nest egg

The BEST before/after Makeover!.. by Eddie Ross

Okay, maybe that's an over statement... BUT I do refer to this 'secretary makeover' ALOT. In fact, I mentioned it today. You may have seen this plenty times before, but regardless- it deserves a little more recognition.

  The extreeeemly talented Eddie Ross really hit a home run with this side project. I'm not a fan of painting EVERYTHING, but there are some pieces that are begging for a makeover. These mass produced 'secretaries', more often than not, take up space and (dare I say) aren't that pretty. 

Oh, just wait.

Before ...

 

(boring old secretary, see it all the time)

During...

 

They replaced the glass with mirror...(genius), put it back together, and.... 

VOILA!!!

 

Told ya.   Breath of fresh air...

It reminds me a lot of the Hallings Secretary by Hickory Chair- (that I love)-

 

Eddie and Jaithan are GOOD at what they do. To read the full story and to find out more about their makeover adventures, read the blog- Eddie Ross.

Eddie said of this piece "As a collector, one thing I've learned over the years is to be fearless. Just because something'€™s antique doesn'€™t mean it's precious. Don't be afraid to alter a piece to make it your own. Strip it. Sand it. Recover it in fabric you adore. Like I said, all wood is not created equal. If a chair's lines are good but you're not in love with the finish, paint it another color and you'€™ll probably be much happier with the result. I know I am."

AMEN, Eddie friend.

Now who's going to grab their paint brushes??

or if you're looking for an ugly duckling...

In Birmingham (http://bham.craigslist.org/fuo/1949900019.html)

In Atlanta (http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/fuo/1953885973.html)

In Nashville (http://nashville.craigslist.org/fuo/1873074121.html)

Try your city! 

 

Lifting Up Nashville- A Flood Story

As most of you know Nashville experienced a record-breaking flood back in May. (If you need some background/ or have time- watch this video.)

It truly was a disaster. Some places were hit a lot worse than others. Houses were completely gutted with ruined possessions stacked into a trash pile in their front yard- for weeks, even months.  I wanted to help (in ways other than sending in money), but didn't even know how or where to start. 

The week after the flood I got an email out of the blue from Katie, a loyal blog reader and a recent victim of the flood. She explained her situation... Recently married. Living in their very first home in Bellevue right by the river. The water came through the windows so suddenly that they had minutes (literally) to grab their dogs and run for safety. They were able to make it to a family friend's home and turned on the TV to find the news zoom in on THEIR house. They sat there in shock as they watched their beloved home go under water... 

(their home is the middle one, and this was MID flood)

I find all of this out later but in the initial email Katie basically said, "We lost our home in the flood... and we're trying our best to piece it together. I'm overwhelmed. And was wondering if there was any way you could help me with some design advice- ?"

Are you kidding?- an answered prayer! I called her immediately. 

She told me how scared she was. And how the waters came up above the lower kitchen cabinets, ruining nearly everything on the bottom floor. Once they were finally able to make it back into their home (after the waters receded) they walked into an eerie MUD pit- 

 

 that didn't feel a bit like home.

Katie kept saying: "I know I'm grateful to own a home, but the thought of moving back into the exact same house where we ran for our lives makes me sick to my stomach." 

Honestly, it made me sick to mine just hearing her shaky voice over the phone. After a long discussion I insisted to meet them at Lowes one day to help knock out the decisions.

And we did. We were running around Lowes making selections right and left! Extreme Makeover- Super Speed Edition. (It was fun!.. right guys??:)

The kitchen used to be really dark so I knew lightening it up would make a huuuge difference. They were able to salvage their granite (yay!) so we picked neutral paint to go with it. Katie also has a great eye for design and she did a lot of this herself, so it was really fun to work with her.

Ok, I'll stop talking. Before & After pictures are much better!

before

 

after !!

 

To save some money, we decided to leave the doors off on one section of the kitchen. I think the open shelving ended up adding a lot to the room.

before

 
after !!

 

before

 

after

(this was all Katie- she picked out those awesome lamps at a flea market. I love them.)

before (master bath)

 

  

after

 

 

before

 
 

after !!

 

 

 

Remember the cool posters designed to raise money for the flood? They are perfect for this spot. 

I cannot take credit for putting this home back together. A wonderful team of volunteers worked long hours (of manual labor!) to rebuild it. Not to mention- Katie and Austin (above) poured their hearts into putting comfort and life back into their home.  I just helped with selections, made new friends, and blogged about it. :) 

So, you can join me in saying:   Welcome home, Katie & Austin!!

(Bus Driver, Move that Bus !! >?)

Happy weekend,

 

THE DETAILS: (all from Lowes, who were supporters of the flood, where Home Depot was NOT)

Kitchen cabinet paint color (and trim): Valspar, Del Coronado Taquila

Living Room & Kitchen walls: Valspar Light Raffia 

Bedroom walls: Valspar, Cincinnati Hotel Brigg Beige

Bathroom walls: Valspar, Bay Sands

Bathroom tile: American Olean, white ceramic, 3x6 

Kitchen hardware: Gatehouse bronze cup pulls and knobs 

Kitchen pendants (another one of Katie's fab selections!): Ballard Designs! You can pick a fabric.

 
 
 
 
  
 

Tops, Tunes, and Everything in between...

The following post is all over the place- clothes, music, shoes, and other randoms. Welcome to my scattered, bouncing brain. I'll start with a pretty room that has been in my thoughts lately...

 

 <Vogue Living/via greige>

Next topic: Clothes.

Since the Garden & Gun issue came out I have received a lot of emails/comments asking what I wore in the magazine spread. I'm flattered you asked! As I described before, this photo shoot was a not a big production- it was very laid back and casual, which I loved. (I'm acting like I have had a lot of photo shoots to compare them to.. Ha! Not.) The jeans and cowboy boots were a no-brainer so I dragged them out of the closet wore them like I do everyday. 

Thankfully, I had the help of a Nashville wardrobe stylist Tina Adams from Tina & Rebecca! (You've seen her kitchen renovation here.) I helped Tina renovate her kitchen while she helped me complete several 'looks' for the photo shoot. She was gracious enough to let me raid her closet and jewelry box- and thankfully I was able to walk away with the perfect options for this last minute photo shoot. She did a great job of picking the right tops and accessories that were a perfect mix of casual, professional, and "me." Don't you think?  {for a wardrobe consultation with Tina & Rebecca, click here!}

The Boots

 
  I went to college at The University of Georgia- did you know that? Anyway, I had been eyeing these boots in the window of a store called McColly's in downtown Athens. Hoyt and I had just started dating and he surprised me one day with this pair of cowboy boots. Swoon. Little did I know that my feet would be glued to them for the next 6+ years of my life. (And I'd be glued to Hoyt for the next 60+! He's a keeper.)

 These particular boots are Penny Loves Kenny. And after that long and pointless story I regret to inform you that I cannot find them anywhere. They are tan, a little pointier in the toe (which makes them feel more feminine), and they turn slightly green every year. Yikes. But I love them.

If you'd like a pair that are great quality and have the same look- go for Old Gringo. They're awesome and you'll have them For.ev.er. Go to (or call) The Perfect Pair in Nashville. My friends, Whitney and Casey, will hook you up with the best pair of cowboy boots you'll ever own. Last fall I decided that Kenny & Penny needed some friends in my closet, so I got a pair of these (in brown)... LOVE.

   

{from P.Pair- click here to contact}
 
 If you don't own a great pair of boots- go get some. You deserve it. 

The Jeans

I am wearing my old Seven jeans in the cover picture (they literally have a gaping hole in the knee), and Paige jeans in the inside picture. Both are bootcut. Another one of my favorite jean brands is J Brand. Good jeans come with a price tag but in my opinion it's definitely worth it.

   

The Shirts

On the cover I am wearing a henley tee from J Crew. I think this one is from a few years ago but J Crew carries so many versions of these tees year round. The main thing I love about this shirt is the color- it's a pretty blush/soft pink/peach. (I refuse to say salmon)

 Here are some J Crew lookalikes...(I would recommend going to the nearest store because there are many shades of this color- some are pinker than others.)

   

Also, Banana Republic is currently carrying some great shirts and sweaters in this same color.

The peasant top

I have had a LOT of inquiries about this lovely tunic below because let's be honest- it's comfortable and stylish. Winning combo! (Thanks to Tina:)

{photo taken by Hollis Bennett}

Tina said she bought it at a boutique in Nashville called Blush but unfortunately they don't carry it anymore. Being my stubborn self I decided to look around for something similar on the internet. I typed in some key words, and came upon the top on a random website.!!

 Y'all. This is SO weird.

 

Please LOOK at the name of the shirt!!!...
 

Seriously??? !!

So weird. But great price. {from Ruche}

The Swing

It makes me SO happy that you all love porch swings as much as I do. I am currently working on pricing and details for different size swings so that they can be available to you. If you have emailed me already I apologize for the delay but more info is coming soon.

The Tunes

I love good design (that's a given), but I equally love good music.

Garden and Gun asked me to be part of their Tastes & Tunes newsletter for the month-  an email newsletter for club members where they feature a recipe from one of their favorite chefs followed by a playlist from one of their favorite tastemakers. They chose ME for the playlist portion. <insert squeal!>

"Just send us 12 of your favorite songs!" they requested. 

I was like a giddy schoolgirl making a mix tape for her new boyfriend. I immediately started to make my list and realized at song #36: Hmm...this is going to be extremely difficult. I love way too many genres of music to narrow it down to 12. I admit- I bust a move to Beyonce just as often as I blare Neil Young on road trips. So I chose to narrow it down and choose some appropriate tunes for the setting... 

Please enjoy my "Porch Swingin' Playlist"... (and a cocktail)

Click here to see (and download) my Porch Swingin' Playlist on iTunes!

 

For more information on the G&G Club (and to sign up for the Tastes & Tunes monthly newsletter!), visit www.gardenandgunclub.com.  
 

 
 
 
 

Lonny Be Good.

Every time I think about Lonny magazine I can't help but hear Chuck Berry singing THIS SONG in my head. 

Go Lonny Go.. Go!

Lonny be good.

Aaaaanyway, have you seen the latest issue?

I know her! She's my new friend, Callie Jenschke. (Isn't she pretty?)

I say 'new' because I just met her recently. One of my best friends introduced us at a party in NYC knowing we would hit it off. Did we ever. 

Co-founder of Scout Designs, this girl brings a whole new meaning to bohemian chic. Check out her home...

 

Callie and Nicki (from Scout Designs) admit to "studying their clients wardrobes in order to better understand their style."

That's funny because the second I met Callie I noticed her stylish ensemble. She had on a patterned dress that (if I remember correctly) resemble the sheets below, 

  

a pop of color with some red lipstick, 

And an awesome leather bag/clutch that I was drooling over- (looks alot like this vintage chair she has in her home)...

 

Read Lonny's article to find Callie's suggestions on how to take decor cues from your wardrobe. It's brilliant! (Clients' closets beware.)

And I love her quote here:

 

Lonny strikes again with another great issue. 

Including Vincent Wolfe's beach house/slice of heaven...

 

You should go {lonny,go} read it. 

Good job, Callie! I'm so proud.

Click here to subscribe to Lonny mag

Click here to visit Scout Designs in NYC. (They have a blog too!)

  

 

Kitchen Living

Let's be honest- nowadays people live in their kitchens. And I love seeing houses that attempt to blur the line between the kitchen and living room. Or kitchen and dining room. Thinking outside the traditional layout of a home and creating a space that is more functional for their family.

I saw this kitchen recently and really liked the concept- (and the design, of course)...

 

 

 

Can't decide between having a table in the kitchen vs an island? This way you have both! They put a slab of stone at the end of the dining table (raised to counter height) so it would feel like a part of the kitchen. I love this idea.

So, the question is: "Where is all the stuff??" 

In a working pantry adjacent to kitchen/living area. I've learned that the best way to combine a kitchen/living/or dining area is.....to have a bigger pantry.

 

 

A 12' long secondhand sink that they found at a restaurant supply place. Very cool... and very functional.

 The owner, Ruard Veltman, says: "I'm torn between two things: a very clean, modern kitchen with everything hidden, and a very utilitarian space with everything on open shelves — glasses, dishes, equipment, food. By having two rooms, I can have it both ways." 

Another kitchen I could see spending a lot of time in...

   

The owner is Richard Norris (who is the business manager for Mcalpine Tankersley in Montgomery, AL- meaning: he had GOOD help!). He wanted the kitchen to have the feel of a traditional dining room. So the sink area acts as a buffet/sideboard and the oval island a dining table.


Wow...

Where's all the stuff? In the pantry.

Lastly, 

Ina Garten's kitchen definitely doubles as a living area. 

Where's the Barefoot Contessa's {endless supply of} stuff??

My point exactly.

On another note, thanks again for all of your incredibly nice comments from my last post. Seriously, y'all are too good to me. 

 

(1) Designer: Ruard Veltman via House Beautiful; photo credit: Eric Piasecki (2) via House Beautiful; photo credit: William Abranowicz (3) via House Beautiful; photo credit: Simon Upton

Garden & Gun

Remember when I posted about the barn swing being the highlight of my year? Well apparently it's the gift that keeps on giving. 
Little did I know that this special swing would find its way to the cover of a magazine. .!!?

From the second I got the news I have been speechless since.  I am beyond honored to be a part of this awesome magazine and among the list of talented southern designers and artisans. (Including my friends, Matt & Carrie, from the hippest store in Nashville- Imogene and Willie.)

Really... Speechless.

Full of soul and Southern charm, Garden & Gun has become one of my very favorite magazines. It's not just for Southerners! Once you pick up a copy you'll see-  It's effortlessly cool. Their writing, photography and approach to stories is so down to earth and REAL. No bells and whistles. No team of stylists. What you see is what you get.

Haskell Harris, the {effortlessly cool} associate editor, called and said "OK, we're sending a photographer over in one week to photograph you at Ronnie's barn."

I panicked.   "But.. what do I wear?!!"

 "Well... what do you usually wear when you go out there?" she asked.

"Uhhh....jeans and my cowboy boots." 

"Perfect."

 

*Thanks to all of you who have sent me sweet, encouraging emails and comments. I am so very grateful.

 Garden & Gun, August/September Issue 

Go getcha' one!!

 

*Special thanks* to Haskell (read her stylin' blog!) , Ingrid, and the G&G team- y'all rock! *to Tina Adams for helping me put those jeans and cowboy boots with the right tops and accessories:),* to Hollis Bennett- the incredibly talented photographer that is responsible for these pictures, *to my encouraging and patient husband, Hoyt- for sitting there at the shoot and telling me when my hair was stuck to my lip gloss * to RD and Janine- for letting me take over your swing, and for challenging me to be the most creative I can be.  *Thanks y'all*

Nashville

 I have had several people email me when they are coming into Nashville for a weekend wanting to know what home decor shops they should hit up. I have lived here for 3 years and still feel like I'm being introduced to new stores. But, for what it's worth- I have compiled a list of my favorites.

First of all, if you want to know hot spots in this town you need to visit my trusty Nashville blog- Style Blueprint. You'll find everything you need to know about the hip spots in this town. I basically stole most of these pictures from their blog so a big THANK YOU to them for doing all the busy work and going above and beyond.

(And because I feel for all of you who are directionally challenged like myself -I linked the titles to the maps of each place. If you click on the name it'll take you to the spot on google maps.)

Now, let's go shopping!

In Green Hills you'll need to go to Bandywood Drive...

 Digs

 

Owned by Meg Turner and Becky Webb, Digs Interiors recently opened their very own retail store.  You'll see beautiful antiques, lighting, and other unique finds. (I've always been jealous of the name they chose for their interior design firm- Digs. So clever and catchy!!) Oh, and they're also on Taigan. 

Then right across the street you'll find AshBlue

It's a really cool store that has everything from furniture to jewelry. Great gifts! You can also shop online- here.

And before you leave Bandywood go by The Perfect Pair. My good friends, Casey and Whitney, own it and they have the coolest shoes in town. Seriously, you can't leave Nashville without a good pair of cowboy boots!

 
 

Now on to Berry Hill...

Gilchrist & Gilchrist

 shabby chic, vintage, charming

You walk in and feel like you're in a winter wonderland. Gina, the owner, is so helpful and sweet. You've seen her fabulous house before in this Christmas post!

 Seriously- you can't help but smile when you walk in. Especially when the face that greets you at the door looks like this:

That's Norman.

Next door to G&G you'll find an equally charming store-

Manor

Amy and her husband Earl Smith have an eye for style. Their taste is spot on! If you love this blog you'll love this store. Trust me. 
 

On 8th Avenue...
 
A la Maison

French style with New Orleans flair

This store always has something to offer. Lots of quirky antiques, beautiful artwork, and unique accessories- and I find that they are very affordable!  

Down the street you'll find....

Preservation Station

 

Full of architectural antiques that will make a statement in any room... old salvaged doors, chandeliers, mantles, newel posts, hardware, the list goes on... I love to add pieces like this to a home. It adds instant character!

 If you like this sort of thing then you'll LOVE

 Garden Park Antiques

 It's kind of off the beaten path but only because it's attached to their giant manufacturing facility. Think goggles and propane torches.

 But what's better than a hidden secret resource? (Consider yourself an insider:)

Everything is grand, large in scale, and jaw dropping.

Keith Merry, the owner, is a master artisan. And he has the eye to go with it!! He's also really fun to collaborate with. Here's a custom outdoor coffee table he just finished for one of my clients...

 

(shop online here)

If you have time and you really like to shop you need to venture out to Franklin, TN. About 30 minutes south of Nashville, this quaint town has SO much to offer!

Scarlett Scales

 When I first saw the outside of this store I knew it would be one of my favorites.

 

If you've ever been to a flea market you've probably felt overwhelmed at some point and thought "Gosh, I just wish someone would pick out all the good stuff FOR me." Well, good thing Scarlett has done it for us! She has such a unique sense of style... and is sweet to boot.

(why yes, that would be me in the background- from when I went shopping with Liza. I told you I stole her pictures! :) 

Next door is the Arbor Antique Mall.

If you're the type that likes to sift through junk to find quirky things (ME, Me!!) then you'll love the antiques stores like this one. There are several great ones on that same street that will keep you entertained for HOURS. (i.e. leave your husband at home for this one).

A funky old typewriter?

or a creepy clown mannequin? Yes please. 

 

The Iron Gate

This is probably my favorite store in the Nashville area. If you want to know what my style is... this is it. I will gladly take anything in that store and put it in my own home. 

You can atleast come home with one of their amazing candles.  

I'm SURE I left out some great stores but these are the ones I go to most often. 

I think you'll like them too... 

Happy shopping, Y'ALL! 

 

I have been working on this post for a while and just got around to finishing it- so I apologize if you emailed and I didn't get back to you in time! (first picture is from Hatch Show Print, others by Style Blueprint and the stores websites)

In The Hamptons...

Can you believe it's almost August already?? This summer has flown by way too fast. I feel like I say this every summer.. Yup, I do.

Last week Hoyt and I were in NYC and we decided to take a quick trip up to East Hampton to visit some friends. We thought- why not?? It's TOO hot in the city right now! And I've always wanted to go there and see what all the hype was about. 

 

Here's what I found:

In the Hamptons...

You can't beat the weather. There's a nice breeze that makes the summer heat actually pleasant! (imagine that!?),

 
 

You walk a lot (unless you live there and own a car) 

 

Walking in the Hamptons? I can't complain! Plus, I had some time to snap pictures- 

 

 

You'll see shingle style homes (aged to perfection) against stark white trim. I could never tire of this look... 
  
 
 
  

I personally like the older homes better than the newer ones... but I'll take either!

 

 

 

(you see a lot of those cars parked out front too)

In the Hamptons,

The landscaping is impeccable. 

 

 

Lots and lots of hydrangeas in brilliant shades of blue and purple,

The town is quaint and adorable,
 

full of attractive people,

and attractive stores...

like Double RL-

 

 

And Book Hampton, the bookstore that I could spend hours in (whoever selected the blue light fixtures is a genius)

In the Hamptons... 

the windows are left open,

 

The sidewalks go on forever,

Dogs drive their own trucks, 

 

:)

the porch ceilings are all painted blue,


The beach is dreamy, (these pictures are taken with my iphone's Hipstamatic APP! Download it. It's great)   

 

You find yourself having good old-fashioned fun like playing a game of wiffle ball as the sun goes down....

 

Okay fine- or just laying in the grass and watching everyone else play...

 
  

The sunsets are pretty perfect,

(are you beginning to see a common thread here..?)

 

Conclusion:

The place is a dream. We didn't want to leave...

(this photo was taken with the new iphone APP where it shows the persons thoughts!)

 

That's so sweet of you, Hoyt....I hope I didn't spoil my Christmas present! ;)

Still dreaming...

 

(all photos taken by me; and just in case you're wondering- there is no APP that shows the person's thoughts. The day they come out with that one  is the day dogs will be driving cars.)

Goodnight Moon, Goodnight Room

Hey guys- Is anybody out there?!   I need to invent a button like Pandora Radio to reassure me...

 

Sorry for my lack of posts. I have been overwhelmed with work and travel so I really appreciate your patience with me as I get back on track. (I'm speaking to my entire family, friends, clients and blog readers. Yes, I've even been screening my own mother!! Shame on me.)

 Sometimes I find myself being consumed with work or getting tied up in trivial things. Then, at just the right time, I get an email from someone welcoming a new baby into the world. Reality check. 

God is good...and what better proof than the miracle of birth.?? 

Recently I got an email with this sweet birthday face-

 Meet Jack. His mom is one of my cousins (which makes him my...? not going to attempt) - Remember this post? She lives in our great-grandmother's old home. Needless to say, decorating the nursery was a treat and I can't wait for little Jack to enjoy his new peaceful room...

 <insert one of my favorite children books>

Good night room
Good night moon
Good night cow jumping over the moon

Good night light and the red balloon...

Goodnight bears
Goodnight chairs
Goodnight kittens
And goodnight mittens

 Goodnight clocks

And goodnight socks
Goodnight little house
And goodnight mouse

   

Goodnight comb
And goodnight brush
Goodnight nobody
Goodnight mush

 
  

 And goodnight to the old lady

whispering "hush"

Goodnight stars
Goodnight air
Goodnight noises everywhere...

 

 A few details....

• Bedding is from Serena & Lily- Dylan Collection
  
• 
   
• The curtains were done by my seamstress in Nashville. I can't claim the design- I saw it at a friends house and loved it. So I had that same box-pleat trim made for the leading edges. I think that little detail ended up adding a lot to the room.
• The wooden blocks and animals were from her mom's attic (I'm telling you- hit up your mom's attic and who knows what you could find!!.. And if you're in the south I recommend a bathing suit with a hand-held fan.) 
• There was one wooden animal- the giraffe- that her grandmother brought back from Africa years ago. They had it made into a lamp and found the perfect shade at Anthropologie.

 "Every good and perfect gift is from above."-James 1:17 

Since I'm sharing some baby love I want to say CONGRATULATIONS to some clients/friends/readers I know that have recently welcomed new babies: 

Lindsay, Brooke, Alice, Amy-any day now!!, Shelton, Kim, oh gosh- I know I'm forgetting a ton.  

Anyone else welcomed a new baby? What is his/her name? I want to hear! (You have the right to baby-brag)

 

(to purchase Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, click here)

Chair backs

I scored these chairs at the flea market in Atlanta this past week- 

These Louis XVI style chairs were found in Belgium (I think? can't remember. I'm a terrible listener at the flea market) and are upholstered in this really cool, embossed leather. Worn-in and vintage looking.

But oddly enough the selling point for me was the BACKS of these chairs. I don't have a picture because... there's nothing there. The upholstered backs are currently exposed and covered in muslin. Which MEANS: I can have the backs redone in a contrast fabric!! (while visions of fabric samples danced in her head)

SOLD.

 I love seeing classic chairs with different backs- it provides for a nice surprise when you catch it at a different angle. Tradition with a twist!

I can't wait for these puppies to be delivered to Nashville so I can start picking out the perfect fabric. Should it be bright? solid? pastel? bold pattern? geometric? floral? Can you tell the fabric samples are still dancing in my head?? The possibilities are endless. I guess it depends on what room they will go in. Don't know that yet either.

For inspiration...

via House Beautiful; designer Jonathan Berger; photo credit: Francesco Lagnese

via House Beautiful; designer Leslie Klotz; photo credit: Laura Resen 

Saw this settee in a Lonny article recently...
   

And the back?? 

 
Oh yes.

Not a fabric I would pick personally but I still think it's cool. 

source unknown, sorry

 via Cheryl Tague website

 
 designer Joe Nye

via Suzanne Kasler website

via Country Living, photo credit: William Waldron

 via Domino magazine

 

via Veranda magazine

Right now I'm liking those last two pictures with the pop of blue fabric on the back. Hmmm....

Thoughts?