The Impeccable Nest

EMHE 906 Columbus

2011-08-07T14:43:00.000-07:00

Here we go again! This time I was asked to lend a hand in Columbus Ohio and was able to meet HGTV's Sabrina Soto (her latest show was Get it Sold and now she is on to The High Low Project http://www.hgtv.com/sabrina-soto/bio/index.html )....super sweet and designs on the fly! Wow!

We met for the design meeting and then headed over to Fabric Farms to pick up fabric

This will be a Christmas episode so the blue shirts for volunteers were changed to holiday colors...mine is: RED!

Extreme Makeover: Chair Edition - Part II

2011-08-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

So the saga of my grandmother's chairs finally continues. I have found a few minutes to remove the 3 million tiny upholstery nails that held the old fabric together...it literally disintegrated as I removed it. These are what my chairs look like today.

Next step is to cheer up these tired old chairs with a coat of a creamy white high gloss paint. Stay tuned!

graduation parties and weddings are just around the corner

2011-03-27T18:19:00.001-07:00

source

It’s wedding season and Graduation nears and the party planning will begin. Now is the time to start thinking about those decorating projects that you’d like to accomplish before the parties this year.

All good things take time, and custom window treatments, bedding, outdoor cushions and pillows are no exception. Now is the perfect time to begin working on those projects for delivery and installation before the spring parties start.

Also, many brides are now hosting wedding showers and brunches at home. Maybe Mom would like to freshen things up before the big day? A new ensemble of pillows for the sofa, or a set of white roman shades in the sunroom can set the mood.

Will you be celebrating a birthday or anniversary prior to celebrating your child’s graduation? The Impeccable Nest offers gift certificates to help with the budget. They are available in any denomination and do not expire for a full year from the date of purchase.

Contact me at nicole@impeccablenest.com or through the contact page on my website http://www.impeccablenest.com/ for information on purchasing gift certificates and free in-home design consultations.

And remember, gift certificates are always a great wedding gift for style conscious newlyweds that will begin making their new house a home together.

Spring fever - time for makeovers!

2011-02-18T18:01:00.000-08:00

My latest furniture crush:

I have 2 (I'll call them "vintage") chairs that belonged to my grandparents. They are matching but with very different fabrics on them. I think one still wears it's original fabric and one has had a wardrobe change. I love the silhouette of the chairs, but they need serious updating. So I have been researching and hunting to find the perfect inspiration for the makeover.

This photo caught my eye while I was browsing design blogs (sorry - I have since lost the link and photo credit) for office storage solutions.

My chairs are currently upholstered with vertical channels. Not a style that I am very fond of...but the shape of the chairs are almost identical to these with the top of the chair back more closely resembling the one below by Lee Furniture:

The top of the back is curved up and out slightly.

Then I found the photo below on the cover of the February issue of Traditional home and decided that I do, indeed, love the tufted look. And since I have already purchased two coordinating fabrics and 1,000 polished nickel upholstery tacks that this is the direction I am going to go in.

I am also crushing on the ring pulls that they attached to the back for pulling the chair out from the table. No grimey fingers on the top of the chair repeatedly pulling and wearing on the fabric.

I plan to start tearing down my two beauties next weekend and will keep you updated on my progress with lots of photos, too!

Photo of the day

2011-02-11T17:13:00.000-08:00

I "heart" these wool felt hearts strung mobile style.

source unknown

What can't Martha do?

2011-02-09T13:06:00.000-08:00

I recently discovered that Martha Stewart was a fashion model in the early 60's...what else will she do?

Photo of the Day: Heart Brooch

2011-02-08T13:51:00.000-08:00

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51567568/handmade-vintage-shabby-chic-brooch

Love is Blind

2011-01-25T14:53:00.000-08:00

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I thought I would feature the master suite from the Extreme Makeover build that I worked on. Ty Pennington designed the room with design producer Vanessa with that very day and sentiment in mind.

We designed and fabricated the custom bedding, pillows and scaldino (the red silk foot warmer at the end of the bed).

The attached bath was extremely beautiful with a large tub, two separate vanities and a glass enclosed shower. We designed and fabricated a red silk balloon valance that hung on custom decorative hardware that I sourced from Unique Fine Fabrics. The hardware company was gracious and donated the hardware for this and two other spaces as well.

The Anderson’s were married on Valentine’s Day. They also named their seeing eye dog “Valentine”…and here is the dog bed that a couple of the girls whipped up with scrap foam and some batting from my workroom. The bottom was leftover vinyl so that it wouldn’t slide across the hardwood and the pillow insert was removable for washing.

Sister Parrish Style

2011-01-09T13:57:00.000-08:00

The following statement is exactly how I, too, approach design. However, I AM dangerous with a scale...as I did originally study architecture and technical drafting!

"It is only my eye that has helped me. I am still hopeless with that thing called a scale ruler. I love color, but that comes very naturally to me. From the beginning, I never followed trends. If I was aware of them, I didn't care, for I believed as I do now, that rooms should be timeless and very personal. I don't set out to achieve a particular style. And I certainly don't have a 'look' -- just a mishmash of everything that somehow, by instinct, usually turns out to be a warm imaginative, 'living room'."

Sister Parish

Visit the website of Sister Parrish Design here: http://www.sisterparishdesign.com/index2.php

I transitioned from designing and engineering windows to dressing them! I much prefer the creative (yet still quite technical) side to the strictly technical side!

Nesting Dolls - Christmas Tradition #1

2010-12-01T14:56:00.000-08:00

Over the years I have started a few holiday traditions of my own. Most are collections that I have started for holiday decorating, others are special themed gifts given on certain days. The first that I will tell you about came about because of childhood memories.

When I was young my mother had a small collection of intricately hand painted wooden dolls that fit inside each other. We called them nesting dolls. I spent hours playing with them whenever they were on display. (My mother did not display anything that we weren't allowed to touch - even the nicer things were there for us to discover - I hope some day I learn to be that relaxed :) Anyhow, I now know that these dolls are called Matryoshka dolls and originated in Russia.

According to wikipedia, a matryoshka doll, or babushka doll is a Russian nesting doll which is a set of dolls of decreasing sizes placed one inside the other. The word matryoshka (матрёшка) is derived from мать (mother); literally it means "dear (or little) mother."

The original babushka by Zvyozdochkin and Malyutin

The first Russian nested doll set was carved in 1890 by Vasily Zvyozdochkin from a design by Sergey Malyutin, who was a folk crafts painter in the Abramtsevo estate of the Russian industrialist and patron of arts Savva Mamontov. The doll set was painted by Malyutin himself. Malyutin's design was inspired by a set of Japanese wooden dolls representing the Seven Lucky Gods. Malyutin's doll set consisted of eight dolls—the outermost was a girl holding a rooster, six inner dolls were girls, the fifth doll was a boy, and the innermost was a baby. In 1900, Savva Mamontov's wife presented the dolls at the World Exhibition in Paris, and the toy earned a bronze medal. Soon after, matryoshka dolls were being made in several places in Russia.

But, enough about history...while I was online searching for a possible addition to my collection, I spotted this beautiful Russian Troika Nesting Doll for sale at The Russian Store. This one of a kind 30 piece nesting doll is hand carved and hand painted. It is imported directly from Russia. It features a gloss finish and Russian troikas racing across a winter landscape.

Can you imagine? 30 pieces? I would be in nesting doll heaven!

Look at the intricate details that are handpainted on each doll.

Below are some more beautiful dolls

That's a compulsion - not a collection! (source unknown)

Aliona Doletskaya (Editor of Vogue Russia) celebrated the 10th anniversary of this institution with a collection of 31 Matryoshka dolls

Chanel Russian doll clutch £2.500

A Peterhof shop window in Paris

These remind me of my mother's dolls that I played with as a child (source unknown)

By the way, the cost of the 30 piece set that I fell in love with? A mere $1918.99...I am on your Christmas list, right? Well, if not, be sure to let Santa know that I have been a very good girl this year! [wink]

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - Cleveland/Anderson family will air Dec 5th

2010-11-26T20:07:00.000-08:00

Me, outside of the glamourous "Design Producer's" trailer

It has been almost 8 weeks since we revealed the home to the very deserving Anderson family. The show will air on abc at 8pm EST on December 5th. I am so very excited to see how the home looks on television. For the episode, I was able to work directly with the design producers and two of the tv designers to help make this a beautiful home for the family.

Me and Ty

I met Ty Pennington in the design trailer and listened in on the design meeting he had with the design producer that was working on his projects (whilst I nibbled away on their fabulous snacks and sammies) He is a very genuine person. A regular kind of guy.

...Of course, those of you that know me, know that I just couldn't leave well enough alone and offered up some suggestions...(of course I received the "Who the "heck" (insert word of choice) is this chic" look several times...) But in the end, Ty did use my suggestions. And I am so very proud of that!
The following two days were filled with fabrication, sourcing, putting a ton of miles on my truck, lack of sleep and an accidental photo of happy hour that I sent to the design producer...oops...but, hey, my crew needed stress relief!
On the last day, I returned to the site to turn in receipts and return the producer's corporate credit card, and was asked to stay to help stage the home. Almost all of the "blue shirts" were asked to leave the home, but I was in the garage with the senior design producer and all of the accessory options for the home. WOW! There were so many choices. I think I remember about 60 frames, 10 chairs, a multitude of candleholders and vases, and on and on...It was absolutely amazing how quickly things went into the home and came right back out for a different option. It was so much fun to help frame photographs of the family, and to see the home completed (or darn near) and almost ready for it's close-up. I was able to "hang out" in the media room for a few minutes with TV designer, Michael, and staged pillows and throws the way he wanted them...he was very gracious and bubbly. We made close to 85 pillows for the home, but they had purchased even more as "filler". The producers stock the closets as well, with items like blankets and pillows, etc. Anything that will make the family feel more at home. At one point I was in charge of watching "the house" - a model replica that was strategically placed on a table in the garage. It was nearing time for the family to arrive, the masses outside were practicing for "move that bus", and I was asked to stay to assist during the filming. I was told that I would not be able to leave the home once the family pulled up and until the filming was complete, which would have been upwards of 8 hours. As much as I wanted to be a part of that, I was so exhausted by the All-nighter the night before (to complete that media room) that I graciously excused myself, thanked the designers for the opportunity to help the Anderson's and exited through the front door (in front of thousand's of on-lookers waiting patiently but excitedly for the family to arrive.) I did stay to see the family arrive, and it was very powerful to see. I will post again once the show has aired to show photos of the weekend that was certainly "Extreme."

2010-10-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

from The Impeccable Nest

photo credit: Martha Stewart Living

Extreme Makeover Home Edition

2010-09-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

So a few weeks ago I received a phone call from an industry professional asking me if I'd like to manage the window treatments for an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (yes, the show on abc) build in Cleveland OH...Of course I said "Sure!" without even realizing what I was getting myself into. Tomorrow morning is "door knock" day when they surprise the lucky family. There were some issues, glitches if you will, with sourcing items needed for the windows and the soft goods for this particular build. But awesome companies that I have connected with have stepped up and offered donations to help out the design team and ultimately the family. Once the build is finished I can be more specific, but so far we have sourced decorative fabrics from 3 different vendors (some even very high end), decorative hardware from 3 different vendors, 2 full bolts of lining and Kirsch hardware from a very gracious supplier, and we're hoping to find some pillow forms...the last item that we will need....unless plans change, and I hear that happens quite often. I do have help with managing and I am grateful for that! The official week hasn't even begun and this has already consumed 2 full days of my life, plus some restless nights filled with anticipation. Phew! I like it...bring it on!
...more to come, but you'll have to wait until the show airs for the specifics and photos! Episode number 9 for this season! Tune in...

Enhancing your View

2010-05-10T20:08:00.000-07:00

BEFORE

These windows look out onto a golf course. The london shades cut right through the middle of the windows and the top valance cuts out quite a bit of natural light. The client wanted to dress her windows to enhance the view while still softening the space.

AFTER

We achieved a bright cheerful look with upholstered cornices that hang loose in inverted box pleats over stationary panels.

The cornices have contrast microcord and the pleats are "buttoned up" with faux tufting.

French Door BEFORE

The cornices were mounted high to add visual height to the vaulted space.

French Door AFTER

We added custom tiebacks to the end panels to add extra detail and to allow the door to function properly.

Side Window BEFORE

The corner cornices were built out on the diagonal, and the side cornices were designed as "half" of a valance.

Side Window AFTER

Detail of custom shaped tieback.

Coordinating flat rod pocket valance for the back door has a tiny box pleated header and microcord at the bottom edge matches the contrast lining.

Happy Easter!

2010-03-27T19:23:00.000-07:00

I just loved this photo of "feltimals" that are for sale here: http://www.etceteramedia.com/etceterablog/?page_id=471
They are filled with egg shaker rattles and kapok, an all natural, sustainable, hypoallergenic stuffing.
The colors are fresh and the style, so simple.

Crazy for Purple

2010-02-05T20:02:00.000-08:00

Word is that the Maison & Objet Interiors show in Paris last month featured purple at every turn. Designers have been reporting dusty, muted purples, paired with greys and beiges. They also saw a variety of painted finish furniture instead of the standard stained mahogany, cherry and various wood finishes we see so often here in the states. Those "blonde" and washed finish furniture pieces should start popping up on our side of the pond within the next few years.

This recent install over Behr "Fudge Bar" paint was designed specifically for insulating qualities because of the drafty windows.

The first layer is a flat roman with heavy bella notte duette blackout. It is a very lining with a soft layer of "batting" attached to it. The shade has hidden "wires" added during construction to the inside to ensure perfect folds each time it is raised. I was skeptical that the faux leather would cooperate when operating it, but was pleasantly surprised that it works effortlessly!

The second layer is a soft cornice with an arched bottom. (Not pictured is an armoire with an arched top. We actually used the exact same curve from this to design the cornices.) They were a great way to introduce pattern.
And the third layer are the lined and interlined drapery panels that are pinch pleated and hanging from the beautiful oversized medallions. A detail that is hard to see is a microcord at the top edge of the panels to continue the line started across the top of the cornice. Also, the lead edge has a box pleated contrast fabric that can be dressed out to show more or less at the bottom. The tassel fringe has been hand sewn.

2010-01-26T17:43:00.000-08:00

Textile Trends for 2010
Fabric specialists from Robert Allen and Silver State Textiles reveal what’s hot in décor textiles this year.
By Holly O’Dell
Textiles play a crucial role in interior design, thanks to the patterns, colors and textures they offer. Here, experts from Robert Allen Group and Silver State Textiles reveal five big trends designers can expect to see in 2010. Au natural. Instead of relying heavily on the dressiness of silk or silk-like materials, designers and consumers will gravitate toward other natural fabrics such as cotton and linen because of their softness and low-maintenance look. "They offer a less elegant and more relaxed style of living," says Christy Almond, operating vice president, design and merchandising, for the Robert Allen Group, which plans to introduce several natural collections in 2010. "Many times these textiles have been washed and finished in a way that feels super-luxurious, even though they’re casual fabrics."Meanwhile, Manoli Sargetakis, principal of Silver State Textiles, believes that some consumers will seek out naturals with a polyester component. "People really like to have a natural fiber," he says, "but they’re beefing things up with a bit of a polyester blend so that the fabric can still keep rich color and dramatically enhance the double rubs [a method that tests a fabric’s durability] and wearability."Color runs the gamut. Like the fabrics themselves, colors will borrow from a natural palette. "Blues, grays, linens and whites are key right now," Almond says. "They’re clean, soft and offer a relaxed feeling. Picture a beach cottage where you can cozy up with a book on the sofa and not feel constricted." Green is continuing its influence on the spectrum. Robert Allen released a color about a year ago called Leaf, "a very clean, classy green that has done really well," Almond notes, adding that turquoise will emerge as an important hue in interior design textiles. Sargetakis predicts a return to jewel tones — ruby reds, emerald greens, sapphire blues. Reconsidering traditional. Textiles will feature a modern spin on traditional, according to Almond. "Many designs look like they’re simple and hand-drawn," she notes. "They’re a little less fussy than they were in the past." Such fabrics evoke an old Parisian apartment full of character, Almond notes, where paint is crumbling off the walls and tables have some wear and tear. "Patterns are more graphic and offer more clarity, but they’re not overly contemporary either," Sargetakis adds. "We’re adding youth to more traditional textiles." Silver State is introducing a new collection tentatively called Enduring Luxury, where the company will add a performance component to elegant fabrics within its high-end Alaxi division. The idea is to return to an earlier time and create a legacy piece. "This collection goes back to the days of when your grandmother had a beautiful piece of furniture that not only had class and style, but also durability and an enduring look that could be passed on to the next generation," Sargetakis says. Green is the gold standard. Fabric manufacturers such as Crypton have devoted their entire operations to eco-friendly products, both in terms of content and the manner in which they’re produced. Textiles made of bamboo, organic cotton or recycled materials will continue to attract consumers. Ethnic appeal. "You can barely open a magazine right now without seeing some sort of African, Moroccan or Middle Eastern design influence," Almond says. "Ethnic designs have been strong in fashion for a couple of years, and they’re now permeating the home on many levels. They’re a little bit irregular and add a beautiful sense of pattern and history to a space." The fabrics take their cues from traditional textiles such as an African kuba cloth but "are reinterpreted into a different type of fiber with a softer hand to make it suitable for today’s homes," Almond notes. To read more about the growing influence of Africa on international design, click here.For more information about the collaboration between Sherwin-Williams and The Robert Allen Group and to view the color cards, go to sherwin-williams.com/robertallen.

Cornices and Portieres

2010-01-20T18:14:00.000-08:00

My next BIG project will be furnishing window treatments for Fox Meadow Country Club in Medina, OH

Here is a computer generated rendering of what's to come. There will be five very large cornices and a pair of portiere panels dividing areas of the main dining room.

New paint colors were chosen by Creative Impressions and will add much needed drama and ambiance to the space. The rich fabrics were chosen to bring additional warmth and softness to the space.

This is the color story board that was made for club members to view the plans.

I am looking forward to this project because the changes are going to be very dramatic.

WCAA NE Ohio

2009-11-19T21:28:00.000-08:00

I am proud to be the newly elected Secretary for the NE Ohio chapter of the Window Coverings Association of America. I look forward to a great year with a terrific group of people. Check out the association at wcaa.org to see what we are all about.

Color Theory

2009-09-28T21:43:00.001-07:00

Color Theory

Learning the basic "language of color" will help you achieve your decorating goals.

Hue
Hue identifies the general family of a color, such as red, yellow, blue or green. The traditional color wheel is made up of twelve color families: red, red-orange, orange, yellow-orange, yellow, yellow-green, green, blue-green, blue-red-violet, violet and blue-violet.

Color Wheel
Colors on the opposite side of the wheel from each other are called complementary colors. In combination, these create striking contrasts. For less contrast, choose colors next to each other on the color wheel, which are called analogous colors. Choosing colors of different tints within one color family creates a monochromatic color scheme.

Warm or Cool?
Different colors in the same family may be described as being "warm" or "cool." Colors with yellow undertones will seem warmer, while the same color with blue or red undertones will appear cool. Cool colors - blue, green, violet - invite relaxation and thought. Warm colors - red, orange, yellow - encourage conversation and play. Sherwin-Williams color experts suggest using both warm and cool colors in rooms where you desire balance and variety.

Value
Value describes how light or dark a specific color may be. On Sherwin-Williams color strips, lighter values are at the top, mid-tone values are in the middle and darker values are at the bottom. When you combine colors from a single color strip, you're creating a monochromatic color scheme - perfect for creating a sophisticated, spacious look in a single room.

From http://www.sherwinwilliams.com/

5 Dos of Drapes

2009-09-02T17:46:00.001-07:00

5 Dos of Drapes
(http://ow.ly/nCkI)

For years it seemed that every designer under the sun was maximizing each room’s exposure to the sun’s rays by leaving windows starkers. But modernism has now embraced ye olde yard goods as part of the mix (especially the glamorous mix), and curtains are definitely back. Here are some tips:
Cover an entire window wall (or two) with crisp white sheers. This will not only soften the room but heighten the drama (and glamour quotient) and make the room seem more finished. It’s also the best way to handle oddly shaped or asymmetrical windows. In his Washington, D.C., living room, designer Supon Phornirunlit (NakedDecor.com) matched the art on the walls to that on the pillows, all of his own design.

Curtains are not just for windows anymore. You can have a drapery wall without even having fenestration— and you can hang art in front of or behind the curtains (if it’s sheer enough), as designer Joel Agacki did in his 750-square-foor apartment in Milwaukee.

Interior draperies—those that stand-in for walls instead of just hanging in front of them—are a terrific and inexpensive way of setting off one room from another visually, especially in small spaces. Designer Kelly Monnahan hung this silvery mesh on a simple hospital track between the living and dining rooms of his Boston loft for more elegant, more intimate entertaining.

Nothing says luxury like deep folds and a fabric that’s lush to the hand. In his own New York City apartment (on the parlor floor of a classic town house), designer William Sofield indulged himself just as he does his clients with simple, rung-hung drapery panels—of heavy-grade cashmere. (A simple rule of thumb for curtain fabric, from designer Raji Radhakrishnan “Don’t put anything on your windows you wouldn’t want to wear against your skin.”)

For maximum glamour, draperies should puddle or at least break (which means they’re a little bit longer than the distance between the rod and the floor). For a client in Atlanta, designer Jill VanTosh created simple sheer panels with loops for hanging but added a thick taffeta border which give the curtains the look of a wedding gown with a hint of train.

Nap time

2009-07-29T20:58:00.000-07:00

I walked out to get the mail from the mailbox the other day and spotted this cute little gal napping just behind in the dead grass along the ditch. It was so snugly and cozy, that it never noticed me retreiving the mail, and was still sound asleep when I returned minutes later with my camera.

It finally awakened to the sound of my digital camera bleeping to let me know I was focused. It turned and looked at me, almost as if it knew that I wouldn't bother it, and then tucked it's head under it's wing and went back to it's probably much deserved nap. After some quick research, I believe this to be a female Oriole. I had always thought they were mostly black with orange tipped wings. But there are several with the bold yellow color.

So on behalf of naps and a black and yellow and white color scheme, I bring you bold decorating ideas. Enjoy!

This is a small selection of soft black, white, and yellow fabrics now available from The Impeccable Nest for use in or on any of your drapery or soft furnishings. A great way to bring a little sparkle of sunshine into your home. Yellow is an easy color to integrate into a room, as it coordinates well with so many other colors.

I stumbled across quite a few great vignettes at http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/. They show quite a bit of grey and yellow, which I think is very chic and fresh.

Then I ran across a blog dedicated completely to Black, white and Yellow....go figure!

Check out http://blackwhiteyellow.blogspot.com and all of their unique finds such as these shoes. As mentioned in the blog comments, I don't think I'd ever wear them, but how fun are these? And what a great inspiration for decorating. If they make you smile, then the color scheme could be great for a cheerful spot in your home. Look to every day items for your color inspirations for your home.

Here is a picture seen on Point Click Home. It is a subtle yellow color scheme with a twist. The yellow this time is on the ceiling and helps to draw the upwards and emphasize the high ceiling and architectural details. Notice that yellow accessories are scattered sparingly throughout the shelves in small doses to help the eye travel down to the soft yellow sofa. This blast of color has a great impact.

These last two pictures are perfect representation of great use of the color scheme. Both are bright and cheerful with a mix of color and texture. Again, the yellow is repeated in more than one element. This is key to good design. I have heard it said to use a color in at least three places in a room. Now that's an easy design tip that anyone can achieve easily and inexpensively.

One Heck of a Color Story Inspiration

2009-07-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

I cannot think of another fabric line that makes me think of summer fun more than the line by Amy Butler Design. Her bright colors tell a story and are so overwhelmingly inspirational. Her patterns for quilts and bags are for sale through better fabric and quilt retailers. All of the fabrics and inspiration pieces that I have chosen are from the Nigella and August Field lines and all are "home decor" weight fabrics. She also has several great lines that are quilting and fashion weight fabrics.

* * * *

Here is a glimmer into Amy's studio and workspace. Check out that color story wall in the distance. How can you not be inspired by that? I think it is absolutely amazing.

These round floor pillows with pom pom trim are just absolutely adorable. What a great way to add a touch of sunny whimsy to a space.

Visit Amy Butler Design at http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/mainmenu.php

These are a pillows referred to by Amy as Gumdrop pillows. Again, patterns are available thru retailers listed on her website. Or, if you're not into tackling this size project on your own, contact The Impeccable Nest to make one for you in your choice of our wide selection of custom order fabrics.

Wouldn't these be great for a child's playroom? Or, I think they would be great on a sunporch to put your feet up on and relax.

The bright colors in her collections mix and match so easily and are a great way to add color to nuetral rooms.

All images shown are copyright of Amy Butler Design/Art of the Midwest llc, and are taken directly from her website.

All American Colors

2009-06-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

Red, White & Blue

It is already mid June. Independence Day is right around the corner. Today I have chosen a red, white and blue color scheme that is easy on the eyes and gives you that comforting feeling of home with fresh new fabrics in updated styles.

Beautiful softer versions of the traditional Red, White and Blue evoke the feeling of apple pie and front porch swings.

All of the selections shown are from ROMO fabrics and are available for purchase through The Impeccable Nest LLC. Other colorways are available in most patterns shown.
There are fabrics available for upholstery as well as fabrics that are suited for draperies and other soft furnishings such as pillows, roman shades and bedding. These fun, updated styles are a great way to update an old or handed down piece of furniture, instantly adding new pizazz to your rooms.

Adding a fabric with a geometric pattern to a softly shaped curving antique or reproduction chair is a great way to update a space and bring yourself into the new Modern Traditional style of decorating. Making a fresh piece with that reassuring feeling of "home." Notice the silveer finish on this chair. If you have a chair that needs revitalizing, we can refinish it in a metallic finish to catch the light in the room and add that touch of shine.

Crisp, Clean - Black & White

2009-06-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

Black & White

Always Classic. Always Fresh.

Modern. Traditional. MOTRA.

Here are today's pics of some great Black & White decorating items that are out there for sale online...some were even "on sale" at reduced prices...

The first few that I stumbled across are from www.luxurybedding.com

Of course, I'm drawn to this shower curtain with the bright yellow birds! What a cheerful way to start your day? A great find for summer!

Love the simplicity of this bedding. Would be GREAT with white linen unlined Roman shades on the windows with black inset banding.

And of course we can decorate our children, too! What a cute washable, reusable bib!

Here is a "Tiffany"chair offered by Carolina Accents. I like the touch of whimsy in the floral pattern.

Interior design closely follows fashion. These dresses translate well into dinnerware pieces and a fresh reception tablescape. (my apologies for losing the photo credits for these two!)

Pairing Lamps with Shades

2009-06-14T20:09:00.001-07:00

I have this very good friend that did not have one single lamp in her entire home until last year. So I am thinking that maybe there are others out there that just aren't sure what to purchase. I stumbled across this fantastic series on Southern Accents website that offers fantastic info on styles. Enjoy!

Lampshade Lessons
Whether you are purchasing new lamps or just want to freshen the look of the ones you have, the right shade makes all the difference. "For some of us, nothing makes a greater impact in a room than a properly chosen lampshade," says Stephanie Reeves, owner of Edgar-Reeves Lighting & Antiques in Atlanta."Scale, shape, fabric, trim, and lining all need to be carefully considered. It is a subtle but important element of a well-put-together room--almost as important as the lamp itself. The entire mood of a room can be altered by the addition of the right lampshade, the right light, and the right amount of it."

Urn Lamp
This shape goes back to the time of the Greeks. The glass base makes it versatile. It could work in a living room or library with a silk shade, on a porch with a card (paper) shade, or as a focal point in a kitchen. Because of its strong color, it could give punch to a room by itself or complement an overall design as a pair.Oval knife-pleat shade in silk. The cream silk provides warm, beautiful light. If you want a little more pizzazz, put a trim on the shade.

For the Formal Setting
Knife-pleat shade with cut corners in silk. This combination would be found in a formal room or in a spot where a really special lamp is needed.

Clean Lines
Rectangular hard-back shade in silk. The straight lines of the shade complement the clean lines of the lamp. The combination looks sharp and chic.

Candlestick Lamp
Candlestick lamps are most effective in pairs. They can be used either on the same surface, such as a chest or tabletop, or separately on two surfaces that are smaller and somewhat close together.Rectangular shade with cut corners in linen. Strong, clean lines present a traditional face. A contemporary fabric would make it look more current.

New Look, Antique Style
Square shade in sheer silk. The compact size with accentuated height balances well with the shape and gives an update to an antique style.

Feminine Details
Knife-pleat shade in silk with collar. This feminine detailing goes well in a bedroom or dressing room. The round shape reflects the round base.

Vintage Tin Lamp
We find it more interesting to pair round and square than to put a square shade on a square base. Notice how the shade hits above the cap and does not rest on the top of the base.Oval knife-pleat shade in cream silk. This makes the lamp look a little larger and gives it a slightly edgy look.

Simple Silhouette
Knife-pleat drum shade in cream silk. We like the silhouette: straight lines that are well-proportioned.

Traditional Look
Box-pleat shade in ecru silk. This shade is narrower than the first, giving the lamp a more traditional feel.

Stacked Spheres Lamp
Stacked spheres give the overall appearance of a column-shaped lamp. This one is made from wood, gesso, and silver gilt.Hard-back drum shade in natural linen. This shade gives the lamp a cool, clean, sophisticated feel and could work in a variety of spaces.

Reading Light
Hard-back half-shade in kraft paper with black trim. This architectural shade is great for reading, with light thrown from the top, bottom, and back.

Style Sense
Shirred shade with flat cut corners in sheer silk. The room where this lamp lives has a great sense of style. Nothing has been left to chance.

From SouthernAccents.com

Budget Friendly Decorating

2009-06-13T14:23:00.001-07:00

With budgets for decorating being fairly tight these days, I have found that it is economical to revamp sturdy existing furniture. It usually only takes a few yards of fresh new fabric to completely update and revive a space. See my example of a dining room chair.

This is what the chair looked like before. Stained and boring in an ivory twill fabric

And now here is the chair after I ripped it apart and reupholstered it with fresh updated fabrics.

I chose to highlight the open back with a trendy animal print in brown tones and to keep the chair seat and front of the chair back solid in a neutral camel color. Notice the welt cord is also done in the animal print for contrast.

It's all about the details

2009-06-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

These are panels that I fabricated for

the Northfield Foundation located in Cumberland, VA. They are blackout lined and interlined, which makes them very heavy.

The custom wrought iron hardware was graciously donated by Helser Brothers.

The lead edge is adorned with a tassel fringe donated by Woven Materials, fabric covered micro-welt and a box pleated ruffle that is pattern matched vertically and horizontally to the panel.