Just Blush!

 The Oscars are always a spectacle, sometimes inviting, sometimes confusing  or repellant depending on your life view.   I have my issues with them, but that's not what this post is about.<br /><br />In addition to rooting for my favourite actors and movies, Oscar night is a great opportunity to see how fashion trends (always connected to decorating trends) play out on the red carpet.  The best and worst dressed are a matter of opinion.  This is obvious when you read several sites and compare the observations with your own. <br /><br /><span style="text-align: center;">Blush pink and its variants was the stand out colour for me.  Even some of the gowns described as white had subtle pink undertones. </span><br /><br />Blush Pink appeared in late 2014 as a trend in fashion and decor  and is continuing into 2015 especially in the European market.  It is a delicate hue that looks especially good with soft whites and/or pearly grays.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXFQxVGmLC6Kp2ymrrsww5aRgGZwPFpvOQLqgyjEKGGJOlLRejiJB5tfmGELn0TbOp1AGNA53Yv6HASjO6bCpAsJIAwSMsXhGBtzSLnn_OUVFRzecRlZIzr-L2b5aDJrioWUMTOMYimMa/s1600/OB-Blush+Pink+Trend+2015+Designing+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIurfnllV1ErXAKjsR9my-_iEF0gkg5-mOVbKRMOX2yyGNVrqAGvfqKgz27ioJJKKr_kog0Xq7RTDAPoyFsTONpiuvR7-IByX6qaDqgncCctDMirTH9FEPzMOmVWu4GjyrSVSS12gViT69/s1600/OB-Blush+Pink+Trend+2015+Designing+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="blush pink, decor trend 2015, blush pink furniture, blush pink accessories, " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIurfnllV1ErXAKjsR9my-_iEF0gkg5-mOVbKRMOX2yyGNVrqAGvfqKgz27ioJJKKr_kog0Xq7RTDAPoyFsTONpiuvR7-IByX6qaDqgncCctDMirTH9FEPzMOmVWu4GjyrSVSS12gViT69/s1600/OB-Blush+Pink+Trend+2015+Designing+Home.jpg" title="Designing Home: Just Blush!" width="443" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">This style board gives a good representation of how the trend plays out in furniture and accessories. </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> And in fashion ...</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">from the merest hint of blush</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8w76e60sATaVYcMmlMrTgPw_5IigH9fwbCLzXJgfOMCy9BhvdLL8ZkIJKCUata_AUXlU-QWEu9z34CHgfZsXkl4Md3riB4BLvH6ofxfIPTd2aJZ5FXtxd2-cTnQYU2hipZkhdzcUZWrB/s1600/(Photo%2Bby%2BJordan%2BStrauss%3AInvision%3AAP)%2BKerry%2BWashington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8w76e60sATaVYcMmlMrTgPw_5IigH9fwbCLzXJgfOMCy9BhvdLL8ZkIJKCUata_AUXlU-QWEu9z34CHgfZsXkl4Md3riB4BLvH6ofxfIPTd2aJZ5FXtxd2-cTnQYU2hipZkhdzcUZWrB/s1600/(Photo%2Bby%2BJordan%2BStrauss%3AInvision%3AAP)%2BKerry%2BWashington.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Kerri Washington</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO0u5lYvQ3dCUJdAV9hDrVKyeOSLQojvzVeAmvbkprfj-MZamZ_-qQgbQsQ2vqPeL2LtS16b_rGhJNKaRsCBJ4DBW2tvESf9_gyGyFbW_V7T7KBxZ5AmLxx2Q4v7KlkTfC6os5KKHgI4D/s1600/Gettty+Images+Viola+Davis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO0u5lYvQ3dCUJdAV9hDrVKyeOSLQojvzVeAmvbkprfj-MZamZ_-qQgbQsQ2vqPeL2LtS16b_rGhJNKaRsCBJ4DBW2tvESf9_gyGyFbW_V7T7KBxZ5AmLxx2Q4v7KlkTfC6os5KKHgI4D/s1600/Gettty+Images+Viola+Davis.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Viola Davis </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKKb9H9XTQv7YwmX6oESEaEBxWcm8OSBP-gIpYxjIwEG0MBHP1D89Vik8b-4uxN1C8_TTO7DoxJwY3i_lgIWd1FUD3tQotdDGnNoJev3wjGWef2kOoXkW-F2r7HNQ3gVWxeUn6fRkvu51/s1600/karolina-kurkova-white-dress-oscars-2015-w724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKKb9H9XTQv7YwmX6oESEaEBxWcm8OSBP-gIpYxjIwEG0MBHP1D89Vik8b-4uxN1C8_TTO7DoxJwY3i_lgIWd1FUD3tQotdDGnNoJev3wjGWef2kOoXkW-F2r7HNQ3gVWxeUn6fRkvu51/s1600/karolina-kurkova-white-dress-oscars-2015-w724.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Karolina Kurkova</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvVmO5bji6up5UK-r81NRRnrwEIc41wXKpVa60ZvIqKGcQy8SmtGelwAUpDi2Cjlca9kczoBST64FZZNafcnDOQbXErsGNsFuj_UiHgRlFYNEC9Zdbr6nG73snrAvsu8n2Bn_XAmau0gp/s1600/(Photo%2Bby%2BJordan%2BStrauss%3AInvision%3AAP)%2BJennifer%2BAniston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvVmO5bji6up5UK-r81NRRnrwEIc41wXKpVa60ZvIqKGcQy8SmtGelwAUpDi2Cjlca9kczoBST64FZZNafcnDOQbXErsGNsFuj_UiHgRlFYNEC9Zdbr6nG73snrAvsu8n2Bn_XAmau0gp/s1600/(Photo%2Bby%2BJordan%2BStrauss%3AInvision%3AAP)%2BJennifer%2BAniston.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jennifer Aniston </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVgB1MhyphenhyphenkX7t9_LROylJKwZ6s_RbwCEwxM6-x3DuwqpG7bl0gKRfZfg5_riqR8hwQnRRBUuT4XGR4bqYScD0wRWkjfd0YFbb1RpI1W9vvcdtcTahbgNKIQFJsOM1Zbu1pYqj6ppGucrGD/s1600/(Photo%2Bby%2BKevin%2BMazur%3AWireImage).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVgB1MhyphenhyphenkX7t9_LROylJKwZ6s_RbwCEwxM6-x3DuwqpG7bl0gKRfZfg5_riqR8hwQnRRBUuT4XGR4bqYScD0wRWkjfd0YFbb1RpI1W9vvcdtcTahbgNKIQFJsOM1Zbu1pYqj6ppGucrGD/s1600/(Photo%2Bby%2BKevin%2BMazur%3AWireImage).jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Oprah</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrsoPTED4zQbwKcjH6Vn_T3kqlteZ22vzuaaVoMZ92Ctg03jMaXuAc8tHkl3ix9dPXs1XMBJDBu9OckQ8t4n8JVW8_tNeHd7VMI3MNCzc0iZUh78zDbFtzG2mAHd_nJ5g5iZJBh0yWSiT/s1600/Photo+by+Jordan+Strauss:Invision:AP).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrsoPTED4zQbwKcjH6Vn_T3kqlteZ22vzuaaVoMZ92Ctg03jMaXuAc8tHkl3ix9dPXs1XMBJDBu9OckQ8t4n8JVW8_tNeHd7VMI3MNCzc0iZUh78zDbFtzG2mAHd_nJ5g5iZJBh0yWSiT/s1600/Photo+by+Jordan+Strauss:Invision:AP).jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Zoe Saldana </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8pKKsP4gqunVhFGBTlXndUli8P95OxlIysF82bwvW1v_IPme7EOFTGqP1GCO1a7kv9ys-U_9fT5do3Z6D_xZJb6vbMX0eQc4GnyplXGh98x_w9zLmkIdmlFuZlQY943y-_nQzMo325d7/s1600/Photo+by+Jordan+Strauss:Invision:AP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8pKKsP4gqunVhFGBTlXndUli8P95OxlIysF82bwvW1v_IPme7EOFTGqP1GCO1a7kv9ys-U_9fT5do3Z6D_xZJb6vbMX0eQc4GnyplXGh98x_w9zLmkIdmlFuZlQY943y-_nQzMo325d7/s1600/Photo+by+Jordan+Strauss:Invision:AP.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jennifer Lopez</span></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">to its darker depths</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcN2BMmUmfb4UMsaBRbzBhx_6swV-s6EVDsY6p_WDIbcNClueB_YAyT69ImNtp9_32eQkuDOVoCmxrA95uQVzNwctFs-jxaJHwK51tfPLDqbDRGD4KR2ZvmQMkcBhSqaQnywARsqpI37fi/s1600/(Photo%2Bby%2BJordan%2BStrauss%3AInvision%3AAP).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcN2BMmUmfb4UMsaBRbzBhx_6swV-s6EVDsY6p_WDIbcNClueB_YAyT69ImNtp9_32eQkuDOVoCmxrA95uQVzNwctFs-jxaJHwK51tfPLDqbDRGD4KR2ZvmQMkcBhSqaQnywARsqpI37fi/s1600/(Photo%2Bby%2BJordan%2BStrauss%3AInvision%3AAP).jpg" width="277" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gwyneth Paltrow</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">and more vibrant applications. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pinks have it.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Could you live with a little pink in your life?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>

Just Blush!

 The Oscars are always a spectacle, sometimes inviting, sometimes confusing  or repellant depending on your life view.   I have my issues wi...

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My New Mural from Susan Harter!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgos2xFVkakEmw8VsN2YSHO5ynao7Gxr_QhyphenhyphenO_yCr_0U08czFKlmoS_IZNWMDyU6ZPwLLMB8P2AL0_HVRZBFgFos4K2D0HhHLjVfh4_8pq0oITjLtx6ph_TPFlvKrrbER7QswMJj681o/s1600/Susan+Harter+Muralpapers+1422558206674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgos2xFVkakEmw8VsN2YSHO5ynao7Gxr_QhyphenhyphenO_yCr_0U08czFKlmoS_IZNWMDyU6ZPwLLMB8P2AL0_HVRZBFgFos4K2D0HhHLjVfh4_8pq0oITjLtx6ph_TPFlvKrrbER7QswMJj681o/s1600/Susan+Harter+Muralpapers+1422558206674.jpg" width="320"></a></div><br><br>Hello friends! I'm so excited to show you my new custom mural from <a href="http://www.susanharter.com/">Susan Harter Muralpapers</a>.  I posted about her work back in October (<a href="http://belclairehouse.blogspot.com/2014/10/susan-harter-mural-papers.html">see here</a>) when I came across this image on <a href="http://blog.thepinkpagoda.us/2014/09/blue-and-white-monday.html">The Pink Pagoda's Blue and White Monday Post</a> (always a good way to start the week). <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeaYXQuwtMw6kwa8bEViZm59Jzo5oR1UBLTn8EVnvhOBbpDSQfXsRrvknKslDaf4t6-KnjBRb5FMF8NIf8QcNiFscoi3nVxfUi2FxakeZNEoUhi_t3_N-A133XeWHz6gZsdr171-A_Es/s1600/Mural+Papers+Bedroom-Delft-Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeaYXQuwtMw6kwa8bEViZm59Jzo5oR1UBLTn8EVnvhOBbpDSQfXsRrvknKslDaf4t6-KnjBRb5FMF8NIf8QcNiFscoi3nVxfUi2FxakeZNEoUhi_t3_N-A133XeWHz6gZsdr171-A_Es/s1600/Mural+Papers+Bedroom-Delft-Blue.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I thought the concept was pretty genius.  Basically, you pick a design, send in your room measurements and they tailor the paper to fit your room, only selling you what you need.  I decided to order some samples to see if something might work above our fireplace, which was sort of an awkward space.  Not only is it visible from almost every room in the house, but it is also rather long and narrow.  </span></span></span><br><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">I needed something that is visually easy on the eyes and pretty enough to do the mantle justice.  </span><br><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br></span></span></span><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiLxC-QH2odlDrvqexjPTDz-LZGW3Q5RO83xfSkWj-lu7Z2-JqYKR2d_2uTKxVsd7ecrjSi1meJfj3n9VX0nzoumxTYkjvwLNg-oj8TNw8qO6qq7JIAPyEvuiFFFS7VdYcCKkVGl-59Q/s1600/Family+Room+2+unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiLxC-QH2odlDrvqexjPTDz-LZGW3Q5RO83xfSkWj-lu7Z2-JqYKR2d_2uTKxVsd7ecrjSi1meJfj3n9VX0nzoumxTYkjvwLNg-oj8TNw8qO6qq7JIAPyEvuiFFFS7VdYcCKkVGl-59Q/s1600/Family+Room+2+unnamed.jpg" width="480"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just noticed giant Costco Bear hiding behind the palm!</td></tr></tbody></table><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8uweI81hDg9zhy5eqSBEZqKJfJvdc9R_xMZvWrUHxo586ArjGanL01RcfxIOJS_H2qCV5t0937ZQGxFXmrOt4RJKxxKjfvGK6nPOpcI2sQ2Vbwf5RDC8Df7jgz0RTRFMLc8Z-vc4K9A/s1600/Family+Room+unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8uweI81hDg9zhy5eqSBEZqKJfJvdc9R_xMZvWrUHxo586ArjGanL01RcfxIOJS_H2qCV5t0937ZQGxFXmrOt4RJKxxKjfvGK6nPOpcI2sQ2Vbwf5RDC8Df7jgz0RTRFMLc8Z-vc4K9A/s1600/Family+Room+unnamed.jpg" width="480"></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Pardon the horrible, dark images.  This is what I sent Susan to show her my space.  She was so sweet and wonderful to work with!  When I tried to order samples, I couldn't figure out what I wanted so I pretty much tried to order every sample they had available.  I remember thinking it was odd that I was allowed to order so many samples, but thought, "oh well, no harm in trying!"  Susan contacted me herself offering to help me narrow down my options.  Ha! Oops! Really, she was incredibly helpful in choosing scenes that would work best in my space and sent me a couple samples, all of which were gorgeous.  </span></span></span><br><br>Together we ended up choosing the <a href="http://www.susanharter.com/scenics-and-samples/">Calmsden True Scenic</a> because of it's size and color.  While they normally do wallpaper she suggested having the scene painted on canvas to be stretched and hung.  After a few more emails, shipping and stretching, this is the end result:<br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcr4y29RqHiCau_mTrlU15z-KnICpCg9F7BjNJXX8PokmF1s3Uj4qYqVRMQrCPdTGrN0nmJuDW8Ob5EH7ogRDLeyKYiKFmm1N6U47b1fJZO7TE-qSQvehI7W0whtQ3uOqFFw5cg0bO8w/s640/blogger-image--1043887686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcr4y29RqHiCau_mTrlU15z-KnICpCg9F7BjNJXX8PokmF1s3Uj4qYqVRMQrCPdTGrN0nmJuDW8Ob5EH7ogRDLeyKYiKFmm1N6U47b1fJZO7TE-qSQvehI7W0whtQ3uOqFFw5cg0bO8w/s640/blogger-image--1043887686.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Again, sorry for the iPhone pics. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoDqfwhMi7ZiAIni-XRwCr2Iwz6BEtLJlcLKjBd2DeCR3QqsUjZRih7U6SO2yDqaX9UR0aGvWSQedVobWpN0c2Nhq5Tzq3As3icySu4I0OM0-tzIE4B2XpoFJVNkAosv2gCYvuCbe4C4/s640/blogger-image-2006171269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoDqfwhMi7ZiAIni-XRwCr2Iwz6BEtLJlcLKjBd2DeCR3QqsUjZRih7U6SO2yDqaX9UR0aGvWSQedVobWpN0c2Nhq5Tzq3As3icySu4I0OM0-tzIE4B2XpoFJVNkAosv2gCYvuCbe4C4/s640/blogger-image-2006171269.jpg"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still playing around with the styling</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQPne7yHRjGzLrs9U-X0ibRo1g6PmKlKgzcJpHsBaUA3mxh-cqpZEf9AcxQJ4pxuzHIB4kXqAOWwr7x-p8h5_Q67InJYNdqRnEOsNjZPRwdA4nTJRT1xCWG9vs8QlJFsW4l9Kd0YvLp8/s640/blogger-image--465932140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQPne7yHRjGzLrs9U-X0ibRo1g6PmKlKgzcJpHsBaUA3mxh-cqpZEf9AcxQJ4pxuzHIB4kXqAOWwr7x-p8h5_Q67InJYNdqRnEOsNjZPRwdA4nTJRT1xCWG9vs8QlJFsW4l9Kd0YvLp8/s640/blogger-image--465932140.jpg"></a></div><br><br>I'm so incredibly pleased with the painting and Susan was such a joy to work with.  I highly recommend her work if you are considering wallpaper or have an awkward space to work with.  Her prices are so reasonable considering how beautiful and custom the designs are.  If we didn't already have so much wallpaper in our house I would do a whole room.  Hmmm maybe our second home ;)<br><br>So go check out <a href="http://susanharter.com/">susanharter.com</a>  and all of the beautiful murals! <a href="http://www.susanharter.com/new-trellis/">It looks like they just added a new trellis scenic</a> inspired by Elsie de Wolfe's famous 1907 treillage room at the Colony Club, NYC.  Ya, I'm dying.  It's at the top of my list for things I need in my house someday. <br><br><br><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8081105280448879922%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4243508565079945355%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2F-5-epWuM7tjU%2FVOSfbAPWFzI%2FAAAAAAAAaXQ%2Fi8M39XC2aw0%2Fs640%2Fblogger-image--465932140.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3729px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8081105280448879922%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4243508565079945355%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2F-5-epWuM7tjU%2FVOSfbAPWFzI%2FAAAAAAAAaXQ%2Fi8M39XC2aw0%2Fs640%2Fblogger-image--465932140.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3729px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>

My New Mural from Susan Harter!

Hello friends! I'm so excited to show you my new custom mural from Susan Harter Muralpapers .  I posted about her work back in October (...

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Tricky Tuesday: Chartreuse Love

I can't tell if I'm being <a href="http://belclairehouse.blogspot.com/2014/10/tricky-rooms-and-how-i-almost-got.html">tricked by amazing designers</a> into thinking I can use a color that I don't use a lot or if I really am inspired so I thought I'd throw it out to y'all. <br><br>It started with this vest from J. Crew. <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlU4qsGN2deUMBhYcKiwScbmWzyRpsrMXfWXHOnimN4k87-i3pCFo2ZOqLsWknKo6FDrWwAqRLxeflS6U7wb0-sk2a6TZXv7mm9SrrFuWXb9o9haueBMuJW2xR5Pv-nKt8LuNzsbx0h54/s1600/chartreuse+jcrew-yellow-excursion-quilted-vest-product-1-22263193-0-299583608-normal_large_flex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlU4qsGN2deUMBhYcKiwScbmWzyRpsrMXfWXHOnimN4k87-i3pCFo2ZOqLsWknKo6FDrWwAqRLxeflS6U7wb0-sk2a6TZXv7mm9SrrFuWXb9o9haueBMuJW2xR5Pv-nKt8LuNzsbx0h54/s1600/chartreuse+jcrew-yellow-excursion-quilted-vest-product-1-22263193-0-299583608-normal_large_flex.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I saw it in the store and could not stop thinking about the color.  I eventually went back and bought it and then worried that I should have gone with something more in line with the colors I wear, which are mostly navy and white (I know, surprised?).  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is now quite possibly the item of clothing I've worn most for the last four months (just ask my fellow moms at preschool pick-up and drop-off), and it's definitely my favorite thing I've purchased this year.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Soooo it's established that I like the color.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do I use it in my house?  Because I keep thinking about it in my dining room.  Just a pop.  Either some chartreuse velvet on the dining chairs or bring it in with some less permanent accent pieces.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know if it's done right, it can look really elegant and interesting.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BJpomi5jSf96a_o1telHoHt-I6AxGoJcVV-qLoAfkCa6FVzz-GaTE_pITyuEuO9zUN7ChkjZFe5pBKq-dOpt3P2nsARUYcZClGySK956cCaxTgu9fuKxbsVM9I2nqEYq-a9fDjyS_lE/s1600/Chartreuse+742345e69b2a26d09cd5a5bad4de8289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BJpomi5jSf96a_o1telHoHt-I6AxGoJcVV-qLoAfkCa6FVzz-GaTE_pITyuEuO9zUN7ChkjZFe5pBKq-dOpt3P2nsARUYcZClGySK956cCaxTgu9fuKxbsVM9I2nqEYq-a9fDjyS_lE/s1600/Chartreuse+742345e69b2a26d09cd5a5bad4de8289.jpg" width="503"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzpFqUtetTNgkWxwfRRsT2a25F-cHC7yEJxu2DJFPmPXy5iM960QqY2VAIQYPOK6vDqbBRyrsq0567iF-G4NQRxiQrnqzIAxUtLb8qGYISBj977ldzHU04cPJhdMG3uqwWdSd0idDtEU/s1600/chartreuse+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzpFqUtetTNgkWxwfRRsT2a25F-cHC7yEJxu2DJFPmPXy5iM960QqY2VAIQYPOK6vDqbBRyrsq0567iF-G4NQRxiQrnqzIAxUtLb8qGYISBj977ldzHU04cPJhdMG3uqwWdSd0idDtEU/s1600/chartreuse+.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_tpefSzbzU8vvMaS6W2IqK0fV-HLU2DbdHi__nfBqCP84u0OJPoDwQYgsNEUjIov3KVDz_2UFMtgV6f9cr0izIFR2NeX6RW-7_fe-51ajv2woF2v119NuLXbBtjiR6CVKElJ7zeUWy8/s1600/Chartreuse+Pelmets+Billy+Haines+Winfield+House+London+1969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_tpefSzbzU8vvMaS6W2IqK0fV-HLU2DbdHi__nfBqCP84u0OJPoDwQYgsNEUjIov3KVDz_2UFMtgV6f9cr0izIFR2NeX6RW-7_fe-51ajv2woF2v119NuLXbBtjiR6CVKElJ7zeUWy8/s1600/Chartreuse+Pelmets+Billy+Haines+Winfield+House+London+1969.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TNcORlRz9qcup151MzDdvySE2-g-0oEZBtG92Qxni-IT9UVL7LtYARiGYFaxfX-eYJi-FYgmCC984tbe80OL8GleQ-ScIy7YK9BE6oinkd4Kth1UOdCFYnToUUo27bAScLYoc2eI6YI/s1600/chartreuse+velvet-sofa-last.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TNcORlRz9qcup151MzDdvySE2-g-0oEZBtG92Qxni-IT9UVL7LtYARiGYFaxfX-eYJi-FYgmCC984tbe80OL8GleQ-ScIy7YK9BE6oinkd4Kth1UOdCFYnToUUo27bAScLYoc2eI6YI/s1600/chartreuse+velvet-sofa-last.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">{<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2013/09/05/garden/20130905-BUATTA.html?_r=1&#1">1</a>/<a href="http://www.houzz.com/projects/101174/New-England-Design-Works-Showroom">2</a>/<a href="http://belclairehouse.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/playroom-inspiration-pelmet-boxes.html">3</a>/<a href="http://www.preciouslyme.com/home-decor/currently-obsessed-velvet-sofa-2379">4</a>}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See!  I prefer the color in small doses.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So what do y'all think?  What do you think Theresa will think?*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1kXkSoC8CUmY2p1rZbo5rmK-2a3KmxYy7VnZJbaYq6zkDnIaBBhdHLTrC3P_HB-Qyd7CqnG-GhRrYETggngVQFOm_DaR6xe-ohgbDpidgeEPS6KcHxeh38C4GKGQ3xylz-1ZYUmaaOc/s640/blogger-image--1537758596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1kXkSoC8CUmY2p1rZbo5rmK-2a3KmxYy7VnZJbaYq6zkDnIaBBhdHLTrC3P_HB-Qyd7CqnG-GhRrYETggngVQFOm_DaR6xe-ohgbDpidgeEPS6KcHxeh38C4GKGQ3xylz-1ZYUmaaOc/s640/blogger-image--1537758596.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">* If you are new here, Theresa is my judgmental shepherd lady in my dining room who looks over my household and keeps us in check.  You can read more about her <a href="http://belclairehouse.blogspot.com/2014/01/moodboard-monday-meet-theresa.html">here</a>.  I'm pretty sure I just saw her eyes float down to the candle sconces that have been sitting on our dining room table for the last six months waiting to be hung.  I tried to explain that things get busy around here and she should lay off to which she replied, "Who gonna check me boo?" (We're both Real Housewives fans). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><br>

Tricky Tuesday: Chartreuse Love

I can't tell if I'm being tricked by amazing designers into thinking I can use a color that I don't use a lot or if I really am...

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5 decorating solutions for one traditional mantle

<br />Mantles can bring out your inner decorator or cause you frustration.  I hope at the end of this post your inner decorator will be leaping.  If you don't have a mantle, but have a buffet, console table or even a wide window ledge all the principles/design tips  still apply.  for additional information about  decorating above a fireplace check <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2012/01/what-to-hang-over-fireplace.html">here</a>.<br /><br />Come along to a traditional home that is getting a foyer facelift.<br /><br />Fireplaces and mantles are usually a focal point in a space.  Often there are other architectural details that ensure it is a dominant feature.  In this case, there are two archways on either side of  the fireplace, one into  the living room and the other into the dining room.  While the fixtures in the home are traditional, the homeowners have mixed in contemporary furniture while still honouring the original feel of the house. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtXc_4Xyjs35LQZR3XTd1zNcg0748S5z1BnWi6I25n2NACYQCZfYpaXxT-yg3dPDV4NiM-kwahM19wgpzMv5nD-WHUeVY-0HXkmbU5zynP95JFN3GQsfbDPDwhX7D_NZqunF0s1t0qxdG/s1600/foyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtXc_4Xyjs35LQZR3XTd1zNcg0748S5z1BnWi6I25n2NACYQCZfYpaXxT-yg3dPDV4NiM-kwahM19wgpzMv5nD-WHUeVY-0HXkmbU5zynP95JFN3GQsfbDPDwhX7D_NZqunF0s1t0qxdG/s1600/foyer.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Original photo from homeowner</div>Initial observations:<br /><br />The mirror:<br /><ul><li>reflects the chandelier adding interest </li><li>has simple traditional styling  that relates well to the  the other architectural features</li><li>will  reflect what is put in front of it adding  visual depth</li><li>frame has same tones as floor only darker</li><li>fits the width of mantle, but seems to overpower it (less so when you are in the space)</li><li>is heavy and mounted on original plaster walls, it stays </li></ul><br />Thanks to the program<a href="https://olioboard.com/users/margaretryall/boards"> Olioboard</a>, I can import the original photo from the homeowner and layer options on top of it. That's designer's dream when presenting ideas to a client.<br /><br />With the central position of  the fireplace between two archways, a symmetrical design would  be a fitting line of design. l<br /><u><i><br /></i></u><u>Solution One:</u><br /><u><i><br /></i></u> <i>Emphasize a vertical layout using art to bring the eye up.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Including art work with a white matt  connects with the mantle colour (try to match the white matt with mantle, yes, this one is a tad too bright). You can play with the style of art work.  Sometimes adding a modern piece is a way to combine styles. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0l7grcA2KCACybfdiMmSfdijSH9VsKsNGeiz3x9iscg-uqbTh_75j4QXEwvNgEibRuA0YKTiz7tWLXrvNefOGAu38xqat8i45md0ZjWVwWg8xZBNmys6rN6s0Dc4-glPB82e-vUfgSbL/s1600/OB-option+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="traditional mantle, mantle vignette, art, decorating a mantle" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0l7grcA2KCACybfdiMmSfdijSH9VsKsNGeiz3x9iscg-uqbTh_75j4QXEwvNgEibRuA0YKTiz7tWLXrvNefOGAu38xqat8i45md0ZjWVwWg8xZBNmys6rN6s0Dc4-glPB82e-vUfgSbL/s1600/OB-option+2.jpg" title=" 5 decorating solutions for one traditional mantle" width="336" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XPGXRh69vjoRfTwaNsqOSXP74kWgB9pd2fDjKH1jtaXhJb-dpg9QkNZBF0Pg-Xj4quoxMNgo7xSO9_dWVe0vOsalKrUKDeyaSgeOTPj9JzEJii4mUKN61cQln0BaIW_Q3OkYlmgE743e/s1600/OB-option+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="traditional mantle, mantle vignette, art, decorating a mantle" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XPGXRh69vjoRfTwaNsqOSXP74kWgB9pd2fDjKH1jtaXhJb-dpg9QkNZBF0Pg-Xj4quoxMNgo7xSO9_dWVe0vOsalKrUKDeyaSgeOTPj9JzEJii4mUKN61cQln0BaIW_Q3OkYlmgE743e/s1600/OB-option+22.jpg" title=" 5 decorating solutions for one traditional mantle" width="336" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3s3yYnXq9sQKg4oJQ-xWNsO0FXnOGBah6xHBuVrOarKcQ1-9MGkvEWyGKFQDwBLLbe4G1MO1h3s1NckvFJhfO4-F_G_icMKsdlBiYBt2ouL9VoxOjilo5OAUmAZZUW728iN57yfUAqAB/s1600/OB-vases+calla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="traditional mantle, mantle vignette, art, decorating a mantle" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3s3yYnXq9sQKg4oJQ-xWNsO0FXnOGBah6xHBuVrOarKcQ1-9MGkvEWyGKFQDwBLLbe4G1MO1h3s1NckvFJhfO4-F_G_icMKsdlBiYBt2ouL9VoxOjilo5OAUmAZZUW728iN57yfUAqAB/s1600/OB-vases+calla.jpg" title=" 5 decorating solutions for one traditional mantle" width="336" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thoughts:</div>I like the simple calla better  because  the lines are vertical and the simplicity of composition and colour scheme is calming and works better with whatever objects you choose to put beside it.  I like rounded shapes next to verticals or if not rounded, something with soft, irregular  edges.  My choice would be the vases  rather than the topiaries because I like a lighter, softer look.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjuBMM3OFfPZWfZCz4hj2_nbuMwfXTifPe1Fygdwrsy7GfUnWEsfCUT-jGgZ3yGG7UsXi35326G4n8Jq2YSbvEXX07apyCqML-uyRcayp6w2S2tk8iiq3qHeEVrPfL3ayL5ykLWZLGtko/s1600/OB-art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="traditional mantle, mantle vignette, art, decorating a mantle" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjuBMM3OFfPZWfZCz4hj2_nbuMwfXTifPe1Fygdwrsy7GfUnWEsfCUT-jGgZ3yGG7UsXi35326G4n8Jq2YSbvEXX07apyCqML-uyRcayp6w2S2tk8iiq3qHeEVrPfL3ayL5ykLWZLGtko/s1600/OB-art.jpg" title=" 5 decorating solutions for one traditional mantle" width="333" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's the same idea with a more traditional painting without any white.  The look is dark and a little overpowering and with no overlapping it looks a tad to boring.  All of this can be adjusted of course.  Which  painting works best? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Solution Two </u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u><br /></u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Bring your eye in from the sides of the mirror by creating two strong verticals. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Nu02dw0YwTdQf73ryH_yUu_nRXShKg_axp-kfKR-8wFrQEWSMxofzIJUC3WGc9Wd_Rb3vbdE38qJyPaKd-5fPy70BzmnYnuHqPjwh1L2SN-mO8-e-GfyU9_7dJZheZ3FZJciIuayo9YL/s1600/OB-+white+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="traditional mantle, mantle vignette, flowers, decorating a mantle, sculpture" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Nu02dw0YwTdQf73ryH_yUu_nRXShKg_axp-kfKR-8wFrQEWSMxofzIJUC3WGc9Wd_Rb3vbdE38qJyPaKd-5fPy70BzmnYnuHqPjwh1L2SN-mO8-e-GfyU9_7dJZheZ3FZJciIuayo9YL/s1600/OB-+white+flowers.jpg" title=" 5 decorating solutions for one traditional mantle" width="333" /></a></div><br />This is the opposite of the first solution but you are still using verticals to direct the  eye up. Having the flowers in a dark/clear frame connects with the darks in the fireplace, and also with the white in the mantle.  The vases are contemporary as is the sculptural piece but they all "play nicely together".<br /><br /><br /><u>Solution Three </u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><i>Go neutral contemporary and layer symmetrically.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56kMGSiCuLrcM-xesN1igj5TU9b9QTGXXsQ-rjpRu9-gJqPfph-XU0RhPF8M6BcCe5AuV7c67Vi2bUm2zcYZgt7GA2iaZz7w4Afbo61qaTLoKh0VMPVYXt3MAePm2HUiNh0j2DAi_LgqD/s1600/neutral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="traditional mantle, mantle vignette, decorating a mantle, vases, " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56kMGSiCuLrcM-xesN1igj5TU9b9QTGXXsQ-rjpRu9-gJqPfph-XU0RhPF8M6BcCe5AuV7c67Vi2bUm2zcYZgt7GA2iaZz7w4Afbo61qaTLoKh0VMPVYXt3MAePm2HUiNh0j2DAi_LgqD/s1600/neutral.jpg" title=" 5 decorating solutions for one traditional mantle" width="336" /></a></div><br />This arrangement still brings your eye in from the sides of the mirror and emphasizes the vertical, but it is an overall softer look.<br /><br /><br /><u>Solution 4</u><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Pick up the  colours in the fireplace and layer symmetrically with a mix of traditional and contemporary.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ7q9PZ_gvEOUFdZoUC6MeMgZQ240E1RO52NWqKAB3Cl6gEsEca0Fg4Ist_H3Oieoadj8s-ekEVq3uwD2oGs4gsFq2_oNSq1xKrF36o9FXxgxuwLeLfsbNKvMmLbotTBqr6myvIJzA2l3/s1600/OB-candlesticks+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ7q9PZ_gvEOUFdZoUC6MeMgZQ240E1RO52NWqKAB3Cl6gEsEca0Fg4Ist_H3Oieoadj8s-ekEVq3uwD2oGs4gsFq2_oNSq1xKrF36o9FXxgxuwLeLfsbNKvMmLbotTBqr6myvIJzA2l3/s1600/OB-candlesticks+.jpg" title=" 5 decorating solutions for one traditional mantle" width="336" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><i>Solution 5</i></u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><i><br /></i></u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Use battery operated console lamps and soften  the arrangement in the centre.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_FXhDtEm4GKZTS_Ehl8D4ehkDLvLI3nNTrqMh462Q0fvxYsgwMygpjsmvPkTh3MLYe9rXnTk8vxq1IrB8an3qV4jJiHPdNJujRwsaY_XFp-5X24Ygie9SEs4dv-TQ9p91BDKrf6UBBE0/s1600/OBlamps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="traditional mantle, mantle vignette, decorating a mantle, asymmetrical design" border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_FXhDtEm4GKZTS_Ehl8D4ehkDLvLI3nNTrqMh462Q0fvxYsgwMygpjsmvPkTh3MLYe9rXnTk8vxq1IrB8an3qV4jJiHPdNJujRwsaY_XFp-5X24Ygie9SEs4dv-TQ9p91BDKrf6UBBE0/s1600/OBlamps.jpg" title=" 5 decorating solutions for one traditional mantle" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Just for fun...<br /><br />the girls in the house would pick this one!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk1oo_MIUVrMXiyc4vtkcOmO_fV2dfhhKyaKCYkR0BEnQBEEc0ksZfuzamlbb_WIfz9RiHTKHRq7vcRp5UXdMbLMEHJeWo9ZJ27x2B6b0soCxsbbHiDWxs2Spa-0jvs6s7HM8O4Du66mU/s1600/OB-black+sculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk1oo_MIUVrMXiyc4vtkcOmO_fV2dfhhKyaKCYkR0BEnQBEEc0ksZfuzamlbb_WIfz9RiHTKHRq7vcRp5UXdMbLMEHJeWo9ZJ27x2B6b0soCxsbbHiDWxs2Spa-0jvs6s7HM8O4Du66mU/s1600/OB-black+sculpture.jpg" title=" 5 decorating solutions for one traditional mantle" width="333" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>and I am  more comfortable with asymmetrical designs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5UK1vv_V8GUYpYH0hzRnoH_Blsot3WOgIl1GWtiDt2Z9LNPFSJ6yfToHPp0NTmI6hnZIevCv2V-faTPM_CL_taAI8chXFgIWxB37-lPO2XULekguoS0WUhvYf9SPfrM9F4RfB-Fxmzyk/s1600/OB-leaf+print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5UK1vv_V8GUYpYH0hzRnoH_Blsot3WOgIl1GWtiDt2Z9LNPFSJ6yfToHPp0NTmI6hnZIevCv2V-faTPM_CL_taAI8chXFgIWxB37-lPO2XULekguoS0WUhvYf9SPfrM9F4RfB-Fxmzyk/s1600/OB-leaf+print.jpg" title=" 5 decorating solutions for one traditional mantle" width="333" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are so many options  and each has its own reasoning.  In the end it all boils down to personal taste. Which would you choose if you were the homeowner? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

5 decorating solutions for one traditional mantle

Mantles can bring out your inner decorator or cause you frustration.  I hope at the end of this post your inner decorator will be leaping.  ...

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Mood Board Monday: French Blue Accent Chair

Hello Friends!<br /><br />Who's snowed in? I am, but it's not so bad.  I should be organizing, but instead I'm making mood boards.  Classic procrastination move on my part.<br /><br />Do y'all have the <a href="https://www.chairish.com/">Chairish</a> app on your phone? It's an app (and web site) that allows regular folks to buy and sell cool <a href="https://www.chairish.com/collection/vintage-furniture">vintage furniture</a>.  They asked me if I would do a mood board for fun using one of their available accent chairs.  Obviously, I'm in.  I'm a nerd and find that kind of thing relaxing.  It' also a nice break from purging and organizing. <br /><div><br /></div><div>So I picked out <a href="https://www.chairish.com/product/48855/french-chair-in-new-blue-velvet-upholstery">this blue velvet number</a> to take a room from white to bright per their request.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkvZoGETUDLSUwTuKnMU2LVvkL-cY4U7aGtfRPMC4waY9NHVGQnsZcJOJz-4Lr7XOUz2Y98ALeNlSoQyMm91XN2zuQuomlsKw4VZjoZx60YyzQmg2fsOUiObLN7PjDXHfGYaH4PSZ2HE/s1600/38df505c-42f3-45d6-9233-13468bb24b13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkvZoGETUDLSUwTuKnMU2LVvkL-cY4U7aGtfRPMC4waY9NHVGQnsZcJOJz-4Lr7XOUz2Y98ALeNlSoQyMm91XN2zuQuomlsKw4VZjoZx60YyzQmg2fsOUiObLN7PjDXHfGYaH4PSZ2HE/s1600/38df505c-42f3-45d6-9233-13468bb24b13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div>So pretty right?  I can't believe it hasn't sold yet.  I love an accent chair.  A room with lots of seating just looks more inviting, plus I'm always looking for a chance to sit down.  </div><div><br />Here's how I would use it: </div><div><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/blue_velvet_accent_chair_chairish/set?.embedder=8728156&.svc=copypaste&id=149609087" target="_blank"><img alt="Blue Velvet Accent Chair (Chairish)" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/lLsN7hsNdiQefF0MIv5mA/cid/149609087/id/uF52__m15BGZg4B_mu7EJQ/size/c600x600.jpg" title="Blue Velvet Accent Chair (Chairish)" /></a></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I love a bright pop of blue in an otherwise neutral room. This chair is bold and fun, but I also think it's really versatile.  I'd prop it right under a fun piece of art like the one above from my sister's friend and amazing artist, <a href="http://www.hallieeubanks.com/portfolio/paintings">Hallie Eubanks</a>.  I like the idea of a fancy french velvet chair mixed with slightly more contemporary furniture.  The <a href="https://www.chairish.com/product/52000/white-lacquered-occasional-chairs-a-pair">two white lacquered occasional chairs</a> are from Chairish as well. <br /><br />#blueandwhiteforever right?<br /><br />And, I'm back on my antelope carpet kick.<br /><br />Do you like?  I think I'd be pretty relaxed in here. <br /><br /><br /></div>

Mood Board Monday: French Blue Accent Chair

Hello Friends! Who's snowed in? I am, but it's not so bad.  I should be organizing, but instead I'm making mood boards.  Classic...

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Re-working the egg

I couldn't resist carrying on the egg theme from my last post.    How about some of these cosy re-workings of the basic egg shape for furniture with a difference ? <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknIEyYRjatpFV5eDko6d1WdHYYh16PBUVzgRlbNjRdBrwcQviTlLDECiBhcsP1kwD2CiiiXL06YiK4L8BLqJLge5P_Bv1vKihdIGZaolEhjWBR7_tgOx_uf0O1izDWW5FsD_2qLz7klSp/s1600/birdnest-bed-unique-furniture-design-idea-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknIEyYRjatpFV5eDko6d1WdHYYh16PBUVzgRlbNjRdBrwcQviTlLDECiBhcsP1kwD2CiiiXL06YiK4L8BLqJLge5P_Bv1vKihdIGZaolEhjWBR7_tgOx_uf0O1izDWW5FsD_2qLz7klSp/s1600/birdnest-bed-unique-furniture-design-idea-3.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Houzzz</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> It's a sofa with egg shaped pillows!  Definitely for the younger crowd.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11MJTKDeSKOuCUPk0pfakxNr2SZY_3rQxj72Z4DYar25EBd_ixtS7yC4EL_GFi76pRWWE9PyuuPnGhieYL-IGN2tGSl6bDO5TD50sqjPhAzg29ctBD5AO5RsOmzO6k7spDjKF_VucJDTF/s1600/egg-shaped-beds-by-lomme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11MJTKDeSKOuCUPk0pfakxNr2SZY_3rQxj72Z4DYar25EBd_ixtS7yC4EL_GFi76pRWWE9PyuuPnGhieYL-IGN2tGSl6bDO5TD50sqjPhAzg29ctBD5AO5RsOmzO6k7spDjKF_VucJDTF/s1600/egg-shaped-beds-by-lomme.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.decodir.com/">source</a></span></div><br />Do I ever have a spot for this bed!  It could get a little cool though on the edge of the Atlantic in May. I think a room with one glass wall would be a better bet.  New room addition to the summer house maybe?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutdPwvOWz9qym8UI2EOyNoEv5cEfZhMWUFjPFYBKfTaOOnsKcC0JxHa8PjFR83fIK4PQMApU2C5D0oN22rTzm9KbKYThFes53S5jOt1ObFiGIx_JWl_8bkqNtJ0OHOSC1lJ9FsfQb1dWW/s1600/MarquetteBed.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutdPwvOWz9qym8UI2EOyNoEv5cEfZhMWUFjPFYBKfTaOOnsKcC0JxHa8PjFR83fIK4PQMApU2C5D0oN22rTzm9KbKYThFes53S5jOt1ObFiGIx_JWl_8bkqNtJ0OHOSC1lJ9FsfQb1dWW/s1600/MarquetteBed.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.fortbendlifestylesandhomes.com/"> source</a></span></div><br />You don't have to stretch the imagination much for this bed design. The egg shape  in open cutwork is very pleasing as are the curved legs of the tables.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mIkoxRpUHhhF-F03c7snEN5-TGjRpv7_NnbICrwWB3k_LWPumj0HuFGAUe-JnoWaH89nKvW9zVZW5S-KZSnoJYW-Nd1kdvQoU9-fTQDBCkouF7J0AlFmLrjTykZU8oqNNjGRXDOa2iMf/s1600/modern-outdoor-lounge-sets+Houzz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mIkoxRpUHhhF-F03c7snEN5-TGjRpv7_NnbICrwWB3k_LWPumj0HuFGAUe-JnoWaH89nKvW9zVZW5S-KZSnoJYW-Nd1kdvQoU9-fTQDBCkouF7J0AlFmLrjTykZU8oqNNjGRXDOa2iMf/s1600/modern-outdoor-lounge-sets+Houzz.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.nationalfurnituresupply.com/"> source</a></span></div><br />This is about as functional as you can get for patio furniture and the lines will fit in with any landscape .<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIc-Jw4C-LZimLLVyNi5x_El6FScM05nwSlUJQm9REqTgZVNC_QgZzGNiiStL-bsS-WDbeqANT9_pEVb8uBe5vE6RD6AKrbDgM4OQXtkzTkEQZ7ngKeGDBS5_I0Gn7IYwDtQxHvbMSW5aT/s1600/oval+sofa.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIc-Jw4C-LZimLLVyNi5x_El6FScM05nwSlUJQm9REqTgZVNC_QgZzGNiiStL-bsS-WDbeqANT9_pEVb8uBe5vE6RD6AKrbDgM4OQXtkzTkEQZ7ngKeGDBS5_I0Gn7IYwDtQxHvbMSW5aT/s1600/oval+sofa.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.housedesignnewsworld.blogspot.com/">source</a></span></div><br /> If you want a statement piece for you space, look no further.   How could you not like this colourful sofa?  Might have to move a few pillows to the floor.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSYMW73Iytkr54Z62dyLilYXhSAWro-lgpIN9dMlbBxW72CDbN3erY11QYkh9bRZvqqXCObR7lKI5wp7JHW9DagGvm_-6wsQPva8ByM8m0HiX5X792yOxyyVjigrNGP4lv8CME8tB0Jix/s1600/Barbara-Barry-egg-tables-HBF-Hickory-Business-Furniture-maple-veneer-oval-coffee-table-Oval-Egg-Occasional-Tables-oval-side-table.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSYMW73Iytkr54Z62dyLilYXhSAWro-lgpIN9dMlbBxW72CDbN3erY11QYkh9bRZvqqXCObR7lKI5wp7JHW9DagGvm_-6wsQPva8ByM8m0HiX5X792yOxyyVjigrNGP4lv8CME8tB0Jix/s1600/Barbara-Barry-egg-tables-HBF-Hickory-Business-Furniture-maple-veneer-oval-coffee-table-Oval-Egg-Occasional-Tables-oval-side-table.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.media.designerpages.com/"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Barbara Barry's egg coffee table is a classic. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmlyB99FXo3mB4djttaaxaYXe9PzhjTetDQbJJYRSix4Hdb3bMbrdCFNIinTRvPBCC7tffRRNz_tEvjRLH2qMf9NI6suy_tdGfMiqJgs5zY8yy8g_J8nfE1L1u-KEoswe_Swonhz8VnCZ/s1600/black-bathtub-modern-bathroom-tub-design-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmlyB99FXo3mB4djttaaxaYXe9PzhjTetDQbJJYRSix4Hdb3bMbrdCFNIinTRvPBCC7tffRRNz_tEvjRLH2qMf9NI6suy_tdGfMiqJgs5zY8yy8g_J8nfE1L1u-KEoswe_Swonhz8VnCZ/s1600/black-bathtub-modern-bathroom-tub-design-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.luxurytopics.com/">source</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As is this beautiful black tub perched on the edge of a slab of marble.  </div><br />If you chose one for you home which would it be?

Re-working the egg

I couldn't resist carrying on the egg theme from my last post.    How about some of these cosy re-workings of the basic egg shape for fu...

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From snow to eggs

 <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are hunkered down for a winter storm with 40 cm. of snow predicted.  Everything is closed so there are no schedules to keep. It's the kind of day where I have lots of time to let my mind wander where it may.  That's a dangerous thing when you can go from one thought to a hundred in a minute.  So let's see how I got from snow to this post. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />White, cold, wishing for spring,  Easter, eggs, decorating eggs, symbolism of eggs, egg imagery through history, eggs in art, design trend for 2015 (read it on Houzz this week),  Las Vegas Market trends Winter 2015, should write a new blog post because I have time today, anyone else predicting eggs are hot, search Pinterest.  Yep!  That's how my head works.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><b>What is a trend?</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Decor trends  are predictions based on patterns recognized from multiple viewings of similar material.  Anyone can make trend predictions if they have enough information and time to look for patterns. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /> Here are some of the patterns I'm seeing on Olioboard, Pinterest and design blogs that indicate that eggs and egg shapes or oval shapes are appearing in textiles, lighting and home accents. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQzW4tg1ESW5rZ8qhOkpCwoj8YXtU6In6B5wkYKt5Sq_BQSGwbIXFuwKPrIYUzsELNA2OcIZzP5A81LP2UzsFFqkvcqcYN0miRuXAyn6bteTtW2F8jZoQYoSNdvGOiOGutZGBseM1IBhF/s1600/OB-egg+trend+accessories+2015+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQzW4tg1ESW5rZ8qhOkpCwoj8YXtU6In6B5wkYKt5Sq_BQSGwbIXFuwKPrIYUzsELNA2OcIZzP5A81LP2UzsFFqkvcqcYN0miRuXAyn6bteTtW2F8jZoQYoSNdvGOiOGutZGBseM1IBhF/s1600/OB-egg+trend+accessories+2015+2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes  eggs are represented literally and recognizable as what they are.  You will often see nests accompanying the eggs as in the pillow and art works above.  Sometimes the egg shapes are abstracted and used in repetition to create patterns.  These are the ones I find most pleasing.  </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5J0iwMbJHKVLmXHyi59o__AvTfQMkUS2CB-OdLIM8EfrrFDQ6x7iPvRJU2GnLJvdAgPaDG4XTEboxevH0WdBtcEjRUilNATqAon1Jh4iriEGn6RnIbL7Qwq4OlQf3XhcmjjnkiyBEigK/s1600/OB-Egg+trend+2015+lighting+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="egg motifs, eggs decor trend 2015, egg shapes, egg patterns in textiles" border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5J0iwMbJHKVLmXHyi59o__AvTfQMkUS2CB-OdLIM8EfrrFDQ6x7iPvRJU2GnLJvdAgPaDG4XTEboxevH0WdBtcEjRUilNATqAon1Jh4iriEGn6RnIbL7Qwq4OlQf3XhcmjjnkiyBEigK/s1600/OB-Egg+trend+2015+lighting+2.jpg" title="Designing Home: Egg trend in accessories 2015" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is it just me or do you find anything egg shaped or hinting of it pleasing/soothing to the eye? This characteristic makes it a perfect shape to choose when you want a lighting fixture to just sit there and hold a place without being  too dominant in the decor.  Sometimes this is not what you want!  For excitement do not choose  of the lights above (except the red one). </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRnTYwdKjokB_xBHE67C_Zs4Mg9onhsKBTlDt0a6ck9p1g065xcBM5loOVue4SeO8rQH34BlSo0BMaQ_vAwgO6QqwNA8Cz4W7_6vyfE8MY9nAbalff19jzFUBdO88mf1zeCzitESufpsU/s1600/+Jeff+Koons+Cracked+Egg,+Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRnTYwdKjokB_xBHE67C_Zs4Mg9onhsKBTlDt0a6ck9p1g065xcBM5loOVue4SeO8rQH34BlSo0BMaQ_vAwgO6QqwNA8Cz4W7_6vyfE8MY9nAbalff19jzFUBdO88mf1zeCzitESufpsU/s1600/+Jeff+Koons+Cracked+Egg,+Blue.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeff Koons, Cracked Egg- Blue</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Egg shapes have always been a favourite of artists through the centuries.  Not only is it a pleasing shape, but the symbolism of promise of things to come, fertility, and creation  makes eggs a multifaceted starting point for many artistic explorations.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsod1sR0KXNNSDHoHn0aSEmjnRQNXKnDmpsY9dBL_BNK8mmXukSa7hQ_eBmFdui4BK1p8rcGHHQShWtD-Ig8rhoZwL6HSWO0s8E9PGqAMqZLz7QOOnfuxjXgQ91FFZqD8J6Ip1yaXP_X0u/s1600/Nest,+Paul+Lichtenhan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsod1sR0KXNNSDHoHn0aSEmjnRQNXKnDmpsY9dBL_BNK8mmXukSa7hQ_eBmFdui4BK1p8rcGHHQShWtD-Ig8rhoZwL6HSWO0s8E9PGqAMqZLz7QOOnfuxjXgQ91FFZqD8J6Ip1yaXP_X0u/s1600/Nest,+Paul+Lichtenhan.jpg" width="260" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul Lichetenhan - Nest </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This work created by Paul Lichtenhan couldn't be more different than Koon's  reflective, slick and very large cracked egg above.  In this piece the aged patina of the recycled metals stand in striking contrast to the delicate ceramic eggs. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWP8t24FkNCru_AEnQbxGUXvLHQuXJvZ1rxv9DZrrVnjHX0OEp8FMaFlIqw_5aW4vHJpdICmfFpnnMoTjnOqhqQlqflvLf13ylmsFdOmTIu8_BI_hXQEBU_Q02vlBYBCJT8gJTF3nVbqb/s1600/+Andy+Goldsworthy+stone+egg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWP8t24FkNCru_AEnQbxGUXvLHQuXJvZ1rxv9DZrrVnjHX0OEp8FMaFlIqw_5aW4vHJpdICmfFpnnMoTjnOqhqQlqflvLf13ylmsFdOmTIu8_BI_hXQEBU_Q02vlBYBCJT8gJTF3nVbqb/s1600/+Andy+Goldsworthy+stone+egg.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andy Goldsworthy </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Goldsworthy, an environmental artist, makes a different statement with his large, stone egg defying our usual interpretation of this delicate, fragile shape. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwRb8SSDjNTRZwcHD0ZwslKSHd6tMD5favrImtapclLpkeniPjJMd5FAVZ88AP7Vgmnqml2L1X0qtc2Y3UnJrcIC9jR78wPegtGpmAsgFpTP2ZZixvF4I0AuH1l8jnn6t409n78rfl3nl/s1600/Ron+Layport+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwRb8SSDjNTRZwcHD0ZwslKSHd6tMD5favrImtapclLpkeniPjJMd5FAVZ88AP7Vgmnqml2L1X0qtc2Y3UnJrcIC9jR78wPegtGpmAsgFpTP2ZZixvF4I0AuH1l8jnn6t409n78rfl3nl/s1600/Ron+Layport+.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ron Layport</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally Ron Layport creates  intricate, egg shaped carvings from wood.  In all of the presented  works the material used to create them is as important as the subject matter.  Each has its own beauty. </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Eggs, simple or complicated, realistic or abstracted, may appear in some form in your decor this year. Perhaps you are ahead of the game!  Have you noticed egg motifs in your online viewing or shopping experiences?</span>

From snow to eggs

  We are hunkered down for a winter storm with 40 cm. of snow predicted.  Everything is closed so there are no schedules to keep. It's t...

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What every neutral colour scheme needs

<br />I love serendipitous events that add to my thoughts on an interior decorating topic.  I recently experienced this  as I was preparing to write about neutral colour schemes.  Just like a gift <a href="http://www.ladolcevitablog.com/2015/02/06/fabulous-room-friday-02-06-15/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2Fladolcevitablog+%28La+Dolce+Vita%29"> La Dolce Vita</a>, one of my favourite blogs, appeared  in my inbox with the perfect visuals to support  several of the points I wanted to make.  Paloma always finds the best spaces to present to readers! Check out her blog, you won't be sorry.<br /><br /> Making a neutral scheme work requires skill.  Once you  remove colour from the equation you have to make the most of the  other elements of design especially: pattern, texture, value/contrast and form.  Of course the principles of design remain in tact. Every successful space  has  good balance, harmony, emphasis, scale/proportion and rhythm. <br /><br />Sounds great, but what does that look like in a space?<br /><br />Check out all takes of this  living room  by Bill Ingram & William McLure of <a href="http://www.billingramarchitect.com/">Bill Ingram Archit</a><span style="color: #351c75;">ect.</span><br /><br /> Quiz time:  Jot down what  you think makes  the space  work.  If you are used to colour being your main decor element you might need to shift gears for a moment to see the beauty in neutral schemes.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVscE3GAGmp3B6lyyMsmzRLlyOBoMZZvO1FOVjeCejL6AIhIwoA0Q2I5NFlZKmEXKvnAysWDMjVMAR-QoJn42igExVJjqy7y3p6tjmeuVW9wR4bDFfU1Ahgc7WutZ-qqsuB9Ur590ANVhH/s1600/Atlanta+Home+lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="living room, neutral scheme, pattern, texture, contrast " border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVscE3GAGmp3B6lyyMsmzRLlyOBoMZZvO1FOVjeCejL6AIhIwoA0Q2I5NFlZKmEXKvnAysWDMjVMAR-QoJn42igExVJjqy7y3p6tjmeuVW9wR4bDFfU1Ahgc7WutZ-qqsuB9Ur590ANVhH/s1600/Atlanta+Home+lr.jpg" title="Designing Home: What every neutral colour scheme needs " width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9kBvGPvHHDtlGTX0B5KqChqzjEhvCVGAHeICWLSzJE-_a5BcoDoHBumVqcLkVZNX3056Y7LRIRGF2DCOT9hV7f5VhF3IKa9LIxiZDANUcDTM_wiWXgClX7DmaXa4w07Wj1WDj_7bdYYd/s1600/chair+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="living room, neutral scheme " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9kBvGPvHHDtlGTX0B5KqChqzjEhvCVGAHeICWLSzJE-_a5BcoDoHBumVqcLkVZNX3056Y7LRIRGF2DCOT9hV7f5VhF3IKa9LIxiZDANUcDTM_wiWXgClX7DmaXa4w07Wj1WDj_7bdYYd/s1600/chair+living+room.jpg" title="Designing Home: What every neutral colour scheme needs " width="376" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVxtaDLK_v35AO_TPzfxkIt8a6BtRd1Lg0LJkOiOFkRpFIYPbxfvMhm3j_nryst_uejmoNKCtBHwVXV9h5HuXGQg9faIEtv8ZoY2X-U_90DfdlNrqV1Ik88xqLaRsEjOctWViN_4DY-B-/s1600/layered+glass+and+statue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="living room, neutral scheme " border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVxtaDLK_v35AO_TPzfxkIt8a6BtRd1Lg0LJkOiOFkRpFIYPbxfvMhm3j_nryst_uejmoNKCtBHwVXV9h5HuXGQg9faIEtv8ZoY2X-U_90DfdlNrqV1Ik88xqLaRsEjOctWViN_4DY-B-/s1600/layered+glass+and+statue.jpg" title="Designing Home: What every neutral colour scheme needs " width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxKzYTjbLzETMJ5FmTbaDsEYX6pYkajVp2lS8WykdT-dhoFwOw8p-wmcaWIQdX4LV0pJUPwP3g899oolQVbD7OgmK0TDwRwqv6PCWLK2uw73VsrF-_m1U8kSSUp4wEGa1xKF8Sz63lHA3/s1600/layered+texture.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="living room, neutral scheme" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxKzYTjbLzETMJ5FmTbaDsEYX6pYkajVp2lS8WykdT-dhoFwOw8p-wmcaWIQdX4LV0pJUPwP3g899oolQVbD7OgmK0TDwRwqv6PCWLK2uw73VsrF-_m1U8kSSUp4wEGa1xKF8Sz63lHA3/s1600/layered+texture.png" title="Designing Home: What every neutral colour scheme needs " width="300" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b>Contrast</b><br /><br />The first element that jumps out at me is contrast.  You cannot have a successful room without good contrast, even when you have lots of colour.   It's the same way in art.   I wrote about this  topic in depth <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2011/03/look-for-bones-of-room.html">here</a>.  You get contrast by manipulating your values from light to dark.  This space goes from black to white and has every conceivable value in between. <br /><br /><b>Texture</b><br /><b><br /></b>This space also gets an A+ for texture.  Not everyone can have the stone work evident in this space but you might have a stone  or brick fireplace   Check out the wood stacked in the open hearth, the tree stump table and the rough wood planters.   A variety of textiles are used from the subtly textured obviously wool carpet to the white smooth fabric on the drapery and chair.  The knit pillows are perfect by the stone,  nothing like the garter stitch for obvious texture. But the coffee table is the show stopper with its reflective high gloss.  Don't miss the folded fur throw on the chair.   There is also subtle texture on the frame of the gold chair, the doors of the armoire and the statue.<br /><br /><b>Pattern</b><br /><b><br /></b>Geometric motifs predominate with diamonds, stripes  and circles repeated around the room.<br /><br /><b>Form</b><br /><b><br /></b>This can be a hard one if you like everything matched in furniture style.  I think use of a variety of forms make this space.<br /><br />My own element that every space needs -- <b>organic elements </b><br /><br />Imagine this space without the two fig trees.  I rest my case.  You need organic references in every space and this one has it in spades. <br /><br /><b>Only one thing</b><br /><b><br /></b>If I could change one thing about this space it would be the scale of the artwork between the windows.  Love the art work, but it needs a little breathing space around the edges.  Too much competition with the grids in the window. Sorry, it's the artist in me.  On the other hand I love the large scale fig trees and they might account for the scale of the art!<br /><br />True, this space might not be your cup of tea, but it is interesting; it invites the eye to move around and to touch the various elements in the space.<br /><br /><b>Now it's your turn...</b><br />What are your thoughts on this space?  Could you live here?

What every neutral colour scheme needs

I love serendipitous events that add to my thoughts on an interior decorating topic.  I recently experienced this  as I was preparing to wri...

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