Coffee Table Books

Are a great way to accessorize your coffee and end tables and book shelves. Finding something you're passionate about (art, architecture, flowers, design) helps make it personal and it's always nice to have pretty pictures just waiting for you to browse through for inspiration. And right now, there's a great selection on One Kings Lane. When you sign up, enter my e-mail address (gmid@nc.rr.com) when asked who invited you and you'll receive a $10 credit. Hurry, this offer expires on midnight tonight. Happy Shopping!!

Wallpapered Closets

I love this image from Country Living! My mom shared it with me recently and it stuck with me. So fresh and organized! Even if you don't have the perfect spot for a closet office, I love the idea of wallpapering a closet.






And you can really be bold with the pattern or color, or both! Like these, from Walnut Paper, such a cute site!

Inspiration

I was blown away by the home of Melissa Warner of design firm Massuco Warner Miller, featured in (and on the cover) of House Beautiful's May issue. I dogeared it and keep thinking about her apartment and after drinking in every photo of their website, I am blown away and totally inspired by this design trio's talent. These are just a few random pictures of my favorite rooms they have designed. I think their use of color (and wallpaper) are very effective in bringing the space to life and filling it with personality. Enjoy browsing if you have a moment!

Design Personality

Do you prefer bright colors and accents?



Or more subdued hues, like taupes, whites and grays?




Some designers will ask to look in your closet when you begin working together to get a sense of your color and pattern preferences but I can honestly say that personally, I like a mix. I think a home or apartment with a rainbow of colors or too many accents looks contrived and feels exhausting. But a totally muted palette lacks personality and seems sterile. What is your design personality? It helps to consider this before hiring a professional designer.

*Images via Martha Stewart Living and accessories from Inside Avenue.

Hardware and Paint Combos

Painting a piece of furniture can be daunting! Choosing the right paint color and hardware and IF you're attempting the task yourself, figuring out how to do it, can take some time and consideration. I love the look of a painted chest of drawers. I think it can bring a tired, worn dresser to life. The hardware from Anthropolgie, below, is always fun and inspiring and I love Restoration Hardware's paint palette.

Ranch-Style Homes & Front Porch Planters

On a recent trip home to Asheville, I was inspired by my parents neighbors' home and front porch planters. Their ranch-style home has been totally converted into an updated mid-century classic with great details and amazing landscaping and planters. I had to sneak a few pictures!




Although typically I'm drawn to older homes with more details and charm, I really like the idea of an updated ranch and the simple layout and convenience they afford. Characterized by the following details, Ranch-style homes became popular after World War II as an economical alternative for all of the returning soldiers and their families:

•Single story
•Low pitched gable roof
•Deep-set eaves
•Horizontal, rambling layout: Long, narrow, and low to the ground
•Rectangular, L-shaped, or U-shaped design
•Large windows: double-hung, sliding, and picture
•Sliding glass doors leading out to patio
•Attached garage
•Simple floor plans
•Emphasis on openness (few interior walls) and efficient use of space
•Built from natural materials: Oak floors, wood or brick exterior
•Lack decorative detailing, aside from decorative shutters



My mom introduced me to the Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees (she has amazing taste and decorating abilities) and I love their height and shape, especially in the topiary form. And to have two, flanking the front door (which I didn't capture, unfortunately) is very effective! Love the symmetry!

Lonny Magazine Blog!!

Finally Lonny has an updated website and blog, in addition to their on-line magazine, which I love, AND they are offering Lonny in print for those of us who prefer traditional print media. Tons of design inspiration and information. Founded by designer Michelle Adams, former Domino editor and owner of Rubie Green fabrics, and photographer Patrick Cline, Lonny Magazine focuses on new and exciting designers, trends and products. Pour a cup of tea and enjoy every minute of this site!

Foyer Warmth

What does your foyer say about you and your home? Does it welcome guests with warm, soft light a place to sit and maybe some personal touches? Does it come to life with a great wallpaper (like in the photo above, my favorite foyer ever, by Tom Scheerer) or a snappy paint color? Is there a mirror which provides more light and makes the room feel bigger and maybe a nice size tray to gather in and outgoing mail? In our home we mostly go in and out of the kitchen (thank goodness I finally changed out the counter tops) but in a more formal house, it's good to think about the finishing touches. It really does introduce your guests to the rest of the house.

Bringing a "Living Room" to Life

It's fun to bring a room to life conceptually. My goal is to help a client create a living room that's sophisticated but fresh, current but grounded. What do you think? The green lamps are my splurge but I think they make the room!

Living Room by Ginger1719 on Polyvore.com

Hand-woven Brown Wool Rug (5' x 8') | Overstock.com
$137 - overstock.com

Custom Upholstered Piccadilly Chair in Designer Fabrics | Serena &...
$1,399 - serenaandlily.com

Bungalow 5 Cordova Table Lamp Hand Painted Porcelain Chartreuse -...
$445 - laylagrayce.com

Nomad Rug - Wool Rugs - Handmade Rugs - Rugs | HomeDecorators.com
$263 - homedecorators.com

0261-88 : Camden Exposed Leg Sofa by Hickory Chair Furniture
hickorychair.com

9792-10 : Dauphine Mirror by Hickory Chair Furniture
hickorychair.com

Thibaut - Wallpaper and Fabric - Residence - Baron - Wallcovering...
thibautdesign.com

Before & Afters

Oh how I love them! This closet and dresser transformation are totally inspiring me to get to work this weekend. I (should) have some Before & Afters of my own to share next week...but for now...won't it be nicer to wake up to the room in the after pictures for these clients?

Flatweave Rugs

I really like the look of a more casual, flat weave or no pile rug. Even layered over sea grass or sisal, they can add a dimension of color and pattern. I've had several friends inquire about the different types of flat weave rugs and I found a great explanation on House & Home's website:

What is a flat weave rug?

Flat weave describes flat pile or no-pile rugs known for their durability and strength. They are made on a loom rather than knotted. They are considered less formal than oriental or Persian rugs. Their bold colours, geometric patterns and low cost make them perfect for casual living, cottages and brightening up floors for the summer. Standard sizes are 3' by 6', 4’ by 6’, 4’ by 9’ and 9’ by 12’.Different types include Aubusson, Dhurrie, Kilim and Soumak.

Aubusson rugs, like the one below, are typically more traditional with lighter colors and floral motifs.


Dhurries can be made from cotton, wool or jute and are usually inexpensive with a simple design.


Kilims are characterized by their rough wool, bright colors and geometric patterns and are reversible.


Soumaks tend to be higher quality wool rugs and therefore more expensive. They are made with an embroidery technique that loops around a cotton or wool foundation. Wouldn't this one make a gorgeous runner?

Queen City Living

I lived in Charlotte during design school and for several years afterwards and one of my favorite places to visit for inspiration was Circa Interiors & Antiques. I've been following their blog and keep going back to a previous post on this condo, designed for the Symphony Guild Desinger Showhouse. Created by two of Circa's designers, Catherine Walters and Patrick Lewis, this condo feels young and modern. I'm sure it's a small space but I like how they used over scaled accessories.