FRIDAY FURNITURE FACELIFT

Today marks the start of a much anticipated long weekend, in celebration of the Boston Marathon and Patriot's Day.  Long weekends make me giddy because it means an extra day to work on  projects.  Since I was very young, I have always kept busy with creating, crafting and painting.  These days I am occupied with custom lampshades, reupholstering chairs, and painting furniture.  Maybe you are not looking to repaint an entire piece of furniture, but still want a fresh look?  Replacing furniture hardware is one of my favorite quick updates.  I recently bought a very simple dresser for our guest room, the piece arrived with a set of conventional bronze knobs. They were fine, but right away I knew this was a great opportunity to install some unexpected and fun hardware.  

This furniture facelift is great for dressers, side table drawers, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom vanities.  The opportunities are endless!  Here is a roundup of a few of my favorite cabinet knobs to inspire your weekend projects: 

1.) www.anthropologie.com

2.) www.anthropologie.com
3.) www.potterybarn.com
4.) www.anthropologie.com
5.) www.anthropologie.com

HEADING HOME TO DINNER: SURFS UP 2016

Last summer I discovered artist Annie Wildey and her stunning paintings of wild surf.  I shared my excitement for these works in the following blog post on August 18, 2016.  I am excited to announce that my Seaside Spirits bar cart features a small painting by Ms. Wildey.  It was a wonderful surprise, when Mom told me that she was going to Ms. Wildey's studio to purchase this small painting.  In celebration of Heading Home to Dinner and my Seaside Spirits bar cart, I thought I would re-share this post.  

                                                                                                                                            

During a recent trip to Martha's Vineyard I visited the Black Sheep in Edgartown.  As I approached the register, hands filled with sandwiches, drinks, and sweets I noticed a captivating image of a thrilling surf. 

At first glance I thought the image was a photograph, but as I moved closer I could see the artist's incredible talent.  Using hefty impasto, Annie Wildey created a foamy effect, while capturing changes in light within a cresting wave. I looked around the shop and discovered more of these surf paintings, each unique in their movement and lighting.  Some featured surf in foggy settings, while others focused specifically on the wild, but serene nature of a cresting wave.  

Sometimes you come along a piece of artwork that completely captures your attention.  I have always been drawn to the ocean and perhaps that is why I had such a strong reaction to Ms. Wildey's work. Here is a sampling from Ms. Wildey's website.  I suggest visiting www.anniewildey.com for more information about the artist and her work. 

Images via www.anniewildey.com

SPRING INTO SUMMER: COASTAL INSPIRED TEXTURES

After Memorial Day weekend, I am in summer mode.  I lighten up my decor with crisp cotton bedding and all windows are opened, allowing the outdoors in.  I am also excited for long summer nights outside (something I look forward to all year.) 

The days continue to get longer and the sun gets stronger.  Trips to summer homes and coastal destinations start to occur. This is also a great time to be home, but maybe you still need a change of pace and perspective?  If this is the case, I suggest switching out some of your heavy winter decor, with coastal inspired textures.  You can achieve a change of scenery by making a few simple adjustments.  With this in mind, I thought I would share a few ideas on how to create a laid back, summery, coastal feel, using natural textures.  

Sources: 
First image via @againteriordesign Instagram 

1.) www.cowtan.com

2.) www.potterybarn.com

3.) Interior design by AGA Design

4.) www.meridastudio.com

5.) www.crateandbarrel.com

INSPIRATION: A WARM & INVITING FAMILY ROOM

As a young interior designer, I am frequently faced with the statement "your home must be amazing," hinting that I live at the Taj Mahal or some grand property. Truth of the matter is, I spend much of my time thinking about rooms for my clients and their families, leaving little time for my own home.  Someone recently asked me the very difficult question: "what would you include in your dream family room?"   I have to admit, I am my own worst client.  I am indecisive, incredibly picky, and I have to consider all options before making a final decision.  Daily exposure to expansive collections of fabrics, lighting, and furniture sometimes makes designing for myself the hardest.  There is always the fear, that I will commit to a fabric or a chair, and then I will suddenly find an alternative option that I prefer.  Style is forever evolving, however, there are a few pieces that I know will remain current.  

When I design for myself and my clients, I try to remain true to these classics, ensuring that the spaces I create will be enjoyed for years to come. My intent is to create comfortable, warm, inviting, and functional spaces.  Below are a few of my "family room classics:"

1.) A well built and comfortable sofa. I typically like a slipcovered sofa in the Family Room for a relaxed look, that is easy to clean. 

2.) A substantial coffee table, which I believe is the true heart of the room.  Depending on the use of the space either an upholstered ottoman, a wood table, or an oversized trunk. I tend to stay away from glass and metals in the family room.  This is one of the most frequently used spaces in the home, why not make it comfortable?

3.) Side chairs, for additional seating during family gatherings and parties.

4.) Table lamps, creating a well-lit and welcoming space.

5.) Window treatments are key!  Many feel that they can skip this item altogether.  I typically suggest full length draperies, for a soft affect, while adding privacy and additional pattern/color to the space.  I also love to layer a natural wood weave shade with a linen pattern drape, for added texture. 

With these classics in mind, here is inspiration for my dream family room.  I hope this inspires you to redesign, update, or maybe enjoy your family room as styled today.  Happy Sunday!

Get the look, sources and credits: 

- Olive Tree via internet source

- Tree Basket, potterybarn

- Accent Table, arhaus

- Chair, hickorychair

- Drapery Fabric, Kerry Joyce

- Drapery Hardware, ballarddesign

- Wallcovering, Cowtan & Tout 

- Painting by Edith Prellwitz 

- Fabric Pairing, Kerry Joyce, Cowtan & Tout, Carleton V

- Lamp, bunnywilliamshome

- Sofa, arhaus

- Coffee Table, via internet source

- Rug, starkcarpet

- Standing Lamp, restorationhardware
Visit Arhaus for additional inspiration 

First image via @againteriordesign on instagram 

FRESH INSPIRATION: WALLPAPER

If you are looking to make a room pop, I suggest installing wallpaper for color and pattern.  Over the past few years wallpaper has gained popularity and I am frequently this update for powder rooms, dining rooms, and even laundry rooms.   Here are a few of my top blue and green wallpaper picks: 

Galbraith & Paul Lotus in Fennel Galbraith&Paul

Hummingbirds, Blue Multi-Coulour, LeeJofa

 Galbraith & Paul Parquet in Sea Galbraith&Paul

Thibaut Design, Fair Isle in Green & Blue ThibautDesign

Scalamandre, Gertrude's Plaid in Dark Blue Scalamandre

Pierre Frey, Bonne Pêche in Bleu PierreFrey

Manuel Canovas, Anvers Wallpaper Cowtan

Kaleidoscopic Crest Wallpaper, Teal Anthropologie

Cover image via galbraithandpaul.com

FRESH INSPIRATION: COLOR

Months before the announcement of the Pantone Color of the Year, I had my eye on a new favorite color pairing: green and blue.  This fresh and sophisticated palette is great for any application.  Whether you are looking to add some green and blue throw pillows to a room in need of color or you are trying to update a forgotten powder room with an exciting new wallpaper, green and blue is my new favorite.   

Try soft gray blue and pale lime for a serene bedroom or mossy green and sapphire blue for a dramatic library.  You can also take this color pairing from coastal home to home in the suburbs.  Here are a few photos for inspiration: 

Images via Pinterest

FRESH INSPIRATION FOR A NEW YEAR

The past few weeks have been filled with holiday parties, gatherings, and festive outfits featuring sparkles and fur.  This exciting whirlwind has come to a sudden halt, our tree is dismantled and decorations have been carefully packed away for next year.  The winter blues have set in and the long cold months ahead loom over us as the final Christmas cookies are devoured.  

This seasonal slum hit me hard this weekend.  I don't know if this helped or made it worse, but I started revisiting summer photos and images from previous tropical getaways.  Each photo was filled with roaring cool blue surf and rich green foliage, which got me thinking about color.  Sunlight and temperature have something to do with the happy feelings associated with these settings, but so do the colors. Maybe all we need is a little color update to get us through the winter blues?  

With this in mind, I began my search for blue and green inspiration.  This is a great time to consider updating or redesigning your home.  Whether you plan to add a chinoiserie planter with fresh green plants or wallpaper your powder room in a cheerful green and blue paper, this week will offer plenty of inspiration to beat the winter blues.  

Image via @againteriordesign instagram

BRIGHTEN UP: LET THERE BE LIGHT

This is a great time to reconsider the lighting in your home.  A new table lamp is a wonderful quick fix for both updating and brightening a space.  I frequently advise clients to incorporate color and pattern using lamps and accessories.  Here are a few of my top picks for all budgets: 

1.) Ballard Designs, Suzanne Kasler Gourd Lamp www.ballarddesigns.com

2.) Layla Grace, Jaipur Table Lamp www.laylagrayce.com

3.) Lamps Plus, English Blue & White Porcelain Temple Jar Lamp www.lampsplus.com

4.) Circa Lighting, Mimi Table Lamp www.circalighting.com

5.) Layla Grace, Samantha Triple Gourd Table Lamp www.laylagrayce.com

6.) Layla Grace, Bunny Williams Home Chicken Feather Brown Table Lamp www.laylagrayce.com

BRIGHTEN UP: YELLOW

Growing up, my mom decorated with all things yellow and tree of life themed.  To this day, her taste remains the same.  Classic, warm, and welcoming are all descriptions that come to mind when I think of the yellow rooms at my parent's home.  Our house was positioned so that it received both the morning light on the front and the afternoon light on the back.  In the summer the sunlight was shaded by the full trees, but in the wintertime the trees were bare, allowing these rooms (particularly the living room) to take on a stunning late afternoon glow.  On winter afternoons, my mom could be found with her companion (Prudence the Pug) reading or catching up on emails, in this sun filled room.  It is spaces like these that can help us get through the gray days ahead.  Color can affect our daily emotions and behaviors, so why not go with a color that makes you happy?  

With this in mind, I recently designed a yellow guest bedroom for one of my clients, which got me thinking about color and trends.  We seem to be stuck in a navy and gray rut.  I think this color combination can be very beautiful, but does everything have to be in these colors?  With this in consideration, I thought I would share inspiration for bright and cheerful yellow rooms.   

Images via Pinterest

RETURN TO HOME: WHAT TO WEAR

Visit the following websites for more information about these products and designers: 
1.) www.nantucketlooms.com
2.) www.pomelinejewelry.com
3.) artemisdesignco.com

Images via websites above 

FINAL DAYS OF SUMMER: TABLESCAPE

When I first began my search for summer inspired table-scapes I grabbed a random group of images.  When I revisited my selection, I realized all but one featured a blue and white palette.  Once again my love for this color combination is apparent, but what better time to enjoy this classic pairing than the final days of summer?

Blue and white or not, my number one suggestion for creating your next table setting is to not be afraid of layering multiple textures and patterns.  Here are a few examples: 

Images via Pinterest