Install of the Day !

Hey There . . .

Last week was a week for the girls.   It was time to let go of the little girl "sweet" and update with a few strong patterns and a more grown up bed.  I am a big fan of the four-poster, for presence, as well as strong patterns.  Mia knows what she likes and in our meeting she looked at previous projects of mine and had to have 3 things - a Schumacher wall paper, Designers Guild fabric and a bubble chair I had used on a previous job.

She loved what I did for Sunday Richardson in Florida, and not wanting to duplicate a room, I wanted to pull in some things to make it different.  While similar, we did filtered in some things to create something unique for just her.

This eclectic space showcases an artistic feel.  We decided to use mismatched side tables this time and a strong, black chandelier.  This 4 post bed, in a lighter color gives an airy feel and a great window bench area, perfect place for the Designers Guild pink fabric.

Take a look at a new, grown up room for Mia . . 

Design boards help for a visual . . .

. . . and the finish product is brought to life.

photos by Mekenzie France

It is so clean and crisp now, much more fitting for this teen.  While I love this wall paper, I've used it a few times now . . . time to retire!

The Layers Project Continues . . .

Hi 

While spending my day yesterday looking for inspiration for new projects, I remembered a creative team from Brooklyn I met during a recent trip to NYC.

Their papers are exquisite and visually express the primary principle in any design I work on.  They are calling the technique they use for these papers "The Layering Project."  That says it all.  These papers are hand drawn and hand printed, all one of a kind.  This technique combines different pieces from different patterns to create an entirely unique wall covering.  Hand printing allows them to play with interesting inks, colors and pattern arrangement, unlike the digital process.  During the process beautiful textures and patterns appeared.  Custom colors, patterns and scale are all available for something truly unique.

Are they not gorgeous and screaming to be used as a focal wall, foyer ceiling, or powder room! Pure art on a large scale.  Wanted to share . . .

All available at www.lucyandcompany.com - be happy to source for you !

Ladies Only . . .

what to do on a rainy sunday? a sunday funday photoshoot with my ladies, of course! check out the photoshoot on the new backdrop!

photos by mekenzie france

passez une bonne journée!

Ever Consider a Bed and Breakfast?

i recently toured the vanlandingham estate and the morehead inn. both have gorgeous grounds and are rich with history. check them out!

the vanlandingham estate was built in 1913 by ralph and susie vanlandingham when they joined his father's cotton brokerage firm. 

the dining room table and chairs, as well as many other furnishings throughout the house are original to the estate. some were brought from the majestic hotel in atlanta, which susie owned before.

every room in the house is unique!

the vanlandingham estate was saved from being demolished to make way for high rises when it was put on the national register of historic places in 1977.

the grounds are kept up year round for a beautiful relaxing atmosphere and an excellent location for weddings and events. i've had the pleasure of photographing a wedding here before, and it was absolutely gorgeous!

c.c. coddington built this house in 1917, modeled after his wife's family home in pennsylvania. click to read the romantic story of how they met.

visit the websites:

The VanLandingham Estate

The Morehead Inn

and visit the estates!

2010 the plaza  charlotte, nc 28205

1122 e. morehead street  charlotte, nc 28204

(all photos by mekenzie france)

passez une bonne journée!

Hotel Styling . . .

Hey There . . 

Have to admit I am a bit of a hotel snob.  When I go out of town, I try and grab the opportunity to stay somewhere new, somewhere I know will have a unique style.  The Westin and W never disappoint, so I tend to book there first.  The smaller boutique hotels are also a big favorite, usually quite artsy, which I love (Ace Hotel,  NYC, amazing).  Bed and Breakfast places at iffy . . . usually amazing on the outside, but the decor in the rooms, not so much.  There are plenty of amazing ones, I just haven' found them.  I have stayed at some real . . . shall we say, less than comfortable . . places too, in an effort to find something unique - it's then I vow to not branch out so much and stick with the heavenly bed with the really good spa . . .

Heading down to the Miami / Fort Lauderdale area this past week for a meeting with my new client Lindsey Heitman, I decided to stay at the W in Fort Lauderdale when she told me she lived a few miles away.

Now have to say, when I heard "Fort Lauderdale," my first thought was.. hum.. Spring Break 1981.  That trip is now a complete blur, but I do remember it wasn't too pretty... but how time changes things.  

This place is gorgeous.  The W, smack on the beach, is slick, stylish, modern and as usual, I grabbed an idea or two while I was there . . . here are a few thing I loved . . .

Pretty and big lobby, as usual, very modern.  Love these side lamps, deep sofas with low back and two round coffee tables rather than one.  Great color scheme of sand and sea.

Great styling of tall, tall bookcases, backed in mirror with low light on the sides . . cool idea.  Large accessories visible at a distance . . what I tell my client when styling their super tall side shelves in a vaulted room.  

Take a look at the Janus et Cie chairs.  Did a post on their great pieces just recently.  They looked great.

Bead dividers - love.  More banquets with great stoops.

And couldn't believe it .. my boxwood walls !  It was great to see in person . . can't wait to install mine soon !  Love the pop of red and I have this chair vendor, been dying to order one of those in knock you down yellow . . anyone game?

Dripping lighting . . love, and these chairs with their woven metal backs - great texture.

So trip was a great, quick escape full of all sorts of inspiration.

Now that I am back and have plunged into a string on installs, I am missing my brief "chill."  I just have to remind myself that I will be back in September to install this Florida job, and will no doubt tack on an extra day to watch the waves (and grab a facial in the W's spa).

Stay tuned for what we pulled off this week . .  

Two girl's rooms, a boy's TV hang out, and almost done (waiting on my upholster) another lounge and family room.  What happened to the slow days of summer?  Not so much.