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Décor: Am I Behind the Times and Reverting to Has-Beens? (Plus Interior Design Trends for 2013)

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Yipee!  Guess what I’ve just ordered for décor updates in my home?

A Roost clock

A framed chalkboard from Ballard Designs

Rectangular Magnetic Chalkboard

You must be thinking,  “Huh, Kim….Updates…Really?….I think you’re behind the times.  Those are so last year and year before.”

I know, I know.  I’m a little late jumping on the bandwagon.

I really need a large clock and I’ve admired the Roost clock for sometime now.  I have searched and searched and I am so tired of all the faux “made- to- look- old- and crackled paper on fiberboard” versions.  It also seems a lot of those have Roman numerals.  I just think the Roost clock is smart looking and makes a statement without a lot of fuss.

The chalkboard?  Yes, they’ve been all over blogland FOR-EVVA now and I think at one point I swore I wasn’t going to give in to the movement and get one.  Wrong.  And late at that. 

Rectangular Magnetic Chalkboard

I decided that the pear painting was too small and not working in the breakfast nook any more and I wanted something large and in charge.  Also, I’m tired of looking at the same old boring art work.  So I’m gonna give the chalkboard idea a try.  I figure it’s fun and fresh.  At least for my house.  Ballard also has a new version that’s magnetic and framed in metal with a zinc finish.

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See what I mean?  It definitely could use some updating.

I’ll let my house speak for itself and decide if they work after I live with them for awhile.  I’ll show you the reveal after I receive them and put them up.

Okay, let’s move on….what are the real NEW design trends for 2013?

House Beautiful has two different articles on trending ideas in design for 2013.  The first one is Bloggers’ Decorating Obsessions HERE

and

Interior Designers’ picks for trends HERE.

I’m not real sure why there would be a difference in trends in these two groups.   They each give their ideas of the top 10 trends.

All photos below via House Beautiful.

Not surprisingly, brass is making a comeback and made both lists.  Not the high polished brass of the 80’s, but a softer natural brass that ages beautifully over time.

 

And to my absolute delight, French Louis style and antique furniture were each on a list.  I can tell you that these styles and pieces will always be in vogue in some form or another.

 

Glazed ceramic lamps, filtered light, grasscloth, and 20th century furniture made the Blogger’s list along with outdoor rooms and informal gardens.

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The couple I’m questioning are camouflage (yes, camouflage) and unusual floral elements.  Just not sure about my confidence in these things taking off for most of us.

Rounding out the designer’s list was an emphasis on art, bright paint colors, sophisticated man caves (technology will become more and more important in our future), homey kitchens (think organic modernism), and glossy lacquered furniture.

 

My hubby would love this!

And finally the questionable ones to me on this list were computer generated fabrics and James Mont furniture.  Apparently the fashion industry has been using computer generated fabrics and it’s being forecasted they will make their way into our homes and James Mont pieces are over the top.  They’re both a little “out there” for me.  Interesting, but “out there”.

 

 

My picks for 2013?  Bold graphic prints, lucite furniture, and natural brass mixed with Country French antiques.

What do you think?  Are you catching up with old trends or taking the plunge with new ones?

Happy Decorating,

Kim


Décor: LBE Washday (a.k.a. Laundry Room Reveal Plus Clock Project)

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I think I’ve got a clock fetish right now.  I certainly like numerals (but not math! lol)

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I’ve been wanting to do this for quite sometime and finally got around to it after Christmas.  My son is in school in Chicago, my step-daughter lives in Atlanta, and Paris, ahhh, well Paris….shouldn’t everyone know the time in Paris?

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It reminds me of Europe and old train stations.  Since I spend so much TIME doing laundry I thought this would be the perfect spot!

These are 9” clocks from Target that cost a whopping $5 each.  I made the tags with cardstock and cut out the letters with my Cricut machine.

This is my laundry room since it’s been painted in Sherwin Williams Versatile Gray.

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I love this color as it’s not too gray.  It’s definitely a warm gray.

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I keep this rolling laundry cart from Pottery Barn under the laundry shoot to catch the dirty clothes the kids would send throw down from their second floor bathrooms when they were home.

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It has the cutest metal tags that read dry clean, whites, and darks.

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The door is glass and etched with “Laundry”.

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I know this valance looks plain but there’s a great story behind it.  Last summer I was shopping in Ethan Allen when they had their Designer’s Floor Sample sale. If you’ve never shopped one of these you must.  Things that have been on the showroom floor are drastically reduced in price.  Most people think furniture, but what you don’t realize is that when they update their showrooms, they also sell the custom made window treatments that were used on the mock windows in the different rooms along with bedding, etc.

They had two pair of pinch pleated drapes and two matching valances on sale for $250 for each set, regularly $1400.  Yes, I paid $500 for 6 pieces of custom made window treatments that would have regularly cost $2800.  The fabric is a soft white cotton/linen blend with variations of thin blue stripes.  The valances were already mounted on a board. All pieces are fully lined and the trim is gorgeous in person…not too fussy…just very tailored.

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I know they are a bit wide for the window, but it was too good to pass up.  You’ll have to wait to see where I used the drapes.

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I got these great café shelves at Ballard Designs and filled them with fun things.

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French enamelware, lavender, a French rug beater, and old handpainted clock face, and the large enamel 14 that I found at the Paris Flea Market.

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Castle & Cottage Signs painted the awesome sign.

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That’s an ironing board mounted on the wall.  It’s the sturdiest I’ve ever had that was on the wall.  I’ve had the “built-in” ones with the door and I didn’t much care for their strength.  It’s called a Lifestyle ironing center and it comes with the cover but I don’t use it.  The board actually swivels 180 degrees.

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Happy Washday!

Kim

Linking up to:

WOW! Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

My Master Bedroom To Date

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News Flash:

Please visit Kim over at Savvy Southern Style TOMORROW for my guest post on My Favorite Room.  It’ll be a blast.  See you there!

Now on with today’s post….

As most of you know, I’ve been working on my master bedroom for quite some time now.

It’s gone from this…(holy smoly, did I do this?)

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To this…(really?)

 

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And this…(what was I thinking?)

 

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To this…

 

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And this…

 

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Are you seasick yet?

Drum roll please…

TO THIS

 

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Shew! Finally!

Sherwin Williams Wool Skein on the walls.

 

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Ethan Allen’s new upholstered bed and embroidered shams from Horchow.

 

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Entrance to the room…

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Master foyer…

Love the custom shield shade lamp…it’s mate is in the sunroom.

 

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Detail on the Italian reverse painted antique mirror.

 

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Built-in bookshelf?

Are you sure?

 

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How about a hidden room…leading to luggage storage and a spiral staircase down to my husband’s office!

 

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Limestone mantle…notice the shell motif.

 

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I’m crazy about these vases.  Look at the sweater detail!  These came from Target for a song.  I have been wanting the Arteriors version which were big $$$ until I came across these!

 

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This is a Barclay Butera chair that was upholstered in linen from France.

 

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A rare bronze Eiffel Tower on marble base and set of first edition Napoleon Hill books (a gift to my husband for Christmas) sit next to a Napoleon III glove box that I found at the Paris Flea Market.

 

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I decided on the Alexa Hampton lattice swing arm wall sconces in dark nickel.  The pattern mimics the “X” in the nightstand.

 

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You can’t see it, but the small votives are pewter and have our initial “H” engraved on them.

 

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Ahhhh…my coveted French armoire…but I digress…read about it HERE.

 

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A small oil on board French painting (read about it HERE) and an antique sifter of some sort that I decided to hang on the wall.

I like that it adds dimension, texture, and depth.

 

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Custom toile padded cornices that I used at a previous home and decided to keep in storage.  I’m sure glad I did!

 

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And there you have it.  A new and improved master bedroom.

Now to rest.

Happy Decorating,

Kim

P.S. Remember to visit Kim at Savvy Southern Style tomorrow for my guest post on My Favorite Room.  It’ll be a blast!  See you there.

What Time Is It?

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Time to give you a sneak peek at my Roost clock that finally arrived.


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It has been hung above the family room mantle and my husband says it’s the PERFECT clock for people of our age at a whopping 24” diameter!  Hey, what does he mean by that?


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I’m still playing and tweaking with a vignette, so I’ll show you the final result in a few days. 
I’ve just returned from Lexington with some new camera toys to improve my photos.

Here’s to big clocks! (and cool camera equipment!)

Kim

A Delicate Valentine & Special Cherubs

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It’s a very chilly 25 degrees here today and I’m thinking about hearts, and love, and roses, and chocolate…..all things to warm the romantic heart.

This precious and very delicate antique valentine card was found many years ago when my husband and I were out antiquing.

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It must have been very special to someone of long ago, because it was already custom framed in this small shadowbox frame.  I’ve never found another one like it.

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Can you see the depth?  It has about 4 layers.

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Of course I’ve never removed it, but it’s most likely German.

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Look at all that awesome gold Dresden scrap.

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As I was thinking about Valentine’s Day today I ran across some antique porcelains that I have with cherubs on them.  The detail on these pieces is amazing.

This is an irregular shaped vanity tray from Limoges, France.

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Here is a cute small plate from Bavaria.

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But my favorite is the Sevres cachepot.  The detail is incredible and it has the most gorgeous shade of blue.

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Cherubs are such a popular icon anytime of the year, and especially during February.  Do you have favorite cherub pieces or valentines?

It’s supposed to snow here tomorrow and I guess now that I’m thinking about Valentine’s Day I’ll start planning some tabletop vignettes.

Here’s to romance,

Kim

A BIG Announcement…Are You Dreaming In French?

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Have you ever thought about how thrilling it would be to actually BE in France hunting for YOUR OWN flea market finds?


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Can you imagine yourself “brocanting” for real French treasures IN France?


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Wouldn’t you just love to search for these?


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And these?


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Well you can…..I’m so excited to announce this exclusive 

Blogger’s Brocanting Tour in France: Paris to Normandy
which is scheduled for September 19-25, 2013.

You won’t want to miss this exciting opportunity to travel with fellow bloggers who have the same interests as you.
If you’ve been following along for some time, you know I’ve given a few “sneak peek” announcements the past several weeks.
Well the details are worked out and it’s time for me to officially invite my blogging friends on this memorable adventure of a lifetime!









I’ll be leading this group of bloggers with the help of my friend Cat from Sunday Brocantes. She and her husband Alain live in Normandy and offer the most wonderful shopping tours.  Cat has put together a fun-filled 7 day excursion tailored specifically for this special group of adventurous bloggers (are you going to be one of them?).
Thanks, Cat!



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There’ll be lots of fun, camaraderie, and shopping to be had on this trip.

What are you waiting for? Pack your suitcase and dig out your favorite scarves. France is awaiting us!  Ooh La La!


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Space is limited.
Please let me know if you are interested in reserving a spot.


Questions?
Contact me at khites@iccgh.com

Blessings,

Décor: A Weekend Bookshelf Project

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I finally got around to doing a much needed overdue project in the master bedroom this past weekend.


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Remember the nondescript built-in bookshelf that’s actually a hidden door?
Too plain Jane.


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Now Ooh La La!


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I had some left over toile fabric that was used to cover the inside of the armoire.
It looks a little more beige/yellow in the photos, but it’s the same creamy white in person.


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I did this project in about an hour.  I measured the backs of the shelves and cut poster board to size.  I then cut the fabric a little larger and folded it around the back of the poster board like wrapping paper and secured it with tape.  I used masking tape to adhere it to the cabinet back.  So easy to change out.
Here are the 4 panels before I taped them in!


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I love the way it turned out!


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I’m playing around with styling the shelves.   With it actually being a door (and a heavy one at that), I have to be careful what I put on it.  I can’t put lots of books or anything extremely breakable.  That’s why it tends to look bare.


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I definitely think the fabric helps to add some interest.


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Now to tackle the shelves in the library.  It will be a much bigger task and I’m not sure yet what fabric I’ll use.
Do you think it might be a different colored toile?
You  know me…


On another note, has anyone seen or tried these candles at Bath and Body Works?  I highly recommend them.  They’re two of my new favorites.


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They smell absolutely divine!!!

Blessings,
Kim

Linking to:

Décor: A Change In The Foyer

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My foyer needed a bit of relaxation.  You know…a little R & R.


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I wanted to exchange the formality for something more inviting.

Below is a before photo (even before the current paint job) showing the French Louis Philippe marble top table that we bought specifically for this spot in the foyer when we were building the house.  It is a magnificent table.  It has always been in this spot...this same spot…for almost 7 1/2 years (this reminds me of the familiar story about some old church members who stay in the same pew and seat for years and new members can’t sit there).  


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The time has come for a change. It’s time for another member to take its place.


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I lovingly refer to this piece as “the fruit bench” because of the beautiful carving of fruit and veggies on the back splats.


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The rush seat is a little more casual and so quintessential French Country.


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I’m not sure I’ll keep the plant here, but for now I like it.


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Do you think I need to add something on the wall over the bench?  I’m really working on my inner minimalist right now.  No, really.  It’s a difficult thing for me.  I’ve kept myself from putting lots of stuff back on the walls after the paint job.   I’m finding as I continue on this next phase of my life I’m wanting to edit more of my “things” and practice restraint in my interiors.  I want the room to speak for itself without being overdone and confusing.  It’s very calming and liberating…..and a whole lot less to clean! lol





BTW…the new paint color in the foyer is Sherwin Williams Realist Beige.

I’m thinking less clutter and more simple elegance tends to make a bigger statement.

I guess I’m trying to get my zen on…

Blessings,
Kim

More Cherubs….You’d Think It’s Valentine Season

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I shared some of my painted cherub pieces in the post HERE, but have you ever seen anything like this?


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It’s a beautiful late 18 c./early 19th c.antique French headboard or footboard to a crib bed.


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It’s all painted metal with the original HANDPAINTED cherubs.


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Each of the four corner cherubs are different.


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The detail on the crest is amazing.


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I’ve displayed it in my studio and the guest bedroom but I think it’s time to re-locate it to a more prominent place.
I’m thinking either the foyer, the music room, or the dining room.

I’m not sure where it will end up, but I wanted to share it with you since it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day!


Don’t forget about the Blogger’s Brocanting Tour in France.
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Blessings,

A Valentine’s Day Sideboard

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I don’t decorate for Valentine’s Day like I used to when the kids were younger and I taught primary school.  But this year I thought I’d play around with a vignette on the sideboard in the breakfast nook.

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It was fun gathering romantic notions from around the house that I already had.

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I used one of my grain sack runners with a red stripe as the base.

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I found the round enamel “14” in Paris.  It’s also the date of my wedding anniversary.

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I have a couple of these plateau baskets and they make excellent displays because of the flat surface.

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My husband and I love our Bialetti expresso maker.  It’s the old fashioned traditional way to make espresso.  The espresso cups and saucers came from Williams-Sonoma and the toile heart was a gift from my friend, Cat.

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These red toile napkins are from Williams-Sonoma and the matching table cloth is on the dining room table.

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I put M & M’s in one of my French jam jars and added it to the cherub compote.

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I’m definitely enjoying my new chalkboard from Ballard Design.

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I cut out some toile hearts and added the string!

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I’m using some of these same items and working on a vignette for the dining table using a painted tool box.  I’ll show you that later.

Hope you’re having a marvelously romantic week before Valentine’s Day!

Blessings,

Kim

Linking up to:

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Be Inspired at Common Ground

Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

Are You An Early Bird? A BIG Tour Announcement (& Some Valentine Inspiration)

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It’s true.

The early bird catches the worm

or zinc drying racks


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or French enamel canisters


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or metal daybeds


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or deer sheds and various antlers


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or bottle carriers.


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You can find all of these and more if you are here


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which is here!


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ARE YOU AN EARLY BIRD?

Announcing a $200 discount off the total cost of the Blogger’s Brocanting Tour in France Sept. 19-25 if you book by March 15, 2013.  That means $200 more for you to spend on French “goodies”!   Let me know if you want to take advantage of this early-book rebate.




On a Valentine note..
I wanted to share this little project again that I did last year in case you missed it.


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I used a styrofoam base and covered it with fresh roses in the shape of a heart.  I clipped the stems to about 2 1/2” and “eyeballed” the heart shape as I inserted the roses.  I filled in with reindeer moss and wrapped some burlap ribbon around the base.  I found the old sugar sack at an antique mall a couple years ago.


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What is your valentine getting you this year?

Maybe a trip to Paris & Normandy in the fall?


Remember the early book rebate of $200!
Please email me if you have any questions.

Blessings,
Kim

Au Revoir For A Week

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My husband and I are headed to Key West, FL to soak up some sun for Valentine’s Day.

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I’ll trade chocolates for sand any day.

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I’ll be back soon, fresh and renewed I hope.

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I’m going to read, read, and do some more reading.

See you next week!

P.S. Don’t forget about the Blogger’s Brocanting Tour in France and the early book rebate.

Click here for brochure.

Click here for post.

Click here for rebate info.

 

Blessings,

Kim

I’m Back…Even Key West Has Touches Of Old Paris!

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I’m finally home from a magical Valentine’s week in Key West, FL.  I must admit it was hard leaving sunshine and 80 degree weather heading back to 30 degrees and cold. Brrrrrr.

My husband says everything reminds me of France and that I seem to find “Frenchiness”  everywhere I go.  Could that be true?  I’m reminded of Côte d’Azur here in the Keys!

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My husband and I love the laid back island living lifestyle with lots of shopping and delicious seafood (my personal favorites are stone crab and lobster & conch bisque).

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I always love looking at and studying the architecture of places I visit.  Key West’s historic area known as the Old Town District is very charming indeed.  Those of you who have been know what I mean.

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Many of the houses were built by shipbuilder-contractors and cigar manufacturing barons mostly from 1886-1912.  There is a combo of Victorian, Bahamian, and New England traits that create a unique colloquial Key West look.

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The basic features include wood-frame construction of one- to two-and-a-half-story structures set on foundation piers about three feet above the ground. Exterior characteristics are peaked roofs, horizontal wood siding, gingerbread trim, pastel shades of paint, side-hinged louvered shutters, and covered porches. balconies, or verandas along the fronts of the houses.

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The photo below reminds me of New Orleans.

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One thing I really enjoyed was visiting Ernest Hemingway’s house.  You may have heard of him…lol!

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It’s a very striking Spanish Colonial style with it’s green plantation shutters and black iron balcony and railing.  The house was built in 1851 and Hemingway lived there from 1931-1940.  It is made entirely of limestone excavated from the property.

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O.K. Paris Story:

Ernest and his wife, Pauline lived in Paris in the late 1920’s and collected many antiques while there.  Ernest had a passion for 17th and 18th c. Spanish antiques.  Pauline was particularly fond of European crystal.  As the story goes, the first thing she did when they moved to their Key West house was to remove ALL the ceiling fans to have her European chandelier collection installed.  The local Key West folks thought it was odd and kind of funny since there was no air conditioning and these electric lights emitted lots of heat!  I’m just happy I got to see some great French antiques!!! lol

Below is one of a pair of French bronze and crystal chandys that hang in either end of the living room.  Note also the Victorian and Spanish influences.

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This French all crystal beauty hangs in the master bedroom.

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Foyer waterfall example from Paris’s La Belle Époque era.

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And the fanciest was this Italian example made entirely of Murano glass.

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I love this type of design where all of the windows also function as doors to be opened up onto the porches and balconies for breezes and fresh air living.

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The master headboard is an antique Spanish gate still having hinges on the backside.

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And this was in the garden.  A large Spanish olive jar used as a fountain.  The French versions are very similar.  See…the first thing I thought of when I saw this was a French biot!

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For all you cat lovers out there, I was fortunate enough to snap some shots of the “polydactyl” cats that roam the property (or should I say taken over the property!).  They are all descents from Hemingway’s 6-toed cat Snowball.

See his extra toe?

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The extra toe actually looks like a thumb!

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Here’s another quirky thing about Key West…..the feral roosters!  Yep….they’ve been here a long time and kind of have a free run of the place.

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You never know where you might see one!  Again, I couldn’t help but think of France.

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And what’s a trip to an island if you don’t run into Jack Sparrow? 

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This was a view from our balcony.  Maybe he sailed in on this?

 

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You all know Johnny Depp lived in France quite awhile when he was with Vanessa Paradis?  French thoughts again…I can’t seem to stop myself!

Well, it’s back to blogging and catching up on reading all your wonderful blogs.

I’m glad I’m back.

Blessings,

Kim

LBE Sunroom Changes And The Plant That’s Gone Wild!

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My sunroom area is sort of hard to describe.  It’s actually an amalgamation of the wet bar, the gallery and the master sitting room….so naturally it ended up being a sunroom.  Makes perfect sense, right?
This is the wet bar that’s tucked into a large niche at the end of the gallery.


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I recently removed the lovely fake faux greenery from the tops of the cabinets and added a French zinc pot and a wonderful Moet & Chandon champagne presentation basket that I got from Sunday Brocantes.  (I truly am beginning to have an aversion for artificial flowers and arrangements ever since HGTV ranked it in the top 5 of decorating no-no’s)


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However…..now that I’m into my “use real or use nothing” phase, I have a plant that’s growing too well!

Let me explain.  I’ve never had a green thumb.  So imagine my delight that the twisted money tree that I got for my husband 3 years ago for Father’s Day is still alive and well!  I also have another one in the foyer. 

I moved the large French biot (olive jar) that was here and now I realize this plant has overgrown its boundaries.  How dare it cover up an antique French sunburst mirror and dwarf the chest of drawers!  We’ve repotted it already and I can see that it won’t be long before it’s gonna have to sit on the floor.  I used to have an artificial arrangement here, too with an oil painting in the niche, but I just wanted something “alive”.  And, that’s just what I got!


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This is the before view looking thru the gallery from the kitchen.  You never see the wet bar from this view.  The olive jar is certainly more substantial for the plant and grounds it better.


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This is the sunroom part that was supposed to be a master sitting room that we opened up when we were building.  That’s my husband’s favorite chair (next to the family room recliner). He does a lot of reading here. So again, the dark brown bomber leather is a mainstay at my house.


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I kind of like to think of this as my side.  I moved a rustic French garden table with stone top under the window.   The woven berber rug came from Wal-Mart.  I couldn’t find a sisal that I could get happy with and the color of this rug blends seamlessly with the travertine tile.  It was a no brainer at $49.


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I sit in the bergere to read.


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This is where the olive jar ended up.  I got the beveled glass top at Kirkland’s so I could use it as a table.  That’s a pair of antique French garden design engravings hanging above.  I’m still lovin’ the shield shade candlestick lamps.  The other one is in the bedroom.


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This is the secondary door to the master bedroom.  


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I removed some of my antique lady engravings and hung only the ones with children. They are so charming.


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Yes, that’s a faux flower arrangement.  Hey, I’ve gotten rid of most of them just not all of them.  But on the upside, that’s a magnolia tree right outside the window. It’s blooms are beautiful in the summer.


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Okay. I bet you’ve not noticed any window treatments because there aren’t any!!! lol
Below are the valances that I had made when we moved in.  I was tired of their formality so I took them down last fall and am still trying to decide what I want to do.  This room gets a lot of sun and I don’t want to cover the windows completely so absolutely no blinds.


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I want light, airy, and romantic so I think I’ve narrowed it down to the two choices below:

Country Curtains has these great new “pinch pleat” sheers.  I think it takes sheers to a whole new level and pinch pleat are more custom looking.


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Or, Pottery Barn now has these great smocked sheers on-line only!  I don’t think I can go wrong with either choice.  I will go with white either way.


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Now what to do with that monster plant?  And, what do I put in it’s place?  


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This just in:

I was getting ready to hit “publish” when I got an idea for the plant.  What if it were lowered?  I had an antique wood crate that I had painted gray and grabbed that for a base.  What do you think now?  Better? Or will the plant have to go?


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Decorating is NEVER done.

Blessings,

Shop Openings & A Little Personal Info

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I finally did it! 

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I opened my Etsy Shop HERE and my Ruby Lane Shop HERE

I’m so excited because it was one of my goals for the New Year.

I also thought I’d take this time to share a few things about myself.  I figured we’ve been friends long enough that you should know….

I’ve been an antiques dealer on and off for about 15 years now.  My love for antiques began when I was in interior design school in college a loooong time ago.  My favorite classes were Historical Interiors and getting to do all the line drawings of period furniture, moldings, and architectural features.


I left the interior design field to become an elementary school teacher.  I taught public school for 10 years, then became an instructional supervisor at the Board of Education.  During this time I was also a Primary Specialist with the State Dept. of Ed and a teacher trainer in classroom technology with IBM.  After leaving the BOE I became a consultant and sold educational software and again did lots and lots of teacher training.  

Blast from the past.  My mom and I in the hall where both of us taught school in the early 90s.  I guess “big” hair was still “in”.


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What does all this have to do with interior design and my love for antiques?

During my teaching career, I never once lost my zeal and love for interior design.  I loved arranging and re-arranging my classroom and other teacher’s rooms!!!  It’s truly a passion of mine. I have never been able to “get it out of my system” so to say and I knew one day I’d be able to return to my first career love.  I don’t think I’ve ever read a trade magazine that wasn’t home related.

Throughout all this I always managed to “dabble” in interior design and antiques.
I used to sell lots of antiques on Ebay.
I used to attend lots of antique furniture auctions.
I used to have an antique booth at a large antique mall.

I’ve bought and sold numerous types of collections i.e. flow blue, R.S. Prussia, Victorian furniture, and bisque French & German dolls (I’m also a recovering collector…that’s another story).  I  used to sit up at night doing lots and lots of reading and research on these topics while also attending trade shows related to these things.


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I even thought I was losing what I had learned in design school (and since I was no longer a member of ASID) so I took additional classes to get certified with IADA (Interior Arrangement & Design Association) on use what you have decorating and Real Estate Staging.
Taking classes in Washington D.C. below.


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Now throw in me being a Francophile.

I knew  all this would eventually lead to something sort of like following your dreams.  And sooner or later, if you stick to your knitting, your number will come up.


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So here we are in the present.  This blog was a way for me to meet others with like minds and interests in home décor and to give me a creative outlet in interior design while preparing me for empty nesting.

I never could have imagined where this blog has taken me.  It has given me the opportunity to meet such wonderful people (YOU).  It’s truly been amazing.

So here I am… pretending to be a free lance interior designer, going whole-hog (hillbilly slang) in French antiques, and escorting a wonderful group of ladies to France this fall to share in the same love of antiques and vintage treasure hunting that I have.


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I’m not sure where this path will  lead me, but I sure like where it’s going now!

If you get a moment, will you please check out my new shops and let me know what you think? 


You’ll find things like this…

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....and this

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I’m  encouraged by so many of you who have lovely shops of your own and who balance life with 
such beauty and effortless grace.

I am not an expert in antiques but here I go…again…in a new venue.
Blessings,
Kim

Linking up to:


Love Me Some Farm Tables: My Dining Room

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I received my latest issue of Veranda magazine a couple days ago.  Did anyone notice their “World Of…” series HERE?  To my delight, it was about farm tables.

I love this photo of the dining room below.  The white caned chairs and mega crystal chandy sure dress up this rustic trestle table.  And the silver cake domes, oh my!

 

According to Veranda, introducing a farm table to a room immediately makes it friendlier and cozier.  And if that wasn’t enough, they go on to say that it’s the most adaptable piece of furniture whereas cuts, nicks, bangs, and scratches only make the table look better.

I couldn’t agree more.

Here is my dining room with my French farm trestle table.

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I traded in my formal mahogany Chippendale ball and claw foot table a couple years ago for this rustic walnut beauty.

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So much of the French Country lifestyle revolves around the table.  Most farm tables are either trestle style with their thick plateau tabletop and graceful trestle legs with a beveled center stretcher or the ever popular version having  four legs and commonly a planked breadboard top usually with drawers at either end for cutlery.  Both types of these tables were typically made of hardwoods such as walnut and oak to withstand many family celebrations.  (There’s your table lesson for today…sorry, it’s the teacher in me!)

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I paired the table with a set of  French mutton-bone (lamb’s leg) chairs recovered in an off-white cotton/linen blend.  I think the blend wears better in upholstery fabric.

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The new paint color on the wall is SW Realist Beige but it looks more like a greige.

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I love the pop of yellow and a slight blue-teal color in the modern pear painting.

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I mixed metal finishes because I already had the natural brass chandy and scones and I wanted to incorporate the silver-leaf Louis Philippe mirror and tall nickel and limed-oak hurricanes.  I think it works.

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The inlaid floor band around the perimeter of the room came from Kentucky floors….which is in Indiana.  Go figure.

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This is another room where you don’t see any fabric window treatments just like the post on my sunroom HERE.  I took the large custom topper down last fall and am being patient on deciding what I want.

Back to the farm tables.  Veranda had some good examples of new tables and where to buy them , but there’s nothing like an authentic French or European farm table.

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I’m considering adding a sisal rug.  What do you think?

Don’t forget about the Blogger’s Brocanting Tour September 19-25, 2013.  There’s a couple more spots left and an early bird discount before March 15.  I’m sure we’ll see lots of French farm tables in the flea markets of Paris & Normandy.

CLICK HERE FOR BROCHURE

Blessings,

Kim

Spring Cleaning Extravaganza At LBE (Or A Project You’ll Want To Follow)

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Hi, everyone.  Here it is the 3rd of March and I’ve had something on my mind.  I want to do a project.  Not just any project.  A spring cleaning and total home organization project rolled into one.  I know spring cleaning topics have already begun in blogland and it’ll be the buzz the next couple  months.

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I wanted to name my project something fancy and clever like:

31 Days to a cleaner, better, and happier home.

Then I realized I’d have to have it completed in 31 days.  I’m thinking it will take longer. lol

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Keep in mind I need another project about like I need a hole in the head.  Come to think of it, I might have a hole in my head with this decision to aggressively tackle my whole house.

So here’s the rest of the story:

La Belle Époque had been wonderfully “put together” for 6 1/2 years having been featured on two home tours and one garden tour.  If you’ve been following for sometime, you realize LBE was totally taken apart for an entire house painting last fall which lasted a little over 6 weeks.  EVERYTHING came down (pictures, mirrors, window treatments, etc.) and EVERYTHING was moved around.  Yes, I know.  Fresh and clean and newly edited.  That’s what I thought and that’s what I told you until I realized I was completely overwhelmed with putting LBE back together.  (sorry if it’s beginning to sound a little like Humpty Dumpty) Easier said than done.  I really wanted a change. Really. But I’ve been so indecisive which is so unlike me when it comes to decorating.  I’ll blame it on age.

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No more.  It’s time to muster the energy and get the job done. So here’s the deal:

1. It’s almost spring anyway, so what the heck.

2. I’m an official empty nester so I have nothing better to do it will give me something productive to do.

3. We plan on downsizing in a couple years and I want to get a jump start (the thoughts of completely cleaning out, emptying and moving everything from this house is mind boggling!).  It’s never too early to prepare, right?

4. And lastly it’ll just make me feel better.

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So beginning this week I’ll be blogging about my experiences and dragging you along–- showing you the good, the bad, and the ugly (hope there’s not too much of that) on my whole house “shake it up project”.

Hopefully I’ll have some cool things to share and if I get frustrated you can be my sounding board…sounds fair to me.

Maybe I’ll inspire you or make you laugh but either way, I’d like to hear from you. What are some of your tricks for spring cleaning and organizing? 

This is a big personal commitment for me over the next several weeks so I better get started.  Hope you stay with me on my saga of a cleaner, re-freshed, re-styled, and re-organized house.  I better get a good night’s sleep.

See you tomorrow,

Kim

Let The House Mission Begin!

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If you missed yesterday’s post about this mission click HERE.


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I’m cheating a little and starting in the family room because I’ve already gotten a head start.  The blinds, windows and baseboards were cleaned after the painting was done right before the holidays.

TIP:  If you really want to get motivated to clean and organize your house, start with something easy to clean out that’s not too overwhelming so you can guarantee yourself some success.  It will get you on the right track to keep going and you’ll feel proud of your accomplishment!


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1. Cleaning:

I have leather furniture because of our dog, Murphy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  Using a good leather cleaner at least once a year will keep your leather looking good and feeling great.  This was the only special major cleaning task I had to do in this room.


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2. Organization:

Do your magazines and catalogs get out of control after the holidays?  Mine do. I have thrown most of them away today. 


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I bought these baskets from Target last fall to corral all our movies.  I like their uniformity and dark color against the white.  


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Tip: I put felt pads purchased at Lowe’s or Wal-mart on just about everything I have from accessories to furniture to prevent scratching.  They come in several different diameters.


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My most challenging organization in this room is Murphy’s toys.  Yes, the dog’s toys.


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Seems he thinks it’s a game between us….I put them in the basket and he gets them out and spreads them all over the floor.
I had just put these stuffed toys away and went to get the vacuum cleaner and this is what I found when I came back!


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Does this face look guilty to you?


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Caught with the evidence. He doesn’t have an alibi either.


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Now the cat gets in on the act.  Don’t they realize I’ve got lots of work to do here?


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Okay, enough diversion with the animals.  Back to the post.

I use this large basket that I got from HL for out of season blankets and throws that we use in the winter.  Other than that I don’t keep a lot of things stored in this room not even in the furniture drawers.  They’re pretty much empty.


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3. Décor:

Now the fun part.  I haven’t put any fabric on the windows since I removed the original custom treatments last fall and they have white wood blinds  I was looking at probably doing a simple white linen drape from Pottery Barn but after today I’ve changed my mind.


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This is what the room looked like waaaay before with the drapes.  (Please don’t tell me you like the before better because it will hurt my feelings. lol  Sometimes you change things not because it’s really bad but because you just need a change!)


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I’m going to use the old drapes without the topper.  They are a nice heavy lined toile that’s pinch pleated.  I am going with different rods though…these were mahogany wood and clunky.  Today I ordered antique brass metal ones from Country Curtains.  Here’ s a better pic of the fabric.  It’s very Provincial.


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Tip: I always allow 6-7” on either side of the window for treatments.  Measuring outside the casing these  windows are 44” W so I’ll use a 56” W rod.  I have to be careful with drapes and rods  because of the surround sound system.


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There is definitely a design dilemma in this room.  It has two competing focal points.  The fireplace and the TV.  “Houston, we have a problem”.  But there’s always a way to work around it. Believe me I’ve had this room arranged every which way but loose!  You can see in some of the photos where I have a couple floor outlets that I used to have furniture over with lamps on it.   They have also been covered with rugs in the past.

The mantel is over here.  (If you want to read about the Charles Levier painting over the sofa click HERE…it’s fascinating if you love art)


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And the media wall is here.  You can read about the board and batten treatment HERE.


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I can’t decide which I like better on the mantel.  The faux boxwood topiaries or the hurricanes?


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I’ve had the antique sugar mold for quite some time.


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I replaced the oversized mid-century Sheraton style mahogany framed mirror with this lovely Louis Philippe example that I brought from my Lexington home.  It’s one of my favorites.  It has that luscious almost two- toned silvery gold that I adore.


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See the smaller etched mirrors all around the frame?  I love details like this.


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I’m wanting to replace the dark coffee table with a glass table since I have all the dark seating in here.  I added a grain sack runner to lighten the top up a bit.


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I also worked on a vignette using some of my ironstone and a bunch of lavender.  It smells so good!  Tip: Dried florals and fresh fruit are a win-win whenever you need a quick tablescape.  A few candles and you’re good to go.  Other can’t miss items are trays and books!


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Here is a blank wall canvas that I need to do something with.  I’ve had a secretary here and different wall hangings but I just want something different.  This leads to the powder room and garage.


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I’m thinking of using these vintage Paris photos that I got from Jermaine at French Kissed.  I want to frame 4 or all 6  in simple black frames and create a collage.


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I’ll leave you with a few more photos.  There is Murphy again playing on the floor with his toy.  I can’t seem to get him to move when I’m taking photos.  The rug came from my daughter’s bedroom. 


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The fireplace is see-thru.


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The “boob” light has got to go.  Smile  I’m trying to decide between a lantern or a drum shade style.  I’m keeping my eye on Aidan Gray lighting.


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That just about does it for today.  What will I tackle tomorrow?

The paint color in this room is SW Wool Skein and the white trim is Porter Queen Anne’s Lace.

Blessings,
Kim
Linking up to:

Moving Right Along…

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Tuesday was Day 2 of my “shake it up” house mission….but who’s counting?

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LBE music room.

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1. Cleaning:

After all the deep-cleaning basics, the biggest piece I cleaned was the fireplace mantel.

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My favorite furniture cleaner/polish is Guardsman.  I love using it on antiques and it makes furniture look immediately better.

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2. Organizing:

The only storage in this room is the French cabinet which I use for piano music.  I had let my sheet music and books get messy but it didn’t take long to re-organize them.

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3. Décor:

I’m trying to pull out more blue in this room.  A teal blue at that.  My inspiration comes from the blue in the oriental rug and the trumeau mirror.   The leather bar chairs are many many years old and were custom ordered in High Point.  They are not going to be permanent in here.  They are only a temporary fix.  But in the meantime they add a bit of unexpected edgy flair.

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The pair of chairs that I want for this room are the upholstered Ansley slipper chairs by Suzanne Kasler for Hickory Chair Co.  I have seen these chairs in person and they are to-die-for, but expensive.

 

I layered a couple of my vintage pie-crust mirrors in front of the trumeau and can’t decide if I want to use the matching shield shade lamp for symmetry.

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The fireplace is non-working so I keep a French fireback against the slate.  I dug the tole table out of storage and might keep it in here….or not.

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When I was shopping the house I realized I had this tole tray that I thought was an unusual blue and would work in here.  It’s a different hue but I like the variety of blues.

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It’s a sunken room and the French doors behind the columns in the gallery lead to the balcony.

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I turned the piano around and like it much better.  It had always been facing the other way towards the foyer.

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I’d like to the replace the drop bowl chandy with this one from Wisteria.

W8141 French Candelabra Chandelier

 

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Let me show you something funny.  I love my hardwood floors. They are Brazilian cherry by Bella Wood and they are unstained.  They are naturally a deep rich color and they do have polyurethane.  Unlike some floors that get lighter or bleached out when exposed to sunlight  these floors actually get darker with exposure.

See the line?

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That’s where a rug has been for the past 5 years.  Don’t worry though.  It will darken like the rest of the floor over time and you won’t be able to tell the difference.   There were 3 circles where the piano had originally been!  I told you I was going to show you everything!

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I still highly recommend these floors though.  They are beautiful and very easy to care for.  I think we’ve gotten more compliments on the floor than any other feature in the house since we built 7 years ago.

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I moved the chairs around a bit but think they are better flanking the mantel.

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Two rooms down, ?? more to go!

I didn’t say my house would be “finished” during this project.  I now have two lists of things I want to do in each room. Things I’m adding to my style file.  Whats’ a style file?  A file for YOUR Style!!!  I’ll talk more about that later.

I’ll let you in on a little secret.  I worked all day yesterday on the dreaded basement.  I’ll share that with you next week.  I’m headed to Lexington today for the annual Bluegrass Trust Antique & Garden Show going on all weekend at the KY Horse Park.  It’s one of my favorite events.  I’m so excited and can’t wait to share it with you when I get back.

Also, please look forward to an awesome guest post by my friend, Cat, who will share some incredible details about our accommodations in Normandy.

See you next week,

Kim

Guest Post From Sunday Brocantes: A French Fairy Tale (Or Our Accommodations In France)

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I asked Cat if she would share some details about our Blogger’s Brocanting Tour in France and she graciously accepted my invitation to do a guest post here at LBE.  You’re in for a real treat.

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Hi, I’m Cat and I have been so thrilled to see the fall tour coming together!  Many of you have already booked and there are a few spots left with less than a week left for the 'Early Booking' rebate offer. I am so looking forward to meeting you in person!

Behind the scenes there have been plenty of phone calls between Kim and me, lots of planning and scheduling and of course I have been taking time to add all of the extras that will make this tour a trip of a lifetime!

So for those of you who have already booked--and those who are considering grabbing up those last spots--here is a little sneak-peek at one aspect of your trip--the gorgeous 'manoir' where you will be staying during the Normandy portion of your time with us!

 

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Owned by a lovely friend of mine and her wonderful family, this 18th century home now open's its doors to travelers and has the esteemed distinction of being selected as one of the 10 Best Hideaways and Inns in the World in the best-selling guide 'Ten Best of Everything'. 

 

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The manoir was built in the 18th century of materials from the 14th and 15th century and is located on a hillside overlooking the beaches of Honfleur.

Take a look!

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At the manoir tour participants will enjoy breakfast and dinner and an afternoon 'aperitif' (or two...).  There are so many lovely places to sit and relax, send emails home (or write postcards!)

 

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At the end of a long day of hunting for (and finding) vintage treasures.....

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.... This will be your 'home away from home'!  I hope you can join us!

September 19th - 26th Paris to Normandy!

There is more to tell you--but I am saving the best for my next guest-post! 

Just a reminder--- you save $200 off the tour price by booking before March 15th!

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Thanks, Cat.  All I can say is “WOW”!  This place is breathtaking and oh so very special. 

Run, don’t walk to sign up for the last couple spots left on this exclusive trip of a lifetime.  What are you waiting for?  Please email me at khites@iccgh.com to let me know you want to go.

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Click HERE for the brochure.

I’ve just returned from a wonderful antique & garden show in Lexington and will be sharing that with you all later in the week.  I don’t have to tell you, that as good as the antiques were this weekend, there’s nothing compared to antiquing in France.

Blessings,

Kim

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