Thursday, January 27, 2011

Working with My Mother and Her Take on Green Design

My mom is a 5 foot nothing powerhouse!  If I have any natural design talent it comes from her and I always tell folks ~ you will like me best, until you meet my mother.  It is no surprise that when she moved here 18 months ago, I was thrilled.  Like anyone scaling down and moving into new digs, mom wanted help in choosing what to keep, what to let go and how to put it all together in a new, open floor plan.  We began the process and I quickly realized that my mother has a very "green" approach to design.  She loves natural fabrics and textiles, is a big believer in re-using, recycling and re-purposing, and wants her home to be as energy efficient as possible.  And so we began.  The only room that I had total control over was the dining room.  Interestingly enough, it made the cover of Drapery and Design Magazine.

In the foyer, an old chair got re-born when we refinished the wood from  dated pickled pine to a distressed chestnut, and, added new Robert Allen fabric.  An estate sale table purchased for $25, and given a new finish,  sports some high end lamps and a piece of porcelain collected on a trip to Japan.  A wool rug and a recycled mirror finish the welcoming entrance.
 My mom loves her 25 year old petite love seats.  The bones were good, so we covered them in Sunbrella fabric.  Light control was an issue so they installed top down, bottom up shades on the windows, which we softened with sheers to keep the room light and airy.
I had nothing to do with the next piece, but it is one of my favorite things in her home.  My dad's mother, my grandmother, had an old pie safe that she passed down to my mom.  The thing was in terrible condition but my energizer bunny of a mom got right after it!  She re-painted it, added some fabric, and it now displays treasures from the past in her guest room.  Talk about re-purposing!

 A close up shows the wonderful patina of age and  an antique ironstone jug, family photo and my grandmother's iron that you held in the fire to use.


Working with my mom was a hoot.  We laughed and went down memory lane about a thousand times, but, the thing that made me proud was that, at 80 years young, my amazing mother knows how important it is to use our resources wisely and to stay as green as you can.  What would happen to our planet if each of us did just that?

Monday, January 17, 2011

Beautiful Bookcases

     Being a bookworm, I am in love with books and bookcases.  In winter, there is nothing I like better than curling up by the fireplace with a hot cup of tea, my favorite throw, and reading.  The fact that my fireplace is surrounded by built-in bookcases adds to my enjoyment.  Bookcases are wonderful to own, especially if you love to read.  They add texture, drama, warmth and interest to a room, but, they can be tricky to decorate.  Too many books, inadequately arranged, can give you a messy or cluttered look.  Bookcases that are book-free, and used instead as place to hold decorative items, can look a bit odd without the item they were made to hold.  Bookcases can be found in formal rooms, offices, craft rooms, and just about anywhere else in the home.  Today, we are going to take a look at ways to make sure your bookcases look their best.
Here a formal piece of art dresses up the bookcase to go with the room.      

In this bookcase, art is hung on the walls and the front of the bookcase.  Additionally, the owners adjusted the shelves to varying heights in order to add other decorative elements.  Last but not least, notice how they painted the back of the bookcases with the wall color, keeps it interesting, don't you think? 
Brilliant here, is the use of color and organizing according to size. 

Color on the back of the bookcases compliments the colors shown in the organizational tools and dust jackets for the books. Balancing decorative items and decreasing the visual weight as you move up the case makes this work.
This bookcase is lined with a decorative wallpaper that adds elegance to the books and glass collectibles.


In this home office, the soothing blue background of the bookcase and the white wrapped books keep the space calm.  Again, the visual weight is on the bottom and it gets lighter as you move up toward the top.

Every so often, I would encourage you to take your bookcases apart and rearrange them.  Move your art and accessories around, if it looks good in the living room, it might look better in the den!  Playing with what you own and moving it around keeps things fresh and helps you appreciate items that you may not even notice now that you have seen them in the same place for so long.  Re-doing your bookcase with color or new art, books, and accessories is a great way to refresh your room without a big commitment.  So be bold, be daring and have fun!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Losing It!

Whether you are planning to get rid of extra weight, or the unwanted weight of items in storage, the first part of a New Year is a great time to lose it!  During the Christmas season between the "big" day and New Years Eve, I find myself wanting to start fresh in the New Year.  I go on a bit of a purge, clearing out closets, storage spaces, cabinets, pantry, you name it and it is not left untouched!  I do this, not only because it is on the annual to-to list, but because it helps me internally.  I want my hidden spaces to be as calm and pleasing as my "public" interior.  The idea of losing a few pounds of storage weight also has the added benefit of making room in life for new and good things.  Organizing things is work for me, not something that I adore, therefore, I keep a lookout for inspiration This year to motivate myself, I looked to one of my resources, Closet and Storage Concepts for ideas.  One of their products, that I have coveted for years, is their gift wrap, mail and craft center. Imagine having it all right there at your finger tips! 
Another goal of mine is to add storage gadgets to my fairly standard closet.  Drawers for jewelry is big on my to-do list.
One more closet item that has my attention, is the drop down rack that allows for maximizing vertical space.


Finally, when it comes to kitchen pantries, I don't know too many people that don't struggle with keeping it all visually pleasing.  In a recent issue of Good Housekeeping, Jamie Lee Curtis shared her organizing tips for her pantry.   She shares "I feel like packaging is bringing somebody else's design into my house."  So she stores cereals, flour, sugar, and the like in clear containers with lids.  This allows her to access her pantry without all of the label clutter.  Ikea has some great storage solutions that work with idea in mind.


When it comes to getting organized for the year ahead, look for ways to motivate and inspire.  Create a list of storage ideas you want to add to your own home, work on areas that feel visually cluttered, create a sense of calm in your hidden space. The benefit for you is a feeling of having "your ducks in a row" or readiness to tackle the challenges and opportunities of a new year.  Here's to losing it!

Calgon Take Me Away...

Calgon Take Me Away...
soak your troubles away in this stone beauty

Bathtub becomes fountain... fabulous!

cottage charm!

perfect for your mountain retreat!

Where I belong...

The AIDP Charlotte Chapter Board Members

The AIDP Charlotte Chapter Board Members
Seated from left, Davetta Moore, National Board Member, Wanda Horton, Vice President of Communication, Jane Ann Maxwell, President, standing from left to right, Nancy Martin, Vice President of Membership, Mary Santini, Secretary/Treasurer, and Marianne Parker, National Board Member

Emily's New Room

Emily's New Room

This desk was the inspiration for the room

Decorating for Christmas in Adult and Kid Zones...

Decorating for Christmas in Adult and Kid Zones...
Adults will love the beauty of the luxe mantle

This bright, bold mantle is kid friendly

This lovely arrangement is sophisicated and elegant

Kids tables need centerpieces too and these serve as favors to take home afterwards!

The Holiday Table...

The Holiday Table...
This table setting would make a beautiful Thanksgiving breakfast table

Greenery - simple and elegant

These pictures illustrate the idea of using what you love...

These pictures illustrate the idea of using what you love...
One home owner loves classic traditional decore, the other mid century modern. Look at what they created using the things they both loved!!!

Grouping beloved collections create impact

Two collections united by color

Pictures from the Coastal Vibe Project

Pictures from the Coastal Vibe Project
The chair fabric was designed just for this client and then made into yardage just for these chairs!

The living room seating area. The client wanted it elegant and yet relaxed, with the idea of being at a house on the beach.

We added the built-ins and had the paint changed before the homeowner moved in. A cozy seating arrangement and momentos from world travels warm the space.

another view

These pictures illustrate "staging" principles

These pictures illustrate "staging" principles
This beautiful room was designed to be cozy and full. This room is an example of NOT staging to maximize the square footage. Thanks to House Beautiful for the image

This serene room is designed for maximum spaciousness! Notice that you see lots of floor through the legs of the coffee table. Lots of breathing room in this space. Thanks to House Beautiful for the image.

This is an example of Benjamin Moore Aura paints to go with the About Paint post

This is an example of Benjamin Moore Aura paints to go with the About Paint post
One of the many beautiful colors in the Aura collection

Aura paints have low VOC's which means it's healthier for everybody!

To illustrate the post "Art For Your Walls"

The following pictures are artwork from some of my favorite local artists. The fabulous thing about these folks is that they will do commissioned pieces especially for you! Enjoy...

Local Artists...

Local Artists...
Richard Anderson

Celia Flock

Sany Seipert, an older work, her newer stuff is better, this was the only image I had...

The following pictures are from the October High Point Furniture Market.

These are some of the showrooms and displays that I thought were terrific.

Bella Luna was one of my favorite showrooms!

Bella Luna was one of my favorite showrooms!
everything on display was quirky and elegant

One of my favorite finds, this mirror is a piece of art!

These sassy stools help tell the Bella Luna story

Cyan design always has unusual and neat things

Hot Color Trend shown at the Spring Market in Highpoint!

Hot Color Trend shown at the Spring Market in Highpoint!
black and white and malachite!

Luxury Lighting!

Luxury Lighting!


Favorite New Accessoires...

Favorite New Accessoires...
Contact us for more information or to place an order...

love this!

simply elegant!

fabulous silver platters that are even better in person

These make such a great centerpiece for a dining room table

FALL MARKET 2008 - GORGEOUS COLOR, FOCUS ON "GREEN" DESIGN, FUN WITH LAQUER...

FALL MARKET 2008 - GORGEOUS COLOR, FOCUS ON "GREEN" DESIGN, FUN WITH LAQUER...
New color combo that was everywhere, butter and pewter, so pretty, soft and fresh!

Gorgeous Global Views - always my favorite venue

Gorgeous Global Views - always my favorite venue
soft butter and pewter

"GREEN" in both color and sustainablity is a beautiful choice...

"GREEN" in both color and sustainablity is a beautiful choice...
These pillows made from abaca leaves and coconut beads are eco-friendly and good for the workers of the developing country in which they are made.

Old favorites are still in play...

Old favorites are still in play...
aqua, teal, peacock are still popular-- note the laquered mirror!

Before and After pictures are always fun!

Before and After pictures are always fun!
This is a "before" picture of a recent project.

After #2!

After #2!

Before #2

Before #2
same room, different view

AFTER!

AFTER!
new carpet, upholstery, paint, window treatments...

More from the High Point Spring Market My Favorite Overall Venue - Global Views

More from the High Point Spring Market My Favorite Overall Venue - Global Views
terrific accessories, uniquely displayed

black, white, red, silver punch!

note the male figures at the bottom of the ropes climbing out of the vases!

Favorite Find at the High Point Spring Market

Favorite Find at the High Point Spring Market
Pablo Mekis Artisan Pillows

the hand stiching is fabulous!

more Pablo Mekis

A designer is as good as her team...

Every designer relies on a team of people to help execute her design vision. I have worked very hard to assemble a top notch team of craftsmen and professionals to rely on for excellence in execution and customer service. I have nick named them "The "A" Team". This name is so appropriate because this group brings their best effort to each task. There are many folks out there that will give you adequate, we strive for exceptional.

The following pictures will introduce you to some of the work done by these guys...

Introducing...

Introducing...
Marilyn Croteau - the BEST window treatment workroom on the East Coast

Introducing...

Introducing...
Heavin Woodworks - beautiful trims and built-ins

Introducing...

Introducing...
G.Richard Anderson Faux Finisher. He does fabulous work!

Oeco Textiles

Oeco Textiles
all natural and all green

A staged breakfast room

A staged breakfast room
We recovered the chairs to co-ordinate with the area rug and added a fresh bunch of flower from the grocery store!

This week...

This week, I am working on two interiors that are either on or are near Lake Wylie, SC. Both homeowners are interested in incorporating a coastal "vibe" into the design for their homes. Working on two homes with the same design direction has never happened in my business before. It will be fun to see just how differently we approach each home. They will be as different and unique as their homeowners and we will be sure to include some after pictures in about 3 or 4 months!

Something's Gotta Give

Something's Gotta Give
from the movie "Something's Gotta Give" the set design for the Nantucket living room is inspiration for a coastal interior that I'm working on right now...

Coastal Inspiration

Coastal Inspiration
another coastal inspiration

this rug from Aspen Carpet Designs is very close to the one in the movie!


BVI's Virgin Gorda - beautiful!

great garden bench