Old Edward's Inn was very similar to these photos.

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 So, given all this, I thought it would be fun to do a new series called "Falling Into Fall." Where I pull together easy ways to add a shot of "Fall" to your life.  I think it's fun to pull in small doses of this style for the Fall and Winter months.  So, over the next couple of months, I'll show you some quick tricks to do just that.  I hope you like it.  In the meantime, here are a few more inspirational images from the talented Ms. Hargrove.

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Happy Hump day. M.

So Long Summer

It's been a blast.  Sorry to see you go . . . 

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There is was so much fun to be had 

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And all those relaxing moments.  My body and mind thank you for the break. 

I know when we meet again, I'll be thrilled to see you and optimistic about what you have to offer.

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But for now, I'm simply distracted 

by all that awaits me with the season to come. . . 

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90 Fall Porch Decorating Ideas

compliments of Shelterness

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Fall Plantings

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Clever Ways to Carve a Pumpkin

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Yummy Soups for Cool Evenings

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Tailgating Ideas

Love the Pinterest board "tailgating" by Jacolyn Murphy.  Such cute ideas.

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A Fall Treat

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Or Two

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Movie Nights

20 Best Movies for Families

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Sunday Lunch with Friends

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Happy Labor Day, everybody.  As for the Fall,  bring it! M.

Client Project - Pillow Options

Happy Friday!  The last couple of weeks have been a major adjustment for the Smith T household.  My oldest child moved to our junior high this year.  While it is fun and exciting, it's taking a bit of time to adjust (even for me).  I say all this to emphasize just how excited I am to have a long weekend.  We're going to make the most of it - lots of lounging and relaxing. 

In the meantime, I wanted to share some pillow options I sourced for a client this week.  When you have a neutral palette to work with, it's so easy to freshen up a space by simply adding new pillows.  For this cute client, I created two different options for her family room.  

Here is a second option.  Just to show you how easy it is to transform a neutral palette with different pillows.   

All sources for these pillows are available through Mandi Smith T Interiors.  If you are interested in creating a fresh new feel in your home, give me a call.  Also, I know my client would love your thoughts on which option is your favorite.  M.  

The Laundress Linen Spray

Several weeks ago, I was contacted by Gracious Style and asked if I would be interested in doing a product review for them.  

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Free stuff?  Ummm, yes, please!  I was given several options of what I might like to review.  Ultimately, I selected the Fabric Fresh from the Laundress collection.  I was already familiar with the All Purpose Bleach Alternative from this line and knew it was amazing.  So, I decided to go with something else from their collection.  On the bottle it actually says, "Spray in the air, on yourself, and everything in your live that is fabric."  Isn't that cute?  

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The timing was perfect.  When I got the spray, we had house guests coming to stay for the weekend.  So, I decided to conduct my very own experiment.  

  There are so many little inexpensive things you can do to make house guests feel special.  You can include fresh flowers in their bedroom, 

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a stack of current issues of their favorite magazines or great books on their bedside table, 

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even a beautiful decanter of water to quench a midnight thirst.   

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or you could iron their bed linens and spray them with a wonderful scent.  Ironing bed linens really just cost you some time in the laundry room, but the results are a decadent hotel experience for your guests.  So,  that's what I did. . . 

I did not mention this little experiment to my sister-in-law when her family arrived for the weekend.  I truly wanted to see if she would notice.  

The next morning, we got up for coffee . . . not a word.  So, I asked,

  Me: "Did you sleep well?" 

SIL: Yes, slept great. 

Still not a word about the sheets.  So finally I could not stand it any longer.  

Me: Did you notice anything different about the sheets? 

SIL: Yes!  They were ironed.  So nice to get in a crisp bed.

Me: Did you notice anything else?

SIL: Like what?

Me: Like how they smelled?

SIL: You know, they did smell very fresh and clean now that you mention it. But it was subtle, not overpowering at all.

Me: Well, that's win in my book! 

I think a great linen spray does not overpower you.  That's the last thing you want when you get into bed.  You want a subtle freshly washed scent. Also, I didn't mention this but the scent of all the Laundress products is nothing like I've ever smelled before.  The only way I can describe it- a clean, slightly masculine scent - sort of a hint of a high end men's aftershave.  If that makes sense?   

Since my little experiment, I've been spraying our bed linens when I make the bed each morning.  It makes it feel like fresh sheets every night!  So, there you have it, my first product review.  Hope everybody has a wonderful day. M.

Things I'm Loving at the Moment and a Winner!

Just a few random tidbits I've stumbled upon recently and wanted to share with you.

Clever Artwork
I loved this post on inexpensive artwork.  I thought it was so hip and trendy.  I can do trendy when it's inexpensive!  She even created two free downloads of the pieces she created for you to use.

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Compressed Paper Countertops

I'm not sure where I've been, but I just discovered a new(to me) material for countertops - compressed paper.  Who knew?  From what I've researched, this product began to emerge in late 2007, and it is truly an eco-friendly alternative that is surprisingly durable.

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  To get all the details, click here.  Since I'm late to the party, I would love to hear from any of you who have actually used this product in your home or sourced it for a client.  

A Daily Outfit

Just in time for Fall . . . 

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I adore this site.  There is a daily outfit idea and then a category for each season.  You have to check out the "Fall Outfits."  If you're in need of a little inspiration, this is a great place to start.

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The Towel Brush

My daughter is still of an age where she showers at night and we allow her hair to air dry.  I know the days of morning primping are fast approaching.  But until then, this brush is a fabulous solution.  With a quick pull through, her hair is on it's way to dry.  No more drips on pjs with this little tool.  Works like a charm.

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Here's a close up - it's basically little towels all over your head!

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Camera Ready BB Cream

I saw this advertised and was very skeptical.  Many of you know my philosophy on makeup is to keep it light and simple.  I mainly use a tinted moisturizer and no base.  But when I saw this product which is basically a tinted primer, I was curious.  It is a bit thicker than a tinted moisturizer when you first begin to apply it.  But then, it goes on in such a thin, airy coat and gives just enough coverage, and it does not sink down into the little wrinkles.  The added bonus is that it has an SPF of 35.  Love it!

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Now for the Giveaway!   The winner of the $50 Novica gift certificate is Liz who wrote, "I'm a basket lover so many of the handmade baskets would do." Congratulations, Liz!  

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend.  See you Monday. M.

Eye on Art Series - Maggie Greir

I was having lunch recently with a mentor and friend of mine, and we started discussing how rare it is to find people who seem to balance the "right and left brain" tendencies.  They are creative but also incredibly smart.  Well during this discussion, Maggie Grier immediately came to mind. 

 

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Maggie has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama but is a self taught painter.  She painted for fun during college and sold the pieces during local fairs and to decorators.  I love that her work has a modern feel but can easily be incorporated into a very traditional space.  Also, the colors seem neutral but there is often one standout hue that makes her work feel very unique. 

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Her artwork was featured in the 2010 Nashville Showhouse benefitting Tennessee youth, and continues to be featured in Nashville at Bennett Galleries.  These unique, and rather quirky pieces really set the tone in this space.

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It is not surprising that Maggie balances both spheres.  Growing up with two very creative parents who own one of my favorite antique stores in Birmingham (The Nest), Maggie has learned first hand that an eye for beautiful things is only part of running a successful small business in the creative world.   

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If you are in Birmingham and want to see a few of Maggie's offerings in person, there are several local spots where you can take a look - The Nest, Little House on Linden (one of my favorite galleries), and Charlotte Woodsen Antiques.  I am sure you can find a place in your home for one of these stunning pieces.

PS: Don't Forget - my current giveaway ends tomorrow at 5:00pm.  Click here is you would like to enter.  I'll announce the winner on Friday.  M.