Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The Gift of Design

What could be a better gift to yourself then an afternoon snuggled up on the sofa while the children play quietly, maybe drinking a glass of wine, and you flipping through beautiful images of decked decors?? Well, we can all have a Christmas wish:)

If you want to give the gift inspiration here are a few of my all-time fave design books....




I love most everything she does...clean, crisp glamour.

This book is filled with elegant rooms that can give inspiration for even the most humble abodes...


This is the new book by Charlotte Moss...she has such an eye for interesting things...

I have been a fan of Charlotte's from an early age. This is the first design book I ever  owned. My mother gave it to me for Christmas one year and I still treasure it!



Miles Redd does fabulous things with color...lots of lacquered wall....

Classic and Pretty

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

All I Want For Christmas

Lets face it, kids, and really living in general, can be rough on your nest. There are some spots though, that are really immune to the hustle and bustle of life and I think worth a splurge.
Here is a Christmas list of a few goodies for Santa to put under your tree that have a good chance of remaining un-scathed in the New Year!


*Great Bedside Tables ~ I really can't stan a wimpy side perch here. I need lots of room for books, magazines, journals, flowers...

*Lights ~ lamps, sconces, chandeliers...let the light in!

*Collections on the Wall ~ this is a great spot to hang plates, mirrors, objet d'art...and no one can touch!




This is a room I did for a client and I just love the bedside lamps and two tiered bedside tables.
www.lesliemaydesigns.com



This is great side table from Oomph that you can do in any color of the rainbow and has lots of space for  just stuff!
www.oomphonline.com

My latest lighting obsession is this lamp, the Ananas, from a company in Charleston, Ro Sham Beaux. I am hoping to find these under my christmas tree this year!
www.roshambeaux.com

These fun plates from C Wonder would look great as a collection on any wall.
www.cwonder.com




Here is his cousin the giraffe!
www.cwonder.com

There are so many great lights on which to splurge. I love these from Charles Edwards.
www.charlesedwards.com




Monday, December 3, 2012

Tis' the Season to be with Family

This is my most favorite time of the year! Not only for the cookies, parties, gingerbread houses and more cookies....but to me Christmas is about family and friends cozy in a warm home with lots of good food and the glow of a crackling fire. Hello Currier and Ives:) I know a lot of people get stressed out about entertaining during the holidays but I think it's a no brainer. Every room in your house will look better with a little Christmas magic in it! Also, a little Christmas~ing is the best way to cover up those "not yet gotten to" holes in your decorating plan. No curtains on the living room windows? Throw up a glistening evergreen and no one will even know the difference! No fabulous wall art? Pin up a wreath with a great red linen bow!

My newest Christmas love....boxwood ~ wreaths, garland, cuttings. It just looks unique in a sea of pine:)

Happy decorating!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

I love wreaths on windows!
www.specialeffects.com




Simply beautiful...understated by Mary McDonald



Sugar Plum Fairy's Christmas Dinner table!
www.frenchcountrycottage.blogspot

Perfect for that spot of above the mantle that has been empty all year!
www.frenchimprovement.com




Simple and glittery
www.necessary-and-proper.com




Love this way to bring color into the foyer.
Designs by Kelli





What an elegant welcome
Mary McDonald