I Can't Resist... this Driftwood Bull

from Ballard Designs.

I don't know why, but he just speaks to me. :)  Probably the combination of softly weathered natural elements, all the wonderful shades of gray, and the texture. Or maybe seeing an animal rendered in this material?  A cool marriage of my West Texas roots and my love for the beach. :) Forget the driftwood mirrors, give me the Bull!!

Happy Decorating!

Sneak Peek at the Southern Living Idea House

More of this match made in heaven ~ Southern Living and Ballard Designs. :)

Don't you love checking your inbox and finding surprises?  I was so excited to have emails from both Ballard Designs and Southern Living about their partnership in the Horseshoe Bay Idea House.  Southernliving.com is featuring 101 design ideas from this gorgeous home, along with more videos:

http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/idea-houses/idea-house-kitchen-00417000074824/

So everyone take a peek!  Can't wait to hear your thoughts and favorite ideas and features from the 2011 Southern Living Idea House. :)  Happy looking!



Match Made in Heaven

Just back from travelling and now I've got to catch up, but first I gotta share this good news! I don't know about you, but when I heard that Ballard Designs was teaming up with Southern Living magazine to decorate the 2011 Idea House it was like hearing that Prince William and Kate Middleton were engaged!  I've been a Southern Living girl my entire life and a Ballards Designs stalker (and outlet shopper) for most of my adult life.  To me this is an entirely logical (and exciting) partnership.

This year's Idea House is located in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, a gorgeous lake front community in the Hill Country. If you've never been to this part of Texas, you're missing out... book your trip asap!  In the meantime, we'll all be poring over and dog-earring the pages of the Idea House, right?

Because I'm a floor plan lover:


Look at all the courtyards!

Southernliving.com has some peeks at the construction process. Loving the use of salvaged wood in this house... seen on the dining room ceiling here.


Click over there to check it out if you haven't received your SL issue yet... the blue doors are divine!

AND, you can shop all the fabulous Ballards pieces they used in the Idea House HERE
.
Like...


This yummy Suzanne Kasler Seaglass lamp (did I mention I heart her?).  And...




This delish Ogden Mirror...  love the dreamy ocean blue. And...




This gorgeous and versatile Padova Accent Table (she's on my wish list!).  And...




These sweet little Bird Giclees (set of 6).  I'd love these for my family room Lighten and Brighten project!

Okay, but before you get to shopping, how about a $10,000 room makeover from Southern Living and Ballards Designs?   Click HERE for the details... in addition to the room makeover, you can win a trip to see the 2011 Idea House! I know I'm entering!  Now, should it be the master bedroom, the dining room, master bath....?

Happy Decorating, Idea House Drooling, and Sweepstakes Entering. :)  You're welcome!

I Can't Resist... Rustic Meets Refined Living Room

I'm back from a long weekend in Pensacola where we fished, boated, tubed (yikes), and took in the Blue Angels show from the water.  A wonderful, relaxing time!!  I loaded up on some shelter mags to read in the car on the way down and I came across this image in July's Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles magazine.



This is the living room of the 2010 Cashiers Designer Showhouse, designed by Suzanne Kasler.  You've heard of Suzanne, right?  ;-) She's a busy lady these days, turning up in the Ballards catalog with her own product line (one of several signature lines she has out there), writing design books, and maintaining her Atlanta-based interior design business.  I love (and fully ascribe to) her theory that rooms should be collected and not decorated.  Is she singing our song or what?  Head to her website to learn more and see what inspires her.

Now, to what I love about this room! The use of ivory and blues in contrast with the rustic stacked stone fireplace, stained wood floors and ceilings, and exposed beams.   Comfy sit-right-down furniture and a sleek contemporary coffee table,  layered rugs, that fab chandelier right balancing out the antlers over the french doors... shall I go on?  With views of Whitehead Mountain right out those glorious windows, you know you're in a mountain retreat.  But she marries simple sophistication in furnishings with rustic structures and finishes to create a match made in heaven.

And this is the tip of the iceberg in this fabulous home, open from August 21 - September 5th. See the complete article in Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles.   If you're in the Blue Ridge Mountains during that time, you will want to check it out.  I'm thinking road trip?

See the entire guide to the Cashiers Designer Showhouse HERE.

Photo by Erica George Dines.

Catalog Finds: Ballard Designs

When a new catalog arrives in my mailbox during the week, it usually goes into a substantial TBR {To Be Read} pile on the ottoman in my home office. But when my Ballards catalog showed up on Friday afternoon, all my other to-dos were done, so I immediately hunkered down with a cup of tea and dove in.


Did you know they recently teamed up with Traditional Home to do a living room makeover for one lucky family? And did you know they’ve also partnered with Southern Living for Idea House décor? I’m fortunate enough to have a Ballards Backroom outlet less than ten miles away from me, so I’m a regular prowler there, but their catalog is sometimes too yummy to resist.
Here’s my favorite finds from this latest issue:

Olivia Mirrored-Top Side Table {available in two finishes}… perfect in scale and style for my home office makeover!

Pair of Clay Doves… because it’s all about the birds this spring! But I like the finish on these, as if they’d been outside for a while. [the little potted orchids are sweet, too!]

Lime Garden Seat… been around a while but still the perfect punch of color. {Actually there’s a less expensive version at World Market—shhh}

Pair of Chocolaterie Boxes… love these for unusual storage or display—or both! They’d look great in traditional, shabby chic, or contemporary décor.

Bee stool… I can think of 20 different spots to use this little charmer in my home—any place you need a little elevation. Fabulous finish.

Allie pendant light fixture… love, love, love. Available in four different tints, these beauties mimic my beloved demijohn bottles.

Which one is your favorite??

Last chance to enter my giveaway! Click HERE to join the fun…winners will be posted after 9pm tonight.


Happy Decorating!

Wake Up Your Winter Decor

I've given some tidbits of my family room refresh lately, so I thought I'd close out the week with a few thoughts on winter decor.  I'm not one that decorates for every holiday.  Honestly, it's too much trouble and too time-consuming. I may give a nod to Halloween or Valentine's Day in little touches, but I mostly decorate by season.  This way I feel like I'm getting a "new" look on a regular basis, even if it's simply changing out my vase fillers and rearranging the family photos.

This winter I undertook a little something bigger in my family room.  For some reason, it's just never felt "finished" to me.  When I'm super busy, it doesn't really bother me.  But when life has slowed a bit, it starts to work on me!  My vision actually germinated even before Christmas.  I'm just now fleshing it out, bit by bit, working with a tight budget to freshen up my decor.  Here's a few tips that I've found are working for me.

Expand your space.  Mirrors are a great way to open up your space and reflect more light into your space. 

Chancellor Mirror from Willow House

Add in some metallic accessories.  Silver balls, a pewter pitcher or picture frame, or mercury glass pieces keep the light moving throughout your space.  Shop around your home and in your kitchen cabinets to see what you already have.

Ballard's Designs Silver candlsticks

Keep it light.  Don't forget about glass to keep accessories light and bright.  Pull out your simple glass vases or hurricanes, fill with coffee beans or split peas and a pillar candle or a simple vase filler.  These pieces are easy to refresh for a holiday like Valentine's Day or Easter.

Pottery Barn's Recycled Glass Collection

Swap out pillows and throws for lighter colors.  Even lighter shades of your furniture's colors makes a huge difference.  You can't go wrong with white, cream, or taupe, but don't be afraid to experiment with brighter colors and fresh patterns. 

Ballards Designs Le Poeme pillow

Add some green-- plants!  Pick up a couple of inexpensive low-maintenance plants like a pothos or English ivy.  Pull out your soup tureen or a favorite serving bowl for an interesting container.  Even your silver champagne bucket makes a striking home for some fresh greenery.  If all else fails, invest in a topiary or two or some silk ivy from your local craft store. 

Pier 1's Boxwood Topiaries

Remember to shop in your own home first! You'll be happiest with your refresh project if you spend as little as possible to make it happen.

Coming soon: Family room bookcase makeover.

The Chancellor Mirror is available through me by clicking HERE to shop my e-store.
Happy Decorating!

Winter Mantle Makeover

I've mentioned here my desire to freshen up, lighten up my own decor this year and (lucky you) you get to ride along with me!  When I saw that Beth over at The Stories A to Z was hosting a Winter Mantle Linky Party, it was just the kick I needed to get started!

So here is what I ended up with and I love it!  I picked up the mirror last week at Ballard's Backroom here in Roswell (outlet for the incredible catalog).  It has a teeny scratch on the outer edge, but I've had my eye on this one for quite some time and last week was an additional 30% off wall art and mirrors.  'Nuff said.  The sconces are Willow House Cordova Sconces and to brighten them up, I added two of our Terrace Appetizer Plates behind the tapers. 

They make a great combo, don't you think?

This little vignette keeps sticking around because I love it so!  The antique books belonged to my grandmother (I actually read these when I used to visit her as a child!) and the shepherd and sheep are part of my (now retired) Southern Living at HOME nativity.  They're so sweet they stay out year round here.  Always a reminder of who my Shepherd is. :)

Spheres are perfect in any decor and here I grouped three of different sizes and textures.  The birch candle is another fave of mine during the winter months.  Bring nature inside!

The hurricane is my Willow House large Galveston Footed Hurricane.  I love that the iron echoes my sconces (and my firescreen), but the glass keeps it visually light.  I added more spheres here mixed in with a few pinecones and artichokes.  The silver spheres I picked up at Target the other day-- perfect for adding another reflective surface and once again mixing textures.

Another view of the variety.  Keep it interesting without being distracting!

I kept the color palette to a minimum: greens, browns, silver, and a touch of red.  I love this fresh new look!  Let me know what you think, and then head over to Beth's blog to see other inspirational mantles.

All the Willow House products I mentioned can be purchased directly online by clicking HERE.

Happy Decorating!
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6R3G9YvLhQY9MoxiYxi1_N9zVK_zyFB0FViOWHYEl0eGhyQPmNKprApieBws3XfaV8gdJ6kb2Fi55RDDnsjkDRcubHcwmUHhJpdF7NZVflClyHS3vDzSJUO73g3qVGlo7O2hTUKqIdSc/s1600/Winter+Mantel+Linky_Page_01.jpg

Here's Your Hook-Up!

The beginning of school is upon us and my thoughts always turn to ORGANIZATION.  I don't claim to be an expert or even proficient at organization, but I do a pretty fair job of keeping the household rolling in a somewhat orderly fashion.  The big question:  what to do with all the STUFF?  My favorite solution?  Hooks.  Plain and simple.  Perfect for sweaters or light jackets, backpacks, umbrellas, dog leashes, lunch boxes, even shoes (cleats in my house) with the laces tied together.  They don't have to be the plain jane garden variety either... consider this your hook-up!

Love these... from my friends over at One Kings Lane this week.

Have a nautical theme?  On sale at One Kings Lane-- perfect for bathroom towels.

How about these from Ballard Designs?

Disguised as sculpture... from Pottery Barn

Again from Pottery Barn... and marked down right now :)... cute for a mud room!

Beautiful and functional from Pierre Deux.  The shelf adds another organizational tool.

Hurston Collection Hooks from Willow House (contact me to order)

A-Tisket, A-Tasket

There is nothing better, in my opinion, for home organization than baskets.  Since home is where YOUR heart is, sterile bins and boxes just won't cut it.  Keep your home looking "homey" with baskets of all sizes, colors, even shapes.  Buy them in sets, or pick out your individual favorites-- you can find them anywhere: Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Target, you name it. 

Handled baskets make great carry-alls or informal totes.  Use them around the house or to transport anything and everything.  Here are two gorgeous options from Ballard Designs.

Round or oval baskets are great for storing oddly shaped items or items of several different sizes.  They work brilliantly for rolled towels in the bathroom, children's shoes by the back door, or remote controls on the coffee table. Don't forget a tall one for gift wrap and a coordinating smaller one for spools of ribbon. Love this one from Pottery Barn.

In the home office, look for square or rectangular baskets that can organize files, books, or paperwork.  The square shapes fit most easily on bookshelves or can be stacked on top of one another to save space.  These Havanna beauties are from Pottery Barn also, but less expensive versions are readily available at Target and WalMart.

Want a little personalization or labels?  Elle Decor has a sweet and simple project for your basic baskets to help tie everything together.  Their DIY section has step by step instructions on how to create these little gems.

If you're like me you've probably accumulated quite a few baskets over the years.  They probably vary in size, shape, and even color.  When my teenage daughter recently decided to "redecorate" her room on a budget, we collected several odd-ball baskets and she spray painted them all black, the accent color in her new room.

For a variety of unusual baskets, check out House Beautiful's collection.  Happy organizing!

Tip of the Week: Light Your Way

I've been inspired by all the beautiful and varied lanterns I've seen in stores, online, and in catalogs lately.  Now that your yard and deck are party-ready, be ready to shed some light and ambience on your outdoor decor with a collection of lanterns.  Not only are they the perfect disguise for those oft-needed citronella candles to control unwanted guests, but they're a wonderful and cozy alternative to flood lights or porch lights once the sun goes down.

For large open spaces you can cluster a variety of sizes around your container plantings.  Suspend smaller ones from the inner spokes of your umbrella or from shepherd's hooks in your yard or along your walkway.  Illuminate your outdoor dining table with one or more and don't forget to place a few strategically where you need a bit of light, such as in smaller seating areas or near a step that might be missed in the dark. 

Of course, I have some beautiful lanterns in my catalog on my website, such as the classic Drake Lantern and it's coordinating minis, the Firefly Lanterns, perfect for votive candles (pictured here).  The removeable glass cylinders will house your pillars or can be used as vases if you want to mix in some flowers.  If you want glass on the sides to protect your flame from breezes, try our beautiful Carriage House Lantern, with it's gold metallic finish and interesting detail.

But in all fairness, you can find lovely and affordable lanterns at Pottery Barn or my beloved Ballard Designs.  I've even spied some oversized but still inexpensive ones at Pier One.  In other words, keep your eyes open-- they abound in stores now!  The beauty of lanterns is that they can be enjoyed year-round.  Bring them inside in the winter time to add pizazz to a hall table or bookcase or even the powder room.  Now THAT's getting your money's worth!