Dinner? Anyone?

When was the last time you had a dinner party? 

You know, the kind where you make a great meal, dress out your table and yourself, serve the good wine and put on some quiet background music? 

Yeah, I thought so....been a while?  Huh? 

I think we have become so casual in our approach to entertaining (and everything else) that we don't do many "dress - up" things any more.  It's just easier to throw on a pair of jeans and flip flops and go "hang out" with friends and family.

And that's ok...

But...
Let's just think a minute about those wonderful settings where we might share a special meal or try to impress the boss or just do it for old time's sake!

The Dining Room....the dressiest place in the house.

Tom Stringer, Interior designer

Jackie Alberga featured in House and Home

Keith Irvine, Interior designer

Kara Mann, Interior Designer - Traditional Home

Richard Halberg and Barbara Wiseley, Interior designers

Neal Stewart, D-Home magazine

Barry Dixon, Interior Designer

Jeffrey Bilhuber, Interior Designer

Ralph Lauren

Suzanne Kasler, Interior Designer

Shiela Bridges, Interior Designer.  Her apt. in Harlem

John Saladino, Interior Designer

OK...are you inspired?

Now, go cook some dinner!

Mid week Inspiration

It's Wednesday...again! 

I don't know where the days go any more, but we are so busy these days that it seems like they are whizzing by.

Wish I had time for a nice long, leisurely post, but it just ain't happening today!

But I found a lovely photo from a room designed by one of my favorite designers, Mary McDonald.  Perhaps you'll be inspired by Mary's beautiful work.

Go forth, and create!!

Is the Bedspread Back?

Layers and layers are sort of the hallmark of most beautiful beds.

We layer the coverlets and duvet covers over bedskirts and top them with throws at the end of the bed and pile of the pillows. 

It's lovely.

Paul Joseph Hopper, Interior Designer

But what about the bedspread??

As a little girl, I had a bedspread.  I remember one in pink chennile. 

I remember my mother teaching me how to arrange the pillows so that when I turned the top of the spread back, the pillows would be perfectly tucked in.  There was a lot of running from side to side as I recall. 

Could that be why we switched to a comforter or a duvet....because they were easier to make up??

Perhaps...

But I'm loving the bedspread.

Horchow

I've had this one from Horchow in my favorites folder for quite some time.

Pretty in Pink, and loving the tufting and the little hem detail on this one.

Black and white toile is always a classic. 

Can't you just feel the crisp Egyptian cotton of these spreads?  I love the really tight ruffles, but what takes it over the top for me are the down comforters folded on the ends.

Burnout velvet brings a touch of elegance to this bedspread.

These are also from Horchow.  I think they are actually the same spread as the first one in different material.  Do you think it's imperative to have monogrammed pillows gracing the bedspread?   I think almost every picture I found features a monogram.  I guess great minds think alike!

I'm liking the trend back to the bedspead.....how about you? 

I like!

I have a picture folder in my files that is simply titled "Rooms I like".  Usually, I am a little more clever than that. 

This room was created by Dallas designer, Neal Stewart, and was featured in D-Home magazine.

Why do I like this space? 

I love the eclectic mix of furniture styles...french provencial chair, modern leather club chairs, mid-century coffee table...great mix.

I never thought I'd say this again, but I'm really loving this gilded gold Giacometti lamp.  I think I finally got rid of all my gilded gold about this time last year.  I guess I'm going to have to hit the GoodWill and see if I can get it all back!

The lamp's got a great traditional shape, and it's pumped up with the gold gilded finish...very chic and very 2010!

The linen panels are so complimentary to the putty gray of the walls.  The wall color is the backup singer to the Chinese red chest and the convex mirrors.  I love the way the mirrors brighten up the wall and fill up the space between the window panels. 

So tell me you expected a VERY large scale nude over the sofa in this room!  I think its a beautiful painting, but I'd hate to have to explain it to the grandkids.  I'm sure there would be some giggles.

No room is complete without books, if you ask me.  I  like the casual way these are stacked, like they are opened and referred to on a regular basis. 

I think this is a very livable room, and I like it!

Do you?

To Ikat or Not????

When did you first hear of Ikat fabric? 

Anthony Todd, Interior designer

Was it in design school, or maybe from a blogger or did you read about it in a magazine?  It's been a fairly good trend for a few years now.

JK Capri, Interior designer

I was slow coming to the table....
Just was a little concerned that it looked a little global for my clients.

Amanda Nesbitt, Interior designer

But, I'm not always a slow learner.  I recognize when I need to get on board.
I am there.  I'm actually thinking of using one of these from Duralee myself.

I like this one too.  Anyone know who makes this?

Kristen Hutchins, Interior designer

But what do you think?  Yea? or Nay? to Ikat?

Lee Jofa

Ready? Set? Go!!

When was the last time you played?

Maybe over the holiday?  Did you play games with the kids or grands....chase the ball with the dog....or have a tickle fight with someone you love? 

I think play is at the core of creativity, and when we play we release all those little "thingys" in our brain that give us inspiration and awesome ideas.  Have you noticed? 

I'm needing a little play in my life right now, so I thought it would be fun to see what kind of playful things I can find in the design world that make me smile and help me to channel my inner child.

Paisley is fun!

French Bull

Anthropologie

Primavera by Clarence House

Using fabrics in fun ways always inspires me.

The Chair company

House Beautiful

Interiors Magazine

Then there's the category...."What?????"

Pamplemousse designs

Sheep?  really???

Magic Brush blog

Ride 'em cowgirl!

Nancy Serafini, Interior Designer

Wonder what this does to the appetite?

Kips Bay show house

Don't we all need a bear rug and a disco ball?

Momento Italia

You want these, don't you??  Me too!!

Are you smiling yet?  If you're still a little grumpy, I'll get you on this one.....

Make it a play day, friends!  Go forth and create!

Another headboard envy

Kessler Park is an historic neighborhood just southwest of downtown Dallas where bungalow  and revival style homes from the 1920s - 1940s are the norm.  It's a charming area where preservationists have had a hayday restoring many of these old lovelies to their original grandeur. 

This month's issue of D Home magazine features the home of interior designer, Rob Dailey and event planner, Todd Fiscus.  You can read the article by Laura Kostelny, here.

I just wanted to share a picture of the bedroom.  I'm in love with this headboard!  Designed by Dailey, I think it is a wonderful complement to the small bungalow windows. What do you think?  (I"m just not sure about the lamps!)

Happy Monday, everyone!

Happy Birthday, America!

A Room for Keeps

Mary Engelbreit said it best.

The keeping room can be that spot.

Traditionally, the keeping room is a small, cozy space off the kitchen.  It's a place where you can host an intimate gathering with a great friend, enjoy the fireplace and a glass of wine with your significant other, or sit and read a book in the peaceful quiet. 

Margaret Chambers

Sometimes the keeping 'room' is really a keeping 'space'.  It functions as a place to invite guests into the kitchen without being IN the kitchen. 

Timber Home Living

Historically, the keeping room was in the center of the home, had a fireplace, and served as a place for the family to sleep during the cold winter time.  They were close to the fire, and close to each other.

Southern Accents Riverhills Show house

Through the years, the keeping room became the forerunner to the open concept space plan.  We've always loved having friends and family close by while cooking in the kitchen.

House Beautiful

Veranda

The concept of a keeping room can work in a traditional space,

Or a more modern one.

Coastal Living

Regardless of style and shape, it's a great additon to any home.

I love the idea of a keeping room. 

Do you need a spot of your own too??