Wild for Birds

09 Wednesday Nov 2016

Posted by Karen B. in Gardens, House and Home

≈ 22 Comments

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Historically birds have always had a place in homes. They add beauty and charm whether in the form of a pet bird, framed prints from the Audubon collection, bronze or porcelain figurines, birds depicted in fabrics and wallpaper, or neighborhood birds enjoying a meal at a bird feeder in your backyard.

I was recently contacted by Audubon Park with a kind offer to provide me with a bird feeder and special seed to attract most varieties of birds in our neighborhood. An instruction book and journal was included. {Thank you, Audubon Park} You may remember our foray into feeding birds from my posts HERE and HERE.

I can share with you that it has been a relaxing and enjoyable experience and we have marveled at the visits by some of the most colorful birds, most we had no idea were in our neighborhood. Should you wish to embark on this peaceful pass time, and with winter fast approaching it’s a great time to feed birds, Audubon Park not only provides these Tips for feeding birds but their site has information on where to buy their premium food and more:

Know your local birds. [We happen to have a Field Guide to California birds].
Feed them their favorite food
Make them feel at home with trees, shrubs, flowers and a bird house
Give them bath and drinking water
Keep them safe: Make sure your seed, suet or nectar is made-in-the-USA and place feeders away from windows and predators

Because I can’t pass up an opportunity to showcase a pretty room, here are some additional ways birds find their way into our hearts and homes.

A chandelier ready for autumn, complete with a pair of faux American Crow perched on attached moss-laden branches…

Love this wallpaper with birds in flight…

Hotel Van Zandt, Austin, Texas displays birds made from old LP vinyl records…

a favorite room by the talented Holly Mathis, dressed for Christmas, features some wonderful Audubon prints…

Love the needlework peacocks in this bedroom…

How sweet is this flamingo wallpaper for a baby girl’s room?…

Classic beauty in green and white…

I hope you’ve enjoyed this visit to the world of our feathered friends. I’ve definitely had fun bird watching from our kitchen window.

Autumn flora in the home

19 Wednesday Oct 2016

Posted by Karen B. in Autumn, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Flowers, Halloween, House and Home, Thanksgiving

≈ 19 Comments

Good morning, my friends! So much for getting back to regular posting, right?!

I am an avid fan of fresh flowers and plants in my house year round. I’ve used branches from shrubs and trees in the yard, and flowers from the market for our home most of my married life. I also have several living plants in my home. Ivy topiary, Peace Lily ‘spathiphyllum’ and a large pothos live in various rooms of the house. When Christmas rolls around I’m happy to use faux garland, embellished with live cedar and pine.

So it was with some hesitancy that I returned the kind email I received from Silk Plants Direct. They were offering me a shopping visit of their site, where they would ship a product of my choice (with a generous pricing limit) for my honest review. Still doubtful, I visited the link and found many of their plants to look very believable. The item I selected reminds me of bittersweet, something that is sold live per stem by florists this time of year in our area. I’ve always loved the look of bittersweet in autumn arrangements and wreaths, but couldn’t always find fresh stems.

I emailed my contact with Silk Plants Direct and was thrilled with the speedy delivery and the quality of the stems. The flowers filled the large porcelain blue and white vases and finished the mantle decor for the season for me. Thank you Silk Plants Direct!

Silk Plants Direct, a Silk flowers and plants retailer, has a user-friendly site and provides a column on their home page that allows shoppers to narrow their search by topics such as category, size, price, color, variety and season.

If you’re a die hard fan of real live plants and flowers, as I consider myself to be, you may be in for a surprise. I urge you to take a look at Silk Plants Direct.

Disclosure: I received a free product sample in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The honest opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.

Nailed it!

28 Wednesday Sep 2016

Posted by Karen B. in Accessories; details

≈ 27 Comments

As I mentioned earlier, I recently had our very tired, very sad red and white buffalo check sofa reupholstered. I’ve been using a more neutral palate wherever possible. I have read it will calm me, so far, not so much. 🙂 You can take the Type A personality out of the chaos, but you can’t take the chaos out of the Type A.

We decided to add oil rubbed bronze nail heads to the arms this time (in the picture they look brass, but in person they are definitely oil rubbed bronze in color). I like the extra detailing on the sofa and began to notice how many pieces of furniture in my ‘saved’ furniture file have nailheads. {Sorry about the dog dishes in the kitchen, missed that in my viewfinder while taking this picture}

The New Jersey Star Ledger explained that this is an enduring element of furniture design…

The decorative use of nailheads on furniture is believed to have begun in 17th century France with the ornately carved wooden seating of the Louis XIII period. During this time when the most luxurious furnishings were coveted, craftsmen would use decorative nails to secure fine upholstery such as velvet, brocade, tapestries or leather.

I want to share some of my recent, and not so recent, furniture with nailheads finds…

I love the nailheads on these chairs, as well as the ikat fabric.

Aren’t these beds wonderful? Perfect for a room for adolescent teens or visiting guests. {also, isn’t this wallpaper great?}

This pretty chair is covered in Sebastian Tattersall in Sky, a part of the new SMW Home textile collection.

What are your thoughts? Do you like nailheads or could you skip them?

♥ Karen

Matching paint – trim and walls

21 Wednesday Sep 2016

Posted by Karen B. in Paint Color

≈ 22 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday.

There is a relatively recent trend to paint walls and trim the same color. I’ve seen some rooms done this way that are very appealing. I confess, I’m old school and appreciate a distinction, no matter how subtle, between the two.

Houzz gave the trend press in early 2013, with a quote from architect Treff LaFleche who states that matching trim and walls “emphasize the functional purpose of architectural trim and creates a more understated and contemporary composition.” I agree, but my traditional leanings probably balk at the “contemporary” reference.

There is something modern and soothing about trim painted the exact same color as the walls. It creates a seamless look and works well if you plan to leave your walls bare or cover them with a thousand pieces of art. -Houzz

{source unknown}

This butler’s pantry is striking—slate walls, cupboard fronts and trim.

The wood beadboard, crown moulding, window trim, and casing, match but the toile breaks up what could be too much of any one color. A lively example of contrast between wall and trim.

{source unknown}

All white kitchens are always beautiful to me. Maybe the variance found in the counter, the stainless steel appliances, and the tile backsplash over the range give it the added pop of contrast.

What do you think? Would you paint the trim and walls the same color?

♥ Karen

Books, the subtle accessory in a room

14 Wednesday Sep 2016

Posted by Karen B. in House and Home

≈ 26 Comments

Tags

accessories, library

hello my friends, happy wednesday!

If you’ve visited me throughout the years you may have picked up on the fact that I love libraries. Weather public, university or home libraries, they all hold equal interest for me. [HERE, HERE, and HERE] I love books and the warmth they give to a room.

This post was inspired by a post in late spring by my friend, Vanessa, of Reviving Charm. She shared information of a London based company known as Ultimate Library. They will curate and assemble an entire library for you, whether it be a residential or commercial project. To read more about how this works and some of the locations where they have done this service visit HERE.

Today I’d like to talk about the role of books as an accessory. I realize that anytime a book is placed in a stack on a coffee table it could be considered an adornment, as well as something to read, but it seems to me books have advanced to a more prominent place in a room today.

Beribboned antique books are used alongside an assortment of other tabletop antiques.

These beauties make such a statement in this bookcase. Wouldn’t you love to open one {carefully} and read it, look for the date?

This desk vignette is beautiful and the books definitely play a role.

{source unknown}

I’ve always loved a library table. Wish I had room for one. This book display hits all of my hot buttons. Art work, a vintage pocket watch, the tray and a scented candle, and the still life effect of it all by adding the bowl of apples, perfection.

I’m certain you’ve seen this trend in displaying books. I guess you either hate it or love it. I confess it appeals to me and I’ve done a version of it in my own bookcase with my design books. Where do you stand on the color coordinated books topic?

…and what about removing the jackets. Again, I’m sure there are those that feel it is sacrilege and others, like me, that actually like the look of the books better without their jackets than with!

I really like the way we all use books to elevate items such as this orchid and the smaller accessory on the chest when decorating.

Blue and white beauty with books and other wonderful items of interest.

I also like color coordinated books in a vignette. Intentionally placing a stack of green books with the blue, white and green set-up just makes it all the prettier in my view.

The collection of magnifying glasses, along with the leather books is divine!

{tumblr}

This space has a library feel to it. The vintage prints, marble bust and books!

{tumblr}

I love this narrow opening in such a formal setting, filled to the top with vintage books!

{tumblr}

Tell me, do you decorate with books?

♥ Karen

Walls with a “Wow” Factor

07 Wednesday Sep 2016

Posted by Karen B. in Architectural elements, House and Home

≈ 30 Comments

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Hi friends, happy Wednesday!

Today I’d like to talk about walls. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, you have walls. Painted walls can be wonderful, and comparatively economical, a benefit I always appreciate.

They can also add drama to a room.

I’ve had walls on my mind lately since I’m seeing lots more wallpaper ideas online providing options for texture and color. You know how tempting a concept, like wallpaper, can become when you see a gorgeous room!

Wallpaper today is manufactured in so many patterns, including some with great texture. I’m happy wallpaper is back in the design spotlight.

This textured wallpaper [below] (grasscloth?) gives depth to the wall while providing a similar contrast to the trim, as paint would.

Custom paneling, whether more formal or informal, can be the wow factor for any room.

The knotty pine tongue in groove in the bedroom below is ideal for the room’s decor and the pitch of the ceiling.

Reclaimed wood, whether man made or actually aged, adds character.

Then there’s the unexpected. The walls in this room [below] convince me it could be a lodge in England as easily as America. Love this room!

The talented Amy Meier brought warmth to this kitchen with the addition of brick on the wall.

Stone walls are a favorite of mine, maybe because they are not often seen unless the home is custom. A custom home isn’t in my immediate future, but I love the look.

This stone wall with the farm apron sink set in an antique cupboard gives the room a historic feel.

The materials available to those building a custom home can create authenticity in any room.

Using aged, or distressed beams, stone on the wall and floor gives me the feel of an old farmhouse kitchen even though this may be a newer home.

Actual age is hard to fake. That’s a good thing for some of us—but we’re talking about homes. Oh to live in an old house in Europe!

If these walls could talk. My imagination runs away with me when I’m in a room such as this.

Living in a tract house, our walls in most rooms are painted and we have beadboard in a couple of the rooms. No stone walls in our little cottage. I’ll have to get my stone wall fix from the beautiful homes I find online. 🙂

♥ Karen

End of summer

31 Wednesday Aug 2016

Posted by Karen B. in Family, Gardening, House and Home, Outdoor living, Personal Information, Summer

≈ 22 Comments

I’m back and ready to pick up where we left off—where was that, exactly? Happy Wednesday! Summer is not quite finished yet. The summer weather here in SoCal has been manageable overall. We typically get really hot in September, just when I start to think about cool weather, fires in the fireplace and turtleneck sweaters!

Labor Day marks the ceremonial end of summer, but there are still a good few weeks to enjoy the season, even after the three-day weekend ends and schools begin their calendar year. This year, the last day of summer is officially on Sept. 22.

As I mentioned on National Ice Cream Day (third Sunday in July), I’ve worked hard on relaxing during my off hours. I know it’s weird to say I have to work hard to relax, but it’s the truth. As my mother used to say, “Karen, sit still!”

This is what I’ve been up to…

I did a lot of gardening, made plenty of time for entertaining friends and family and actually relaxed a little more than usual.

I shared the patio garden reveal back in March. I wanted to update you with it’s progress.

March 30, 2016: Newly planted patio garden

June 22, 2016: My, how you’ve grown!

The heliotrope and Polygala ‘petite butterfly’ have filled in nicely. Yes, I share the garden with a variety of caterpillars who have been munching on the leaves of the heliotrope as you can see on the leaves in this picture. The delphinium are getting ready to bloom for the second time and the iceberg roses are photo bombing this image (in the background). They’re such show offs. 😉

About the time I feel as if maybe I’m pretty good at gardening I try my hand at planting a few tomato plants and this happens. Gardening can keep you humble with the ~~frequent~~ occasional failure.

I don’t usually plant edibles, except for a few herbs. I have only one spot in the yard that gets “full sun”. So this year I planted 3 small tomato plants in the large clay pot (above-right), in the sunniest location we have. Did I over water? Possibly. The leaves started turning yellow and then shriveling up. Experts on growing tomatoes [in blogland] weigh in, please. I’d love to be able to grow a tomato in this planter.

Here are the other tomato plants, they seem to be surviving. They are in the ground. Wish me luck. We’ve already seen evidence of a critter taking the green tomatoes off the vine and sampling them! {Note to self: This is why I buy my produce at the market} 🙂

One of our close friend’s had a milestone birthday and we hosted a small dinner party for him. It was very fun and since he’s the first to hit this “milestone” birthday, we teased him unmercifully about age!

I used the Portmerion Botanic Garden dishes, my wooden handled flatware, and my green and white plaid napkins for the summer party.

The handsome guy with the apron is our guest of honor. We found the apron HERE. It’s a fun gift for a guy that enjoys grilling!

Recipe and table settings for summer entertaining.

We logged in some wonderful family time, complete with our Austin son and family. Seeing the cousins enjoy themselves while the “adult kids” caught up warmed my heart beyond measure. Icing on the cake! Olivia, our 5 years old granddaughter marching and singing, which tickled Fae our 1 1/2 year old! {bottom picture: Fae at our local park—playing at the “cafe”}

We celebrated with long time friends (almost family) at the wedding of their oldest daughter in a spot that is so swoon worthy—add a romantic wedding and I’m a puddle of warmth and emotions.

Congratulations to the wonderful couple and best wishes to our dear friends, Gretchen and Stu!

I read a few books and by far, my favorite was Eligible: A Modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Curtis Sittenfeld. It was a fun read that stayed mostly true to Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

This pretty much sums up summer. My day job is great and I enjoy the challenges and the camaraderie it provides. What have you been up to?

Karen♥

Library week

11 Wednesday May 2016

Posted by Karen B. in House and Home

≈ 34 Comments

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Okay, so library week was actually April 10 – 16th but I have been about a month behind since this year began. Anyway, I love libraries and look for any excuse to share my favorite images of libraries, both great and small.

Home libraries, or bookcases to many, bring such warmth and interest to any room.

{St. John’s College, Cambridge England}

Garden, Home and Party: Library

A terrestrial globe in the Study at Bateman’s, East Sussex. Made by Philips. Ebony and Metal. Bateman’s was the home of the writer Rudyard Kipling from 1902 to 1936.

A staircase library seems like such a great use of wall space.

{Harvard University Library}

The Hoose Library of Philosophy, USC (University of Southern California) is one of the prettiest libraries I’ve ever seen in person. [below]

{University of Oxford Library, England}

Do you have a favorite library? ♥ Karen

A few changes around the house

20 Wednesday Apr 2016

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

≈ 25 Comments

2016 is well underway (What? It’s April?!) and I was determined to make a few changes in the house.

#1. I changed out a chair that had been in our family room, with a chair that lived in our reading room. [It’s the little things] The energy to clean, organize, and maybe mix things up a bit around the house hits occasionally and I have to take advantage of it. That’s the fun of making changes with items you own, no harm, no foul if it doesn’t work out. 🙂

BEFORE READING ROOM: This is the chair and ottoman that was switched to the family room. {The reading room gets its own little pre-lit tree each Christmas}

BEFORE FAMILY ROOM: This chair is oversized and while it looks comfortable, the upholsterer overdid it with the wrap on the back cushion and it feels like you’re being pushed out of the chair when you sit on it. I plan to have this corrected with our upholsterer.

AFTER FAMILY ROOM: The toile chair and ottoman provide a little more space in the room and I was able to move one of my ceramic garden stools indoors and use it next to the chair.

AFTER READING ROOM: I sit in this room to read during the winter. The room’s south facing window provides me with plenty of light and warmth when the weather cools.

#2. In February I reupholstered the red check sofa in the family room. I’ll be shopping for some pillows and hope to eventually have a variety of cushion covers that I can change out for the seasons.

BEFORE RED CHECK SOFA: I took the pictures for this post when I first changed out the chairs.

AFTER: I purchased the khaki colored fabric from Dorell Fabrics for the sofa. {If you live in Orange County, it’s a great source for upholstery fabric} While I shop for new pillow fabric, maybe something more spring/summer like, I was able to switch the reading room black and white pillows with the red pillows. The red pillows are now in the reading room. Isn’t it great when you can make changes without spending any money?!

#3. The final change for this particular post is my header on the site. Kevin, younger son, changed it for me. {Thank you Kevin!}

Future changes in store are mostly aimed at the yard. This year I plan to start small. The first planting area I’ve tackled is the flower bed that surrounds the patio. Stay tuned, I’ll share other updates as they happen.

Have you been busy around the house this year? I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to. ♥ Karen

Repeat favorites from blogland and beyond

13 Wednesday Apr 2016

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, House and Home

≈ 24 Comments

One of my goals this year was to post more about goings on in my garden and home. That gets a little more challenging as I share all there is to share that’s new. So today I’m sharing images of some of my all-time favorite rooms. You know, the ones you go back and look at time and time again and they still make you smile? You do that too, don’t you? 🙂

This kitchen is perfect to me. I love the design work of Marianne Simon and this kitchen is one of my all-time favorites. Not too big, not too small.

I first discovered Christy Ford on and George blog site (I’m not sure the site is still up and running), and her publication The Scout Guide. I absolutely love her style.

The rustic touches in this room and its overall loveliness are attributable in part to Bethany Puopolo, Architect. Do you ever find a common theme when you’re admiring a room, or that many of the rooms you love are designed by the same handful of designers/architects over and over?

This corner of a room (which is all I can find ~ source unknown) is so charming as a small library / desk space. The books look like a collection of some kind and I adore the painting (wallpaper?) on the wall. Details like the lantern are icing on the cake for me!

Instagram introduced me to Trinity Holmes of c.1934. I love all of her images and wish, oh how I wish, she had a blog site. This kitchen vignette is absolute perfection, in my humble opinion. 🙂

Are you noticing a theme? Buffalo check fabric? I do love it, especially when mixed with other prints. Francie Hargrove designs some of my favorite rooms.

Ever since I received Gil Shafer’s book, The Great American House: Tradition for the Way We Live Now I’ve been in love with each and every project I’ve seen that he’s had a hand in.

Wendy Posard is another talent that I seem to be drawn to. Her work for clients always seems fresh, less formal, more comfortable. A deconstructed kitchen at it’s best.

I even find certain retail sources provide inspiration and are wish list worthy, like Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn. This isn’t the old Sears Catalog, my friends! 🙂

I’m certain you have favorites too. I’d love to hear of a few of your ‘go to’ designers. ♥ Karen