Sunday, January 30, 2011

Designer - Suzanne Tucker



One of the nice things about living in Atlanta is all of the wonderful opportunities to learn.  This past Thursday the Ainsworth-Noah showroom at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center hosted Suzanne Tucker 
who is said to be one of the top 100 designers in the world,  



to talk about her design style, much of what is featured in her latest book...



She has a love of architecture and rich warm tones


along with pieces of substance
I love that screen


and beautiful textiles.



She shared her love of wallpaper and and expressed that she saw it no less difficult to update than paint!
I suppose when someone other than oneself is removing it, that is probably true!




This bathtub is carved from a solid piece of marble that was installed before the walls! 
Suzanne said she loves 'over the top' powder rooms and thinks that will be her next book.  She has a few in this book.

She has her own line of textiles


and on the horizon is dish ware.

The Ainsworth-Noah showroom is beautiful and by itself could complete a job.












This is a beautiful fireplace screen.


Florio
designed by Sidney Portier's wife Caternia 


and aisles and aisles of scrumptious textiles.
I am a geek you know?!




A-N had a most delicious lunch for us all.  
Then to my shock and horror I watched designers put their plates and glasses on all of the beautiful furniture pieces around the showroom. Where are people's manners?  I'll bet there were some circles on the furniture, but I digress.
It was a lovely afternoon and I enjoyed Suzanne so much, a delightful woman.  One could only wish for a clientele such as hers with seemingly no budgets!



Another showroom for another day...Jerry Pair.
So many lovelies, this was their window and again I was struck by the textiles!

****
I was so surprised to receive this from Suzanne this evening...

Dear Renae,

What a lovely surprise to have your blog forwarded to me and how kind of you to write about my talk at Ainsworth Noah.  It's funny that many people thought I was only showing projects from my book when in fact all but 2 have never been published - perhaps those will be in the next book!  It was lovely to see such a nice turnout and such a positive response to my textiles.  Thank you for being there and for the kind write-up.

With best regards,

Suzanne



If you would like to create something new in your home or give what you have a new look, contact MD!



Sunday, January 23, 2011

A Gift Wrapped Life


Penned by the beautiful and talented


Sande Chase, an interior designer with a passion for gift wrapping beautifully.



She gets much of her inspiration from fashion and interior design.




Sande is most gracious with her 'how to's
see here.



a beautiful take on Hermes


She has a new addition to her family,
meet Miss Daisy!  
Oh my goodness how cute is she?

Sande's blog is such a beautiful place to visit regularly, not only for her beautiful designs but to meet a lovely woman.
One of her other passions is cycling and you know mine too.  Perhaps one day we will share a ride!

♥♥♥



Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Fashion?

 I rarely peruse the fashion pages


but today at the gym whilst 'glowing' like a man


I took a gander.  


I again realized why I don't waste my time


rarely does 'real life' come into play even for the young and skinny 
not to mention the young at heart and 'mature' physique.
 

I like to dress like I decorate...clean lines


simple yet elegant


Lines that lengthen


a little pizazz 
(the skirt a wee bit longer for moi!), 



Does he come with?



This is me, like I said, simple lines.




add a colorful pashmina 



or just rock it casual while working at home!


Does your home need a facelift?  A refresh? 
To make your house a lovely home, contact MD!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Project Monday

I can't believe I am actually going to show you the closet in my office.  
Even organizers and designers have messes sometimes.
So here goes...
There, I did it.   This is for all of my organizing client's out there....
Do you have a space that seems to be a 'catch-all'?  Well that was my office.  
I pride myself that the guest bedroom closets are ready for guests and not full of my junk.  I abhor messes so this was driving me nutzzzz.


Everything came out including the wire shelving (can't stand that stuff and it's in every closet in our home), and Mr. MD filled the holes!


I decided to paint it the same color as the bathroom, (hard to tell but it's an olive-y green color) so if both doors are open it looks uniform!  Back in the day, I could paint an edge like nobody's business.  BUT these days trying to look through reading glasses, not so much.  


To heck with it....I painted the ceiling too.  I have been a bit spoiled since we moved here because for the first time EVER I hired painters to come in and do some work.  I like that much better.  : )


We got this shelving unit at Lowe's and I scavenged baskets from Mr. MD's office (he never used them!) and now it is functonal!


I even got my 'cello in there!  Yippee!

Next will be the office...oy. 
 I have a plan but first need to go to Scott's Antique Market
heading back to Atlanta February 10 & 11!

Lowe's shelving unit:  $93
Paint - $25
Baskets - Homegoods (all) ~$100\




Do you need help with some organizational issues or making your house into a lovely home?

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Tale of Two Sisters and Blog Award

These two beautiful ladies...


are sisters, best friends and business partners from Little Rock, AR!
Their shared love of antiques and European influenced style of decor reflect not only in their own homes but also in creating the perfect design for their clients.  



I hope you will take the time to go over and meet these two dynamos!  You will love their blog Providence, Ltd,  and if you are ever in Little Rock be sure and stop by their shop of the same name!  



One of my favorite series of theirs is Sunday Supper along with all of their fabulous design inspiration.  


SUPER COMMENTS AWARD

came to me by way of the 'Sisters'

When I was growing up I always got into trouble for talking too much, who me?, at school.
And I have been told I am opinionated (really?)  So for me to get a 'commenter' award validates that I talk too much and have something to say on just about everything! ha!
With my receiving this award, I, in turn must pass it along to 10 others and give my thoughts on the questions that go along with this award.


1.  Why do you blog?

We as women wear many hats and one of my hats is a professional organizer as well as a decorator.  The professional organizers monthly newsletter said a number of years ago, “if you don’t blog, you should”.  I am not a writer so I wondered how I was going to do this.  I ‘googled’ design blogs and Joni Webb of Cote de Texas was the first one that popped up.  I read hers and then read every blog on her sidebar.  I wondered how I would find my niche and not sure I really have two plus years later.

2.  Name your three best memories.


Lala Theresa and me in our Alaska sneakers!

One of the first best memories I have is when I went to the United Kingdom for the first time.  I was born in Cambridge, England and my father took our family to England, Scotland and Wales for my sister and I to see our birthplace when I was 16.  We had 3 weeks of fun and adventure, cathedrals (gosh, do we have to go to one more?), castles and B&B’s.  
The second would be the births of both of my sons. Joy and love I could never imagine. I get a glimpse of how much the heavenly Father loves us when I look at those two now young men.  
Third would be in Sitka, Alaska when my three girlfriends; Theresa, Lenore and Cora, and I - we call ourselves the LaLa’s because we all studied opera together - were boated (by one of the hubbys) out to a small island to spend the weekend in a Fish and Game cabin with no running water, an outhouse, built in bunks and a propane heater. We took all that we would need for the weekend, and ate, sang, played games and had a blast.  We were a bit skeered of bears but kept watchful eyes!

3.  Name four of the best fiction books you have read.

My best fiction reading is when I am traveling.  One of my favorites is  The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews. Mostly I read non-fiction and just finished Crazy Love by Frances Chan and Radical by David Platt both having to do with Christianity and our role in the 'American Dream'.  My Bible is a daily read as well as My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. 


  Of course I love design books and have stacks, my most recent purchase is John Saladino's Villa, such a talent and wonderful inspiration.

4.  What are the five best movies ever made?
This is a toughie for me as I am not a movie aficionado.  I see movies on an occasional basis so I am not really equipped to say what is best.  I like sports movies that have a happy ending and chic flicks.  I go with my sons sometimes and wonder if I am going to ‘get it’.  Hehe!
5)  Name five things I cannot live without.
My Bible
Friends and family
Bicycle
Computer
Protein powder
6)  If you could change your name what would it be?
This is funny because I have really never thought about having any other name.  But since I now live in the south, how about Sara Beth, or Laura Jane?  My parents are Texan but I was raised more in California than anywhere else, my son calls me a California southern girl!  If I was still in CA, maybe August or Summer!

7.  Tell us a unique and interesting fact about yourself.
Being the daughter and wife of military officers, moving was a way of life which brought many changes and lessons of adaptation. The many hats I have worn have shaped me into the person I am today.  I am very tender hearted and can tear up over a commercial seen on television.   : )  
8)  What do you love best about yourself?
Well first off I know that I am only who I am because of my relationship with Christ. With that He has given me the ability to be an encourager and to see the good in others.  I like that I am a strong woman who can tackle just about anything (that comes from the military).  Honesty and loyalty are in my opinion my two best qualities.
9)  If you had a freaky Friday experience, who would you change places with?
I have no clue!
10)  What is the best thing about being a woman?
The best thing about being a woman who is 50+ is the wisdom and confidence that comes from living a bit.  I love that I don’t worry about what other’s think and do what I know is best and nurture those that I care about.

Thank you Sisters for this award!

There are so many super commenters out there, that's where we as bloggers keep the fire in us to keep going when we ask ourselves, "why do we do this"? 

I pass the torch to (in alphabetical order!):



If you do not know any of the great gals behind these blogs, I encourage you to go and visit!

♥♥♥

Monday, January 10, 2011

Twisted


NY artist Catherine Latson discovered Oriental bittersweet during her hikes in the woods.


 A pesky vine that can climb to 60 feet and has the ability to choke trees, she found it perfect for sculpture with its natural twisting and curling. 
 I adore this wall sconce.


In my future cabin this chandy would fit right in.


Add a glass top to this pedestal to make a very fun side table.

Visit Catherine here
and you too can own one of her creations!

This just in!
from the oh so fab Fifi Flowers...


....she says DELICIOUS!


Are you ready to give your home a facelift? 
MD can assist you in person or online. 
 Contact here!