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.

Project - Before and Afters

Sometimes it's hard to get motivated this time of year - with the holidays over and several cold months still ahead of us.  The great news is this is the perfect time of year to restyle your rooms.  Just to give you a little inspiration, I thought I would share a project I've been working on over the last few months.  

I've shared a few pictures of this project with you here earlier, but this week we worked on finishing up. And just in time since the couple is hosting an engagement party this weekend! 

I have restyled almost every room in this house and it has been a ton of fun for me.  But what I wanted to show you today is their family room/den.  I did not take pictures of where this room began (sorry), but here is the initial "After" of the space (btw, the walls were red, so we picked this warm vanilla color to lightened up the space). 

Here is a view of the opposite direction.  These are all items the couple already had in their home - just moved from other rooms for a fresh look.  

Once we finished the restyle, I sourced some additional items should she choose to enhance the space in the future. 

So, a couple of weeks ago, my client called to tell me her husband was taking the leather chair to his office (yeah!!) and that she wanted to purchase the new pieces for the space. 

So, here's the Second After . . .  new chairs.  The slipper chairs moved to the basement/media room; and with the large leather recliner out of the picture, we were able to select a pair of larger scale chairs to fill this space.

And this is the wall with the leather chair.

So what's new you ask?  The console table (found at a consignment shop for a deal) here in town.  I love that this piece visually fills this large wall while it's narrow profile keeps the path to the door clear.  The chairs are from Bernhardt and are a very high quality chair for the money.    Lastly, we purchased the crackle finished plates.  These are a clever way to give you an entire wall of artwork without breaking the bank.  All the rest - lamps, mirror, wall brackets, etc. were pulled from other areas of the home. 

Notice the coffee table is different, we traded the coffee tables with the living room for a change.  I think the glass top makes the space feel bigger.  So, by purchasing a few key pieces, the space has been completely transformed.  

Hopefully, this will encourage you to move some furniture this weekend?!  Have a great one.  M.

You Look Just Like Someone I Know

 I found these great look-a-likes while sourcing furnishings for a design plan and thought I would share them with you.  

Formal Dining

These classic French chairs will never EVER go out of style.

The original in all it's yumminess. . . 

Danielle Chair

($350.00 each)

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Now for the look-a-likes . . .

Vintage French Square

($199.00 on sale right now at RH)

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Preston Carved Oak Side Chairs

$194.00 (with $2.95 shipping on entire order!)

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Inspiration . . . as if you need any for these beauties!

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Informal Dining

Wicker chairs add so much great texture to a casual dining area both inside and out.

The original - love the gray tones of the wicker.

Laila Arm Chair

($425.00 each)

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The look-a-like . . . 

KooBoo Wicker Chair

($149.99)

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Some inspiration . . . 

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No one will ever know the difference! 

Happy Monday. M.

Bergere Chairs

I'm working with a client in her formal living room.  At the moment, all the furniture in this space is considered "leggy," meaning there are no skirted pieces.  So, the effect is what I would call a "nervous" room (only for drinking tea and interviewing boys who come to pick up a teenage daughter).  But all that is changing!  She really wants a cozy, comfortable room for escaping with a good book or for enjoying an evening cocktail with her husband.

So, we are going to edit out this pair of bergere chairs and fill in with a pair of skirted chairs to create a more interesting and cozy vibe.   

The great news for you, she is selling these chairs for a steal of a deal.  They are in a neutral silk damask with a wonderful gimp trim, and she's asking $500 each for them (retail value $1,100.00 each).

Because, they are so neutral they will work in a number of places - very versatile.  Look at all these examples of how to incorporate this type of piece.  

Flanking a Fireplace

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Paired with a skirted sofa

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Paired with skirted chairs and a sofa to create a larger seating area.

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In a Nursery

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As a beautiful seating area in the Master Bedroom

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The possibilities are endless.  I very rarely advertise this type of thing for my clients, but I know these are beautiful chairs and are a great price.  If you live in the Birmingham area and are interested, you can email my client directly - Janet's Bergere Chairs, and arrange for pick up.

Have a great day! M.

Family Weekend

I mentioned we were going to have family in town this past weekend.  It was so much fun.  We were on the go most of the time with sporting events for my kids and a quick trip to the fabric store with my sister-in-law (I'm helping redesign her living room).  With all the running around, it was nice to have dinner at home one of the nights.  My husband's birthday was the week before so we held off and celebrated this past Saturday night. I thought you might like to see my table for the dinner.

I rarely use a lot of color on the table.  I know lots of people do and it is beautiful; but for me, I like a table that's simple and elegant.  

My dining table is much wider than a standard table, so I have to think big for a centerpiece.  This arrangement is an easy way to get impact, not break the bank, and still be able to see your dinner guests (not some huge arrangement).  I took one bundle of pink tulips and tucked the entire arrangement inside this large clear glass vase.  It fills up a lot of space, but does not obstruct your view.  In the summer months, I've also floated fresh hydrangeas in this vase for a pretty look.  

Here's a closer look (below).  

Also, notice the small etched sherbet glasses in the picture below.  These were a recent find, and I was dying to use them.  I only have six, so I filled them with jelly bellies in flavors that my daughter and I picked (after tasting all of them in the grocery store, I might add).  We included our favorites of all the red, pink and white options.  

These were a fun conversation piece and everybody lingered after dessert and sampled them.

Here's another tip I often use:  If you are having more than six people to a dinner party, the number of plates, crystal, etc. that you are hand washing really adds up.  So, what I often do is use real silver and linen table napkins to make the table feel special.  Then I pair this with my every day china (which is just a simple white pattern) and every day glassware (not crystal).  It makes the party special and clean up much easier for me.

One last thing, I used salt cellars with crystal spoons on the table this time.  Although I don't use them often, I think they are unusual and really add to the table setting.  These were a gift from an Aunt when I got married.  It was a ton of fun and I hope they will come back soon for another visit. M. 

Guest Bedroom Make Do

We are having family in town for the weekend, and this reminded me that I'd forgotten to post pictures of our "freshened up" guest bedroom.  I did a little re-design in there this past summer using mainly things I already had from other rooms.  Unfortunately, I did not take any befores for you to truly appreciate the "dumping ground" this room started out as.  This just shows you what you can come up with by thinking outside the box and using what you have in new and fresh ways.

I was nutszo over this pillow fabric when I found it.  It's a linen that has a light green background with gray, cream and paprika accents. I love it because it allowed me to use my old wall color (so I didn't have to paint, and I really hate to paint!).  But a couple of weeks after I made the pillows, I received a Ballard Designs catalog and was crushed when I saw my fabric as a new feature fabric for their furniture line.  I know I shouldn't care, but I did not want to see my fabric everywhere.  So, I am going to leave it for now, but may remake them in something else later. 

A few details about the room, I got the bed when I first started practicing law in Atlanta in 1994.  It was one of the first pieces of furniture I bought.  The lamps are from Home Goods, and I replaced the shades with burlap barrel shades I picked up locally(these were in my dining room at one point).  The original shades were lavender silk, so I had to use my imagination when I found them (they were around $35 each)!  The artwork is from Scott's (got it 10 years ago) and just moved it from another room into the space.  The cowhide rug is from IKEA from a couple of years ago.

This side table I picked up at a local antique/used furniture store for $80.00, and the chair was from my daughter's nursery.

This table is from IKEA.  Can't remember the price? But I know they still carry it.  The crystal bowl was a wedding gift and was stored in a closet.

The Coverlet on the bed is from Home Goods (Ralph Lauren, I think), and the throw at the end of the bed is a twin spread I got years ago from this wonderful local shop (it's Peacock Alley so I hung onto it).

The mirror was a wedding gift from a relative of my husband.  The basket is from Pottery Barn and I had it in my nursery with my son.  The luggage rack was brought to the marriage by my hubby. 

Since taking the pictures, I have purchased a drapery rod and have yet to make the panels for it.  So,  I hope you will look around your house for items to make your guest bedroom a little more special.  Your imagination is the only limit.  Cheers! M.

I am linking this post to several link parties this weekend.  If you have some spare time, check them out!

http://simplydesigning.blogspot.com/2011/02/simply-link-party-and-winner.html 

http://funtocraft.blogspot.com/2011/02/look-at-me-party.html

http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/2011/02/feature-yourself-friday.html

http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/2011/02/its-hodgepodge-friday.html

Just Featured on Houzz!

I am very excited to announce my staging company is being featured in an Ideabook on Houzz.com!  For those of you not familiar with Houzz.com, it is a "go to" resource for all things interior design.  It provides so much inspiration for interiors as well as connecting designers all over the country.  I don't know what I would do without it!  

So, when Editor Sheila Schmitz contacted me and asked if we would be interested in being interviewed and included in the article, I jumped at the chance!   

The article is entitled,  "Wingbacks - Character for Every Space and Style."  Thanks for including us!  

To read the Ideabook in it's entirety, click here.

Things I am Loving at the Moment . . .

Here are a few items that I have been "visiting" and revisiting on line.  Thought you might enjoy them too!

Dining Room Chairs
I want a set of 12 of these, but I would love them in a cream leather rather than the linen(which is not currently available).  I think the leather would really add a shot of mod which I think my dining room needs.

http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1620001&categoryId=cat1537015

Chandelier for my Master Bedroom
We have a relatively large bedroom with a double tray ceiling.  At the moment, there is a white ceiling fan (yuck) in the space that we inherited when we moved in.  I so want it to find another place to live and in its place, I would like to look up and see this airy, warm sophisticated beauty.

http://www.shadesoflight.com/grand-manoir-chandelier-9-light.html

Table for my Foyer/Entryway

Our house is a bit unusual in that we do not have a foyer or Entryway.  Our front doors open straight into our living room.  I have thought about having walls put in to give me an actual room, but I would be sacrificing the open feeling of my house which is the reason I was drawn to the house in the first place.  At the moment, I have this table designating my entryway.  The long console table is an old rustic piece I found at Scott's in Atlanta.

What I would love is to have in the center is this table.  What you don't see in this picture is the very large black piano behind me in the picture (in the living room area).  The shiny black finish gives it a very modern feel.  So, I think the below table would be nice mixed in with some of the other more traditional pieces in the space and make the modern piano feel more purposeful.  (love the veneer on the top). 

http://www.plantationdesign.com/products.php?enlarge=177&cat=Dining%20Table&page=1

But alas, at these prices, I will have to wait a while and continue to visit them online.  What finds do you have your eye on these days?  M.