Monday, April 11, 2011

More Paper Inspiration

Tomorrow we find out what we having and then it will be time to start thinking about the nursery. Anthropologie already inspired me with a rocker (which unless my fairy godmother shows up will not be ours) and now their wallpaper has my wheels spinning as well...This would be so cute in the back of a bookcase or cabinet...
Most of these are too bold for a whole room but they sure could be cute used in some way...
Of course most of these lean feminine, if we have a boy I will have to switch up the search. Either way I am pretty sure I will use wallpaper.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Quiet Time

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Friday, April 8, 2011

Market Round Up

I had big plans to do a very organized post on Market but it looks like that is not going to happen. I took over 1,000 pictures and yet finding ones to post was harder than I thought. Sooo, with that being said here is a little of what we saw...Above- the fabric in the background is Suzanne Kasler for Lee Jofa. We drooled over it while discussing ways to use it in our homes. Then low and behold there was Suzanne herself (not pictured). Last time I met her was in NYC and I am pretty sure I scared her with my verbal proclamation of love for her so this time I kept it cool. Well, at least I tried...
There was art to be had in all shapes and sizes. While botanicals are still hitting their stride (and always will being classics), it definitely seemed thinking outside the box was the way to go.
Pretty setup...
Orange is also big right now..
Another trend that seems to be headed our way can be spotted in this picture. Can you guess what it is? Probably not because it is subtle. The flange/flat pleat along the sofa cushions was seen in several showrooms. I've got to say while not new to me I LOVE it, but we debated if it would get crazy and bent after a while.
Can you see the headboard on this bed? So cool in person.
Big bright art? Check. Flat sofa cushion trim? Check.
I had to put this piece on here even though this picture really doesn't come close to properly portraying this bookcase. It is fully upholstered in the most gorgeous fabric. Even the inside is done in a leather. Breathtaking, really.
Speaking of upholstery, fabric front furniture made a statement in multiple showrooms...
And while gray is here to stay for a while (which you know I love), vibrant statement making fabrics on large pieces was a welcome change.
Color was everywhere, including bright gourd and ceramic lamps which are still thriving (especially with Lucite bottoms)...
Nature is still around and larger than life, a trend that I will love even when it is long since "out".
Black and whites, can't go wrong.
O.B.S.E.S.S.E.D. Leather and brass (although there are other finishes) lights. Can't stop thinking about these.
These caught my eye too, I was definitely on the look out for items that didn't look like everything else we see over and over again.
Different fabric on the outside than the inside of furniture- once again not new but a trend I welcome freely.
So many pretty lights in one picture.
Bright rugs in pinks and oranges? Yes, please.
This ALMOST came home with me. almost....
You see those boards? They are on my must have list for the new office. Watch out staple gun, it is time for you to come out of hiding.
One of my favorite movies? The Thomas Crown Affair. If you have seen it you know why I thought this display was worth the mention.
Speaking of things that almost came home with me, antique carousel horses. One of these in the nursery would be the statement piece my dreams are made of.
I don't really have good pictures to show of this but there was a good deal of feminine touches to counter all the masculine looks of late. Even though I consider myself more towards the latter, it was a nice change and one I plan on incorporating.
Another great display.
And my partner in crime testing out a glider for me (not in that fabric). I mentioned yesterday that peacock was in, Camila did a great post on it yesterday on Effortless Style for those of you who want to see more. Several of you have asked for a "bump" shot, there is a better one in that post but I will get one up here soon.
Whew, hope you enjoyed that peek at High Point. I am so glad the weekend is here so I can recover! I hope you have a great one!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Better Together..Market Part 1

I went to High Point for the purpose of finding new sources, a goal that was well exceeded. Market was great!!! While I did find new sources which I am really excited about, the best part was actually something else. The most gratifying and beneficial aspect was time spent with peers/friends, I did not realize how much I needed it. This industry at times can be hard and draining and sometimes you need a little jump start...some new inspiration to get you excited again. I found that in Camila, Lauren and Traci (not pictured sadly, don't know how we didn't get a picture). It is so refreshing to spend time with others going through what you are, knowing exactly how you feel. Talking to all of them was such a breath of fresh air. Isn't it amazing how you can feel like you have known someone forever?
I am a big believer in time spent with mentors and peers. Right now is a big transition time for me and every conversation I have had over the past few months with someone from either group has really been a blessing. I am so thankful to have such a great support system to call on for advice and camaraderie.
So onto Market- well, I thought I would have more time to go through pictures but I ran out of time so I will give you a preview and show you much, much more tomorrow. I can tell you that among the trends we saw were- large art, fun prints on upholstery, leather in every color and.....peacock- the color and actual bird.
We were shocked by this since it feels like peacock (both types) came and went but apparently they are here for a while. The festive birds/the color were EVERYWHERE. Alright, time to get going, more to come tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Leaving On A Midnight

I was just telling my partner in crime at Market that I hear this song a lot and it always seems to be at a good time. Then it just came on Pandora, the streak continues.

BTW- excellent Pandora formula-Bruno Mars Radio, Cyndi Lauper Radio, Van Morrison Radio

Everything Old Is New Again: Plant It

Hi. I got back from High Point after midnight last night so today I am recovering. In the meantime I thought I would share this picture...You know my love for mugs, especially these from Anthropologie. Since pregnancy seems to have given me an aversion to coffee this could be a good option in the between time.

Image Country Living

Monday, April 4, 2011

Let's Take A Vote...Girl's Wallpaper

Oh the joys compromise...I get asked a lot if I have free rein when it comes to decorating my own house and the answer is no. I do ask for Patrick's input/opinion a lot and trust me, he has one. Now there are definitely times when those go in one ear and out the other. When I know he will love something in the end and just doesn't have the vision for it at the moment I might just go ahead and do it anyway...ahem. Which brings us to the nursery. I found this wallpaper when looking for a client right before we found out we were pregnant (we don't know yet what we are having)...
I LOVED it and filed it away to use in the future...I just didn't know where because it is on the funky side and needs a special home. Then when we found out we were having a baby it popped right into my mind (and is probably the reason I feel like we are having a girl lately)...
HOWEVER, when I showed it to Patrick it went a little something like this:

Me: What do you think about this wallpaper?
P: Hate it, why?
Me: Because....if we have a girl I am thinking about using it in the nursery
P: Ughhhhh, No.
Me: WHYYYYYYYYYYY??????????
P:No.
Me: I need a better reason...
P: I don't like floral wallpapers.
Me: But it isn't really a true floral in the traditional sense...

This is when we both eye each other and silently call a truce. He is thinking that I have access to thousands of wallpapers and will continue the search and is glad not to have to continue the debate of what is a "floral" wallpaper. I am thinking that I will file this away for now and if we find out it is a girl that I will pull it back out and revisit.
In the end though unless he has a change of heart I won't use this, I can tell he really is not a fan and I want him to love our nursery too.
I do understand this is not a universally likable wallpaper. Which makes me wonder what you all think? Love it or not so much? Don't worry about hurting my feelings, even though I love it I can see both sides.

PS- We find out what we having next week!

Prestigious Textiles Sicily Wallpaper

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Quiet Time

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 118:1

This week we had several things to be thankful for (well really we always have so much to be thankful for). As my Mom said this week when we were on the phone- it is important to say prayers as thanksgiving as well as just what we need. Amen!

Friday, April 1, 2011

Week In Review

Here we are at Friday again! First I would like to say a big thank you to Baylor Says for her sweet post yesterday featuring H&H, too kind. This week I was not a good picture taker but here a few peeks....Above, I decided to light a travel candle one day while working. While I love candles when I am relaxing I rarely think to do it while working. I swear it is the little things that can change the tune of your whole day.

Below- fabric waiting to be returned, can you guess what type of room I was pulling for?
This week I started to look into office options. I need to think about what it is exactly that I am want/need/looking for. When I get back from High Point I am going to get it all figured out...
I know it doesn't look like much now but it could be great...
A depressed co-worker sensing his days as office assistant are numbered...
We have had the best Spring weather lately but this week it has been cold and dreary. Our blooming Hibiscus brightened every day though...
Just some fabrics I am pondering for clients...
Tomorrow I leave bright and early for High Point Market. I have never been and I am really looking forward to it. The highlight will be my roommate/travel companion Camila from Effortless Style (formerly High Heeled Foot In The Door)! This is us last fall in NYC...
I am also super excited to finally be "meeting" Lauren from Pure Style Home (although I feel like we are old friends). Camila and Lauren were the first people I met in the blog world and it will be so fun to finally all be together! Any one else going? If you are e-mail me: mstronginteriors@aol.com, I would love to meet you!