9.25.2017

What's Coming Up

Howdy . . .

Well - with 2 of our 4 Nashville jobs installed, we are focused on Charlotte (and a couple in San Diego, actually) for the next month or so.

Coming up this week, a dreamy master bedroom that is all about the calm factor.  Is there anything calmer than a sunset or sunrise?  It's just that look my client wanted in her master bedroom.

While I was in NYC not too long ago, the view we had from The Standard overlooking Jersey actually, made me realize just how pretty this install will turn out (I hope) !




This space has it's challenges though.  Weird angles everywhere.  Low over the bed, high at the window and entry door and different levels on the other side walls.  I hope my wall paper installer is in a good mood this week while he's hanging this paper !



All new everything . . . low bed wth custom headboard running the whole wall, new sconces and side tables, new bigger area rug.


A pair of comfy new chairs and coffee table in the sitting area by the window


And new dressers in a lighter cool grey.




Thinking of placing a few of Windy O'Connor's pillows in the space too.  I love these two patterns.






So I am still loving the ombre.  Haven't tired of it yet.  Just sourced a few new pillows with the same feel on a new job. A touch here an there softens things.












om·bré
ˈämbrā/
adjective
  1. having tones of color that shade into each other, graduating from light to dark.

    "a blue and white ombré silk shift"












9.24.2017

A Fun Find . . . Twenty Two West

Hey There !

Took a day off yesterday and with Keith & Kate in tow, headed over to Charlotte's Festival in the Park in Dilworth.  Just down the street from my studio, this annual event takes over Freedom Park with tent after tent of art and food.  I am always on the hunt for different art (and a corn dog).  This year I replaced the corn dog with a lobster roll - shockingly good, and came across an artist with a fresh and different approach to her art combining embroidery, weaving, woodworking, acrylic and ceramic in various forms of sculpture and collage.  I was drawn to their texture and softness but striking graphic pattern.



Jewelry is wearable art and just like an art piece can transform a wall, a necklace can do the same for a simple outfit.



Meet Mary Hamby, owner and designer.  Full time artist living in Charlotte.  The name Twenty Two West, she explains comes from her inspiration place in Greenville, SC.  

With an interior design background (I am not surprised) her aesthetic focuses on texture, which I love.  Sustainable sourced wood, ceramics and hand spun fibers 




I was intrigued and she was agreeable to my snagging a few images from her website (here) to show you a bit more !

This piece . . . well I will let her explain . . 

"Clouds That Sail is part of a show called His Beard Really Isn't that Blue. The title references the short story Bluebeard about a woman who learns the importance of listening to what her gut is telling her. This show is about listening and creating from my perspective using the classic techniques of embroidery, weaving, woodworking, and ceramic in various forms of sculpture and collage. Each handmade element is intended to spark conversation and bring traditional fiber art into our modern culture. These one-of-a-kind pieces are meant to add whimsy and joy to any room."



Some of her pieces are a collaboration with artist Sarah Moore and combine acrylic on wood or with wood and a dose of woven.  Love these !








Take a look at these  - #needoneofeachplease !











I found Mary delightful in the few minutes we talked, love this fresh approach.  When reading a little further on her site I found a workshop . .  low and behold, in my neighborhood (here).  I signed up with Kate- I can certainly use a relaxed day, art inspired, how about you ?!





Happy Sunday !





9.04.2017

Boho Chic & Justina Blakeney

Howdy.

In case you haven’t noticed the Bohemian style, or “Boho Chic," is everywhere in fashion and interior design.    We saw the revival of the 60's and 70's mid century modern, it was only fair for the carefree spirit of Bohemian to join the party.

"The Bohemian design draws inspiration from the world traveler, combining East with West, vintage with modern and shows an eclectic blend of patterns, textures and colors. This is a relaxed style featuring fringed throws and curtains, a pile of pillows, macrame works, oriental accents and potted plants which bring the nature inside.   Surprisingly, this mixture creates a unique, harmonic atmosphere in the room as if you are in an everlasting vacation." - perfectly said by this featured designer, Amanda Barnes.  Take a look at one of my favorite "pins" and a great example of boho Chic in my opinion.


Photo credit: Alyssa Rosenheck for Amanda Barnes Interiors


Boho, or Bohemian means one thing only to me.  Collected.  The elements are pattern filled, texture filled and have a sentimental value, almost romantic.   I personally like the neutral Boho vibe and recently posted a room with that feeling. (here).   Love the tone on tone collection look, similar to these from my files.


 . . . and my office






. . . and my home !









But no one does this look better than Justina Blakeney.  Known for her wild bohemian style, fabulous blog the Jungalow and New York Times Best Selling Book The New Bohemians.




As she put it "Cool & Collected Home," and it is chocked full of just that.  One of my favorite books - it shows chapters on Modern, Earthy, Folksy, Nomadic, Romantic, and Maximal.  A great read on a lazy vacation or Sunday afternoon.


I am most excited about her new book coming our in October !




 My style shifted to a more collected boho look in late 2012.  I retired the more serious look in my home to something more casual filled with different patterns, colors and textures.  Better Home & Garden did a shoot at the house around that time (here) and (here) and I was thrilled to be in two of their publications.  Color, color and lots of casual pieces. The kids were young and it suited our life style.  I felt it had a boho feel to it and over the years I added to it and even tweaked it but the art of collecting and layering has stayed with me - just toned down in color !

I first found Justina several years ago on Instagram.  Her link  @facethefoliage (here) caught my eye and that of my daughter Kate.  Thanks to Justina's imagination and creativity, our dining centerpieces have never looked the same ! 




I then started following her  @thejungalow (here) for all sorts of inspiration.



I soon realized she did a line of wall paper for one of my favorite vendors and then all of a sudden I saw her name and collaboration with one of my rug vendors !  She's killing it.  

Take a look at a few of my favorite offerings in wall paper, textiles, art, rugs and now paper goods and furniture !










You are hugely talented, Justina and someone I would love to hang with for sure !




Happy Weekend !