Hello rainy Saturday morning where have you been all summer? It was so nice to lie in bed this morning and listen to the sounds of thunder and rain while fading in and out of my sleepy slumber.

I have had a rather eventful week involving a little work and a whole lot of fun! 

Mid-week we surprised my 6 year old daughter with tickets to see Selena Gomez in concert. She was beyond thrilled and relished the idea that she was an only child even if for only 24 hours. Our road trip took us to the Queen City, Charlotte, NC which included her losing a big front tooth, a much anticipated stop at Ikea, and a few wrong turns. All in all one for the books.

Before I left Charlotte we popped into women's clothing boutique Capitol for a design fix. Yes it is gorgeous women's clothing but the interior is amazing and it along with owner Laura Vinroot Poole have been featured in several publications. It so happens that Charlottean interior designer Barrie Benson helped Poole with Capitol as well as her home which was featured in an issue of Domino Magazine back in the day. A month or two after Poole's home was featured, Barrie Benson popped up on the cover too with a glimpse into her mid-century ranch style home. 

I have had a design crush since that time and have been unable to find anything about Mrs. Benson. Although I was pleasantly surprised to find her in this month's Garden and Gun magazine (that I picked up at Barnes and Nobles right before we went into Capitol) in an article with other lovely women as "Redefining the Southern Belle"...strange how things like that happen.

Great inspiration all around. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend...enjoy! 

Capitol

Style.com, The Beauty-full Life, and The NY Times

Laura Vinroot Poole's home

Domino Magazine

Barrie Benson's home

Domino Magazine

Charlotte home by Benson

Charlotte Home and Garden

Photography by Chris Edwards

Fresh Flowers for your Day

Good morning, Monday is off to a good start. I finally feel back in my groove, recharged and ready to go. I picked up these beautiful purple roses last week at the wholesaler, appropriately named Ocean Breeze. In my blue porcelain pot these are my 2 favorite things in my home right now. Fresh flowers can brighten any day and home so if you have some in your yard bring them inside or pick some up at the market, it will make your week special!

I always love shades of purple but lately I just can't get enough, with accents of orange it is so fresh, and earth tones make it mature. 

Images unknown, Madeline Weinrib rug, Katie Ridder, and Angie Hranowsky 

More Paint on the Floor Please

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Well here we are Friday already, where do the days go? I can tell you it is not so fun playing catch up from being away on a relaxing vacation. My daughter has been at a Spanish camp this week and it started at 8:00 each day, hello reality and early mornings again. I came back committed to posting on the blog a few times a week but barely have had time to look at my blogger dashboard..I know, can I get some cheese with that wine, don't even get me started about the sweltering 102 degree heat!

On the other hand I was able to catch up with a few of my clients, make some head way on my website, and even the ole office got a good cleaning.

I have been contemplating painting the floor of my screened in porch but I just can't decide if solid or pattern is the way to go for that space. After watching Mary McDonald on this season's  Million Dollar Decorators I have been inspired to go a little more bold in my flooring options. Mary's signature look is glamour but she is also known for her bold use of pattern on the floor as shown in the images above and below. In my collection there seems to be more paint on the floor in kitchens and a color favorite, green, excellent choice. 

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Mary McDonald, Elle Decor, Miles Redd, Windsor Smith, Coastal Living, and Tory Burch

Before and After

I thought I would share a few photos of a project I am working on. This project is phase 2, we are moving right along and marking off our list. It is amazing how much fresh paint livens up any space! I can't wait to show you the finished work it is so exciting when a plan comes together.

Before a 1960's living room in need of a little TLC.

After, a fresh coat of paint, beautiful seagrass rug with zebra hide overlay. 2 gorgeous purple ikat pillows that were made from a custom shower curtain in her previous home. Next week we will be hanging the stunning chocolate chevron panels that I just picked up...can you get the picture?

So chic

Before, a severely outdated dining room adjacent to the living room, love a challenge.

After, luscious eggplant with the most magnificent light fixture! Reminds me of Ruthie Sommers' dining room light...can't you just imagine beautiful gold up there too?

Ruthie Sommers dining room as seen in House Beautiful

The foyer which my camera does not even hardly do justice is hand painted by local artists Klutz Thompson Designs. A few years ago when we were working on another home I showed  my client the below image from wallpaper company Fromental. She stuck it in her idea folder and when planning for this home came about, the look was perfect for the foyer. 

The bamboo stalks, hydrangea, lemon tree, birds, and butterflies are lively, colorful, and help bring together all the colors she is using throughout her home.

Fromental Chinoiserie Wallpaper

I am really looking forward to updating you on the progress of this beautiful home.