A Moment with Mario Buatta

<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hf_rv4jzp2DVJR2LshdeSOrmWBeBc3WDh69ax0fHxXwSIA17BISL1A9I0DnQMYBuGPHp_z69ewcRPGDubdMI_NLMyWIoKq4Q-HqxZSZ8fCvF-qmwNrw_lZ80xeeRVjaCZB3CePuTH3M/s640/blogger-image--553669406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hf_rv4jzp2DVJR2LshdeSOrmWBeBc3WDh69ax0fHxXwSIA17BISL1A9I0DnQMYBuGPHp_z69ewcRPGDubdMI_NLMyWIoKq4Q-HqxZSZ8fCvF-qmwNrw_lZ80xeeRVjaCZB3CePuTH3M/s640/blogger-image--553669406.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Classic, old school and quirky. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From Mario Buatta: Fifty Years of American Interior Design </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">* my favorite thing about this book, besides the obvious chintz and gloss, is that almost every picture has family photos on display, something you almost never see in magazines and design books. That's a blog post for a day when the kids are feeling less destructive :) </div>

A Moment with Mario Buatta

Classic, old school and quirky.  From Mario Buatta: Fifty Years of American Interior Design  * my favorite thing about this book, besides th...

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Have a HAPPY Weekend!!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><br /><br /><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/AVvXsEiSubK28u1Ym4VQVTR9bpCpzZ9um1kdN4JgpRVwy5S8cvqX_O_09h5PJH3QHM5ngirx9MXLRG5km9JeHvjw0hgPslo9AbOrMsDu5oNxUlHTo3f-vRgCj_YskteY9Cn5ftjyUtQc2NCYGfo/s1600/redmond-aldrich-1280x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSubK28u1Ym4VQVTR9bpCpzZ9um1kdN4JgpRVwy5S8cvqX_O_09h5PJH3QHM5ngirx9MXLRG5km9JeHvjw0hgPslo9AbOrMsDu5oNxUlHTo3f-vRgCj_YskteY9Cn5ftjyUtQc2NCYGfo/s1600/redmond-aldrich-1280x600.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>* image via <a href="http://www.thisisglamorous.com/2014/07/interior-designer-redmond-aldrich/">{this is glamorous}</a><br /><br />TGIF! Wahoo! Thanks so much for all your feedback on the buffet-situation. I think  I'm going to check some antique stores and consignment shops this weekend before I order anything, but y'all have definitely helped me focus.  I love that y'all remind me what I really want.  It's really so wonderful to get all of these comments and think, "oh they are so right," or "wow, there are others out there like me!"  I wish you could all come over and drink wine with me.  Until then, pour one out for me.  No don't.  I was just trying to be cool.  Never waste wine in my name.  Drink it.  Drink. it. up. <br /><br />Have a lovely weekend! Enjoy these linkies!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/christmasbook/fantasy.jsp?cid=CBF14_H7M47&cidShots=,m&r=cat48140738&rdesc=The%20Fantasy%20Gifts&pageName=Leontine_Linens_Home_Trousseau&icid=CBF14_H7M47">The Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gift</a> that I could potentially make me cry from happiness</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My birthday is coming up, and <a href="http://jennyandrewsanderson.bigcartel.com/product/venice-spectacle">this art piece would be a nice gift</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.littlebeanshop.com/HOME-s/1823.htm">New Polyfill Nap Mats ($95)</a> from my fabulous sister-in-law! Get 'em while you can!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/11047961561564322/">Pretty Wallpaper </a><br /><br />Going to paint a piece in the basement (unless it sells on craigslist), <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/11047961561737873/">tempted to go this route</a>, but I won't - now the lamps are a different story ...<br /><br />November 11 can't come soon enough (<a href="http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K9NWRFE/ref=smi_www_rcolv2_go_smi?ie=UTF8&redirect=true">Andy Cohen's new book!!!</a>) <br /><br />Probably going to make <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/02/homemade-truffle-fries-baked-truffle.html">these truffle fries</a> asap </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/11047961561748605/">The Optimism of Breakfast</a> - love this</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.littlebeanblog.com/2014/09/gepettos-marionette-theatre.html">A Super Fun Thing to Do with Kids</a> in Dallas</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.johnsonfarms.net/">A Super Fun Thing to Do with Kids</a> in Kansas City </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/09/manage-their-time/">Time Management</a> (I need to be better about this)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/09/be-more-successful/">I 100% agree with this guy</a> that happiness brings success and not the other way around </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Two great Copy Cat Chic finds: The <a href="http://www.copycatchic.com/2014/09/arche-pagoda-mirror.html">pagoda mirror</a> and this <a href="http://www.copycatchic.com/2014/09/layla-grayce-color-swirls-table-lamp.html">color swirls table lamp </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://designerbagsanddirtydiapers.blogspot.com/2014/10/creating-perfect-happy-hour-spread.html">Creating the Perfect Happy Hour Spread</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://dixiedelights.blogspot.com/2014/10/boo.html">My friend Amanda's Halloween decorations are soo awesome</a>, I'm inspired to at least go out and buy some cute ghosts.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.swiss-miss.com/2014/09/3-rules-for-emailing-a-busy-person.html">3 Rules for Emailing a Busy Person</a> (ha!)<br /><br /><img alt="45 Ridiculous And Amazing GIFs Of Nene Leakes For Her Birthday" class="bf_dom" height="225" src="http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/webdr03/2012/12/13/14/anigif_enhanced-buzz-1093-1355426175-3.gif" width="400" /> </div><br />

Have a HAPPY Weekend!!

* image via {this is glamorous} TGIF! Wahoo! Thanks so much for all your feedback on the buffet-situation. I think  I'm going to check s...

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Tricky Rooms (and how I almost got tricked!)

<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/AVvXsEj1RQxha3f2wRHQOEZJbTJVvGE1tS3Srg-cTmPuUpiv4ajpifEIwPp_KK9xQUYUEVaPcp7ddq_vFIHNMNrEQpcIh1PsdQxuijEn2GOnfEAxsd2xZFbQVUg3d_o_u38QWwAKgo-M6RPojBs/s640/blogger-image-324309834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RQxha3f2wRHQOEZJbTJVvGE1tS3Srg-cTmPuUpiv4ajpifEIwPp_KK9xQUYUEVaPcp7ddq_vFIHNMNrEQpcIh1PsdQxuijEn2GOnfEAxsd2xZFbQVUg3d_o_u38QWwAKgo-M6RPojBs/s640/blogger-image-324309834.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's so rich and pretty, you almost want to eat it.<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Y'all, really, not ten hours after I went through this whole "I'm not going to be tricked into thinking I can live with certain colors" did I <i>almost</i> get tricked.  I dragged the kiddos to Calico Corners to play with fabric yesterday.  It's something I like to do when the laundry starts to pile up (and I'm really determined to work on our bedroom at some point in the next year).  Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the prettiest, richest hot pink magenta I'd ever seen.  It screamed happiness.  Like you could never be sad or down in the presence of this color - always something I think about, because, well, I enjoy happy. <br /><br />Immediately my mind wandered back to this room from the book <a href="http://www.bigeasystyle.com/"><i><b>Big Easy Style</b></i></a>, which <a href="http://belclairehouse.blogspot.com/2012/01/speaking-of-color-book-you-need-now.html">I posted about a long time ago</a> (still one of my favorite decor books of all time).   <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UeZVLsS_Z1SjEN_KdXRaqFz5KxeBbQCJGfbHv_iRZYNYx7QyilKU-z7kAf5GVF9Xsa5vH3aZ5vafcHtrueNV-rfp5JF6pSrAedEGxOPIlIO6KqwisVBE0wWYuEa6icoCh_haglZdiWg/s1600/Big+Easy+Style+shop-toile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UeZVLsS_Z1SjEN_KdXRaqFz5KxeBbQCJGfbHv_iRZYNYx7QyilKU-z7kAf5GVF9Xsa5vH3aZ5vafcHtrueNV-rfp5JF6pSrAedEGxOPIlIO6KqwisVBE0wWYuEa6icoCh_haglZdiWg/s1600/Big+Easy+Style+shop-toile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And then I seriously thought, "hey, I have a gray kitchen with toile wallpaper ...." <br /><br />But you will be proud.  I gave myself a big "NO MA'AM"<br /><br />Because, well, my kitchen would not look like that.  It would look ridiculous. <br /><br />Almost tricked. <br /><br />I blame Miles Redd and his completely inspiring use of color.  He does the unexpected and makes it not only fun, but really elegant.  Like the next room, which truly makes me so happy when I see it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1VMGKOCmbtQO6AKvt8EqPqxSAAFyW1jJb49av1-FWghwOjRWPCrXugYrexBtsH3iyn07DIgANlT68HREOkVUfzVjeVtGBveywX-4kOQfti_3aQV-FFCU0YU_BPlwyEEzGuNDnL3otIs/s1600/Tricky+Rooms+6.-miles_redd_house_beautiful_-gorg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1VMGKOCmbtQO6AKvt8EqPqxSAAFyW1jJb49av1-FWghwOjRWPCrXugYrexBtsH3iyn07DIgANlT68HREOkVUfzVjeVtGBveywX-4kOQfti_3aQV-FFCU0YU_BPlwyEEzGuNDnL3otIs/s1600/Tricky+Rooms+6.-miles_redd_house_beautiful_-gorg.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Even now, there are some wheels spinning in my brain "mayyybeee in the guest room..."  But really, if you take away the styling, the purposeful pops of color in the vases and lamps and accessories, you have a room that is really very neutral with a pop of color in the chair.  This is why it works.  It's layered with a thoughtful eye and when you are tired of yellow, you just move the vase.   <br /><br />Another room that really tricked me, is this glossy red room with the tan (brown) velvet sofa and antelope carpet by Todd Romano (via <a href="http://thepeakofchic.blogspot.com/2007/02/classic-carpet.html">The Peak of Chic</a>). <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZUkddYmYSLuEeu6m73tAYZ7AXFHJqsbttZ8YX4sM7O45_NxMtbtc6l4ls8J0ODAia5hhoOWh-EnNcet3AxhNtBfhRf5KRxxcWslROV8eSMdq4xF9NGkME0KASKGhg9UQy7RAI1DgnoU/s1600/Tricky+Rooms+High+Gloss+Red+and+Brown+romanorug.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZUkddYmYSLuEeu6m73tAYZ7AXFHJqsbttZ8YX4sM7O45_NxMtbtc6l4ls8J0ODAia5hhoOWh-EnNcet3AxhNtBfhRf5KRxxcWslROV8eSMdq4xF9NGkME0KASKGhg9UQy7RAI1DgnoU/s1600/Tricky+Rooms+High+Gloss+Red+and+Brown+romanorug.jpeg" /></a></div><br />I love this room despite the fact that it showcases the two colors I really can't live with.  Pink or peach flowers in a room will always trick me.  On top of that, everything is so well-done.  The ever-classic Stark antelope carpet, the sofa is perfectly upholstered with the bullion fringe trim, the walls are the type of high gloss that takes lots of sanding and 8+ coats to achieve, and the Le Lac fabric on the chair, well, let's just say, it's not from Calico Corners.  Tricky.<br /><br />Magenta, coral, leopard, pale blue and gold.  "Do it," says the little hot pink, red and cheetah print devil on my shoulder (who looks like Miles Redd).  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5g4CT4-AUW0Pr1CCTOYLtW-vxMdoto5hldHBWIv9AGkMjQn0EdJDN4gpAmDA4szHhDqo5OkpYkfJez0RhxUQWwAfOb9L_KamC_Wu3e6V1stT0lPbGMCtCrvIR1PJpsAoRb6OvfsnUWxc/s1600/Tricky+Rooms+Leopard,+Magenta,+Coral+and+Pale+Blue+bc39ebd19b18af80b7a91d51b2a578f3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5g4CT4-AUW0Pr1CCTOYLtW-vxMdoto5hldHBWIv9AGkMjQn0EdJDN4gpAmDA4szHhDqo5OkpYkfJez0RhxUQWwAfOb9L_KamC_Wu3e6V1stT0lPbGMCtCrvIR1PJpsAoRb6OvfsnUWxc/s1600/Tricky+Rooms+Leopard,+Magenta,+Coral+and+Pale+Blue+bc39ebd19b18af80b7a91d51b2a578f3.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Miles Strikes again.  I can have tiger pillows toooooo. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUyP_8rIo70bgxQD6f2vUpOLTzY4yLVjNYZljYUXU71B474tWRlKcboUZWqC3UqjTOt_VxGYRUryK2uza5GtwI-OFnPex9ti8iV6SSUjE0ZBMGr68M60nPyvHIeChfNrb2pilb2cd1UU/s1600/Tricky+Rooms+Miles+Redd+10c3a4913493eee52c115da32cec3389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUyP_8rIo70bgxQD6f2vUpOLTzY4yLVjNYZljYUXU71B474tWRlKcboUZWqC3UqjTOt_VxGYRUryK2uza5GtwI-OFnPex9ti8iV6SSUjE0ZBMGr68M60nPyvHIeChfNrb2pilb2cd1UU/s1600/Tricky+Rooms+Miles+Redd+10c3a4913493eee52c115da32cec3389.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Oh hey, citron yellow walls! How can I do that in my house?  (this room is brought to you by Nick Olsen, who used to work for Mr. Redd).  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLyzz9IHkvZxFB3kIbjCSvPY7jimcZxyImk7J0PuTy-N55vhNqSDq60jEZu1mwlGYo8ZPRQEkpHQvNYarXXrE4hucMfMcVRcZ7MpVcJ3HQz-hKuz2n58LTGR8-EsRBmBfFbMsbGUuqG8/s1600/Tricky+Rooms+Nick+Olson+Citron+Yellow+56adfba79d2ae51ade86a189d8b22d5d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLyzz9IHkvZxFB3kIbjCSvPY7jimcZxyImk7J0PuTy-N55vhNqSDq60jEZu1mwlGYo8ZPRQEkpHQvNYarXXrE4hucMfMcVRcZ7MpVcJ3HQz-hKuz2n58LTGR8-EsRBmBfFbMsbGUuqG8/s1600/Tricky+Rooms+Nick+Olson+Citron+Yellow+56adfba79d2ae51ade86a189d8b22d5d.jpg" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://tobifairley.com/">Tobi Fairly</a> is another designer who likes to trick me with her brilliant, fun use of color.  Red frames?  Don't mind if I do!  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWF3e_-kcwUBw7uwZZDd0tk0xxo2BnRoXh8Bok0jRTlAF3XrtuUArBOmKKCquoSjB9_92pY7aQSySpb9rr8wvSLh03hg3Rr9x58ITs5UngGQ_DXgMOd53QPtkw7SNTgNZMlqLZ_fMZ5Vc/s1600/Tricky+Rooms+Red+Frames+Christopher-Spitzmiller-maps-in-hall-by-Tobi-Fairley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWF3e_-kcwUBw7uwZZDd0tk0xxo2BnRoXh8Bok0jRTlAF3XrtuUArBOmKKCquoSjB9_92pY7aQSySpb9rr8wvSLh03hg3Rr9x58ITs5UngGQ_DXgMOd53QPtkw7SNTgNZMlqLZ_fMZ5Vc/s1600/Tricky+Rooms+Red+Frames+Christopher-Spitzmiller-maps-in-hall-by-Tobi-Fairley.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenf92btvT8nUyEylxwpClNE_86fya4ZMp5qvkC6G_bJ7DC3Hphlu0epjIvRBzX6aPutz4mjy8tPxN4P6hC388aEDjNeTFr3B3-ebMpThzuQ-4D87B2vrcmpjFPJ-_vFfwySQlm5U0vIQ/s1600/Tricky+Rooms+Acid+Apple+Green+spaceout.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenf92btvT8nUyEylxwpClNE_86fya4ZMp5qvkC6G_bJ7DC3Hphlu0epjIvRBzX6aPutz4mjy8tPxN4P6hC388aEDjNeTFr3B3-ebMpThzuQ-4D87B2vrcmpjFPJ-_vFfwySQlm5U0vIQ/s1600/Tricky+Rooms+Acid+Apple+Green+spaceout.gif" /></a></div>All of these rooms are so lovely and inspiring and well-executed that it's hard not to want to take ideas from it.  The minute I say I don't like a color, some awesome designer finds a way to make it beautiful.  That's what I love about interior design.  But I'm realizing, if I'm going to ever have a Miles Redd-inspired room, I'm probably going to have to hire Miles Redd to do it for me.  (Sigh, wouldn't that be something?!) <br /><br />Until then, I think I will leave my experimenting to spaces like the guest room and powder rooms ;) <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

Tricky Rooms (and how I almost got tricked!)

It's so rich and pretty, you almost want to eat it. Y'all, really, not ten hours after I went through this whole "I'm not g...

Read more »