In the Bedroom

Ooh, doesn't that sound sexy? I came up with all kinds of titles that sounded much more suggestive, so I thought I would keep it simple and fairly clean. Bedrooms have been on my mind a lot lately mainly because I finally got an upholstered headboard. Whoot-whoot. Very exciting. Here it is . . .

It's the Scroll Headboard from West Elm. I got it on a whim as an anniversary present last month because A. it was cheap/on sale, and B. I've been wanting an upholstered headboard for SO very long. West Elm will not be selling these in stores anymore - only online - so they were selling off the last of their inventory of the "in-stock" natural chunky basketweave fabric, which luckily I liked.  I got it for a steal - $200 because it didn't have hardware with it (it would've been closer to $250 with it). The headboard sells online for $549 plus shipping. Score. Now, I realize if I were crafty and bought plywood, batting, fabric, etc. and made my own headboard it might have been cheaper, but it also wouldn't have ever been finished due to personal bodily injury or general aggravation. This was totally worth it for me and my instant gratification needing self.

I actually paid for the headboard by selling my old sleigh bed on Craigslist. Here's the old bed:

I know it's an acceptable bed, but after eight years I wasn't wild about it. Time to move on.

I think my new headboard resembles this one featured in a Kay Douglass-designed home in the September issue of Veranda . . . although this one is custom.

Source: splendidsass.blogspot.com via Kathy on Pinterest

I recently picked up a Batik fabric at an estate sale (that I think might have been a tablecloth), so I draped it across the end of the bed for a little Bohemian vibe . . .

I, of course, need to pick some bedding. I still have the Hotel bedding from Restoration Hardware featured in the photo of my old bed, but I stripped it off for this photo (that's just a plain down comforter on the bed and plain pillow forms). I bought the gray linen "M" pillowcases at an estate sale for $8 for the pair. I'll also need a bedskirt/dust ruffle since I no longer have a bed with a frame (just a metal bed frame attached to the headboard). I imported the benches from the living room because I love a bed with a bench/benches at the end. If I decide to keep them here, I will need to also decide on a fabric to reupholster them in. More decisions! I also need to decide what to do behind the bed. Since the headboard is rather large and dramatic, I'm not sure how much is needed. Oh, and I need curtains.

West Elm styled the bed with a gallery wall behind it. 

I like the look, so that's a definite idea.

Here are some of my inspiration bedrooms . . . 

Source: flickr.com via Kathy on Pinterest

I love the play of patterns and textures in this space, and of course, the Chinoiserie bench with suzani fabric. I also like the small white sunburst mirror above which resembles the gold-leafed one I have. I'm not sure a sunburst will work with the shape of my headboard or not. I still have to play around with it.

Source: flickr.com via Kathy on Pinterest

A lot going on, but I like it. Another gallery wall AND a sunburst, plus wallpaper, plus a lot of pattern. Crazy but it works.

I just love the next two rooms even though they bear no real resemblance to mine. It's the overall feel that appeals to me.

Source: flickr.com via Kathy on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Kathy on Pinterest

Now, I'm definitely not changing the color of my walls as I love my Ashley Gray (Benjamin Moore). It's hard to tell from my photos because I took them in late afternoon, but there is more of a contrast between the wall and headboard than it seems. And I'm actually digging the neutral palette for the bedroom with just some pops of color.

After I saw this photo from Lonny, I had another crazy thought . . .

Source: lonnymag.com via Kathy on Pinterest

How about this?

Yeah, I don't think my husband would go for it. I've got some other ideas up my sleeve, but I need to slow down and process what's on my plate right now.

So, do you think I'm headed in the right direction?

Dallas' Blueprint - Fantastic!

My visit last week to Dallas' Blueprint was a treat I had been looking forward to and it exceeded all my expectations. Set in an interesting house from the 1920's, the beautiful furniture, accessories and abstract art are the perfect foil to the grand and charming architectural details. It felt as if you were visiting the home of a very chic designer but, instead of just having to be envious, you could buy it and bring it home for yourself.





A hallmark of this store is their amazing collection of abstract art.



Loved these two vintage Danish modern chairs.







Notice the square tapers.







Just a bit of the interesting architectural detailing.



Looking down the stairwell from the second floor. The cross arrow ironwork includes a fab lion head.



In addition to a fabulous setting and collection of furniture, the store is run by the nicest staff of designers. After asking which direction to walk the few blocks to the Ritz Carlton where I was staying, one of the designers offered to drive me back to avoid the 105 degree heat! Looking forward to visiting again when I'm back in the big D in September.

Crazy Good or Just Plain Crazy?

Before hitting the flea market on Friday, I stopped by a few estate sales. As usual, I had more luck at the one I just "happened" upon after seeing a sign on a street corner. I found nothing at the Flea Market. Nothing. Nada. I think I was just too hot and distracted. Oh well. On the way home, I hit a junk/antique store I had never been in before and found this . . .

Am I nuts for liking this? I've never seen anything like it, which I must admit was part of the allure. Of course, the Asian influence didn't hurt either, plus the bamboo/glass frame - so unique. It's a needlepoint piece which intrigued me even more. 

I think it would look great as the centerpiece of a room. I love the glass detail because it would allow your wall color to peek through and provide a contrast.

Needlepoint has experienced a resurgence in popularity lately in great part thanks to Jonathan Adler and his quirky and quaint needlepoint pillows that he uses throughout his interiors . . .

I love the homespun quality of needlepoint juxtaposed with modern patterns.

Some other little goodies I found at the aforementioned estate sale include an unframed oil or acrylic painting . . . 

Really like the colors in this one.

a framed piece of painted silk artwork . . . 

and lastly, a small mid-century bench which could use some new upholstery, but I love the shape.

All these pieces will make an appearance in the blogger Tag Sale (unless I decide to keep the stool for my son's room) we're hosting on October 1st. I know I keep teasing this, but I promise we'll be sharing more details soon (like the location and time) once details are hammered out. 

Hope everyone has a Happy Monday!

Source: Jonathan Adler (Google Images)

Faux Bois Velvet - suggestions?

Loved this faux bois velvet when I saw it at Bungalow Classic way back in February while in Atlanta. Does anyone happen to know of a source for fabric like this?

Good Things or Rip-Offs

Have you checked out the new Martha Stewart Living magazine?

I usually don't pick it up, but this issue is full of "good things," to quote Martha. I think the big title "Love Your Home: Style Ideas for Every Room of the House" was a clue I might like it more than her usual issues (which are often just too crafty for me making me feel inadequate - who needs that?).

Oh, sure there are crafty DIY things in there, like these cute monogrammed headboards:

I, of course, while liking the headboards mainly think, "I love that lamp." Then, "cute dog." The takeaway here - while I can appreciate a good DIY, I'm not going to tackle most of them. Sad but true. I just like to study the styling and interiors. I know my place and I'm comfortable in it. Another cute photo from this story about monograms:

Sorry for the quality, I snapped this with my camera.

Doesn't this remind you of a Miles Redd room? Not totally, but the saturated tones and painted shelves are reminiscent of him, I thought. No big deal. Everyone does this look now, and I still love it. However, they even used Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue (and not a Martha color like they do in most of the spreads) like Miles did in this rather famous room featured in House Beautiful in 2009 . . .

But then, I almost gasped when I saw another photo in a feature they did on spiffing up interior doors (also another very Miles Redd thing to do). Check out this photo from MSL:

Sorry, once again, for my photo.

And now a photo from the Miles Redd-designed apartment in House Beautiful (same apartment featured above): 

Um, pretty clear they copied this entire concept. Miles' doors were covered in green leather, while Martha's doors were simply painted, but the brass upholstery tacks, hallway wallcovering, zigzag floor covering, and DeGournay-esque wallpaper (or treatment) in the adjoining room are all extremely similar. I understand that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but couldn't they have at least credited Miles Redd or asked permission to use his photo as a reference ("how to create this look on a budget" kind of thing)? I realize there's no such thing as an original idea, but this seems like a pretty blatant rip-off to me.

Don't get me wrong, there are some great ideas and eye candy in this Martha Stewart Living. And they, of course, do a great job of educating you on how to do these decorative treatments yourself, I just wish they were a little more original or honest in their presentation.

Am I the only one who thinks this is a little like creative plagiarism?

Sources: Martha Stewart Living, House Beautiful

On the Diagonal & Earthquake, really

Last week while visiting Seattle's Great Jones Home, I noticed these great tete-a-tete pieces. So interesting - have you ever used one in your home?



In keeping with the diagonal theme, Barry Dixon has these two chairs at angles - creating an unexpected look and opportunities for multiple conversation areas.

Barry Dixon, photography by Jonny Valiant.

Stefan of Architect Design recently showcased the Hampton Show House room designed by Donald Schermerhon, where he noted the diagonal placement of the furniture aided the traffic flow.



Re: THE EARTHQUAKE in DC, of all places - I never would have guessed that I would be in Dallas, my husband in NY, and my teenage kids home by themselves when a 5.8 earthquake hit. They called me from the street in front of the house, surrounded by neighbors, clearly a bit shaken. Bookcases fell over and pictures fell from the walls but my kids were safe and sound. And, that's the only thing that matters.

Seattle's Great Jones Home

The last time I went to Great Jones Home in Aug 2010 I titled the post, If Elle Decor Was a Store. This store does not disappoint - lot's of juicy colors, lush textures and a great mix of pieces. My favorite was the tapestry upholstered stools below. Love these!

Last week the weather in Seattle was sunny and a beautiful 70 degrees. Off to Dallas tonight where it's supposed to be 105 - yikes!