Road Trip to Nashville...Part 1

as you know, beth and i went to nashville for an install this past week. when the work was done, we decided to stay an extra day to explore in that we have both been sucked into that new show with the same name.  we were convinced we'd see deacon and rayna singing as we walked past the bluebird.  we did the nashvegas night scene, boot shopping (you know who had to have a pair), the original opry house, and quaint franklin. here are some of my favorite sights!

johnny cash's boots

johnny cash guitar and lyrics

loretta lynn

patsy cline

the original grand ole opry

the streets in franklin

minnie pearl

great lunch at puckett's. helllooo fried bologna with pimento cheese!

passez une bonne journée!

Tea for Two

Hey All . . .

I'm on a blog roll today.  Between reading my new book, staring out the window at the snowy day, and more than one cup of coffee and or tea, I am all about the creature comforts today.  Mekenzie, too (she's house sitting next door and we are tossing ideas on upcoming projects across the driveway).  Always camera in hand - she shot this and it totally describes my feeling today.  

photo by mekenzie france

I have always had a thing for china.  Wedgewood's Colonnade Black was my wedding choice and I still love it ten years later.  The pattern is timeless and can be mixed with just about any side piece or contrasting salad plates.  Tea cups and accent plates are another love. Take a look at a few of my favorites.

available at reikokaneko

Take a look at these gems . . . Designed by Anna Backlund and Elisabeth Dunker for "House of Rym."

available at fine little day

This is just genius . . . the "stain" cup, by British products designer Bethan Laura Wood back in 2008. This magic cup contains a hidden pattern that reveals itself after several sittings.  It only gets better with age !  Bethan . . you need to bring this back !  

Hermes, what more is there to say other than "exquisite."

available at hermes.com

And the always good go-to . . Anthropologie

available at www.anthropologie.com

And of course a little design tie back . . . the cleaver teacup pendent light.

available at das rote packet

Enjoy the day . . . (view from my window and yes, that's a teapot and spoon bird house!)

Install of the Day !

Hi There . . 

This past week involved one fun road trip . . 6 hours, two men and a truck and one great client . . . I ended my week with the Kelly Frizzell install in Nashville, Tennessee.  Mekenzie and I packed it up and headed West ! 

My thanks to Shaun and Chris . . . while I was all prepared to drive that 14 footer myself,  I was happier when they jumped in and drove at the last minute (not to mention it was more fun honky tonk'n with 2 cute boys).

I love this room and it went off without a hitch, just like I like it.  Kelly was a dream client.  She called a while back wanting me to design her son's room and I was happy to help.  I sent her 3 design ideas and this was the winner . . .

Take a look !

I was so thrilled to see the finished product just as I imaged.  Kelly was game for most anything, I loved  that there was a high trust level !  She admitted she totally couldn't picture all this together but was thrilled at how mixing so many different patterns and colors worked !

The plan started with the most amazing Schumacher paper.  Love the black and white.  I filtered in color with the Liora Manne pillows and we made the bench at the foot of the bed in another pattern.  All of this pattern and color worked with the white walls.

Keith, once again, created a beautiful piece of art for me to play off the pillows and black and white "woodsy" look.  Thanks honey !  Love the large splash of color.

Shaun created these great shelves for me.  They have a modern sleek look, but in the rustic cedar.  I love the warmth of the wood and the whimsy of the design.

all photos by Mekenzie France

It was a fun day.  Kelly lined up Scott Marcha to be my installer, he was great and knew exactly what I needed.  Only in Nashville is your installer the former drummer for Toby Keith !

Great day with Kelly and her family.  Parker loved his room and Kelly was such fun to be around, showing us Nashville and all the local sights !  Thanks Kelly.

Stay tuned from our adventure around town!