Recycle the Sally J. Way

Today is Earth Day.  I'd love to say that my love for redoing and reusing things stems from my deep desire to save the planet, but I'd be lying.

I just love to see something blossom from  a state of disarry and abuse.
I believe the expression here in Texas is  "Make a silk purse from a sow's ear"

We've rescued several wonderful pieces over the years, so I thought I'd share a few before and afters on this Earth Day.

This little antique chair had been upholstered in silk that the client had brought back from China years ago.  It was so fragile and had deteriorated over the years (maybe with a little help from the dogs!)

We still have beautiful silk (Highland Court), but we upholstered the frame in veveteen for it's feel and texture, and also because of the durability.

The cushion and pillow are filled with a down blend to continue that decadence that we began with the lovely silks. 

How's that for dressing up!

I don't have the before of this little chair, but the after was just too much fun not to share.   My client had this needlepoint rug and antique trim and wanted to use it on this chair.  We covered the frame in a coordinating velvet because the rug wouldn't stretch that far. 

 How sweet is this??

My favorite Befores and Afters are in the kitchens that we remodel.

This is one of the most dramatic remodels we have completed.

It was trash time for this poor, outdated kitchen.

Can you say Transformation!!

Paint has the greatest potential for change than anything I can think of.

Look what paint did for this built in cabinet.

Here's the before.

Ta Da !!

We found the center doors at an antique store, added filigree on the base cabinets to repeat the design from the new doors, painted and glazed, and

Voila!  a totally new look.

What are you looking at in your home that could be recyled or reused in a new and different way? 

Now that's the kind of recycling I can get behind!

All images are taken by Sally Hammond for Sally J. Designs.

I'm happy for them to be shared, just please give credit if you use them.

Thanks, Sally

Divine Dining

As we all come together as families over this holiday weekend, the dining room will be the center of attention. 

As I continue my journey through my dream house, I'm seeing a dining room that creates an ambiance that welcomes, engages conversation and entertains.

I hope you all enjoy breaking bread around your dining room table with the important people in your life this weekend and always.

Dallas Anchorwoman, Jane McGary's home was featured in D-Magazine this year, and I was so enamored with the use of color and whimsy that Kenneth Blassingame, interior designer, used throughout the home.  Such a happy place, vibrant and engaging.  I know a dinner party in this home would be filled with stories and laughter....certainly an element I want to see in my dream home.

This sweet little vignette of intimate dining is the work of ID, Neal Stewart.  I think it's a perfect place for dinner or breakfast for two.  The antique style mirrors framing the alcove set the tone for this romantic space. The velvet on the banquette and the bergere chair bring elegance and comfort to the space and joy to my face!

This dining room was designed by Sherry Haslip for the new director of the Dallas Symphony, Aaltje van Zweden.  The spheres by artist and furniture maker, Mike Stallilngs, were designed to hold pieces of music that were significant to the new director.  They are finished in silver leaf to compliment the soft grays and lilacs within the space.

You can read more about the space here.

Although this is not my personal style, what I love about this dining room is how it makes a statement while at the same time combines comfort and elegance.

I love the eclectic quality of this dining room.  Such a mix of styles and periods, but the balance is beautiful, and the room really works for me.  I've loved the lavender and green palette for quite some time for it's fresh and spring-like quality.  The curves of the stone table and the soft bend in the legs of the chairs brings an air of grace to this setting... a real juxtoposition of styles, and I think it's a beautiful place to entertain.

This is a small breakfast alcove in Jane McGary's home, and I can't think of a happier place to start the day with a cup o' joe.  The mix of colors and furniture styles gives a casual and friendly feel to this space.  The unusual table base is so chaming.  Who doesn't want that!

There's nothing more inviting and engaging than country french styling, and this breakfast room in the home of one of my clients is perfect for that overflow seating when all the family comes for Easter dinner.  Off of the kitchen, and overlooking the pool and lanai, it's the perfect spot to brunch as well.

Is your dream dining room all about drama?  Then this may be perfect for you.

The walls are fabric upholstered in an irridescent silk that reflects the light from the metallic twig chandelier.  I love the peacock blue chairs as the pop of color in the room.  Although this is not my dream dining room, I know I would enjoy having dinner here anyway watching the lights of San Fransico in the distance.

Interior design by Nancy Van Natta Assoc.  San Fransico

I've always loved the idea of combining the dining room with the library, and this image from Architectural Digest shows why.  I think the shelving anchoring the enormous art piece create the focal point that the room needs.  The addition of the wing chair, desk and library ladder really bring that library feel home. 

An intimate dining experience is sure to be had in this amazing library dining room.  I think the host must be an infamous mystery writer, hiding behind a glamorous pseudonym.  I'll have a lovely pino noir, please!

Many of my younger clients prefer the transitional style like this one from ID, Tom Stringer.

Graphic prints, a neutral color palette, and elements of the traditional home they grew up in, all speak to this generation of home owners.  I love the graceful lines of the chandelier, the back painted shelving showcasing a beautiful collection of white pottery, the subtle color of the drapery, and that wonderful splash of lime on the otherwise neutral table.

Regardless of where you are dining this weekend, I hope it speaks to your personality and your style.

Bon A'ppetite !

My homage to velvets

It's almost the end of Febuary, and I can't believe that spring is just weeks away.  While I'm always glad to see the daffodills and tulips punch through the barren ground, I'm not ready to leave behind the coziness that we create in our homes during the winter months. 

Here in the south, proper young ladies of my day were taught that we didn't wear white after labor day or velvet after Easter, so while the temps are hovering around freezing, and there is still time to indulge myself, I thought I'd post some lovely applications of my favorite textile, and my distraction of the day......velvet.

Who knew ??? 

Velvet pile is created by warp or vertical yarns and velveteen pile is created by weft or fill yarns. 

Luxury personified! Velveteen upholstered walls, and in kelly green, no less! 

Love it !  Thank you, Tory Burch, for your incredible style and panache'!

Boston interior designer, Frank Roop, is a man after my own heart with this turquoise velveteen sofa.  I'm recovering two slipper chairs for my own house in almost the same color.

The lucious teal velveteen is going to turn these little slipper chairs into a real focal point in the room.   This rich shade of blue-green with the orange (Thomas Paul for Duralee) is my new fav color scheme. 

I think I would feel very pampered living in this vibrant bedroom created by Steve Shubel.  I love the combination of the black white and red, and then add in the richness of the velvet on the headboad and bed throw, and you've got a space that really plays to the senses.  Check out the unexpected pink throw on the chair.

OMG !  The combination of velvet with silk is textural heaven.   I could hang out on the sofa with this and watch the Olympics!

King Richard II of England directed in his will that his body should be clothed in "velveto" in 1399.

What a great idea!

Pink velveteen....I'm such a girl !

What's your favorite distraction today?   I hope you'll share it !

P.S.  I just found this picture on Ragland Hill Social blog and had to have it as a part of this post.  Be still my heart!!