Big Girl Room

Style and Substance by Margaret Russell

My little girl is growing up. At 51/2, she is already showing signs of amazing creativity.  As I watch her grow, I try not to squelch her creative spirit, even when our tastes do not fall in line with one another.  With eyes trying not to scrutinize, I even allow her to dress the way she likes (within reason). It has taken me time to actually appreciate her choices, and now I see them, through her joyful eyes, as an expression of her beautiful imagination.

This life-as-a-parent lesson has served as a gentle guide as we make decisions for her Big Girl Room as part of a small home makeover.  As I have reviewed magazines and design books for ideas, I have been greatly inspired and 'nudged' by this sense of independence, of a girl's need to be creative, and ultimately of that special place in the heart of a girl to be GIRL.

We should all embrace this spirit as we create our homes and our spaces.  Enjoy.

Domino, The Book of Decorating

I marked this picture for several reasons. Our little attic renovation has small nooks in which I envision the bed to fit. I love the use of the three-light sconce over the bed. It is perfect when you do not have a lot of space for tables and lamps.  I also like the bright pops of color in the walls, curtains, and on  headboard.

Domino, The Book of Decorating

I love this picture - partly because it reminds me of an old farmhouse bedroom, and partly because I love the excitement in the eyes of this little girl. The use of wallpaper on the ceiling plays to our imaginations, and the clothes line holding miniature bears speaks volumes to the joys of childhood.

From  Style and Substance

This room is definitely more 'tween. The use of vintage pieces and bright colors gives the room vitality while still keeping it interesting and grounded.  The bed is definitely something this young girl could take with her through life.

From Style and Substance

This London bedroom of Jimmy Choo's granddaughter was decorated by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard. I have used this photo in an earlier blog but wanted to share it again. This bedroom could go from child's room to guest room in a matter of minutes. I love the rug hanging on the wall behind the day bed, as well as the beautiful blue glass lamps.

From Style and Substance

Another sconce! This time a 4-light vintage sconce by Jean Royere. I must like this look. I hope my daughter does too. Note the the fashion sketches by Bill Blass to the right of the bed. I do plan to take some of my daughter's sketches, matte and frame them and hang in her new room.

Because I have decided to allow my 5 year old to help decorate her new room, I am pretty sure it will have a style all its own.  And though it may not have the glamorous components of those featured above, it will be beautiful nonetheless.  I can't wait to show it to you.

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!

Bahamian Cottage

Some of my fondest childhood memories are summers spent in my grandmother's cottage in the late 1970's.

As I was researching for a project, I came across this article in the February 2011 issue of Coastal Living Magazine. Although my grandmother's cottage was not quite as glamorous, the article reminded me of those beautiful summers.

As I turned the pages of the magazine, I felt like I was walking back in time. I instantly fell in love with Bahamian shop owner, Marcie Bond's 1963 cottage. Her charming home, renovated in 2005, is located in New Providence Island.

Marcie collaborated with decorators, John Fondas (her brother and shop owner) and friend Amanda Lindroth. I love the fact that they used retro pieces and fabrics all in keeping with the era in which the cottage was built.

This year, this will have to be my virtual vacation spot!

Fabrics on seat cushions and panels by Quadrille in blues and whites.

The majority of the furniture pieces date back to the 60's & 70's. The scale is just right for a small cottage. Love the white lamps with the pink shades.

I love how she used tourism ads from the 60's & 70's as artwork in her banquet area. The hot pink matte and bamboo frames really stand out against the white walls.  Coastal Living, February 2011

The canopy headboard hangs over a mirrored lattice headboard. The China Seas fabric used for both canopy and bed skirt has been in the line since the 1960's. The silver garden stool and floor lamps  keep in line with the era.

The Color Purple

I must admit, purple is not my favorite color. In fact up until recently, I truly detested it. I am not sure why. Maybe it has something to do with an early childhood memory. Was it that awful purple jumpsuit I received from Santa that year when I really wanted a puppy?  All I know is that I have never used purple in my home and it has never filled my wardrobe. Sure, an occasional piece of clothing here or there but only a tiny bit and it must be a particular shade.

This is not to say that I don't admire the color purple on others or in their home. I do see the need for it. I can even appreciate it. After all, it is the color associated with royalty. 

When you have a child, things change. My 5 year old daughter LOVES the color purple. Ever since she could pick up a crayon or marker, purple has been making its way into our home. In fact, I have a beautiful work of art drawn directly on our bedroom door in various shades of purple crayola. 

My fondness for this color is growing and I catch myself looking at fabrics and paint colors with a new light.  With my daughter in mind, I have been researching some options for a purple room. Here are some rooms and fabrics that have not only inspired me to like the color purple, but to use it too! 

House Beautiful, September 2010

Manuel Canovas fabric



Veranda, July/Aug 2011

Veranda, July/ Aug 2011



 

Kravet silk fabric with purple and orange.

Manuel Canovas fabric

housebeautiful.com

I love the vibrant color of this velvet chair. 

All about the BLUES!

Last week I was inspired by all things white, but this week I am all about the BLUES! And it seems everyone else is too!  From the classic navy blue and white to cobalt and turquoise, blue is everywhere. I am finding blue in new fabrics, carpets, rugs, and even accessories. Take a look at Beeline's new blue and white lamp (pictured below). I love it!

Beeline by Bunny Williams ceramic lamp. Love the bold blue brushstroke look!

I love the bright blue center pillow! (Housebeautiful.com)

Darker blue walls create a soothing environment (Veranda, Jan/Feb 2011)

House Beautiful (June 2011)

Elle Decor (March 2010)

Take a look at this blue flat weave medallion rug. Very Kid friendly!

4 x 6 reversible Soumak rug, $475

NEW indoor/outdoor blue and white geometric pillow! 22 x 22, $260

WHITE HOT ITEMS!

For years, little girls all over the South were taught by their prim and proper mother's to wear white ONLY between Memorial Day and Labor Day - the true summer months.

These rules have now gone by the wayside and many of us (myself included) pull out our skinny white jeans at the first sign of spring. However, I still  feel a bit of relief when Memorial Day hits and I can wear those white items with out wondering if I have insulted my mother or grand mother.

As I was riding back from the beach this past Memorial Monday, I received an email alerting me of a shipment that would be arriving this week.  These beautiful white speckled Italian Glass lamps I ordered months ago are finally here just in time for the summer (pictured below). Thankfully, in the design industry, white is a color we use year round!  I decided to share some other white hot items that I love for summer and all year long.

Decorating with white can brighten a room, highlight everything around it, and helps to open up the room to create the illusion that the room is larger. Whether you're painting your walls white or using white accessories, it creates such a fresh look. The key is to not obsess about matching your whites. White works great with any style room, whether you're going for a traditional, soft look or a more edgy, modern style. Warm whites soften the room and add a sense of comfort and charm, while bright whites create a modern and minimalist look.

(elledecor.com)

(elledecor.com)

Beeline by Bunny Williams

White fool dogs. They have such personality!

Beeline by Bunny Williams Star Chair.The gold detailing really pops against the chalky finish!

White porcelain garden stool

Beeline by Bunny Williams Lattice Chairs. We have a pair in our store right now. I can imagine them in an elegant breakfast room or sun room.

 White or ivory carpeting never goes out of style.

Carpet in white

Ralph Lauren Maritime Collection (Sandbar Matelasse pictured above). This pattern reminds me of seaside living!

Manuel Canovas fabric (pictured here: Cruz in Neige)

Linen weave white rug from Concepts International

Larsen fabric (pictured here: Abstract in ivory)

Patterned white hand printed wallpaper (pictured here: Cole & Son, Frontier in Feather Fan)

Kelly Jones - An Updated Portfolio

Local designer, Kelly Jones, has been busy over the past few months. With spring settling in and summer fast approaching, clients are once again ready to brighten up their living spaces.  Whether it is thanks to a punch of color in a pretty painting, the boldness of fresh floral fabrics, or vibrant accessories that make a statement -- clients seem to be saying 'see ya later' to the neutrals as color swoops in to steal the show.  And what a show it is!

Two of her clients have graciously allowed Jones to share some photos with me. Homeowner Elizabeth Merritt, enjoys the designer's pops of color in her family room.  (Shown above and below.)  Here, the floor is covered by a flat weave reversible rug by Surya.   This is a wonderful choice for any home, but especially those looking for fun colors, interesting design, reasonable pricing and ease of living for a family.  (This rug and all the flat weaves are available in my store.)

The coffee table setting is actually two end tables by Bungalow 5, also available at Eatmans.  This is a clever way to add versatility to a room without losing functionality.  The fabric on the club chairs is 'Aga Reverse' by Quadrille. The bright floral pillows on the sofa are in 'Anichov' by Designer's Guild. The painting above the sofa is a custom for the homeowner by Raines Thompson.

A Mighty (and Magnificent) Fortress

On the heels of the Royal Wedding with fairy tale feelings floating through the spring air, I was touched to hear of another little dream come true - right here in our home town.  The story begins where most "house" stories begin.  That is, a couple begins a search for the place that is to be their family home.  The place where memories will be made, friendships formed and a life lived out.  For Jimmy and Anna Goodman, the search led them back in time.  

After looking around the area, Jimmy's parents offered the couple the opportunity to buy the empty lot next to his childhood home.  It was a piece of property decorated by an amazing azalea garden, views of a private lake, and most importantly, one that housed Jimmy's childhood fort.  After considering the opportunity, the couple accepted the gracious offer and set out to make that plot of land (and fortress remnant) a home of their own.

The couple enlisted architect, Rodney Ward, of Ward Design Group to help them with their plans. Although Anna and Jimmy have their own sense of style, they augmented their vision with the help of interior designer, Laura Ward.  Laura facilitated in making the numerous decisions required when building a custom home.

The dream became a reality.  The fort is now a home, and a gorgeous one at that.  I was lucky enough to receive an invitation to see the fairy tale in real life.  And what a gift it was!  Enjoy.

This foyer is gorgeous with wood paneled walls, a beautiful staircase, and a wonderfully unexpected chandelier.

You can never go wrong with the classic leopard wool runner. 

One of my favorite things about this house was the hardwood herringbone pattern on the floor stained in dark chocolate black.

To the right is the entrance to the living room.

I love the coffee table and the lime green lamp!

Walking into the family room, which is also open to the kitchen, the Goodmon's chose a combination of traditional and contemporary pieces. Note: the rug on the floor is by Stanton carpets and a great choice for a high traffic area.

Love the simple neutral colors with splashes of turquoise and green.

Windows line the back of the house for the perfect view looking out onto the lake. Who wouldn't love this view?

The kitchen in all white and black with simple pendant lights is clean and classic.

This unique back splash in the butler's pantry reminds me of glass bubbles.

I love Anna's choice of table, chairs, and chandelier. This Nuevo Chandelier is such a great statement piece, and the table is sublime!

Bright orange and tangerine colors are so perfect for this house. Anna took some of her parents' dining room chairs and stripped and painted them herself. Brilliant! And I love the two pendant chandeliers hanging over the dining room table.



If I lived in this gorgeous home, I would spend many hours in the sun room (below).  What a perfect little sanctuary!

Thanks Anna & Jimmy for sharing your home with me!