After the party’s over…

10 Monday Jan 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Decorating

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I don’t think I’m alone in the pleasure I get from putting all of the lovely Christmas decorations away. Don’t get me wrong, I delight in decorating for Christmas but I love the clean palate I have to work with once it’s all retired to its respective storage spot in the garage.

Some of my design accessories (knick-knacks) go back on the same table top but there are a few surfaces that always challenge me and therefore I ponder a new vignette.

An example of this is the kitchen counter. We have a long counter that I believe needs a little “arrangement” to break up the vast space (vast for me, anyway). In the past I’ve arranged plants, a cookbook stand, an antique scale and assorted accoutrement, but always seem to be just slightly dissatisfied—as though there’s something missing with the arrangement.

NOTE: I’m having a little technical difficulty with WordPress—my photos and text seems to move around after I’ve saved the update, does this happen to anyone else?

This is what I came up with this month…

The plant was a gift—it’s in a little wooden box that resembles a library file drawer. The barley twist candlestick was one I purchased at an antique store years ago—it was very affordable ($25) in part because it was missing it’s partner. The bronze flower man was a gift from a dear friend.

I’m happy with it for now. Hubby commented with a positive remark (without being asked) so that’s an endorsement, of sorts.

Have you taken down Christmas? Do you ever wonder how to fill in the blanks after the holiday?

Driving the neighborhood

07 Friday Jan 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Renovating

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remodeling

We live in an older community of tract homes…not the old of Atlanta (built in 1928) but the older of Irvine (built in 1968). Some of the homes in my particular enclave have been renovated and some, sadly, have not.

In any event, there are a few show stoppers, or in my case car stoppers and I thought I’d share them with you. I walk my little dog, Madison, in the area but usually take her out on the main street that circles our community, or up on the hill that cuts over the top ridge of our community. During the holiday, when I thought about doing this, I thought I’d take my camera and see what’s going on in the neighborhood.

Just down the street this home is a total redesign. The contractor, a friend of mine, has done several homes in our community, including my friend’s (Carol and Barry) home.

I like the stone on this house but wish the entry was just a little wider and more roomy.

This is Carol and Barry’s home, decked out for Christmas. Their landscape is still to come but the home has a craftsman/Cape Cod charm that makes it a “car-stopper” in my book!

This charming home (below) is across the street from the major remodel going on. Cathy keeps her home looking good year round. She has done all of the landscape herself, including laying her own sod! I’m in awe.

(Too bad I don’t know how to photoshop these 2 halves of my friend’s house to make one picture, but you get the jest of it, right?)

This is the hill we walk the dogs during the warmer, less muddy, months. We can take them off lead and let them romp and run…very good for dogs and great exercise for people. 🙂 The surrounding view shows our homes, and up on the hill, homes that are way out of our price range.

This is my friend Debbie’s house. She and her husband recently remodeled and while the outside of her home is lovely, the inside is a show stopper. Maybe she’ll let me blog about it sometime.

This is one of my favorite remodeled homes. My photography doesn’t do it justice but it is very pretty.

The owners of this home put up a giant, inflatable pumpkin during October and inside the giant clear plastic pumpkin is a ghost that circles inside—it’s lighted and at night is so festive for all who drive by.

The home below is one that a talented architect designed, I don’t remember his name but he has since moved to Oregon so it doesn’t matter since I won’t be calling him if we ever do any major remodeling of our own home. Anyway, he designed several homes in my community and what I loved about his design was that the homes appear to fit the lot (none of the McMansion on postage sized lots business) and the overall architecture appeals to my traditional sensibilities. He was known for putting front porches on the homes, I could imagine sitting on this front porch and resting with an iced tea.

This house turned out to be quite large for the lot…still, it has some nice features.

So this is just a little peek at some of the homes that are gracing our neighborhood. I hope you’ve enjoyed your tour!

What’s going on in your neck of the woods?

Ten of my favorite posts for 2010

05 Wednesday Jan 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Designer, DIY (do it yourself), Gardens

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End of the year top ten

Caution: This post may take longer to read than you have time for!

I am still relatively new to regular, weekly (code for consistent) blogging, so I often search sites that blog about similar topics (gardens/gardening; home décor/improvement; cooking/entertaining) to my own for ideas on how to improve my site. Sometimes I walk away feeling inadequate and overwhelmed, but more often than not I’m inspired to “Stay Calm and Continue Blogging”.

I created a file for favorite posts that either a) inspired me to create changes/improvements to my home, garden or even blog site, or b) were so lovely to view and ponder and dream (like a feature in a magazine) that I visited the post repeatedly.

That said, I’ve noticed many blog sites have featured their TOP ____(fill in the blank with your favorite number). Here are my top 10 for 2010 (these were posts that went into my file, in truth there are probably more posts that I simply couldn’t find or have forgotten about):

1. Things That Inspire, April 25, 2010, “Glass front cabinets – form over function?”

Holly lives in Atlanta, Georgia and is currently building her own home. She always has interesting and in-depth information about interior design, architecture and art. The images she shares with her readers are amazing.

2. The Lettered Cottage, April 26, 2010, “Easy, Affordable Ways to Add Character to a Newly-Built Home”

Layla and Kevin Palmer, a husband and wife team that will astound you with their creativity. They truly have a knack for turning the most ordinary into an extraordinary place to live. They are very talented with DIY, something I can only wish I could do, but you get some helpful tips on sprucing up discarded treasures. This is a fun site to visit.

3. Peggy & Fritz, August 19, 2010, “Finally a little sunshine”

Ann is a SoCal blogger and her site always makes me smile. She shares images of her travels and I get some great ideas for everything from table settings to furniture and fashion design.

4. Cote De Texas, May 5, 2010, “The Stone Turret House”

Due to computer issues I was not able to successfully download an image of the house, but you can click on the link I’ve provided and see it.

Joni is the rock star of blogging and for good reason. Her site always educates and provides solid information on her topic (interior design and prominent designers). Her images are the stuff dreams are made of.

5. Limestone & Boxwoods, May 23, 2010, “Ride-by: A Peachtree Battle Beauty”

I had the same problem with images from Limestone & Boxwoods

This site doesn’t post frequently, but when he does post it is wonderful! I believe he lives in Atlanta—I really must visit Atlanta some day. They seem to have some amazing homes.

6. Velvet & Linen, May 30, 2010, “A garden dining room…

Brooke was recently mentioned by the New York Tiimes which featured her recently remodeled pink bathroom.

Brooke is a talented interior designer located in California. Her shop is always filled with treasures I’d love to incorporate in my own home. Her husband is an architect and between them there is always something beautiful being developed.

7. French Kissed, December 30, 2010, “Cashmere Epiphany”

Jermaine is an amazingly talented photo stylist and her vision is evident in every room of her lovely French inspired home. She finds second hand treasures and manages to create such an old world ambiance that you would swear her home was actually an historic country house outside of Paris.

8. The Inspired Room, June 3, 2010, “Charming Potting Shelves”

Melissa is located in Seattle and I always look forward to reading her post. She keeps me grounded and reminds me what is important when hearth and home are concerned.

9. Trouvais, December 31, 2010, “Happy New Year’s Eve”

Trish takes me on a journey into some of the most beautiful historic and present day castles, homes, estates—she always surprises and delights with her images.

10. Brabourne Farm, December 24, 2010, “Love…flowers @ Brabourne Farm

This site is strictly images driven. How she manages to find so many beautiful pictures of my favorite things in the world is impressive.

If you find yourself with spare time in 2011 (I know, I know, WHO HAS SPARE TIME?!) visit these sites. I believe you will have fun!

Design tools…Domino Book of Decorating

03 Monday Jan 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating

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domino book of decorating

This Christmas Son #2’s lovely girlfriend gave me a copy of “Domino The Book of Decorating”. I was excited by the gift because a) It was touching to me that she recognized (after such a short time) how much I enjoy home design and gifted me such a thoughtful gift, and b) because it really is an informative and fun book to add to my library.

I remember thumbing through an issue of Domino before it’s demise. Sadly, Domino magazine has gone the way of so many others during this economic downturn. I remember thinking the magazine was geared towards a younger audience. In fact Wikipedia declares that it aimed for a median age of 37.2. {I’m just a little older than that!}

What make this book stand out are the step-by-step instructions it provides the design-driven layperson. The chapters give you the detailed tools for amassing inspiration for your space and how to select a style that reflects what you really adore. However, it goes beyond basics and gives you professional guidance on tracking down “to the trade” components to your room. It offers tips for mixing and matching pieces of furniture and selecting upholstery and paint color.

all images via domino

It has been a fun read and I believe it will be a valuable resource for any future home improvement projects. Thank you, Sarah!

{Home} Wall galleries, no museum needed

03 Monday Jan 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, Decorating, DIY (do it yourself)

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wall galleries

While in Austin in November my DIL (daughter-in-law) asked me to help her arrange a wall gallery of ‘eventual’ photos of my granddaughter. Jamie and Kyle had purchased the frames and wanted to get them hung with the idea that empty frames would inspire them to complete the project sooner than later. A wise way to motivate yourself, I believe.

This gallery appears to be family pictures, all black and white, very pretty, love the framed red shoes.

I have always enjoyed the visual pop a wall gallery can provide for a room. I enjoy the added interest a grouping of like or dissimilar framed graphic art, prints, paintings, mirrors and architectural elements can lend.

I like the set of prints, plaid sofa and the doggie!

A mirror in the gallery (above) reflects light and adds to the room as much as the gallery itself.

This image is from a store, but still an impressive gallery, don’t you think?

Technically there are no rules—that’s the beauty of it. In fact that is something Jamie mentioned to me when she showed me the picture that had inspired her to do the gallery. She rightly assumed that we needed to hang the most central, prominent frame and spatially fill in the blanks with the other frames. The gallery turned out very well and will provide an artistic touch to a section of wall that might have been challenging otherwise. I would have taken a picture but the photographs aren’t installed yet, next trip.

The wall color, color coordinated book/magazine ends and architectural prints makes this room swoon-worthy!

The gallery in this low ceiling room expands the space. Be sure to secure your frames to avoid them falling on your head while you slumber!

Same store…I wonder where this store is?

This convex mirror is beautiful with what appears to be antique prints…so nice.

A hallway gallery is the ideal place for a gallery of art, it gives an otherwise utilitarian space decorator appeal…love the floating art frames.

{via Lonny Magazine} Stair galleries are another fun place to get creative with your framed art.

{via New Victorian Ruralist} This image is a favorite…the chocolate brown walls contrasted with the bright white bead board and equestrian objects is a favorite theme of mine.

Antique pages from a botanic text book can provide such a wonderful grouping. I purchased antique botanic images for our guest bathroom {visit HERE} and loved the way they turned out once framed.

{via Martha Stewart} Does this corner gallery remind anyone, besides me, of Hermes boxes?

{via Pasadena Showcase House} Objects of interest in and around a photo gallery makes it that much more interesting, don’t you think?

{My apologies, I think this room is Brooke Gianetti’s study re-do, not positive} Love the various components of the room, including he wicker hampers, gallery and desk appointments.