vanCollier Designs

It has been some time since I have updated you on our recently showcased designers.  Hard at work, Beth and Chris Collier have launched a line of home accessories that is in production at present.  Inspired predominantly from the larger-than-life Ginkgo tree in the courtyard of their historical residential development in Washington, NC, each piece takes what nature did to perfection and makes it permanent in the form of gilded sconces, coffee tables and lighting.  As spring tempts us from just around the corner and the trees all about us seem eager to burst forth in their own leafy color, there could not be a more opportune time to showcase vanCollier's designs.

Most of these items are in the store, so please come view them in person.  They are simply sublime.

And stay tuned for more photos of vanCollier's recent interior design projects.

Enjoy.

Gilded coffee table. The legs were cast from Ginkgo limbs in the winter with no foliage.

Ginkgo leaf sconce.

Ginkgo leaf martini table.

Big City Comes to Town

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting the home of Ashley and Bonner Gaylord. I had never met Ashley, but we share a mutual friend who insisted that I must see her home and feature it on the blog.  And while I am usually hesitant to make introductions like this on my own, I ultimately took the plunge and made the phone call essentially inviting myself to take a peak around.  She graciously accepted my self-invitation, and the rest was love at first sight.  

I pulled up in the driveway and took in the traditional architecture.  Elegant.  Classic.  Ok.  I get it, I thought.  And then I stepped inside.  To say I was awestruck is an understatement.  To say I fell in love, maybe closer to true.  It was like walking through Palm Beach, New York and LA all at once. And it ALL FLOWED beautifully!  Both husband and wife worked together to decorate this unique masterpiece, and their individual marks on the home make the perfect statement.  In a society where everyone is striving a house 'just like that one', it was truly a gift to see a home so loved and adorned by its owners that it told a story all its own.  And it was beautiful story.  It is a house that is decorated from within.  Exactly the way a home should be.  

I am so inspired, and I hope you are too!

The foyer sets the stage for a home filled with a unique twist of contemporary & traditional pieces mixed with splashes of bright colors.

The white and black walls in the foyer are hand painted by local artist Raines Thompson.  To the right is the office which is also photographed below.

 The husband's office is filled with objects of his desire. I love the surf boards and deer head. 

One of my favorite things in the house is the unique bookshelves designed by Bonner Gaylord.

I love the simplicity of the bold orange round mirror hanging over the Chinese hall table.

The living room off the foyer is a combination of Palm Beach and New York City. The chandelier and lucite coffee table are perfect pieces for this room. Notice the mirrored wall with fretwork mimicking bookshelves in office across hall.

This butlers pantry off the living room showcases another hand painted wall by the talented, Raines Thompson.

Fresh fruit and a contemporary painting sit on the kitchen counter.

The kitchen is simply divine with the clean crisp white cabinets and white marble counter tops. 

Ashley and Bonner have a gift of combining contemporary and traditional pieces. The painting and light hanging over the robins egg blue dining table and chairs is picture perfect.

The family room off the kitchen holds a sectional sofa with clean lines. To the right are 4 floral panels Ashley made herself from sheets found at a flea market!

The galley kitchen with all its white, is a great back drop for masterpieces by their 3 yr old daughter, Gigi. 

I love the master colors! You can never go wrong with a white tufted headboard and white gourd lamps.

The master bath follows the flow of the house...clean lines and bold accent colors.

At the top of the stairs, a tricycle parked in the corner is a great reminder that this is not only a house, but a home! 

Gigi's shoes!

A Daly Renovation

Renovate or move? It is a question that many a homeowner faces as families grow and house requirements change.  And it is not an easy dilemma.  Uprooting a family, changing neighborhoods and finding a house within your budget that also meets your family's needs is not an easy proposition.  Similarly, working through the details of planning a renovation, making all the home selections and living to tell the tale is no walk in the park either.

Most people say they like their house, but they need extra closet space, a larger kitchen, a playroom for the kids, an outdoor living space - or some combination of these things. After careful thinking Julie and John Daly decided to renovate with the help of Dempsey Hodges Construction. The outcome was exactly what they needed.... a little extra space in all the right places.

The Dalys were gracious enough to allow me to come walk through the final product and snap some photos as I toured.  Perhaps, they will inspire you as much as they did me.

Enjoy the walk through....



The original foyer (gray slate) was removed and new hardwood floors were installed to match those existing throughout the home. The warmth of the wood layered with the beautiful oushak rug make for a perfect entrance.



The breakfast area and sitting room added living space to the kitchen and are both used daily!

                            

I love the ivory and tan cowhide she chose for the sitting area. The pony leg stool is a unique piece which makes a statement with out being over the top. 

Every home  needs a desk near the kitchen for the mail and computer. This room serves as office and mudroom. 

A perfect place for hats, gloves, shoes and jackets!

The master bath was added complete with double sinks and a walk in closet (below).

Every woman needs a walk in closet like this!

Perfect for entertaining, the enclosed outdoor porch serves as an extension of family room and dining room.

     

Sisal installed on steps leading to the newly renovated basement. Stay tuned for future blog of this area....

The Color of Love

Did you know the color pink is the universal color of love? Pink is often chosen for a room to present a sense of positive energy and relaxation. While red is often a color chosen by extroverts, as well as being a top choice for men. We often associate red with passion and love. With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, everything in the stores right now is pink and red. With this in mind, here are some rooms featuring the playful colors. Enjoy!

Lilly Pulitzer fabric (through Lee Jofa) coming soon to Eatman's.

House Beautiful, March 2011

House Beautiful, March 2011

House Beautiful, March 2011

House Beautiful, March 2011

 Above: A pink porch would make for a bright day, everyday!

House Beautiful, March 2011

Veranda, March 2011

House Beautiful, March 2011

 Below: Just a hint of color can brighten a room and is an easy way to make your home festive for Valentine's Day!

House Beautiful, March 2011

 Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

My Sanctuary

 A bedroom should be your sanctuary. It is the first thing we see in the morning and the last thing we see each night. A bedroom is personal, and should be a reflection of us. It is said that we spend about one-third of our existence in our bedrooms. So attention must be paid when it comes to decorating it. My husband and I decorated our bedroom over six years ago, when we got married. It is beginning to look a little dated, and could use a pick-me-up. Lately I have been drawn to all things bedrooms! I love getting new ideas, and I hope to use some of this inspiration for my own bedroom.

Veranda, Jan/Feb 2011

Veranda, Jan/Feb 2011

Veranda, Jan/Feb 2011

Veranda, March 2011

Veranda, March 2011

Veranda, March 2011

What design ideas did you use when decorating your bedroom?