I know many of you are anxious to see if you won a copy of Miss Mustard Seed‘s first book, Inspired You.
Inspired You by Marian Parsons
The Truth About Indoor Outdoor Rugs
November 19, 2012 by 9 Comments
There was a time when an indoor/outdoor rug was something to be considered ONLY for the outside. Not so anymore! There are lots of beautiful options that feel quite nice underfoot and work in many indoor spaces.
Why would you choose an “outdoor” rug for indoors? [Read more...]
Using Trays for Corraling Displays
May 28, 2012 by 6 Comments
One of my favorite things to use in decorating tabletops and ottomans is the humble tray. It’s great for corraling all kinds of pretties and collectables.
Trays are perfect for the popular upholstered ottoman - it’s not the end of the world if a glass or vase gets knocked over. And it’s the perfect base for a lovely vignette or display of books and accessories.
You can find all kinds of trays made of wood, plastic, ceramic. Don’t forget to check the kitchen section of your neighborhood superstore to find just the right tray for your living room.
You know what the best thing is about using trays to corral your small items? Grouping your accessories on a tray keeps things looking neater and less cluttered. I LOVE how this vintage picture frame was repurposed as a tray on a dressing table – isn’t this FABULOUS?
Hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend – are you ready to get back at it?
When Brass is a Good Thing & What You Get From Having a Melt-Down
May 7, 2012 by 8 Comments
Most of us are aware that shiny brass fixtures can make a home feel a bit dated. But those fixtures aren’t real brass – and real brass can add class (sorry, couldn’t resist the rhyme). I found this brass lamp at a yard sale a few weeks ago – it’s made of real brass and it has a bit more depth and better color than that cheap brass finish we are all so tired of.
Real Brass Lampbase
I’d say it’s at least 40 years old, and probably cost a pretty penny when first bought. I paid $15 for it. It had a dusty cream pleated shade in a triangular shape, which I discarded before I left the sale! This blue/green drum shade definitely is better – I really can’t abide triangle shades, even in a room sporting a vintage vibe (like mine). I think the touch of gold ties in well to my gilt coffee table – I wrote about that paint transformation here.
Gilt is Good
I am loving this round coffee table so much – there’s so much room to make pretty vignettes!
Tabletop Vignette
Did you notice those beautiful flowers on the table? Mr. Man was out of town for over 2 1/2 weeks for business – he sent these last week after a phone conversation during which I was very stressed about my and the kids’ schedules, as well as some computer difficulties. These showed up on my doorstep the next afternoon – he must have been concerned that I was LOSING IT.
What You Get For Having a Melt-Down
Maybe I should lose it more often! He’s home now, so this week should be a bit more manageable. But you never can tell . . .
Just Say No to the Brass Nipple! Alternatives to Builder-Grade Flush Mount Lighting
April 25, 2012 by 13 Comments
I get lots of requests from design clients and blog readers for recommendations for alternatives to those generic builder-grade flush mount light fixtures in their entries and hallways. You know – the dreaded nipple lights:
Dated Brass Nipple Light
My decorating experience here in Nashville and with online clients has certainly forced me to find some good alternatives to the builder-grade fixture. While the options are a bit limited in this price range, here are a few you can score at big box stores (either Lowes or Home Depot) for under $100:
What Would You Buy With a Gift Certificate to Merridian Home Furnishings?
March 16, 2012 by 11 Comments
If someone gave you a $500 gift certificate to Merridian Home Furnishings, what would you buy?
That’s the question I am asking myself, because I won that $500 gift certificate in a designer contest last week for showing off my fabulous Lansing Desk in my newly-organized office that I blogged about here.
Lansing Desk from Merridian Home Furnishings
I love Merridian because of the interesting pieces they carry and the great people who work there. Maybe I should go for this aged blue blanket chest? I could use it as a side table or maybe instead of a coffee table.
This carved wood mirror would look fabulous in the closet I am working on right now! If you remember, I kicked Mr. Man out of the closet (so to speak) and am remodeling and organizing that crappy cedar closet.
Or, I could get a pair of these punchy tangerine lamps and still have $$ left over for some cool art or accessories.
I’m totally addicted to interesting chairs, so maybe I could get a Putney accent chair for my living room:
OOH! I adore this patinaed and mirrored folding screen. This would look great in my sunroom, and would keep the neighbors from seeing what television shows we watch at night!
So, what would you buy with a $500 gift certificate from Merridian Home Furnishings? I’ll be at the 8th Avenue store in Nashville tonight (Friday, March 17th) for their Spring Clearance Kickoff Party. There will be hors d’oeuvres and at least 15% discount on everything in the store. Come on out and help me choose what to get with my gift certificate!
IKEA Has Gone Gray – And That’s a Good Thing
October 12, 2011 by 14 Comments
I’ve been ordering furniture for a client over the last week from IKEA, so I was really excited to see that they have added another option to their black, white, or birch furniture finishes. IKEA’s finally gone gray! Actually, gray-brown. I hope this is the final evidence if you need confirmation that gray-brown is the new expresso brown.
The gray-brown finish is available only on selected IKEA furniture, and they can barely keep them in stock right now. I found gray options in the Hemnes, Isala, and Lack series. [Read more...]
How To Personalize IKEA Furniture – A Decorologist Tutorial for Additik Stickers
September 23, 2011 by 19 Comments
I’m really excited to share a little Before and After of a pair of LACK side tables using a fabulous new product. Additik is a company out of France that has launched a whole line of appliques to personalize many of our favorite IKEA furniture.
Sometimes it’s good to be The Decorologist – the nice people at Additik sent me a few samples so I could show my readers how they work! I pulled out a few of the LACK tables I use in home staging – these are black, but they also come in birch, white, and red.
IKEA LACK side tables – Before
The appliques from Additik arrived in the mail in these tubes. 
Additix Delivery
Bella Rustica Barn Sale
September 18, 2011 by 16 Comments
(If you’d like to find out about the 2012 Bella Rustica Sale, click here)
Last Friday I attended a fantastic barn sale, full of vendors of vintage and upcycled vintage creations. Located on the grounds of a historic farm property in Franklin, TN (right outside of Nashville), Bella Rustica gathered dozens of artists and shopowners under the roof of this red barn and another huge tent.
Bella Rustica Barn Sale
Shabby, rustic, and completely glamorous linens and fabrics draped the interior of the massive tent.
Shabby Glam Linens
Burlap was EVERYWHERE, even on lampshades. Vintage photography and typography were also big hits at the sale. [Read more...]
Best Present For A Retro Girl
August 26, 2011 by 22 Comments
I always prefer a gift that is thoughtful to a gift that is expensive. Yesterday was my 35th birthday, for the 8th year in a row! Anywho, my darling daughters got me the most awesome gift, and I had to share!
Best Birthday Present Ever!
