Trend Spotting: Natural Bamboo Chairs

Have any of you seen the December/January issue of House Beautiful?  Mine just came in the mail yesterday and I took a peek just before bed last night.  I was thrilled to see those natural bamboo chairs on the front cover!  I am working with a client who has a set of vintage bamboo chairs in her dining room, and we were trying to decide if we should keep them, paint them (which is a really current look) or send them to the sister!  Well, I think we keep, as is!  

I am saving pictures of this project for a big reveal, but in the meantime, here are some other inspiration pictures of  a similar look.

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Would love your thoughts!  As an aside, I loved this issue of House Beautiful . . . so many gorgeous interiors, but not a single Christmas decoration in the entire issue.  So, if you need your Christmas fix, Birmingham Home and Garden (holiday issue is just released) is filled to the brim with some of the most amazing Christmas decorations I have seen.  If you live elsewhere in the country, this magazine is certainly worth a subscription!!!  They feature some of the most beautiful homes in Birmingham.

 Happy Friday. M.

Trend Spotting - Rorschach Ink Blots

I recently saw this metallic version of an ink blot, and I can't seem to get it out of my mind.  It was created by Andy Warhol in the 1980's known as his Rorschach paintings, and it still feels super current and fresh today.  Wonder what came to mind when Mr. Warhol looked at his own inkblots?

Andy Warhol, Rorschach 1984

In case you're wondering, the Rorschach test is a psychological test in which subjects' perceptions of inkblots are recorded and then analyzed using psychological interpretations.  Some psychologists use this test to examine a person's personality characteristics and emotional functioning.  So, if I get a psychologist for a client, you know I'm going straight to these for some unique artwork for their home.

During his later years, Andy Warhol produced some stunning examples of these.  I love this one with black ink on canvas - it would look amazing with a metallic background.

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These have inspired lots of homeowners.  I just love how they look - notice the ghost chair layered in front of the lowest piece and paired with another favorite for me - the silhouette.  clever.

The traditional black ink versions have really been popular as artwork since this image was featured in House Beautiful.   Completely stunning!  Every room (even one with lots of color) needs a touch of black.

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So, I think you know where I'm going with this . . . Even the most artistically challenged should be able to pull off some version of this, right?!  Could be a fun DIY to try with my daughter on a raining Sunday afternoon.  I'll have to pull together some supplies in case we have a moment to try this! M.

Trend Spotting - Silhouettes

I've been seeing them everywhere.   

The great news . . . 

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They are super easy to make at home.

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Love how they look in a space that mixes traditional and modern elements. 

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They can also be mixed very easily with other objects like plates in this example.

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Even in a bathroom.  This is fun because you can use any size and group them for major impact.

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Also, if you use family members as your subjects, the artwork becomes more meaningful.

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If they seem to stark or bland, you can always add color with an interesting mat.  Then vary the shape of the frames too. 

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Look at these.  A funky twist on the idea by using animals! 

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And it doesn't stop with wall art.  

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They even look great with Halloween decor!! 

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Here's the best tutorial I've seen on creating your very own.

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Happy Tuesday. M.  

DIY Project - Intaglios

On Friday,  I gave you a teaser as to what I've been up to lately.  Last week, I finished a project I have had on my to do list for almost a year.  I did a post last fall on intaglios and was totally smitten with having some in my home.  Here are a couple of examples from Things That Inspire.

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After lots of sourcing, I realized I did not have the budget for a grouping of these in my living room (the above examples are $395.00 each and I wanted at least nine of them).  So, I started doing some research and found some very affordable knockoffs.

They are not old (they are not really even intaglios), but they have the same feel and will give the same look.

Well, I bought them - the entire lot was around $32.00.  Then, they sat in my closet for almost a year.  They sat so long I started to think that my obsession with them was done.

 Until, I was in Hobby Lobby replacing a frame my son broke while playing basketball in his room with one of those miniature basketball goals.  The frame was for a lovely poster of Bo Jackson [smile] which he proudly displays for all the world to see. (I have to keep it real, and this is just one of those things boys have to have in their rooms)

Sorry to digress . . .  

Backed to Hobby Lobby . . . I turned the corner and saw a sign for %50 off all frames, so I decided to peruse the offerings.  When I saw these . . .

And the intaglios immediately came to mind.

  I thought, "These are perfect and would give the intaglios a totally different look from what I've see before.  If I could frame them, I could save a fortune.  Hmmmm.  But, I've never done something like this before.  It would have to look really high end, since I will be putting them in my living room. Hmmm.  Can I pull it off?"  So, the mental struggle continued until, Edward, from the frame shop, asked me if I needed help.  This turned into a very educational ten minutes or so of Edward telling me what I needed to pull off the look.  So, I grab the frames at $9.50 each, and most of the the other supplies I needed and came home to work on it.

Well, here's the finished product.

And my version comes in at $32.67 each!!! I am so glad I decided to try it.  There was a bit of trial and error along the way, but I am so happy with the final product.

I think it totally changes the look of my entry way. Here's the before . . .

And the after . . .

And the good news . . . Later this week, I am going to show you step by step how to make the same grouping for your own home.  I am going to show you where to get the intaglios, the supplies you will need and a step by step process of how to put the entire thing together.

And the even better news . . . I made one extra one!!  While I had all the supplies out, I decided to make a smaller version using two intaglios to give away to one lucky follower.  How's that for a Monday?
Here's a sneak peek of the one I'm giving away.

  Stay tuned tomorrow for all the details! M. 

Things I'm Loving at the Moment

Happy Monday, all.  Hope you had a great weekend.  Ours was filled with a little bit of fun, some down time to recharge, and random chores around the house.  All in all, a good way to start the month of October.  I thought I would kick off our week with a few items that have been swirling around in my brain.  Yes, it's totally random, but sometimes my best work is inspired by these random thoughts.

Upholstered Leggy Chairs

Been noticing chairs with upholstered legs - the best of both worlds, leggy and cozy all at the same time.  Also, it works in both a modern or traditional space.  It's a new favorite for me.

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Christmas Card Ideas

I know your thinking why so early, but it's just how my brain works.  If I can get a plan in place, I can then "plant the seed" for the next several weeks to get the "buy in" from the fam - you've gotta do whatcha gotta do.  No idea what I'm talking about?!  You lucky duck! 

We've not sent out cards the last two years. So, it's time, but my kiddos are getting older.  So, the cutesy thing doesn't work anymore.  I did see this fabulous idea (for a Grandparent's card).  Love the mix of the two images - very clever indeed.  

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Still need a idea for my own card! Would love your creative thoughts.

Pillows For Family Room

These are oh so good!  I may have to take the time to make some for my family room for the cooler months or just snag a pair for Greige Design.

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Architectural Details

Adding architectural details really make a blah room feel special . . .  I've been thinking about this a lot lately.  Working on a couple of projects that could use this.  Just thinking of all the different ways to achieve it. 

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That's it for now.  Here's to grabbing today by the horns and making it your own!! Go for it. M.

Shagreen Goodness

I've had shagreen on the mind lately.  Loving the warmth it adds to a space while still giving you a moment of chic goodness. 

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And for an affordable faux option of this yummy texture. It's only $52.49 at Target.

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Have a great day - week's half way done!  Woot! M.

Trend Spotting - the 80's Floral

I haven't done a "trend spotting" post in quite awhile, and this one has been on my mind.  I've been noticing a huge comeback of the 1980's floral patterns for the last year.

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I realize this is going to date me, but here goes it.  When I was in college, the Laura Ashley thing was so big.  This reminds me of a dress I wore during that period of time!

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Every single dorm room you walked by looked like a Botanical Garden was growing in it.  It was everywhere.  I even had these director's chairs (which were all the rage for your desk chair) slipcovered in a floral.  I even had some hat boxes for additional storage that we wrapped in a floral.  What were we thinking?! 

I know, I know - hard to believe the 80's floral is back.  But to prove my point, one simple search using "Schumacher Floral Fabrics" and look what came up.

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 I just posted an image using this fabric as a bedroom pillow on Monday.

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Now, before you get worked up, I want to point out the 2012 version has tweaked the floral a bit.  We are now seeing it paired with fabulous geometrics, fretworks and IKATs in all types of textures.  Additionally, the florals are being added to rooms with neutral fabrics on the large upholstered pieces.  So, while it is a "nod" to the 1980's, it is a new take tailored to our decade.  Here are few examples I've seen.

From the amazingly talented Little Green Notebook

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The modern flat trim on this pillow paired with the flange, not to mention the solid drapery panels really updates this floral.  This image is from the 2012 Atlanta Decorator's Showhouse.

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Hot house flowers as drapery panels - very updated version of an 80's floral (but you do see the recycling of this trend, I'm sure). Notice the pillows she has paired in this space.

Contemporary Living Room design by Denver Interior Designer Andrea Schumacher

If you are not interested in spending a gazillion dollars on drapery panels, a less expensive trick is to mix the floral with other updated patterns in the form of pillows.  Remember, in the 80's the entire room would be bathed in the floral,  These pillows are from one of my favorite Etsy sources for custom high end pillows.  You're welcome :)

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Again, small doses, people.

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Love this Schumacher pattern and with it's colors, the entire palette of this room was created.  Real goodness here.

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So, the next time you see a floral that reminds you of Laura Ashley (or where you were during that decade), you'll know it's a new trend for 2012.   Happy mid-week. M.