A Passion for Scrapbooking, Decorating and Shopping

The Washington Post's HOME...

The first section I pull out of The Washington Post's Thursday edition is the Home section. 

 

Next, I check out House Calls.  If you like Before & After photos, you will like House Calls.  You can also submit your design challenge for an opportunity to have a designer evaluate your photos and provide recommendations along with a sketch. 

And it's not just black & white text, there are photos in color which is an added bonus.

Then I move onto 'Blog Watch' looking for resourceful and inspiring blogs to peruse.  Be sure to check out today's list as it has a number of blogs sharing a wealth of interior design-related details.

Thursday mornings are like a great mail day when the latest Traditional Home magazine arrives in my mailbox.  These are moments I savor, taking in all the interior design possibilities I can get.

Things that Inspire...

Classic style.  Fabulous taste.  Gorgeous photos.  And narrates them quite well.  That is what Things that Inspire provides via their blog dedicated to inspiration of art, architecture and design.

Speaking of narration, I was in awe over the detail shared in a personal tour of interior designer Phoebe Howard and her husband, Jim's home in Atlanta.  I have great admiration for Mrs. Howard's style and was incredibly inspired by this feature by Things that Inspire.

Thanks again to The Washington Post and Terri Sapienza's Blog Watch article in a Thursday edition of the Real Estate section, I came to know this blog that consistently captures the essence and style I am always pining for.

What I am also pining for is the carpet used on Things that Inspire's staircase in a very recent blog post.  It was one of those moments where you see something and it clicks immediately.  So this carpet and my staircase clicked. 

If you are inspired by art, architecture and design, Things that Inspire is the place to be. 

Hooked on Houses...

As a hobby, I love visiting model homes to gain inspiration of the decor-kind.  I'm sure realtors do not appreciate it, but to me, it's like visiting a playground.  Rather than being physically entertained, my eyes are taking delight in every nook and cranny of design wonderment.

When I discovered Hooked on Houses, I realized how much I have in common with Julia and her site.

She features a broad range of homes from celebrities, movies and TV shows as well as homes we may find intriguing as a decorating enthusiast.

Set design is another aspect of interior decor that many of us take interest in.  How many folks ooh'd and aah'd over Diane Keaton's home in Something's Gotta Give. 

photo from Architectural Digest

For nostalgia, how about today's post on Mary Richards' apartment on the Mary Tyler Moore Show.

Julia also encourages camaraderie among us design enthusiasts with her Hooked on Fridays posts where you can link your own favorite blog post to her site.   

Sketching floor plans on graph paper is how I entertained myself as a kid.  And the fascination has remained with me ever since.  There is something about the bones of a house and it's contents.  And I'm glad I found Hooked on Houses to feed that curiosity for all things design-related when it comes to homes.

Hanging by a thin wire...

Our bedroom has too many windows on one wall.  If you wish to hang a piece of art or mirror over the bed, it poses a challenge.

Having seen examples of artwork hung in front of a window in numerous magazines and books, I made it a mission to find some type of wall decor to hang over our bed.

As luck would have it, I happen to have a sunburst mirror I purchased on sale from Wisteria several months ago.

And today my guy took a few moments to hang it for me using Invisible Hanging Wire purchased at Michael's.

I love this mirror and how it adds another element of texture among the various types of fabric around it.

He also hung the medallion tie-backs so the drapery panels can expose architectural features for a classic finish to our space.

These two completed tasks are giving me a great sense of accomplishment tonight.  I can rest now and dream about what to tackle next. 

Speaking of what to tackle next, I intend to share some inspiring resources this week when it comes to decorating.  Every day there are new sites popping up.  I enjoy gaining insight from various perspectives and am happy to share my discoveries here.  If you are interested, please stay tuned.

I hope you have one heck of a week, folks!

Brown velvet chairs...

While browsing Traditional Home Magazine's website this evening, I discovered a photo with dining chairs similar to the ones I purchased as host chairs for our dining room last year.

These chairs closely resemble the ones I purchased from the Home Decorators Outlet. 

As much as I admire stylish furnishings by Baker, Roche Bobois, Century Furniture and so forth, I am pleased when I find a piece of furniture with similar designs within my price range at sites like Home Decorators Outlet. 

Investment pieces combined with great bargain pieces are what make up our home into a liveable space that reflects our style.

The process and end result are so rewarding. 

The inspiration is ongoing and the goals are never-ending. 

Happy decorating, fellow friends!

Velvet & Linen...

Feast your hungry-and-thirsty-interior design eyes on a blog titled 'Velvet & Linen'.  It belongs to interior designer Brooke Giannetti whose style I admire a great deal.  Why her personal space is what has inspired me to continue my path toward subtle color in our bedroom.

I discovered Ms. Giannetti's site some time ago via The Washington Post's Blog Watch by Terri Sapienza which is featured every Thursday in the 'Home' section of the newspaper.

Take a break from the normal day-to-day routine, open your favorite beverage and spend some time perusing Velvet & Linen where Ms. Giannetti showcases her clients projects as well as her own. 

Cricut's Joys of the Season...

Recently, I added a new Cricut cartridge to my collection:  Joys of the Season.

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays but that is not why I purchased this cartridge. 

I purchased it because of the topiary die-cut.  Can you understand and/or relate to my rationale?

My magic ball says it sees Christmas cards with topiaries in my card-making future.  I'm going to give it my best shot.

Big Picture Scrapbooking & Jenni Bowlin...

As of 10pm EDT on June 29, we have named a winner - JennA.  Looking forward to joining you in Jenni Bowlin's class at Big Picture Scrapbooking.  Congratulations!!

A few days ago I posted about Jenni Bowlin's class at Big Picture Scrapbooking.  I'm very excited to be taking her class and would be even more excited if I had a friend to take it with me. 

Generosity abounds tonight as Big Picture Scrapbooking is offering free enrollment to one individual interested in taking Jenni Bowlin's Re-Purpose, Re-Think, Re-Invent class that begins on July 2.

Please post a comment if you are interested and the selection of a winner will be announced Monday evening, June 29. 

It will be fun to share this path to inspiration and into the creative mind of Jenni Bowlin.

Best of luck to you all.

Star spangled mirror...

Taking a little time this weekend to tend to our home by hanging a mirror (from Wisteria) in the foyer.

I am continuously trying new things with this space.  To me, the mirror represents a Federal style.  It's a style I've been fond of for a long time.

My post is minimal due to some attention I received recently regarding my wrist.  So I'm taking it slow and should be back to normal very soon.

Savor the weekend, friends!

Balance...

Do you want to know what's catching my eye right now? 

Diamond shapes on the corners of this ottoman.

 Overstock.com

I like how the pattern is repeated in the upholstery on the seat too.

The placement of brass buttons on this Agusta Linen storage ottoman is represented in classic form:

 SmartBargains.com

The round handles and zig-zag stitching are quite fabulous, indeed.

We move from zig-zags onto 'x' shapes, crisscross shapes or whatever you wish to call it:

Restoration Hardware

I've admired this Campaign Hearth Flat Screen for a long time.  A classic yet simple pattern in an understated sophistication.  

Balancing patterns and styles that please our eyes is a part of what makes interior design so interesting to me.

And Balance to keep good karma and positive vibes in the home and in our lives is what most of us want to experience in life.

This paperweight represents Balance:

Restoration Hardware

And where there is peace, there is Balance.  And with Balance I feel the karma.

As we fill our homes and surround ourselves with things that make us happy, content and represent who we are and what we are about, there is hope for Balance. 

May we all reach that point in our busy lives.

Re-purpose, Re-think, Re-invent...

Seeking and absorbing inspiration is what I like to do.  It might explain the hours I spend online and perusing periodicals looking for something to hit an inspirational nerve.  I'm addicted to inspiration.  It feeds the adrenalin in my soul.

Like this photo:

See the architectural element above the lovely framed photo?

Just look at those lovely salvage pieces in the above photo.  What sexy curves they have. 

I know my friend, Pam, would love these antique shakers.  You can re-purpose them into glitter shakes.  Right, fellow crafters?

Oh my.  The physical features of the frame and lamps are truly speaking to me, loud and clear.  Hello there!  Wanna come home with me?

Add the name 'Jenni Bowlin' combined with these photos and you have an entirely inspiring recipe for re-purposing, re-thinking and re-inventing. 

Having just learned that she's teaching a class with Big Picture Scrapbooking on this very topic is enough to convince me to participate in her online class.  Not only am I seeking inspiration, but I'd love to learn what inspires her and how she interprets it into her crafts and scrapbooking. 

What makes you tick?  Me, why it's anything design-related.  More specifically, architectural elements.  I love shapes and curves.

Do you care to join me in some inspiration via Jenni Bowlin and Big Picture Scrapbooking?  Her class begins July 2.  And I will be there will bells on.  That is, shapely bells with lots of curves. 

Update:  You can enter to win enrollment into Jenni Bowlin's class here (by Monday evening, June 29).  Good luck!

Keeping it light...

In an attempt to keep things light, I found an open bookcase that fits the bill for our bedroom.

I love to read, particularly interior design magazines, before I go to sleep.  And this bookcase from Home Decorators Collection Outlet was the perfect piece of furniture that does not appear to be heavy in wood and provides an 'open' feel to the space.

It is also an opportunity to showcase some favorites, like a collection of Jo Malone fragrances.

It is a practical yet decorative way to enhance our space. 

And a great bargain is the icing on the cake.  :-)

A case for a bookcase...

What I love about this bookcase:

 

 - The architectural details
 - It shows some backbone with a beadboard backing
 - The ladder, oh the ladder.  Love that feature.
 - It offers a combination of open shelving, drawer and cabinet storage.

All for a very fabulous price via the Home Decorators Outlet.

If we had the space, I would place it in our living room with a pair of loveseats facing each other, sitting in front of the bookcase.  Or 4 club chairs around an ottoman or coffee table.

There are so many possibilities with a piece of wood like this.

Just sharing a little excitement about this discovery.  :-)

Socializing...

I cherish my girlfriends and our friendships.

Ever since I began blogging in 2005, I have 'met' some very kind folks.  A majority of those who share similar interests, whether it be a love for scrapbooking, decorating or shopping...or all 3. 

And having become a member of the Facebook and Twitter communities, I have 'met' more individuals sharing common interests and reconnected with old friends and school chums.  I have found the entire experience to be quite rewarding.

I recently shared how I love being a part of the Savvy Auntie community.  And although I am not a mom, I enjoy the camaraderie with Lazy Moms, another fabulous circle of women.

As a child, I was painfully shy and still am to a certain degree today.  It is something I am overcoming with age.

Truthfully, I am fascinated with people.  And when you can connect with someone who is just as passionate as you are about a particular hobby or can relate in some way to your interests, it is very gratifying.  Sharing dialogue is what keeps me connected to those individuals.  If I am on fire with passion about a particular subject, I can go on and on, sometimes talking faster than I can think.

Remaining connected to my family and friends is very important too.  What would we do without instant messaging, texting and email?  Facebook also plays a large role in our family's lives as well as dear friends.  It's how I observe what is going on in their life in micro-blogging fashion.  When they include pictures, it's like icing on the cake. 

There remains the old-fashioned side of me that involves pen and paper in order to stay in touch with dear friends, but I also embrace technology. 

Without technology, my soul would not experience what it does today...friendships in all shapes and forms as well as staying in touch with family.

Having shared my thoughts on socializing and technology, I am now off to text with my sister, sharing our reactions while viewing our favorite TV show tonight.

Bless you, technology. 

Drapery rods & panels...

Our bedroom is at last beginning to feel like a room that I want to spend time in.

We hung the drapery rods and panels yesterday, fussing with them in an attempt to find balance without making the wall look heavy.

So we opted not to hang a pair of panels on the windows at each end.  Instead, we hung one drapery panel on each outer window.  I've seen this in numerous decorating magazines and can tell you that my guy was reluctant about this approach but I convinced him it would be fine.

I was also nervous about the drapery rods.  They are painted in pewter and my fear was they would blend with the wall color instead of complementing it.  My fear dissipated once the rods and panels were hung.  The ecru velvet panels are a nice contrast to the drapery rods as well as the wall color.

At night, the room is soft & serene.  Lighting makes such a difference.   During the day, the room is bright but remains serene.

The artwork depicting chairs and ottomans (paying homage to my love of architecture & design) I purchased from Kimberly Applegate and framed at ACMoore is now hanging on our wall after all these months sitting against the wall, waiting for attention.  (The cabinet in the corner will be moved...not loving where it is sitting now.  I'd like to place a chair there.)

The frames we selected have an "x" design element to it.  A favorite design feature of mine.

 

The room is not yet complete.  I am, though, satisfied with the direction we are headed in. It's all about baby steps, lessons learned from previous mistakes and patience.  

I am also learning new things along the way and always open to feedback.  

Right now, I am going to go plump the pillows on our bed, light a candle, crawl under the sheets and devour a couple interior design and decorating magazines.  That is my idea of serenity.  :-)

And the rug goes to...

Grace!!!! 

I will be living vicariously through Grace as she adds this lovely rug from CSN to her home.  We hope you share photos once it is situated in the spot you've designated it for.

All this talk about rugs has me now searching for one to place in our bedroom.  We finally hung drapery panels yesterday and will share more on that project later today.

Thanks for visiting and for your interest in this giveaway. 

Rugs from CSN...

Do you like neutrals? 

Do you like damask patterns?

Do you like viscose & chenille materials?

Do you need a new rug? 

Allow me to introduce you to CSN, retailer of rugs, who are kindly sponsoring a giveaway of a rug I've selected just for you.

 

It is a 2'2" x 4'2" area rug from Couristan.  Described as a Trasitional Pavé Vintage Damask Golden Pearl Contemporary Rug, it speaks to me at a very large volume. Just look at the texture the design brings to the neutral color palette. 

Neutral color helps to balance bold color in a room. And if you are attempting a neutral monochromatic color scheme, this rug is your answer.

This Couristan can be yours by simply leaving a comment beginning now.  On Monday morning, June 15, I will name one lucky recipient whom I will live vicariously through as the owner of this new rug.

And if you are looking for a new rug, CSN has thousands of rugs to offer on their website.  I spent a couple hours on their site trying to take it all in.

Best of luck, fellow decorating enthusiasts!!

Savvy Auntie...

My heart melts when I hear our 3-year old niece call me "Auntie G-nette".  Or when our older nieces and nephew connect with us in conversation and enjoy our company. 

Last week, we had that opportunity to connect.  We were present for their last day of school and celebrated with a meal at Sonic. We went bowling.  Played at the arcade.  Manicures and pedicures with the older girls.  Seeing them perform with their Guitar Hero.  Went to the mall.  Witnessed our nephew do great things academically. 

And watching our youngest niece make attempts at diving into the pool during a swimming lesson. 

 

She's an expert when it comes to belly flops.  :-)

Being an Aunt is quite rewarding.  For me, it's being a part of their lives and bonding with them.  It's a relationship I began to nurture at each birth. 

Recently I discovered Savvy Auntie.  A place where it gives me a sense of belonging, recognizing the special things we like to do as an Aunt. It's an opportunity to share your thoughts and opinions as well as gaining resourceful tips. 

Savvy Auntie is a fabulous community of women celebrating a role of a lifetime.  As we've all heard, it takes a village to raise a child and an Aunt is a part of that village. 

If you are interested in seeing what Savvy Auntie is all about, please visit their website.  It's a very inclusive group with Aunties by Relation (ABR), Aunties by Choice (ABC), Mommy Aunties, Great Aunts, Godmothers, and all women who love kids.

Hope to cross paths with you at Savvy Auntie.

Auntie Jeanette