Tuesday, April 26, 2011

     I grew up in a house where everything was brand new. I think I got my love for antiques while visiting my Grandma Sarah's house. She had a lovely mix of old and new and all things comfortable and loved. I received her empire style marble top table that now lives in my family room and is my favorite piece of furniture... because it came from my Grandma!
      I love old prints and have posted my antique dog prints on a previous post. I found some prints on eBay of bird eggs, birds, and a lemon horticulture print. I wanted to frame them in antique frames and have patiently waited and shopped over the years for the right frame for each print. This robin print is in  a great old frame with a bit of molding missing.... that just adds character.
This print is also over 100 years old and I bought it off eBay for  less than $5. I held on to this print for over 3 years until I found the right frame for it. This Fall I found this frame at the flea market. The guy who was selling it had it propped up to the side as it was literally falling apart and held together with string. I relished the challenge of putting this great ole frame back together and bought it for $3. So much of the fun is in the hunt and then putting things together in the way that suits my style and needs. I even like the parts of the frame where the bits are missing!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Wakefield High School Plant Sale

Each Spring, I look forward to the Wakefield High School Plant Sale with great anticipation! The flowers, herbs, and vegetable plants are just about the healthiest plants I have ever seen. I almost "itch" with excitement to get my garden and pots established for the warm weather. The sale is at the high school from April 7-11, 10-6.
Wakefield High School
2200 Wakefield Pines Dr.
Raleigh, NC
The horticulture department is run and taught by Jodi Riedel. Jodi is one of those teachers who becomes the students' favorite and most influential teachers. She inspires a love for horticulture in her students and many go on to study this in college. Jodi says, "The plant sale is the perfect opportunity to support youth and the local agricultural push." Also, all the money raised goes directly back to the education of the students and the program... it is sustainable.

This is the Year of the Vegetable. It is becoming increasingly popular and often necessary to establish vegetable gardens in our backyards. Even if you have very little ground or none at all... there are practical solutions. Many of my neighbors grow their tomatoes and herbs in pots. Hay bales are also a great substitute if you are pressed for space. There is a display at the plant sale that will help you see how it works!

Monday, April 4, 2011

"paint-a-day" blog

About a year ago, my friend Blaire, told me about her passion for reading decorating and art blogs. One, in particular, that inspires me is Postcard from Provence. The artist, Julian Merrow- Smith paints a landscape or still life nearly everyday and emails it out to his followers. These paintings are oil on board and approximately 16 cm x 14 cm. They are also up for auction each day. It is a nice present in my email and one I look forward to.
I love this painting of peonies.... it is my favorite!

http://shiftinglight.com/

"paint-a-day" blog

This painting of strawberries in a handmade clay bowl is just so beautiful and inviting! He captures the light on the strawberries. Looks yummy to me!

Monday, March 28, 2011

One of my favorite haunts... Revival Antiques

There is a very cool antique store in a warehouse area in Raleigh. The owners "pick" furniture and architectural pieces from all over and repair, restore and sometimes repaint. There is a separate warehouse that is full of furniture that you can go in and choose from. There are 2 prices on each piece. The first is less and yours to take out of the store. The second price allows you to choose the paint color and their craftspeople will paint it for you.

I really like to take clients shopping here because we always find great accessories as well as the larger "bones" that we need for a room.
This freestanding armoire was picked up in Pennsylvania. It is stunning and the intricate wood work is evident on the sides, as well.
These leather seated footstools are great for a small space or where extra seating is necessary. They are very versatile and can even be moved under a table for storage until needed. I really think they should have come home with me!
I love this architectural salvage piece! It would look great over a door, above a fireplace, or even as a headboard for a bed.

Revival Antiques
1505 Capital Blvd. Ste. 14A
Raleigh, NC 27603
919-833-3444

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

What I have been up to, lately.


I must say, I have been remiss in keeping up with my blog! However, I am going to get back into the groove here and share things that fascinate, inspire and feed my passions. I have been very busy with my decorating and staging business as well as throwing myself back into my pottery.

I received a call in January from a representative of the Trinity School in Atlanta. She asked if I would sell some of my work in the Spotlight on Art Show that is put on every year. The only problem was that I only had 3 weeks to get some work done from start to finish.

Where there is a will there is a way.... especially if you are a stubborn redhead!

After the show, my work was picked up from Holly Street who has an amazing decorating blog called Things that Inspire. http://www.thingsthatinspire.net/ Holly also has an online art gallery called Quatrefoil Designs. http://www.quatrefoildesign.bigcartel.com/
Here are some images of my pears as photographed by Holly.

Monochromatic look.

What I have been up to, lately.


I like the turquoise pear in the bookshelf!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Teenager's room makeover!

Cleanliness is not top priority when it comes to my teenage son's room! The dust bunnies and dirty clothes aside... this room was in great need of a makeover. I took down his dust collecting blinds (allergies) and repainted the builder grade beige in a "suedey" gray called Summit Gray. I found some drapes with black out lining at Lowes that work beautifully. I also painted the bed in a black satin and removed the bed skirt. I then covered the box spring with a fitted sheet... this discourages shoes, clothes, and junk from hiding under the bed. He loves the results and hopefully he will keep it clean and tidy!
Sad to say but this is actually clean... aside from the paint supplies.

Ahhh, much better.
We now refer to it as the " Guest room."

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Fall is upon us...

Fall is finally creeping in to my neck of the woods. Thank goodness because we have had one of the hottest Summers on record. Every Spring and Fall, I change much of my decor in and outside of my home. I especially love creating a seasonal room on my front porch.
This is an image of a beautiful porch (not mine) through an inviting cottage gate.
Fun and festive.

Fall wreath for you front door.

This is a beautiful front porch. Mums in urns are simple and gracious.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Collections


I think that collections are about expressing your passions. When I was a kid, people collected stamps, thimbles, baseball cards, coins, etc. I really did not collect anything until recently.

I love my Jack Russell Terrier, Lulu! This love sparked my passion for collecting antique and vintage dog prints. Many of these prints are acquired without frames. Therefore, I am always on the lookout for antique frames. If I can find one with the original bubble glass... that makes my week!

Whatever you collect, most things can be found at auctions, flea markets, garage sales, and eBay. Some of my prints are reprints of old pieces like the one above of a terrier. This is a beautiful print that my dear friend, Lesley gave to me. It has center stage in my collection.

This image is part of a sketch done of Lulu and my kids when Lulu was a puppy.
"Five O'clock Tea"

This is one of my favorite pictures as it depicts dogs, cats, ducks and chickens. It is a lithograph from 1893, by W.H. Trood.
This is an original 1930's print by Lucy (Mac) Dawson.

This is a photo of my collection of antique dog prints. I enter my house and I love the "Ahhh" moment that I get just looking at this art!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

North Carolina Museum of Art


I recently went to the museum with a friend and saw some wonderful things that I wanted to share.

This sculpture is huge! It is a grape vine sculpture that is about 6-7 feet high and spans the depth of the museum cafe. It is so cool!

This sculpture of a winged angel is my favorite piece from the museum. She is about 3.5 feet tall and just amazing to view! Love her!
This is another Madonna and Child. Notice all the faces peeking out from her cloak.
I always loved Art History in college... especially the Italian Renaissance Art. This is a lovely sculpture on the Madonna and Child.

This is a gorgeous painting of a woman trying to avoid Cupid's arrow. It is so lifelike and beautiful.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

"Spinach in the door"

Yesterday, I went to stage a house and was surprised to find that the front door handle was completely encapsulated in spider webs! Now this is not a good thing to find if you are a potential buyer and want to view your new home! I think, that often, people enter their homes through the garage and only see the front door when they open it for the package that UPS just delivered.
The front door is the focal point of your home... at least it should be. Look at it this way, the front door is to the home as a smile is to the face! So, go check out the front porch, stoop, landing... and clean out all the "spinach!" It should make everyone feel welcome and give you that "aaahhh" feeling when you enter your home.


Image from Smith + Hawken + Traditional

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Awesome Find!


I was out and about at my favorite vintage and antique haunt, Sweet Peas Antiques and Garden, and found a treasure!! It is an antique English cast iron garden urn... and it is just beautiful. Jalenn found it at an estate sale! Woohoo!!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Mantle

I think these Mariposa Collection canisters are fun and funky for a mantle or table. They also come in canary yellow and you can find them at Z Gallery.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Foyer Table

I have a new foyer table! I am so excited to have found a table that so perfectly fits this space. The space is limited by the depth of the molding on the doorway leading into the hall. The table is only 9" deep so it is less obtrusive to those passing into the hall. It anchors the wall and allows for vignettes. From time to time, I will post photos of these vignettes!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Staged Master


I staged a master bedroom where the furnishings were true 1970's style. I wanted to lighten the weight of the furniture, as well as, the heaviness of the green walls. The room was painted out in Egret white and the headboard and side tables were removed. I chose 2 vertical pictures for the wall over the bed in lieu of a headboard and used a table from another room for the bedside. Throw in a new lamp, nice crisp bedding and several decorative pillows and you have a lovely room!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Staging a bath


I recently staged a house that really needed work from top to bottom. It was so great to get in there, move things around, remove, replace, and shop with my client. I was in Heaven! We ended up purchasing many items that she has now taken with her to her new home. Above is a " before" picture of the guest bath.
Here is an image of the finished bath... simple but classic.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

I love lamps. Lamps add a warmth and style to a room that overhead lighting often lacks. Of course there are beautiful chandeliers and other ceiling mounted fixtures. However, lamps can be very versatile in any space. I like to put them on timer so that walking into any room can be warm and inviting. I even have a lamp on timer on my front porch. The lamp pictured above is from The Virginia Gale Collection, by The Natural Light. I love the bamboo look.. elegant and casual.
This lamp is also from The Virginia Gale Collection, by Barbara Cosgrove. It is lovely and stands 36.5 inches tall.

Lighting... specifically lamps!


The lamp pictured above is from The Virginia Gale Collection, by Curry & Company. It is contemporary and beautiful. This is a very versatile lamp for any space... I would even use this in a room with many antiques.

The Virginia Gale Collection
home furnishing for the new south
201 Estes Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
www.virginiagale.com
919-929-2070

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Amanda's nest


I have a dear friend, Amanda, who found this nest in her yard. It was blown out of a tree and, amazingly, it remained in tact! It is a beauty.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Potted gardens


One of the first things that I try to create, whether if it is for staging or for decorating, is to "build" a nice potted arrangement. Lately, I have been using tall urns as I really like the height. However, it really depends on the style of the house and what you feel looks best. I tend to think it is better to go larger than small with potted plants.
I recommend getting some perennials (even small shrubs) and then filling in with your annuals in the Spring and Fall. I like to add a lot of texture and plants that have different shades of green in the foliage. It tends to make the arrangement "pop." The more plants that can fit... the better. It is better to have it looking full right away!
I think having a beautiful pot at the entrance dresses up the entrance and makes it more inviting.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Lulu!

I want my blog to be about the things that inspire me and things that I love. My little dog, Lulu, is one of the most precious things in my life. We got Lulu when we were traveling in Western North Carolina. We had left our older dog at home and wanted to pick up a little toy for him.... We came across this little place called "Fish and Pets" on the side of the highway in Hendersonville. In this little country pet store was a litter of tiny Jack Russell mix pups. I picked up Lulu and it was all over. She was about the size of a baby guinea pig! This is by far the best spontaneous action that I have ever taken. We proceeded home to Atlanta with our tiny prize and named her after one of my beloved Aunts. They are, both, very spunky and cool! Lulu will be 7 on August 28th, and, of course, we will be celebrating.
This picture is of Lulu dressed as Tinkerbell for Halloween.