Monday, September 30, 2013
Before & After: Back Porch Transformation
Before: Whittington Design Studio came to the rescue of a client gearing up for a party with a complete transformation of their back porch which had functioned merely as a walk-through out to the pool. I can identify with this dilemma - disparate pieces without a unifying theme and presence.
After!: They designed a custom-built, simulated barn door to create a fabulous focal point and dose of strong color. The wicker pieces were also painted navy to tie-in with the door and the bench a punchy green for a pretty contrast. Artwork from the client's storage room was hung. Look at how amazing the fading painted brick looks now.
Green folding chairs were added to tie in the color scheme to the other side of the space and a console table provides an unobstructed view. The floors were painted blue and area rugs added for texture and interest.
For more images of the backyard transformation and the party reveal, head here.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Isabel Lopez Quesada - Stunning Work
I am blown away by the amazing talent of Isabel Lopez Quesada. Her portfolio is extensive and all of it's incredible. Here are just a few images to inspire, many, many more images here. I really could meditate in front of these all day. Hope you have a great weekend. Michele
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Curious About What's Behind These Doors? Find out 9/28
How often have you walked by a beautiful home with the hope that you could see what's inside?
If you're in the DC area and love the homes of Old Town Alexandria, Saturday is your day.
The 72nd Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour takes place Saturday September 28, 2013, 10 am - 3pm.
A Glimpse of What's To Come...
A Federal Style house,built in 1818,
A 20th century home, placed in the footprint of the Federal era (1790-1800)
A late 18th-century colonial
The Old Town Theatre built in 1914
Tickets, Transportation and Parking Advanced tickets can be purchased online for $35 until noon on September 26th or at the Ramsey House Visitors’ Center (221 King Street) and at the Twig Thrift Shop (106 N. Columbus Street). On-the-day-of-the-tour tickets will be sold at the Ramsey House (221 King Street) and Historic Christ Church Parish Hall (118 N. Columbus Street) for $40.
The City of Alexandria runs a courtesy trolley between the King Street Metro and the waterfront. The trolley stop for The Twig Thrift Shop and Christ Church is at the corner of King and Columbus Streets. All day parking is available at the garage at 117 N. Alfred St., and other nearby public parking facilities. Follow on Twitter at #2013HomesTour
Monday, September 23, 2013
Shopping for Inspiration
Sometimes you're looking for something specific, and sometimes you just want to be inspired. That was my goal this afternoon. I had some time in between fabric shopping for a client and another appointment, so I hit up an antique mall. Often I'm drawn to items specifically, but sometimes it's just the vignette or combination of textures and colors that gets me.
Here are some pretties that caught my eye today . . .
These lucite, brass-plated and glass shelves would look amazing anywhere.
I love over-scaled sconces especially with palm fronds. I, of course, would gilt these.
My phone didn't capture the true vivid orange hue of these vintage barrel tub chairs with original fabric, but they were so arresting. The legs were painted to match and the brass casters finished them off.
Awesome mid-century lamp.
Great, graphic carnival lithograph. Who doesn't need a "Freaks" sign in their home??
Nice natural, masculine vignette with wood, leather and metal.
Ornate needlepoint ottoman on casters.
The colors in the needlepoint were so rich.
And speaking of colors, the orange, blues and citrus greens in this rug were amazing.
Loved this trio of abstracts in different metallic frames.
Traditional blue and white pottery with more modern art, layered with a gold mirror and marble lamp make for an interesting mix.
And just to show that anything can be art, these are chalice covers that have been framed. Having been raised Catholic, I think these might be really cool to have. So unique and graphic too. I could group them with the chalice I actually bought at an estate sale recently. I couldn't resist - I told my husband I found the holy grail. He was not amused.
Here are some pretties that caught my eye today . . .
These lucite, brass-plated and glass shelves would look amazing anywhere.
I love over-scaled sconces especially with palm fronds. I, of course, would gilt these.
My phone didn't capture the true vivid orange hue of these vintage barrel tub chairs with original fabric, but they were so arresting. The legs were painted to match and the brass casters finished them off.
Awesome mid-century lamp.
Great, graphic carnival lithograph. Who doesn't need a "Freaks" sign in their home??
Nice natural, masculine vignette with wood, leather and metal.
Ornate needlepoint ottoman on casters.
The colors in the needlepoint were so rich.
And speaking of colors, the orange, blues and citrus greens in this rug were amazing.
Loved this trio of abstracts in different metallic frames.
Traditional blue and white pottery with more modern art, layered with a gold mirror and marble lamp make for an interesting mix.
And just to show that anything can be art, these are chalice covers that have been framed. Having been raised Catholic, I think these might be really cool to have. So unique and graphic too. I could group them with the chalice I actually bought at an estate sale recently. I couldn't resist - I told my husband I found the holy grail. He was not amused.
Another piece of interesting art, I'll leave you with this oversized photograph of old rope mounted under acrylic. My husband might have a similar photo somewhere. Need to go look.
Did you find anything inspiring? I know I did.
Did you find anything inspiring? I know I did.
Dallas & the fabulous Blueprint
A short work trip to Dallas left me just enough time to squeeze in a visit to the fabulous Blueprint. Design stores are all the better when housed in a former home and the proprietors of Blueprint take full advantage of the two floors of this 1920's house. You feel like you're walking through a light filled home with the added bonus that the gorgeous furnishings, art and accessories are for sale.
This was my favorite piece. The brass is the perfect patina and I love the detailing.
Beautiful pillows with pretty, clear colors.
This throw makes me realize I want some stripes in my house.
The upstairs stairwell full of art and character. Do you see the lion?
Lucky for me this was my 3rd trip here. As always, if you're in Dallas be sure to visit Blueprint.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
A Smart Narrow Bathroom
There was a lot of inspiration in the narrow bathroom of the Hotel Allegro, where I stayed for one of my there nights in Chicago last week. From the wall to the tub there were 4 floor tiles - so I'm guessing 4 ft. The narrow marble counter with sink had plenty of room and the angled edge made for a more spacious feeling.
The mirror ran almost the full length above the sink.
Plenty of storage space below too.
Stacked subway tile didn't compete with the geometric wallpaper. Loved the pretty blue ceiling too.
A small profile light with simple lines and just enough space for a makeup mirror tucked in the corner.
One other note, the door to the bathroom was a split door that opened out, like small, solid french doors.



























