Happy Friday

Wow.  It's been another crazy week for me.  I am so very glad that we have a weekend ahead of us.  Today I'm posting over at The Mustard Ceiling in series entitled, "The Inside Scoop."  The totally amazing Elizabeth interviewed me, along with several other bloggers, about our thoughts on interior design.  If you want to get the scoop, hop on over there and check it out. 

Just click here - The Mustard Ceiling

Also, while you're there, you may want to look around Elizabeth's fabulous blog.  It is chocked full of inspiration on everything from design trends to DIY projects with detailed tutorials.  

Enjoy your weekend, everybody.  I'll catch up with you next week! M.

Exteriors - Layering Tricks

As with interiors, the outside of your home needs layers to make it interesting and welcoming from the street.  Here are some things to think about to add some fabulous layering to the outside of your home.  

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The front door is such and important focal point to your home.  Make the most of it with doors that compliment the style of your home.

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  Can't figure out what style door will look best?  Start by evaluating the style of your home.  This is a great website to help you figure it out - House Styles Index

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Think of your door hardware as the first opportunity to let your personal style and taste shine.  This is one of the easiest things to change and with huge results.

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To shutter or not to shutter that is the question . . .
I love the looks of shutters.  I think they are such a pretty layer.

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But this is gorgeous too!

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Also known as "shutter dogs" these add a bit of jewelry to the shutters.  They also turn a so so shutter into something that looks expensive and important. 

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There are so many materials to choose from with railings, an the styles are endless.

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Not only is this an easy fix, it is one of the least expensive ways to update your curb appeal.  In fact they are so affordable, you can switch them out seasonally. 

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I also love the look of vines softening the entryway of a home.

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Now is the perfect time of year to sit down and really think about your curb appeal (with a hot cup of chocolate).  Make a plan using these simple ideas.  Once the weather warms up, you'll be ready to make the changes!  M.

New Take On A Favorite

I've always been a fan of starburst mirrors, but I've been seeing these rectangular shaped versions lately.

 They seem so modern and fresh.

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I think the contrast of a rectangular mirror would look amazing hanging over a demilune table like this one in an entryway.

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Have you noticed this trend?! M.

Project in Progress Media Area - Before and Afters

Finally.  FINALLY.  We are finished with our media area (for more information, read my previous post).  We encountered quite a few snags along the way; but in the end, we are thrilled with the result. 

Before . . . 

 And After . . . 

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After . . . 

I ended up going with the P&L Silver Mink on the backs and sides of the bookshelves and left the shelves the trim color. 

 It would have been too much to do the shelves in the Silver Mink given all the books and dark accessories.  The lighter shelves are a nice balance.

I went with the antique brass library lights, and I just love the feel it gave the entire wall.  Now, I feel like the arches serve a purpose.

Lastly, I can not tell you how thrilled I am to have an mantel.  Look out Christmas 2012, I get to hang our stockings from the real deal!

Even though I was not crazy about the idea of hanging this very large TV over our fireplace, I have to say we have been hanging out as a family in this room every single night.  For me, that makes it worth the compromise! M.

We actually did the refinishing work on the mantel ourselves; and I took pictures along the way.  I will be posting about that process in the next week or so, if you're curious.  Have a wonderful day! M.

Pairs are Good

In honor of Valentine's day, here are a few examples of couples of a different kind.

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Have an excellent weekend! M.  

Detail of the Moment - Upholstery Tacks

Furniture Tacks

I'm still in love with nailhead trim.  Honestly, I'm not sure I'll ever tire of it.  But lately, I've noticed furniture tacks on furnishings.  Some reupholsters differ on what these are actually called (some would argue they are all considered nail heads) but the tacks tend to be a bit smaller than a traditional nailhead; and they are spaced farther apart to give you a very French look.  

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Here is a great DIY from Sherry at Design Indulgence on making your own bench using tacks.  I think it's a fabulous look. 

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Not sure if it's the tack or the spacing that I love - maybe the combination.  

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Happy Thursday!!! M.

Website Highlight

If you love interiors, the real estate market, and celebrity gossip, then you MUST visit this trifecta of goodness. 

Here are a couple of my all time favorites:

Your Mama Keeps Hearing . . . 

It's about Jennifer Anniston and her $24,000,000.00 home(makes me laugh out loud).

Jenny Craig Trims Her Real Estate Fat

Honestly, I did not know that Jenny was even a real person! Who knew.

At any rate, if you have some time and need a pick me up laugh - check it out!  M.