Unique Unique Design

I went to a friend’s house today. I always love going over there and seeing what she’s done. We met Lisa years ago when we were doing the flea market at Canton. She has been a loyal and enthusiastic customer ever since. Boy, how her house has evolved since our first visit there on a New Year’s Eve many moons earlier. Back then she was into red, amber, and black. It has under gone many transformations since. Each one topping the last. Lisa is tireless and blessed with boundless energy when it comes to rethinking and redoing her home.

Her aesthetic now is much more subdued. It’s definitely less is more with a cleaner, simpler style. She’s has moved to pale grays, white, and some black. Added to that is a touch of a beautiful shade of green in her drapes and accessories. Below are several pics I took while over there. I’m sorry they don’t do justice to what she’s done, but hopefully you can get an idea.

This was one of my favorite areas in her house, but unfortunely the lighting has a pinkish color to it. I loved her round dining room table surrounded with unmatching chairs. She had a settee, an old highback tufted white chair, and two gray cane back chairs with leopard print seats. On the floor was a black and white cowhide rug. Of course, I loved the glass vase with white branches held in place by old butterpats and creamers. The plates had a touch of green in them.

Her shelves filled with white and cream vases.

This wall is really a soft gray. Lisa hand did the texture and wallpaper look! Cute sign that leads around the corner and into the kitchen.

White washed denim slipcovered sofa. Love the pillows in black and grays and greens mixed with the pattern of the drapes in same colors. Keep in mind the walls are a gray color.

A crusty old statue, a plant, and a free standing tall mirror reflecting a window looking out to her pool.

A long table with a cool retro chrome and white leather chair. This is much closer to the true gray she uses.

Very frenchy bed in her master bedroom. I was backed up against a wall, so couldn’t quite get it all in the picture.

Hope you’ve enjoyed visiting Lisa with me. I will go back one day, hopefully with a better camera and attempt to do what she has done justice. Of course, if I know Lisa it will all be changed by then….maybe by the end of the week. Thanks for a very pleasant visit, Lisa.

Hope you get a chance to  visit a friend’s home even if they haven’t redecorated.

And thanks for visiting our blog. We’d love to hear from you.

A friend called me yesterday to tell me about some “happy” news for her. In the course of the conversation, she mentioned it was supposed to snow again by Friday! We live in Texas and just don’t see as much snow as some of you. This year, though, we seem to be seeing a little more than usual. I know it’s been colder than usual for here. Lots of warm socks, hot beverages, and fires in the fireplace to help warm our bones. Of course, we do live in Texas…..land of the “never sure what the weather will be doing 5 minutes from now”…..and thus have had some pretty pleasant days just recently. But, wintery days are what has inspired this post, and apparently the “Brrr” days are coming back.

The following photos have a winter look to me. Now, to change that up you could just add a vase with a leafy fig branch or a single palm leaf or a vase of tulips and “BINGO” spring! That’s what I love about neutral palettes…so versatile.

So if you’re going out wear your warm boots!

photo getty images    flickr

If you’re not then grab a cup of hot coffee…

photo  sam mcadam     homelife

…find a comfy chair with a good book to read.  Love the textures in this picture. The colors, fabric, natural elements just give this a “curl up on a cold day look”.

photo  sam mcadam    homelife

Probably wouldn’t hurt to have this guy laying on your feet either! Looks like a snow dog to me.

photo  richard powers    sarah kaye

A winter sky in the high desert as seen through a large window. Time to cuddle.

photo  joanna henderson    sarah kaye

It’s always good to keep stocked up on firewood and blankets and what better way to do it than great looking baskets.

photo  adrian briscoe   sarah kaye

Great way to serve snacks on those nippy days…. a weathered wood table, leafless branch and snowy white plates.

photo  Adrian briscoe   sarah kaye

How about curling up on a stack of soft white mattresses with a warm down comforter and your own hot water bottle wearing a cable knit turtleneck sweater!

photo  christine bauer.com

But, first nothing beats a hot bath on a freezing day.

We hope you can keep your toes warm. Enjoy the homey, cuddly, warm things of this season, because before long we’ll be sweating and trying to remember having to back up to the fire to chase away the goosebumps.

“WARM” wishes!

I just love using branches in interior design. In the winter, bare branches add such form to a space. And for the most part, they are FREE! Yippee! Tall, short, sparse or bushy, the choices are many. Gnarly old twisted branches add such texture and shape, but we’ve, also, used branches that are 2 ” or more in diameter that are straight as an arrow for a more symmetrical arrangement in a large long container. One large branch with just two or three arms can add just the touch of drama needed. When placed against a blank wall, it works in place of a piece of  art. Earthen jars filled with lots of small branches look wonderful lined up on a buffet…no flowers needed. How about a long twisted branch down the center of a dining table. Dress it up as the occasion calls for it. Paint branches and they can add a whole new dimension. They work as well in a nature inspired room as in a polished more modern room that needs that touch of warmth. Just as the choices of branches are endless, the use of them is limited only by what you can dream up. Do you like to use branches? We’d love to hear how you use them.

atlanta bartlett

Top photo using branches on a buffet. Bottom photo is simply putting smaller wispy branches in glass jars.

kimberly rider interiors 

The top photo is branches sculpted into art, a simple natural look. I love the bottom photo for its form. In front of a blank wall the branches in the vase almost look like a painting.

photo: matthew millman    california home & design  “the new vintage”

The wooden vessel filled with tall branches and moss is great center piece for a large table.

photo: from 1st option  chesterton road

The earthy objects with the leaning branch…minimal but warm.

villa collection  denmark

In the top photo, the large white branch almost frames the artwork. The bottom photo is set up for marketing their product, but once again the layout is fabulous with the huge branch on the left giving height to the setup. Also, the smaller branches in the vase almost look windswept…much more interesting than just straight up.

found on willow decor blog originating from covetable designs blog

The single branch finishes out this lovely alcove with the beautiful patina on the chest and wonderful shell. The colors are so serene.

 photo: unique unique design

A wintery look with white branches in white jars.

photo: unique unique design

Curly willow in a very large white vase.

This is only the tip of the iceberg, but it’s fun using these gifts of nature. BTW, I haven’t been lost in the woods looking for branches. Just a myriad of things going on.

Hope you have a little fun “branching out!”

We want to add a link to LaurieAnna’s blog. Laurie came to my house for a visit  before Christmas. We’ve  had the opportunity to get to know Laurie (and the great girls who work at her shop…actually we’ve known Monica for yrs) this past yr or so. It’s been a pleasure. She wrote a very nice post about my house, plus took some beautiful pictures with her new Nikon camera. Since she has won “Best in Show” for 2yrs at the Nutcracker Show in Houston, we are honored by the great things she said about us. Please go over to her blog and check it out.

Thanks Laurie!

I am so amazed at those who can keep posting on their blog during this time of year. It’s been a very busy month! We’ve had several groups of shoppers at the house, so now have some holes to fill. That’s a good thing! Took 2 of my grandkids to New Mexico to visit 4 others. Had fun with all the kids together. We decorated cookies, worked on puzzles, rode horses, played on hayrolls, got to play a little in snow and had a fun time with the gang! We did try (try is the operative word) to get back to Dallas on Christmas Eve day, so we could get the kids back for Christmas with their parents. Well, wouldn’t you know we picked the worst day of the yr. to travel. What should have been a 6 1/2 hr trip turned into just short of 16 hrs in whiteouts, snow and icy roads. We did manage to pull a couple cars out of the snow about 11pm. We got stuck in process, but got out and pulled them out. Thought we’d all be spending the night there as the sheriff’s dept. said they couldn’t come help for quite awhile. Here’s a couple pics of the fun things. Had to post these of the 2 little ranch kids. If you took them off that fat, furry little pony they’d look a lot older then their 3 & 4 yrs. old.

Jack rides around the round pen with one hand in air like a bronc rider. Then when he passes you he tips his hat!!   I never managed to catch the hat tipping with my camera, but it is so funny!  “Howdy Ma’am”,

Ellee looks like a teenager until you look at the horse and she’s only 4yrs old. Note the hand in the air in the photo on the right.

City girl’s first ride. She’s not real sure about all this. Photo on right…stopping the decorating for Mops to take a pic! What a bunch of little ragamuffins!

And just to show a few things that aren’t actually grandkid pics…..

These are some of the Christmas flowers we have used around the house.

Orchids in large glass container. We have a pair of these.

Paperwhites we started from bulbs.

Single white lily.

White lilies and paperwhites in acrylic shell.

And of course, the more traditional white poinsettias.

What type of flowers do you like to use this time of year?

Even though these flowers are gorgeous and our families are precious to us, the amazing gift of this season is the baby in the manger!

We hope your Christmas was wonderful! And if you celebrate Hanukah we hope it was too.

Since I have family coming in later this week, I don’t know if I’ll be back before New Years day. So, we pray 2010 will be a great year for all, with new lessons learned, and exciting things in store for us.  May God watch over our military and bring them safely home to their families.

Thanks to all who follow our blog and a Happy Happy New Year!!

Marcie and Mayron

I can’t believe how time is flying by. Before you know it, it’ll be hot again here in Texas. No not that! We have been really  busy with Thanksgiving, shopping for grandkids, shoppers shopping at my house, getting the house ready for shoppers, doing some fun stuff with friends, checking out great shows in this area, and the list goes on. Mayron and I went out to east Texas for Judy of J. Hill Designs Open House. Of course it was over the top wonderful. I managed to get a few pics there. Mayron has been to a couple shows I haven’t been able to go to because of other commitments. She enjoyed her trip to Winnie and Tulula’s Open House and, also, Primitiques Open House. So much to do…so little time. From the pics I’ve seen, it looks like both were beautiful. Below is a photo of 5 of several reasons why things have been a little hectic lately. Haven’t been blogging or reading blogs much in the last couple weeks, but finally posting something new. Since it “tis the season” am, also, adding a few Christmasy pics.

Not easy getting all 5 of these guys holding still long enough for the camera to record anything but movement!

This is a large twig chandelier over Judy’s dining room table. It’s decked out with aluminum tree branches, birds, and ornaments. Quite stunning in person!

Some funky metal columns by Judy’s sink in her kitchen.

Mercury trees and candleholders sitting on glass blocks at Judy’s.

This crib decked out with paper chain made from sheet music is sooo much cuter than the photo indicates. Very creative, Judy!

This display was on Judy’s island in her kitchen. Check out the old metal table. The “boy” on top was pretty tall. It was a great display!

Happy decorating and shopping!

We’ve been having small groups over to my house to shop, so we try to bring in some type of plant life for pretty touch. Our amaryllis have done great. They are the white with pink as seen in previous posts. As the flower starts drooping, I cut it off and put it in a clear vase of water. They are still very pretty and we get a few more days of life out of them. We, also, added yellow accents to my mostly gray and mirrors powder room. Yellow lilies and lemons in a rectangular battery jar added a lovely yellow touch. The silver beaded fruit adds a bit of sparkle…of course, these require no water or tending to as they are fake. Much easier to care for!. We have, also, started some paperwhites for the Christmas and the holiday season. They are not very far along yet. And for a bit of the exotic we placed orchids in large clear containers. They are really pretty, too. Usually their blooms last fairly long, so that’s nice. The test is if they rebloom! Anyone out there that knows any tricks to get them to bloom again? Would love some advice on that.

unique unique design

The pinkest tinge in this photo comes from the sunset casting it’s light through the window.

unique unique design

Please don’t eat the fruit!

unique unique design

Not all of the paperwhite bulbs have taken off yet.

unique unique design

Setting sun shining on orchid.

Hope you have some flowers in your life!

Getting my house ready for showing and shoppers, we did one room we call the “glam” room. It’s all white, mirror, acrylic, and some silver. It was a fun room to do. This is the best I can do with pics, but thought I’d post what I have. Someone has been over shopping and so the massage table is “sold”. Now, I’ve got to come up with something to replace that and hopefully not redo the whole room for a while at least. Soon as I take the measurements, I’ll see if my idea works. It has to do  with seating and acrylic and linen, so will let you know the end result. As far as this room goes, Mayron and I decided it would be a fun room to sit around with the “girls” and look through decorating books and chat about whatever needs to be discussed that day. What would you do in there?

The massage table is covered in white linen with 3 linen covered buttons. The 2 bolster pillows are, also, done in linen. Those are 3 old wooden shutters behind massage table.The acrylic stand between the channel back chairs is holding white wine and goblets. Flokati rug under foot. That’s a vinyl covered chaise in the corner (right side) with an etched glass tray and twisted acrylic handles.

White buffet with square glass knobs and chrome mosaic pulls (hard to see detail in this picture, but they have a good look). An old iron downspout with birch branches, acrylic shells filled with orbs, silver leafed mirror and cool lamp with glass twisted around the base.

Another view thru a large mirror. White cast iron urns (old pieces, new paint), art with touch of purple (our accent color), wrought iron garden table, and wonderful chandelier from late 60′ s – 70’s with glass pendants.

The white settee in the post done on 11-07-09 is, also, sold. Have a smaller one that we need to slipcover to replace it.

Hope you’ve enjoyed our “glam” room. We’d love to hear your comments. Have a great weekend!

Enjoy…til next time!

We haven’t forgotten, we care, we pray for your safety, we appreciate your service, we are honored by your sacrifice, we are proud of your bravery, we know the freedoms we enjoy in this great country lie at the feet of the men and women who have been willing to give all to keep us free. We thank God for each of these men and women present and past.

This photo was taken in late August, 1969. My husband had just completed AMOC (officer maintenance training) and was on orders to leave for Vietnam September 30,1969. That is Pete, our son Ian (16 mo. old) and me on the left side of the pic. That other couple were friends, and he was leaving for Vietnam, also. I know the fear and heartache of watching your loved one board a plane to fight in a distant land. I don’t know the heartache of seeing him return in a flag draped coffin. For some reason, the Lord spared us from that.

We are humbled by your service. Thank you!

Have been so busy working in the house lately that I’ve hardly been on the computer. Certainly haven’t gotten any new posts up in several days or more!   We’ve been trying to get ready for some groups and individuals coming to the house to shop. If they have never been here before, it’s not much different than getting ready for a show as far as the prep work. And, of course, there is the never ending dust, etc. Don’t know if it’s so so bad because we live out in the country or what, but I’m here to tell you the dirt and dust are winning!! I’ve taken a few pics in the house…most are close ups as I can’t seem to get a good pic of the whole room. So, here is what I have, and if you see any dust bunnies LURKING in the corners, PLEASE stomp on them quickly!

unique unique design

Johnny Jump Ups in an urn in kitchen.

unique unique design

Glass and mirrors and burlap.

unique unique design

Silverware.

unique unique design

Tall glass lamp.

unique unique design

Not the best angle and kind of jumbled on the right, but a cute settee done in washed white denim.

unique unique design

3 sink stainless piece…kinda funky.

unique unique design

Beautiful amaryllis in a large acrylic shell surrounded by old white lego molds. (at least that’s what we were told they were).

It’s a beautiful weekend here in Dallas/Ft. Worth. Hope it is where ever this finds you.

Smiles.

In the last House Beautiful issue, I saw an advertisement for the coolest chairs. So, I thought I’d do this blog on some other great chairs out there. I’d have a hard time picking favorites, but I usually am drawn to really comfy…the kind you want to settle down in and read a book with hot cup of tea…or french chairs with worn off paint covered in linen or maybe burlap, or a more contemporary chair that just has a wonderful style or shape. Of course, all of the above have different functions, so I am not trying to compare apples to oranges. This is mainly about picking chairs that I find appealing and, of course, this is a minute sampling. So, sit a spell and tell me which ones you find appealing.

ruby beets as in house beautiful

I just love the look of these acrylic ballroom chairs. Not sure how comfortable they are to sit in very long, but they would look fabulous around so many different types and styles of tables.

unique unique design

These are probably from the 30’s or 40’s. They’ve been recovered in a linen/cotton fabric. Note how the arms are on opposite sides. Love the channel backs.

unique unique design

A pair of vinyl and chrome chairs would work well in a mid-century setting. (or not!)

windsor smith home website

This chair has great lines and the black leather is very classy.

1st option

This cane chair is pretty OK, too!!

unique unique design

A different look for this french style cane back chair.

photo: carlos domenech  veranda

You want color? How about this lovely rococo revival chair covered in a beautiful linen fabric.

unique unique design

Here’s another acrylic chair. This one folds…quite handy.

photo: tim street-porter  house beautiful

How wonderful is this Louis XIV fauteuil sitting in front of the fabulous charcoal taffeta curtains!! A pretty picture to be sure.

dienst and dotter website

Very modern, but I think this is so different. The shape is just amazing. And a set of these shiny metal chairs would look soo good around an old wooden table.

The ballroom chairs are the reason I got going on chairs. I didn’t even get to any wonderfully comfy slipcovered chairs. Mainly, because my scanner started acting up! Modern technology usually wins out when I disagree with what it is doing!   Oh, well!

Glad you could join the “sit in” for a bit. Have a good one!