Circles

Normally, I am not a circles kind of girl.  I adore modern prints, but not circles (I really can't explain why).  I love an amazing ikat, fretwork or even a stripe in a modern design.  But there are times, when I see a fabric with a pattern of circles used in a really great way and I think, "I could live with circles like that!"  But this is a rare occasion.  

So, when I see images of circles I love, I save them.  Here are a few in my file.

The monochromatic look of this space makes me like the circle fabric on the pillows.  It is a nice compliment to the drapery panels.  

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Another look.

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This is such an interesting take on traditional stained glass.

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Love these pillows.

Cool rug.

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Lastly, here is an amazing bedroom from Hamilton Design via the Cole's girls over at Chic Coles. 

I love how this bedroom combines the circle fabric on the window treatments with other prints. 

Look at the circles with the Suzani fabric on that vanity chair, not to mention the rug!

Circles are good when done right. M.

Brass is Back!

I know what you're thinking, "I just managed to get rid of all my brass bathroom fixtures, cabinet hardware and door knobs and now it's back?!"  Oh yeah.  Brass is back, but with a bit of a twist.  The current look has an antiqued finish which means no polishing!  The un-lacquered version of brass will patina into the antiqued finish that is currently the hot look.  Also, it doesn't take a ton of brass to get this look.  Small accents are really all you need.

Here's what I mean.  

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So, now your thinking, "Where do I get this kind of brass and how do I incorporate it into my space in an affordable way?"  Here are a few ideas.

Dig, Beg, Borrow

First, go to your attic, your parent's attic, or even a willing friend's attic (who doesn't know that brass is back and thinks you're crazy) and find some brass somethings.  If the brass you find has a lacquered finish (meaning it is very shiny), take off the lacquer.  Here's a step by step guide to help you do this.  Then let the pieces patina into the antique brass.

Garage & Yard Sale Outings

Right now, you can still find brass at almost every yard sale or Goodwill location.  But, once it catches on, you will not be able to find an affordable brass anything!  So, grab a friend and go to a few sales early Saturday morning.

Shop On Line

If you're too busy to dig or hunt, then just go on line.  Obviously, Ebay, Craig's List and even Etsy are options for finding antiqued brass.  But if you still need some inspiration, here are a few affordable accessories that I found for you!  These can easily be grouped on a side table or placed on a coffee table for major impact.  Enjoy!  

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Carte Blanche

n., pl., cartes blanches (kärt bläNsh', kärts blänch', blănch').
Unrestricted power to act at one's own discretion; unconditional authority: gave the contractor carte blanche to modernize the kitchen.

Who would you give unresticted power to act on a room in your house?  For me, the list is very short!  I have an opinion about my space and the thought of giving someone full discretion makes me hold my breathe a bit.

But, on the list of those I might consider . . .  

Diane Bergeron

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's day! M.

Antique Lesson - Epergne

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When I got married my wonderful Mother-in-law (and I do mean that, I am very lucky to have such an amazing MIL) used an epergne (click here for the pronunciation of this crazy word!) for the centerpiece at a bride's luncheon.  It was one of the prettiest things I had ever seen.  My wedding was in May, and the epergne was covered in fresh garden flowers and sweet treats.  

Since then, I have seen them in high end antique stores and been very curious about their origin.  So, here's the scoop.

According to the Silver Vault of Charleston, the epergne arrived in England in the first quarter of the 18th century. The word, "epergne", stemmed from the French "epaigner," meaning thrifty. The use of these large objects in the center of the table avoided waste. Each guest helped him or herself from the main bowl, thus eliminating the disposal of expensive delicacies left on an individual's plate. The saucers or baskets could be adapted to individual use. The earlier, baroque form tended to be complex, incorporating dining accessories like caster, cruets, salts and sauce boats and graced the table throughout dinner. Some examples served as a dressing for the dessert course, showcasing condiments, fruits, nuts and other luxuries. Economic feasibility drove silversmiths to replace the expensive silver saucers with less expensive, crystal dishes. This same reason also resulted in many more examples being produced in Old Sheffield Plate, rather than sterling.

I think they are gorgeous and would be amazing in any dining room.  The price for the real deal is comparable to a luxury car, but I was able to find one affordable option (yes, only one).  

Here are some of my favorites.

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This little beauty at 24" tall will set you back $79,000.00 

(and some change for shipping of course).

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Another "cha ching" from Christies will run you around $75,000.00.  It has the addition of candlesticks which is nice.

This one is a called a flower epergne, which technically is not a true epergne since it does not hold candies or nuts, but it's really elegant.  I love the art deco feel of it. 

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As mentioned above, this is a crystal and silver plated version which does cut down greatly on the cost. 

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I found this romantic blown glass version on a wonderful Canadian blog called Windlost.  She did a great compilation of epergnes in this post a few years ago.  So, if you want to see more, click over and check it out . 

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OK, and now for the only affordable version I was able to find.  I do think it must be a very small scale piece, but it is really pretty and at $49.00 very affordable. 

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That's your history/antique lesson for the day!  Now go out and make your self look like a total antique geek impress your friends with your epergne knowledge!  M.

PS: I am being featured by Laura over at Bright, Bold and Beautiful today on segment she is doing on "Where We Blog."  If you have a minute, click over.  Her blog is beautiful!  http://brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com/2011/02/where-we-blog-home-office-favorite-cozy_11.html

Let's Beat A Dead Horse. Shall We?

I love showing you things you have maybe never seen or really thought about, but today I am not doing that.  Instead, I am showing you a space that I can't seem to get out of my head.

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The first time I saw this room in House Beautiful, I was in a trance.  I looked at these pictures so much that the magazine was dog eared.  I was mesmerized by Melissa Warner's ability to incorporate high and low end furnishings to create an absolutely stunning space.   It feels traditional and funky all at the same time.  Frankly, the whole house was amazing, but the master bedroom was especially fabu.

 Since then, I can't go into a vintage/antique/junk store without secretly hoping to find a dirt cheap pair of real alabaster tulip lamps that someone is selling with not a clue as to their value.  Well, of course this will NEVER happen [it's like searching for a unicorn].  But I kid you not, the thought crosses my mind every single time I get out of my car and walk across the parking lot into one of these shops. 

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I know that many of you have seen this space a dozen times.  But, I just can't move on [it's a bit like a childhood memory that pops into your brain when you least expect it].  I love it just as much today as the first time I saw it.   I can't imagine ever being tired of it.  And that is saying something (coming from someone who rearranges her family and living room seasonally)!  

Do you have a space you adore and are sure you will never get tired of?

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. 

Find of the Day - small vases

Need a pick me up to get you through the rest of Winter?  Here is a little something that might help.

Add a small vase of something fresh to your main living area.  You can use flowers or even a few sprigs of boxwood from your yard.  

The trick is to pick a small vase with a small mouth (rather than a trumpet shaped vase with a large opening).  This allows maximum impact with only a few stems of flowers or greenery.  A small vase can be placed in so many different places.  They are perfect on a small side table like this one next to my sofa.  Or on a bedside table.  Here are few examples of the type of vase that I am talking about. 

This particular one comes in a couple of different colors with a crackle finish.  I just love the look of it. 

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For something modern, consider this.  Also, I love white because it hides the stems of the flowers and does not limit the color of the flowers you choose. 

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These have an Asian vibe that is a nice addition to any space. 

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Flowers always brighten a space and your mood!