Weekend Warriors

Via Richard Holley Design

Happy weekend! I hope you're having as much fun as these little guys.  :)

A little blue and white... and gold.... and green....

Around the house

I was thinking the other day that I really haven't posted many pictures of the places I've lived. I've moved around several times since I started this blog, but, this past summer, I made my biggest move so far. I'm a Southerner, born and raised, and had never truly lived outside of Alabama. Well, I fell in love and followed my heart.... and ended up in Detroit, Michigan.

Antique pier table and dictionary, urn lamp from an estate sale

I'm not gonna lie; it's been a bit of a culture shock. But one thing I love about moving is getting to settle in and nest in a new place. I love the design challenges that a new space brings.

Living room wall with a large map of my home town - still working on sofa pillows

Yes, there were the challenges of combining two people's belongings. But we've got that pretty much sorted now (aka, my stuff wins) and now I'm getting to focus on the details and the palette.

Painting by my Dad, driftwood found at my great-Grandad's lake

Chaise from the house where I grew up

Can you guess what colors I'm favoring these days?

Vases from my aunt, bottles I collected in high school, my ridiculous shelter magazine hoard

I usually tend to have about ten colors to a room, but I'm trying to reign that in a bit to make a more calm atmosphere. I will always tend towards a "more is more" way of decorating, but I try to keep things looking pretty classic and a thread of blue and white throughout a house is one great way to do that.

Bedroom gallery wall - yes, I need two dressers

Can you tell I love collecting? I love this wall in our bedroom because each piece represents a memory or someone I love.... the photograph of Alys Beach at sunset by my very talented sister, a miniature oil painting that my Mom bought me when we were at an auction together, another painting by my Dad, mementos from my travels. That, to me, is what home is all about: representing you and the life you've lived and the ones you love.

The Gilded Age

A little hint at things to come....

All That Glitters

May or may not be gold?... I just researched this and, apparently, "all that glitters is gold" is a misquote from Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice". It's supposed to be "all that glisters is not gold". Who knew?!

Katie By Design

Anyway, I'm not feeling particularly chatty today, so I'll let these beautiful photos speak for themselves. I love all the mirrored, metallic, gilded, and glossy accents in these rooms. Enjoy!

Photo courtesy of Veranda

Lilly Bunn Interiors

Suzanne Kasler

Alice Lane Home

Alice Lane is a designer I've only recently found via the Pink Peonies fashion blog, when they worked together to create this insane closet!

Yvonne O'Brien

I love that Ms. O'Brien's talent spans across such varied projects, from estates on a golf course (like the one above) to tree camps in the wilderness of Africa.

Kay O'Toole via Cote de Texas

Veere Grenney via Veranda

And last but not least......

Victoria Hagan

Sooooo pretty! I love how she touches on art deco, but without making it a theme. It just shines.

Well it looks like I may have a fun little experiment coming up soon. I've been meaning to do another "Take Home" post, where I sort of build a room from scratch - based around one inspirational element - and now I've been approached to do just that. How fun! Stay tuned!

Gilded

Vignette by Madeline Stuart

I love to see flashes of gold throughout a home: in frames, mirrors, table legs, or lamps. It is so classic and, yet, it can be so glamorous. So, with that in mind, here is a little bit of sparkle for your Tuesday!

Dining room by Amanda Nisbet

Gold plus crystal and ebony equals some serious glitz!

Design by Thomas Britt

Design by Thomas Britt

Bleached wood acts as the perfect, neutral counterpoint to this enormous, gilded chandelier.


Entryway by Hillary Thomas



Veranda' Greystone Estate Showhouse bedroom by Windsor Smith

Fabrics, such as upholstery or curtains (like on the canopy bed above), are another clever way to add a few more karats to a room.

Bedroom by Westbrook Interiors

I hope you all have a great day today!

Gilded

Bedroom by Melissa Rufty

I love just about anything that sparkles (i.e., crystal, silver, chrome), so gold (or, at least, gold-finished surfaces), naturally, is high on my list! In the bedroom above, Miss Rufty uses gold-trimmed bedding (in a fabulous scrollwork - reflecting her classic New Orleans style) and a gorgeous gilded, upholstered headboard to punctuate the serene elegance of the space. (Aren't those blushing pink walls and leafy lamps to die for?!)


Dining area by Jeffrey Bilhuber

I love the finish on these walls. It really gives a depth and formality to the space (and a little bit of 70s glam too).

Room by William Hodgins


This study has such a light, but layered, look to it. I love that golden armillary in the foreground and the touches of gold on the desk, chair, and picture frames. Even just a hint of gold can have a big impact!


Foyer by Jan Showers


Miss Showers uses a finish similar to the one in the dining room above, creating a dramatic entryway. Paired with the sunburst mirror and the shimmering light fixtures, the space becomes quite glamorous (a hallmark of Miss Showers style). I love how the black in the chandelier reflects the painted floor below it, as well.

These last two photos are of a bedroom by designer Gary Spain. I love absolutely everything about this room! The wallpaper is quirky, fun, and modern. The headboard is so classic with that nailhead trim. The lamps are just.... perfection! The faux bois bolster pillow on the bed adds a bit of whimsy, while the three oversized mirrors open up the space and add even more sparkle. Love the portrait, love the armchairs, love it all!

What a perfect room to end on!

Happy Thursday y'all! The weekend is almost here!