Thursday, March 31, 2011

Change of Heart?

It is hard for me to get away from white bedding but this bed could change my tune...This picture is from the same article, I included it because the side chairs are in one of my favorite Schumacher fabrics...be looking for it in the future...
Images Kelly Keiser Better Homes and Gardens.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Morning Snack

Maybe this wall could keep my brain a little less scattered....Image This Old House Magazine

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Spring Purchase

My friend Samantha had these on the other week and I immediately knew I "needed" them. So this weekend I made my first(ish) Spring purchase...They are comfortable and I believe money well spent. Plus, with every purchase Toms donates a new pair of shoes to a child in need.

Available here: Toms Kenya Stripe

Monday, March 28, 2011

C-C-Changes In The Office

For the past few years I have run Marianne Strong Interiors out of our house. It has been a love/hate relationship. In some ways it is great to work from home. I know Harry (dog) approves. In other ways it is really hard- loss of a room in the house and never escaping work completely. As business grew I definitely outgrew the space, the temporary fix has been my "second office" also known as storage unit for samples, furniture, etc. Until now. I have been looking for space on and off for a while now but when you are busy the task easily moves to the back burner. However, the arrival of new family member on the horizon means it is time to step up the search. I will keep you in the loop, I have not found space yet, but when I do here are some images serving as inspiration...Of course I will need a big inspiration board. By no means a new or novel idea but I use mine all the time.
Maybe a whole wall? More is more right? I told Harry if I moved out his mug would be prominent above my desk, he doesn't seem to think that is a good deal in the least.
I put this picture in because I like it visually. I can tell you honestly that my office has never looked this organized a day in its life.
The decorator who I started with always had white offices, I really do think this is the way to go for a work office in this field. I need some color though so that is why this picture is here, to show that a little can go a long way...
How to organize the fabric swatches...that is the question isn't it? I find when I meet other decorators/designers this topic always comes up and no one has found a perfect way yet...
Yes, yes, yes....
Natural light is a must (and apparently hard to find in my budget range). Something like this what I am talking about; I will bet you a million dollars though this in not what I will find. Any takers? Anyone? I could use some extra moolah these days!
One of the best examples of what I have in mind is Suzanne Kasler's Atlanta offices. I am dying for a tour...
More to come as the search continues...

Images 1-5 Elle Decor, 6 & 7 House Beautiful, 8 Metropolitan Home, 9 & 10 Altanta Homes & Lifestyles

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Quiet Time

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Friday, March 25, 2011

Week In Review

Headboards ready to go to a client's lake house...
I really enjoy all size projects but there is something about from-the-ground-up jobs that is so satisfying. I love to see the progress and it is always exciting when walls go up. This was taken Thursday and it was such a gorgeous day, I love being outside on days like this one.
Oh we have been waiting for you, thank you for finally arriving...
This is going to make a little girl very happy, or at least her room very happy...(the mirror is not from Home Goods, just in case you are looking at the bag in the background)
Glimpse of a custom lantern...
Not for a client, which means I had someone else in mind. Someone who needs to be saving money for other things that aren't planters. Why am I so drawn to anything with lions?
Looking at stone for a custom table...
Where does the time go? I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The Best Mirrors

First I would like to say thank you for all your sweet comments and e-mails, y'all are the best! I swear I have posted about Made Goods before but when I went back to look I could not find it. I almost hate to post these pictures because they really, really, really don't do these mirrors any justice. In person they are STUNNING.
Most of them are made from really unique materials, like this one is actually faux shagreen leather.
And the greek key pattern in this one is actually hand beaded on aged velvet...
And who doesn't love a good Louis? While they do have the classic version, this one is actually finished with an overlay of eggshells....
Next time I see them in person I will be sure to get some pictures to really show how exquisite these mirrors are.
So many more amazing mirrors along with furniture and lighting available @ Made Goods.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Big News- Baby On Board!

That is right, there is a baby in our future - I am pregnant! I am 17 weeks this week with a due date the end of August. That means that we have 3 more weeks before we find out what we are having, but we are going to find out. When we found out we were pregnant this Finn Anthropologie Rocker was the first thing I marked that I would love to have.But alas, the price tag makes it a just dream (although truth be told I think Patrick is relieved).

Until this past week I was really sick. On top of being busy with work it is all I could do to function so I am sorry if I have been slacking around here lately. I think I have turned the corner so we will see.

On that note a quick thank you to the following things that made the past couple of months doable: Sprite Zero, Wendy's baked potatoes, Perrier/Pellegrino, Mac & Cheese and Eggo Waffles. If you should ever find yourself feeling nauseated at all times I highly recommend something from this list!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Quiet Time

I would say I am pretty good about not judging others but this week I needed a little reminder....and I got it."So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way." Romans 14:12-13

Friday, March 18, 2011

We Made It

Ahhh, here we are at the weekend, feels good. Sorry I have been somewhat MIA this week. I thought being Spring Break things would slow down a little but not this year. I hope you have a wonderful Friday/weekend. I promise to be back Monday with something more exciting.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Feeling Lucky

It is that particular day of the year....Happy St. Patrick's Day! I hope all you Spring breakers are having fun!