Archives for February 2014

How to Make your Dining Room “Happy”!!

February 17, 2014

Written By: joann

Here’s a quick sneak peak of a design we are putting together for a color loving client….

Our inspiration is this patchwork rug created from parts of vintage turkish rugs that are hand dyed and sewn together. This one is named “Happy Colors”.

We’re throwing in this solid weathered oak dining trestle table with shaped pedestals and different colored velvet dining chairs!

Now that’s how to make your dining room happy!! Stay tuned for the rest of the design in a future blog which will include unique lighting, artwork, window treatments and the client’s personal collections!!

Joann

Look What I Discovered in Charleston!

February 14, 2014

Written By: joann

I took a quick weekend trip to Charleston and found a new store that I went completely crazy over!! It’s called GDC Home in Mount Pleasant. They also have 2 other locations in Charleston and Freshfields Village.

They offer an incredible selection of home furnishings and accessories from Lee Industries, Hickory Chair, Arteriors, Dovetail, Surya, Pine Cone Hill, Currey and Company and many, many more!!

Here are just a few things you can find there: – An amazing selection of chairs…

Dining options

Rugs

Beds

Quilts and Coverlets

Pajamas

Throws and blankets

Linens and tableware

Outdoor furniture and accents

Gifts

and jewelry!!

I could have easily spent hours browsing. They also carry several bolts of fabric and can fabricate work such as re-upholstery, slipcovers, custom headboards and ottomans. It truly is a one stop shop!!

As an interior designer, I consider this the ultimate tourist attraction!!

Joann

My February Trip to Scott’s Antique Market

February 12, 2014

Written By: kelly

Here’s my view on the antique market adventure – it really makes you think outside the box for design. What’s old is new again right? My brain starts to spin with ideas – what could I do with THAT?

A big table of interesting driftwood pieces greeted us at the entrance to the North Building of Scott’s Antique Market this month. My friend Amy purchased two pretty pieces to display on an antique sideboard in her living room.

Here’s another cool idea for driftwood from Creative Soul Spectrum.

I love this idea of putting mirrors inside vintage silver trays and plates and hanging them in a gallery. These are sold by Stephanie Williams of The Iron Maiden in Newnan, GA.

Thanks in part to the popular TV show Mad Men, the mid century look is back in style. If I had a place for this chair in my house, I would have purchased it! Restored by Andy Morris and Bryan Craig of Urban Artifacts in Atlanta, it was SO comfortable.

I just refreshed my office at home but if I hadn’t, I would have just put this entire vignette in my car (ok minus one lamp)- fresh, clean and cool! A/S Home Style out of Charlotte, NC has a great booth every month!

My friend Sherry Hart is a master at stylizing her design jobs. I love when she incorporates beads like this:

So I was thrilled to meet Barasa Gumaneh from Charlotte, NC who sells African trade beads and clay, glass and metal beads in all sizes.

Amy also purchased this great planter/party beverage stand for her kitchen from a talented welder named Derek Bixler from Eatonton, GA.

My mom always needs door stops in her house. I should have bought these for her.

But my pride and joy purchase of the day was this beautiful water blue jug (stamped 1916 on the bottom) that I purchased for my new screened porch from Brenda Jones of Building Impressions Ltd.

Remember to keep thinking outside the box and making old things new again!

Kelly

Inside the House of Kandrac Kole

February 11, 2014

Written By: joann

I was contacted by Charlotte of Rise Art a few weeks ago telling me that she loved our blog and thought our style fit perfectly with their company. They asked me to participate in an editorial called “Inside the House of our Top Favourite Bloggers”.

photo credit

In the article, I talk about my personal style and explain how I came up with the color palette for my family room. You can read it HERE!

I also discuss an art piece from Rise Art that speaks to me and for those of you who know my love for Italy, it’s not surprising, what I selected.

Rise Art was started by two close friends. The company is driven by a passion for art, technology and helping artists support and expand their practice.

There were two things that really impressed me about them. One is that they launched Art for Care. This is a program where every piece of artwork purchased on Rise Art, the co-founders donate an art kit to children in hospitals. They are individually wrapped and each pack contains an array of pencils, a coloring book, and a blank journal for children to write in. Each year 1 in 15 children are admitted to a hospital, a scary experience for anyone of a young age. Access to visual art and the opportunity to draw and create has shown to greatly reduce anxiety in children. How awesome is that?

The other unique feature about Rise Art is that they allow you to “rent” art. This was launched to help people collect art without the risk. Buying art should be fun and exciting. Often, however, discovering the perfect piece can be a challenge. Something might look wonderful in an art gallery, a fair or online – but will you enjoy living with it for years and will it even fit on your wall? Learn more about this unique option HERE!

Selecting art is one of the most challenging aspects in our designs. I’m not selecting art merely for size and color, I want it to have significance and meaning.

Want to know your art personality? Take this free style quiz!

Joann

Top 12 Colors For a Fresh Front Door

February 7, 2014

Written By: joann

I am so looking forward to Spring and the fun projects that warm weather brings. If there’s one project that is easy, fast, and gives your home a quick make-over, it’s painting your front door!

House Beautiful featured a few of their favorite front door color choices. Check these out!

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Starting at the top:

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Pratt and Lambert 1870- Scarlett O’Hara

A classic color with a classic name. Nothing says “come on in” like a bold shade of a warm red.

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Benjamin Moore Grand Entrance Sullivan Green 560

Bright and fresh, green is the flawless tone for a summery feeling all year long.

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Fine Paints of Europe Hollandlac 9925

Looking for a pick-me-up for your traditional home? This lake-like blue is the quintessential shade of steel blue.

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Benjamin Moore Regal Select Mohegan Sage 2138-30

If you’re more of a fan of blending, this neutral is is a dreamy mix of gray and brown.

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Dunn-Edwards Evershield Citron DE5473

Cirton is a quickly growing favorite in the design world. It’s happy as sunshine and as cool as can be.

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Sydney Harbour Paints Aqua Glass Enamel Deep Sea

This shade packs a punch, it’s a combination of purple, blue, and a dash of smokey gray. It is reminiscent of a deep London Fog.

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Benjamin Moore Impervo Black Forest Green

Who knew black and green could make a bold neutral? This deep dark green is great for a less-rigid black.

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C2 Paint Premium Exterior Woodpecker C386

Want a color as moody as the winter weather? This shade can look gray, beige, or even a little green depending on the day and it’s surroundings.

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Benjamin Moore Aura Wenge AF-180

This drama-filled brown has hues of purple, magenta, and red. Use it with gray tones to spice up your neutrals.

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Benjamin Moore Impervex Covington Blue HC-130

A blend of blue and green that is reminiscent of Charleston porches!

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Farrow and Ball Exterior Full Gloss Lulworth Blue 89

A combination of periwinkle and blue is always good for a pick-me-up. Try it in a high gloss to keeping it looking fresher longer.

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Benjamin Moore Advance Electric Orange 2015-10

For a retro house with a modern feel, orange is sure to be the talk of the neighborhood!

Are you ready to paint? What are you dreaming of for your front door?

Images via House Beautiful.

Image via Revealing Excellence

Joann