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Garden, Home & Party

~ My love of gardening, making home comfortable and entertaining friends and family.

Garden, Home & Party

Category Archives: Misc

{GHP} It’s all about the packaging

03 Wednesday Apr 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Misc

≈ 21 Comments

Tags

continers

I have always been a  sucker for appreciated pretty packaging.  I have learned, sometimes the hard way, that the item within isn’t always all that I had hoped for but I am drawn to items that are well packaged.

The inspiration for this post came by way of one of my favorite sites,  Heather Bullard ⁄ Lifestyle, in her recent post about some small, wooden boxes she found at Target in their dollar bins.  (Sorry I missed these).  She did an amazing job photographing the boxes filled with eggs from her hens.  I was taken by the beautiful photography (always) but it struck me that something as simple as eggs could look so appealing.  Note:  Heather and her team publish Souvenir magazine.  It’s filled with great ideas.

Heather Bullard 2.26.13Souvenir magazineThat got me thinking about some of the creative packaging you stumble upon while perusing the internet.  Jenny Steffens Hobick, a talented cook hosts an entertaining blog site, created this box of homemade cookies and other goodies.  By placing them in cello bags with pink ribbon and polka dot tissue, the contents look like they could have been packaged by a high-end specialty boutique.  Anyone would be pleased with this sweet package.

jenny steffens hobick 2.14.13Another example of something as simple as a red/purple onion, made to look like art.  I realize none of us would wrap our onions in antique pages from a book or newspaper before use, but you can see how pretty they look. {Helena Bernard Photography via tumblr Love French Bulldogs}

love french bulldogs tumblr Who doesn’t love a French baguette?   This display conveys to me that these are fresh-out-of-the-oven and I can nearly taste the fresh creamery butter and melt-in-your-mouth flavor of a baguette. {source}

tumblr baguettes lookiing for rainbows n the moonlight{source}

Even these little individual pies are tempting, I might want the entire crate of hand pies!

tumblr looking for rainbows in the mirror{source}

Note to self, make some of this vinegar for possible hostess gifts during raspberry season.

Isn’t this bottle with the pop lid stopper cute?

tumblr looking for rainbows in the moonlight1{source}

Don’t you wonder what is within the delicate wrapping of the lace doilies?

tumblr heart french bull{source}

Just in time for Easter, I believe these Mod Podge eggs could be created using the plastic, open-able eggs you can find everywhere right now.  Throw some M&M’s in these and I’m in happyland.

tumblr love french bulldog packaging{source}

The oak barrels used to age wine have always been a favorite, they are usually French oak and I do enjoy a glass of the contents from time to time.

tumblr wine barrels looking for rainbows in the moonlight{source}

Are you drawn to attractive packaging? 

I’m visiting with Ricki Jill over at Art@Home, join me.

{GHP} A few of my favorite sites [friends] in blogland

27 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by Karen B. in House and Home, Misc

≈ 18 Comments

Tags

Blogs to love

If you’re anything like me you’ve got more blog sites to read and follow than you ever imagined.  Like the back-up on our DVR recorder (of TV programs),  I start feeling like the homework assignments are piling up and I’m behind.  I’m a huge fan of an article on time management written by  William Oncken Jr. and Donald L. Wass, “Management Time: Who’s Got the Monkey?” published  in Harvard Business Review in 1974*.  I can’t stand to have the monkey on my back…if I have an assignment, even one I love, i.e. gardening, reading blog sites, etc., (self-imposed or otherwise) I’m happiest once I’ve caught up with all of it.  Does that happen to you?

DilbertLately I have too many pulls on my time.  I’ve informed Mr. B that my television viewing will include fewer programs and he can start watching some of the recorded TV shows on his own.  I’ve become more discerning where my blog reading is concerned as well, but I confess, it has been more challenging than paring down my television viewing.  The reason is the producers and actors on TV aren’t my friends!  Silly?  Maybe, but when I’ve received comments from fellow bloggers, I’m so appreciative, and I immediately feel a sense of loyalty to read their posts and comment, as time permits.  If you manage a blog, you’ll understand.

tm21As time continues to evaporate, I’m attempting to be more selective with my blog-reading. I’ve noticed there are several sites that seem like a present waiting to be opened.  When I receive an email in my inbox that they have a new post waiting for me, I’m actually excited.  I can hardly wait to click over and read what’s new in their world.  So, not to minimize any of my other must-read blog sites, here is a list of some of my favorites,  they are always entertaining.  I won’t give them their due with my summary of each, but I can tell you this, you won’t be disappointed if you take the time to click over to their site.

Tone on Tone, Loi ::  I clicked a link to Tone on Tone via Velvet Linen several months ago.  Loi’s site never ceases to wow me with the beauty of his home, and the furnishings sold at their (his and Thomas’) antiques store.  He features incredible photographs of some of the homes of friends and always shares entertaining ideas and inspires his readers.  I should also add, he is generous with his time and almost always leaves thoughtful and fun comments on my blog site.

tone on tone 1Tone on Tone Antiquestone on tone5th and State, Debra :: I can’t remember where I found the link to 5th and State, but I know it was sometime around the holidays the year I discovered the talented Debra.  She has three stores in the Chicago area, is a landscape designer and leads tours through England, and still manages to post incredible pictures of her trips and ideas for landscape and outdoor space as well as some beautiful interior designs.  When I get a comment from Debra I feel like I’m hearing from a dear friend!

5th and state tulipstrip to england 5th and statechristmas house 5th and statechristmas showhouse 5th and stateFor the Love of a House, Joan :: I cannot remember where I found this site either (it should actually be considered a ticket to an ongoing class on how to transform a historic, run down house into a beautiful, warm and inviting home.  Dan and Joan are a husband and wife team that have created a fabulous home.  They both approach each project with such thoughtful creative spirit, and offer inspiring ideas.  Be sure to visit each room she has links for.  Oh, and she’s had lunch with Bunny Williams, how cool is that? Joan often provides lists of her “must haves”.  I would have to rate the items I’ve tried as 5 star tips!

for the love of a house1for the love of a house kitchenfor the love of a house reading room

Other must-read sites I’ve mentioned before:  Victoria Elizabeth Barnes, French Kissed, Adventures of Tartanscot, Design Chic, Slim Paley…I love them all!  A new blog I’m enjoying is written by my friend Whitney, her blog, Sandpaper and Silly Putty, is fresh, filled with creative ideas, and always inspires me.

You can see how this time-crunch problem developed.  So many lovely and talented bloggers, so little time!

Downton Abbey season 1 via tartanscotI don’t think Mary had these time related issues, do you?

This doesn’t mean I won’t discover new blog sites to love…its like window shopping, you sometimes find something you aren’t sure you can live without.  You can subscribe, it’s free, and you can always unsubscribe if you don’t find yourself in sync with what they’re all about.

Blogging is such a pleasurable adventure, don’t you agree?

I’m off to Austin to spend Easter with my granddaughter, oh, and her parents! See you when I return. Have a glorious Easter and may spring provide plenty of sunshine for your celebration. Karen ♥

{Garden, Home and Party} They say it’s your birthday

27 Sunday Jan 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Gardening, House and Home, Misc, Outdoor living

≈ 33 Comments

Tags

birthdays

Since today is my birthday (me and Mozart) I’m going to share a few of my favorite images.  I apologize in advance if you’ve seen these a million times before but they continue to be favorites and I can’t bring myself to delete them.  They all bring an immediate smile to my face, hope you will enjoy one or two of them as well.

1-another favorite via The Enchanted Home 10.12.12{1.}

2-bedroom joy trubaut enchanted home{2.}

3-courtyard things that inspire5-2012{3.}

4-Dining Library via My Notting Hill{4.}

5-haus design 10.10.12{5.}

~I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend~

6-hbx-yager-antique-cabinet-HB-used{6.}

7-inspired design 11.7.12{7.}

8-Lake House White Kitchen traditionalhomekitchen-used 9-1-12{8.}

9-phoebe howard enchanted home{9.}

10-photo fritz von der schulenburg, via The Enchanted Home 10.12.12{10.}

11-tumblr that inspirational girl best bathroom{11.}

The image below is on my wish list…I would like this breakfast nook to be built for my birthday, please.

12-velvet and linen-used 9.1.12{12.}

Thank you for taking time out of your busy week to read my posts, and many times, you comment, I love that!  I count you all as blog friends and appreciate your interest in my ramblings.  Many of you are bloggers yourselves and your sites bring me joy and oftentimes provide inspiration and valuable information/education on topics I know little about, thank you!

13-tumblr a gift wrapped life best friends.

1, 2. 10. The Enchanted Home; 3. Things that Inspire; 4. My Notting Hill; 5. Haus Design; 6. House Beautiful; 7. Inspired Design; 8. Traditional Home; 9. Phoebe Howard; 11. Tumblr-That Inspirational Girl; 12. Velvet & Linen; 13. Tumblr-A Gift Wrapped Life.

{GHP} How to pare down, weed out and discover more storage space.

15 Tuesday Jan 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, DIY (do it yourself), House and Home, Misc

≈ 22 Comments

Tags

organize

The new year and the onset of spring are two of the most motivating times of the year for me.  I seem to have a burst of new energy and a strong desire to pare down.  This urge has gained strength as I’ve matured (a word I prefer over “aged”).  Having a smallish house, short on storage, helps force this task on me.

I long to cull out unneeded decor items along with the other odds and ends that build up.  Tone on Tone posted some amazing images of his camellias in October last year, but this image, which was part of that post, resonated with how I’d like my desk area to look.  I kept it as additional motivation of a goal not yet fully accomplished.

1-tone on tone 10.26.12{Tone on Tone}

This year was no different, so I thought I’d throw out (no pun intended) a few of my favorite ways to accomplish this task.  Oh, and by the way, I have to capitalize on this action (paring down) when the mood strikes, otherwise I tend to think, as I take out one more unused item, “maybe I’ll need this next year, or one of the kids will need it”.  Trust me, as the mother of two married sons, both with lovely wives, THEY WILL NOT WANT MOST OF YOUR STUFF!

59320920062421065_HFpjgbkr_c{Pinterest}

1.  Identify the target.  I zero in on a closet or two to tackle.  [Divide and conquer is best or it will overwhelm me] This can also be the storage cabinets in the garage, which is where I find most of the stuff that I no longer use gets sent.  Once it’s hit the garage shelves I find I rarely go out and get it even if there’s a remote chance I’d use it.  Still, I try to make sure I’m not going to need the item anytime within the next year.  That seems to be the common time frame for dumping disposing of possessions.

pinterest laurie VR via rachel stuckey{Pinterest}  This looks like a great way to store things in the garage without taking floor or cupboard space.

arianna belle 11.13.12{Arianna Belle}

2.  Once you know of a particular space that is troubling you with it’s over-crowding, set aside a time when you can remove all items from the closet, cupboard or drawer.  The last thing  you want to do is get started right before you have an appointment or dinner guests arriving.

bhg orgainzation tips{Better Homes and Gardens}

pinterest via laurie VR via Jennifer Crotty Holmes{Arianna Belle}

3.  Start by making 4 piles…things you can’t possibly live without, things you’d like to donate, things you might like to sell via eBay, Craigslist or a garage sale, and things you need to deposit in the trash.  Do not allow yourself to believe you’ll need everything unless you have more storage space than you need, and have the luxury of saving stuff forever, in other words, don’t hoard.  Remind yourself that donating is a good thing and that someone may end up with your item and it will make them very happy.

pinterst{Pinterest}

4.  Once you’ve divided the items, act decisively.   Take “trash” items to the trash can and the donation items to the car, right now, do not delay.  I say this because if you loose momentum on this task you will end up putting it all back and you’ll have wasted your time and the problem will rear its ugly head again next season.

5.  Reassign the remaining, must have items, to a location in the cupboard, drawer or closet where it can be easily accessible.  If you have useful things but can’t get to them, you won’t use them and they will gather dust and you’ll wonder why you have the thing in the first place.

Note:  The above steps apply to decorative accessories as well as other under-used household items.  I do have a bit of a problem paring down decorative accessories but I’ve gotten better about doing it and it feels good to have only what I love, even if its a seasonal decoration.  Keeping less clutter frees me to know what I have, where it is, and comfortable in the knowledge that I absolutely love it!

0310-Sanders-09-de  House Beautiful{House Beautiful}

The ultimate goal is to have things where you can find them and achieving some semblance of order in and around the house.  The images I’ve selected for this post calm me by their simplicity and lack of clutter.

blue and white chinese porcelain peters and mbiango interiors{Peters and Mbiango Interiors}

sconce Vickey Weiss photography design chic 12.13.12{Photo: Vickey Weiss}

ms antique swedish desk{Martha Stewart}

pinterest jill mac taggart via sarah post{Pinterest}

The other thing I try to do while going through items is re-purpose things in unexpected ways.  Jermaine at French Kissed is a constant source of inspiration for this, as demonstrated in her “Pantry Post” sometime back…

French kissed 11.11{French Kissed}

…and this from Roses and Rust, a clever use for a silver set no longer used for formal tea…

multi purpose roses & rust{Roses and Rust}

For additional tips on clutter-busting, visit Real Simple for some great ideas on making this job easier.

Are you organized, do you stay that way or is it something you have to do twice a year?

Join me at Savvy Southern Style for Wow us Wednesday #101

{GHP} 2013, a New Year

03 Thursday Jan 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Flowers, Gardening, Gardens, Misc, Party Planning, Travel

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

NY Goals

This is my 400th post.  When I started in 2007 I barely knew how to post my words, let alone images.  I’ve met some wonderful blog friends and been inspired by more of you than I can even name, or place on my blog roll.  Thank you for stopping by and for any and all comments, it always tickles me to hear from you!

I’m not a huge fan of resolutions but I am obsessed with lists.  What is it for some of us?  There is something so satisfying about making a list, [and checking it twice?] maybe it’s a Santa thing.

So I’ve decided to start with a short list of things to do in the first quarter of the new year…wait, is this the same thing as a resolution?  No, I think not.  It’s more of a list of goals for life.  A list of things I’d like to do that I’ve talked about but not accomplished with regularity.  A simple list, really.  A list to enrich daily, weekly and monthly life.  Not a “cure world hunger” kind of list but one to enrich our (Mr. B. and me) lives.  I’ve always maintained that if you want me to do something, put it on the list, I’ll get it done.

1.           More local, weekend field trips with Mr. B or girlfriends.  This is one of those items that I’ve talked about, but so far, haven’t achieved.  I confess the inspiration came from our newest addition to the family, Sarah, my youngest son’s lovely wife (of 1 month).  She is forever planning little getaways for the two of them to California festivals and fairs.  They don’t even have to involve overnight stays, but when there’s a fair or festival that interests them, they often go.  I want to do more of that in this new year.

{I believe Kevin and Sarah went to this festival and it sounded like they had fun.  I know I got an olive tree sapling out of their visit}

1-pr-olive-festival-poster-700{My girlfriends and I wanted to attend Remnants of the Past last fall, but the wedding kept me from wanting to loose a weekend, so we promised ourselves we’d go in 2013}

Garden, Home and Party 1.1.13

2.           Plans for the garden.  I’m a garden enthusiast, but I find lately (the last 3 years) I’ve kept the garden maintained but not actively planned for new shrubs, trees, or perennials for any area in the garden.  I’ve been mostly keeping things trimmed, soil turned and all plants fertilized but have failed to plant the garden of lavender I’ve wanted to grow, or change out some rose bushes that simply don’t do as well as they should in a given spot.  I’ve only maintained. I want to change this status quo in the garden.  I may even try my hand at planting some annuals from seed this year.

GHP knot garden{I need to change a couple of the roses in the knot garden.  My hybrid tea, ‘Pearl’ isn’t doing that well and I could use a red rose.  I’m thinking of Mr. Lincoln or a Romantica Rose.  I need to check out my options soon so that when they come to the nursery I can buy what I want}

5-Mr-Lincoln-22{Mr. Lincoln}

6-pink jasmine birdhouse1{The pink jasmine is lovely in the spring but I’d like to plant an additional vine that would bloom when the pink jasmine has completed its cycle}

7-sphere ivy clad{This image from Ivy Clad is what I strive for where my boxwoods are planted…the inside planting space needs more plants, plan to be determined}

9-larkins-4-de ty larkins - usedI have wanted a fountain for the side yard for years.  I’ve had fountains in other spaces out doors, but they can’t really be heard from the rooms we spend the most time in, kitchen, library and family room.  I’ve also chosen fountains in the past that offer a sound similar to a little boy using the lavatory…not the gentle fall of water droplets that I long to hear.  I’ve been told a two-tiered fountain is what I need.

11-trouvais garden1Trish of trouvais fame posted this image of her lavender garden a year or so ago.  I decided to plant lavender where I felt it would get plenty of sun and hoped to reap the benefits of the beautiful scented plant and flowers.  Unfortunately, I got started late and 2 of the plants died.  I will re-attempt this planting again this spring.  Isn’t this image beautiful?!

3.           Entertaining more in 2013.  There was a time when we enjoyed having friends in for dinner at least twice a month.  I think my taking a full time job in corporate America in 2005 was when the pattern changed.  Now I find myself thinking, next month I’ll have __________ [fill in the blank] over for dinner. Unfortunately I’ve been dropping the ball and “next month” has become next year in many instances.  I am going to make an effort to have good friends over for dinner more often in 2013.  By the way, I read that some hate the term “entertain” due to the formality it conjures up in our minds.  I do enjoy the  creativity of setting the table, determining the menu and planning for all of that, but we rarely do what I would consider “formal” entertaining.  Most of our friends offer, and I accept their offer, to bring some small portion of the meal.  It works well and I find it shares some of the work.  That said, I am not above buying some great appetizer that is nearly made for me, or a bakery-purchased dessert.

12-fall, party resourcesI’ve come a long way baby, I no longer feel the need to keep everything perfect and formal.  I enjoy buying some of the meal, like a yummy appetizer from Bristol Farms or Trader Joe’s and then cooking the rest of the meal, or even letting some of the guests bring something.  Either way, Mr. B and I truly do enjoy the quality time spent with friends and family over a meal in the comfort of our home (or that of a friend).

13-aimee herring brabourne din. rmLove the white table setting and surroundings (above).

14-KB 5-12 nice table viewThis was a table set for a dinner for a friend with a May birthday.  It reflects the upcoming spring (when this picture was taken), but my point in including it was to show you the centerpiece.  It’s a planter I pulled from the atrium and added a few English daisy.  It’s fun to mix up the centerpieces with cut flowers, fruit or potted plants.  This doesn’t have to be difficult or costly.  Fixing food for friends and then sharing it is the goal.

(Below) I love the stone items that are part of this table.  So classic.

15-annelle-primos-tablesetting21_thumb{Annelle Primos}

16-din.rm-table setting spring1For the above dinner I used a silver tray as the centerpiece and added a vase of simple flowers from the market.  I used my chargers instead of a table cloth or place mats…easy and casual.

17-home_h478Some even mix the country feel of a picnic style table with beautiful candelabras and flowers for a dinner setting that is appealing and yet, not stuffy.

18-INTRO 3_photo by Charlotte Moss{Charlotte Moss}

So that’s it, these are my goals for 2013.  Not too ambitious, therefore conceivably attainable, right?  Did you set any goals or make any resolutions for this year?

{GHP} A wedding on my mind

06 Tuesday Nov 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Family, Misc, Party Planning, Personal Information

≈ 16 Comments

Tags

weddings

George (Steve Martin) from Father of the Bride:

GEORGE
I used to think a wedding was a simple affair.  A boy and girl meet, 
they fall in love, he buys a ring, she buys a dress, they say "I do."  
I was wrong.  That's getting married.  A wedding is an entirely 
different proposition.

If you’ve read my blog for a year or longer you may remember that I’ve talked about the upcoming wedding of our youngest son and his wonderful fiance HERE, HERE and HERE.

Garden, Home and Party, a wedding on my mind 11.1.12A dress has been selected…

Shoes have been considered…

Garden, Home and Party 11.6.12

and a few surprises may still be in the works…

(isn’t this a cute idea?)

Garden, Home and Party 11.6.12

The date is rushing at us faster than any of us might like, and we’re excited and a bit stressed all at the same time.  We’re in countdown mode.

Garden, Home and Party, a wedding on my mind 11.1.12The venue will be unique and wonderful, The Los Angeles Museum of History will host our smallish wedding of 100 guests.  When Son #1 married we enjoyed a family-only event overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the home of some dear friends in Emerald Bay {Thank you, Glenys and Jim}.

Garden, Home and Party, a wedding on my mind 11.1.12The African Mammal wing will be the backdrop for the wedding.  The North American Mammal room will be where the reception takes place.  The pre-reception will be here…

We’ll mingle with dinosaurs, sipping our drinks and enjoying an appetizer or two.

Garden, Home and Party, a wedding on my mind 11.1.12This scene in a Harry Potter movie will be similar to our dining experience with a table to accommodate 100 guests, 50 on each side, sans Christmas trees, but lots and lots of candles.

There are details to attend to.

Since the wedding will be just prior to winter’s official start, we will all enjoy the warmth of the candlelight,wood floors, soft lighting and of course our mammal-friends alongside our dear friends and family.

I realize it’s still almost a month away, but I’m really getting excited.  I’ll post some pictures of the venue after the big day.  Have any of you attended a wedding at the Natural History Museum?

{Home} What style are you?

25 Thursday Oct 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, Designer, House and Home, Misc, Personal Information

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

decorating styles

Are your tastes and preferences, where design is concerned, clearly defined?  If asked, how would you describe your style?  Do you look at a shelter magazine or book and know right off the bat that the room/home featured  mirror  your style; the room is how you would furnish and accessorize ~OR~ do you sometimes get drawn to a style that is completely different from what you currently have?

Garden, Home and Party, 10.25.12{Barclay Butera}

Garden, Home and Party, 10.25.12{Beaufort House}

Garden, Home and Party, 10.25.12{House Beautiful}

Garden, Home and Party, 10.25.12{Carol Glasser via Cote de Texas}

There are so many blended styles that appeal to me, so I believe I would have a hard time telling anyone that my style is strictly traditional, classic or country.   I believe there’s a little bit of several styles in most homes, especially if you’ve been adding and layering over the years.

Garden, Home and Party, 10.25.12

Garden, Home and Party, 10.25.12{Haus Design}

Garden, Home and Party, 10.25.12{Heather Bullard}

Garden, Home and Party, 10.25.12

Garden, Home and Party, 10.25.12{Kathleen Rivers, Southern Accents}

I confess, I have to put the brakes on sometimes, I can become so enthralled with a certain new-to-me ‘style’ that I lose site of what I believe to be my design focus or style.  Does this ever happen to you or am I the only fence-rider of style?

Garden, Home and Party, 10.25.12

Garden, Home and Party, 10.25.12{Linda Floyd Interiors}

Garden, Home and Party, 10.25.12{nest egg 1.27.11}

Garden, Home and Party 10.25.12{Robert A.M. Stern Architects}

Garden, Home and Party, 10.25.12{Rose Uniacke}

Garden, Home and Party, 10.25.12

That doesn’t mean I decorate a room and it never changes, far from that.  I find I get tired of colors and maybe even some furnishings every 10-15 years.  Fortunately, it usually means I need to paint and maybe rearrange the furniture or trade out a lamp with another, in a different part of the house, change the wall adornments, move pictures, change pillows and throws, you know what I mean.  But I do have to remind myself sometimes what ‘it’ is I love, what I always come back to, what makes my house my HOME.

Does this ever happen to you?  If it doesn’t, you are the person I admire and would love to have the confidence to say, this is IT, this is my style and I’m never swayed to the fickle tastes of design world changes and trends.

{Home} Time for a “pretty rooms” fix

25 Tuesday Sep 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Designer, House and Home, Misc

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

pretty rooms

I was sorry to miss “Favorites on the First” over at The Polohouse.  I was on vacation and otherwise occupied with a 21-month old granddaughter…no complaints here!  Alison always hosts such fun monthly “favorites”.

I’ve been delivering posts that are more subject-specific since returning from vacation and even I’m bored with that!  {I guess it could be argued that all posts are subject-specific, but I just miss looking at pretty rooms, no specific topic or even particular focus}.

It’s time to feast our eyes on beauty, plain and simple (in my humble opinion) and these are some of my newer found “favorites”, and a couple of returning great rooms that I could look at daily and still find reason to be inspired somehow.

I hope you enjoy this frivolous interlude of well designed/decorated spaces and the accessories that inspire me…

This room/space had me at wood paneled walls and ceiling. The chandelier and eclectic accessories create interest.

Atlanta Home Foyer, Garden Home & Party{Atlanta Homes Magazine}

Old world rooms always draw my interest, don’t you wish they still made arched doorways with this kind of detailing?

Old world charm, Garden, Home and Party{source}

Any room with books says “comfortable and inviting” to me.  In fact I enjoy finding a library of sorts in unexpected places.

{source}

I’m looking for an entry rug similar to this, any shopping tips?

Foyer, Garden, Home and Party{source}

Vintage painting and beautiful furnishings, wow.

Tailored room, the Steward,Garden, Home and Party{source}

This sun room is so pretty, love the windows and doors.

Garden, Home and Party{source}

My apologies to those who are put off by antlers.  I understand, but I do like the lodge-look, even old European style they impart.

Garden, Home and Party {source}

This Jane Moore kitchen has been on a couple of my “favorite” blog sites lately, but I absolutely love the room and it’s non-structured, non-typical kitchen design.

Jane Moore, Veranda, Garden, Home and Party{source and Cote de Texas}

When Southern Accents magazine was still published I became an avid fan of Dan Carithers style…I used to be able to pick his rooms out of any magazine.  He’s now retired but his style is timeless and will remain close to my heart.

Garden, Home and Party{Dan Carithers}

There are so many features in this smallish space that draw my attention.  The little lamp, the comfy chairs and the table are all inviting and great use of a small dining area off the kitchen.

Better Homes and Gardens, Garden, Home and Party{Better Homes and Gardens}

I would love stone walls in a kitchen!

Garden, Home and Party{Elle Decor}

This tub is a favorite and I like the closet doors, I’d have to work on keeping order to my closet with these doors, but it would be worth it.

Garden, Home and Party{source}

The headboards and the chest are appealing, not to mention the botanics above each bed.

Garden, Home and Party{Design Chic}

Another small space but I really like the transferware grouping on the wall and a wingback in the kitchen is such a great idea…why not really be comfortable when you dine?

Garden, Home and Party{source}

I realize I couldn’t really allow the vines on our house to grow indoors, but I like the rustic look for this, don’t you?

Garden, Home and Party{Garden & Gun Magazine}

This is the best ever kitchen chandelier!

Garden, Home and Party{New England Home}

Joan and Dan’s house (for the love of a house) is one I can revisit weekly, they have such a great house and the way Joan pulls her incredible collections together makes it my favorite example of how to accessorize any room.

Garden, Home and Party{for the love of a house}

I’ve always liked this kitchen and the marble counter and back splash.

{Traditional Home Magazine}

If we EVER add a kitchen eating area, this is the image I’ll show the contractor.  Love it!

{Velvet & Linen}

I hope you enjoyed seeing some new and returning favorite rooms.  Do you revisit certain images for inspiration from magazines, design books or Pinterest?

{Home} Making room for Olivia…daybeds

03 Tuesday Jul 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, Family, House and Home, Misc, Renovating

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

and baby makes three

We have a 3-bedroom home.  When our boys were young they each had their own room.  Once they were grown and gone we converted the smaller of the bedrooms into a study/office.  There is a comfortable leather reading chair and side table.  We converted the clothes closet into a desk area and there is a second desk in our built in. This has been great for our empty nest and for Hubby and my computer work.

Karen’s desk area (above)…when can we expect wireless everything?

Hubby’s desk area (below)…since Hubby works from home he has more of everything.

The guest room is comfortably equipped with a queen sized bed and ample closet space for visiting guests [read :: son #1 and DIL, with our granddaughter].  Olivia is still small and has been quite happy to sleep in the pack and play we were given but we know the day will come when Olivia (and her mommy and daddy) will want her to have a bed to sleep in, preferably in a separate room.

Below is the wall we could fit a daybed…the chair would be moved but the wall is relatively furniture free.

So…I’ve been looking at day beds.  And since I love you guys and your valuable input, I’m sharing some of what I’ve seen and hope you will offer some opinion on this topic.

The bed below looks like it could be an antique.  This holds great appeal for me.  I could see passing an antique down to someone later for future generations.  I tend to romanticize the spin on just about everything.

la Brocanteuse

The blue bed is sweet and looks like it would make a little person feel safe with the side detail.  It also looks like it might be a little shorter than most twin beds, which would be a bonus in our room with its limited space.

unknown

I like the looks of an iron bed, I’ve seen a few varieties that seem sweet and might take up less visual space since the iron is less bulky in feel than a wood bed.

The Paper MullberryThe Paper Mullberry

This bed is lovely but I believe it wouldn’t fit in the space.

Ivy Clad

Ivy Clad

Charles Faudree has the best ideas (below)!  If space permitted I’d go for book cases, one either end of the day bed.

Simple but efficient.

The bed below almost looks like a closet…very nice.

Ivy Clad

This would be the ideal “grandma and grandpa” guest arrangement for visiting children…

Inspiring Interiors

It would be nice if the daybed did double duty and provided sofa seating when needed.

Photo by William Waldron

Or maybe we could screen the patio and let the wee ones sleep outside!  Just kidding, but isn’t this a great set up (below)

the adventures of tartanscot

What do you think?  Do any of you have daybeds in your home, any recommendations?  I love hearing your ideas.  xo, Karen

{Garden} Appreciating nature, my fine feathered friends

24 Thursday May 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Gardens, Misc

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

Nature, nests

We’re off to Austin to do our first solo gig as babysitters for our sweet granddaughter.  I’ve put a few posts in the queue and I’ll be back mid-week next week.  Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!

xo, Karen

As we head towards a long weekend, hopefully for everyone, I thought you might have time to enjoy nature…it can be as simple as appreciating the sunset each evening, admiring the lake you may be skiing on, being thankful for the beach or the fabulous scents of pine while hiking or taking a relaxing walk in the forest, or you can observe with wonder the work of our fine feathered friends…

While reading the Sunday paper a couple of weeks ago an news article caught my eye due in part to the beautiful watercolor drawings associated with the feature.  The piece, titled “A family’s strong nesting instinct” by Liesl Bradner, told of a family living in Ohio in the mid-1800’s and of their appreciation and love of the “natural world”.  Genevieve “Gennie” Jones would ride with her country doctor father to visit patients and her father would discuss nature.  This father-daughter practice ultimately resulted in the making of a book titled “America’s Other Audubon”.  The fascinating story can be found HERE.

America's Other AudubonSmithsonian Institution Libraries on Display

…and all of the plates from the book can be viewed HERE.

Smithsonian Library, America's Other AudubonSmithsonian Institution Libraries on Display

I realize it may seem as though I’m overly focused on birds lately, but I must admit, I do love watching them during these warmer months.  They enrich the garden with their singing and chirping and hopefully they are devouring some of the insects that eat too freely of my flowers. 🙂

Smithsonian, America's Other AudubonSmithsonian Institution Libraries on Display

I found a nest in our Cecile Brunner rose last fall…the birds had nested when the rose was filled with blossoms and leaves.  I left it in hopes it would provide materials for another bird family.

{Note:  Please ignore the saw fly holes in the leaves, I’m working on the problem}

We have lots of hummingbirds in our garden, they especially love the Mexican sage and lavender.  We often think they arrive on cue, it almost seems they are asking us to keep it down, they are dining.

{via}

I have posted about the wren family* that lived in a decorative bird house in our garden, raised a family, sent them to flight school and returned a couple of months later to raise their second set of twins.

{via}

Meanwhile, my roses are now finished with their first bloom cycle.  Here are a few of the examples of the best of the lot during the initial spring bloom.

French Lace~ Hybrid Tea Rose

Iceberg Rose ~ considered by some to be “common” but they sure bloom a ton almost all year in Southern California.

This was a no-name rose I picked up at Lowe’s but the yellow is so pretty and the petals so plentiful, I really like it.

This (below) setting must be high rent for birds, so lush and green and peaceful.

bird house in a garden{via}

behind the blue gate birdhouse{via}

I guess there might be birds that would truly appreciate this little house in the dead of winter!  Brrrr!

birds in Norway in winter{via}

I enjoy seeing the use of nature’s best as decorative accessory in a home.  If you can’t find nests in and around your yard, {and please make sure the owner is finished with the next before taking possession!} there are hobby shops that sell some realistic imitations.

{via}

{via}

And, while I’m on the topic of appreciating nature, while in Austin last month the in-laws took me to a restaurant in San Marcos, just outside of Austin, where this 100+ year old oak tree greets all who visit.  Majestic!

San Marcos, Texas

How’s nature in your region?  Do you have birds or other creatures visiting your yard this time of year?  I love hearing from you!

Have a wonderful Memorial Day, take a minute to be thankful we live in a nation that has been kept safe thanks to those that fight and sometime fall  for our freedom.

*By the way, if you click the link to my story about the wren family we housed in our birdhouse, please note that this was my earliest days of blogging and I wasn’t sure how to put an image into the post, so one post has the image of the wren house and one post has the story. 🙂 Oh how far we’ve come.

I’m joining the Garden Party at Fishtail Cottage, have a look.

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