The Well-Dressed Home And A Closet Makeover

Over the last year, I've been working on a renovation project for this wonderful couple in Mountain Brook.  I've mentioned other aspects of this project here and here.  Among all the changes, we converted a small office the husband was using into a walk in closest for the wife. 

Also during the process, we replaced the dining room chandelier which was really not large enough for the space with something more to scale (I promise to show you pictures of the dining room at some point).  So, rather than get rid of the old chandelier, I suggested we move it to the new closet for a touch of girly glam.  Also, since the new closet was not very big, we hired a professional closest designer to come in and make the most of the space.   

Afterwards, my very organized client, "styled" the space with her things.  Notice how we painted the back wall a pale blue.  Initially, I wanted to wall paper this area, but we ended up painting it this beautiful color, and I think it was the right decision. 

My client came across this little stool in an antique/consignment shop.  After helping her pick out the fabric and trim, she redid it on her own!  I think the scale works perfectly in the space.

How many of you have crystal pieces similar to these stored in a buffet or closet?  Why not pull them out and use them in a spot that needs some sparkle.

Needless to say, I was BLOWN away by how beautiful it turned out and how indulgent it seemed to have such a wonderfully organized closet!  So, I went home and did my own. Here's the before of my closet (I know, shocking that I'm showing you this!) 

 I was lucky enough to already have the space built out with custom closets (it was here when we bought the house).  But, I had not really put the time and energy into thinking about what clothes I have and how to best utilize the space.

I actually have to share this space with my husband.  His things are on the right and mine on the left.

 Here's the after . . .

I did lots of purging (as in three garbage bags).  My rule was: If I had not worn it in the last year, I got rid of it!

 I also sat down and really thought about the things I planned to keep and how best to utilize the space for these items.  I even made room to "hang" my boots!

I took this picture before I was completely done.  I since have changed out the knobs with some pretty crystal ones and I have added a shelf above the luggage for my purse, keys, sunglasses, etc.  Everyday things I need.

Also, I cleaned up my husband's side up a bit too.
Overall, he's a pretty neat guy (in more ways than one, I might add)!

  I also replaced all my hangers.  I know it sounds indulgent, but I have never had a pretty closet, and I thought it was time.  This alone unified the space more than any other single thing I did.

No, I don't have a fabulous chandelier (will have to work on that one), but I just love being in there now.  I dare say, I don't mind putting laundry away anymore!

   Around the same time I was working on this project, I entered and won a giveaway hosted by Laura on her delightful blog Bright, Bold, and Beautiful for this glamourous book by the talented Annette Tatum . . . 

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When I finally sat down to check it out, I just had to laugh.  The book is about looking at what you wear and taking clues from this to decorate your home.  The idea is that your home should reflect the true you.

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  Well, of course all the images of closets in this book were amazing.  They just made me want to jump into the picture and look around.  So, after I read it cover to cover, I walked into my newly organized closet to see what colors, patterns, accessories I wear day to day.

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For the most part, I am drawn to the same colors for fashion as I am for interiors.  But, I've not really been bringing my love for accessories to the table for interior design projects.  So, I will be thinking about that more on current projects!  

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If you are interested in organizing your closets, I have a great contact I will share with you here in Birmingham to make that happen.  She is wonderful at coming up with the best use of a small spot.  

Also, if you just want to organize your current space, here are my sources for clothing hangers (these are a real find from a very organized friend), skirt and pant hangers and the boot hangers.   After I did my closet, I had two other friends do theirs.  Beware, it's contagious! M.

Design Perspective - Finnian's Moon

I'm over the moon with this portfolio.  Nancy Twomey really has a wonderful eye.  If you are looking for some inspiration for a nursery or child's bedroom, this should be your first stop! 

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When I look at these images, it almost makes me sad the baby years are done (key word - almost).

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Love the fabric here and the wallpaper below the chair rail.

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Since my daughter adores turquoise, I was immediately drawn to this space.  Nice to see a different take on a little girls room other than pink.

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I've been super busy this week and my kiddos are out of school on Friday.  So, posting is going to be light this week!  But I have lots of great ideas to post about with the holidays coming up.  Can't wait to show you all the things I'm working on! M.

My Weekend - Riddle Solved

Sorry for the tease on Friday!  I just couldn't resist.  We attended the 27th annual Steeplechase (get it "steeple + chase = steeplechase") at Callaway Gardens on Saturday.  

My very generous Mother-in-law treated us to a day at the races!  This was my first Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens, and it was absolutely delightful!  This event is hosted each year to benefit the arts in Columbus, Georgia to include the Museum, Symphony Orchestra, The Historic Columbus Foundation, the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation and the Springer Opera House.

 We were lucky enough to have a tent right next to the 2011 Race Director, Charlotte Hare, and her family.  It was a stunning vantage point with lots of space in front for the children to play between races and a couple of strategic jumps just beyond for an exciting afternoon.   

The weather could not have been better, and I must say, the people were incredibly kind and gracious.  

 The day started with the Midland Fox Hounds' parade. 

Then the bagpipers kicked off the ceremony for the day. 

 Those are our tents in the background.

 Each race was announced with a bugle blast from this fellow . . 

and the first race we saw was a pony race for children (no jumps). 

I thought the boy on this tiny pony was the cutest thing ever!! 

My daughter who rides here in Birmingham was completely smitten after the very first race.  I could not pull her away for a single moment of looking at hats, flowers or anything in between.  She stood on the rail all afternoon! 

I did talk my nieces into going with me to see the sites.  I have to say this event was the closest thing I've seen in awhile to tailgating in the grove at Ole Miss where I went to school.  Just look at this gorgeous arrangement in a pierced silver basket, no less! 

 Then it was time for the real races.  I took these pictures in front of our tent as they made the jump.

The entire event was at a very relaxed pace - lots of socializing along with refreshments and yummy treats between races.  

This dapper fellow relaxed at the tent next to us!  

 I happened to snap this picture at the very moment this jockey made the jump and bobbled out of her saddle.  Up until this point, I actually thought it looked really fun.  I quickly realized it's very dangerous!  She did, in fact, fall straight on her head and rolled a few feet.  Luckily, she got up and walked away from this fall unscathed, but her horse never stopped.  

I loved the look of this arrangement in this old copper basin.  It was stunning in person. 

This amazing arrangement was in the main tent located right in front of the finish line.  

 Close to the end of the day, we were treated to a special tour of the stables (this was a highlight for my daughter).  This beautiful horse had just finished a race and had won!  They were in the process of cooling him down.  Based on the looks of these stables, the horses are treated like royalty! 

This cute girl (did you see that bird on her hat!) actually helped organize the event and was in charge of the hat contest.  So, with my nieces in tow, we made our way to the judges table for a look at the contestants!  

Look at some of these hats!

I think this hat actually won the overall category!   This lady was so sweet.  One of my nieces just flat out asked her if she could try on her hat and she, without any hesitation, popped the hat on her head!

Needless to say, she created a monster and both of them preceded to ask every lady in the crowd if they could try on their hats!

One other thing I thought was fun, this milliner and his wife were selling hats at the event.  So, if you did not come in a hat and were feeling left out, you could make it right!! 

 My nieces saw it as just one more opportunity to try on a few hats.  I've never seen such posing in all my life!

 Check out the hand on the hip.

 Overall, it was a very special day.  This event is held annually each Fall.   We had such a marvelous time I am sure it will not be our last time to attend.  If you are interested in a fun fall day, click here for more information on next year's Steeplechase.  I saw one tent called "Girl's Weekend" and it really made my wheels start turning!  M.