An updated look at Allison's personal collection of new and cherished Christmas décor. Since building our lakeside cottage I've made a conscious effort to bring a touch of the outdoors inside. Christmastime is no exception. By chance, I recently ran across a holiday collection of Christmas decor in Lowe's featuring oversized champagne-color pinecone tree ornaments with a … [Read more...]
My Laundry Room Redo
Minor changes make major visual improvements in a laundry room face lift. A few things have changed in our main level laundry room since moving into our Alabama Stone Cottage. It's my "pretty" (and functional) recently redone laundry room, a well-deserved space after making do with a corner of the unfinished basement in our last house for 20+ years. I started looking for the … [Read more...]
More Repurposing Ideas
Some alternative uses for some every day objects Repurposing objects is a quick and easy way to showcase our unique personalities. So I wanted to show you these repurposing ideas for some collectible items. It's also a way to clean out those drawers and storage rooms. A vintage painted shutter is outfitted with a series of hooks, creating an instant coat rack. It could also … [Read more...]
Stairways to Heaven
A collection of sculptural interior staircases to create dramatic entrance halls We encounter stairs on a daily basis but this collection of sculptural interior staircases would stop most in their tracks. The first stairway is caressed by decorated antique delft tiles. Even the ornamental iron handrail is a beautiful blue with gold accents and a black handrail. The dark … [Read more...]
Heavenly Blue Kitchen
Light blue cabinets create a celestial atmosphere in a San Francisco kitchen. Designer Angela Free created a transitional San Francisco pied-à-terre kitchen using soft colors, restraint in details and oversized accents. The custom-color light blue kitchen cabinets seemingly float over the quarter-sawn oak floors that were bleached to a light creamy finish. Calacatta marble … [Read more...]
More Gift Ideas 2013
A few Christmas gift ideas that are perfect stocking stuffer surprises Make Christmas morning memorable by selecting unique tiny treasures to slip into the stockings. Eastern Collective's charging and audio cables mix woven design with technology and textiles. Colorful braided, patterned cables are available for Apple and Androids, e-readers and other electronics. Whether … [Read more...]
Handcrafted Holiday Gift Ideas 2013
A collection of holiday gift ideas to start the season Still shopping for that final gift, or need ideas to get started? Here is a trio of handmade holiday gift ideas that would be well received. Beautiful Kerry Cassill fabrics cover the exterior and inside of these personal journals. The heavy weight ivory colored paper is perfect for writing or drawing. The online shop … [Read more...]
Hidden Kitchen Ideas
A trio of clever custom built in kitchen cabinet organizers. Tired of tangled cords and cell phones taking up valuable counter space? Keep your high tech toys handy, but out of sight, while charging in a custom drawer complete with electrical outlets. Wooden dividers keep items separated and the drawer lining helps protect. An extra section could keep the Mr.'s car keys and … [Read more...]
Geometric Wallpaper Envy
A kaleidoscope of geometric wallpaper color creates instant impact in the foyer. An entry hall is a relatively small area that speaks volumes about its owner, and this one is screaming. A striking graphic geometric wallpaper pattern called Circus, from the Cole & Son Geometric Collection, turned an ordinary traditional style foyer into breathtaking space. The large scale … [Read more...]
Wallpapered Children’s Rooms
Large scale children's room wallpaper sets the tone for sweet kid-centric decor. Music has always held a special place in my heart so I found this musical theme children's room wallpaper mural rather comforting. Marching children and animals parade across the staff, serenading sweet dreams. A small gray and white stripe flatweave rug, layered over carpeting, echoes the … [Read more...]
Kitchen Hood Style Statements
Custom hoods are an essential piece in any well designed kitchen. Custom kitchen hood style has a wide range of looks. This plaster range hood by Cantley and Company is loved for its simplicity and elegance. No trim, no crown, no shelf -- just clean lines and a small, slight Tudor-style arch. Even the embellishment is understated. A Persian runner underfoot is easy on the … [Read more...]
Rustic Tin Bath
Rustic bathroom ideas include an enchanting tub alcove with an unexpected twist. Once you notice an interesting material used indoors, you start seeing it everywhere. Such is the case this week for me and corrugated tin. When I looked at this photo, which has several rustic bathroom ideas, with I couldn't quite make sense of the potted plant and how the wall seemed to be … [Read more...]
Artistic Sustainable Tiles
Fireclay Tile expands its sustainable line with two new designs inspired by everyday patterns. Are you looking for a tile that reflects the beauty in everyday patterns? Then look no further than the sustainable tiles design by Fireclay Tile. The lean curves of the Wave pattern, shown in Cyclone, imaginatively recreates the movement of the ocean's surface. The … [Read more...]
Fluted Cabinetry Kitchen
A modern kitchen created by artisans wielding a router. I ran across this kitchen last week while working on my Industrial Chic Corrugated Tin post. At first glance, I thought the island was fronted with tin but further research lead me to the South Carolina custom cabinet shop of Frost & Keading. The painted modern kitchen features fluted cabinetry -- a continuous fluted … [Read more...]