Joss and Main

Three of my picks for the Joss and Main curator collection sale today!! I had a blast pouring through their site and seldcting finds that I loved for your homes! I may need these pagoda book ends and that fabulous labyrinth tray!!

Bonin Architects Adds Intern Architect to Staff

Bonin Architects is pleased to announce the hire of Kyle Ackerman as Intern Architect.  Kyle earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from Keene State College, where he designed and managed a number of projects ranging from collaborative community projects to conceptual living spaces in Haiti.

He also was part of the Junior Honors Program at the University of Derby in Derby, England in 2010, where he studied architectural history, and third world development and traveled to Norway, and Ireland.

“We are pleased to welcome Kyle to our team,” Bonin Architects Principal Partner and Architect Jeremy Bonin states. “His creativity and enthusiasm for architecture will be a great asset to our company.” Kimberly Bonin, Principal Partner and Executive Project Manager, adds, “Our design staff works collectively on all projects.  Each person brings their specific personal strengths and professional experience, creating an exceptional design for every project. Kyle’s interest in sustainability and attention to detail will definitely add to the high level of customer satisfaction we strive to achieve in all of our projects.”

Kyle’s roots in the Upper Valley and Dartmouth Lake Sunapee region, combined with his commitment toward architecture and its relationship to improving lives, is evident in his work ethic and design contribution . Kyle’s hobbies include refinishing furniture, skiing, mountain biking, photography, and cooking.

About Bonin Architects:

Bonin Architects & Associates creates innovative, energyefficient home designs and specializes in green, energy efficient homes incorporating recycled and energy efficient building materials and sustainable (green) energy practices.  Offered as a separate service, Construction Administration includes working with clients to determine budget requirements, material choices and product specifications for quotes, and working with the contractor throughout the construction process.

Trend: Color-blocking

A simple concept with a big impact. The idea is pretty clear: separate colors into bold, singular sections! This simple example above is one of my favorites. Navy + Yellow + Pink + White + blue. (even her shoes are color-blocked)

color blocked make-up

I adore this office!

Project - Living Room II

Here are pictures from a living room project I've been working on over the last year or so in Crestline.  For those of you outside of Alabama, Crestline is one of the four villages or areas in the city of Mountain Brook.  It's a lovely area with lots of gorgeous homes ranging from large tudors to small cozy bungalows all within walking distance to lots of fabulous shops and restaurants.

My clients live in a cozy bungalow that has tons of character.  They are young and hip and not afraid of color.  In this case, we embraced the fabulous Heriz rug they already owned.  We played up the putty brown tones in the rug and used them on the window treatments (which my client made) and upholstered pieces.  We then pulled out the grays and teals of the rug by way of artwork and accent pillows.  That's the wonderful thing about a Heriz - you can always find a color in them you love.

Mandi Smith T Interiors 

photo by Alison Gault

We also mixed traditional and modern elements in the space.  This allows the interiors to blend and "fit" with the style of the house (which is rather traditional) while still reflecting the more modern personalities of the couple who call this space home.

Mandi Smith T Interiors 

photo by Alison Gault

My clients love to entertain, and they use every single room in their home.  They also have two small children.  So, the goal with this project was to give them affordable high style (by using lots of items they already owned) while keeping it comfortable and kid friendly.  

Mandi Smith T Interiors 

photo by Alison Gault

Here is just one small example of all those elements.  This accessory is made of brass which is totally current and modern.  It was also not expensive (under $35).  It looks very fragile - but truthfully, you can throw it across the room, and it still looks great.  So all the elements exist - affordable, high style, kid friendly.

Mandi Smith T Interiors 

photo by Alison Gault

When planning this design, the goal was to make every piece in the space count.  The buffet acts as storage while giving us a fabulous secondary focal point.  It also brings in a rich wood which every space needs.  The coffee table while beautiful is still large and sturdy enough to act as an ottoman where you can actually kick your feet up.  Lastly, the ottoman in front of the bergere' chair acts as additional seating during a gathering.  Make every piece count. 

Mandi Smith T Interiors 

photo by Alison Gault

This mirror is very old and has been in my client's family for years.  By layering some modern pieces on top of it, we have created a current look.

Mandi Smith T Interiors 

photo by Alison Gault

Believe me - You really can have affordable high style that is also comfortable and accessible.  It just takes some thoughtful planning.  M.

Joss and Main - Shelter's Curated Collection

I was both flattered and excited when Joss and Main approached me to curate a collection of items for your home from their vast and wonderful collection of housewares, furniture, lighting and accessories!! So be sure to head over to the Joss and Main site tomorrow am, 2.28, to view and shop my CASUAL LUXURY collection. I'd place each and every item in my home! Happy Shopping!!

Mantle Refinishing Tutorial

What a weekend!  I hope everyone had a nice relaxing break.   The weather here in Birmingham was so sunny and wonderful.  It was a bit chilly, but I'll take it any day over drizzle which we have had our share of lately.  

In between outings to enjoy the weather, I managed to put this post together.  

If you recall, a few weeks ago, I promised to show you how we refinished the mantle in our family room.  For a refresher, here is the project planning for the media area and here is the finished product.   I was so surprised by just how simple it was to refinish the mantle (wish the rest of the project had gone this smoothly!)

This mantle board was in my childhood home growing up.  Then about 13 years ago my parent's home was struck by lighting and burned for a total loss.  This was one of the only things salvaged from the architecture of the home.  Here's what it looked like after the fire . . . 

 In this picture, you can really see the smoke damage. 

With an electric sander using a medium grade sandpaper, we (notice the liberal use of the word "we" here) sanded off as much of the blackened, charred layer as we could remove.  You really need to use a electric sander for this step - it would have taken forever to do it by hand.  

 There was one spot which was particularly trying.  My Mom had a grouping of brass candlesticks with tapered candles on this end of the mantle.  All the wax melted into the wood and created a sticky gooey mess.  We went through several sanding pads on this one spot.

   We removed as much of the smoke layer as possible without sanding the mantle entirely smooth.  I really wanted it to still have a rustic feel.

Now for the staining . . .  OK, here's the deal.  For years, I have been disappointed with staining projects.  The finished product never seems to be dark enough.  I always followed the directions of selecting a stain the color I want the finished product.  I always apply the stain and then wipe over it with a dry cloth.  But, it never looks good to me.  

  So this time, I vowed not to make these mistakes.  I purchased the darkest stain Minwax makes called Ebony.  The guy in Home Depot even tried to talk me out of it.  He kept saying, "it's going to be black, really black, just so you know."  He had almost talked me out of it when I remembered all my previous projects.  So, I ignored him and went with it!

All I did was brush the stain on using a sponge brush.  I did two coats.  Also, I did not wipe it off after applying the coats.  In fact, it was so quick and easy that I forgot to take a picture of it!  

 I also chose not to finish it with a varnish and really like the rustic look of it. 

What I learned from this project?  You don't need to be afraid to try something new.  I read a lot of blog posts on staining techniques and not a single one said anything about wiping off the stain.  Anything would have been an improvement on the looks of this mantle, and you can fix almost anything you try like this when it comes to wood.  Just sand it off and try something else.  M. 

Ready, Set

 FRESH! 

I'm very ready for the Spring, even though we've had an unseasonably mild winter, I'm craving warm Springy days and light, pretty shades of green. Mint is still on my radar, what's on yours?

I'm adoring this entire look, the Tibi dress and the shoe style are divine! 

I've decided to dress my two year old in a tutu for Easter!

This bag would pair perfectly with an all white outfit

Clean looking on walls

Yes, Please on everything!

I've chosen this over sized photograph of a wave for a client project. It's 60"x 40"!

Simple studs looks beautiful with almost any outfit.

 adorable, adorable, adorable!

Pretty pleats

Sponsor Welcome - The Pink Pagoda

I'm excited to share the gorgeous giclee prints from The Pink Pagoda shop. Who couldn't use a little colorful Chinoiserie in their lives? The Pink Pagoda has an adorable and affordable selection of asian inspired prints, which include depictions of chinese chippendale furniture, ming jars and more! Happy Shopping.