Simple Organizing Idea

While on my recent girls weekend, we covered lots of topics.  One topic we discussed - ways to make our busy lives easier.  Sadly, mornings are no such time in the Smith T household.  They are hectic, and rushed.  I often feel like a drill Sargeant during the process and ultimately this results in grumpy kids and creates distractions that linger through out the day for me.

Here's one of our biggest problems . . .
Just as we are walking out the door, at least one of my kids pipes up with "Where are my shoes?!"  My response, "I put them back in your closet the last time I wore them." (I know sarcasm does not help, but this is a very old and constant battle for me.  The sarcasm is a coping mechanism).

Then it's all hands on deck to find the shoes.  It goes likes this, "Can you remember what we were doing yesterday, you came in from school and had to get ready for soccer, do you remember taking them off and putting on your soccer shoes?  Where were your soccer shoes, maybe your tennis shoes are in the same place.  Did you leave them in the bathroom when you took your shower?  Maybe they're by the sofa, didn't you hang out for awhile after you had a snack and watch some TV?"  With every question, my blood pressure is rising . . .  This happens at least five days a week - sometimes it's both kids in a single morning.

What I'm about to tell you may seem obvious, but apparently not for me!  Two of my friends shared that all their children's shoes are kept right by their back door.

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Yelp.  Sometimes the best ideas are very simple and obvious.  

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The minute they walk in the door, their shoes come off and go straight in a basket.

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They do not have any shoes in their bedrooms.

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One friend said that this has dramatically cut down on the amount of dirt that gets tracked in and her floors stay clean longer.

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That's a total bonus.

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So, I'm not sure where have I been???!!! But, now that I know better, I'm making it happen.

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Now, I just need to decide where this basket needs to live in our breakfast room (which is the room you walk into from our garage).  

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Would love to hear where you store your shoes?

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  Maybe I'll borrow your idea!  Have a great one. M.

On my mind

Saw this image on Pinterest and simply can NOT get it out of my head.  I am totally loving the lighting used in this way.  So good.

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You could even do one of these over the mirror (using a smaller mirror instead) and get the same cool look for less.  Hmmm.  My wheels are turning.

PS: Re-entry after a tiny vacay is so much harder than I remembered.  I was only out of the loop for four days!  Is it just me? Would love your thoughts. M.

D Pages OnLine Magazine

I'm totally taken with one of the features in this months D pages.  For those not familiar, D pages is a chic, edgy online magazine that includes some of the most inspiring rooms I've ever seen.    

The feature article was an interview of the founders of APPARATUS, which is a custom lighting company these two guys have started from scratch.  The master minds behind this company - Gabriel Hendifar and Jeremy Anderson.  

These sconces are made from wooden bowls from Africa and they shield the light so it reflects off the wall (which has all that texture from the grass cloth).  Yummy.

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Here's a close up of the sconce.

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Look at this gorgeous space.  I dare say it reminds me of Domino (RIP) or the sister publication, Architectural Digest.  Take it in. 

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This entire space is working for me - the table lamps, the chandy, those velvet window treatments, the wall color.  I could go on and on here. 

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And check out the chain sconce in this image.  I have truly never seen anything like this before.  I love it when I see something and it is totally new and fresh.  

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If you would like to see more of this talented duo or see the entire Spring issue of D pages, click here D Pages.

Enjoy your day! M.

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.

Have a fine weekend !

Dear readers...I feel almost ashamed for waiting so long to let you know some news from me....So to make it right I give you some pictures off our showroom as it is right now. We are looking out for spring to come, as we can not wait to get the garden ready to enjoy again....I promise not to wait so long for the next post....

Have a good weekend !

Sabine

XXX

Nice soft & tender colors to announce the spring.....

Lounge- chair for long summer evenings....

Design Perspective - Jenny Wolf Interiors

The oh so talented Jenny Wolf - a New York based interior designer whose sense of style is a mixture of cottage, chic, modern, with a smidge of european flare.  All coming together in one amazing libation.  

Just look at this kitchen - a mirror over the sink!  This does not feel like a newly created design; but rather, a kitchen that has evolved over time.  With necessary items that have been collected from all over the globe.  

When I see this kitchen, I think, "this is the kitchen of a great cook and the foundation of a great dinner party."  

In many of her projects, her style feels like a cozy cottage.  Such a difficult style to obtain in new design.

Then her designs have a bit of twist and feel more like a modern fresh country chic. (yes, I just made that up, but it totally fits!)

Then it turns completely city chic. . . 

Loving the tribal rug and those "x" stools.  

For me, a truly great designer is one who cannot be identified from their work. 

 Their "stamp" so to speak is not on the spaces they complete.  Each room looks like the homeowners' own style - unique and personal.  That is true talent.

If you would like to see more click here - Jenny Wolf Interiors.

PS: I am signing off a bit early this week.  I'm taking a much needed break with some girl friends to the beach!  I'm also leaving the whole shebang with the hubby (please say a little prayer for him - which for suspense sake, I will share with you later).  I hope you all have a marvelous weekend! M.

Project - Living Room II

Here are pictures from a living room project I've been working on over the last year or so in Crestline.  For those of you outside of Alabama, Crestline is one of the four villages or areas in the city of Mountain Brook.  It's a lovely area with lots of gorgeous homes ranging from large tudors to small cozy bungalows all within walking distance to lots of fabulous shops and restaurants.

My clients live in a cozy bungalow that has tons of character.  They are young and hip and not afraid of color.  In this case, we embraced the fabulous Heriz rug they already owned.  We played up the putty brown tones in the rug and used them on the window treatments (which my client made) and upholstered pieces.  We then pulled out the grays and teals of the rug by way of artwork and accent pillows.  That's the wonderful thing about a Heriz - you can always find a color in them you love.

Mandi Smith T Interiors 

photo by Alison Gault

We also mixed traditional and modern elements in the space.  This allows the interiors to blend and "fit" with the style of the house (which is rather traditional) while still reflecting the more modern personalities of the couple who call this space home.

Mandi Smith T Interiors 

photo by Alison Gault

My clients love to entertain, and they use every single room in their home.  They also have two small children.  So, the goal with this project was to give them affordable high style (by using lots of items they already owned) while keeping it comfortable and kid friendly.  

Mandi Smith T Interiors 

photo by Alison Gault

Here is just one small example of all those elements.  This accessory is made of brass which is totally current and modern.  It was also not expensive (under $35).  It looks very fragile - but truthfully, you can throw it across the room, and it still looks great.  So all the elements exist - affordable, high style, kid friendly.

Mandi Smith T Interiors 

photo by Alison Gault

When planning this design, the goal was to make every piece in the space count.  The buffet acts as storage while giving us a fabulous secondary focal point.  It also brings in a rich wood which every space needs.  The coffee table while beautiful is still large and sturdy enough to act as an ottoman where you can actually kick your feet up.  Lastly, the ottoman in front of the bergere' chair acts as additional seating during a gathering.  Make every piece count. 

Mandi Smith T Interiors 

photo by Alison Gault

This mirror is very old and has been in my client's family for years.  By layering some modern pieces on top of it, we have created a current look.

Mandi Smith T Interiors 

photo by Alison Gault

Believe me - You really can have affordable high style that is also comfortable and accessible.  It just takes some thoughtful planning.  M.