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Sapphire
Just the other day I was in the grocery store, as I often am {with three boys, there’s never any food in the house}, and I encountered a young lady whose name was Sapphire.
It surprised me because I’ve never heard of anyone with that name. I’ve known of Ruby, Diamond, Pearl and a few other people named after precious stones, but Sapphire seems so unusual. Needless to say, that encounter inspired this post.
Although sapphire gems come in a range of blues, its most recognized color is a vibrant, saturated blue — somewhere in between royal and navy blue. Sapphire spaces are bold, dramatic and unexpected.
{domino}
So, if you wish to make a color statement in your home and you love blue, I suggest taking a chance {encounter} on sapphire.
Office Preview
If you’ve been following my tweets on Twitter, you may know that I’m re-designing my office.
{off with the wallpaper — with the help of a steamer}
I’ve removed stubborn wallpaper, painted, assembled furniture, disassembled furniture, fixed a leaky pipe, and patched the drywall — well, actually my wonderful, patient husband has done most of the work. The old carpet has been removed and the new flooring is in place. I’m not quite finished but progress has been made.
{on with one of the three paint colors}
I’m really loving the new color palette. In a roughly 10 x 12 space, I managed to use three of my favorite paint colors: lavender, aqua and chocolate brown. The colors are serene but the combination is fun. I couldn’t resist posting just a few sneak-peak pictures:
{the new sunburst mirrors reflect all of the colors}
{I love pretty-printed storage boxes}
{crisp white curtains are always chic, and I love the brown detail}
{a touch of whimsy}
More to come soon…
Have A Colorful Weekend
Have a colorful Memorial Day Weekend…
…and remember the heroes who have bravely served our country.
{photo: My father’s World War II Medals}
Black, White & Whatever You Like
As someone who’s passionate about color, I actually love black and white spaces…
…because you have the freedom to add any accent color you desire. So which hues work best with black and white? Well, because this combo creates such a dramatic effect, muted and soft colors won’t get much attention. Go bold and bright with your accent color, and it will surely stand out. Here are some of my faves:
{orange}
1. ceramic lamp, 2. juicy clock, 3. set of 3 vases
{yellow}
1. chandelier pillow, 2. lamp, 3. flower pillow
{purple}
1. glass vase, 2. fern pillow, 3. chandelier
{aqua}
1. side chairs, 2. chandelier, 3. telephone
{lime green}
1. chest, 2. side chairs, 3. accent table
{red}
1. candles, 2. picture frame, 3. bubble lamps
black and white bedroom: csnbenches.com
Carolina-Blue Graduation Party
In just a couple of weeks my cousin in Ohio will graduate from high school. Then, in the fall she’s off to The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill — home of the Tar Heels.
So to recognize my cousin’s achievement, I’ve posted a few inspiration boards filled with wonderful things that she can use to create the super-chic party of all graduation parties! Her parents are hosting this event at their home and there will be a tent in the yard. So, I’ve included ideas for indoors and out. Note to my cousin: May I suggest the gummy rings because your younger brothers and cousins will love you for it!
These ideas would be terrific for anyone headed to college…just change the colors and gear to that of the school where you’ll be attending.
Graduating from high school is not the end; it’s just the beginning of a new chapter. So, be proud of yourself and celebrate with color and style!
Top Board: 1. UNC Garden Flag, 2. Paper Lantern, 3. m&ms, 4. Fortune Cookie, 5. Blue Mocktail, 6. Mini Cakes, 7. Hydrangeas and Roses, 8. Parasol, 9. Blue Cupcakes, 10. White Tulips, 11. Gummy Rings, 12. Balloon Bunches, 13. Tar Heel Cake
Center Board: 1. Tar Heel Cookies, 2. Pepper and Salt Shakers, 3. Balloon Arch, 4. Thank You Card
Bottom Board: 1. Wind Mobile, 2. Tar Heels Pennant Banner, 3. Cupcakes, 4. UNC Grilling Set
Fun Colors
I’m really loving the fun, festive color trio of moss green, orange and blue…
…and I’m totally captivated by how these colors were used for this wedding, designed by In Any Event by Jodi Bos.
This spirited color palette would add a jubilant touch to any celebration.
Pictured below are a couple of inspired spaces using these terrific colors. How fun!
Brown Is Staying Around
Some color forecasters have put chocolate brown on the endangered species list…
…but it still remains a wildly popular wall color for 2009. Using brown is a great way to cozy up a room. The richness you get from using a deep, delicious chocolate-brown just can’t be matched. We love brown and — at least for now — it’s staying around!
photos from: decorpad.com; cottageliving.com; southernliving.com; housebeautiful.com; coastalliving.com; bilhuber.com
The Accessories of Motherhood, Part 2
My Mother’s Day tribute continues…
My mother is a strong, spiritual woman who, time after time, unselfishly gives of herself. By her actions, she has taught me how to love my own family and give back to the community. Growing up, my mother kept our home spotless and her favorite color — blue – can still be found everywhere.
Just like her mother did, my mom has always loved to accessorize. Even today, her home is embellished with an array of objects. When I was young, I thought those items were just ‘ordinary things,’ but now I’ve realized that her accessories were thoughtfully selected and placed.
Everything has a special meaning: ceramic figures given as gifts; items my parents purchased in Europe when they were stationed in Germany; fabulous finds from their travels; my mom’s ever-expanding teapot collection.
Accessories are to the home what jewelry is to an outfit {and my mom has been known to rock an outfit!}. Accessories should enhance your home but not take away from the existing décor. They should add a personal touch and even reflect your favorite colors and interests.
I’ve really come to appreciate well-displayed collections. I must admit that I don’t have a collection of anything…yet. However, when I do create my display, I will take cues from my mother and grandmother, and I will carefully craft a collection with style, meaning, and a personal touch.
{Mom in Germany, 1956. She’s always had an incredible ability to accessorize an outfit as well as her home.}
See “The Accessories of Motherhood, Part 1″
The Accessories of Motherhood, Part 1
In honor of Mother’s Day, I pay tribute to my mother, my grandmother and the decorating style that I’ve come to appreciate.
My grandmother, Vivian Victoria Irwin Byers, was born in 1900 in North Carolina. I didn’t have the opportunity to know her well because she died when I was very young. However, I’ve always been intrigued by her. She was a dedicated wife and mother of six children {including my mother}. She was a dignified woman who played the piano and taught music lessons. In 1946, my grandparents moved into the Washington, DC row house that would remain in our family for over six decades. My grandmother decorated her home with an eye for detail and playful accessories.
Amazingly, her collection of kitchen plates and whatnots has remained largely untouched nearly 40 years after she died. My grandmother purchased these ceramic objects from flea markets and thrift stores. She carefully arranged these items to create a display that reflected her love of all things from the farm.
Now, after 63 years, the row house will soon be put up for sale. I’ll miss visiting the place that has been a hub for so many family dinners and get-togethers. But I’m grateful that this home has given me great memories and a strong connection to my family’s history. I’ve also been fortunate to have received lessons on the art of placement from my grandmother.
{A medallion hangs over the archway leading to the kitchen’s eating area. This is where my grandmother’s collection of farm trinkets has been for many years.}
{This original vintage outdoor chair has been a staple on the front porch for many years. There is also a matching bench.}
{This portrait of my grandparents hangs in the dining room. It was painted by my artist uncle. My grandfather lived to be 103 years old.}
Coming Soon: Part 2, My mother’s house
Garden Inspired Spaces
If I could turn my backyard garden into a room…
It would look like this:
Nature is our biggest source of inspiration. Its purposeful and plentiful color is a gift from God. We live in a colorful world, but do we really see the colors? When you truly notice how colors are combined outdoors, you’ll feel confident bringing more colors indoors. Compare the two photos above: In the garden, violet phlox translates into plush violet chairs; deep brown mulch becomes the main hue for walls and flooring; new growth of a pine tree is reflected in yellow-green draperies and pillows. And check out the room’s wall mural — flowers, plants and birds — perfection.
This dining room also picks up some of the garden’s colors: red of the Japanese maple, gray tones of the stonework, and mulch brown.
The wall color in this space reflects the soft green found in many of my garden plants.
Another splash of violet in this dining room, along with a touch of mint green which is the color of the vase in my garden.
This kitchen also features that mint green. The darker shades represent the color of my “see-no-evil” frog….or maybe I should call him the “see-no-color” frog:
Perhaps this little guy can remind us to actually see the colors of nature — whether it’s your garden, a beautiful sunset, or the produce at your grocery store. Be inspired!
room photos from homesandgardens.com
You may also enjoy this post: Lots of Yellow and a Bit O’ Blue
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