Apr 19, 2013 No Comments

Learn it!

Spring Trends

Spring has finally arrived!  I feel a freshness in the air and a desire to renew a sense of style to the home.  Here are a few trends we have been considering when designing some adventurous clients’ homes.
A beach home designed by Jonathan Adler.

A beach home designed by Jonathan Adler.

 * Punches of intense, vibrant, happy color.  My goal is to create smiles around each corner.  I am switching it up a bit with a base of milky white. Then come splashes of chartreuse, peacock and orange.  Jonathan Adler and C Wonder are excellent examples of this trend.  The trick is to use secondary colors (a combination of 2 primary colors) with ample milky white, so not to get overstimulated with all of the color!
Nina Table from Gabby Home. A combination of gold metal with mother of pearl inlay top.

Nina Table from Gabby Home. A combination of gold metal with mother of pearl inlay top.

* Gold or Brass metal with black or white.  I like this trend, but again, in moderation.  Rather than a room with all gold or brass, combine it with wood, wrought iron and lucite.  This creates a mix of luxe with organic elements. Some folks I know are still recalling 80’s excess with this trend but an aged patina or hand-forged piece makes it a very current look.
Grow House Grow features art and wallpaper by Katie Deedy. This one's called "Cattle Kate"

Grow House Grow features art and wallpaper by Katie Deedy. This one’s called “Cattle Kate”

* Artistic wallpaper for an accent wall behind a bed or bookshelf, along a stairwell, or enveloping a powder room.  Some of these papers are true works of art!  I am awed by the creativity of these paper designers. Some, like Galbraith and Paul, are hand blocked in small batches with custom colors. Great sites to visit: www.galbraithandpaul.com, walnutwallpapers.com and growhousegrow.com.  Have fun with this!  Fear not (too much!)
Photo courtesy of the charming blog: milkandhoneyhome.com

Photo courtesy of the charming blog: milkandhoneyhome.com

* Add a fiddle leaf fig or some other interesting large plant to your room.   Elisabeth Paulson, our design director turned me on to this great look.  These sculptural plants add interest, lush color and bring the outdoors in.  They may be fickle at first- requiring the correct light and coaching- but once happy, this classic plant makes a healthy addition to the family.
Mar 20, 2013 1 Comment

Artist in Residence

A Carpenter with Mad Skills and Heart

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I have known our carpenter, Scott Dilley, for 11 years.  I met him through his wife, Melanie, when our sons Jake and Jack were born. We quickly became pals; she is British and would entertain me with tea and witty conversation.  She could rightly be the subject of her own blog post with an amazing story but I will leave that for another time.

Scott's Studio/Workshop in Monroe, GA

Scott’s Studio/Workshop in Monroe, GA

I am not sure what project I first worked with Scott or how he manages to accomplish our clients projects with rough sketches or concept drawing.  It is one thing to conceptualize, it is quite another to actually make a beautiful piece of furniture.   Perhaps it is because he attended the Art Institute of Chicago and studied sculpture, making him an artist first.  Perhaps it is because he spent valuable time with his grandfather as a kid in California, building things.  Perhaps it was out of necessity to keep his family nurtured.  It is probably all these things and more.

Just one example of Scott's work: a kitchen table using reclaimed wood.

Just one example of Scott’s work: a kitchen table using reclaimed wood.

Scott is a Renaissance man.  He spent five years in Egypt learning ancient culture and speaks Arabic.  He met Melanie in Brazil on a mission trip and is even an ordained minister who has married several friends.  His conversation is not ordinary; he has a philosophical bent that often sees the best in people and circumstances.  He seems to have “yes” for an answer, even if it is inconvenient or uncomfortable.  I am grateful for that.
One of his art pieces: marrying the vibrant with the raw.

One of his art pieces: marrying the vibrant with the raw.

His art and furniture is fun, spirited and thoughtful.  He seems to be right on trend and knows how to create.  That’s it – I am awed with his ability to create.  Here are only a couple of the dozens of projects we have done together.  Check out his portfolio to see more: www.dilleybrand.com.
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Scott and Melanie currently reside deep in the woods of Monroe, Georgia, with their four children, 21 chickens and one duck.
Feb 08, 2013 No Comments

Artist in Residence

The Brits Next Door

Hail to the Queen

Hail to the Queen

My neighbors are British.  I did not know that having British neighbors would open up doors to a new world!  First of all, they are incredibly polite. Yes, I know what you’re thinking- that’s just the way they sound.  But seriously, they are profoundly considerate- helping me take out the trash, blowing my leaves, bringing my children toys and candy from England and other kind gestures.  More than being just good British neighbors, I needed to linger and chat over a cup of cappucino.  So after Christmas, I did just that and walked next door to Saffron’s house.  Turns out that she had some incredible stories to tell.

Literally LOVE this bedroom

Literally LOVE this bedroom

Saffron used to be the personal assistant to the co-founder of Jimmy Choo shoes in London.  What?  She worked with the designer, Martin Lawrence Bullard, to outfit her boss’s home.  She coordinated everything from personal shopping of high fashion clothes to helicopter rides to dates with George Clooney for her lovely boss.  This was gossip straight from how the other half lives and I was captivated!

Bring the Funk!

Bring the Funk!

I am also captivated by her.  If I could marry her, I would.  There-I said it.  She is charming, fastidious, creative, healthy, artsy and did I mention that her house and yard are always in perfect order.  This is something that if I did not like her so much, I would grudge her for making me look bad.  Alas, I cannot be jealous (alright a little), but I can dream.  Saffron also has a great sense of style.   It’s simple yet quirky.  Mid-century modern sofa, giant steamer trunks, union jack paraphanalia and vintage accessories.  I appreciate her lack of clutter, yes, but more than that I appreciate how she considers every item, making sure that nothing is overcrowded and that everything speaks to her and her husband, Neil.

Written By Stephanie Andrews

Saffron and her daughter

Saffron and her daughter