Planking Obsession

Well, not exactly what I had in mind. 

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I was really thinking of something more along these lines.

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I have not a single spot in my house with this detail and would love for it to be throughout.  

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It has a casual feel.  But when paired with the right furnishings, it still feels appropriate for a primary residence (rather than just a lake house).

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I also seem to prefer the planking horizontal rather than vertical.  I think it makes the space feel larger.

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Happy Monday.  My kids started school today,  and I'm ready to begin working on some new design projects!  Looking so forward to my consults this week.  Hope everyone has a very productive go of it.  M.

PS: if you would still like to enter my giveaway for a $50 gift certificate to Novica, click here.  You have until this Thursday to enter.  Good Luck.

Trend Spotting - Bag O' Beans

OK, now for something fun!  I asked the talented Sophie Tardiff if she would put together some thoughts on a trend she is seeing in the interior design world.  Sophie is a writer and marketing guru, and she really has her finger on the pulse of cutting edge trends.  Sophie take it away . . . 

Hello Musers.  I am thrilled to be with you today talking about trend spotting.  When Mandi ask me what trends I was seeing in the interior design world, the first thought that came to mind was bean bag chairs.  While we all know they are amazingly comfortable, the bean bag chair is making a huge come back.  

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They’re soft and conform uniquely to your posture in any way you want to sit or lie on them. They’re like no other piece of furniture. 

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Comfort aside though, it can be easy to think of them as only for the playroom or child's bedroom.  What isn’t obvious is how chic they can be in the right setting.  They also come in so many different forms making them really versatile. Traditionally, bean bag chairs only came in spherical shapes which could be quite limiting. Nowadays, this is no longer the case.

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Square bean bag chairs can be morphed into body pillows, armchairs, or stools. Bean bag ottomans can be sprawled out to create sofas for several people to lounge on. Teardrop bean bags give more back support to emulate an armchair style.

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Different styles of bean bag chairs allow you to emulate existing furniture, which can eliminate an awkward juxtaposition if you intend to put them into a room with actual sofas and armchairs. Again, this is important for obtaining a chic result.

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The other thing to consider is colour and fabric choices. Stark black and white rooms work well with bean bag chairs in a solid bright color to create major impact in a space.  Flat fabric textures work with subdued leather couches, while bold glossy faux leathers can work in a retro 60’s style décor. Warm colours and rough spun fabrics give off a bohemian vibe. 

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You simply have to think outside the box and consider making an old favorite part of your current decor.  

Thanks Sophie for sharing your insight on a current trend!  Now let's get out there and take charge of our Monday!  M.

Trend Spotting - Sea Fans

Hello All!  First, I want to thank all the guest bloggers who kept things running for me last week.  All those favorites along with the beautiful weather we are having in Birmingham, have given me some major Spring fever.  I have lots of things swirling around in my head both for my own home and for the design plans I am currently working on for clients!  I promise to share a few of these with you over the next few months.  

Today, I wanted to show you some artwork I'm loving at the moment.  One of the keys to creating a high end look in a space is including lots of variation in all layers of the design.  Artwork is no exception.  Nothing can kill a room faster than a room full of oil paintings (even if they are expensive).  You need to mix it up to make it work - oils, prints, etchings and a few non art pieces.  Here's one example of some fabulous non art pieces.

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They're sea fans - and I'm seeing them in lots of non-beachy interiors.

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This fabulous room I recently posted about . . . (I'm not sure, but I think they're applied to the mirror somehow?)

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Another view.  And yes, the orchids are gorgeous too. 

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And from one of my favorite blog reads . . .  a sculpture out of them!

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So, I think you know where I'm going with this . . . Oh yes I did.   

Just a tiny purchase while on my recent girl's weekend at the beach.  

I have big plans for these puppies.

 Three total . . . since we all know things look better in odd numbers.  

What's that?  Of course I'll show you the finished project.  

Want some of your own??!  Well, here you go . . . Sea Fans.  Now go snatch them up so we can do an artwork DIY together.  M.

PS: For those of you who sent me sweet emails asking about my break, we had such a fun get-a-way this past week.  We actually took a road trip to Washington D.C. (yes 12 hours in the car) and toured all the historical spots (ok, maybe not all).   But we ate lots of amazing food of all kinds (we even had some goat!).  But, I'm glad to be getting back into the swing of things.  Have a great start to your week.

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.

Trend Spotting - Succulents

I started noticing these here and there at the end of the summer.  Then at Christmas, I started seeing them incorporated into traditional greenery for a more updated look.  I think the trend is going to continue and you will be seeing lots more of these very versatile plants.

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They are very much on the scene already for modern weddings.  . . 

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Look to see them in outdoor spaces when the weather begins to turn warm.

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Not only are they drought tolerant but they give you so many color variations without any faded blooms to remove.

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They also look amazing when coupled with flowering plants of all colors.

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This one is especially drought tolerant, it's a graphic photograph! 

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They can be used in a fresh and very modern way . . .

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 Or worked into a more traditional setting.  I also love that a single succulent has the ability to stand on it's own like with this place card.  Hard to get that effect with a single bloom.

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They will last longer than cut flowers and it only takes a few to get some great impact.

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Have a marvelous day! M.

Trend Spotting: Natural Bamboo Chairs

Have any of you seen the December/January issue of House Beautiful?  Mine just came in the mail yesterday and I took a peek just before bed last night.  I was thrilled to see those natural bamboo chairs on the front cover!  I am working with a client who has a set of vintage bamboo chairs in her dining room, and we were trying to decide if we should keep them, paint them (which is a really current look) or send them to the sister!  Well, I think we keep, as is!  

I am saving pictures of this project for a big reveal, but in the meantime, here are some other inspiration pictures of  a similar look.

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Would love your thoughts!  As an aside, I loved this issue of House Beautiful . . . so many gorgeous interiors, but not a single Christmas decoration in the entire issue.  So, if you need your Christmas fix, Birmingham Home and Garden (holiday issue is just released) is filled to the brim with some of the most amazing Christmas decorations I have seen.  If you live elsewhere in the country, this magazine is certainly worth a subscription!!!  They feature some of the most beautiful homes in Birmingham.

 Happy Friday. M.