PaperWhites are a Success!

I am so proud!  It's my first time to force PaperWhites and it worked!  

Posted by Paula

I wish you well

Isn't this a happy and colorful Christmas scene?  This was taken on a recent trip down to the crescent city --New Orleans.  It is the beautiful Bienveille House.

Looking forward to the new year and wishing you well!


Posted by Paula

Paperwhites Please

While perusing one of my favorite blogs - Dreamy Whites - I was inspired to try forcing Paperwhites.  Maria said they are one of the easiest bulbs to grow so I thought I would give it a try - of course with a modern transitional flair.

First, I gathered the materials as instructed - Bulbs, Pebbles and 3 Dishes.

Next I placed the pebbles in the dishes.

To mimic the straight lines of the dish, I placed the bulbs in straight lines.  Since there is no worry of overcrowding I placed 3 rows of 3.  Hoping that the result will be splendid!

Ready for my 2nd dish...

Now - all three are complete.  You can see I only placed 3 in the center dish, I thought if all goes well I may add some Christmas baubles later.

The water pitcher is ready...

Adding water just to the bottom of the bulbs.

as I.do.not.want.root.rot!

Now, we wait - 4-6 weeks with fingers crossed - Paperwhites please!?!

The package says- Guaranteed to Grow.... I'll post pics later if all goes well.


Posted by Paula

Inspiring

I came across this fabulous Milliken site.  It is a collage of inspiring images and ideas that inspire designers. architects and creative thinkers around the world.


Here is a snapshot but please head over to see and read about the inspirations.

 
It inspired me to look through my own photos to see things that I am inspired by:

Love and Security

Sweet Innocence

New Beginnings

What inspires you?




Posted by Paula

Star Quality and Pizzazz

International interior designer Kelly Hoppen says, "Look for furniture with star quality - the ability to fill a space with pizzazz through form and function."

I think this gray velvet egg chair from The Phillips Collection fits the bill, don't you?

Posted by Paula

Dare to be Different

Think all tiles have to be square?  Think again....  Lovely hand made tiles from Stoneleaf Tile and Mosaic -
Fabulous Hercules Moth Tile created in high fired stoneware. Each butterly and moth is hand painted paying very close attention to detail. This tile is functional, and strong enough to use on floor, wall, back splash, hearth, pool or in large mosaic work. It can stand alone as a unique focal point or it can be grouted in among stoneware leaves or commercial sliced pebble tile.
There are many other designs to be found-- visit Stoneleaf Tile & Mosaic 


Posted by Paula

Please join me for an Orange Crush!

I am excited about this upcoming weekend-- it is always such a treat to see the children in their adorable little costumes!  Can't wait!  In the meantime, how about a little Orange Crush?

My first crush is this living room designed by Jeffrey Silberstein that features a mango sofa that runs the length of the wall. My heart is going pitter patter for the collage series "Ladder to Sky" by Berg.

As seen in Florida Design

This striking piece of contemporary art is Helen Frankenthaler's "Source" and it illuminates the room.  What an incredible piece of art.

As seen in Florida Design

This eclectic room designed by Cindy Ray Interiors is fab!  It is like an exotic port of call.

As seen in Florida Design

The final crush for the day is this beautiful orange door as seen on Apartment Therapy.

If you want to see a bevy of colorful doors- check out this post

The Mouth of Your Dwelling from Color Zen

Posted by Paula

What does 'traditional' mean today? modern transitional

In the video presented by The Editor's at Large, designers are asked what traditional means today. A wide range of answers are given:

• inward facing
• less clutter
• pare it down
• luxurious and special
• gathering place
• color, movement & excitement

One quote is from Dan Barsanti as he describes himself as a traditionalist with an edge---- sounds like a modern transitional to me. Hey- we like that! modern transitional lifestyle-- sound familiar?





Posted by Paula

Tickle your Fancy

Purchasing new artwork for your home can seem like an intimidating experience - but you need not be frightened. Lighting, color, decor and the size of your room need to be taken into account, but otherwise, have fun!  Mix it up with photography, sculpture or collages.  Just remember to fill your wall space with pieces you love and you can't go wrong.

Peacock Feather available in the shop

Posted by Paula

Halloween Weekend Project

Are you looking for an easy, decorating idea for Halloween? We chose a theme of birds and trees and gave it a decidedly modern feel. 

Happy Halloween!

Details include crystal bobeches to give a fanciful nod to the past.

A simple detail of rust colored ribbon tied around the crows neck.

The plates are merely created with stickers created on the computer, then glazed to give them a shine.

Unfinished wood plaques were used- purchased with the ribbon already attached.  The edges were painted with black and the ribbons were smudged so they weren't so crispy white.  Scrapbook paper was then attached and layered with a sticker created on the computer.

Please share your modern Halloween ideas.  Would love see them!


Posted by Paula

Mercury Glass and Pumpkins

“I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.”

- Henry David Thoreau

 It is the month of pumpkin love and ours are proudly displayed in our Mercury Glass Pedestal Hurricane Vase.

Posted by Paula

Loosen Up!

Perfection can be monotonous. Loosen up your dwelling!

This is photo is from a recent walk in New Orleans, I was drawn to the soft florals breaking up the hard lines of the facade.

Stair Stepping

Architectural Digest has twice named Marc-Michaels to their prestigious list of the “Top 100 Designers in the World,” and has featured the firm’s work in numerous issues. Interior Design magazine has consistently ranked Marc-Michaels as one of the largest interior design firms in the nation in their Design Giants Survey.

They get my vote! Loving all of the elements used; wood, metal, ceramic, glass and marble.

Posted by Paula

Art Find

Have you seen David Arms work? It is simply beautiful and we love it. It is so refreshing and each piece has has symbolism referencing Christianity that speaks with a quiet power. Visit DavidArms.com to purchase a piece for yourself.

Posted by Paula

Kindled Delight

"I don't believe anything can do as much for a room as a glowing fire in an attractive fireplace. Men and dogs love an open fire - they show good sense. It is the heart of any room and should be kindled on the slightest provocation."
Dorothy Draper

Ooh... it's almost time here in South to light up! How about a little fireplace rubbernecking? A couple of our favorites finds:

Bernbaum Magadini Architects

David Hicks

Posted by Paula

Neutral Dwelling's Pop Up Shop

• KK's Gourmet is hosting a Neutral Dwelling Pop Up Shop just in time for your holiday shopping! See and touch our latest modern, transitional finds for your dwelling.

• If you live locally or happen to be in the area you are invited to KK's Gourmet as they host their first "Evening in the Alley". Stop by and enjoy refreshments as you shop Kristi and Tracy Carter's award winning salsas, dips and sauces!

Posted by Paula

Autumn Is A Second Spring...

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.
~Albert Camus

Fall is on its way and here in Louisiana we are just beginning to feel that it is right around the corner. So to emphasize that autumn feeling in my home, I brought in a few things from the outdoors. On the mantel, a few cut branches from the tree in the front yard, a few pinecones and some artwork are all that are needed. The black and white photo was shot by my daughter and to me it represents happy feet- ready to rejoice in the clear, cooler days ahead.

You can see that the leaves are just beginning to show signs that a new season is approaching. I can't wait for more of the russet coloring to appear! I read one time that if you examine a fallen leaf, you'll see a tiny picture of the tree that produced it. The pattern of a tree's branches closely mimics the veins in its leaves.


The unassuming pinecone is usually a supporting player, but this time it is assigned a feature role.


Keeping it simple in the dining area, I used recycled glass and placed it down the center of the table filled with treasures from my stash of outdoor beauties- some collected on walks in the woods down by the lake.



Inspiration is waiting just outside the front door among the brilliant leaves and crackling twigs.


And I'm certainly looking forward to pumpkins, the falling leaves of red and gold, and a delicious bowl of gumbo on a cool autumn evening. How about you?

If you would like to see more inspiring fall decorating ideas, head over to The Inspired Room for Melissa's annual Fall Nesting Week.

Posted by Paula

Fall's Inspiring Palette

Sharing some of our fall photos as we get in the mood for this most wonderful season. Enjoy and have a wonderful day!



Posted by Paula

Is It Home Yet?

Have you seen the new campaign from the home furnishings industry and the World Market Center Las Vegas yet?

"It's funny how new furniture has a way of restoring people. Add something special to your home and experience it firsthand."

Favorites from their listing of Fall's Hottest Trends at Home By Nancy Robinson & Julie M. Smith, Nine Muses Media

Calm Yourself
Living with a neutral interior palette is like being enveloped by a cloud. Get the look by blanketing rooms in the softest neutral shades: cream, mocha and, most especially (and perhaps surprisingly), gray. A dash of a neutral metallic accent, such as silver, adds a welcome sparkle…it’s like sunlight peeking through the clouds.

Modern Country
Modern Country home furnishings offer an updated edge to a style segment that sometimes gets a bad rap. Modern Country is still ageless and exudes a comforting charm. But it takes imperfection — natural finishes, heavily distressed surfaces and reclaimed woods — to new heights. Add rattan, wicker and other natural textures, and the look goes from farmhouse to loft with great ease.

High Contrast
The go-to item in your closet may be the little black (or white, depending on season) dress. In home furnishings, it’s the combination of the two that offers the most impact. It’s twice the look in one great product and it never goes out of style. Look for this decorating duo in window treatments, wallpaper and upholstery fabric.

So do your part- Go shopping for your home today!

Posted by Paula

Feeling Uneasy?

In times of transition and unease, people seem to spend more time at home and want to turn those homes into cocoons of security and warmth. These photos from Eric Roth show rooms that exude calmness, quietness and harmony. I love how he captures the feeling even though each room has a totally different look! Visit his website for even more!