Inspire Me!: The End of Summer!

Monday, September 5, 2011

The End of Summer!

Labor day weekend comes to a close, signaling the end of summer. As I logged on to start writing, I realized that I failed to publish a blog the entire month of August.

This past month all my time has been confiscated by deadlines at the office, juggling of childcare, and handling a tiny renovation in our home (that has since exploded). As you will notice by the photo's below, my focus has been on white rooms with lots of color. We are renovating our attic to make some breathing room for our 5 year old daughter. My plan is to paint everything stark white and give our new kindergartner some (carefully guided) choices of fabrics and artwork in her favorite colors. I can't wait for you to see the final result.

In addition I am overflowing with excitement of things to come in the next few months. A child's haven, an office renovation, and a master closet/dressing area are among the upcoming post that I can't wait to share with you.

For now, please enjoy some of my favorite ideas and inspiration for our little project.

Kit & Tim Kemp's London library as seen in Elle Decor April 2011

The bright yellow striped fabric upholstered on this George Smith chair and Anna Raymond paintings set the tone of this library.


In the Kemp's living room notice the antique mirrors and painting by Anna Raymond.

The foyer of Alexis & Trevor Traina


The foyer to this 107 year old renovated home sets the mood for this modern family. Elle Decor Sept 2011


The antique grotto chairs and table over look the garden. The dining table and banquette are both custom.

A 25 year old young designer turns stickers into wall art.


A sticker installation in Carol McFadden's New York bedroom. Elle Decor September 2011.

I love to see the creativity of young designers. After creating a sticker wall covering for her senior thesis in college, Payton Cosell Turner, was asked to create something for a small Manhattan Art gallery. She caught the eye of several designers and created the above bedroom for Carol McFadden. I can't believe she used over 5000 stickers of anything from bugs, candy, and popcorn bags. How much fun!

What a great idea for a 5 year old's bedroom, or at least inspiration for yours truly!

About vanCollier

Established in 1995, vanCollier began as an antique and interior design firm. With backgrounds in art history, fine arts and decorative arts, vanCollier marries old world elegance with contemporary design. The married couple behind this firm-on-the-rise is Beth and Chris Collier, who work together on their wide range of projects domestically and abroad. Their philosophy: Use traditional influences to create sophisticated and approachable environments. Says Beth, "Rooms should be masculine and feminine while conveying both traditional and eccentric details."

To contact Beth, email her at vancollier@suddenlink.net

About Eatman's Carpets and Interiors

Eatman's Carpets and Interiors is my family's business. My grandfather, Bill Eatman, opened its doors in 1957 in Downtown Raleigh as a design studio/upholstery workroom selling high end fabrics, wool carpeting, and wallpaper. My father, Woody Eatman, the current president, followed in his father's footsteps joining the family business after school. Years later, with her Design degree in hand, my mother was hired as a designer by Eatman's. My Dad and my Mom fell in love and married. Over time, Eatman's became a innovator in the world of flooring creating computer systems specifically for the industry as well as adding to the business a supply and installation divisions. Fast-forwarding through my arrival and my sister's, the business is now a hybrid of the past and the present. We continue to be a leading supplier of carpets residentially and commercially, and we continue to expand into the world of interior design with new fabric, furniture and lighting lines. But more than all that, it is where our family hangs its hat. It is, in every sense of the word, a labor of great love.