design indulgence

Uh....hellooooooo? A winner!

2012-01-26T10:33:00.000-05:00

Yeah...I did sort of just drop out, with a giveaway going on and all......I will 'splain in a minute. First things first. The winner of the January "West Palm" giveaway is Cassie from Primitive and Proper! Cassie loves to DYI...and she is good at it!!! They just moved into a new home which you can tour here.

There check one thing off my list.

I had to go to Florida for a few days to clean and update our condo. Yep...that might sound like fun [kind of like a sharp stick in your eye] but it wasn't. Driving 5 1/2 hours in a car with 2 dogs breathing over your shoulder [with their bad ass breath] doesn't make it on my top ten list of exciting things to do.

They look all innocent here but don't be fooled. The girl [on the left] always pukes in the car. They do love to romp on the beach. I took a great video of them playing and running....just have to put my technical hat on to get it uploaded on the blog.

In one of the bedrooms, we had bunk beads which broke. I am guessing kids like to jump around on those suckers???? They were nice and sturdy ones also. So we decided to put 2 queen beds in there instead.

I had to be very frugal [being that it is a rental and every penny counts!]. It had kind of a nautical theme from the start so I just enhanced.

Blue chest...the top was trashed. Got out the chalk paint.

Needed something for over the bed.....instead of trying to find two crappy pictures, I saw this and we have a winner.

Shams from PB on sale for $19.00 each, lumbar pillows on sale for about $9.99 [remember I had to BUY double of everything], coverlets at Homegoods, and the blanket/ throws I got half price at Dillard's.

The old boating flag was already there and so were all the accessories. Blue lamp was from Homegoods, as were all the decorative pillows.

I had every intention of painting the wall behind the beds, but I lost my "mojo" on day 3. I washed every linen in that place [4 bedrooms].

I had to sew these starfish back on for the 20th time. People.....why are you touching them?

I painted this [it was red/white/blue] and got a new lampshade for it.

Found this picture at the Goodwill for $5.00. You would not believe how expensive GW is down there! I was shocked at some of the prices. Small cane barrel chair for $59.99!!! Seriously. Every time I saw something I liked it was out of my price range!

The chalk board was a bulletin board.....I got my husband to take it apart ["why are we taking this apart, it looks fine to me"...."why are you painting that....it looks fine to me".....] then painted it and put it back together. Found the small table and chairs and sprayed them. I had to put labels on the chairs saying "not for big butts".

I bought this when I first decorated the place 6 years ago....but I still love it!

Love this one also....

These yellow chairs are getting slipcovered in yellow and white ticking. I got the fabric at Old Time Pottery for 3.89@yard.....score!!! They just can't be cleaned anymore......

Laundry room....I painted those stripes. Does anyone do laundry at the beach?

Just playing......

Sunset.....

Still have to go back in February. They are cleaning all the tile floors, so I will have to make sure all the furniture is in place correctly. Next time I want to buy real estate so far away....bonk me on the head please.....HARD.

I have at least 50-60 hours of blog reading to do to catch up. Even though I came to a screeching halt for a week....I know you guys were out there blogging all this great stuff that I need to know about!!!

Good to be home......

Sha Fab!

Scott's pillows and a big thanks!

2012-01-20T16:31:00.000-05:00

You guys......what can I say but huge thanks for showing the love. I don't care what everyone has said about y'all.....I will defend you to the death. Period.

So I am just going keep on blogging and mean spirited commenters...be DAMNED!

I realized that I have not shown you some of the beautiful pillows at Scott's yet. Now I know some of you are thinking...so what they are just pillows. And to you I say AYFKM????? Just pillows? Many a room has been brought back from the dead with a single little pillow. They are almost as hard working as paint when you are thinking "inexpensive, small" makeover.

So listen up....you will look at these pillows and you will dang well love one or two of them. You will be inspired and you will start planning your second or third makeover of a room.....don't act like it is not what you do.

"I'm watching you."

New designs from Sudi.....

Wouldn't these be cool if you used leather on the tips? Don't ask me how to do that.

I want this for my bedroom.......it is SO my colors.

Another new design. So organic and pretty.

Loving.....

Vintage tapestry.

OH...this would go great with my Palm Beach pillow giveaway....[going on now but not for long]

Love this wool one.

Which could go pretty with this one.

Do you like these colors together....?

More Palm Beachiness.....[pretty sure that is not a word] but don't ask me about these because she does not have any contact info.....WHAT....so 2008 right.

I was so drawn to these.....

Martin right????? Not my colors.....

These could be in the right room though....Deep navy velvet sofa, walls painted a light blush color. Danger....this is when my mind starts spinning.

What about fabrics. Yep...you can also acquire this at Scott's. Sister Parish. $25.00@yard. That is a deal.

Riad...goes with EVERYTHING right?

This discontinued Brunschwig & Fils fabric. I know for a fact that this was $$$$ .......because before I knew I would get tired of things so fast, I had a wing chair upholstered in it. 16 years ago. What the heck was I thinking.....

Look....

Are you digging those apple green walls. HEY....back up...this was 1995. Could I get any more color in this room? Noticed I cropped it because I did not want you to run from the room screaming "my eyes....my eyes......I am blinded....."

I still have the chair but it is slipcovered in white.

Ahhhh! Much better right.

Today, I met Lisa Mowry to scout a project [well actually, we were heading to Lakewood 400 and lunch] that Julie and Anisa [Milk and Honey Home] just completed. I rounded the corner to the most beautiful kitchen, dining area, and family room in all of the land.

Seriously I wish I could have taken photographs but it is probably going to be published as it should. I love their cottage, slightly english, a little swedish style. Go take a look at their portfolio. You won't be disappointed.

Welcome to everyone who traveled over here from The Enchanted Home. I received so much support from my post that I almost celebrated with a glass of wine...but I forgot, it is not February yet. I am on my self imposed January abstention from alcohol. 11 more days.

Oh yeah...the giveaway. I will be picking a winner this weekend.

Sherika

Guest Post

2012-01-17T22:24:00.000-05:00

Before I get to the guest post over at The Enchanted Home....I must address another issue that has come up.

OK....let's see how to go about this. On my last post I mentioned that I saw Ryan Gainey at Scott's. Someone who commented was very upset about the remarks I made concerning him. For the record, here is how I explained it to her in an email:

I have lived in Atlanta for 20 years so I am well aware of how talented Ryan is. When I was at Scott's, I was having a conversation with another published "gardener" . We both looked up and saw Ryan and another person, at which point he saw her and came over. As the friend he was with started talking to my friend, I politely asked Him if I could take a photograph. He glanced at me and said yes, then proceeded to turn away. Famous or not, it would have taken a second to look into the camera at the very least. I realize he is "quirky", but that does not exclude bad manners does it? After a few moments, he turned to me and asked if I was a jewelry designer. It seemed so out of context as I did not even have any jewelry on except a watch and pair of earrings. I politely said no and before I could even respond further, he had already dismissed me. Which was fine, my inflated ego could handle it.

I never said that he wasn't talented. I realize I am NOT a famous blogger, or "world renowned" anything! Which was the point of the "over exaggeration". Of course, I realize some people do not appreciate nor enjoy my sense of humor. Sometimes I don't even think I am funny......but honestly, it was not intended to be mean spirited and I was certainly not making fun of someone who is disabled [in a wheelchair, etc].

Further more, I certainly did not say anything about his wonderfully talented ability to transform the earth into beautiful spaces. Or about him on a personal level. I was merely interpreting how I felt the rendezvous went from my perspective.

That said, I do have some beautiful images of his work [taken from his website] to share with you today. His 2 acre garden in Decatur, Georgia has been featured in every major gardening publication in the United States and abroad.

It goes without saying that I wish this was my backyard.

Not just a birdbath....but A. Birdbath.

Somebody is real lucky to look out their window and see this.

Love this.....

I could see myself strolling the grounds.

More gorgeousness.....

There...is everyone satisfied....of course nothing I could say on my tiny insignificant blog could affect this man's talent or worth. No matter how hard I tried.

Disclosure**********please understand that any funny comments I make concerning fabric, pillows, lamps, design, people I do not know, dogs, cars, hair, the weather, paint colors, TV shows, movies, my husband, famous people are probably made because I am trying to be witty, humorous, entertaining, rib-tickling, wacky, zany, off the wall, amusing, facetious, or tongue in cheek. Do not take me serious. Ever.**********Disclosure

Now.....please head over to The Enchanted Home to see what I came up with for Tina while she moves into her castle.....just kidding people!!!

If you get this today...I will be at Tina's on the 18th.

Don't forget about the West Palm giveaway.....

Sha Bam!

Scott's January

2012-01-15T14:28:00.000-05:00

It has been a busy week around here. With Scott's on Thursday and the Mart on Friday and Saturday, I have been a picture taking fool. Sadly, my home looks like a war zone. I have been meaning to start getting it purdy since the holidays are over but for me that takes some ~~meds~~ dedication.

I just got the wreath off the door and felt OK about that when I was walking my dog the other day and saw that someone still had the tree up AND the lights on. Really? I would not turn on the lights. Dead giveaway. So what is the cutoff date on that sort of thing anyway?????

Let me just say how pissed off I am reading about all you type A's who are organizing, painting, cleaning closets already. Dang it y'all I am serious when I say that there should be at least a 2-3 week grace period before we start overhauling everything.

OK...enough about me and my inefficient abilities to run with the pack.

Here are some great pictures to make you squirm.

I should have bought this....original travel stickers on an old suitcase. So cool. Why did we stop doing that to our suitcases anyway??? Oh yeah that's right. They won't stick on fabric.

OK all you craft DIY people....take the drop-clothe and cut up, then sew together. Upholster.

Closeup....

One more shot.

Chairs...a REAL addiction. Seriously. I know you guys can testify to this.

So my new client has 2 of these in her house....I told her to paint.....here is the proof.

If you are an artist...knock yourself out! Love the gray background.

2 huge pots....like $150 for both???

Beautiful gilded chair.

Mid Century beauty......

Garden seats. Tangerine. I am torn about the color of the year....I think they should have gone with green.

It's blue that's why.

Turquoise and pink......bring it.

Sometimes I like to take pictures of pretty vignettes. This was one.

More Mid Century madness.....

Just these colors....Turquoise and lavender.......loving.

This is a great handmade table.....

Same booth.... and more art

Here is the info....for art and table.

And some great handmade headboards....in America!

And the info.

Oy Vey.....me likey.

Could go nicely with the Palm Beach theme of my giveaway!!!

More chair crack.

Remember I saw these last month? Well here they are and they brought all of their cousins. Only thing was I could not find the "booth owner".....which by the way is my pet peeve. Seriously....are you here to sell stuff or walk around and chit chat with people????

Another little gem that I wanted...again...no one in the booth.

When I look for second hand wing chairs, I always like them to have a straight leg......easier if you intend to put a skirt on them.

Again....No. One. In. The. Booth. I am feeling murderous by now.

Did I just crawl out from under a rock????? I have never seen a ceiling medallion this shape before.

I also saw this dude.....Ryan Gainey. He is "world renown" as a garden designer. I asked if I could snap a picture. He said yes....as he looked away. Then he asked me if I was a jewelry designer? Huh? Uh no....
OK then as he completely looked away. I wanted to say....but I am a "world renown" blogger dude! So back the F**** up or I will cut you right here in Scott's.

Yeah...I am just talking big here. We all know I am a wuss.

I have a few more...pillows and fabric, but must run out and get a birthday present for a 1 year old. I have no earthly idea what to get. Don't the parents get a present for surviving 1 year??????

Have a Sunday that makes you REALLY appreciate the tail end of the weekend.

Don't forget about the Palm Beach giveaway.....

Maybe I will organize a closet or something.....NOT.

Sha Ray

Time for the January giveaway!!!

2012-01-12T18:41:00.002-05:00

This month the theme of the giveaway is Palm Beach Design. I found this great vintage fabric at Goodwill......one of the few things I have found there that was cool....AND a deal. 6 yards of fabric for about $5. I am usually not that lucky.

I think the key is that you must go early and you must go often. Neither of which I do on a regular basis. I just can't be obsessive about it or I will end up awaking at the butt crack of dawn and stalking the employees as they arrive at work. I can get like that.

BUT...on this one occasion I hit the fabric jackpot as they say. I was skipping up to the register like a 6 year old her just got her first Barbie. I know a little something about that....I was the first girl on my block in ~~1969~~ ~~1983~~ ~~1963~~ [I'm not telling] to get her with the black and white stripe bathing suit [Barbie was classic even back then] and the ponytail. Let's just say it was a freaking long time ago.

OK...geez, back to what is important.

Here is what we have.

Pillows. Already made, WITH the inserts. Uh huh. 3 of them.

Cute huh?

Custom made with zippers!

Pretty flat welt.

24"

20" Trina Turk

Beautimus huh???

More.....

This vase.....

Could be pretty with some flowers in it.

And this book....Not gonna lie. Got it at the GW for 2 dollars and it is brand new except for this....

Wonder if Nancy knows she gave it away.....

It could be the start of a bedroom......

Palm Beach Style. So here are some pictures to inspire you!

Start with some color.....

Maybe a cute rug......

Or something like this....Navy would look good.

Add some pillows from Suzanne's Etsy store studiotulla

Or these

or these....

Then maybe some art like this...

From here Beverly Underwood on Etsy.

Maybe some art from The Pink Pagoda on Etsy

So.....I think we are on to something. Now do not get confused and think I am giving away all the other stuff, because as much as I love you guys, not gonna happen.

Leave a comment and become a follower...........be kind to someone.......eat healthy and it's yours. OK....the healthy part, I realize I am not your Mom.....but just try.

Scott's pictures.....and I am going to the Atlanta show this week.

My neighbor just invited me for dinner....yee haw!!! Cause I was looking at a can of soup.

Later kids......

Sheriky Freaky

*** the rugs are from Rugs USA******

Still working the same house.....

2012-01-08T15:59:00.000-05:00

Look...I am trying to move on from this project but you guys keep asking questions. It is a rainy Sunday here and I just finished doing a guest post for Tina at The Enchanted Home. I had to work hard to yank that one out of my head. She is NO lightweight on her post. They have plenty of substance.

I have an appointment tomorrow with a new client and another renovation. Excited.

As promised I have the paint colors I used on this project.

Master Bath:

BM Pale Smoke 1584

Master Bedroom:

SW 7526 Maison Blanche

A true beige without any yellow.

Laundry Room:

BM Gray Cashmere 2138-60

Dining Room:

BM Stratton Blue HC 142

Sons Room:

BM Quincy Tan HC 25

Guest Room:

BM Clay Beige OC 11

Another beige without yellow

The whole house is BM OC 8 Elephant Tusk.

Guest Bath:

BM Bennington Gray HC 82

Mudroom:

SW 7058 Magnetic Gray

All the trim [and the kitchen cabinets] is SW Creamy 7012

The info about these floors in the mudroom is:

It is a slate. If you are local you can call Speciality Tile on Miami Circle.

The wallpaper in the powder room is Schumacher. From the Modern Nature Collection. Tracery 5005121 Charcoal.

I have really hunted for a fabulous mirror. No luck yet. Frustrated.

The kitchen knobs are from Top Knob but I don't know the name of them...sorry. You can probably go to their web site and find.

I can't think of any other questions.

Here is the fabric that we used on the parsons chairs in the kitchen. That wasn't a question but one of the only new images on this post.

And here they are finished.

OK...nothing else until we finish the kitchen, dining area, and den. I promise. She and I decided that is our priority.

By the way...fun was had during my break at the beach. It was the warmest it has ever been. Reaching 73 a couple of days.

This was taken the day we left. Deserted. I love the beach in the winter.

Here is a picture of our place. It is in a community called Sunset Beach, about a block from Rosemary Beach. We DO rent it out so if anyone is interested our VRBO number is 48635. That was a SPP [self promotional plug].....:)

Time to feed dogs.....put clean sheets on the bed.....grab a hand full of pretzels....and then maybe do some blog reading. What a great Sunday.

Sherika

Back in the saddle.....

2012-01-04T09:56:00.000-05:00

The good thing is you never forget how to ride a bike. You might be a little wobbly when you get back on but the memory is still there.

Kind of like blogging. I opened blogger to start a post and sat there staring. At first it looked like a math problem to me. "I can't do this" I said to myself. "Of course you can......you know your multiplication tables sweetie.....just start from the beginning and you will be surprised what you can do"......"But what happens when I get to the 8's or 9's?"......."let's just start with the lower numbers and see how far we get".....

OK......the basics. Design. I am starting small here....easing back into it.

The good think is I do have a giveaway.....the Atlanta market is in town, and then there is always Scott's. A few updates on that house and some info on questions a few of you had.

First things first. Here is the info on that herringbone runner. I think I already posted about it before but I am lazy also, so I understand you do not want to go searching for it. I don't either so here is the info.

This picture makes it look black and white but it is actually black and tan.

Langhorne Carpet Company

Herringbone

Natural/black

#21312

In Atlanta you can contact Underfoot Designs.

Someone wanted to know the name of the Kravet fabric we are using for this project.

It is actually a new pattern called Royale-135.....Surf. She is a beaut and we are going to use it for all of the window treatments cause the client LOVES it!!!!! The sofa [the solid tan color] and the chairs [the cream windowpane] are all recovered.

This is an old picture, and I will have more [remember I am starting small today] of the screened in porch.

We painted the ceiling SW 6470 Waterscape and the floors SW Iron Ore.

The floors

Oh mommy.......

Also...here is the floor of the mudroom....

One of my favorite things...the herringbone pattern.

I am working this project aren't I.....:)

Next I will share the colors......but not today. Today I am only riding around the block. With training wheels. In the next few days I will jump on the road bike and it will be on.....like donkey kong.

Happy New Year.

You guys are the bombdigity for reading my blog. I have been terrible about commenting over the holidays but I prepared to use the time I set aside for unpacking to get caught up on that.

After all....I can just let those suitcases sit there until next week. I have done that before.

Lazy Sha Ray

Hello there.....

2011-12-28T12:37:00.000-05:00

Yes I did not plan on taking a break but somehow it just happened. It is kind of like not going to the gym for a few days and then you realize you haven't been in a week and your jeans are tight!!!

Most responsible bloggers advise their readers that they may be taking a few days off....I was so rude and just took it with no advance warning........like an ill-mannered teenager.

So here I am with not much to share but a few updates on that renovation. These were taken on move in day. I will list all paint colors when I get home. Can you believe that I did not bring the file with me to the BEACH?????

Here is the front of the home.

The shutters and front door [along with the stair railings inside] are painted SW Iron Ore. Trim is white and the outside of the house is painted BM Creamy White. The portico was added.

Here is that wonderful carpet that I showed you.

It was a little expensive but since she really does not have a foyer....we needed a BAM when the door was opened!

I think it will be good with dirt also. I twisted her arm and threw her down on the floor until she agreed to get it. Don't mess with me if I get obsessed with something......:)

One final shot of the Kravet teal grasscloth. Cute little brass chandelier too!!!

The back of the front door did get painted the same color.

Circa Lighting Ralph Lauren fixture for over the kitchen dining table. Yes...I know it needs new bulbs.

This is the den. The TV will go over the mantel.

Mudroom....I wanted one of these for Christmas......no dice. But maybe he is doing it while I am at the beach :)

Daughters vanity

Her floors....

Sons/guest bath

The kitchen hardware. We kept everything pretty classic.

Huge pantry....good Lord...who would not was a pantry the size of Rhode Island????

Here are the bar stools we ordered for the island. They are from Pottery Barn.

So there we have it. The day they moved in it POURED all day. Yup. I was there telling the movers where to put everything. It was crazy. The next day.....gorgeous.

I sincerely hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Little late I know.....how about this then..... Happy New Year! There I am early!

Sherika

A project update....

2011-12-21T14:04:00.000-05:00

The renovation I have been working on for about 7 months is almost ready. They are moving in on Thursday. I have to say that the builder [Michael Ladisic Fine Homes] is incredible. You can find more examples of his work here [he was the builder of this incredible house!] and here [ his personal home]. He has an impressive eye for detail no matter what your budget is.

With this house they took the whole back off and added a new kitchen/den, master bedroom, extra bedroom, laundry, screened in porch, back entrance/mudroom and office.

Yesterday they were there touching up the paint, hanging wallpaper, and cleaning. I only got a few shots but I will have more soon. Just wanted you to get a feel of how it is looking.

Hanging the teal grasscloth. Husbands office.

The new chandelier. Walls are Ben Moore Stratton Blue HC 142.

Finished up the wallpaper in the powder room. Need fabulous mirror.

The kitchen. It looks like the walls are yellow but they aren't at all. My photography skills suck.

Love the Circa Lighting Merchant Pendants over the island.

The master bath. Still missing some hardware here.

There will be more. They installed the carpet today. Remember the herringbone runner! I love it.

I am trying to be grateful that I have a warm snuggly home but after seeing this one come together I want to torch mine. Just kidding.....maybe.

Have you y'all seen this Christmas Tree over at An Urban Cottage????? Holy Miracles of all trees......I am so ~~hating~~ loving him right now. I am sure his eyelashes are even talented. That dude is a quick learner. Now even his photography skills are amazing. ~~Hate~~. ~~Jealous~~. I mean love and admire. Go look at it then look at yours. WTF.

Merry 4 days before Christmas......Raining here like like somebody up there is using a bucket instead of drops.

Sherika

I almost forgot....Scotts!

2011-12-17T14:27:00.000-05:00

I think it goes without saying that this time of year is definitely overload for most people.....do you feel like you are trying to keep marbles from rolling off a table????

You betcha.

I think I forgot how long ago I posted. So let me just put it out there....I am in total awe of everyday posters....even 6 day a week people.....OK well really if you get more than 3 a week then take a huge curtsy.

Enough complaining from me.

I completely forgot to share my Scott's trip from last week. First of all.....can I just say that it was a REALLY SLOW month. Many of the vendors confirmed that to me also. December.....most people are not spending money on pillows and things for their home. Except for crazy people like design bloggers :)

Anyway......here are the goods.

I love these....2 of them in a corner of a dining room? Think a large green fern or something. Or end tables!

Is everybody loving large lamps now? I know I am.

Hello pretty brass chest. Wanna come to my house and play?

Cool chair with plexiglass arms can come also.

I did not want to ask how much these vintage hanging lamps were because I was very afraid. That I might write a bad check.

I was thinking that I could put this over my mantel for Christmas but it was a tad too tall....

Made out of vintage wood.

Some old crusty gardening thing. I'll take it. I didn't though.

I have one of these. Never could really figure out what to do with it. It is in my basement along with a ~~million~~ few other things.

Amy was back with more of these great stools.....704 578 5722.

Want a killer turquoise sofa? I do. Down cushion and all.

Or a green flamestitch sofa. Love the lines on this one.

How about some Summer Hill fabric.

I feel for her...all dressed up but in need of a slight face lift. We talked surgeons.

Crazy pretty stockings.....

Well that's all......WHAT??? No pillows????

Of course...just messing with you guys.

Lovely colors.

Awesome black and white Ralph Lauren fabric.

So gorgeous....

Closeup.

Navy animal. You can make this one work anywhere.

I love these colors and the next one is a closeup of how the welt is done.

I love the small pleat at the corner.

Hand painted.

All from Sudi 404 495 9811. Even the stockings.

So when I pulled into the south building I noticed the car parked in front of me. The door was open. I thought it was kind of weird.

Came back 3 hours later and the door was still open

You think they were SO DANG excited about getting there they just forgot to close it? Look next to it is a Mini Cooper. That would not work for me. Can't fit anything in that sucker.

I am afraid my Christmas decor is at a real standstill. I am not really bothered by it, because we leave after Christmas for Florida. Less to take down. I like to make life easy.

Last weekend for shopping before Christmas.

I have the rest of the bank install on Monday and then my client with the blue island is moving in on Thursday! That will be a crazy hectic day for sure, cause I have to be there.

Every single one of you who read my blog are special. I sincerely appreciate that you take time to come by and listen to me mouth off :)

Sha Dazzle

Christmas spirit

2011-12-13T10:06:00.000-05:00

There are 12 days until Christmas.......I am moving at the speed of light here...the front porch is done. Since you saw the other front porch I did with birch logs.....then you know I grabbed a few for myself :)

Here is my wreath. It's not earth shattering....but it proves to my neighbors that I do believe....:)

I just took a plain wreath and added a few branches from my backyard, along with some eucalyptus and tied it with white burlap ribbon. Whew knew I was so creative. Just kidding......this looks like a project for 6th graders after all of the wonderful decor I have seen in blogland.

Then I took the birch logs and stuck them in my planter....

So dang easy....moss, glitter pinecones, burlap and twine.

Shoot I could take the pinecones away and leave this up forever....no watering!!!!!!

While we are at it here is an old cement lamb that I got about 15 years ago at Scott's. I love how the moss has found him.

Sometimes my one dog [he was dropped at birth I swear] will notice this guy, freak out and not want to go past him. Wish I could get it on film because it is quite funny.

A few more answers to questions about the benches. I got the upholstery webbing here. I just measured what was there and ordered a little extra. You know" measure twice....cut once" HA!

Then I just folded the ends under and stapled.

Oh yeah. Here is the info about the carpet in my design plan. The sample came from Myers Carpet here in Atlanta. You can give them a call and shoot them a picture because I am not positive of the name.

And......I was looking through some blogs the other day ~~when I should have been doing something productive~~ and found this crafty little number......

Are these not the cutest dang things ever?????? Cami from the blog tidbits made them and she is quite the talent! You need to go over and take a look at all of the other things she has done! I love how she did the pictures.

Allrighty then.....that is all for the day. Off to pick out floor stain color.

Sheriky

The winner and a design plan...

2011-12-10T12:38:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday to you! What...only 15 days until Christmas.....No way!

Yep...way.

AND..... the winner of the giveaway is Michelle from My Notting Hill! I love Michelle's blog....she actually featured me as a designer when I first started blogging. I did not even know enough to mention it on my blog. I was pretty green back then! The good thing is she often comes to Atlanta [she lives in DC] on business and we have gotten to meet and have dinner. Hopefully she forgave me for my bad blogging manners.

Went to Scott's on Thursday...boy it was a slow day there. I know it is the holiday season and not too many people are buying things for their home. What....I don't get that???? Pictures soon.

I am working on a whole house renovation so I thought I would show you my plan for the kitchen and family room.

Here is a picture of what the kitchen looked like about 2 weeks ago.

The cabinets and trim are painted Creamy by Sherwin Williams. The walls are Ben Moore OC 8 Elephant Tusk. The island is painted Ben Moore HC 142 Stratton Blue.

Here are the fabrics we are using.

How come I always manage to try for the blue first. I am sneaky like that :)

This is the same house that this runner is going in.

The bannister is going to be painted SW Iron Ore. It is a wonderful dark dark gray. Hopefully the inside front door will be painted also. Here was my convincing photo to that effect...

Makes SUCH a difference!

Thank you all for the great response to my benches! I keep going in the bedroom to take a peek at them....someone asked the name of the fabric and it's Riad by Windsor Smith for Kravet. I totally cheated and had them recovered.

Last thing...I asked a friend of mine what she was up to this weekend and she said she had Cavalia. I looked at her and cocked my head...."what is that? A religious celebration or something". She about fell out. No it is a production like a circus but with horses. Whatever....how am I supposed to know that.

Anybody else heard of it?

Anyway, like the rest of you, I have laundry, bed making, and grocery shopping to get done today. Need to wrap this up.

Sha Fab

Before and after.....benches

2011-12-07T18:15:00.000-05:00

Normally this time of year we aren't working on projects but trying to get the Christmas decor up. The fact that I completed this little makeover will tell you something about me......that I will do almost anything rather than drag my ass up to the attic.

I agree that I like to change things up but not for just 3 weeks. If I am going to work that hard on something..... there has to be either a party or it is going to stay for a while right?????

Bah Humbug to me huh?

Whatever...I can take it.

Here are the details.

You saw the before

There are 2 and I purchased them back in early spring. Cheap.

And the fabric I was going to use

Time for the staples to come out. Not a fun job and after I started then finished one my husband jumped in and did the second. Of course that was after much complaining about how my shoulder was hurting and me shouting loudly "boy this sure is hard". Walking around clutching my arm like somebody went all wrestle-mania and hit me.

I had to order the upholstery webbing online because I could not find any with the black stripe instead of the red. I think I did that about 3 months ago. Then I was tired and had to take a nap :)....not really but I want you to see how slow I was moving on this issue.

Spray paint was next and I am not going to put you too sleep with pictures of that. I will tell you that I used Krylon indoor/outdoor semi-gloss black. You don't need a picture of the can right?

That paint was the bomb. No dripping or clogging. So smooth. Score at Michaels for 4.99@can.

Well here we are after the paint and webbing was installed.

In case you are just joining us YES...my floors are white! In my whole house. All because of a dishwasher leak last summer.

Seriously I had to take a picture of how the webbing was. My memory has deteriorated so much. The 60's did that to me if you get my drift "wink wink". Go on with you little brats that weren't even alive then....

And...here they are all finished. Well one anyway. Both are done but they look just alike!

I still have not polished up the brass thingys on the legs. Waiting for them to get good and dry before I tape the legs again. Normally I am not that patient.

I have them both in my guest room, one at the foot of the bed and one here. [bed is to the right]

Then I was getting all stylish by folding this little flea market vintage crocheted throw on top.

One project finished...at least 50 to go.

I am kind of loving them.... what do you think????

Likey?

Scott's tomorrow.

Anybody going?

Let's meet for coffee.....but let me know so I can slap on a little makeup. I don't want to scare anyone.

Sheriky Freaky Deaky

Picking a winner for the giveaway Friday AM....

Monday ramblings.....

2011-12-05T09:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning...I am still in my jammies...yes I know it is 8:46. I might even have a second cup of coffee. Maybe. I usually only drink a half cup. Cause I hate when it gets cold.

We'll see.

Anyway here is the scoop for today.

First thing is Becca from GARDNERS 2 BERGERS is featuring my foyer today and how I recovered my bench. Becca is a queen of DIY. I got so caught up in reading her blog and seeing all of the projects she has managed to tackle. Seriously, that girl has some mad skills......please go check out her project gallery!

Then I was reading a few blogs this morning....yeah there is a news flash, and came across something to share with you. Lisa Mende is a blogger/designer in Charlotte North Carolina. She was at market and saw this great idea called Tempaper. I am going to let her give you the 411 so go here and see what I am talking about! It is certainly for bloggers who can not commit.....you know who you are :)

After much procrastinating I managed to fill a wooden bowl with some Christmas greenery. Whoopie. Look at me...a real Martha Stewart. Let's face it though....she has people to execute her designs.

I got this bowl at Scott's. It is HUGE.

I love the metal plates on it. It was only $50.00 Pretty good for a dough bowl that big.

Then I worked my magic with greenery and some clementines in a bowl.

Kind of Christmasy right????? Not really magic.

I'll probably finish up on the 23rd like I did last year and then leave town on the 27th. What is the point. I don't know.

I have one last thing to share.
If you have been reading Design Indulgence for a while you know I am NOT a wiz bang in the kitchen. Today with one little picture I am going to prove this to you.

Here is a peeler.

I am sure you are thinking.....yeah so what. Well I have had this thing for a while and always wondered why it did such a crappy job peeling. In fact I think I bought a new one but this one managed to stay in the drawer also.

As I was taking it out of the DW the other day I noticed this. What the hell......Oh.....hmmmmm. I had never taken this little sticker off.

And we wonder why shampoo comes with directions. For people like me.

I did finish my project this weekend!

Don't forget the giveaway......

Mondays are for getting things done and making a weekly list.

Here's hoping it is not too long :)

Sheriky

Slipcovers.....

2011-12-03T14:36:00.000-05:00

Boy...3 yards of Schumacher fabric has everyone in a dither...the same dither I was in when I tried to figure out how to use it in my house.....first. I mean after all it is about me :) I wish I was like Oprah and had 3 yards for everyone.

Just curious...do you enter a giveaway even if it is not something that will fit in your home??? Or do you leave it for the ones who would stab their mothers to win?

I am afraid todays post will not help anyone outside the Atlanta area...sorry. It is about slipcovers and I am going to share a great source with you at the end of this post. STOP.....read first people. Everyone is probably out Christmas shopping today anyway....

First, we must start with just a few pictures because let's face it you guy's will be gone faster than 50% off Christmas decor without visual stimulation.

OK...these are not slipcovers but I wanted to tell you about the different skirts you can use when recovering or slipcovering a piece of furniture. This is called a waterfall skirt. One of my favorites. I think it gives a chair or sofa nice clean lines.

Another view of the same style skirt.

Here is an example of what NOT to do....

I know this is not a slipcover but look how short the skirt is....now go back up the the other picture and see how graceful and pretty it looks with a longer skirt.

You can also NOT do cording but use a french seam instead. Se above picture of chair and ottoman...no cording.

Here are a few more pictures I lifted from Cozy Cottage Slipcovers.
She is located in Ohio.

Nice addition of the added pleat...which gives it a more casual look.

Love the ticking....

Here are just a few more images.....duh...like you can't go on Pinterest and see slipcovers until your eyes start to bleed. But just in case you just woke up from a coma and have never seen them.......

No cording.....

I am using that style a lot now. Just gives it a more modern look.

OK...so see the cording on this cushion???? Well I had the cushions remade without cording and this is just a little preview of the makeover that is happening at Casa Sha Sham right now!!!

Uh huh.....I should finish them up [I have 2] this weekend so you will just have to check back soon.

Also...this might be the fabric I am using....

Notice I did not actually put a specific day that they will be done. I'm not crazy. One little distraction can totally derail my good intentions.

*******Ok...back to slipcovers.....I have a guy who will come to your house and do everything there....Yep...no having to take the furniture out of your home. SERIOUS!********

He is really good.

So here is the link. His name is Jim Brown. 770 516 0841.......Atlanta. You will not be disappointed. I am thinking black and white ticking for my next set.

Don't forget about that little giveaway.....

Probably pick a winner on Friday???

Off to continue spray painting......

Sheriky

A little giveaway....just for fun!

2011-11-29T10:23:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a swell Thanksgiving......I did.

Still have not gotten on the Christmas decor train yet but I am feeling like I could accomplish some today.

Maybe.

Let's not get crazy!

I do have one heck of a little package for your winning pleasure.

Have a look.....

3 yards of Schumacher Nanjing in jade. Yes...3 yards. Let's break it down....

Pretty huh?

One yard of this vintage Schumacher fabric. It is thick upholstery weight. The picture is a little off...it is much brighter than it appears....

Small vintage glass and brass jar, chinoiserie plate, and a nice gold vase. You could put Christmas balls in it!!!

How about some marble paper from Anthro. You could frame....of course. Duh.....

Or wrap something...your choice.

The possibilities of it all....

Get some more and recover a sofa....

Mix it with some black and white....

Or mix with Betwixt in black and white [new colorway for fall]

You have plenty to cover some DR chairs.....and maybe paint your walls a dark gray. Like this...

So...if you REALLY want it....it is yours, just leave me a comment and say "I'm in".....

So easy.......and follow Design Indulgence.

I have almost talked myself into keeping it.....but I would have to change so much in my house to make this work. Like every stinking thing. Just don't have the funds to start thinking that way.

Thanks for all the sweet comments on the Thanksgiving decor. Yes...those birch logs are the bomb aren't they??? Wish I had gotten the big ones......oh well. Someone wanted to know about those large candles...they came from Pottery Barn a few years ago.

I also did this and forgot to include it. I am not a potpourri person, but I opened 3 different bags and just picked out the good stuff....

Hope Tuesday is shaping up....26 days until Christmas......96 days until my birthday. In case you were wondering.

Sha Ray

Gray Saturday...

2011-11-26T15:38:00.000-05:00

Which follows Black Friday. I am only saying that because it is a very gray day here in the ATL.....but still dang hot like 67 degrees. Every morning I get dressed and then by mid day I look like an older [older than me......heehaw!] woman who is having a really bad hot flash......sweating like crazy.

I am not complaining.....because I know in January when it is really cold [cold for us southerners like 30 degrees then I will be whining....]

Thanksgiving....here are a few shots of the table I did for Jan. I know that table settings always look busy...am I in denial? Maybe it was a little full....so what...who cares.....

We just kept layering and layering.

The flowers....white roses from Costco [bought on Monday...used for another party at a friends house on Tuesday night.....recycled on Thursday and they are still going strong for another party on Sunday night] Gotta love that....

Place settings....

Colors were orange, brown, and cream. With a splash of green....

Setting tables can be real fun.....especially if you have beautiful things to work with huh????

Here is what I came up with on the front porch.

Hot glued moss to clear glass plates to set on the birch logs....

Stuffed this with more greenery and large pinecones.

White pumpkin on an old stool....

That is all I got for you .....I have been sleepy today. I really WANT to get out some Christmas decor....I am going to try.....really hard. Swear. Or I could go down on the couch....it is a tossup.

For those of you that wanted the info about the herringbone carpet: It is by Langhorne Carpet Company. Color: 814 natural/black. Pattern: 21312.

I am getting it priced out right now....hope it isn't scary expensive :(

Continue enjoying your Holiday weekend.....Sheriky

A little before and after.....

2011-11-22T08:30:00.000-05:00

First of all thank you for your concern on my recent screw up. That was 24 hours of hell for real.

I couldn't think of anything else until I got it straightened out.

I am sure you get my drift here. She made her plans in AUGUST for a nice week at the beach. She could not have been more understanding. Whew.

Last Thursday I did a very small dining room makeover. Actually just recovering the DR seats and addressing the table.

Let's start at the beginning. Here is the before.

She already had a beautiful soft buttery yellow on the walls and some pretty silk drapes. That is a good start

You might remember the redesign we did on her space. You can see it here

After the redesign, we tweaked the DR and it looked like this...

A little organization...a new rug and changing out the pictures.

Here was the old rug....

We always knew that she wanted to change out the fabric on the DR chairs.

Here is the chair before

Chair after....

I used Betwixt. It is textural and neutral with the black and white.
If you remember....here were my thoughts on this room

I planned on using the color in the host and hostess chair, but they were too short. Dang...it is hard to find DR chairs that are 40-41 inches hight these days.

That is why I pulled the color into the pillows. Us "desecraters" have to be able to make concessions sometimes.....Pull a plan B.

I am so in love with the jars....I want some for ME...ME ME ME!

The only thing I bought on the dresser was that cute little Ikat bowl!!! I just dug around her house to come up with a vignette.....

One for her....one for me :)

Fortunately she was having a party the day after...so my flowers were put to good use. I love working with Kara.......she is SO trusting! I think all of you will agree....that is the BEST kind of client!

We will keep looking for the perfect chairs for that room......I know they are out there somewhere....

On another thought...I am working on a whole house renovation.

This is the old carpet that has been there while they were working.

Here are the two samples we are thinking about using....

I am in love with this herringbone. Classic. We are painting the railings SW: Iron Ore. It is a very dark gray.

Here is another choice.

I love this one also. The trellis is actually a gray. Which one do you favor?

Well..... the lovely holiday where we consume about 5000 calories is almost upon us. I will not be cooking, but my job is to set the table.....I am good with that.

For those of you who left comments about our rental in Rosemary Beach can find the info here
Now listen...Do not go to the site and start criticizing my decor or I will cute every last one of y'all. This place was furnished when we bought it. I have of course tried to get rid of all the palm trees, monkeys and fish....but remember....it is a rental and as much as I want to put all white slipcovers on the furniture and make it to my liking.....it is just not possible. The good part is that it is 200 steps to one of the most amazing beach ever........

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving....you can read my post from last year here......I am still thankful for all the same things! What a lazy blogger I am :)

Sha Boom!

More Scott's and a big mess up...

2011-11-19T16:39:00.000-05:00

I had big plans for posting yesterday. Oh yes I did. I had the curtain install at the bank and everything was going my way as they say when I got a phone call that sent me into a spiral. Ok...it wasn't earth shattering but it messed with my day big time.

I know you have heard me talk about our home near the beach. {Rosemary Beach near the Panhandle]. Before you start thinking I am a gazillionaire cause I own a beach home...let me just say that I don't own it...the bank does and they LET us make payments on it every month!!!! Awesome huh??? Anyway...long story short.

It is a rental. I DOUBLE booked it for the week of Thanksgiving. You say:"How the heck did you do that Sherry?" HELL if I know.......but that is beside the point. Fixing it NOW is the agenda. You say: "How are you going to do that Sherry?" Beats the crap out of me but I will put on my weak ass "thinking cap" [it is old and does not work very well anymore] and start working on it like ants building a mound.

I'll keep you posted.

I realize that is not why you are here [I am sure you have your own problems] to hear me complain about my inability to manage my life!

Let us get on to Scott's part 2.

These beautiful ice buckets to go with those lovely bars I showed you!

I racked my brain on where to put this little number...since it was such a great deal.

Wouldn't this make a cute headboard...$50.00!

Crazy good retro hanging lamp.....

You crafty people...get going covering some old suitcases in burlap....

Yes...my fav color...I regret leaving this little bargain behind....

Another little crafty idea...glass candlesticks with jars glued on them......

I mighty pretty pillow.....

And 2 more great pillows.....

How about these...this was a new vendor and he had loads of good stuff!

See here....

These are cute pillows to me.

He sold these target practice sheets! Just in case you need to practice shooting someone.

This is a strangely "light" pillow post.....there weren't many good ones left when I got there on Friday.

This one was right nice.....

****Update: I managed to secure another unit and my renters were so nice about it! Whew! That will teach me to pay attention and slow down on the multitasking.....

Enjoy your weekend.....I am going to try to salvage mine....:)

Later

Sherika

Here we go.....Scott's

2011-11-16T09:11:00.000-05:00

I hate to say this but sometimes I go to Scott's and I feel a little bored because I will see the same things every month. [Whew I might get some hate mail with that statement!] Which is a good thing in some ways because if I don't get something....I can usually find a version of it next month.

I don't know if it was because of Christmas coming up but everyone seemed to have plenty of stuff! Bad for me [spending wise]......good for them. I did not get to go on Thursday because of my bank install which sucked. I like to be there when the doors open!!!! Like shopping the day after Christmas with my nose to the door......

So let's get down to it.

Love the old andirons...They would look great with some birch logs on them and throw in a few branches of magnolia and BAM!

OK...cute metal lockers but the bad thing is that you could see the mess. Cause I don't know about you but I hang burlap sacks in my closets?????

If you don't like this pillow then we can't be friends.

Pink and blue......

Another little hottie......

You know we love this pattern.....

Um...hello! Love the shape.

And this shape.

Same vendor. Loving all of these...

Love this quote from The Help.

Oh but I wanted this little number.....

Probably came out of a home in Miami...but I am loving this rug.

Maybe the same house...I don't know. What is it about orange and brass......

More brass.....but wait....the next picture.....

This is my exact chandelier that I have in my attic. I used to have it in my DR and took it down about 4 years ago. I thought about putting it back up.....but just not sure I am ready to go back there yet. Even after I bought it 20 years ago...I always thought it was too big for my space. Note to self....I can see that chandeliers do not hold their value....I paid twice that. Was I smoking crack?????

I have more pictures but need to do another post.

I did want to add one more thing.

I have been curling my hair with a curling iron lately. So far I have burned my arm...seriously it was about 2 inches long and turned black and then pealed off. Hurt like the dickens. Big scar. I have about a dozen small burns on my fingers and around my hairline....but then I burned my forehead.....

Yeah...as my friend Maria said when she saw this...I might need parental supervision moving forward. WTF...I have no business using a gadget that is clearly made for young people.....or just people who must have way more coordination than I do. Some friends had suggested I use a visor to prevent further damage to my skin.

Suggestions?

Why do my eyes look different sizes?

This will look good through the holiday season. Throw on a holiday outfit...burn you head [the latest accessory] and off you go.

Take care now.....stay away from really hot things.

Lucky Me.....

2011-11-13T15:40:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow [Monday] I am being featured on The Enchanted Home! I am sure you y'all follow Tina and her journey of building her dream house. Honestly it is so gorgeous there are no words. I think she is close to moving in and then we can share in all of the fun decorating choices. I know I am going to love that.

Now it would be easy to be pea green with envy of Tina....but dang she is SO nice. She always leaves beautiful comments...not short ones like "That's really nice" but full on paragraphs. And sometimes every blog that I start to leave a comment on...she has already been there and left one. I literally do not know how she does it with a family and overseeing all that it takes to build such a grand home. I have a feeling that when her head hits the pillow at night...it is coma time!

Anyway...I am honored that she asked me to participate in her "Behind the Blogger" series. You really need to get a cup of coffee or tea and go have a look around. I promise you will not be disappointed. Not reading about me.....but reading her blog :) Her post are beyond gorgeous and she is as real as they come.....I hope I can meet her in person one day :)

Here is one picture of a reception area of the bank job [sounds like I am a "thief"!].

Before.....

And after

I had this painting commissioned from a local artist. It is Lake Burton, Ga.

Also moved that red chair and covered this seat cushion. Look people...I know it's not much....but a big improvement over the blank wall and the red chair!

Her name is Andrea Costa. I am in love with her work. She did this one on linen.

She is usually at Scott's in the south building up front. Here is her email: andreacrock@comcast.net

I received many comments about the HGTV show Donna Decorates Dallas from readers [and designers] in the Dallas/Texas area. The consensus was negatory on the design style of that region. So I am left to assume that is her perception of great design....I don't know [after all Jan Showers lives down there].............but like I said, she is pretty and wears really high shoes. I am going to leave it at that :)

I hope everyone is kicking back and enjoying their Sunday. It is back up to 70 degrees here in Atlanta. I was sweating all day in my boots and sweater.

I am going to blast you guys with some great Scott's pictures sometime this week.

Sha Fab...

The gold buttons...

2011-11-10T07:15:00.000-05:00

I sat down last night to sew on those gold buttons. Just 5. There were a few bumps along the way....

I must have gotten cheap thread because on one of them the thread got stuck and I had to cut the bugger and start over. There were 2 buttons on the sleeves and 3 on the front of the coat. After I got the 2 on the sleeves done...they went pretty smooth, so I must have gotten kind of cocky like I was going to start changing ALL the buttons on everything I had.....I started with the front. Whoa there nellie......

I was cutting off the buttons only as I was doing them [meaning that I did NOT cut all of the buttons off at once] First one...check. Start cutting off the second one...whoops I just realized I cut off the one I had just sewn on....yeah...you read that right. Cuss myself out. Decide right then and there....no more button changing.

I tried to get a really good picture but they all make the coat look navy. It is not. It is purple.

But....hey it is done. Voila. Ta Da. Bam.

J Crew 258.00

Sherika 65.00

I have a few new fabrics to show you from Kravet.

These are a real pretty light weight linen.

Good for curtains....

or pillows...

comes in so many good colors....

Treads is the name of it. I think there were even other colors but they weren't up on the web site yet.

Also Latika now comes in some other really pretty colorways. They only had one up on the web site so far.

So pretty.

Here are a few trims from the Calvin Klein Collection [Kravet also].

Wouldn't these look good down the leading edge of some panels....

One more...

Awesome!

Here are 2 more trims from the same collection that I loved.

Gorgeous huh???

AND....I am using this beautiful teal grasscloth [from Kravet] in an office. So excited.

Partial bank install today.....Oh Joy. But I am excited to see the art work hung up. Pictures I hope. Scott's tomorrow.

Happy Doodle Thursday my little asparagus tips....

The winner!

2011-11-07T09:09:00.000-05:00

Ok.....the winner of my giveaway is Hartmom! She didn't want to win because she said she would feel compelled to redecorate her bedroom. Uh Oh......

It's Monday and I have a list 3 miles long. I am doing part of the bank installation this week. I have about 15 lamps in boxes all around my house....crazy.

I was reading Janell's blog the other day. She updated a black coat with gold buttons. Go see. She is so clever.....That was like an AH HA moment for me. I have been eying the same coat she posted about at J Crew.

So I found a short purple coat at Nordstrom Rack for $49.00. Score. Then off to the button store I went. I was all excited until I saw this....

Oh for crying out loud. How can a person make a decision. 1st choice...not enough. 2nd choice...not enough. So I walked out with my 3rd choice. They could have ordered them but I was all about instant gratification. Coat...check. Buttons....check. To sew myself or take to someone else? 5 little buttons. I'm gonna do it!

Scott's is this week......Going to 2 Home Design store openings on Thursday afternoon. AND....I am going with my friend Lisa to a preview of Sex and The Second City on Thursday night. She said we might as well go to all 3 events...as long as you are going to put on mascara :) I said I would have to drink one of those 5 hour energy drinks to stay awake.....

On another note I was awarded the Versatile Blogger award by 3....yes I said 3 different bloggers!
First was Danni and Julie from the blog T & G Interiors. If you have not seen their blog and their design work...then you must go.

The Tiffany from Living Savvy felt compelled to bestow this award to me.....Tiffany is so creative, I mean she upholstered a chair for goodness sake. That takes skills people!!!

And Megan from Nutmeg and Company. Megan is a Canadian blogger who is renovating a historical home. They own a renovation company so lucky her...when she needs a shelf installed....she has a hook up!

I am honored that they all took the time to give me this award and that they even read my blog. I am still amazed that I have even thought of enough things to say for almost 2 years [February].

I don't think there is anything that people don't know about me but if your bored...here is another post where I blabbed on and on about my life. .....http://designindulgence.blogspot.com/search/label/Stylish%20Blogger%20Award

Thank you so much Danni, Julie, Tiffany and Megan. You are in the will.

4 day week....Friday is a holiday......Whoop Whoop.

Sherika

House of Fifty, Boxwoods, and a little HGTV show called Donna Decorated Dallas......

2011-11-03T10:58:00.000-04:00

OK...first let's start with the new issue of House of Fifty.

Baby it is live, as I am sure you all know! And the cover had me at "modern country".....that photo is stunning. Congratulations to Janell and her team because they are working it so right.....

Next up I have a few pictures/ideas from a store I went to recently in Atlanta.....yes another one. Stand down people....I KNOW all of you do not live here but this is my hometown and I have to support all these design/home stores. Retail is tough out there!

Boxwoods Garden and Gifts has an eclectic mix of decorative accessories, antiques and vintage furniture. It has always been a go to place if you needed a beautiful arrangement that might include an orchid, greenery and a beautiful container. Now they have opened a home store.

WOWZA.....it is beautiful!

This was on display right when you walked in, and I have to say that Brook and Steve would be proud. There is quite the "patina style" in this store!

The stairs are just raw pine, but with a gray stain on them.....

I love how primitive they look.

Yes siree bob.....I want this ceiling.

The white wood is just strips of PLYWOOD.....white washed. Uh huh......

Burlap curtains...so simple! The walls were a beautiful grayish french blue.

Holy Christmas......this chair has my name written all over it.....invisible ink...:)

Want some dishes with greek key? I do.

How about some hot damn gorgeous silverware!!!

This chest started singing when I looked at it. I think it felt it's own "hotness"....

Iloveantiquemirrorsomuch.

Burlap padded walls.....I want these when they finally put me away :)

The edge of a cool bench....

Need some smokin cool tablecloths?

Yeah...this had me dreaming.....what a ceiling.

White and gray with a touch of green is so damn special....

I like that you can hang this on the wall...

Old shutters....dishes stacked....and a cool console. Just doesn't get much better.

Everywhere I looked....gorgeousness.....If you are in Atlanta....you must go take a look. There is so much to see here.

OK...one last thing. Has anyone seen the HGTV show Donna Decorates Dallas??? That is one crazy show. I thought it was supposed to be funny at first. OK....I am not going to sit here like I am the authority on all things design because that is not the case. But I am just wondering is it a regional thing? Kind of like Swedish design is light and airy, and homes in the mountains are kind of woodsy and such? Cause that girl can pile on the bling.

I guess that is why there is chocolate, strawberry and vanilla......everybody wants something different. For me.....and I am like Oprah right now [remember when she said she didn't like beef].....it is not quite my style...just saying. On a positive note...she is real pretty. And she will do an install in 6 inch heels..gotta hand it to her on that one.

Last chance for the giveaway......

52 days until Christmas.....Get going!

Sha Fab

Hello Tuesday!

2011-11-01T10:01:00.000-04:00

Not sure what happened to Monday......

I will tell you this. Halloween candy is for young people. Yep. After smelling the candy through the wrapper for about as long as I could take it last night I broke into a box of Milk Duds.

There were only 4 in the box and as I was ferociously chewing the carmel goodness I had a thought. Hmmmmm....better be careful this could pull off my crown. And with that thought....it happened. Crikey now I have to go to the dentist. Not that dentist are bad people, but I would rather wipe the butts of a hundred billion babies with the smelliest, grossest diarrhea than step inside those doors. You get it?????

On to more pleasant things.

Like a few costumes my friends wore to a Halloween party I went to. Then on to design I promise.

My friend Jan was a "pot smoking" hippie. Love the boots!

Mel was Kim K. She had implants for her but and could not sit down all night. Butt smutt.....I could not have walked in those shoes all night.

Carlos was Johnny Depp.....

Cindy was his Penelope!

And I was a party pooper....did not dress up.

Since Carlos and Cindy spent the night at my house so they wouldn't have to drive home [they live about 30 minutes from where the party was] I had to clean my house. I think that is why I did not have the energy to dress up :)

I have collected all of these blue jars from Goodwill and flea markets. Not paying over $5.00 for any of them.

I added that Ikea skin on my sofa BECAUSE I CAN NOT KEEP MY ONE DOG OFF THE DARN THING!!!!! No matter what I put on it...books, tin foil, a chair he will knock it off and get on. He ain't playin....

Pink flowers were my theme to pull in my pink chairs.....

Ok...enough about me.
I saw this on Kara Paslay Designs blog

You need to go see this before and after...so cute!

And check out how Mandi Smith T from the blog Interior Design Musings sourced this room for "Get The Look". She did a great job.

Don't forget about the giveaway....

Have a totally rad Tuesday :)

Sha Ray

It's giveaway time.....

2011-10-28T17:13:00.000-04:00

OK...you made it to Friday! I don't know about you but this week went fast.

Thank you faithful readers for taking the time to let me know the name of my weed.....I know it's not a weed but all the sudden this year it sprung up everywhere. So I am now the happy owner of Ageratum. And they say with a little care....WHAT....It just showed up in my yard with out ANY care :)....which I guess is enough, it will come back.

So now you are saying...OK...OK...enough about weeds...what are you giving away.

"Alrighty" then.

Here it is.

Like I said...I am into green right now. This is a Waverly print. I happen to love it. There is 3 yards, plus a yard of brown burlap and I think at least if not more 2 yards of cream cotton duck.

3 vintage bird prints.

A pretty white vase.

A vintage gin bottle....Love the color.

A black and cream box.

A closeup of the fabric.
It could be the start of a guest room...and you can get more of the fabric. I saw it at Hancocks.
So if you want it then it could be yours! Yes that is right...all yours.
Become a follower of Design Indulgence. I will try to entertain you, I swear.

But...wait we have more to see this Friday afternoon. I was scouting around my neighborhood this week and came across a small home furnishing shop called greyhouse [3208 paces ferry place atlanta ga. 30305]. Cindy Dunaway is a local designer and the owner. It is located in a cute little house, so I took some shots for you guys.

Love those Arterior [I think] lamps.

Closeup.

Antique mirrored coffee table and wonderful rug. I'll take both.

How much do you love these oversize lamps????

I am loving this jolt of yellow. Last week it was green...I am so wishy washy.

And I literally wanted to hug this pillow. She would have thought I was weird. Can you hear the dinner conversation.

This yellow is killing me.

Simple...but not. Gold pinecones in a wooden bowl.

Betwixt....you had me at texture.

Simple banding on neutral curtains. Classy. Timeless.

She had some beautiful artwork also. If you are in the area, go by and take a look.

Well...I sat here to do this post and it started raining. So now I can't walk my dogs [which is something I do every evening around this time]. Which means they will stare at me all night and every time I get up and go in my bedroom they will come flying in with their ears up thinking it is time. For some reason they do not understand that it is raining. I feel guilty.

Have the BEST weekend!

What is this?????

2011-10-26T12:05:00.000-04:00

First of all...how come every time I make soup and put it in the microwave I forget that it explodes. How many times must I clean it out before I remember to put a paper towel over it??????

Crap.

OK...on to the reason of this post. Who knows what this flower/weed is???

It is growing all over the back yard.

It is purdy.....and last a long time in a vase.

See...

A week old.....

One more thing....

Here is a dining room I am working on. Betwixt on seats. 2 orange host and hostess chairs. Walls are already a pale yellow with yellow silk curtains. Seagrass.

I ordered those blue pots from Wisteria. One came broken. No worries, they are shipping another.

I LOVE THEM.

Can I keep?????

Happy Wednesday.

Remember my lately obsession about green?

Stay tuned for a green giveaway on Friday.

Starting another design plan...

2011-10-24T16:24:00.000-04:00

Or...the second brown sectional!!!

First of all I want to say I am over at Capella's blog A Curated Lifestyle today with 10 things I believe.....you are going to want to know them.....

AND...you need to check out her blog. She is a very talented young designer here in Atlanta, who did an amazing room at the Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Christmas House last year. Plus, she does a best of Atlanta craigslist for all of you bargain hunters out there.

Now onto the project.

Brown sectional.

Here are some of the plans I put together...

This is the first one I started with. I am all over that Imperial Trellis in green lately. I know I might be a little late to this party....but I don't care.

Then, I came up with this one because she told me that she really was not a green person. She wanted more red.

I was pretty excited about it. Love the Victoria Hagan lead fabric.

Then she said what part of "I'm not a green person" did you not understand????? OK....OK....I get it! She really did not say it like that :)

Brainstorm.....OK, I got it...red and blue!

Here was the first one.....

But we tweaked it....darkened the blue quilted fabric and took out the navy.

Ding Ding Ding....we have a winner! Whew.

Luckily we got to keep the Kathryn Ireland lead fabric. She loves it, I love it, life is good.

The light grasscloth wallpaper and some nice light scrim on the windows to ease the visual clutter. Can't wait to get started.

A couple of questions answered from the last post.

Everything on this white tray is from Schumacher .

61 days until Christmas. AYFKM????? I am bypassing fall decor. Straight to Christmas. Ha Ha Ha....who am I kidding....I did my Christmas decor last year on Dec 22.

Last issue we have here is that I would love to answer all of your questions...really I would, but I need an email. Don't make me feel guilty about this. Just give me what I want. Make sure that when you leave a comment I can reply to it.

That's all. It is Monday. All day.

Hello Friday!

2011-10-21T16:20:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it...another week and now it is the weekend. Booyah!!!

So let's get right down to business....just got another project, and another brown sectional. My second one this year [sectional, not project!]

I did one this summer [leather] and I pretty much raided Pottery Barn for pillows. We had to recover chairs and the ottoman, along with a new rug, so that did not leave much for custom pillows.

Here is the before, we kind of went with a little "Americana" theme...red, white, and blue to wake up all the brown!

The majority of the budget went to recover the 2 chairs and ottoman. I think it was worth it though. She has 4 kids so it HAS to be durable!

They turned out pretty good.

Ottoman before:

And after

Another view

Changed out the end table by the sofa, added a new bigger lamp....and one of the biggest changes was the seagrass rug.

Lot's of pillows on the sofa to soften it up a bit.

Here is the kitchen dining area....before

A sea of brown.....

Changed out the light fixture.

New cushion out of sunbrella fabric, new rug and more PB pillows....Thank God it was the end of the season and all the pillows were on sale!

So...not much money...a little accessorizing....NO new furniture [except for the small end table] and a much more cohesive look.

Now I am putting together some looks for the next sectional...it is not leather but a micro fiber...like ultra suede.

I'll show you the different plans next week. I'm getting pretty good with brown :)

I was ADAC [design center] the other day and Schumacher has an awesome new wallpaper book out. I snapped a few of my favs....

Can I tell you how glad I am that blue is back in a big way?????

I could so do a room with this...

Ahhhhh.....

Loving these patterns so much.

Can I get a high five that wallpaper is BACK?????

I am looking at this for another project I am working on.

This would be a pretty bedroom or LR huh???? I love that fabric so much it makes me sick. For real.

OK my little brussel sprouts...you must rock this weekend for all it is worth....let the air out of it....toss it up.....kick it around!

Crack open the wine.....

Sherika

Scott's part 2 and why I love Atlanta!

2011-10-18T16:30:00.000-04:00

This might be a busy post! I have the rest of my Scott's pictures [what would I post about if I didn't have Scott's???] and some events happening in Atlanta this week.

First I want you to know it was an "all about me week".....I was really feeling old and haggard....so I went and pretended I was a "Real Housewife".....got some botox and a little filler [they were having a promotion] so I can lie about my age....yeah like I can get away with that. Then I got an email from my hair salon that today was "reccessionista" day...all services were 20% off....I'm on the phone for cut and color! Whoop...Whoop. I am feeling quite glamorous.

OK..TMI....I know...back to pictures.

Sometimes, I like to show y'all little ideas.....how cute. Kind of looks like little cotton balls....

Yeah...we could do this....

Unusual.

What is it about rust and industrial....

I took this and that women came running over to me saying "NO PICTURES PLEASE".....come on, I could have snuck it with my iphone. She thinks maybe this is the cure for cancer?????

I love an old sign...I love an old blue sign. Check out the blue chair also.

This was a beautiful mid century piece, check out the brass legs.

Acrylic and gold.....whoa.

Whoops...snuck a pillow in there :)

Another sneak.....

OK...one more. I can't help it...it had me at "blue".

I love the large mat......and what is it about birds.

Another large mat. It gives the picture so much more presence.

Love how he painted the outside white. Seeing a lot of this lately are you????

Need some grain sacks??? They used to be $15, I have not bought them in a while...probably $25 or $30 now.

If you have a teenager...this would be good for interrogation.

Queen Anne and chevron....hello.

Uh huh.

More uh huh....I love this...but I am afraid if my dog chewed up the corner...well it could get ugly living the rest of his life in a cage.

Blue and White.....classic.

Shells in concrete. I'm all over it.

Moss in wood....all over that also.

Moss and things that grow on trees......purdy.

Shabbiness.....or frenchness.....still like it.

That is all I got. For Scott's anyway.

Now a little promotion for some local folks.

A friend of mine just opened a shop that sells casseroles. Yes...it is what's for dinner!

Called Half Baked. I don't know about you, I can muster up the salad, but the entree is where I fall apart.

I helped her with the design, so here are some pictures.

Of course a chalkboard. Check.

Of course a barn door....check.

AND...of course white floors with painted stripes. CHECK!

I will probably be a regular customer!

Next are two events this week for other local businesses.

Peridot is a local gift shop that has been on the corner of West paces Ferry Rd and Maple Ave forever! They are having their 23rd birthday....this Friday 6-8 pm. Everything is 23% off. Yep, you read that right. You have to have some pretty good loot to stay in business for that long right???

There will be a band: The Dappled Grays

Firefly Vodka; [does that mean it lights up?

A photo booth....now that I look younger...we'll see.

The amazing Ginny Branch is styling the party....from the blog "My Favorite Color is Shiny"

Good Food Truck serving dinner.

Is that enough????

One last thing....I am like the town cryer!

Stop by Gramercy Fine Linens & Furnishings Thursday this week [Oct 20th] for their annual Pink Party. You KNOW it is for a good cause. Door prizes and 20% off everything in the store! Come on....the hit's just keep on coming. So many deals this week.

You guys are the absolute best. I love reading your comments. I love going to your blogs......and getting so much inspiration.

Keep up the good work.

Finally Scott's

2011-10-15T12:29:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you sit down to blog and you just stare at the screen...it isn't that I can't think of what to blog about....I just can't seem to put it together in my head. Literally I will do anything but start typing...even go so far as clean and organize the small top drawer of my desk, or stare at the walls wondering what color I should paint them...which gets me away from the desk and into a pile of fabrics....which gets me putting designs plans together....I know you get the picture.

I have come to the conclusion that I am just way too right brain.....seriously I am such a day dreamer. Every report card form the first grade on [this is back when the teacher would write a little note on every students card...yeah...back before cars, plumbing.....] says a version of this "Sherry is a darling girl [maybe I just added that part] but she needs to come down to earth". Or... "Sherry has pretty hair [maybe I added that also] but her mind is in the clouds". I have the hardest time just getting started with things....but after I am into it....my grip on the project is something even "superman" can not pull away. I would like a little less of both please?????

So obviously I have started this post about the goods at Scott's. Good deal...I managed to overcome my disability. Today. Check.

I had an email from a reader last month wondering if while at Scott's I ever saw any vintage or antique pillows, well mainly the textile part....so in keeping with my OCD.....I took a gazillion pictures of some........I am all about pleasing.

Let's get started here.

Looks like part of an old tapestry on some yummy velvet.

Needlepoint. When I first started in design....needlepoint pillows were HUGE. Everybody had them...everybody wanted them.

This looks like it might have been a dining room seat cushion. Now that floral is back in...we might see these get popular again.

Another way to use some old crewel if you don't have enough for a whole pillow.

This was definitely some old textiles and it seemed like it might have been a rug remnant.

Another piece of old needlepoint.

Really love the colors in this one.

Here is a whole wall of vintage tapestries. I can tell you that this stuff is NOT cheap. It would look cool framed.

What cha think....you like?

Holy mackerel....this is some real pretty trim.

Once I started looking...it seems like they were everywhere.

I like that they added that color with the trim.

Kind of like how they made the sofa cushion like a mattress...seeing a lot of that lately.

OK...last one....come on now...every pillow can not be chevron.....or La Fiorentina....

I saw these Intaglios and it made me think of this post from Mandi T....at Interior Design Musings. Check it out cause she ordered these "plaster cameos" from Ebay and made some. They looked really good.

Here are some from Sudi, my workroom. 404 846 0058 or 404 495 9811

Um...hello Michael Devine....well not him but his fabric :)

We like red right???

Don't you love the one on the right with the velvet trim???

Love these....

What about this nice little trio of yumminess....

I love the second one from the right...Romo....they have some great fabrics.

This is still Sudi so if you are interested in any of them...call her...

I have always loved this fabric from Lee Jofa.

I love how she puts them together....the old with the more modern patterns.

Nice neutrals.

Who doesn't love this Barbara Barry pattern....

Would be so nice anywhere. Get some.

Ok... you might be tired of looking at pillows. I realize that everyone has

their breaking point where they say "ENOUGH".....

More Scott's but I thought I would get the pillows out of the way first. Hey...Oprah is in town this weekend....I am sure she is probably staying at the St Regis, or the Ritz, or The Four Seasons......her chef, remember Art Smith? Well he has just opened a restaurant in Buckhead. Maybe she will go visit him.....should I stalk it???? Actually Nate is in town as well....wonder where he will be hanging out.

Sha Stalker.....

Saturday is for fun.

I hope I can pull this one off....:)

2011-10-13T09:53:00.000-04:00

Today I am doing a local radio interview with Martine Louise Resnick and Lee Anne Culpepper. It is on Radio Sandy Springs, and the show is called Design Tips with Lee Anne, and co-hosted by Martine! The plus is that yes it is RADIO so you can't see me and I won't have to worry about my "good" side, or how big my nose looks, or why didn't I schedule that face lift last week....is that MY NECK???......For that matter, I really do not know what my "good" side is.

I met Martine through blogging.....[can I just say how much blogging has changed my life???] and we met for coffee. I could listen to her talk all day as she has the most beautiful English accent.

I have listened to a couple of interviews to see how she might rake me over the coals and I am now sure that she is going to go easy on me......

She also featured me on her blog today martine louise design so hop over take a look around her post......

I know I am tardy with my Scott's pictures. These last few days in Atlanta have been the gloomiest days we have had in a long time......that and well....just thinking about a doctor telling you that you have 3 weeks to live. [I am speaking about my friend from the last post] What would I do...what would you do???? That would put a damper on the planning of your holiday outfits......not trying to be insensitive, but I don't want you guys to be all mopey today.

So here is one picture of Scott's....many more to come.

Moo......

Hang in there Thursday.....yes Thursday....tomorrow it's TGIF already!!!

Sha Star Baby!!!

ADAC and Ainsworth and Noah

2011-10-09T12:16:00.000-04:00

I have been going to ADAC a lot lately, the best place to go when gathering fabric selections for upcoming jobs. Of course there is so much more there than just fabrics. Beautiful showrooms with ton's of incredibly gorgeous things that I covet.

One of my favorite Showrooms is Ainsworth and Noah. They have been there for more than 30 years with over 40,00 square feet of showroom space. Some seriously beautiful collections from Ironies, Nancy Corzine, David Iatesta, Rose Tarlow, Summer Hill and Victoria Hagan. Do I have your attention?????

As usual I was wandering around the other day waiting for fabrics and I took a few shots of my favorites.

These beautiful knobs from Nancy Corzine.

I know...me likey too. She is such a classic designer.

Her colors remind me of Mrs. Howard. Maybe a little more modern though.

Even though there is a sunburst mirror [trend] Everything else is pretty classic. Nancy says "I believe we should always lead and never follow trends". There is a lot of talk in "blogland" about how "trendy" should a room be. I think classic is always a good way to go and then lean into current direction with a few popular trends.

Timeless with the blue and white, the screen and touches of brass. Once again...of course brass is back in a big way. My advise is not to throw out all the silver.....cause it will be back and you know it!

One more picture of Nancy's work. She also has a beautiful design book:

Here are a few other pictures I took while there last week.

Who does NOT love this settee.....come on.....I want to know. How cute in a breakfast nook or foyer.

Beautiful wallpaper.

Look what I found when I googled botanical wallpaper...

You can find it here

Would look beautiful in a bathroom or one wall in a bedroom.

The fabric on the sofa is from Victoria Hagan. She is another very talented designer.

I LOVE her fabrics.

Even though this room was not designer by her [David Mitchell] that is her fabric on the DR chairs. Remember when she did a collaboration with Target???? Victoria...come back please.....

On to more pretties...

Oh yeah baby.....come to mama....

You can come too...room for all!

This.....is.....so......gorgeous.

Way too much white for me.....HEE HAW.....you know that is a load of BS!

How about this screen......

Great grouping.....

What a statement a large framed grouping of pictures is. Easier to hang also :)

OK...I have more but we will save it for another time. I see you nodding off :)

Before I go, I want to say one thing. A very good friend of mine died yesterday, within 3 weeks of being diagnosed with brain cancer. I mean...seriously that is fast. So I want you to get up from the computer right now and go hug every single person in your house and tell them how much you love them. NOW...do it.

Cause, you never know.....

Peace....and love.

The basement project....revealed

2011-10-05T15:46:00.000-04:00

I wish I could say I worked long and hard editing these pictures but the truth is....I did not. I also wish I had spent more time taking them.....but I didn't. In fact after the reveal....while Jan was talking to the homeowner...I was running around taking pictures like I am in a grocery store. All over the place...no plan just going from one isle to the next. I think my "meds" wore off :)

It was a little dark so I opened the door and that didn't really help much. So it is what it is.....just want to show you how it came together. Before we get to the pictures.....remember....we used some of the homeowners things to save money. Also, I really could not remove any books from the book shelves. I am not making excuses but I am sure that sometimes people think "why the hell is THAT in the room.....?" Cause it HAD to be suckers!

So here she be.....all done up for the prom.

This was upstairs in the DR.....we moved it down in the entry way.

Her vintage lamp also with a new shade.

The rug I found, along with the stool. Also...all of the pictures from yard sales and flea markets.

She loves the blue chairs by the way......

The rug was perfect.

The other blue chair.....

One side of the bookcase. My back was killing me after pulling all of the off and organizing them. He loves to fly fish...there were a million books on that and he loves to play poker...2 million books on that! I tried to keep the upper shelves with the more pretty things.

How lucky that I found this old oil and the old fishing basket.

The other side of the bookcases. That is a security monitor.

I found these at the flea market.

The boxes from Homegoods...the baskets from Tuesday Morning. The pottery and the brass piece also from flea market.

The round side tables from her living room upstairs [we are going to redo that LR anyway], The lamps and leather bench from Pottery Barn, the throw from Homegoods. Lot's of throw pillows for kids to use when watching movies etc.

What is with the sideway pictures....must be how I view the world.....:)

Does anybody remember when I bought these??? They are perfect for this room.....

I ordered the blue Bleeker pillows from Etsy....Schumacher had the fabric on backorder! The price was great and they were made beautifully.

This rug came from Pottery Barn.....

This is the bathroom...although I did not have an after picture.....what the HECK was I thinking....You would think this is my first time at the rodeo.

Look at this chair that I found for 15.00!!! Antique for sure.....

Another small vintage oil.

Are you dizzy from all the angles of the pictures???? I am. There is actually another leather chair in the corner that I got NO shots of......I think because the homeowner and Jan were standing there talking.

The good thing is that they were thrilled.....and isn't that why we design????? She was great, because I did not have to get approval for any of the accessories...which saved her so much money.....

On another note....Julie and Taylor from the blog T&G Interiors did a post today on barn doors....and they used my nursery as an example....[well not MY nursery...I am way to old for all of that]. They have only been blogging since July so run over, look around and say hello!

You guys keep pushing forward this week....it is Wednesday after all.....2 more days.

AND.....Scott's is tomorrow!

Holy crap...I almost FORGOT to pick a winner......Mary Ann from Classic Casual Home!!!
You guys are awesome for entering...many more to come......

I am visiting.....

2011-10-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

Yep....you can find me over at Shelli's place today a'la mode. You know her...the has that awesome office that everyone went ga ga over. I have a few projects to show you!!! Go see.......here

AND........

do not forget about the giveaway.....

Cause I am picking a winner on Wednesday!

You guys rock...have the best Monday ever. Dive into it.

Sha Ray

Putting a project together.

2011-10-01T16:00:00.000-04:00

I think I have mentioned before that my husband is a commercial airline pilot. His route is mostly Asia [Beijing, Shanghai, and Tokyo]. He commutes from Chicago, so the beginning of his work day starts in Atlanta. Since those flights leave Chicago around 11-12 he usually goes up the night before. On Thursday I decided to fly up to Chicago with him just for the night. A quickie [wink wink] as you might say.

I have had some bad experiences riding standby in the last few years. There have been times when we headed somewhere [domestic] and have been at the airport waiting for a seat for 5 or 6 flights. It is brutal. Every time they fill up the plane and you don't get on, you grab all your luggage and shlep to the next gate. Since I was only going for the night I was hoping for a small miracle. Got it. Up and back....no problem.

My point to all this is to tell you that I started a good book that a friend gave me....."Left Neglected" by Lisa Genova. It is about a woman who has it all...high powered job, 3 kids, beautiful home, second home in Vermont....wonderful husband.

Then she is in a car accident and has a brain injury [kind of like a stroke called "left neglect"] which steals her awareness of everything on her left side. She has to retrain her mind to perceive the world as whole. I don't usually have a lot of time to read, but when I do, I am always glad I pick a good one. This book made me realize how lucky I am every day that I have my health.

Now to the good stuff......

I have been posting about an ongoing project [the basement], and I want to show you a little before and after. After the renovation was finished. We ordered the furniture. She kept saying that she was unsure of the blue chairs.

These are Lee Industries [1304-01] and the fabric is Willis Peacock.

Here is the sofa:

It is also Lee Industries [1601-03] and the fabric is Flanders Cement. Since this is where they watch TV, I urged them to use plantation shutters because they are so easy to open and close. They are 4 1/2 inches and painted the same color at the trim.

A couple of people wanted to know about this light fixture:

I found it online here. Also someone else wanted to know about the floor stain. I believe it was a mix of Dark Walnut and Jacobean [minwax brand]. The paint colors are:

The Bookcases: Benjamin Moore: Texas Leather

The walls, ceiling and trim are: Benjamin Moore: 966 Natural Linen.

The fabrics we used are:

Paisley: Pindler & Pindler- P0022 Montclair

Blue: Schumacher -Bleeker in Peacock

Tomato check: Pindler & Pindler-2347 Carrele

The floral: Barry Dixon- Pappillon BD

OK...why is she telling us all this????? Well....I am just going to show you my thought process on putting this room together.

So...the first thing I do is start shopping for accessories. Flea markets, HG's, Pottery Barn, and a couple of yard sales!!! I want old and new so the room looks more collected.

Here are a few of the things I found for the room:

These gorgeous pictures at a flea market! Seriously so cheap I had to look twice. They are framed by Fred Reed here in Atlanta, so I know the frames are custom.

This at a yard sale.

This small table at World Market.

Some accessories for the bookshelves....

This stool at a flea market. The perfect color!!!

This runner at a flea market. Perfect size.

And this brass candle holder...which you have already seen.

I also bought this for $5.00

A framed vintage dried botanical. BUT...the mat was way too white. No problem.

I took the back paper off, pulled out the staples holding the mat in place, and took it apart as carefully as I could.

Then I went to the basement and looked for some paint.

Just took a drop and mixed it with water.

After testing it on the back of the mat...I just painted it on and wiped it off right away.

Done. I wanted it to have an antique feel like the other pictures. Put it all back together.

You will have to trust me that it worked out!!!

Hee Haw...I know you want to see it all right now but it is too beautiful outside so you will just have to wait. I have to go walk my dogs.

Atlanta is delivering us a gorgeous cool fall day! Finally!

Fall Sunday Supper and a "smackdown"

2011-09-28T08:18:00.001-04:00

Smackdown you ask??? This might not be funny to you but it literally had me in tears....

Last night I heard my husband making some noises and I looked over. It appeared like he was doing a dance or something. He was stomping and then flicking something off his pants. Then he started laughing and I got interested in this turn of events.

He said there was a roach or what he thought was a roach and he was trying to kill it. Then in some strange way it "flicked" up to the side of his pant leg and he was trying to get it off, [the dancing part]. It wouldn't budge and as he got closer this is when the giggling started.

You know how when people start laughing and they won't tell you what happened??? I am standing there going "what.....WHAT?" Finally he spilled the beans and it turns out he was trying to kill a pillow feather.

Here is that dang feather that wouldn't die and stuck to the side of his pant leg. People, I laughed for a solid 10 minutes. I am still laughing as I write this. Looks almost like a bee to me :)

On to Sunday Supper. Jan's beautiful backyard. Actually this post will be more about the backyard than the supper because once I started eating, I forgot to take pictures of the food.

Is this not beautiful?

An no...my backyard does NOT look like this.

She just had the fire pit put in. And when is it supposed to cool down?????

Beautiful pots.

Cute!

More pretty!

Sound....

The best part is coming...according to me!

The party lights!!! On a dimmer no less....She just had these installed. Cause I said she must!!! Jan said they look like Cinco De Mayo. I said "No they would be colored and flashing then". I wanted it to look like the backyard on the TV show Parenthood! See that torch in the RH corner? Well there was another one at the bottom of the stairs and I flicked my hair and realized I almost caught it on fire! Not to self...don't get drunk tonight.

This is where we used to have Sunday Supper.....

But I gotta tell you.....this was fabulous. AND...just in case you were wondering...no mosquitos either. You don't have a backyard that pretty and not have it sprayed once a month.

It was awesome.

On to Wednesday....Let's "get er done" people!!!

Don't forget about the giveaway!!! Go here

Also I am guest posting at Casey's blog Loft and Cottage today. I am putting a bathroom together for one of my clients! There is so much more goodness there....so go take a look.

Hola my little chicas!

2011-09-25T14:16:00.000-04:00

Here it is Sunday...weekend almost over. Why do weekends go fast and an hour spin class drags on for like a year?????

Atlanta delivered us some incredible weather these last few days. No humidity, no clouds and a slight breeze. Perfect. I did my install on Friday and it went really well. I love it when the homeowner hugs me!! Nothing is better than that :) I sound desperate huh? For hugs? Maybe...I take it when I can...

But enough about me. I am giving something away again. Yeah...yeah...blaa...blaa...cause I want too.

So heads up, here it is.

Let us look a little closer.

Baskets.

Beautiful standard white pillowcases. The embroidery comes with....

3 white carpenter's folding rulers that you could put in a glass jar. Or just go around the house measuring crap. Your choice.

2 vintage thingys. With words on them. Do I have to explain everything????

And of course fabric. 1 1/4 yard. I always include a little fabric. Maybe because my basement looks like the clearance bin at a Hancock's or Joanne's.

Closeup. Linen.

All for you. No strings attached this time. You don't have to make your bed or clean out your linen closet. Just follow. Period. Easy.

Now, I told you I bought 2 things from the Diane Keaton line at BB&B. And yes I had coupons cause it "weren't cheap" [I know that is redneck speak].

See.

The stripe blanket and the pillow.

The blanket is really soft. Along with my pillow addiction, is my new found stripe obsession......

And you can also see how my gallery wall is progressing.....

So that is that.

Also I just thought you might like to see how cleaver some people are. Look what Rachel did over at Accessorize and Organize!

So cute. Beats a card table huh????? She made it out of pallets. Go here to see how. Good Lord, I have got to snag me a few of those to sit in my garage for 5 years, so I can look at them and say "I need to make something".

Here is just a sneak of the bookcases at my installation.

He is a radiologist. So many medical books.....The things I bought were the books on the top RHS. The brass candle holder, the small cute vase on the second shelf in the LHS, and the picture frame which of course does NOT have a cute picture in it yet.

Damn...bookcases take a crapload of time. I was whipping through those suckers like grunge in the 90's through Seattle.

Done here.....I am going to spend the rest of the day putting together a dining room plan. Just trying to catch up....

If I don't say it enough, love you guys, thanks for all of your comments and for reading my blog.

Sheriky Freaky.....

No 9 Thompson and Martyn Bullard=Fabric love!

2011-09-22T12:23:00.000-04:00

OK...it is no secret that many people get into design because they love textiles and I am no exception. I don't have to tell you of my love for fabrics....it has been mentioned a time or two.....and the fact that pillows are made of fabric [whoa...there's a news flash for you!] well that is just the icing on the cake.

The other day at the end of my post I showed you a new fabric from Jim Thompson's lesser priced line called No.9 Thompson. Yesterday I was at ADAC to hear Steve and Brook Giannetti speak about their new book Patina Style. I am sure you are familiar with Brook's blog Velvet and Linen. I have to tell you they were so engaging and cute. How wonderful to be married to someone who is passionate about the same thing as you are. Some of the projects they have worked on are amazing.

But let's go back to the subject....I did take a few pictures of No. 9 Thompson fabrics. Here for your viewing pleasure is some beauty....

Here are a few colorways...

I think I am in love with the blues....

Of course who doesn't like a bit of black and brown together...

I love how it looks hand painted.
Here is another fun large print.

The blue and green

Blue and gray....likey.

I like that this has a dark gray in it instead of black.

A nice paisley.

I am all over this pattern...could you die?

So loverly.....

Kind of retro....

I like this colorway.

Ok...now for Martyn Bullards new line for Schumacher

OH yeah...I can see you waking up now!
I am in love with this line and I think the price point is not to bad either.

Fun and fresh right?
Hold on people cause there is more...

Yeah baby......that Ikat on the left....come to mama.

Which room can I redo? Geez...which room can I just flipping finish.

Hold on...it gets even better....

This fabric is saying "BAM I look good!"

More chevron goodness.

Care for some soft and pretty?

Cause he did that also.

Bad picture but trust me....

These were just beautiful.

Are you impressed? I am. I think this line is going to be a big hit.
ALSO....
Celerie came out with a few more colorways of Betwixt.

This bright green, the black and white, the soft gray, & the cobalt blue. This is a great fabric to throw in the mix when you need some geometric and texture.

So are you crazy with lust now?
Well I have a little more eye candy for you in the form of rugs. These are from Moattar, LTD at ADAC here in Atlanta. I wandered in there after I saw this from the stairway...

Really...seriously? I adore. Jason Moattar came over and gave me a tour and told me that this is a reproduction collection that they have now. I could die for this. Here are a few others that caught my eye.

Almost wrote a bad check for this one......so Ralph right?

This is from the same collection.

Unfortunately this was NOT a reproduction....and of course it had me at blue and brown.

But OK...this was and how fun [like a slip and slide]......I bet your mind is spinning now.
You want one...call Jason 404 237 5100. He will hook you up :)

Take Thursday and tear it up baby!

Sha fabulous!

Good Morning Tuesday....

2011-09-20T10:49:00.000-04:00

I had an appointment this morning but it cancelled so what to do with extra time????? How about cram a few hours of blogging in. Like reading, commenting....and in general get caught up. Still in my pj's.....yep...10:30.

I have a few random things to post about here.

First up....a little something you might be interested in .....chalk paint. Sherry at No Minimalist Here blog made her own....for $4.00. Uh huh...go read about it.

Second my friend Julie from Milk and Honey Home has a feature in Kitchen and Bath makeovers! I am so excited for her. They have had quite the month with a spread in Southern Flourish also.

Next up is a new pillow for me. What you gasp.....! Oh just a little something.....

I am continuing my love for black and white. AND....I painted this sisal rug that used to be in my bedroom [from Ikea no less!]. Yep...just got out the roller and a gallon of latex paint from my basement [white dove leftover] and got to it. It took 2 coats...and I had to press really hard to get it to soak in. This was right after, I was worried that it wouldn't lay flat....but it has.

Last....this is a basement I am working on. The furniture is in...the pillows are being made and I have been shopping for 2 weeks. Have 2 large bookcases to accessorize as you can see below.

Stay tuned....more about this project soon.

Here is hoping you spank Tuesday :)

Atlanta Decorative Arts Center [ADAC}

2011-09-18T11:37:00.000-04:00

Here in the big "ATL" when we need beautiful fabrics we head over to ADAC. There you can see the most beautiful fabric from Osborne and Little, Lee Jofa, Schumacher, and many other lines. I love to go in the spring and fall because that is when they usually debut their new fabrics.

Last week, I went with fellow blogger/designer Lori May who I met while working on the Nicholas House. It was her first time [virgin] so who better than me to show her around. I have been going there for 20 years and luckily I am less than a mile away. Don't hate me.

As we were talking and drooling over all the pretties I suddenly remember I had my camera! Well...well...let me just snap a few shots to share with my lovely readers.

So here we go.

You might have seen this same picture on Lori's post. I thought it was pretty clever for an inexpensive way to fill a wall. White plates and a canvas painted in one color. I am pretty sure I could nail that painting :)

These tall vases with these bamboo thingys in them....a good alternative to sticks. I heard some designer say that sticks in a vase is the absolute worst thing ever. I instantly removed all sticks.

Here is another little organic arrangement for you. It DOES have some sticks but they are curly. Think they would pass the test???

I really wanted that mirror to follow me home....like a puppy. I would keep and nurture it. I promise.

I still love me a little of industrial...especially in the form of a lamp.

I also love a big black lamp like this one. I found one on the internet that you could paint.

It was on Bellacor

Cool chair Pe. ri. od.

Moss ball in a cool white bowl. Can't get more organic or simple than that.

Pretty please......I have not seen them in blue before.

Red chest and CRAZY wallpaper....I dig!

I could dig this also....

In this room with that wallpaper and the beautiful mirrored screen....

Love this vignette......The art work...the pillows. Your shocked I like the pillows right? All pillows should be loved....

One of my favorite chandeliers from Neirmann Weeks.

OK...I did not actually see this fabric at ADAC, but I am going to. It was an add in a magazine, but I love it don't you??? I just realized that I started this post about fabrics and only featured one.

OK...way off the subject from expensive things, have you guys seen the new Diane Keaton collection for Bed Bath and Beyond???? I love it...check it out:

Sorry they are blurry.....I took these from BB&B site.

I saw it and in my opinion it is really cute. Not cheap though so take some coupons with you!

I think she did a great job. It is extremely well made. Chick has taste. I actually bought 2 pieces...you'll see :)

OK...it's Sunday. Taught my spin class at 9. Gotta shower and clean the house. Do some laundry.....move accessories around for the umteenth time this weekend. I decided to change the white slipcovers [to my flax ones] because they needed washing and I did not feel like washing them and putting them BACK on for 2 weeks and then washing them again before putting then away until spring. Did you get that? I know it can be confusing. Anyway...probably TMI for you but so be it.

Have a swell day.

Shazam