I'm continually shocked when I walk into a clients home and instantly feel a void. Where are the stories, the history, the collectibles, the memories displayed that layer warmth and personality into the home?  This is something that Joann and I take very seriously when designing homes for our clients - we may be purchasing new things but we are constantly trying to infuse the spaces with items that have a meaning - whether it be a color or a texture that brings back a memory, an heirloom that has been reupholstered or painted, a silver collection brought out of the attic and put on display or a family gallery carefully hung with old and new photos.

When I look around my home, there are so many pieces of art, furniture and knick knacks that bring to mind an interesting story or place of origin. Many of them came from places like Scott's Antique Market that I visited this past Thursday.

These are the kinds of things that add interest to a home (they might not be your style but you get the gist). 

For example, I bought this organic teak sculpture to put succulents in (or probably a tall orchid) to use as a centerpiece.  However, it could go on a fireplace hearth as decoration or on a big kitchen island holding fruit. 

We recently had a client ask us if all the area rugs in her open floorpan should match - the answer - absolutely NOT! Actually nothing should ever MATCH (ok I do love a pair of matching lamps) just coordinate well together. 

I'm a big fan of turkish and indian rugs.  They last forever and go with any style from traditional to contemporary.  

These small ones are perfect for powder rooms and single door entries.

Hide rugs are great for layering (on top of a sisal rug), super durable (hose them down if you need to) and so pretty in neutral colors. These are from a company called The Wild Goose. (P.S. No these do NOT make your home look like the wild wild west or a country cabin.) 

Pillows, pillows and more pillows - QUALITY pillows with QUALITY down forms (note: the insert should be one size larger than the pillow case) - makes a huge difference in your home all day long.  I love the velvet and linen mix in this pillows - texture is king.

COLOR!! Color makes the world go round. 

I use these African beads all the time - layered on books, in a bowl, around a candle. 

These are handmade in Vietnam and sold by a vendor at Scott's that sells fair trade handmade goods - Alan Vogt with Manos de Sur. I think these would be so cute hung over a crib or on a curtain rod layered with panels.

If you live in the Atlanta area, Scott's Antique Market is open the 2nd weekend of every month.  No matter if it's an Arts in the Park festival, a Country Fair or a local Antique or Flea market - take a wander - you never know what interesting things you can find for your home. 

Kelly