oh chintz!

1.30.2014

I suppose I am guilty of giving in to the "Throwback Thursday" theme with this post, but I blame my spring fever. Additionally in my defense, this throwback has been making much-welcomed comeback...

Although chintz had its heyday in the home decor of the 1980's, the pattern has proved it has serious staying power. Originally brought back by designers such as Dorothy Draper and David Hicks in the 1950's, chintz is still used to add instant sophistication to a space by current designers including Mario Buatta, Miles Redd, and--of course--the lovely Meg Braff.

I was lucky enough to be brought up in a home where the furniture in the formal living room was upholstered in Lee Jofa's "Althea", which is subsequently my favorite of the intricate floral patterns. My mother mixed her Althea with antiques, red oriental rugs, and even tartan. The combination was stunning to say the least...and you can bet I am hoping to inherit the hollyhock print!


Here are some similar examples of how the hollyhock print can be used in a home:



Roger Banks-Pye via Mrs. Blandings Blog



Enjoy! 

Emilie

monday makeunder: a sea glass inspired interior

1.27.2014

This time of year I start to suffer from Spring Fever. And the only cure for my fever? Here's a hint: it's not more cowbell.

It is supposed to snow here in South Carolina tomorrow, so I may have to suffer a little longer until the arrival of Spring. At least I can find inspiration in the beautiful, beach-y spaces that grace the pages of glossy magazines. And Pinterest. 

Today I got my fix from the following sea glass inspired interior by Victoria Pearson.

Pearson's interior incorporates different design elements, bringing unique style to the space by mixing casual comfort with eclectic accents. And a variety of textures and surfaces offer added interest, as well.

The room:

Victoria Pearson

The recreation:

sea glass inspired interior
$449 for pair from Ballard Designs

sea glass inspired interior
$393.74 from Wayfair

sea glass inspired interior
$70 from Spark Modern

sea glass inspired interior
$149.95 from Crate and Barrel

sea glass inspired interior
$330 from Shades of Light

sea glass inspired interior
$44.99 from Target

sea glass inspired interior
$20.28 from Lowe's

sea glass inspired interior
$238 from Novi Decor

sea glass inspired interior
$21.99 from JC Penney

sea glass inspired interior

sea glass inspired interior
$12.95 from Land of Nod

sea glass inspired interior

The result:

sea glass inspired interior

Enjoy!

Emilie

saturday: seeing spots

1.25.2014

After surviving another emotional and exhausting week of house hunting, I am so happy it is Saturday! Our realtor is a doll and brought me a bottle of melatonin the other day because--although I've been doing lots of dreaming--I haven't been sleeping...at all.

And there's something else: I have been seeing spots. Lots of spots. And I'm absolutely loving it!

Let me elaborate: 

Spotted fabrics and wall coverings are fun, flirty, and offer a straightforward way to add instant style and interest to an interior, without highjacking it.

You will see below that these soft, spotted walls become the perfect neutral background to compliment a variety of spaces and styles:

via Shelter


Schuyler Morris' Home








via Meg Biram

via Lonny


via Meg Biram



The following three wall coverings are a sure bet for achieving the spotted look, but there are other options out there, as well:





Enjoy!

Emilie

friday finds: tea towels and other favorite finds on sale from Pomegranate!

1.24.2014

After all of the time and energy we have put into our house hunt this week, I was hoping to announce that my Friday finds included a house, but instead I have tea towels for you today, ha! In case you hadn't noticed (yeah right), my poor little blog has been a bit neglected lately, but bear with me--I may have exciting news and lots of new material soon! ;-)

These adorable elephant tea towels from Pomegranate are on sale for $11!:

PomegranatePomegranate

Set of Two (red or blue) Embroidered Hand Towels

The elephant towels are my favorite, but also on sale from Pomegranate are the following:

Pomegranate
Set of Six Embroidered Cocktail Napkins
$7(!) from Pomegranate

Pomegranate
Set of Four Placemats 
$11 from Pomegranate

Pomegranate
Set of Two Oven Mitts
$13 from Pomegranate

Pomegranate
Tablecloth
$17 from Pomegranate

Pomegranate
Set of Four Placemats
$11 from Pomegranate

Enjoy!

Emilie


friday finds: thibaut's new collection!

1.17.2014

I am so excited! Thibaut has a new collection of wall coverings called Graphic Resource! Thibaut describes their new collection to be comprised of "patterns that range from bold patterns to fun novelties to graceful geometrics. Thibaut's newest wallpaper collection offers a variety of perfectly scaled and upbeat designs in exciting and also subtle color combinations."

Here are some of my favorites for today's Friday finds:

Taza (!!!)





Enjoy!

Emilie
 
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