Quick Way to Freshen Up Your Space

I mentioned in a recent post that my new artwork by artist Ashley Terrell was not going to be able to live above our fireplace any longer (click here for an explanation) - a little bittersweet.

So, I did a little musical chairs with my artwork.   It was a bit of a domino effect, but well worth the effort when I realized what the changes did for my spaces.  Here are the flip flops.

Dining Room Before . . . 

I found this painting in a junk shop in Asheville, N.C. for $75 (already framed).

 Now, understand, I was not unhappy with it in the dining room - I just needed a spot for my newest piece.  I say this because I find clients will often say, "I really like that piece there."  When in fact, they would love it in other spots too, if they would just give it a try.

 Here's the dining room after . . . (I also flip flopped the lamps from my guest bedroom).  Sorry for the poor lighting, really should have left the lamps off - remember, I'm not a photographer.

So where did the junk shop piece land?  It landed in the master bedroom above the bed.  Here is a before picture of the bedroom.

Here's the after . . .  (notice I moved the orange pillow to my guest bedroom since the painting was speaking more blues, and I switched out the bench (it's now in my dining room) with a settee I got from a sweet client.  There was no spot for it in her home (I promise I tried) so we bartered for it.  I gave her some consult time, and I got the settee.

When this artwork was in the dining room, I didn't notice all the blues in it.  But now that it's in the bedroom with all the greens and creams, the blue is really standing out.  Makes me think I need some new accent pillows in here with some blue.  The draperies came with the house.  Although they are not what I would choose, I think I can give them a more modern vibe with accent fabrics.  Looks like another project for 2012 - stay tuned!!

So, where did the small landscapes from above the bed end up? (see what I mean about the musical artwork!) They ended up on this small wall in the bedroom.

Here's a close up.

So, if you are looking for a free freshen up.  I would encourage you to take all your artwork off the walls and move it around a bit.  Remember it's not married to the wall it's currently on!! You may be surprised by how such a small change gives you big results in your spaces!  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.

Color Stories Brand New at Benjamin Moore

Have any of you used the brand new color palette from Benjamin Moore called Color Stories?

click here for info on Ben's best selling colors

  I saw it recently when I went in to buy paint for my media wall project.  I'm told the line was created to compete with Farrow and Ball (which is not available locally).  So, I'm dying to get my paws on a fan deck!  If any of you have tried the new colors,  I would love to hear your thoughts and favorites. 

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Also, I learned something else during my visit - Do you know how to tell whether you have oil or latex paint on a surface without having to lug it into the paint store with you?

  

The test: simply rub denatured alcohol (aka finger polish remover) on the painted surface.  If the paint comes off on the cotton ball it's latex, if not it's oil based.  It's that easy! M.

PS: We are very close to finishing our media room project, so stayed tuned.  I promise to show you pictures as soon as I'm finished. 

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.

Eye on Art (and a shabby apple winner)

First up, we have a winner for the Shabby Apple dress!  Kelly of Coastal Cottage Dreams is the winner and how lucky was she on a Friday the 13th no less!  Thank you all who entered, and congratulations to Kelly who will be totally stylin' in her cute new dress.

Eye On Art
Not sure you've noticed, but I've had art on the brain lately.  So, I've decided to start a new series entitled "Eye on Art" where I'll be featuring artists who hopefully will be a new discovery for you.

 First up in the series, Allison Brown.  Last week, I got to visit with Allison here in Birmingham and see her amazing work.  Many of you in Birmingham may know Allison.  She and her husband, Mike, have known my husband for longer than I have!  As long as I can remember, she's always been incredibly creative; but took a break from painting to raise their four children.  Now they're all a bit older, and she's rediscovered her love for painting.

Since Allison grew up in Fairhope, AL (which is truly a mecca for great art and artists), her painting style reflects that South Alabama flavor.  Here are a few examples of her work.

This one is my favorite.  If you are interested in adding a hint of eclectic fun to a more traditional space, this is the perfect piece.

The inspiration for this abstract piece came from the family's new puppy, Colt. 

Here's a close up. Don't you love the effect the mixed medium adds - that's newspaper print!  

If I tried this, you would not be impressed.

Owls are a very hot trend right now (and not just for Chi Omegas)!

This piece would work on a small wall near a chair/side table vignette or tucked it into a bookshelf for a funky focal point.

This piece was created using wax (crayons, if you can believe it), and I just love the saturated color, sheen and depth the wax creates.  I did not know this; but, Allison mentioned wax was one of the first mediums used to create art.  Very cool.

If you've ever spent any time on the Gulf coast, this piece really reminds me of the style you often see in that area. 

We once stayed at Watercolor near Seaside and the fabulous place we rented was filled with this style of artwork. Notice the bottle caps!  So fun.

If you live in the Birmingham area and would like to see more examples of Allison's work, you can zip over to the Scribbler in Crestline Village (this is a cute shop with lots of great gift ideas and custom stationary).  

 For those of you not in Birmingham, you can contact Allison to learn more about pricing and availability by clicking here - Allison Brown Art.  M.

Weekend wishes

Wishing you all a very good weekend !

Sabine

XXX

True To Form

OK, confession time.  After the winter holidays are behind us, I'm totally over the winter season.  Period.  I'm done with the hot chocolate, scarves, sweaters and rain boots and ready for warmer weather, longer days, lighter meals, and not having to dress in layers.  There, I've said it.

Each year, I tell myself to focus on the cozy, fun aspects of winter like roaring fires and family game nights.  But my mind always goes to the warm days of summer - evening meals outside, fresh cut flowers from the backyard, the basic summer uniform of skirt, t-shirt and sandals.   

So, true to form, I've been dreaming of summer.  To get me through the next few months, I have one little trick to share - I delve into interior design blogs from the other side of the world.  Since it's summer there, they are full blown hot weather - summery fabrics, fashion and food.  If you are like me, here are a few dreamy down under spots you need to visit.  They're better than a cup of hot chocolate in my opinion!

Anna Spiro is the author of this delightful blog based in Brisbane.  She also owns a fantastic shop called Black and Spiro that gives me tons of inspiration when I'm creating design plans for clients.  I love visiting her blog this time of year, as there are tons of fresh flowers cut from the garden in her home and talk about swimming and cocktails in the afternoons.  

This amazing blog is written by Lucy Feagins, a set designer/stylist based in Melbourne who has amazing taste and such a refreshing take on interiors, especially in summer.  

This time of year, when I go to Kelly Green, I feel totally refreshed like summer is just around the corner.  This little blog packs a tons of punch - get ready! 

And Last, but certainly not least . . . 

Although not a blog, this online magazine will make your head spin with ideas and inspiration.  It is a feast for the eyes and this time of year, with the focus is summer interiors. 

So, that should keep you busy for the rest of the day.  Afterwards, you may be in such a summer mood that you go home and make a batch of margaritas. M.

Giveaway Ends Tomorrow.

If you have not entered the Shabby Apple dress giveaway I'm hosting, click here to learn how.  The deadline is tomorrow!