{Home} No calorie eye candy

15 Tuesday May 2012

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I’ve gone off the reservation lately with my overabundance of posts on the joy of being outdoors, communing with nature. I’ve even covered gates, picnics, bird baths and exterior front doors!

I think it’s time I came indoors and shared some of the pretty rooms I’ve encountered in my perusing of the world wide blog land ♥♥♥

This entry is one of the prettiest I’ve seen in awhile. The doggies only add to its beauty as far as I’m concerned. I think the small doggie closest to the door is a Border Terrier (a cousin to my little ~~terror~~ terrier mix).

Providence Ltd.

Look at the detailing on the interior around the door, isn’t it beautiful. I love a Dutch door for a front door (we’re lucky enough to have one).

Unknown

The sconces, the antique mirror, books and decorative accessories, what’s not to love? Old world finishes are a favorite and this image has great examples of that.

Kay O’Toole ~ Cote de Texas

I really like this room, the wood paneling gives the room a comfortable “country” vibe, while the palladian-style windows over the french doors and the carved piece above the TV gives the room a history and elegance. I’m not sure how I feel about a TV over the fireplace. We’ll have to have an open panel discussion sometime.

Daniel Brisset

Kitchens in general always get my attention, but this one is striking with the charcoal walls and cream cabinetry. I love the lamps on the island.

Unknown

A bathroom fit for a princess.

Phoebe Howard

There’s always something fresh and inviting about a mostly white room…

Little Emma English Home

This is a study/office I could get comfortable in.

Ship and Anchor ~ tumblr

And the pretty room below belongs to Son #2 and his lovely fiance. They have purchased their first home!

I hope this has been entertaining for my dear readers who share my passion for wonderful decorating…I have been a little distracted with spring and the great outdoors but will return to focusing on inviting rooms.

{GHP} Happy Mother’s Day

10 Thursday May 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Decorating, Family, Flowers, Holiday/Seasonal cooking

≈ 14 Comments

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Mother's Day

Parenting is not a duty. It is a privilege and an opportunity; A journey of self-discovery. -Becca Glouzstein

Charles Faudree ~ French Country Living

Oh for the clothing of earlier mom’s!

I lost my mom nearly two years ago to the day. I really never thought about what life would be without her, I miss her.

Since we’re going to celebrate MOTHERS this coming Sunday I thought I would share images that seem to reflect a feminine side to life as it pertains to home life and decor. As a mom, I feel blessed to have two wonderful sons and a wonderful daughter-in-law, with another lovely lady to join our family this December!

Donna Talley

Mary McDonald

The Paper Mulberry

Ralph Lauren Home

So, if you’re lucky enough to have a mom, especially one that lives nearby, be sure to treat her to a relaxing day filled with thoughtful deeds and loving gestures.

Happy Mother’s Day!

You can find me at Sherry’s Open House, No Minimalist Here

{GHP} I have a Crush on Jack

19 Thursday Apr 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Decorating

≈ 5 Comments

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Union Jack

I consider myself an anglophile. It could be because my first European vacation was a trip to London with hubby. We had so much fun and I had an immediate crush on all things British. In fact I’ve missed seeing other vacation-worthy European destinations due to my wanting to further tour England.

Image via 5th & State

I admire Charles Faudree’s perfect blend of English and French furniture and his clever way with accessories. Where travel marries home decor influences in our home I’m about a 60/40 split between French and English, with English winning the floor. That said, I don’t have a single Union Jack in the house!

This is what I visualize when I think of the Union Jack…

Bishopton Cottage

Who doesn’t love a thatched cottage?

Pinterest

These trunks from Amazon are pretty cute, although the colors seem a little washed out. The large one could make a nice coffee table for a family room, what do you think?

Amazon

Jan Constantine

Love the Keep Calm message (above) with the Union Jack background.

The image above is a nice combination of the French burlap shade and the Union Jack apron via Luciane at Home Bunch

Tommy Smythe

Best of both worlds! via Etsy

Inspiring Interiors ~ Australia

Pinterest

Slim Paley ~ ABC Carpets, New York

I have long admired the work of Marian of Miss Mustard Seed but when I saw this chest she refinished I knew she was not only talented but a fan of the Union Jack as well!

Mustard Seed Interiors

So, what do you think? Is the stove a bit much? 🙂

I love the U.S.A. but I certainly enjoy the U.K. as well!

Happy Thursday!

I’m visiting French Country Cottage for the Friday Feathered Nest

{GHP} Trays, Deux

12 Thursday Apr 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating

≈ 3 Comments

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trays

There are only so many topics where gardens, homes and entertaining (party) are concerned…and I try to be original (or as original as I can be for my blog). But sometimes topics are worth revisiting. Trays, at least for me, is just such a subject. I first posted my love of the versatility of trays HERE.

Since that time I have found more images showing the use of trays and they are inspiring…at least to me, I hope they will provide you with ideas as well.

With a padded ottoman for a coffee table a tray becomes a necessity.

Better Homes and Garden

I may have zeroed in on the peonies in this image, but when I realized the arrangement on the white lacquer tray I was sold.

Color Outside the Lines

I really like this brass tray on the ottoman…the room is filled with touches of brass/gold tones — it really is beautiful.

Madeline Stewart Designs

Maybe it’s my California roots but Barclay Butera designs such an inviting and relaxed room…I can imagine the cool breezes off the ocean and the sound of the blender in the kitchen, preparing margaritas for the party.

Barclay Butera

Another amazing California designer, Mary Ann of classic.casual.home has used this brass tray in her family room…the classic combination is more appealing on a tray—a plant and/or fresh cut flowers, candle and photograph.

Classic. Casual. Home

Doesn’t this try look great on the blue and white checked table cloth…such a pretty ensemble of blue and white, what’s not to love?

Dan Carithers

Silver and wood trays are a favorite of mine. This one looks masculine with the leather appointments but I can imagine it topped with silver and crystal for a party.

David Jiminez ~ Haus Design

Lilacs and coffee on a vintage wooden tray…yes, please.

unknown

It’s hard for me to determine what the tray in the picture below is made of but I love the rustic appeal of the old, cloth bound books, a candle and some kind of small receptacle.

Haus Design

Isn’t this a wonderful montage of interesting accessories. The red tray ties to the pillows and red coral and the blue and white candle container ties it all in a pretty bow.

unknown

Another nice woven tray filled with orchids, moss and a footed silver bowl.

Do you use trays in places besides your kitchen? What do you typically display on them? I’d love to hear your ideas.

I’ve linking to French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

{Home} Devil in the details…accessories

27 Tuesday Mar 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, Decorating

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accessories

While I appreciate the beauty of any room with the right furniture, proper scale, beautiful wall color or covering and plenty of natural light, my heart skips a beat when it comes to accessories.

Joni of Cote de Texas displays some of her collections in her book case. The vintage globes and bronze figures lure you into this corner of her family room, I want to have a closer look and my overall impression is that this is a room I’d be comfortable in. I love the ambiance of this room!

I’m not sure where this comes from since my mom had more of a minimalist approach to accessorizing, but I really love collections out on display in most any room. Antique or vintage items complete a space for me, the icing on the proverbial cake.

Dan Carithers

(Below) Dan Marty is one of my favorite “detail/accessory” designers. There is magic to his assemblage of baskets, vintage medicine bottles, books and shells.

Dan Marty

The challenge for me has always been getting the “arrangement” just right. I have a few friends that seem to have mastered the skill, or were born with the artistic talent for compiling items in such a pleasing way that you want to study what they’ve accomplished.

I began collecting bronze-like dogs and other creatures some time ago. I find they are increasingly expensive and sometimes hard to find, but the quest is more than half the fun, don’t you agree?

I don’t have to tell you that blog land is filled to the brim with amazingly talented folks that have a knack for vignettes. In fact, one of my favorite “must read” sites are titled Vignette Design. Delores has the gift for arranging her treasures beautifully. Another favorite is The Polohouse, a new site to me. Alison is a designer and I share her love for all things traditional English Country style. I can always depend on a visit to her site fill my mind with inspiration for my own home. Jermaine, at French Kissed is a stylist and her vignettes and her photography guarantee beautiful eye candy.

Vignette Design

The Polohouse

Photo by Jermaine of French Kissed

My Friend, Carla, has a collection of Staffordshire figures that rivals any I’ve seen. Little Red Riding Hood and her twins reside near her stove, their cape guards them from the heat!

My friend, Linda, just started collecting French confit jars. I hope to visit her (Bainbridge Island) in the fall and can take some pictures of her home for you.

Even a collection of cloth bound books can bring interest when placed on a table or shelf with fresh flowers.

Ralph Lauren

I love this shell collection in this vintage urn…so pretty.

New England Home

Bottom line, rooms, at least for me, are so appealing with just the right amount of detail. Collections of those things that are dear to you, found while traveling, inherited, scavenged from antique stores and discoveries along life’s path make a home more interesting and welcoming.

If I Forget Thee

The Catalogued Fancies of N.C. Stewart

Share your collection interests with me, I’d love to hear from you.

I’m joining:

Savvy Southern Style for Wow us Wednesday!

{Home} Library, chapter 2

15 Thursday Mar 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, Renovating

≈ 8 Comments

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library, upholstery

You may recall that nearly a year ago I painted our library. You can read about it HERE. I knew I needed to recover the sofa in that room due to fading but had to find the right fabric and save the necessary dollars.

As you can see in the “before” pictures, the wall paper and sofa fabric had faded from the direct south facing sunlight. We believe we’ve remedied the issue by extending an overhang outside the bay window and by tinting. Crossed fingers that this will be a permanent fix. We’ve had to have the finish on the ladder back chair repaired due to sun damage. These renovations sure can get expensive!

BEFORE (ABOVE)

Last month, call it an anniversary present, we had the window seat cushion, sofa and pillows made and I thought I’d share the final images with you.

I choose a cotton velvet in a taupe color for the sofa. I had my upholsterer add the nail head detailing and replace the straight wooden feet with bun feet. What do you think? I was happy with the way it turned out.

I was able to buy a soft throw on Josh & Main to add a splash of black. Since the sofa is love seat size I wanted to avoid throw pillows but felt something more was needed.

I apologize for the lighting in the picture below, this table sits to the right of the love seat. {Note: I’m currently taking photography classes in an attempt to learn how to use my DSLR camera. Hopefully, there will be vast improvement in my photography once I know how to set all of the buttons and settings}

This vignette is on a tray on top of the wicker hamper I use as a coffee table. I used to have a butler’s tray table (actually still do, it’s in our attic) but I liked the gray wicker hamper and have found the added storage to be a bonus.

The window seat and cushion for the windsor chair is this quilted taupe fabric with a small black leaf pattern; the pillow looks to be embroidered but its machine embroidery.

Madison has given me her full approval of the changes. This is one of her favorite places to nap.

I was able to keep the toile on the ladder back chair…I really like toile and fortunately I was able to find coordinating fabrics that worked in the room.

Are you beginning to sense that I like dogs?!

The print over the sofa is a sentimental favorite because my grandma bought it for me and I think of her whenever I sit in this room.

So, that’s it. I hope you see some improvement and will leave me a comment. I always enjoy our chats!

Catch up with some really great ideas over at No Minimalist Here open house party.

{Home} Small tables

13 Tuesday Mar 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, Decorating

≈ 13 Comments

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small tables

I recently did a post on chairs {HERE}. I have two very dear friends that have a weakness for chairs so I was sure the post would strike a chord with a couple of people. One of my chair-admiring friends suggested that I do a post on small tables. Unable to resist a challenge where blogging is concerned, I jumped right in. My search was fun and I think small tables could become a weakness of mine. They seem to add something special to any room, especially when there are wonderfully interesting accessories adorning them.

The simple table (just inside the door) probably holds keys and sunglasses for its owner. With a basket under the table this sweet table performs both beauty and function.

Amelia Handegan Design ~ Architectural Digest

I love the detailing on this metal table, which appears to be placed in front of a heater. Clever use and a great disguise…I believe this might be a bedroom.

Photo: Bernard Dozel ~ Inspiring Interiors

I think this Chinese alter table makes this room. The twin beds and twin bedside lamps are in perfect symmetry. So pretty.

Heirloom Philosophy

Such great detail with the carving and flower basket detail at the base, this table with the chair beside it welcomes you into the room.

Color Outside the Lines

Lady Grantham probably wishes the small table behind the gentleman to her right were closer, she could place her glass of port on it.

Downton Abbey

Even this petrified tree trunk makes a striking table and vignette.

Photo: Jeremy Samuelson ~ House Beautiful

A simple glass and iron table provides the perfect spot for a towel and toiletries in the wonderful bathroom below. I love the antique piece on the wall behind the bathtub.

Photo: Simon Upton ~ House Beautiful

The small gray-finished table next to this settee is a nice touch.

New England Home

I recently found this site thanks to Brooke at Velvet Linen, looks promising for its charming everything!

Tone on Tone Antiques

The look of a marble-topped table adjacent to an island is very useful. Upon closer inspection you’ll notice it’s actually made to look like the table is independent of the island when it really is one slab of marble. Love the French bistro bar stools.

Photo: Ngoc Minh Ngo ~ John Oetgen Design :: House Beautiful

Another little table with only a lamp as an accent, but very pretty, don’t you agree?

Inspiring Interiors

This little blue table was in my post about chairs, but I truly was captivated by the unique color and lines of this little accent table.

Liz Williams Interiors

I really like this hallway, the paint color, picture gallery, molding details and paint color and the charming wicker table makes it picture perfect.

Take you pick of the either or both of the smallish tables in this lovely room!

Veranda

Do you have a favorite piece of furniture that you can never get enough of?

{GHP} Happy Groundhog Day…H-B, Kevin

02 Thursday Feb 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Family, Gardening

≈ 8 Comments

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Groundhog Day

As we embark on MONTH TWO of a new year, wait, how is that possible? Time needs to slow down for just a bit…right?

National Geographic ~ the groundhog

My mind has been racing with thoughts of things to do…from work to pleasure…I can’t seem to make it slip into neutral long enough for me to focus. Does that ever happen to you? You no sooner think of one thing then your mind races to a new topic and before you know it you’re lost in new ideas, forgetting the good idea you just had. No, I don’t think I’m suffering from early-onset dementia, why do you ask?

Source unknown, but this is the best of both worlds in my mind—a castle cottage.

So, since it’s Groundhog Day and I’m certain I’ve experienced the above condition before, and because it’s our youngest son’s birthday, {it’s cliché to say it seems like only yesterday he was a tow-headed toddler following his big brother around the house, but I’m just saying…}, I’m providing images of things I like and rooms Kevin might like. This isn’t a cohesive, all-one-idea kind of post, it’s an all over the place, like this and that kind of post. {It’s okay if you skip your visit with me today…it might be contagious and you’ll be out of focus if you continue}.

Veranda Magazine

Southern Accents, 2004

source unknown

Maybe this is a purge of images that have been intriguing but not really part of a larger subset of rooms. In any event, I hope you will return when I’m on topic. Thank you for your patience.

source unknown

Better Homes and Garden Some of my thoughts are towards planting for spring and a December wedding for Kevin and his darling fiance, Sarah.

Brides Magazine

Have a very Happy Birthday, Kevin!

May your beer brewing be successful.

I think I need a nap…

I’m visiting Sherry’s Open House at No Minimalist Here

My friend, Jermaine has planned the most exciting trip and invites anyone interested in visiting Paris for an insiders shopping and dining vacation. Visit French Kissed for details.

http://french-kissed.com/archives/11592

NOTE: I AM HAVING SOME SERIOUS WORDPRESS/SERVER ISSUES. I’VE BEEN TOLD IT’S FIXED BUT I APOLOGIZE IN ADVANCE IF YOU’VE HAD PROBLEMS ACCESSING MY POSTS OR LEAVING COMMENTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE.

{Home} 27 rooms

26 Thursday Jan 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Designer, Trends

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27 favorites

It’s my birthday tomorrow and I knew I wanted to celebrate with you! I thought I’d post some of my favorite rooms (accumulated from my favorite blog sites, which accumulated them from their favorite blog sites, no doubt).

Barclay Butera

source unknown

I would post the number of rooms that correlate with my age but I’m afraid your (and my) computer would crash from the size and number of picture files so…since my birthday is on the 27^th of this month, I’ll show you 27 of my favorite rooms.

source unknown

Randy Boyd

Cote de Texas

Some of the images have appeared in earlier posts because I love the room(s) so much but that’s okay, right? It’s my birthday and I can be repetitive.

source unknown

Sorry, many of these images have been in my files since before my awareness of the importance of providing credit and links.

Southern Accents

In the spirit of 27 Dresses (did you see that movie?), and my birthday on the 27^th day of January I hope you enjoy.

Kristen Panitch

Jill Brinson

griege

House Beautiful {Slim Paley}

French Kissed

for the love of a house

SMW adventures of tartanscot

Badgley via Elle Decor

Douglas Friedman

Randy Boyd via Romantic Homes

Birch & Lily

adventures of tartanscot

Traditional Home

via

Thanks for making this a very fun birthday. I appreciate each and every reader, comment-leaver or not. 🙂

I’m visiting Sherry at No Minimalist Here, stop by.

{Home} Horsing around

24 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Decorating, Trends

≈ 4 Comments

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Equestrian influence

I’ve read a couple of posts from some of my favorite blog sites indicating a return to the popularity of equine accessories in the home. This is welcome news to me. I have always enjoyed the country house look that a nice hunt scene etching or re-strike gives a room.

via

via – Sir Raymond Greene by Alfred James Munnings (1919)

Our home used to be filled with hunt scene art and horse paraphernalia…which created interest from our youngest son’s friend years ago. Steven {Kevin’s friend} asked me, after looking around our family room, if I owned a horse. LOL! I did ride horses as a teen and my aunt owned a horse but a pony was the one gift Santa never brought me!

It truly baffles me as to why I enjoy the “look” but I guess it may remind me of my youth, coupled with the romance I’ve imagined tied to English manor houses and hunts and feasts in the forest while out of doors, i.e. Gosford Park. I know, I’ve been watching too many English period-series and movies! Downton Abbey, is the latest addiction.

Ralph Lauren has always included country accessories that often included equestrian details.

5th and State

Diamond Baratta Design via Dovecote

Hollister Hovey

For me, the touches of equestrian art and accessories are classic and timeless, but I do remember seeing a commercial recently that implied that the look might be akin to grandma’s overly sweet nicknacks. I say, if you love it and don’t over do it, go for it, make it yours! 😉

(above) Amanda Nisbit design

via

William Hodgins design via

I love the painting above. This room is inviting and calming to me…the glow of the fire and button tuck upholstered pieces speaks of comfort and relaxation.

And if you prefer to keep your love of horses to accessories only, there’s always a Hermes scarf and pair of riding boots! At the end of the long day you can place your Scotch/rocks or your cup of tea on these thoroughbred coasters.