6.28.2012

Ode to Eames . . .

Hey there . . .

I have been working on a lot of boy's rooms lately and in an effort to come up with a quirky, out-of-the-box side chair, I came across this DYI project and it catch my attention . . .

Collect those old skateboard, find a cheap base, get some vinyl, call your upholster - Done - and aren't you cool !


Remind of you anything ? !


6.26.2012

Blue Ridge Chic . . .

Howdy.. .

All this mountain talk got me thinking about Mountain Chic !


Ok, so I will never be this tall or look this good in my mountain gear . .  I am talking about the look, the interior look, mountain chic.  For me the look is rustic, a bit vintage, a bit modern, a bit quirky.

I am working on a new project for my clients Scott and Melanie Freeman (and their three girls), not actually in the mountains, but on a beautiful piece of property set back off the road, pond and all, here in Charlotte.   We are working on their new family room. . .

Aiming to combine rustic with the clean, edgy look of modern.  It can be done and here's how I plan on achieving this look, with the help of The Salin's Group.  Ben and his team are on board to transform the structural space, raise the roof, add the beams, floors and built ins.  My job is to add the details to finish the space.  Ben Collins is one of my favorite general contractors here in Charlotte.  One of his projects, which I posted on May 20th "Great Style on Colville Road" was perfection.  This time around, he is working with the look of the current home focusing on the family room addition (formerly the garage), an exterior living space, and a new garage apartment.  Rustic Chic for sure.

Take a look at the design board . . 

I started with the "rock bed" rug.  A mix of different shades of grey - nubby and soft.  Over top of a wide plank dark wood floor, the cool grey tones will pop and create a clean, sharp - yet "rustic" look.  Layering in a dark, distressed leather sectional (with a more modern arm style) and iron and stone end table and "tree-stump" center coffee table.  I love the whimsy of the leather bench with deep legs.  And yes, planning to toss in a lucite bubble chair and "tree" wall paper in black and white for a little whimsy.



And this is a must !

Installing later this summer, to include an exterior lounge area, stay tuned for the finished product!

I checked out my inspiration files and came across this Elle Decor article I saved. .  The Peak of Rustic Chic.  The entire look I find warm, clean, sleek yet cozy.  I found this, of course, after I starting working on my thoughts for the Freeman project, but seeing this space, it confirmed in my mind I was going in the right direction.

Take a look.




This is my favorite.  The horizontal planking instantly changes the look from cottage to more modern.  Don't be afraid of the dark tones either.  With the right lighting and pop colors, there is nothing to fear.  The set up is similar to what we are trying to achieve at the Freeman's.  The TV wall in the design Ben is working on is actually hidden storage for an even cleaner, clutter free look.

Take a look at the ceiling in this exterior space.  Love it.
I love that this article also showed these great bunk built ins.  In the garage apartment, we are incorporation our own as well . . .

Great article !
Photography by Miguel Fiores-Vianna for Elle Decor


Another inspiration article I found is the work of Architect D. Stanley Dixon and Designer Nancy Warren in the North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains.  Featured in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Located in Cashiers, it's a perfect example of a sophisticated mountain retreat.  Again, I love the grey tones.  These colors blend in so nicely with the scenery.


The horizontal planking . . . love it.




And check out the bit of check fabric in the pantry.  Typical mountain . .  perfect.



Photography by Emily J. Followill 

Get your rustic chic on. .




6.25.2012

Oh . . to be a kid again . . .

Hey there . . .

Summer isn't summer without doing those memorable, familiar things you did as a kid.  The family trips to those places close to your heart.  The sights and smells that calm you and make you want to just turn it all off for a bit . . . I felt that way yesterday.  Dropped off my 8 year old for her first of what I am sure will be years to come of summer bliss ... camp.  I went to Rockbrook, and so did my mom.  "In the Heart of the Wooded Mountains" and it is.  Old school.  Nothing, and I mean nothing, has changed, that's what is so special about it.  The old wood cabins - smelling a bit mildewed, the green dining hall chairs, the mountain laurel everywhere, the creeks winding around the rock steps up to "Deeducky" (a.k.a the bathroom), stacked canoes and the archery bullseye.  I was killing me to leave . . . and I don't mean her, I mean leave. . . I wanted to stay myself.   She's the kind of kid that will eat it all up and love every minute, wondering why I didn't sign her up for a month (maybe next year).
















There is something special about the mountains.  We stayed in Brevard the night before the drop off (of course she wanted to be early to get that top bunk!) Brevard is that kind of mountain town where everything slows down.  Main Street is filled with galleries, sofa shops, and oddities, the White Squirrel Festival and Brevard College.



 The Sunset Motel was my choice for something close and quirky to stay.  A classic "roadside" motel, newly saved and renovated back to it's 50's glory.  It was filled with new campers coming in for the drop off and people just wanting to get away to hike the mountains.  With a drive thru fried chicken joint across the street, and walking distance to real milkshakes and pickled green tomatoes who could ask for anything more.







Had the day to visit DuPont State Park.  If you haven't been, it's worth the trip.  Home to Hooker Falls, Triple Falls and High Falls (and for you Hunger Game fans - it was filmed there -  Lucy was into that)  Take a look at the pretty sights . .









In the morning the drop off was made . . . one happy girl!



Have fun my little camper . . you are made for this . . .

Unlike some . . . taken from the NY Times . .  (so funny)
See you in two weeks !



6.15.2012

Dear Diary {Chapter 6}

5.23.12
What a busy, whirlwind trip I have been on . . .  I think I need a vacation from my (work) vacation.  Looking forward to heading to the mountains with I get back.

This morning we all ventured over to Kravet's main offices - our Host for this fun event.  Now that I have spent a little time with the Kravet family I have a whole new appreciation for what they bring to the industry.  They were all so approachable, informative and inspiring actually!

   They are a fourth generation, family owned business founded in 1918 by Samuel Kravet
I found this video that says it all !




Their space was amazing.  The high ceilings, old windows, wood floors.  But beyond the beautiful work space was the talent.  We were shown from start to finish just all the detail involved in some of the fabrics I look at every day . . 













I enjoyed every minute talking with true creatives.

This whole week has been something I will never forget!

Back to reality.