Year of the Dragon 2012

Sorry for the radio silence yesterday.  We had a whirl wind of a weekend!  Like everybody else, sometimes life gets in the way.  We ran the entire time between kids sports, yard work (hard to believe it's already time for that), laundry, celebrating my husband's birthday, a 6th grade dance (yikes!), finishing up all the AV programing for our new media area and getting my den put back together (for a full explanation of the media area click here).  Yes!  The media area is finally finished, and I'm thrilled with it.  I promise to take some pictures to show you later this week.  Sorry for the tease, I just have not had time to photograph it.  

What I wanted to share with you today is a recent find.  A couple of weeks ago I was sourcing accessories for a design job I've been working on and ran across these very cool dragon plates.  

The price was great (around $40 for a set of six), and I loved the shape of the dragons along with the gold/brassy tones.  Also, I don't have a single dragon in my house.  So, I snagged them - (thinking at a minimum they would be a fun addition to my dining room for a dinner party).

Then, last week I took a look at the February/March issue of Traditional Home.  To my delight, there was an entire five page spread on all things dragon!  I did not realize 2012 is the year of the dragon (not sure where I've been?).  

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I do think it can be a bit intimidating to incorporate dragons into your interiors.  So, I thought it would be fun to give you a little inspiration.  Here are just a few fun ways to celebrate the year.

Schumacher Chiang Mai Dragon in Mocha (one of my favorites)

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A sweet photograph of a newborn.

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Green Jade Pendant

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Wallpaper for a child's room  - great as an accent wall; or, for a smaller punch, add it to the backs of a bookshelf or hutch.

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Wallpaper for a grown up space.

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Plates for either display on the wall or worked in with your current china pattern.

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Graphic Long Dragon Print (another great piece for a child's room).

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For the man in your life.

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Boxes are such wonderful accessories for any space.

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These are a statement.  I could see a pair of these in a kitchen for open shelving.

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Still not sure about having a dragon in your house?  Well, maybe the solution is to paint your doors Ben Moore Dragon's Breath!  

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Hope your week is off to a great start.
I am working on a redesign all this week, so posting will be light!  M.

Bedroom Interior Design

Bedroom Interior Design

Yearning for Cozy

We've had lots of stormy, rainy weather this week, and it's really spurred my need for a cozy spot.  I'm so looking forward to curling up and relaxing a bit this weekend.  Hope you carve out some time to do the same!

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Happy Weekend.  See you Monday.  M.

Bedroom Interior 2011

Bedroom Interior 2011

Interior Design Bedroom 2011

Interior Design Bedroom 2011

Holy Cow (as if you need another striped post)

I ran out yesterday to purchase a light and/or bright piece (I was thinking coral or pink) for my trip. I was short on time and money. The stores didn't have coral or pink (or resort wear in general) but everyone surely has stripes and not just one option but about five. H + M's stripes were cute and most of their tops fit perfectly. The Gap looked like J. Crew two years ago. I didn't have time to fly into J. Crew. (one of my favorites). Anyway I grabbed a striped top at H + M, I convinced myself it didn't look like the five or so others I already own! (my fav. color combo. is still navy and white)  HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT STRIPES? YAY OR NAY FOR SPRING? I'M ALMOST OVER THEM BUT NOT QUITE!! OH AND AS YOU PROBABLY KNOW COLORED JEANS ARE EVERYWHERE TOO! 

I especially like to layer stripes! This is a def. a look you'd catch me wearing. A faux fur vest + stripes = Yes!

Interior-Classic-bedroom

Interior-Classic-bedroom

Design Perspective - m. elle design

These amazing images are the work of the mother-daughter trio, Mary Lynn Turner and daughters, Maria and Emily.  I will let the pictures do the talking today. 

all images via m. elle design

Enjoy your day! M.

Small Bedroom Interior Design

Small Bedroom Interior Design

Love this quote I read this morning (yes I was up at 4:40 am for some reason) "Custom throw pillows are a touch of couture" - Jamie Drake.

I couldn't agree more! They make a huge difference on projects! Here's a peek at some pretties!

custom pillows and linens! Love this bedding

via Absolutely Beautiful Things

via Elle Decor

On my mind - Groin Vaulted Ceilings

Lately, I've had these ceiling on the brain.  They're called "groin vaulted ceilings"(try working that term in at a dinner party!), and the term relates to the intersection of two barrel vaults.  

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Not sure why I've been noticing them as of late; but when I see one, they always stop me in my tracks.

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Look what goes into creating one from a construction standpoint.  Wow.

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Such a lovely architectural feature. 

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I love the repeathng effect on this terrace.

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What are your thoughts on this type of ceiling?  Do you like it or would you pass on it? M.