Search Results for: are house

Have You Been in Crate and Barrel Lately?

August 18, 2011

When I lived in Seattle, we didn’t have a Crate and Barrel store to shop at. I got their catalog in the mail and ordered lots of kitchen and dinnerware items from them. I would have given anything to have an actual store that I could have shopped at.

Over the years, Crate and Barrel has landed in just about every major city across America and has developed an incredible product offering, from furniture to cookbooks.

Now that I live in Atlanta, and there are several Crate and Barrel stores nearby, I can’t seem to get to them on a regular basis. But when I do, I always walk away with a list of items on my “wish list”. This is what made my “wish list” after a recent visit to their store.

I absolutely love this Driftwood Mirror. I love how imperfect and artist it is. Ideal for my beach house (on my wish list too), but for now, I’d hang it as part of a gallery wall of photos and art.

I’m not a big cook, but when I do cook and entertain, I love to set a beautiful table. This Gardenia placement is so colorful and fun. Perfect for an end of summer party don’t your thing?!

I have no blue in my home but I just think this Ginger Blue Side Table is so cute. I love the shape and the bold color. I think this would look great as a nightstand or the single punch of color in a neutral room.

Love, Love, Love this chair. The color combination is subdued yet energetic. I love the grey mixed with tan and that spice color. I love this chair so much, I’d design a bedroom around it.

Isn’t this Tonga Wine Cooler beautiful? While I’m not a big drinker, it would look great as part of a party setting. I’d be more likely to use it as a flower vase, filled with red and pink tulips.

With Fall fast approaching, I think this Hakkari Hurricane would be a great addition to my decor. The black finish with pierced leaf design gives it a dramatic feel. How great would several of these look as part of your Halloween decor?

I don’t know what it is, but I’ve been attracted to daybeds lately. I love the lines of this Brighton Coffee Daybed and would toss a bunch of colorful pillows on it. Daybeds are a great seating and sleeping option for kids rooms, and I love to use them in offices that need to double as a guest bedroom.

My recent trip to Crate and Barrel has definitely made me realized I need to stop in more often. I love their product mix, prices and in-store displays. Crate and Barrel is definitely a source of design inspiration for me.

Have you been in a Crate and Barrel lately? What are some of your favorite items?

p.s. If you don’t have a Crate and Barrel near you, request the catalog. It’s the next best thing!

all photos via Crate and Barrel

Design Details + Some Inspiration

August 11, 2011

I’ve been working on a design project over the last few months that has involved painting the walls and staircase, building out a home office, building built-in bookcases, re-doing bathrooms and re-modeling the kitchen.

Kitchen Before

via confettistyle

Kitchen in Progress

cabinets painted (Sherwin Williams Serious Grey), awaiting new backsplash and countertops

Most of the big projects are almost complete and now it’s time to focus on the details.

When designing a space, the details are the funnest part to me. Whether its drawer pulls, window treatments, pillows, lighting or textiles, it’s the details that really make a space come to life.

Here are a few rooms where attention to detail have made all the difference.

Ordinary window treatments would have been fine in this area, but the addition of rustic shutters take this area to a whole new level. Shutters are very popular right now and are a great alternative to fabric window treatments.

When it comes to tabletop decorating, the details really do matter. You want to arrange items so that you create movement within your display both vertically and horizontally, as well as front to back. The tall lamp is balanced by the iron sculpture and the arrangement flows easily from left to right.

Giving your floors a unique paint treatment is a great way to add interest to a space and tie multiple areas together. I love the herringbone pattern on this floor and the high gloss finish.

Walls usually get a coat of paint, but it most cases the detail stops there. Here, a scalloped picture frame border has been painted on the wall and used as the larger than life frame for this collection of smaller prints. So clever and stylish!

Lighting is a great way to add interesting detail to your home. Unique chandeliers, hung in multiples is such a refreshing approach to traditional pendant lights. And, you know my love for milk glass!

Adding in a hand-crafted furniture piece is a quick and easy way to add stylish detail to your home. A vintage table turned into a special place to write a message. It’s still functional, but personalized.

Love, Love, Love this ceiling medallion. The thickness, the carved detail, the scale… and set against a black ceiling. WOW! The black ceiling is an amazing detail in its on right.

Design details should grace every room of your home. This bedroom exudes special details, from the border on the night stands, wallpaper walls to the fully accessorized bench at the foot of the bed. Eye candy everywhere you look. And the space looks comfortable, relaxing and stylish.

Make a statement with your curtains and/or window treatments. Add detail with a unique pattern!

Love these roman shades.

Pillows are the optimum “detail” accessory. Mix and match colors, patterns, shapes and textures. A common color is all that is needed to tie it all together.

Add detail by doing something unexpected. I adore these upholstered walls with nail head trim. So sophisticated.

Or, paint an artist element on your walls. Wall stencils are all the rage and make this type of job easy.

Unique drawer pulls will update furniture or built-in cabinetry in a flash. Anthropologie and even Hobby Lobby carry a great selection of stylish knobs.

Accessorizing is all in the details. When accessorizing bookshelves or open shelves, use a variety of items, textures and materials to create a personalized statement. Larger scale items will create focal points and shiny finishes will add a bit of shine and glamour.

Whether you’re doing a major home renovation or just sprucing up your place, paying attention to the details, adding unique details throughout your home, and personalizing those details will make your home a true style statement!

all images via Confettistyle boards on Pinterest

A Road Trip + My Bucket List

August 8, 2011

I love it when I can fill my weekend with a new adventure.

On Friday, the hubby and I decided to do something unexpected, something that has been on my bucket list for years and something that would involve a bit of adventure. We decided to hit the road and attend the World’s Longest Yard Sale.

If you’ve never heard of it before, the World’s Longest Yard Sale event is a 4 day event, every August, that spans from Gadsden, Alabama all the way up to Michigan, 657 miles in total. Running along Route 127 (two lane back roads), the yard sale is just as it sounds.

As you drive along, you’ll encounter house after house with “stuff” in their yard for sale. And, between the houses, you run into open fields and lots where multiple vendors, 20 to 50, set up tables with more “stuff” for sale. It’ really is one long yard sale.

Now, when I use the word “stuff” to describe the items for sell, it’s a pretty broad description. You’ll find true antiques, old guns, vintage furniture, hand-made items, locally produced food items, jewelry, and then “stuff” (ok, junk) that people have pulled from their attics and garages.

Prices vary, some good, some great and some over-priced, but you’re bound to find just about anything that might be on your list.

You’ll need lots of patience to experience the World’s Longest Yard Sale. The car traffic is like being in a big city, but on two lane country roads. The weather is hot, there is lots of dust and people move at a snail’s pace. But, with a little patience, you can have a wonderful experience and find some great deals.

For me personally, the experience was a bit overwhelming for my first time, putting me in a bit of a buying coma, but I did pick up a few treasures.

I found some old letters and envelopes dating back to the 1913’s. These gems were only .50 cents and I plan to use them in some collage art I’ll be making.

I also scored some vintage jewelry, again .50 cents each. I plan to rework these into my jewelry designs. The leaf pins will be used as gift wrap adornment.

I’m always on the lookout for old keys to use in a variety of jewelry and craft projects. These skeleton keys and the old motel key were .50 cents and $1.00.

And finally, I scored big when I found this cut crystal and brass lamp with a marble base. The lamp needs to be cleaned up, re-wired and a shade added, but since I only paid .50 cents (yes, just 2 quarters) for it, the work I’ll put into it will be well worth it. I’m envisioning a black oval shade. What do you think?

Along with treasure hunting, we go to see some beautiful countryside…

Cornfields and Cows…

And, every now and then along the country road a beautiful house would appear out of nowhere.

So, all in all my weekend road trip was fabulous. We made our way to Gadsden, Alabama and traveled all the way to Chattanooga, TN, before heading home. It was a long day, but loads of fun. So much fun that I’ve already started to plan my route for next years World’s Longest Yard Sale adventure.

Who wants to join me?

Hope your weekend was packed with new adventures!

all images–ConfettiStyle

Got Milk?

August 5, 2011

I’ve been on a real vintage kick lately, loving antique silver, vintage jewelry, brass pieces and unexpectedly Milk Glass.

No, not this kind of milk glass (but isn’t this adorable)…

available from Amazon, here!

I’m talking about the white dinnerware and serving type of milk glass.

I don’t know what it is, but I am totally in love with the milky white glassware.

Naturally, it’s a wonderful statement when entertaining….

But, I also love the idea of decorating with it…

Or, just displaying it as part of a decorative statement in a home!

Milk glass can be found in other colors beside white….

But, it’s the white pieces that put a smile on my face.

Milk Glass is very collectible and available in just about any antique store you enter. I just might have to pick up a few pieces when I’m out and about this weekend.

Wishing everyone a splendid weekend. Hope you have something fun planned!

all images via pinterest

Is Your Laundry Room all Washed Out?

August 2, 2011

When it come to decorating a home, most of the focus, creative energy, budget and time are spent on the main living areas of the house.

The one room that often gets left in the dust is the laundry room.

image Etsy via Confettistyle on pinterest

I love when a homeowner gives love to a laundry room, adding decorative touches and making it a style statement within the home.

Here are a few inspiring laundry rooms that just might make you fall in love with doing laundry.

Laundry rooms are the perfect place to be a bit more adventurous with paint and creative wall treatments. Wall paper is a perfect solution to bring a little energy to a laundry room space.

image BHG via Confettistyle on pinterest

I love the built-ins and the iron chandelier…both elements give the laundry room style.

image hollymathisinteriors via Confettistyle on pinterest

Shelving/storage is a must in laundry rooms. And, using decorative elements to dress them out is a quick and easy way to give your laundry room style.

image Houzz via Confettistyle on pinterest

Love the bold yellow wallpaper and work surface that has been installed over the washer and dryer.

image myhomeideas via Confettistyle on pinterest

One of my design idols, Sarah Richardson created this stunning laundry room. The frosted cabinet doors, stainless steel backsplash and gray cabinets are all fabulous!

image sarahrichardsondesign via Confettistyle on pinterest

What a great way to add style and organization to a laundry room!

image southernliving via Confettistyle on pinterest

Even a small laundry room space can be stylish. I love the accessories and wall sconces atop the counter and the curtain panels that close off the washer and dryer.

image southenliving via Confettistyle on pinterest

Even a decorative ironing board cover can add style to your laundry room space. I picked up this same board cover up at HomeGoods for $9.99 last week.

image alkemie.blogspot via Confettistyle on pinterest

Striped walls are a great way to make a small laundry room space feel bigger.

image junkgardengirl.blogspot via Confettistyle on pinterest

Just in case you get the urge to sit and watch your whites spin.

Who wouldn’t love a laundry room space like this?

image theinspiredroom via Confettistyle on pinterest

Bold and dynamic. I love the baskets used for sorting, the window seat and the large-scale wallpaper. And the decorative rug too.

image pinterest via Confettistyle

Simple touches that make an impact.

image withtwocats via Confettistyle on pinterest

Have you done something creative with your laundry room? If not, what’s holding you back?

Loving a Bit of Old and New

July 28, 2011

When I was younger and just starting to develop my decorating style, I wanted everything in my apartments and homes to be new. I wanted to be the first to touch it, use it and make a design statement with it.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve really come to love pieces that have a history to them. Pieces that have “experience” and show a bit of character and age.

While I will never describe my personal design style as totally vintage or rustic, I am adding those words in the mix when I describe my style as eclectic chic. I love a room that is mixed with a little of this and a little of that, old with new, shiny with rustic, global with modern.

Here are a few rooms that speak to my eclectic chic style, (with a touch of rustic charm)…

I’m sure my design style will continue to evolve, but for now I love how the past and present are working together!

Atlanta Market Recap–Part 2

July 22, 2011

The Atlanta Home Gift and Home Furnishings market always has a great line-up of design talent speaking throughout the show. I always make it a point to attend and always come away learning a few new things.

One of the events I attended was entitled, What’s Your Style: New Media and Design. The panel discussion was moderated by Krissa Rossbund, the senior design and style editor for Traditional Home, and included design icon Stan Topol, design maven Tobi Fairley and the co-founder of Matchbook Magazine, Katie Armour.

The panel discussed a variety of topics, but much of the conversation centered around developing a successful design or retail business utilizing both traditional and modern forms of marketing and social media.

Be Professional, in what you say, how you act and how you run your business. Clients will trust us as designers it we run every aspect of our business in a professional way. And, always work with a contract.
Be Clear and Concise with clients. As designers, we are hired for our skill and ideas, and it is our responsibility to make sure that our clients clearly understand our vision so they can buy into it.
Don’t under-value your time or creativity. This hit home to me, as I sure it will with many designers. We often give away our ideas, time and talent when were in the moment, versus fully acknowledging our gift and charging for it.
Use your blog to showcase your work….it’s a great way to reach a wider audience and showcase your expertise.
Share your design experience with your blog readers and build a relationship with them.
Develop a source for original content–this will give your blog its unique personality.
Use twitter to strike up a conversation with others in the design industry. I wasn’t on the twitter band-wagon at first, but I now realize how value it can be to building your business and most importantly building friendships.

And, one last bit of wisdom shared by Mr. Topol that I took to heart was this…”Our payment is our creativity…when we compromise our creativity, we are cheating ourselves!”

It was great to chat with Tobi after the presentation and have this photo taken.

Another wonderful presentation I attended was with designer Vicente Wolf. He discussed his design philosophy and had a few words of advice:

Don’t over think the design process–follow your gut!
To create the most interesting and beautiful spaces, mix old and new elements.
Think of design like you do cooking..a pinch of this, a touch of that–combine elements to give the space its flavor.

I also attended a presentation by Kathryn M. Ireland, one of the talents on the hit Bravo show Million Dollar Decorators. Kathryn was so down to earth and such a pleasure to listen to. She shared stories of the show, her “insane” life as she calls it, and a few photos of her work.

Kathryn was signing copies of her new book, Summers in France, so I picked up a copy and had a photo taken with her.

And finally, I sat in on a presentation given by Marie Nygren, co-founder of Serenbe and Keith Robinson, owner of the event design firm Gloriosa Event Design. This dynamic duo gave tips and techniques for developing stylish party settings using eco-friendly products.

Marie and Keith

A beautiful floral arrangement with fresh herbs and plants added in.

A casual tablescape using items taken from inside the home.

Here are few party design ideas shared by Marie and Keith:

Monogram flat bed sheets and used them as a stylish tablecloth option
Incorporate vegetables from the garden into your centerpiece and tablescape–it’s an easy way to add color and texture
Cover plastic chairs with bed sheets, curtain panels or fabric remnants (as Keith did in the above photo)
Layer, Layer, Layer for interest and to create depth
Don’t be afraid to move furniture from the inside the house, out and use it as part of your decor
Candles are a must for any party occasion
Don’t be afraid to mix and match china or dinnerware–this can sometimes create the most beautiful table decor
Be unique and do something that will make your table decor stand out.

The Atlanta Market always brings in great talent during the show, so if you get the chance to attend, jump on it. The next major show takes place in January 2012.

I hope you enjoyed my insider view of market. Tomorrow I’ll be back with the final installment of my visit to market, focusing on some of the new design books coming out later this year.

Have a great weekend!

Currently Coveting Antique Dress Forms

July 19, 2011

I’m back from the Atlanta Gift Show and working to get my desk cleaned off and my schedule back on track. In the meantime, I wanted to share with you a style statement that has been out there for a while, but one that is seemingly growing stronger and stronger.

Dressmaker Dress Forms…

via corsetlacedmannequin

No longer are these beautiful dress forms relegated to the sewing room, they are being incorporated into the decor of everyday living spaces.

via austinwoodhenge

via a nest full of eggs

I love the style statement these dress forms give, whether unadorned or all dolled up.

via House Beautiful

Used as a holder for accessories…

via nimbleshanks

or a display for treasured jewelry pieces.

via plainanddelegateantiques.blogspot

The more rustic the better in my opinion.

via laurenscape

via country living

via twiddlelee

Reproduction dress forms were all over the Atlanta market, used to display clothing and handcrafted jewelry pieces. I even saw a few holding light-weight throw blankets or positioned as an accent in a room vingette. Whenever I saw one of these dress forms, my heart fluttered.

On my shopping list: An Antique Dressmaker Dress Form!

Anyone know of a great resource?