august love

caracole

2010-09-29T20:40:00.000-05:00

Greenbrier started carrying this company, Caracole. They have some great stuff. Check it out here!

Idea House

2010-09-21T21:30:00.000-05:00

This has probably already made it all over the blog world but I was admiring some work in the Southern Living 2010 Georgia Idea House and wanted to share!

The counters, appliances and cabinets are all by IKEA!! Love it!

Just want to point out the transom window (love!) used indoors :)

This will forever be an inspirational photo for me! I can't even explain how much I love calendars... the bigger the better!

How great are these drawers? So convenient and great for a family with children who always have "stuff."

And lastly the "meditation garden" - what a lovely quaint getaway spot :)

See more here.

Citizen Architect - Rural Studio

2010-08-23T15:10:00.000-05:00

In 1993, Carol Mockbee's (a friend, fellow graduate of interior design and fellow KD at Auburn University) father Samuel Mockbee, along with D.K. Ruth, founded a design-build architecture studio, Rural Studio. Every year, architecture students at Auburn design and build inspirational homes and buildings for poor communities located in rural West Alabama. Thanks to an email from a former colleague I was informed that there would be a special tonight airing on PBS entitled Citizen Architect. "Sambo" Mockbee passed away in 2001 but leaves a great legacy to inspire us all.

Here's the trailer to peak your interest!

And some more pictures to give you glimpes of the amazing work done by students that were involved in the Rural Studio.

white done right

2010-06-24T22:13:00.000-05:00

I love the trend of white right now. And I really wish it was doable with 2 little toddlers.

Isn't that coffee table fabulous? That's an accident waiting to happen at our house though!
I love the rug and simple lines of the sofa. And those walls!

What a cozy little porch. We are about to move back to the US and I look forward to spending time on my mom's porch once we get there!

I'm not a huge fan of canopy beds but this one is so inviting. Love the mounted light above the nightstand and the window treatments here.

It seems like a tiny speck of dirt would be magnified here but I do love this kitchen.

Great simple taste.
(pictures via here)

book

2010-05-10T02:35:00.003-05:00

Looking forward to buying this for my coffee table when we come back to America this summer!
You can preview the book here. It releases in bookstores tomorrow!

one wall wonders

2010-05-03T10:31:00.010-05:00

As a designer I have always been completely against doing an "accent wall." To be frank, something about it just creeps me out. I hear it coming out "ak-see-ent" (country twang) and that is how it fits in my mind category. I know there have been rooms that are done fabulously with accent walls and props to the designers that pull it off. Below is a poll done by House Beautiful and other designers opinions on the subject.... and some rooms done quite well to prove me wrong. But I'll stick to my gut when it comes to my own work. Which do you prefer?

{image from House Beautiful}

Colors Perfect for One Wall

Some designers love painting an accent wall. Others would never even consider it. Whose side are you on?

By Christine Pittel

Don't love the idea...

"I am not a big fan of the one-wall wonder. I think it's gimmicky, like one earring. What's the point? Couldn't afford two?"
—SCOTT SALVATOR

"Would I recommend it? Only if the room offered no other viable solution. Is it a good idea? In professional hands, yes. In less experienced hands, probably not."
—JEFFREY BILHUBER

"I'm on the 'Don't do it' side of the fence. Painting one wall says 'I'm afraid of commitment,' not 'I love this color.'"
—NATE BERKUS

"I have never painted just one wall a different color. It takes your eye away from everything else. I think it looks very window-display. Too unfinished."
—STEPHEN SHUBEL

"I'm not a one-wall-only girl. I prefer to go in for the kill. I think you make much more of a statement and really get your point across when you paint all of the walls, and often the ceiling."
—ANGIE HRANOWSKY

"I wouldn't do just one wall unless it was in stone or wood. I like everything to be the same so it doesn't look decorated. Even if the room is a box, I'd paint the whole box the same color."
—MYRA HOEFER

"Painting just one wall seems a bit distracting and sort of a half measure. Why be timid? Pick a color you love and go all the way with it, baby!"
—TODD ROMANO

{image found here}

{images found here}

Ellen Hanson

2010-03-25T09:58:00.008-05:00

Living here in Asia, I am far from my old design world and so the blogging world is my best attempt to stay in touch... thankfully there are such good sources out there when I can't get my hands on an Architectural Digest or Coastal Living to say the least. Here's a look at interiors by a fabulous designer based in New York...

all images from ellenhansondesigns or visit her blog here

panda express

2010-03-06T10:11:00.003-06:00

This is (very close to) where I live!! Read here

good bones great pieces

2010-03-03T08:12:00.004-06:00

The March issue of Traditional Home has a great little article about an Interior Designer mom helping her recently graduated daughter decorate her new Brooklyn Heights apartment. It reminds me a lot of my relationship with my mom as we have always shared the same interest in making your home beautiful, hence my decision to major in Interior Design at Auburn University. In case you don't have the magazine here it is below.

And look at their fun blog together here!

Maya Bay - Thailand

2010-02-27T03:20:00.005-06:00

The Beach was filmed here. I can't even imagine a more beautiful place...

Krabi, Thailand - Railay Beach

2010-02-17T18:38:00.005-06:00

This is where we are right now. Hope you all are enjoying the snow in the states!

i love maps

2010-01-18T01:43:00.005-06:00

I have a thing for maps and globes. There is something about being able to see the world at your fingertip. This translates to my slight obsession with google earth. Nonetheless, here are some photographs of maps and globes incorporated into rooms. Enjoy!

{images from here}

Help Haiti

2010-01-13T23:13:00.005-06:00

A good friend posted about The Haiti Nutrition Project on her blog so I wanted to pass it along. You can follow them on their blog here. It seems like the last thing Haiti needed was this devastating earthquake. I'm thankful that God's ways are not our ways and that we can trust Him even in the midst of tragedy.

Haiti - Canaan Orphanage Malnutrition Initative from andrew hudson on Vimeo.

You can also help out by donating here

pure style home

2009-12-16T01:10:00.004-06:00

I admit that I'm way behind on blog following but I just came across my new favorite blog, Pure Style Home. She is not lacking followers, so I am sure that most of you frequent her blog daily. I am quite impressed at her home redo's and can't wait to see the nursery post when her new baby comes! Enjoy!

Lauren, Thanks for letting me share!

wish listing

2009-12-11T02:29:00.003-06:00

{simple shoes/anthropologie/flipmino/babyboden/toms}

happy thanksgiving!

2009-11-22T22:19:00.008-06:00

This is the first year, I think ever, that Ash or I will be away from our families for the holidays. We are dreaming of the big feasts and the fellowship of family, sitting around watching parades and football. Here is to our great country America!
May God bless you this Thanksgiving!

(via swankytablesblog)

(pictures via theinspiredroom)

Sausalito

2009-11-13T10:09:00.005-06:00

This is a home I admired that I found off an architectural website not too long ago. The home is in Sausalito. If anyone has seen the source please let me know!

modern rustic renovation

2009-10-28T21:58:00.003-05:00

photos via Houzz

luxe.

2009-10-10T23:31:00.008-05:00

I used to have a subscription to Western Interiors and loved it.

Did you know they were bought out? Yes, Western Interiors & Design has merged with LUXE, and is now LUXE Interiors + Design. Not too familiar with what LUXE was or now IS but what I have seen weren't page turners. If you've seen it, let me know what you think. They issue their magazine quarterly and have regional editions. I found a beautiful home in one of the Chicago editions by Grunsfeld Shafer Architects. Even though its not too livable for my stage of life now, the architeccture and interiors are beautiful!

still around

2009-09-30T02:33:00.000-05:00

I heard at the end of July, through another conversation going on beside me at a restaurant (I was by myself), that the beloved Southern Accents magazine published by Southern Progress was going down too. The poor girl was talking about how they told her that she would be losing her job, and was wondering what she would do next. They might ask her to stay but there would be a period where she wouldn't be sure. Then again it could be an opportunity, a blessing in disguise to start something new, maybe start working for herself. I was in shock as it wasn't public yet and I sure hope the girl has found something, as I'm sure she was talented. So recently, as many of you have already posted about, we welcome to the world, Lonny Magazine! I am so thankful to be able to view this online, since I won't be subscribing from over here in China. Looks like this one will be more along the lines of the old Domino, which will help me carry on my love for all things design across the world.

On another note, I have been questioning whether to keep up this blog. It originally started as a place for me to post about things I love, things that inspire me in my field of work. My first love though has called my family and I overseas and my time to post as become too little. In the time I do have to post, my attention goes to my main blog. So to all my hundreds of readers :) please keep visiting as I post a little less frequently but still hope to leave you inspired.

thank you slingbox!

2009-09-22T00:00:00.003-05:00

I'm totally okay with not being up with what is going on in the technology world but I'm sure all of you out there have heard of slingbox. Because of this awesome invention and our great friends, the Lathams we can watch cable! Granted, the times are completely opposite. Anne Marie and I watched the first episode of The Biggest Loser at 8 a.m. Wednesday morning and Noggin has cartoons around the clock that is great for little Mallie.

flickr finds of the city- Chengdu

2009-08-29T20:19:00.008-05:00

its been a while

2009-08-18T11:33:00.004-05:00

we are currently here and leaving to board a long international flight tomorrow. enjoy the scenery!

another Two Ellie giveaway!

2009-08-04T09:38:00.005-05:00

So, here is another chance for me and you to win an awesome pair of these jeans! I don't know what the exact pair would look like, but who cares right? Thanks Paula!

Etsy finds: travel

2009-07-31T14:16:00.010-05:00

I'm still here, just less than 2 weeks from boarding a flight that will change the course of my life. Bear with me as I pack up a family of four for a year overseas!

{musiccover/toysforflight/stressrelief/luggagetag/passportcover/}

this week's favorite things

2009-07-28T09:25:00.001-05:00

{bubblelight/shirt/shoes/stroller/stationary/makeup}

Two Ellie's Giveaway

2009-07-24T09:22:00.001-05:00

Today over at Two Ellie, my friend Paula is giving away this pink panther dress from Shabby Apple! Isn't it adorable. My little Mallory would love to wear this pink dress and I think she would fit right in with all the little Chinese girls when we arrive in Asia!
So, go on over and enter!

in my spare time

2009-07-22T14:12:00.000-05:00

which isn't much, i have been monogramming in my mom's sewing room!

rock me to sleep

2009-07-21T13:09:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it has been a week since i posted! I am particularly tired today and right now I want to take a nap...preferably here

{photo:flickr find}

DH: take 2

2009-07-15T10:05:00.000-05:00

Today I am showing you some of Drexel's pieces from their Et Cetera line. I would love to own one of these headboards!

Drexel Heritage: take 1

2009-07-14T09:45:00.000-05:00

Drexel Heritage is a great manufacturer of furniture that has been in the industry for over 100 years, making them very well-established and producing a product and a name that is very dependable. They offer an array of different product lines/styles so today we'll start out with one of my favorites, Postobello Home. Take a look at just a few of my favorites from this line and tomorrow I'll be back with more...

Designer Bloglight: Georgia Carlee

2009-07-12T15:10:00.000-05:00

I was first introduced to Georgia Carlee's work when we spent some time in the model home (now purchased) she did in Alys Beach. Although she did go to that school, they must have taught her something :). Well, and as most talented designers, it is just in you.

{images via here}

where i want to be

2009-07-08T10:07:00.000-05:00

Our life has been so stressful lately. We are dealing with a major move and another one around the corner, across the globe to be exact. We are in the process of raising the funds to be able to go and only have about 4 more weeks to meet our goal. Because of my husbands recent seizure he cannot drive anywhere so I feel like I am in the car a lot. Needless to say, I wish we were here...

{photos via my dream vacation}

FFDM

2009-07-02T10:03:00.000-05:00

FFDM, Fine Furniture Design and Marketing, is another manufacturer that we carry at our store. They have a wide variety of pieces and styles. Every now and then I'll come across something I really like but for the most part their stuff is not really me. If you link to their site, you can see all of it!

Designer bloglight: Vicente Wolf

2009-06-29T18:02:00.000-05:00

Based out of NYC, Wolfs work encompasses a clean, sophisticated, livable space, while incorporating his love for travel. Among many other awards, Wolf was named one of the top 10 designers by House Beautiful. Click here to take a look at his blog.

{images via here}

much going on

2009-06-27T14:56:00.000-05:00

If you link here, you will understand why I have not been updating! Be back soon...

love.it.

2009-06-23T16:49:00.000-05:00

peacock trend

2009-06-22T11:54:00.000-05:00

My mom bought a dress the other day that sparked my interest in the trend of all things peacock in fashion. What do you think?

{necklace/shoe/stationary/bag/bracelet/dressonMischa}

to all the dads

2009-06-19T14:39:00.001-05:00

Because SO many men read this blog,

Happy Father's Day to all the daddies out there!

lovely decals

2009-06-18T11:15:00.000-05:00

Somehow I stumbled upon this website and found these decorative decals. I think they are a nice little way of personalizing a room.

Mostly I enjoyed taking a look through their beautiful french country home.

Lexington's Long Cove

2009-06-16T15:08:00.000-05:00

Very similar to Stanley's Coastal Living is Lexington's Long Cove collection. A friend was recently interested in this piece and it reminded me of how much I love this look. They offer shell or midnight finishes (shown below) or 4 different coastal colors on specific pieces.

Tuesday's Etsy :: accessorize

2009-06-15T14:07:00.000-05:00

To be honest, one of the last things I think about these days is throwing on a cool bracelet, necklace or grabbing a cute clutch. I am usually just trying to make it out the door with myself dressed, two kids and the diaper bag. Anyone understand?
But I do love all these little gems from etsy.

tulip in mustard

quince flower stack

gray leather necklace

hot pink leather clutch

knotted line necklace

brass cuff

ring with flower

Monday's bloglight: Tocar Design

2009-06-15T09:08:00.000-05:00

Tocar: spanish for "to touch"
Once again mixing modern and traditional.
What do you think of their work?

Dean Marchetto: Architectural Digest

2009-06-10T16:06:00.000-05:00

amazing eco-friendly contemporary home built on his Catskill farmland, Dean Marchetto tells the story here.
architecture : brilliant. interiors : bad.

interlude home

2009-06-05T11:24:00.001-05:00

Interlude Home, Inc. is just another company that we carry on our showroom floor. They specialize in furniture and home accessories and have just entered the world of upholstery. I do love the items that we have by them, so take a look!

Designer bloglight: Suzanne Kasler

2009-06-05T10:58:00.000-05:00

I recently came across the work of Suzanne Kasler, out of Atlanta, GA. I think it may have been in the latest issue of Veranda but don't quote me on that. She incorporates a clean, classic look using a little contemporary with traditional style and her work is simply pleasing on the eye.

stanley goes coastal

2009-06-02T16:21:00.000-05:00

Inspired by the widely popular magazine, Coastal Living, Stanley Furniture has taken on the coastal look. We have carried Stanley in the store for a while now and I was excited to see this collection come along recently. They offer 14 different colors and finishes and offer a wide variety of furniture pieces to choose from.

ready for summer

2009-05-30T11:27:00.001-05:00

how i love having a little girl to dress and how i wish all of this was in her closet!

{pictures via jcrew}

never thirst

2009-05-26T08:35:00.000-05:00

{courtesy of jason wallis}

Our good friend and neighbor, Jason Wallis recently returned from a trip to India where he was able to go and document, with his amazing photography skills, the work of never thirst.

{photos courtesy of never thirst}

While we are waking up, enjoying our morning coffee, taking a hot shower, and simply going throughout our day, the reality is that billions of people in the world do not have access to any clean water. Never thirst is an organization that is doing something about it. With every donation they receive, every penny goes to provide these desperate people access to clean water. Not only are they giving people life through clean water, they are also giving people the opportunity for eternal life through the saving message of Jesus Christ.

"Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:13-14

{photos courtesy of never thirst}

aaaahhhhh

2009-05-23T13:57:00.001-05:00

pictures via here

Happy Monday!

furniture classics

2009-05-23T11:33:00.000-05:00

Furniture Classics has got to be one of my favorite manufacturers. They do incredible antique reproductions made from solid wood construction. I couldn't even narrow down the pieces from their site to show you. So here is a few of my favorites

if i had a dining room

2009-05-22T15:28:00.000-05:00

I was inspired by my friend and fellow graduate, Erika, over at urban grace to design my own dining room, if I had one. I know myself and I know that tomorrow I would probably come up with something totally different but here goes

Walls and trim are white dove (OC-17) by Benjamin Moore

The floors would look like this

with this rug on top

and this table in the center

with these chairs surrounding

and this bench on one side

maybe this buffet

with a pair of these lamps

and the two windows flanking it have panels with pinch pleats made with this

toms

2009-05-21T19:05:00.001-05:00

I've owned a pair of toms shoes now for almost 2 years and it is time for me to buy some new ones. Have you seen the commercial with the "chief shoegiver" of toms for i think the iphone? For every shoe you buy they donate a pair to someone in need. I can't decide between these

but i think i really want these

I'm definitely going to get some of the tiny toms for my little girl

wonder if i could convince my hubby to wear these, doubt it.

worldly goods inc.

2009-05-16T10:43:00.001-05:00

blown glass from worldly goods.

valley ho

2009-05-15T14:08:00.000-05:00

I was reflecting on a trip we took about two years ago, when I was about 8 months pregnant with my first, to Arizona. We stopped a night in Scottsdale and literally stumbled upon this incredible stay. We arrived really late and had to leave at check out the next day to travel north. I did not want to leave! So I began thinking about all things modern and found some more lovely pics to leave you inspired for the weekend.

oh and click here if you might be interested in buying some used furniture

katie did

2009-05-14T15:24:00.000-05:00

I am currently engrossed in this blog that i stumbled upon. How cute are these clothes?? I keep telling myself whenever I "get" more time this is what I shall spend it doing...making stuff like this for my little Mallie.

zentique

2009-05-13T15:13:00.000-05:00

I have a new company to talk about, Zentique, a small company based out of Norcross, GA. We started carrying them not too long ago and they, once again, have a great look that is very popular in the furniture industry right now. take a look...

guildmaster

2009-05-08T15:09:00.000-05:00

I have been loving some of the pieces we have in the store from Guildmaster. Not all of their stuff is my style but they do some really good reproductions and have some great finishes!

hold on to your hats

2009-05-02T12:28:00.001-05:00

It's time for the Kentucky Derby. I visited Louisville not too long ago and would love to attend the Kentucky Derby one day. Check out some of these hats.

You might catch me in something more like these (below) and I might even have a sip of some Mint Julep.

doors

2009-05-01T17:14:00.000-05:00

The front door of a house speaks volumes. It makes a huge first impression. Take an ugly little house that needs lots of work, put any of these doors on it and right away you've made a huge change for the better.

kitchen love

2009-04-29T15:35:00.000-05:00

I frequently think about my dream kitchen. The kitchen is without a doubt the heart of the home. Sometimes I wish I worked in kitchen and bath design but then again it might get a little hum drum. I need more freedom.

{pictures via flickr}

aidan gray

2009-04-22T12:15:00.000-05:00

"Fill your life with beautiful things." Our store carries Aidan Gray, a small company based in Texas. They do a great job at designing architecturally correct products using reclaimed wood, metals, etc. Even though we carry over 100 lines, we try to keep much of their product on our floor.

dear alys

2009-04-15T15:05:00.001-05:00

In the fall of 2007 my family had the privilege of staying at one of the most gorgeous places on earth, Alys Beach. It really must be a taste of heaven.

{Caliza Pool}

Check out some of the amazing interiors

On top of it all everything is built with the environment in mind. "Sustainable living means creating human spaces that exist in harmony with the environment. Sustainable practices permeate every aspect of Alys Beach. Alys Beach consistently uses the most ecologically responsible methods for community building. It's a walkable, energy-efficient community development created to be durable and storm-resistant, and built using green materials and construction practices."

friday then sunday

2009-04-10T13:13:00.000-05:00

Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:4-6

Designer bloglight: Bobby McAlpine

2009-04-09T11:17:00.000-05:00

Bobby McAlpine is a design genius. I have admired his work for a long time. Check out this house he did that is featured in an issue of House Beautiful. Born in Alabama and a graduate of Auburn University, he not only has an architecture firm, but an interior design firm, an antique business, and he designs furnitures especially for Lee Industries. He perfectly incorporates the architectural element, creating a peaceful space with just the right amount of color.

{image via here}

{images via here}

book club

2009-04-06T15:05:00.000-05:00

i am joining paula and others from wide open spaces in a blog book club.
we are reading The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron and ever since school I have wanted to read this.
i am starting late but nevertheless can't wait to join in!

lem lem

2009-02-02T16:06:00.000-06:00

have you seen the february issue of cookie? i am loving liya's handmade children's line of clothing lemlem

bernhardt interiors

2009-01-03T15:44:00.000-06:00

we now carry this line here where i work as a designer. you can't beat the price for this look. we actually have the sofa in stock and the chairs just sold.

lacefield design

2008-12-13T18:21:00.000-06:00

we carry this beautiful line of pillows and other nuggets. a portion of all sales go to a village in guatamala where she has done mission work.

i have two of my own on this settee in my home.

check out their beautiful crib bedding.