Playing Catch Up & Design Trend

Well, I am trying to dig out after a totally fun and relaxing getaway with some girlfriends.  I love getting away but totally hate having to play catch up after a break (I know you know what I'm talking about here).  But I plan to hit the ground running and make it happen.  

So, on Friday, I left you all with a bit of a teaser.  The reason I asked you to say a little prayer for my husband was not because I left him here with the kiddos, all their activities and more laundry than I care to admit.  I asked for the prayer because our house looked as though a bomb had exploded.   We are finally having our kitchen cabinetry painted!!!  So, all the kitchen goodies from pots and pans to food in the pantry is piled on every available surface in our house.  The project should be finished by the end of this week with pictures to follow.  So stay tuned.  I promise to share all the details with you.  BTW, he seemed to manage fine - lots of take out and trips to his sister's house for food! Now, if I can just get everything finished and put back together.    

In the meantime, I wanted to talk to you about a design trend that's making a huge come back - It's sectionals.  They are popping up in lots of spaces.  No, these are not the sectionals of years past.  Most have fresh modern lines that can take a space from OK to totally WOW.  Here are just a few of my favorites. . .  

Love the contrasting welting and nailhead trim on this one.

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Although I usually recommend staying away from a pattern on such a large upholstered piece, the pattern is light and airy and reads like a solid in this example.  Also, love the contrast with the wall color.

OK, this is from Caitlin Creer Interiors, and it's my all time favorite sectional.  I love how she has used this piece to create a secondary focal point with the TV.  Her fabric choice is perfect for hiding dirt in a high traffic area and with the pops of color from other accessories it still feels current.

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Look at all the tufting and nailheads on this one!! LOVE it.

Even in a small space, sectionals can work. 

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This one takes an otherwise shabby chic space and gives it a mad men flare.  

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That's it for today!  Have a great start to your week. M.

Trend Spotting - Succulents

I started noticing these here and there at the end of the summer.  Then at Christmas, I started seeing them incorporated into traditional greenery for a more updated look.  I think the trend is going to continue and you will be seeing lots more of these very versatile plants.

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They are very much on the scene already for modern weddings.  . . 

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Look to see them in outdoor spaces when the weather begins to turn warm.

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Not only are they drought tolerant but they give you so many color variations without any faded blooms to remove.

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They also look amazing when coupled with flowering plants of all colors.

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This one is especially drought tolerant, it's a graphic photograph! 

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They can be used in a fresh and very modern way . . .

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 Or worked into a more traditional setting.  I also love that a single succulent has the ability to stand on it's own like with this place card.  Hard to get that effect with a single bloom.

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They will last longer than cut flowers and it only takes a few to get some great impact.

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Have a marvelous day! M.

Trend Spotting: Natural Bamboo Chairs

Have any of you seen the December/January issue of House Beautiful?  Mine just came in the mail yesterday and I took a peek just before bed last night.  I was thrilled to see those natural bamboo chairs on the front cover!  I am working with a client who has a set of vintage bamboo chairs in her dining room, and we were trying to decide if we should keep them, paint them (which is a really current look) or send them to the sister!  Well, I think we keep, as is!  

I am saving pictures of this project for a big reveal, but in the meantime, here are some other inspiration pictures of  a similar look.

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Would love your thoughts!  As an aside, I loved this issue of House Beautiful . . . so many gorgeous interiors, but not a single Christmas decoration in the entire issue.  So, if you need your Christmas fix, Birmingham Home and Garden (holiday issue is just released) is filled to the brim with some of the most amazing Christmas decorations I have seen.  If you live elsewhere in the country, this magazine is certainly worth a subscription!!!  They feature some of the most beautiful homes in Birmingham.

 Happy Friday. M.

Trend Spotting - Silhouettes

I've been seeing them everywhere.   

The great news . . . 

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They are super easy to make at home.

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Love how they look in a space that mixes traditional and modern elements. 

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They can also be mixed very easily with other objects like plates in this example.

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Even in a bathroom.  This is fun because you can use any size and group them for major impact.

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Also, if you use family members as your subjects, the artwork becomes more meaningful.

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If they seem to stark or bland, you can always add color with an interesting mat.  Then vary the shape of the frames too. 

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Look at these.  A funky twist on the idea by using animals! 

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And it doesn't stop with wall art.  

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They even look great with Halloween decor!! 

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Here's the best tutorial I've seen on creating your very own.

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Happy Tuesday. M.