nest egg

Seaside Room

I am leaving tomorrow to attend my best friends' wedding in Sea Island. I say "best friends'" in that both the bride and the groom are two of my favorite people.  Hoyt and I decided to make a mini-vacation out of it so we can hang out with our friends before the BIG DAY~!!

{katie and me}

So, I got to thinking about Katie's wedding and the colors that will be involved...

White

Ivory

green

coral

 The bridesmaids' dresses are green- (I just asked Hoyt to describe what color green it is and he thought for a minute and said "an indescribably good green."  -- take it for what it's worth)

Katie, of course, will be in white and carrying a white/ivory/cream bridal bouquet. The rest of the flowers will be green and white, with pops of coral! 

I love this color scheme so much I decided to try something new...

Have you ever visited the blog snippet & ink? Kathryn, the designer, puts together wedding collages based on a certain color schemes... and the collaborations she comes up with are so beautiful! I'm amazed by the things she puts together. (if you are planning a wedding or will be planning one in the future I recommend going to her blog for inspiration)

This is one example her inspiration boards:

<both of the above images from snippet&ink>

Anyway, getting to the point: 

I have decided to reverse this unique idea and...

Design a room based on a wedding color scheme!

for katie :)

Color Scheme: Whites, Neutrals, Dark/Emerald Greens, Coral

Theme: Seaside

<double click on the image above for the full effect>

The Walls: Ralph Lauren's CottonWood

The Floor: Pottery Barn jute rug

The Furniture: Hickory Chair's Guthery Sofa with contrast green pillows

Anthropologie Treasure Cabinet (to hide her new husband's TV) (You're welcome, MikeB)

Driftwood Coffee table from Pieces...

with these coral pieces sitting on it- I don't know what they are exactly, but we are going to use them as coasters! (Katie would like that. )

Ballard Designs Pierson Green Console

With four of these prints hanging above it:

The Art: 1st Dibs Vintage Shell Prints

and above the sofa- this 5'x3' painting from a SCAD student. (off of Shopscad)- unframed

The Lighting:

Currey and Co.'s Coral Chandelier

And the pair of lamps- 1st Dibs lucite lamps (*with grass shades- see big picture of room)

The Windows:

Simple, pleated curtains out of this beautiful Madeline Weinrib fabric (rotated the other way)

with this Kravet trim along the leading edge:

The Pillows and Accessories:

These Madeline Weinrib ikat pillows for the sofa- (in front of green ones)

And if you want some extra pillows, I threw in these seahorse pillows from etsy- 

add some simple Lee Jofa tape on the sides for a bolder statement:

This fabric just made me happy- so my mind started wandering over to the (hypothetical) dining room... Perhaps we should make the drapes out of this?

With these chairs?

-fabric by Peter Dunham

-chairs from Pieces

Okay, I'm off to pack. I've procrastinated long enough!!

{nice color scheme ladies...}

Mirror, Mirror on the Floor

A few days ago I get my daily Restoration Hardware email that I usually delete upon arrival. (Yet another sale or THE LAST DAY to order outdoor furniture, and so on and so on...) But on this particular day I decided to click on the email to see what they had to say. And this little beauty popped up...

The new Entablature Mirror- I melted...

And then---- I saw the price.

A whopping $3,290.00 ???? Seriously Restoration Hardware? 

So, being your trusty {nest egg} investigator, I searched for something similar with a better price tag on it:

Ebay  for $785, free shipping** (which is fantastic when you're talking about big mirrors)

Rustic Floor Mirror,$699 Pottery Barn

I found some that were not floor mirrors but they have that same architectural feel to them:

Wisteria- she's on sale for $519

Vagabond  Trumeau Mirror- $200  She's pretty... contact me if you are interested in this piece- or find the nearest dealer 

Wisteria- on sale for $299, right here.

Architectural Door Mirror- on sale for $199 at Pottery Barn!

That, my friends, is a good deal.

Last But Least $

Or if you're feeling craftsy- make one yourself! This Old House has step-by-step instructions on how to make a new mirror out of old door trim. Very cool.

Life of an Art Collector

This is another one of my favorite houses- that one could find in my "If I Never Have Kids" folder. Part of me would love an all white, 'no fuss' house- and the other part of me thinks knows I can't live without some color! 

Either way, this house is so tailored and beautiful. It was published in Veranda forever ago (I can't find the date) but the designer is Nancy Braithwaite. Apparently the homeowner is an art collector (sign me up!) who wanted her house to be a blank canvas made to showcase the art. 

Who knew a daybed could look so great??

TTN: chairs in the foreground (I think I know what they are but I could be wrong): I love these chairs. They are the slipcovered low back chairs from Lee Industries...They have a higher back one but something about this short one just does it for me. She's like the little runt of the litter. And they seriously are comfortable. No lie.

okay the tall one is cool too.

That polka dotted pillow.... Okay, so now I have a new found love for:

-daybeds

-polka dots

Moving right along...

*two separate pictures from the magazine- so if it looks weird on your computer, my bad.

Talk about a mix of old and new. I love this picture. I want to enlarge it and put it on a billboard that reads JUST DO IT

As in...

Mix your grandmother's hand-me-down furniture with something modern, something retro, something traditional... whatever you want. If done in moderation, it has the potential to look amazing. (as seen above)

Another to add to the list:

-daybeds

-polka dots

-giant wire structures that look like organs

For all of you out there who want an 'all white' bedroom- check out these two:

*p.s. Is that a Miro piece above this bed? Wow, she wasn't kidding when she said 'art collector'

This might seem weird but I have seriously looked at the two pictures above over 100 times over the past several years. (Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating.) I'm looking at the beds. I like both of them because they have a calming, heavenly feel to them.. but at the same time they are very different. 

#1 is relaxed, fluffy, casual but elegant

While #2 is more tailored, sophisticated, no nonsense, you can almost tell that there is no bedskirt (or dirty clothes and missing earrings underneath)

And to this day I can't decide which one I like more. {Although, right now I'm leaning towards #1- it looks more comfortable}

You?

Once again: A good mix.

But I'm just not ready to add "zebra skin" to my new-found-love list. If it was faux, perhaps. But for me, they are much too pretty to step on.

In the article the client says:

"I like the tension between the gutsiness of the art and the serenity of the apartment. I think they're a nice foil for each other." 

OTTN: They are.

TTN: Did she just say Apartment???!

Organization Station

I am the type of person who likes to get things "set up" immediately. Whenever I moved from dorm room to sorority house to summer apt. to rental home I was the roomate who had her entire room set up within one day. Wherever I am, I nest. 

So naturally, I am not going to like any transitional period of my life. For example: my current office. Currently I am working out of my home. I don't know how long that will last, or when we are going to move, or if I'll find a space, etc.  So everything is up in the air and I can't seem to get organized... Basically, my nest is a wreck.

 I have to take deep breaths, pray for patience and realize that I can't take care of it all in one day. Or even in one month. 

(sigh)

With that being said I found one thing that has helped me feel super organized during this very un-organized time in my life.. and I just HAD to share it with you:

Check out my desktop organizer!!

- one side is a magnet board: for to do lists, reminders, sweet notes from your hubby

- one side is for all of your pens: lots and lots of pretty pens (if you're a freak like me and that kind of thing makes you happy)

- the other sides have picture frames (to remind you that there is life outside of work) with drawers underneath. Drawers that are {once again} compartmentalized- for paperclips, thumb tacks, M&Ms, whatever.

And the best part: it spins! A revolving desktop organizer!... the things that thrill me these days.

Oh wait- no, THIS is the best part: It is $19.99! From none other than Target. Go get one.

Creepy or Cool?

I was shopping around some junk stores this weekend and came upon this antique Victorian stroller... It still works, is in pretty good shape and the bassinet inside actually rocks back and forth a little bit. So you could just use it indoors if you wanted. My initial thoughts were:

-interesting

-cute

-charming

-if there is one of those scary flea-market-baby-dolls-with-a-missing-eye inside I am running for my life.

(there wasn't)

What do you think? Creepy or Cool?

*if anyone wants it I can go back and get it- I just couldn't bring myself to purchase it. Soley because I'd be that girl with no children that pushes the semi-creepy, empty stroller around Nashville.

Studio RH

I hate to steal people's posts but I just couldn't pass this one up. Yesterday elements of style (one of my daily reads! check her blog out) posted a few pictures of an artist's studio that had me whispering to myself: I. want. that.

The architect is Hutker Architects out of Boston, MA. Their website is full of unique, beautiful cottages that make your heart sing. Okay, maybe just mine?

 I almost croaked out of sheer jealousy when I saw the interior pictures of this house. So, to all of my artist friends: be prepared.

After staring at these pictures for a full 10 minutes with my mouth hung open I had a flashback of when I first started design school.. It reminded me of a project I did 6 years ago (? i think) Actually- it was the 72-hour-no-sleep project I did to get into design school. Our assignment was to design a studio and it was probably my favorite assignment ever given. I still have these hand-drawn plans and sketches in hopes that one day I can build it.

Similar to the pictures, right?? With the columns, partition wall, island, windows... It was meant to be built from the start!

< I will be accepting any and all donations to the studioRH fund >

Hmmm... I think I must have been a little sleep deprived when I drew this one. Oh well, you get the idea.

And yes, this little gem got me into design school.

Speaking of Faves...

The first time I saw this article in House Beautiful (several years ago), I immediately tore it out and put it in a separate folder from the rest of my 'tear outs'... It has been sitting in an exclusive section of my extremely disorganized file-folders called "Favorite Houses."

 I think it might be the color scheme... it is natural, blue/green, inviting, earthy... I just LOVE it!! But what else can I expect coming from architect/designer Bobby Mcalpine?? His work is unreal.

One of his interior designers, Susan Ferrier, was the designer for the house. All I can say is: You go girl.

Enjoy the pictures...

TTN: This room would not be the same without that throw blanket. Perfect example of the importance of accessories. 

*Also- curious about these floors, walls and ceilings?

They are pecky cypress ceilings/clear cypress walls and floors: stained dark,washed over with a lighter lichen color, and finished with another blue wash- creating an unique ancient look!

LISA CREGAN: I covet this house. How do you create something from brick and mortar that tugs so hard on the heartstrings?

BOBBY McALPINE: I think a lot of good architecture is like that. Remember that beautiful scene in the movie Out of Africa — the lions lying on the grave, wrapped in their own thoughts, unaware of being seen? I wanted this house to be that way. An approaching figure gets a glimpse of the composition, unwatched. It's like a little Episcopalian church in England — there's no front door, you enter from the side so you can enter unwatched. It implies a broad invitation.

The powder room... I'm not even kidding. If I was a guest in this house I would find excuses to go wash my hands: "Will you look at that! I found another speck of dirt under my fingernails! Please excuse me while I go wash up." 

TTN: Ann Sacks tiles, Peacock Paver floors. 

TTN: Wall of pictures actually goes behind the bed- nice detail.

Wall Color: Sag Harbor Gray, Benjamin Moore

Oh yeah, and: a spotless bedside table with a perfect arrangement of flowers and a water glass? In my dreams.

FIG tree branches... where can I get these??

Kitchen Cabinet color: Danville Tan, Benjamin Moore. 

TTN: The kitchen islands (oh yes, you need two) are so tastefully designed. Nothing too overdone- no frilly brackets or ornate door styles- simple and handsome.

OTTN: mismatched chairs that go together=Talent.

TTN:  they hung some artwork in between the windows- love that.

This swing: I daydream about

My birthday:June 24th

And your inspiration for that perfect, simple swing?

Bobby Mcalpine: I like to take something that's almost Puritan and do something sexy with it, breaking all the rules. The swing is on a walkway between two gardens, and those gardens really were the point of this whole thing. Every magical place and good house has an offering, something so clear that it's forever memorable. This house's lesson is that there is a beautiful life to be had, and that a beautiful life is, in fact...simple.

But What About ME?

This month's House Beautiful issue had an entire article titled "Everybody's Favorite Everything!" and it went through a list of designer's favorites! I just loved the article so much I decided that I wanted to share MY favorite everythings. Because I'm just so fabulous (and everything)

<using the same topics they used>

Flower

The appearance of dahlias and the smell of gardenias

(images from flickr)

Lamp

Any glass or ceramic lamp.. Obviously you can find these anywhere but if you are looking for a classic:

Christopher Spitzmiller Lamps

are handmade, ceramic and beautiful. Since they are expensive just use his shapes, colors, etc. to help you pick out the perfect knockoff.

Lightbulb/Wattage: Soft 60W or pink lightbulbs! Or better yet:all in one!

Sheets/Linens

I've searched high and low and have found that these sheets are the best out there. Belle Epoque And they just keep getting better and better after each wash!

Click here to get some- it's the only place I could find that sells them on the internet.... or just contact me and I'll hook you up!

Vacuum

The Dyson Slim

 for those of us who can't handle the bulky, heavy ones (like me!)- this one is perfect.

Coffee Table Book

I'm in love with this book for the following reasons:

1. It is where Hoyt and I got married (Linville, North Carolina) and where he asked me to marry him (right under that adorable front porch)

2. It is where I grew up every summer (not actually inside the church, but all around it)

3. It has many other gorgeous churches inside these pages

4. Inside this particular church there hangs a sign that I love. I think it represents the beauty of churches everywhere, and the beauty of this book.

Click here to order.

Tea

Tazo Chai Tea

Artist (from any time period?) (Sure.)

(i'm asking and answering my own questions here- I really need to get out more.)

This is a tough one but I have always loved Piet Mondrian's early works:

Click here to order. 

(ha, just kidding. I wish.)

All Purpose Glass

Heath Ceramics

-recycled glassware from wine bottles!! Go green.

Comfort Food

fish and grits (can you tell I'm from the South?)

This is a picture of one of my favorite dishes from Last Resort in Athens, GA. My mouth is watering as we speak... or as I type.

Toothpaste

As I read through all of the designers favorite toothpastes I came to the conclusion that I am very sheltered (or just a misinformed commoner) in the dental hygiene department. Some of the answers to this question were: Elgydium, Marvis Jasmin Mint, Tom's of Maine, etc.

Whatever happened to Aquafresh or Crest? I use Crest but switch it up frequently.

Sofa

I guess it's about time I give credit to the sofa behind my "nest egg" banner. This particular sofa is from Hickory Chair- called the Elinor sofa. 

Representing the "transitional design" that I like. Simple lines, classic look, fresh style...I wouldn't call it my favorite sofa, but I do love it.

Wallpaper

Tough call... I always keep going back to Schumacher's Imperial Trellis inspired by Kelly Wearstler-

Chloe 

Sevigny's entry hall from House and Garden article... mixed with those floors- and the bold sconces... And she even has a matching bike! What an overachiever! 

(Whatever, you're just jealous.)

(That I am.)

xoRH

(Happy Tuesday!)

Ad(vertisement)

I submitted my very first ad to be published in the wonderful Flower magazine this summer... With the help of my faithful friends*  I pulled it together in a matter of days. Considering I dragged a giant bag full of lemons around Nashville like a crazy woman I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out.

If you aren't familiar with Flower magazine you need to get familiar! It is fabulous. Get a subscription ASAP!! 

Click here for more info.

*Special thanks to Amy, Margie, Catherine and **Lenora Jane**!!. And extra special thanks to Margot! I love you guys.

Flower to the people!!

xoRH

Fabrics for less!

Surfing around the interweb I stumbled upon this great little website: Premier Fabrics. Get this: All of these cotton print fabrics are $9.99/yd or less!! What a great resource for our nest eggs.

  

  

I LOVE these small prints. For $10 you could recover a stool or desk chair for a whole new look!

 (I am currently in a small print phase. Last week it was lucite... and about a month ago it was concrete. Stay tuned.....) 

  

Bling Bling.. here come the diamonds! Classic, simple, great color combos.

  

  

Stripes and bamboo trellis patterns- always a staple. Y'all have GOT to check out all the different colors! It is neverending. I picked pink hoping someone would use this in a little girls room.. anyone?

These animal prints are so fun and they came in a lot more colors- I'm definitely digging the last one (Python!)... it comes in several different colors. I can't stop staring at it.

And lastly- the large houndstooth prints! I'm lovin' these as well- maybe it has to do with the 'small prints' phase? 

I'm thinking of buying a yard of the last one to cover my bulletin board (for my office!) and *Bejewel* (also known as 'apply nailhead') the perimeter. 

Then (for kicks) I might just have to get this fabric to cover my desk chair seat cushion:

 

Cheap thrills to brighten my day!!

xoRH