White interiors

White interiors

White interiors

White interiors

Take a deep breath and say, Ahhhhhh. Maybe it’s all the drab colors that interiors have been saturated in for what seems like decades, but I am loving bright, fresh interiors of white. It is the perfect backdrop for any color and to me makes an interior sing! It is understated, elegant and feels gracious. I suppose with all that is going on in the world it really feels like a breath of clean, crisp air.

What do you think of white, hate it, or love it?

Harlequin

“Sure white is great, but it’s not complete without a little black. Let’s be honest here, black and white is pure perfection”

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images: tonic home, good girl gone glad, dear designers, my ideal home

How can you get instant glamour in your space? Incorporate a true classic; and there is nothing more classic than black and white for interiors. If you love color and a perfect backdrop, then black and white is your answer. It creates high drama, it is crisp, pure and stunning. Here, some beautiful interiors that showcase beautiful black and white spaces…

Black and white spaces

Black and white spaces

Black and white spaces

black and white spaces

Black and white spaces

Black and white spaces

So unique and classic. Great way to start an inspiring palette too. For those who hate commitment, a black and white canvas allows change. It can be warmed up in the winter with jewel tones, and freshened up for spring with great pops of color. Love that!

What do you think about black and white spaces?

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images: interior design photos, traditional home, houzz, avant garde design, otis and frank, the happy home blog

Vintage home

The vintage home

The vintage home

The vintage home

There is something so glamorous yet tranquil about woods mixed with neutrals and whites. It is so soft, and pretty but has a wonderful organic feel. It is definitely a look I will have in one of my many homes…….of course one has to own many homes, so I will work  that part first….

What do you think of this palette?

Images: Looboo snad shoes, home life, live journal,

Grey interiors

Grey and white interiors

Grey, linen and white interiors

Gray and white interiors

images: from greenwich

This trend of limed oak combined with linen, white and grey is a look that has been around for awhile. In fact it can almost be deemed as the official look of Atlanta, and Darryl Carter in my opinion. But the “trend” of it really started coming on to the scene in the spring of 2008. When I went to Atlanta Market that season I purchased several pieces of it for the showroom and I remember when Mr. B saw it on the dock for the first time. “Are you crazy woman!?”, “Who in the world is going to pay for an old beat up piece of furniture?!” he screeched. Yes, I was the crazy one………he of course has no recollection of these very poignant conversations. Why? Because he is in LOVE with Restoration Hardware’s new collections and thinks THEY are brilliant  for mixing things up and making tables that epitomize farmhouse, American style. Ummmmmm, does anyone else see a problem with this? Of course not, I am the crazy one…..

So what do you think of this new trend of lighter raw woods and pale neutrals?

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I have been on a mission lately. Within the next year I would like to buy a plot of land, (a little slice of heaven I will call Harley farms) to grow vegetables and raise chickens. I know I may sound like I am loosing my marbles, but I have a great desire to put my hands in the ground and contribute to what I put on my plate. Evidence of this journey has been  shown in this post, gardening-getting back to basics and here DIY-container gardens. And word on the street, it’s rewarding!

On my journey to getting back to basics, I have been knee deep in research. I am a designer for heavens sake, not a farmer. If the world were to end tomorrow I can give you one hell of good-looking tent, but don’t count on me to grow tomatoes, at least not yet.  But don’t give up hope! I am a survivor, and if nothing else I’m a good communicator so we can at least talk someone else out of their tomatoes!

Ameraucana chicken

On today’s journey we are going to talk chicken coups. From what I have read, it seems that BantamBrahmas are a favorite type bird. For practical people who just want a basket of fresh eggs, opt for Red stars or Rhode island reds. Leghorns are popular in the Tennessee area and if you want fancy Martha Stewart birds opt for an Ameraucana, they lay Easter egg colors!

The biggest challenge I have faced, or rather dwelled way too much on, is the chicken coup. Most simple farmers throw up some chicken wire, cinder blocks or a dog house and call it a day….And it looks something like this:

Chicken coup

Ummmm……..did I mention I am a designer? Somehow I just don’t think this is going to work for me! Thank heaven’s for the internet. It saved my fluttering heart/panic attack and brought me back yard chickens! Here you will find loads of chicken information and these beauties:

Fancy chicken coups

Now this is more like it! A chicken mansion, the birds may be living better than the homeowners!

Chicken coup

Chicken coup

Cluckingham Palace

Chicken coup

So why should you have a quaint little home for your chickies? Happy chickens that are kept warm and fed well produce these for you to eat!

Chicken eggs

Yum! Ooooohh……Ahhhhhhh!

Now I don’t know a thing about farming. But I do know a thing or two about bribery, and begging. And it just so happens that I am in good with a farmer goat who lives in Montana, and her name is Pricilla. She’s ornery and very full of herself, and I will probaby want to strangle her, I mean hug her, but don’t put it past me to pay her off with some tasty spinach, carrots and apples to learn a thing or two about farming!

What are your thoughts about chickens? Love em’ or hate em?

Images: kk, back yard chickens, Heather bullard

I am currently working with a lovely couple here in Nashville, helping to renovate and expand their home to accommodate them and their three children…(and yes Gretchen I am talking about you!)

We are taking their modest little home, with all it’s nooks, crannies, and idiosyncrasies (some good, some, well not so good) and making it awesome! One request by Mrs B, “I want a library, preferably in a loft.” Well, as I perused the internet this morning I came across this little gem. Holy cow, what a great space!

Lofty ideas

What do you think Gretchen, is this what you had in mind?

Here are a few more library nooks to swoon over.

Lofty libraries

This photo above would make a GREAT music room, don’t you think?

Library nook

Just love this! Everything about it. Giving the books a respectful and beautiful little room to call home and plenty of windows to take in the view!

Library nook

A library needn’t be big. This is a perfect example of a reading nook to surround you with the things you love to read!

What are some of your favorite books?

images: Wide open spaces, architectural digest, decoraolgy, saved by the southern belle, design sponge

Tesco

As a designer I am constantly looking for new sources. More recently, due to consumer demand and a poor economy I have been looking for less expensive options every where I can. Gone are the days of big budgets and real Gucci handbags. Today it is all about making that dollar stretch because clients demand it. But as a designer it can get tricky trying to find everything we need, at a price that works, without in turn spending endless hours of costly time searching for that hidden gem.

A friend of mine recently moved to the U.K. and told me about a wonderful store she shops at called Tesco direct. I had never heard of this store but it’s sorta like an American version of Sears only better! They carry everything from electronics to very chic beds like this one:

Linden double bed

Um, can’t say I have ever seen this at Sears! Not only is the Linden double bed gorgeous, but it’s made with durable leather and lifts up for additional storage for blankets and linens! Love that.

Another great category is their bedroom furniture sets. This category offers you three pieces for your bedroom all at a great price. And when you’re redoing an entire bedroom for a whopping $1500 bucks, this is the way to go!

Maya bedroom set

One particular set I liked was their Maya collection.  Similar to our version of bedroom suites, but with way more style.

Hudson Triple Wardrobe

I adore this Hudson Wardrobe. It totally fits my first requirement, GO BIG OR GO HOME and second, it’s way better than any walk-in closet I have ever had. Functional art that stands on it’s own.

Unfortunately they don’t currently ship to the States. But they are located all over Europe, and you can find them online. Hard to believe they started out as just a little modest grocery store almost 100 years ago!

Colorful yarn

Colored paint chips

Colorful thread

Colorful pastels

Colorful dice

Maybe it’s my longing for Spring, but I am ready for color. Saturated pops of color. Gloomy skies, grey clouds, dead trees, and wet ground are making me yearn for anything more than brown, beige and more brown.

What do you think? Are y’all ready for Spring, and more color?

images: flickr, apartment therapy, flickr, a beautiful mess,things organized

Twig and Thistle

So I haven’t done my Etsy post in awhile. Mostly because I haven’t had countless hours to sit down with a cup of tea and simply waste time perusing the stores. I mean let’s be honest, Etsy needs focus and attention. It is  not a site you just hop on to for a mere ten minutes, oh no, it’s a sit down, grab a blanket, and get comfy, kinda site.

Today I came across this little store, Twig and Thistles, that sells odds and ends which I think would make for terrific gifts. The DIY gift boxes, shown above are a great way to celebrate your bridesmaids, a new home gift, or a little thank-you.

Twig and Thistle

Another favorite I found were these custom labels. What a great way to tell your family you appreciate them. And if you are promoting a business or up coming event, these labels could certainly come in handy to bring a smile to the receivers face, and remember you!

Colorful matches

Mom always said not to play with matches…well it’s kinda hard when they are this darn cute and pretty. Customizable match covers are great for weddings, baby showers or any other get together that requires playing with fire!

Which is your favorite?

Ready to get your room started? Contact us. We offer an array of services to meet your design needs whether you live in our area, or out of state. Click here for more info!

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