a little luxe

Working On....

2012-03-13T14:41:00.003-05:00

Just a few iPhone snaps of a client's living room I am working on.... cute doggie included...

Putting the few last touches together with curtains, art and accessories.... my favorite part!

Here is a detail of the table. It is even more awesome in person..... a little glam, a little distressed, not over the top. Works perfect!

Hope everyone is having a great start to spring! We are having quite the rainy one on Spring Break this week! So glad for the cold to be gone though! Bring on the sun!

Little Lucy.....

2012-02-06T06:45:00.001-06:00

Meet our new little girl...... Lucy!

Isn't that face just the sweetest!

Our Kitchen.... Finally

2012-02-03T06:30:00.001-06:00

So finally the kitchen post. I have to confess it has been done (well the major points) for a while, but I just wanted it to get to that lived in point before I posted it. Make sense? Switched accessories in and out... back and forth... and then back in again.

If you remember my previous post the kitchen was a dark, typical builder kitchen with large backsplash tile and "accents". The cherry color of the cabinets clashed with the granite so that had to go. We painted it a soft white to match the trim of the rest of the house. This brightened it up a lot. The granite we kept for cost considerations. Not what I would pick, but it works. We added polished nickel pulls, a subway backsplash with dark grout for that graphic edge.

I chose to go with a modern, industrial style faucet to really make it stand out and contrast with the traditional elements of the kitchen. So glad I went with it. Love it.

The saddle seat stools I purchased through an unfinished furniture store online. I wanted this style but not the typical black or stained wood. I ended up painting them in leftover bedroom paint in a soft gray blue. The rug I "won" on ebay a few years ago. The rest of the accessories are vintage or things I just found along the way. My jars found a home here.

So that's it! That's the tour! I do eventually want to make a shade or a cafe curtain for the window. Also debating whether to do large island lights or just a small pendant over the sink. The Husband is not convinced, but he will be.

Always in progress!

Perfection.....

2012-01-23T09:47:00.006-06:00

Jaqui Getty's Hollywood home is just perfection to me.

It's feminine but not frilly or prissy....

A moment of chaos.....

Feels personal and not "decorated"......

Blue and white makes everything better..... always....

A library of sorts...... I really love tables stacked with books. Adds that "messiness" all homes need....

Great iron bed with a Jackson Pollock above it no less.... A great suzani, a good black and white stripe adding that graphic touch....

Little dishes and great baubles....

All images via C Magazine

Hope 2012 is starting off well for everyone! There has been a lot of " Ok go!.... No wait stop! Ok you can go again..... ummm no stop!" Been busy, busy.... that's a good way to start in my book!

Our Cute Boy...

2012-01-05T08:00:00.001-06:00

Our littlest turned 3 over the holiday... how fast it flies.....

Happy Birthday Dixon! We love you!

Merry & Bright.....

2011-12-30T07:22:00.002-06:00

Wishing you all things merry & bright and a Happy New Year!

Christmas in 6 Days.... What???

2011-12-19T06:01:00.010-06:00

6 days? Where has this month gone? Or last month for that matter! But deadlines are good right? Deadlines keep us on track. Especially when you have 20 people coming for Christmas Eve Dinner. We do this every year, its not like its a surprise, but somehow I AM surprised that it is so close?

via And George

So we have been getting things done left and right around here. Painting, and more painting, faucets, organizing, getting things all in place. Things I have been trying to figure out for months. But that deadline... that deadline... gets that decision made! So after the new year I will have a few peeks for ya'll.... just not quite right yet. But who am I kidding it will never be perfect, but just about there. For me anyway.....

Plus the Christmas shopping! I have to say I have been pretty good about that this year, unlike previous years when I have been Last Minute Lucy!

via The Glitter Guide

Gift are wrapped or ordered and on the way. Don't you love that free shipping by Christmas Eve?

I know we have all seen this one but too fantastic not to include! That chevron makes it....

Jill Brinson via Atlanta Homes Magazine

Christmas decorating is just about complete. This week the boys are out of school so I plan on doing some craft Christmas projects with them to add to our decorations. Nothing like some kids crafts at Christmas! Lets see if I can hold there attention for a few minutes. Pinterest as I'm sure we all know has had some great ones! I think we might give this one a whirl today....

Paper Scrap Tree

Cute and super simple! Anyone have any favorite Christmas decorating ideas this year?

Back from New Orleans.....

2011-11-18T06:30:00.001-06:00

Hello all! Well I am back from New Orleans... well I have been back but a two day trip really takes a week to get back into the swing of things... why is that?

Just wanted to share some pics of my trip!

Isn't this hardware amazing? The scale of it was huge too which made it even more fantastic.

I also saw this....

via Pinterest

Attached to a shoe boutique. I was trying to get a photo of it but there was this couple that just would not move... I mean I'm trying to get a picture of the door knocker people! Don't they know? Maybe it was the same one? Maybe not, but it was fabulous!

More walking...... this is Magazine street. I could not get enough of the details on these buildings.....

I did manage to drag the Mister into a few shops.... mostly he stayed outside and I went in.

Lots of mirrors......

Ignore the faceless woman in the mirror......

This is Perch....

Did you see the owner Caroline Robert's home featured in Lonny? It was truly stunning.....

She was there that day, but I geeked out and didn't say hello and tell her how fabulous her home and store is. I know my husband won't let me live that down...

How cute are these mini Kartell Ghost chairs?

Had a great time in New Orleans. I always wish I had one more day there.

Leaving on a Jet Plane......

2011-11-09T16:02:00.008-06:00

I'm headed to New Orleans for a weekend with my Mister and great friends. I LOVE New Orleans. Such a great city with FANTASTIC food ( yes that is first on my list ), old buildings and homes that are that just perfect kind of old, quirky people, music, and great little shops.

I mean how many cities still have this kind of charm?

via Pinterest

On a side note I think this would be great to wear on the trip......

via Pinterest

Isn't that just perfection? Ladylike and modern and bold all at the same time....

But I don't think it's in the cards this trip.... we are going for the University of Houston v Tulane game. So if I can drag my husband to a shop or two maybe we'll come back with something fun for the casa. I'm only kidding.... he is a good sport with my excursions...... I think he secretly likes it although he won't admit it!

I'll be back next week with pics to share and hopefully maybe a little fun find!

My Trick or Treaters....

2011-11-01T10:37:00.003-05:00

Had to share pics of my little trick or treaters!

You will notice both are on the move. I had no shot of getting a photo of them standing still... to much candy to be had!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T15:03:00.006-05:00

Wishing you a spookily stylish Halloween!

Perfectly Imperfect....

2011-10-27T07:00:00.002-05:00

I just ordered a copy of Deborah Needleman's new book, The Perfectly Imperfect Home. I have to say, it is so refreshing to see that imperfection is being embraced.

Now I am totally guilty of perfectionism. I never reach it of course ( who can ), but I have slowly been letting go of that and what a relief! Perfection is totally paralyzing. It doesn't evolve, it is stagnant. Creativity is nothing but a constant evolution.

I really enjoyed the feature in the November issue of Martha Stewart on Deborah Needleman's home. We also saw it a few years back in the premier issue of Lonny. I love when I get to see more images, different images.

Her home is relaxed and real......

Comfortable and playful.....

Lived in and clearly loved......

all images via Martha Stewart Living

I think it is great to see more homes ( especially ones featured in magazines and books ) that are "real". Not a staid magazine shot. You can see life in them. As if someone just left the room. I love that.

Can't wait for it to arrive! It is being released November 1st!

So handsome....

2011-10-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

This handsome guy came home with me....

He's shiny but not too shiny and has fantastic copper rivet details. The handles are to die for. A bit equestrian(ish). Loved him the moment I saw him. Having a romance with brass and copper I suppose.

Seems like 1st Dibs likes him too. Got him for a steal! He is looking quite perfect in my entry....needs a few friends like maybe a rustic kind of table over him to contrast. Love the contrast of that. A fabulous boldly colored lamp. Some stacks and bowls and all those little things that make it perfect in their imperfect way! The hunt continues!

Fall? Are you here?

2011-10-18T06:10:00.000-05:00

Fall is finally on its way to Texas. We have had our fill of summer! Or as my oldest would say, " I'm done with this hot day. I'm ready for winter." Me too Wyatt......

Sunday we made some pumpkin pie, which definitely gets me in the mood for chilly air.

Not my pie but isn't that a cute plate? Recipe sounds delish too....

Sweet Bites

In the fall I love to layer so I am really loving combining two textures and fabrics for seating.

Poppy Talk

I love how it makes it more inviting and casual. Kind of like an outfit just thrown together but looks fabulous.... effortless.

House & Home

A pattern is especially fabulous.....

Elle Decor via Urban Grace

My two chairs in my living room could use this treatment. The littlest is constantly getting some sort of goober of some sort on the seat ( they are white ). This just might be the answer!

Etsy Love....

2011-10-10T14:35:00.009-05:00

Etsy is such a wonderful source for art. Truly special pieces ....

Hope your week is starting off great!

Thinking.....

2011-09-16T07:00:00.004-05:00

via Elle Decor

via Lucy Laucht

via La Belle Vie

via Pink Wallpaper

This quote or these images could not express my thoughts better! Perfect combination of simplicity and that little something special......

Happy Friday!

Vintage.....

2011-09-12T11:00:00.002-05:00

There really is nothing like a vintage piece. New pieces just can't replicate it. Adds such a depth and character to a space.

I truly believe adding a vintage piece whether it be a lamp, a chair, a rug, or any other quirky little curiousity adds a story line to your room. New pieces just can't do that in the same way.

Here are a few recent finds of mine!

The two chairs to either side of the console I got at an antiques shop I ALWAYS stop at on the way to pick up the boys from school. Even if I just have 10 minutes I stop in. I always find something.

Here are a few detail shots.....

Great brass nailhead detailing......

The leather is perfectly aged and worn....

These fantastic lamps were a find from Craig's List. We went to pick up a new head board and footboard for my youngest. They guy was in a storage unit, we pulled up and there were 6 units FULL of fantastic things! I spotted these lamps before we even got out of the truck. Listed at $12 a lamp! What!!!!??? But then of course my husband talked him down to $5 a lamp! He is my partner in crime. We are a good team on these excursions!

A little bare I know. Waiting on these lampshades that are backordered until mid October. English barrel, black linen with metallic gold interior. Yum.....

They are in perfect condition and actually still work! The socket and cord looked like it had already been replaced. They are really tall. About 32" high, which is perfect for this space as the windows are really tall and needed something to fill it up.

Love it when you find the perfect thing you weren't looking for!

Leather & Chrome...

2011-08-20T08:10:00.000-05:00

I love the combination of a beautiful caramel leather and chrome in mid century style. I recently found some chairs like the ones below on Craig's List and I am kicking myself for not getting them. They were knock offs I'm sure, but great nonetheless.

via Thomas O'Brien

It lends a masculine feel, but a softer version...

via Pinterest

I am beginning to turn into a chair hoarder. What is it about chairs?!

Unknown

Maybe some chairs like these will come across my path again!

Have a great weekend!

Black and Blue......

2011-08-19T14:20:00.003-05:00

I love the combination of black and blue. In all shades of blue..... turquoise, pale aqua, soft powder blue, cobalt, and even navy.

via Nathan Turner

via Lonny

It is graphic and classic.....

via Lonny

Modern but traditional....

via Simply Seleta

When paired together its even better....

via Elle Decor

I have my bedroom on the mind lately. We haven't done anything to it yet and it is currently this horrible shade of tanish, peachish, yellowish paint. Or as I call it the shade of death. Needless to say it is just a depressing and NOT restful color.

I have got all my linens so far and I THINK a paint color picked out. Still searching for a rug. I might switch some I have around

More to come... hopefully sooner than later!

Pinterest Loveliness....

2011-08-08T06:45:00.002-05:00

I peeked in the door and got sucked in......

All images via Pinterest

A Little Quirk.....

2011-08-05T06:45:00.004-05:00

Love this bedroom! The block print, the black and white striped rug, the hit of blue......

And the fantastic portrait of an elegant woman........... in quirky glasses holding her bright pink lingerie.... Ha!

All images via Architectural Digest

Chair Deliciousness....

2011-08-03T06:30:00.002-05:00

Remember this chair? And this print? Well I got 'em! Yay! So happy the way it all turned out. Love it when that happens.....

A Few Obsessions.......

2011-08-01T06:30:00.003-05:00

A few obsessions of mine lately.....

Fabulous vase from Dwell Studio..... makes me think of gorgeous golden confetti.......

Dwell Studio

Quilted throws from West Elm. Each one unique. Would love one at the end of my bed or tucked into the cushions of my very beige and practical sofa..... ;)

West Elm

Crazy gorgeous.....

Frieda Sophie

Happy shopping!!!!

Feelin' my vibe.....

2011-07-15T14:07:00.013-05:00

I am sure this is not the first time you have seen them but I just want to express my ~~obsession~~ love for all things Ruthie Sommers. I cannot get enough of her feature in Lonny this month. Love the quirkiness, cheerful, lived in vibe. As I always ask my husband, “Are you feelin’ my vibe?”. Well Ruthie ..... I am feelin’ your vibe.

It is a wonderful mish mash of patterns, texture, and color. Definitely maximalist home which is totally me. I used to think I needed to pare down items in my home to create calm. This is probably true for most people, but ironically for me I am less calm.

Calm in the chaos I guess. Case in point.... my 4 year old Wyatt is building a fortress of paper towel and toilet paper rolls around me as I calmly write this post. Can I just stay in here the rest of the day?

Ok now to the gorgeous photos....

Black and white floors and pink velvet.... yes please!!!

Animal print, blue and white jars, chinoiserie, love it all.....

Hello!!!!!! So bold and daring.....

Those crocodile walls are to die for.....

Love that blue and white lamp....... I really never tire of those.

Love those pink bins under that cooky table... too fabulous!

**all images via Lonny

Have a great weekend!

Too much time......

2011-07-07T16:19:00.011-05:00

In case you didn't notice, the blog is looking a little different. What started out as a little tweak, kept going and going and going. Then I couldn't stop as I completely re-arranged things unintentionally. See I have a sick kiddo asleep which leaves a lot of time on my hands! So I beg for your patience as I tidy and snazzy things up around here. Oh and I have a lot to share with you on our house. I know, I know.... wow she takes a long time. Lots of pictures to come.... as soon as I can get my house clean. I like to keep it real but not that real.

Oh and can someone tell me why everything is underlined? Geesh..... what did I get into!

In the mean time here are some pretty little offices that I would love to be sitting in.... mine is currently an in house storage facility......

via Pinterest

via Lonny

Fantastic.....

2011-06-29T07:06:00.003-05:00

Shut up with this red desk......

via Ballustrade & Bitters

Love it!

Addicted

2011-06-23T16:49:00.010-05:00

So it appears I'm addicted to pillows and textiles. I have now accumulated more pillows than I have seating for. This is not actually a bad addiction though..... now it can fuel my addiction to chairs... it never ends. I spotted these recently and I think I need one badly....

via The Loaded Trunk

Aren't they just so cheery? Just love 'em....

Loving.......

2011-06-16T05:59:00.015-05:00

Warm and bright.......

Katie Leede via An Indian Summer

Hopefully will live with me soon.......

via Art.com

Adore this headboard.......

via Amy Meier Design

Makes me happy......

Paul Octavious Kite HIll via 20x200

Can't Get You Out of My Mind......

2011-06-07T07:20:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was a good day... kids at school, husband off work, breakfast in a restaurant that actually does not give you crayons at the table, and some antique and thrift store shopping..... Oh and did I mention the gigantic dark chocolate ice cream cone with lemon custard ice cream and dark chocolate chips..... yeah good day.

So at one of the antique shops I spotted some chairs like these......

via Coastal LIving

30 BUCKS EACH ..... just needs a new cushion. Now in my previous post I talked about getting something a little more modern as my end chairs.... Ohhhh but how I loved these chairs..... not modern, but kind funky and interesting. I think I might have to go back and get them.

The people at this particular store I am convinced probably think I'm nuts... or obsessed.... or have some sort of addiction to shopping ( which might just be true.... not the actually buying but the constant addiction to the hunt ). I stop at the store a lot.... on the way to pick up the kids from school.

How could I not stop? I mean what if they have something I haven't seen? What if I want it and someone else gets it? Mind you these are things in my imagination that are there that I am sure I would want so I just have to make sure I get them...... Mental patient here yes......

So anyway back to the chairs..... Since this post began I have convinced myself that I have to go back to get the chairs, so now there is the dilemma or lets say challenge ( I mean this is not really a problem ) is to get some sort of modernity in there. I could add something more modern to the table.......

West Elm

I could limit the color palette to simplify......

Dransfield & Ross

via A Perfect Gray

Already going to add some modern art and photography........

Ripple via Honey Tree

Love this combination of modern and traditional......

Kate & Andy Spade's home via The Selby

I will report back soon if I shoved them in my car and brought them home! Cross your fingers they are still there!

On the Hunt - Dining Room

2011-06-03T06:30:00.005-05:00

Last weekend we painted our dining room. We landed on Flagstone by Martha Stewart.

I might wish it was a tad lighter but the walls are still blank, so it's a lot of one color if you know what I mean. Once I hang art I'm sure it will tone it down a bit.

So NOW I am on the hunt for a knock out light fixture, but not a knock out price. I have a traditional table and benches that are yet to be padded and slipped. I thought about doing something modern like this......

This being my inspiration......

via Living Etc.

or something like this.......

This being my inspiration...... ( well the upside down version )

via Better Homes and Gardens

I am also on the hunt for end dining chairs. I am leaning towards something that is a bridge between modern and traditional.

Maybe a Ghost Chair?

via Little Blue Deer

Or maybe these?

via Remodelista

Probably neither is very comfortable, but we usually don't sit long if we even sit in there at all. We are going for looks here people! Half kidding...... And kid proof for sure.... My boys have broken more chairs than I care to remember. Ramming a truck into them and knocking them over, falling out of them and the chair and the boys coming down, you name it. Geesh they sound like animals... ha! they aren't, just high energy!

I love that juxtaposition of modern and traditional. Always fresh. I do have some more modern and abstract artwork, but I need that punch a little more.

Sorry I jump around a bit. Dining room, to kitchen, to living room. Hope I'm not hard to follow! I just post as I find or do things. Promise to post pics of the kitchen soon!

A Million... Really?

2011-06-01T16:07:00.002-05:00

Million Dollar Decorators premiered last night. Kind of luke warm about it. Although I still will keep watching. The question I have is ..... A million dollars really? Nothing was on sale?

I do love Nathan Turner's store though......

Click on the link for a tour - Nathan Turner's Shop Tour

And Kathryn Ireland's house........

Click on the link for a tour - Kathryn Ireland's House Tour

We will see what the other episodes have in store!

Have a great Wednesday!

Glossy Black Yumminess.....

2011-05-25T07:00:00.008-05:00

I love black doors in a home. So elegant and dramatic......

Living Etc.

Unknown

Nate Berkus

My love for this was reinforced when a painted this chair.....

..........a glossy delicious black. Here is a little sneak peek. I still need to send if off to the upholsterer. I love how the black ticking stripe pairs with it. Classic, with a little oomph of the gloss.

Now I just have to talk the Mr. into it.... He looked a little deer in the headlights when I mentioned it. Maybe I'll surprise him... ha ha! I have a history of surprise painting....

Bold Blue on a Monday....

2011-05-23T11:30:00.005-05:00

These bold hits of blue are definitely not making me blue. Love how they are bright but add warmth to rooms at the same time......

via Elle Decor

Sara Gilbane

via Chic Modern Vintage

Ashley Putman via Lonny

Nate Berkus via Elle Decor

Kate Spade via The Selby

I spotted this pillow on sale at IKEA. Love it! Really picks up on my growing collection of ginger jars.

Have a great Monday!

Sneak Peek.....

2011-05-09T06:32:00.011-05:00

It is all coming together! Here is a sneak peek of my kitchen and breakfast room...

Chair came back re-caned! Love them. So glad I went with the cane and didn't upholster them. First day back Dixon squished chocolate cake on the seats. Wiped right off!

Still need to get some woven wood shades. The new pendant light is on its way. Love the look of curtains with the shades, but not in here. Would get too dirty. So just the shades it will be.

Remember the before? Well we put a good coat of soft white paint on the cabinets, new subway tile backsplash with dark grout which I really love, and added polished nickel pulls and knobs to the cabinets. The granite stayed, not what I would have picked but it is growing on me. The new paint helps a lot. The previous cherry stain on the cabinets totally clashed with it.

Detail shot.... Please excuse that little bit of tape under the counter. Still doing detail work.

Choosing a new polished nickel or maybe an industrial style faucet today (well I hope I can make a decision today... ha!) Also a new roman shade in a fun fabric or maybe cafe curtains for the window above the sink. This I am going to attempt to make myself. Cafe curtains I feel confident with. But the roman shade might be ambitious. Gotta try anyway!

Stay tuned there will be more to come!

Happy Birthday to My Best Friend.......

2011-05-09T06:00:00.001-05:00

Happy birthday Eric! Love you!

Kitchen Progress.......

2011-04-26T12:00:00.003-05:00

As I write this post I am hiding out in my bedroom pretending there is not chaos beyond the door. But, we are making a bit more progress around here. Just doing a few tweaks to the kitchen. Paint, new backsplash, hardware, and faucet to brighten the kitchen. Wyatt ( my oldest ) says this morning "Who made all this messy mess! Mommy you fix this messy mess?" Yes Wyatt, it is a MESSY MESS!

A before shot of the kitchen....

A during shot.......

This is the state as of this morning.... the key here is patience. Just trying to remember my inspirations.......

Kim Fiscus via House Beautiful

Susan Tully via House Beautiful

Steven Gambrel

Victoria Hagan via Elle Decor

See anything in common? Clean, white, subway tiles...... classic in my book. Plus a mix of something modern to keep it fresh.

Killin' Time....

2011-04-20T06:00:00.008-05:00

I love a stop at Home Goods to kill some time.......

Should have gotten these.....

Great chair for a reading nook.....

In case you need a knight to guard your door.... ha!

I could totally see this in a teen girls room.... such sparkle....

Another one I should have gotten.... Love the color and texture of it.....

Just Wanna Have Fun.......

2011-04-19T15:03:00.004-05:00

Love her!

Stop! Wrong Way!

2011-04-18T06:00:00.003-05:00

Ok so my rug arrived..... beautiful, BUT........ so bright. I knew it would be bright but I immediately knew it wouldn't work. It would end up being one of those things that you have to talk yourself into. Which I do way to often. I want to choose things for the new house purely on instinct. If it makes me "wiggly" or its not vibe-ing ( don't you love my proper English ) then DON'T DO IT!!!!

So back to square one.... sort of. I started to look around the house and began to notice my favorite things I own and images are all soft blues, and greens, creams..... and definitely black, lots of black. Love that contrast. So that is the direction I am going. Things that speak to me... and hopefully my husband likes them too...... good bonus.

Southern Living

Why is it so simple to design for others and not yourself ?! You feel me on that designers out there? I mean I'm supposed to be an expert right? Well easier said than done. My problem is I like SO MANY things that its hard to hone in. I truly do love every style of design, or combination there of. I truly do. But I have to do what works for me and my fam, what is practical, and what is classic to ME. If you love it then its YOUR classic. It will be timeless to you.

Southern Living

I love, love this bedroom. That combination of dark and light just does it for me. Wood and the brass adds such warmth.......and I love a bed with piles of pillows.

Lonny

Love the crisp simplicity of this kitchen......

Cottage Living

Remember this table? Over the weekend I began its transformation ( to use a really dramatic word ). I painted it, distressed it a little and rubbed a stain over the top to give it some depth. The next step will be to polyurethane it to death on the top so my little ones don't completely destroy it. But the back up is the distressing so that if they do no one will notice.

The chinoiserie chairs have been sent to be re-caned. I could see they had been originally so I decided to re-cane instead of upholster the seat. I think it will work better in the long run for grubby little boy fingers.

Hope everyone had a really good weekend! Mine was filled with painting and more painting and a little of this ....

Have a great Monday!

Trad Home Live!

2011-04-12T16:55:00.006-05:00

It's live and its awesome......

And she's mine......

2011-04-06T17:14:00.007-05:00

Makin' deals on Ebay..... now where am I going to put you?

Finally.....

2011-04-04T15:00:00.005-05:00

We are finally here! A little tired, a little worn, but super excited. Things around here are starting to take shape....

We had the floors installed over the week..... my sweeping helper.....

We decided to do laminate. I love it. We have had hardwood in the past and this just takes a beating better. Feels a little different underfoot, but I think it looks great!

Walls are going a soft white to match the trim...... Something like this.....

Would you like to take a seat? Looks comfy right? Ha! Craigs List find. Soon to be painted soft white and antiqued by moi and upholstered, not by moi.... just need to find a snazzy fabric...

I am thinking something like this.....

Lewis and Sheron

Searching on Ebay for a rug like this.....

Jayson Home and Garden

The breakfast table is getting painted a warm gray. I am thinking Sherwin Williams Hardware...

Remember these? Keeping the chair finish as is. I think it will add some warmth to the kitchen ( a whole other post). These chairs look comfy too right? Chairs are like shoes to me.... its a sickness.

I am thinking this......

Lewis and Sheron

You might find that I ump around a bit room to room. I like to do little bits to every room at the same time. These are the projects that are up first. We have nowhere to sit! Ha! Painting starts soon!

More to come! The wheels are turnin'!

Boldly.....

2011-03-25T20:36:00.001-05:00

I always gravitate towards bold rooms like these in the spring. Don' t they just put a smile on your face? So cheerful.....

Elle Decor

Katie Ridder

Hillary Thomas

Speaking of putting a smile on your face..... moving day is tomorrow! Or I might be smiling because I am delirious from all the packing?

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

2011-03-23T19:57:00.011-05:00

Happy birthday my sweet Wyatt! Silly, smart, clever, and sweet all rolled into one handsome little boy. I can't believe you are 4 years old!

We love you!

A Little Monday Moving.......

2011-03-21T11:00:00.005-05:00

Happy Monday all! A little peek a what's been going on over here....

Boxes.....

And more boxes......

But my little Wyatt did bring home a bit of spring for me yesterday......

Lovin' the chaos! 7 days and counting till we are outta here!

Stunning.....

2011-03-11T17:27:00.005-06:00

Aren't these stunning? The work of Lisa Martensen and Jan Jones of the Dallas based firm of Martensen Jones Interiors. Love the collected, eclectic style of their rooms. You must check out the rest of their portfolio.

Martensen Jones Interiors

On a personal note I have been soooooo wanting to share all my ideas for the new house. But..... I'm scared I'm going to jinx it! Not official yet you know! I think I have finally narrowed down the million paint swatches I was looking at!But my favorite part will be hunting around antique marts and thrift shops. Nothing like finding a treasure wayyyyy at the back hiding. I will share soon!

Have a great weekend!

Sighhhh....

2011-03-09T15:23:00.001-06:00

Love a Sarah Richardson bath...... never disappoints......

Hello? Anybody There?

2011-03-02T12:25:00.010-06:00

Please excuse my few and far between posts lately. We FINALLY sold our house! Nothing is final yet and I am still holding my breath, but we must be out of the house in 3 weeks! What! And have I packed one dish? One book? One toy? NOPE. NADA. NOTHIN'..... Ha!

On the flip side we also made an offer on another house yesterday! Whew! My brain in spinning a bit.

Literally at 3 am I was up thinking about paint swatches and wood floors. Seriously.... its a disease. A curse sometimes..... but I love it.....

So on to other designery ( not a word, but my word ) issues.....

Kids rooms have been on my mind. We want the boys to feel right at home when we move. I know what a change that is for little guys.

via Oh Dee Doh

via Cookie

via Southern Living

Promise to be back more often! I have lots of design on the mind!

Charming.....

2011-02-24T05:44:00.007-06:00

Just another fave from Angie Hranowsky.........

via Angie Hranowsky

You can see it in the March 2011 issue of Southern Living. Love this house.... has such charm.

Off to New Orleans this weekend with my husband.... love that town don't you?

Have a great weekend!

A Little of This a Little of That.....

2011-02-07T15:02:00.002-06:00

A few things on my radar lately....

Hope everyone is having a good start to the week!

Jennifer

Monday Pretties......

2011-01-31T06:27:00.007-06:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Here are some cheerful pretties to start your week.....

via La Belle Vie

via Canadian House and Home

Unknown

Jennifer

Fast Forward.....

2011-01-26T13:18:00.009-06:00

Let's fast forward shall we? Ok I'm pretending we have sold the house. This whole process is definitely testing my patience. I would seriously pack up today at this point. I really think I could do it in a day. Determined I am......

So, I have been working on ideas for the new house and thinking about what we want to keep, get new...... or new to me anyway, love a good vintage or Craigslist find! Here is a little something I have been working on for the living room. All boys here except for me so I need it to be hardwearing, not too feminine ( although a little girly touch is always needed ) and fun! Some of these pieces I already have ( the console and pharmacy lamp ) most are new wish list items, but not too expensive. Don't want to wish myself right out of it!

I am thinking the sofa in that beautiful, dusty teal with an accent of the black and white ticking stripe, both from Calico Corners. I was even thinking to do the seat cushion in the contrasting stripe. Crazy? I love doing it on chairs but wonder if it might be too much on an entire seat. I think it could be pretty fabulous if I could pull it off.

Great vintage looking leather chair on casters. We have always had a leather chair and it wears well. Just want a new version.

Two ottomans facing the sofa on the slip-covered in the animal ikat from Lewis and Sheron.

Diamond pattern jute rug from West Elm. We have a jute now from there, but I want to bring a bit more pattern. Wears EXTREMELY well. You won't believe what we have had on there. You would never know.

Console is from Crate and Barrel. I love it. Much prettier in person than online.

My feminine touch comes in through the floral draperies in fabric from Lewis and Sheron. I will probably get natural shades to go with this for light control and to bring some more texture in the space. I love natural texture.

Large basket is from Ikea. It's huge and WELL priced. Can't have enough toy storage. I would probably get two of these.

Art is from Etsy. Two of my favorite artists. The two women lying down is Lisa Golightly of Kiki and Polly. The one below is Matte Stephens.

Picture all this mixed with vintage english and french prints inherited from my grandparents and vintage finds.

I really hope I don't have to fast forward too far! Cross your fingers for me!

Jennifer

Etsy Finds.....

2011-01-20T07:19:00.003-06:00

Love Etsy ......don't you? Here are some of my faves lately......

Cynthia Vardhan Ceramics

Such sweet bud vases, dishes are perfect for putting special pieces of jewelry.

Tastes Orangey - Clare Elsaesser

Recently bought a print of hers ( she is fantastic! ) Look for a post soon!

Roadside Photographs - Jen Zahigian

Love the vivid colors on these......

Element Clay Studio - Heather Knight

Really beautiful, delicate work...... She was featured in House Beautiful this month - funny because I had just found her a few days before I got the February issue.

Happy shopping!

Jennifer

Book Bonanza.....

2011-01-19T20:01:00.013-06:00

Hello all! Feeling a little guilty.... but no buyer's remorse.....

Today I ordered this......

and this....

and this.....

Celerie Kemble

and I'm waiting on this from One Kings Lane (love that store) .......

I shouldn't feel guilty right? It's books....

Hopefully one day my rooms will be filled like these......

via The Neo Traditionalist

via Martha Stewart Living (?)

via My Ideal Home

via Lonny

Jennifer

Me!! Really????

2011-01-12T14:23:00.000-06:00

Thank you so much Alcira of The Nero Chronicles for awarding me with a Stylish Blogger Award! So sweet to be included!

With this award I am supposed to share 7 things about myself. Plus pass it on to other super stylish and fab bloggers.

Here goes nothing.....

1. I have been married for six years to my awesome husband Eric and we have two adorable and hilarious boys under 4, Wyatt and Dixon. All this testosterone keeps my girliness in check.

2. I'm short. Five foot nothin' to be exact. Don't you wonder about other bloggers? I do.... weird I guess. Always wonder what people look like in person and their voice.

3. I am an only child. Yup just me! But I consider my girlfriends my sisters. They are family to me. Love ya'll!

4. I keep a little secret.... I'm an artist. I hate saying that... feels like I'm bragging or something. I have drawn and painted since I was very little. My grandmother was an artist too. Wish I had more time for it. I'm kinda shy about it so I stay in the closet with it. I guess I'm out!

5. I sing in the car. Really LOUD.

6. I love the summer in tank tops and flip flops. A margarita doesn't hurt either.

7. I once broke my leg while running in place.... yes... not traveling anywhere.

Those are some little tidbits about me! Pretty random right?

Ok here are some fabulous, stylish bloggers......Drum roll please......

Caitlin Creer Interiors

Live Creating Yourself

Smitten Design

High Street Market

Little Green Notebook

From the Right Bank

Two Ellie