Opposite attraction

I have a client that wants to discard a modern piece of art because she doesn't think it matches her traditional antique furniture. I say "No way! We can work modern into your predominate traditional themed house.". Actually, designers mix and match styles all the time. Sometimes we have to mix it up because of budget restrictions. But, most of the time, it's done because it is far more interesting to add the unexpected. Here are a few of my favorite examples of how opposites attract....

I like how Designer Lisa Hilderbrand painted the brick wall to focus
on the art and furniture (Traditional Home).

 

Love this traditional entry table paired with a great piece of abstract art
by Virginia artist Kiki Slaughter from My Notting Hill (Southern Living)

Incorporating modern into a nursery (Pinterest)

 

 Great example of mixing modern art, lighting and furniture into a traditional
house with molded ceilings by Designer, Tish Mills  (Traditional Home)

Timeless treasures for sale...

Lately, I've been busy selling some of my antique treasures online. Over the years, I've collected so many pieces from inheritance to also picking up a few items at auctions. On top of that, I still have tons of "leftovers" from the Charlotte and Rock Hill stores. When I realized that I could not fit anything else into my storage unit, I went into full panic mode and started photographing and posting like a mad woman! Below are a few of my "for sale" gems...

Set of 5 antique china RC Versailles finger bowls made in

Germany from 1891-1906 for sale on Etsy.

 

Gray vintage bachelor's chest. You might remember this piece from the store.

It's been safely packed and tucked away in storage for the past couple of months.

It's listed on Chairish.

 

Vagabond Thermos vintage ice chest. This was my Grandfather's from the 1940's.

It's in pretty good condition considering age.

It's also listed on Chairish.

 

Vintage Porcelier China Teapot made in the 1930's for sale on Etsy

 

Iron loop chairs for sale. These are reproductions that I purchased for a client
who decided against them because of lack of space. Feel free to contact me
if you are interested (brushed_bureau@comporium.net)

Dreaming of sunny Florida home

HGTV is unveiling its 2016 Dream Home located in sunny Florida this time around. Designed by Atlanta's Brian Patrick Flynn, this 3,100 sq. ft. home is located on Merritt Island with awesome views of Indian River Lagoon. This house was the first time HGTV did a re-model instead of a new build for their annual Dream Home. For more info, you can check out their website or watch their special episode on Jan. 1 at 8 pm (EST) on HGTV.

Last minute decorating ideas

I always wait to the very last minute to decorate for the holidays. My all-time favorite question is... "Is your tree up yet?" (I'm being sarcastic) and my reply is the same every year,"I like stressing myself out so I usually wait until the day before Christmas!" (more sarcasm!). My tree is up but the rest of the house needs some serious decorating. So, next week, I will be making a mad dash to my storage unit to pick out a few holiday decorations for display. I'll be putting it all together just in time for arrival of guests and then sleeping the day after! In honor of procrastination, here are a few quick last minute holiday decorating ideas....

  Pinecones sprayed with mercury glass paint. Wood bowl from Pottery Barn (photo: PB)

 

 This is the cutest idea ever! Upside down wine glass with miniature snow scene.
I would suggest doing this for table setting. (photo/idea: HGTV)

 

This would make a great centerpiece. Limes with cherries skewed to florist ball.

Fresh fruit and fresh tree trimmings are my favorite decorating accessories for the holidays

(photo/idea: Architecture Art Design)

Who knew? Dollies and wooden skewer sticks make adorable white trees!
(photo/idea: 36th Avenue)

 

 

Serenity for 2016

My former design professor would laugh every year when Pantone would announce their annual color. He would say "No one should dictate which colors we use. That's ridiculous!" So why should we care about Pantone's color picks for 2106? Probably because this year's colors (Rose Quartz, a soft pink, and Serenity, a tranquil sky blue) are popping up EVERYwhere! I personally love the Serenity blue color. You can brighten it up with warm vibrant colors. It also pairs well with metallic gold. And, like its name, it really is a calming color. I think we could all use some of that! So, unlike my professor, I'm jumping on the Pantone bandwagon this year! Here are some of my finds for Serenity in home décor.....

Velvet blue tufted chair by Anthropologie

 Door and rug in Serenity Blue. This color pairs well with
natural hardwoods and bright orange.

A relaxing bedroom with all neutrals and light blue walls.

Vintage credenza in blue with gold handles from Chairish

Decking the door...

I am usually too exhausted to decorate my own home by now. However, since I'm not decorating store spaces this year, I 'm looking forward to doing a little more personal home holiday sparkle. And, I'm starting out with a wreath. I tend to lean towards a natural simple designed wreath....none of those fancy poofy burlap ribbon wreaths here. Below are a few of my favs.....

Love this idea of using wood discs to form a wreath (Finding Home Online)

Cotton wreath from Terrain. A timeless simple natural look!

 

Awesome yarn wreath with felt flowers from Etsy. Great contrasting colors!

 Pinecones sprayed white and made into a snowflake (Southern Living).

Reindeer moss from Terrain . Add a bright red ribbon!

Last but not least...a frozen berry and greenery wreath for the colder regions!