Dark & Light

1. McAlpine Booth & Ferrier, 2. Atlanta Home & Lifestyles Showhouse, 3. Atlanta Homes Showhouse , 4. ??? Help!

Cute Idea From Client's Entry

 I loved where we were going with this entry at a clients house- bench, rug, pillows, paint.  However, it wasn't until she added these pictures that it felt complete.

Those faces would make any day brighter.

Girls Weekend

 Sandwiched in-between two c-c-crazy weeks, I went on a girls trip this weekend to Raleigh.  It was much needed.  Relaxing, laughing until I cry, simple moments with old friends is good for my insides.  

Now it is catch up along with a busy week with some projects I can't wait to share with you.  If only my laundry room looked like this on the home front.  Henry's looming laundry basket might not be so daunting.

Photos Via Here and ??? I found it on Pinterest but I can't find the original source, anyone know?

Quiet Time

Might be a repeat but I need the reminder!

Via

Sick Day

One of the harder parts of being a working Mom is unexpected sick days.  You never want to see school on your caller ID.  This week a case of pink eye has taken us down.  You can't predict when illness will strike, actually scratch that you can.  Look at your calendar, find your busiest week or an important long scheduled meeting and go ahead and pencil in a case of the stomach bug on that day too.  Also, don't ever think, "I am getting caught up, after the next few days we will be set..." because that my friends is when the rose colored eye infection will be sure to show its ugly face.

There is a HUGE plus side though to sick days, especially with something like this were he feels just fine- extra time with my little man.  Such a welcomed treat even if means late nights to catch up. So, so very worth it.

Camila's Curator Collection

I was so excited to see my sweet friend Camila was doing a Curator's Collection for Joss and Main.  When I took part in the One King's Lane Tastemaker Sale, Camila was one of the other sellers and I loved everything she listed.  This time is no different!

Visit her sale HERE.

On My DIY List

Saw this on Pinterest, definitely going to do this soon for Henry's growth chart.

Via Dear Lillie

Quiet Time

Via

If I Was Going To Spend $2,000 On Something I Don't Need

It would be this fridge in the blue or pastel color for my office.

Via West Elm.

Inspiration

Hope you have a wonderful day.

Via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Great Advice

"Follow the message of my store's name: Don't worry about when it was made (the Circa), and don't worry about who made it (the Who).  If you love it, buy it and wear it!" -Tracy Deramus in Southern Living September 2012 answering Best Shopping Advice

Yes, my love affair with Circa Who is long lived, first mentioned Here and Here

Bathroom B&A

Quick Before and After for a bath in the same house as the kitchen I showed last week. Before...

And the after...

 It took us a long time to find the vanity, we knew we wanted an antique but the size proved to be very difficult.  Once we found the base everything else came together including grasscloth wallpaper and a cafe curtain to add color and pattern.  I love the play of pattern against the grasscloth.

Images Marianne Strong Interiors

Quiet Time

This beautiful poem was written by Carol Wimmer; some versions on the web have this information incorrect.  For more information about the author please visit here.  

Lamp Progress

In December I asked for your help in finding a specific lamp and the recommendations were so good.  However, it turned out what I was really looking for was an antique of sorts....at least very old.  The lamp hunt led me to China via Belgium and New York.  Not present day, mass produced typical China, no what I needed came from the Han Dynasty, circa 206 BC.  

Delivered to me last week was this authentic Han Dynasty vessel.  Even though I had the dimensions prior to purchasing, I was shocked by its size (can for reference).  It is hard to get my head around how old this piece of pottery is and how it made it all the way to me.

However, its journey is not over yet and it will become a lamp before going on to its new owner.  I have dropped off some expensive, unique, sentimental items to be made into lamps but due to the age, this one is making me extra nervous.  Updates to follow when it is finished!

Kitchen B&A Part 2

Alright, now on to the other side....here is the before-

And the after...

We had discussed a banquette in the the window but then we found these chairs and they were just so comfortable and mobile and that is what this space needs right now.  While spacious, when several people are at the table it is hard to get around (hence the space under the painting where originally a console was planned).

 Details are always very important.  It is hard to capture the beauty in these but the richness of the main fabric and amazing texture and colors in the banding are so subtle yet striking in person.

There are so many elements of I love in this space but my favorite was definitely the wallpaper.  A little goes a long way, or in this case a lot goes long way!

Images Marianne Strong Interiors

Kitchen B&A Part 1

 I believe this kitchen has been on here before but there have been some recent changes, along with better after pictures (although still not professional!).  This kitchen needed a facelift without major reconstruction.  Here is the before...

 And after...

The brick floor I felt was a must stay but it was refinished.  New wallpaper, countertops, backsplash, appliances and paint breathed a whole new look and feel into this kitchen, I have to say I love it.

More to come tomorrow!

 Images Marianne Strong Interiors

Recent Inspiration

Organized Closet

Dark Wood Lined Shelves

Jeans and Cute Shoes

Unexpected Stair Detail

Quaint Cottage

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 All Via Pinterest

Quiet Time

Via

Blog Construction

Hi there, still working on the new blog over here.  Several of you asked if the blog roll with status updates is coming back.  I am still trying to decide.  Like you, it made reading other blogs easier.  However, it took up so much space and I am trying to simplify.  Until I decide which way to officially go, you can find my blog list on one of the tabs above.  Please excuse the mess, I am still working on that too.  

Also, I had to share my source for the social media buttons on the side.  I found MoxieTonic on Etsy and I am so glad I did.  Not only are the buttons cute but her guide on how to write the code to get it to work was great.  I chose the circles but these are cute too.