Inspired

Inspired by the mood this image evokes, we spent the day playing with tents, draping, mosquito netting, and canvas.... creating the design plan for 'Glamp Retreat' at the BarnHouse show.

(Hey, I TOLD you it was 'ON'!!! ;0) ) This is soooooo much fun..... see you there!

Ghost Chair Metamorphosis

Kartell

The Phillipe Starck Louis Ghost Chair is really beautiful.

We are seeing it everywhere.

flikr

Here it is used in the most common way as an accent chair - totally unadorned. Lovely, but because it is getting so popular, not as unexpected in a room as it used to be.

Casa Sugar

Perhaps in an effort to reinvent it, the set designers for Gossip Girls had pads made for the chairs. I really do not like it, I think the chair loses some of its ethereal quality.

c.everad

But this recent make over stopped me in my tracks. I was taken by the incredibly classic form of the chair floating under the gauzy sheer slipcovers. Isn't this combination fantastic?

I would use this slipcovered chair in any number of rooms! What do you think?


Check out other makeovers on Monday Metamorphosis at Between Naps on the Porch

In Atlanta!

Things that Inspire

We are spending a few days in Atlanta visiting family. Unfortunately I won't be able to meet up with my friend from Things that Inspire, because our schedules are too crazy. But while I am away you should visit the Atlanta Symphony Showhouse. Things that Inspire did a wonderful write up of this beautiful property. Here is the link - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!

See you in a few days!

Glimpses

Bob's been crankin' out a plethora of products from the shop this week. He has a way of turning a bunch of odds & ends and broken things into really amazing furniture. We went out junking and found a slew of things, as well. What do you think, is there a theme developing here????? Stay tuned to see the 'story' we have for you at BarnHouse!

Finding a Niche for a Home Office

Apartment Therapy
I am always so impressed the way designers and architects find small niches for home offices. In my own home , we have a dedicated office space, but my husband often works from home and so it is "his"office. That left me trying to carve out a niche for myself in some other area of the house.

Here are some of my favorite ideas for fitting in an office when space is tight.

Brian Vanden Brink

A quaint space, but look closer and you will see this office is in the bathroom. Not sure how the moisture will effect the computer, but in homes with large baths this is a creative alternative.

Hutker Architects
Have a small area in your hallway? Here is wonderful little space that has been efficiently utilized.

Domenic Mercadante
Here is an office created in the far part of a butler's pantry. Spaces doing double duty!

Willow Decor

Here is where I ended up! I carved out a niche office for myself when I created my Butler's Pantry. It does double duty as a functional pantry, housing appliances, serving pieces and dishes, as well as cabinets to hold internet wiring, printer and family files. Read all about it here.

Apartment Therapy

Is this a closet with a window, an entry or landing? This is one of my all time favorites. I love the the shelf desk and the wonderful natural light.

Centerbrook Architects
An attic alcove has just enough space for a small desk and chair.

Anthony DiGregario Architects
Here is an unusual space at the top of a landing. The owner added built ins for a very efficient space -notice how they wrap around to the right.
. Tittman Architects
This area is not quite as small as some of the others but I included it because it is a space used by two people or one that does double duty. Notice the desk behind the table. Perhaps a shared space or the table is used for crafting.


Better Homes and Gardens
Another small area at the top of a landing or part of a small bonus/loft room.


Country Living
Although this office area is not in a small room; it is in a small space. Interestingly the desk is tucked into the bookcase design, taking very little space up in the room. Very creative!


Restyled Home
Here is a desk area tucked into a pass thru hallway. I like the vertical use of space in this area. The two chairs are also very functional for a parent to sit and help with homework.



This Old House
Of course a well designed closet space can be turned into a wonderful office. Take off the doors and viola - home office!


Steve & Chris
Or leave the doors on and close them if things get too messy. I really like the bulletin and peg boards on the doors for storage and notes.

Apartment Therapy
This is a wonderful modern example of how any space can be turned into an office.


Let me know how you have used an unusual area in your home as an office!

Upping the Ante

Are you planning on heading to the BarnHouse Boys Flea Market on July 18th??? You should. You really, really should. We just got a news flash from them, and the list of vendors is STELLAR. Presentation pushed past the limits of anything you've ever seen. (Cindy may or may not be appearing as the Queen of Sheba..... a circus tent and elephant were mentioned...????) Activities galore are planned. Contests of skill are to be undertaken. The ante has been upped by the announcement that we vendors will be GLAMPING it up in our very own version of a DesignStar competition of TENT DECORATING! There will be fun for all!

These Boys, I tell ya, they just go above and beyond. I can't tell you how excited we are to be a part of this..... I keep hearing that intro to a song by Big & Rich in my head: "Somebody's GOT to be unafraid to lead the freak parade!" They are, and we're allllll following happily. (And we are all freaks in the most WONDERFUL creative wacky artistic bohemian sense of the word, of course!)

I must plan and plot and plunder so we can create a suitably relaxing reimagined retro retreat of really FAB.u.lous proportions. ;0) Deb's in it to win it, I tell ya'...... and Bob? He's in heated concentration over which barbeque to bring with him for our campsite. mmmmhm. Ya gotta' be there, my friends!

Home At Last...

Dorothy said it best, "There is no place like home." It feels good to put down roots, dig in and call this spot in Topsham, Maine, home. This is my new Home Laboratory for Design, Gardening, Cooking and Entertaining. Our home is also where we work. I work in my studio painting, creating and keeping up with blog writing.


My partner, Neil, has his law office on the property as well. It is always interesting. People dropping by, walks to take, dinners to cook and plants to tend to. This place is filled with energy and life.

The inside of our Maine house is coming along. I have enjoyed the process of observing the light and how it shifts and moves during the seasons and day to day in this new Home Laboratory.
We have been noodling around with many projects since late Autumn. Painting, painting, and repairing. The furniture is in place, the art is hung, the orchids are growing and this house sparkles with happiness and light! A color palette has evolved, in the past several months, beautiful hues of gold and shady pale greens which is lovely paired with rich creams, natural wood and crisp whites. The windows let in much light and the trunks of the mature Elms and Pines with the gardens beyond are quite wonderful to look out onto. The leaves on the trees, plants and lawn are a brilliant green this time of year.

I have enjoyed studying this piece of land, creating paths where whole lawns used to be, planting herbs, vegetables and sunflowers. A magical woodland garden has emerged in the lower front area. When I am in this wooded and mossy wonder, it reminds me of walking on Monhegan Island in the Cathedral Woods.

When two people come together and set up a home, it can be a challenge. I am happy to report we have blended our stuff and lives together quite nicely. Our home is comfortable and reflects both of us, our interests, families, travels and the things we love best. Our home is happy, sunny and cozy. All is right with the world.


I have put together a slide-show of some of the rooms.

A Perfect Match

(All photos Dallas News unless otherwise noted)

The team of interior designer, Shannon Bowers and long time friend and homeowner, Stacy Hyde was a match in made in heaven. Talented friends working together to create light filled renovation of a 1920's Mediterranean Revival home in Dallas.

The home in the Greenway Parks section of Dallas was originally constructed in 1920 with steel beams from a bank down the street that was being torn down.

The foyer is warm and inviting with it's hand stenciled floors and Swedish and French antiques. Notice the lovely iron work on the staircase which was original to the house. The Bergere chair is lovely covered in linen and the basket adds a unique juxtaposition with the entry table.
The stenciling on the floor was done very lightly so you can still see the wood grain through the stain. The detail is magnificent. The sunroom's linen covered Swedish settee and antique column table make a lovely vignette.
The formal dining room also has an interesting table. The antique column capitals were refitted with new bases to make the table the correct height for dining. A limestone top was custom made and the floor reinforced to support this one of a kind piece. Antique mirror and chest enhance the look. Notice how soft the room still feels even with the lack of a carpet.
The living room's slip covered linen settee sets the mood for this room. The Swedish table, antique chest and pale aqua urns add texture and color.
In the kitchen hang vintage industrial pendant lights which were re-wired for home use. The Lucite stools are slipcovered to add softness. White cabinets, marble and stainless steel add to the classic look.
A dark wine room was renovated into a light, airy butler's pantry. After a long search, the perfect wine racks were located at West Elm.
Charcoal drawings add a punch to the breakfast room. I love the zinc table and with the white washed chairs.
A den filled with texture including linen slipcovers and twisted grapevine floor lamp.
The master bedroom headboard was custom designed by Bowers in a crisp linen. Swedish bench and chest are illuminated by antiqued turned wood chandelier.
Hyde's daughter's room is painted a pale lilac. White linens and custom canopy make it a room fit for a princess.

Material Girls
Through out the redecorating process Hyde found herself traveling outside of Dallas to find the look she was after. This inspired her to open her wonderful home and garden store, Stacy Hyde, on Henderson Avenue. If you are in Dallas plan to visit, as her store inventory mirrors her home style.

To see more photos of Hyde's beautiful home here. And to learn more about the Stacy Hyde shop click here.

Tell me what you think about this renovation and and its interiors.

Please stop by Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch!

Servin' Up Fresh Greens for Summertime

I couldn't decide which photo to use as the first one on this post.... so I used all three! ;0)
Tonight we went in and restyled our space at Poppyseeds. Added a bit more green and a lot more white, making the existing garden style decor feel sunnier, summerier, and ready for you to take home with you! Lots of affordable decor accessories to charm up your own rooms.





Tomorrow is the June Swap Meet at Poppyseeds and also a big community event, the SoapBox Derby, so there will be lots of visitors in town this weekend. Not to mention that school is out and all of the summer homeowners will be heading out to their beach houses on the Island - and driving right past the store. Our little room is now ready to be discovered!