Winter Mantle Tweaking...

Because sometimes I'm just not finished...  I was packing away the Christmas decorations from my dining room yesterday (YES, yesterday...it was the "final frontier") and I just couldn't bear to put away these little metallic deer.  Part of it was that I bought them shortly before Christmas as Casabella's here in Marietta (a very dangerous place!) and I just hadn't enjoyed them long enough.  But part of it was that I'm trying to bring more metallic surfaces into my family room to help brighten it up.  So, lo and behold, I popped them up onto my freshly done mantle and ... Voila!

I think they add the pefect touch, don't you?

Here they are in their respective groupings... right at home.  I'm looking forward to enjoying these little "dears" for a while longer.

Incidentally, if you're in the Atlanta area, be sure to visit Casabella'a for decor, gifts, and furnishings.  They are located at 4400 Roswell Road in Marietta, GA, 30062.  You're sure to find something!

Happy Decorating and Happy Friday!

Refreshing the Family Room Update

You've already peeked at my mantle makeover, so here's a sneak peek at what else is in the works!  I scored both the rug and these pillows at One Kings Lane this week.  I can't tell you how many wonderful deals they feature and they change frequently so there's always fresh finds available.  The rug in a 5'x8' size (I layer it over a larger flat jute rug) was only $49 and pulls in more of the green I've been looking for.  I love the modern design! The pillows were $59 for the pair of 20"x20".  I've already snagged some with more color (coming soon), so I think these will be the perfect complements on my dark brown sofa.

More to come!

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!
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I Can't Resist... Windsor Smith

I snagged a copy of December's House Beautiful to take to the beach with me last month and I could not stop pouring over Windsor Smith's incredible interior designs for a young family's home in California. Would you ever guess that family-friendly spaces could look so elegant and yet comfortable at every turn?  She's gifted that way! Her use of silvery tones, reflective surfaces, and understated color keeps the rooms light, fresh, and sophisticated.  Many of the fabrics and furniture are from the Windsor Smith Collection.  Soak these in and then click HERE to read her interview.

Happy viewing!

Living room

home theatre

All photos by Victoria Pearson for House Beautiful.

Don't forget to enter My First Giveaway!  Click HERE for details and to enter.  Winners announced on Monday, January 17th.  Good luck!

My First Giveaway!

I'm thrilled to be starting off the new year with a giveaway! 

Over the holidays I kept thinking how I was anxious to shed the old, embrace the new, the fresh, especially in my decor.  Now I know what you're thinking ( surely not her!), but I'm ready to freshen up my family room and brighten up my home office.  What better way to do that than to break out a "blank slate" product-- a product that has endless possibilities?  And one of the first things that popped into my mind was our Hawthorne Hurricane.

Isn't she a beauty?  So onto the giveaway!!  I'll be giving away three of these Lovelies and here's all you have to do to be entered:

• Become a follower (one entry)... I've got great things in store for 2011, so you won't regret it! If you're already a follower, you'll be automatically entered!
• Then leave a comment here on what YOU would do with this beauty!  Let your imagination run wild. (one entry)
• "Like" me on Facebook at "Willow House with Heidi Milton" (one entry)-- if you already do, you're automatically entered.
• Leave a comment on the Giveaway post on FB with what you would do with this product. (one entry)
• Share the Giveaway on FB or on Twitter or both. (one entry each).  Be sure to tag me when you do! On Twitter: @heidimilton.

And that's it!!  Winners will be announced on Monday, January 17th so be sure to check back to see if you won.

Happy New Year and Happy Decorating!

Dream Home 2010

From HGTV and it is dreamy!  First of all, you know I'm a sucker for a contest or giveaway, but I have to admit my love affair with the HGTV Dream Homes goes back several years.  In fact, it's something I look forward to during the bleak days of January... curling up and watching either the on-air special (click HERE for the schedule) or scrolling through the videos and pictures on hgtv.com.  Either way, I'm transported to inspired interiors where I can glean a few ideas for my own projects... and some serious decor envy.  This year's home does not disappoint.  Set in the mountains of Vermont, it will sweep you off your feet and make you long for a winter getaway to the snowy hills.  Enjoy these sneak peek pictures and then don't forget to click HERE to enter to win.  Enjoy!



Mudroom... I love the clean look of the cabinets; gotta store skis and whatnot, after all!



I'd have to linger over dinners with a view like this!





Spacious, open, perfect for entertaining crowds.

Gathering room... right off the kitchen and dining room.  The fireplace treatment is a winner!

Annex... spectacular view.  This is where I'd be!

Master... coziness in the mountains.  I love the bedcurtains!

Balconey off master...enjoy some hot chocolate out here!

Master bath... open yet private.  I'd soak for hours.

Downstairs living room-- love the colors and the barn door! 

Terrace-- check out the hot tub and the view!

Ski dorm bath room-- 3 showers, sinks, etc-- perfect for the kids.

ski dorm...sleeps eight.  How fun!!



Guest room... who do you know that would love to visit?

All photos from hgtv.com

Happy New Year!

I intended to get this post up well before tonight, but life gets in the way, especially after the holidays!  So, Happy New Year to you all!  I thought for my first post of 2011, I would offer you a peek at the new spring line for Willow House... jump on over to my website for the complete catalog when you're through browsing.

Coming this month:  a fun giveaway, fresh ideas to change your look on a budget, some of my favorite new trends and designers... see you soon!

Like what you see?  Click here to visit my website and see even more!