Doesn’t have to all be expensive. Here is a shelf filled with all Target items – you probably recognize this image from the their threshold line, I saw this image and was smitten so I saved it.  It’s interesting and fun.

But how do you make a white shelf with white accessories not look boring, plain or clinical?  There is an art to it.

My formula for a good white shelf mix:  10% quirky, 10% modern, 20% classic, 60% white.

Collections of anything white make for some fun.  Just be sure it’s not all the same shade of white!  Because that would be B-O-R-I-N-G.  Vary your shades – cream, pale tan, white.  Different shapes are great too.  In this picture, the designer has a few quirky shaped pieces, a few modern (clean-lined) pieces, and the rest classic.  It totally works!

This grouping is far more classic.  But notice how that crystal perfume bottle throws in a mod feel with the sharper lines.  Just enough to keep it from feeling 100% traditional.  It’s great to try and throw a surprise accessory in the pile to keep things from looking too serious or maybe worse, granny-esque.

I’m always on the hunt for white things to place on a shelf or next to a pile of books.  And I’m always changing our vignettes around.  Getting your accessories from many different sources (in different styles and price points) makes for that “collected over time” feel.  I’m also fascinated with finishes that aren’t quite “perfect.”  Maybe a vintage, tarnished trophy.  Or an overscale bright white ceramic bird in a funky shape.  Crusty painted wood with a few peeled paint layers?  Very cool and interesting.

My favorite places to find white accessories?  flea markets, TJ Maxx, Target, antique shops, thrift stores, and yes, ebay.  I find the places like TJ Maxx, etc. don’t offer the really cool, aged pieces.  That’s where the flea markets and thrift places come in.  But you can count on the TJ’s and Targets to provide the fun white glass accessories that are affordable and over scale.

If you do collect a lot of one particular thing, be sure to group them together for impact, like the cake stand picture above.

Cheers to a day filled with some funky white.

I loved reading everyone’s answers and noticed many of us love a good mix of antique or vintage with modern elements.  Also noticed we had a pretty good mix of night owls and morning birds.  I’ll admit I was secretly giddy that random.org selected a fellow night owl.  Go team Night Owls!!  Ha ha h, just kidding ; )  One day maybe I’ll be a better morning bird?!?

Tomorrow I have a pretty full plate so I’m advancing you some white here in just a minute…

Thanks again to our gracious giveaway hosts, Tracery Interiors and Southern Living magazine!

Digitally, I’m a garden enthusiast.  Realistically, I’m the least capable person on the planet for planning, planting, and maintaining beautiful foliage.  Just ask the dozens of plants in my life who have fallen to their death over the last 15 years.  Don’t judge ; ) I try to care for them, but don’t seem to have a developed green thumb.  If I had a dime for every time I was hunched over a plant apologizing and asking in desperation, “how can I resuscitate you?!?” I’d be a rich girl.  But that won’t stop me from continuing to try!

When we moved to the bay house we were told it had not been lived in for seven years.  You cannot imagine the weeds, debris, and pure craziness going on the yard, so bad it was almost comical.  The improvement plan we hope to instill will take a lonnnnnnng time.  For now I’m thinking of potting some flowers and planting a hydrangea garden in a visible area.  Here are a few of our fine feathered helpers Saturday morning.

Sidenote: We lost our sweet little chick, Lucky, to a neighbor’s dog…so Peter built a cute aviary to keep future chickens safe.  I’ll show you that in another post.  A few of our newbies in above photo from left to right:  Miette, Pouffe, Pirouette, and Chapeau.

These little ladies are such a hoot and always keep us entertained.  If anyone is curious, their breeds are Sultan, Silkie and Polish.  Because of the fancy feathers, they’re considered ornamental chickens…and not exactly the best egg layers.  At least they look pretty running around the yard.

In sheer gardening optimism, I picked up the cutest Danny Seo shovel set at T.J. Maxx and got busy emptying our pots of not-so-alive plants.  I love the retro look and comfy feel of the bamboo handle.

Sounds silly, but I don’t like to have a garden tool unless it looks pretty on display.  Blame it on images like this (which regularly haunt my husband).  I really do believe beauty and organization go hand in hand.

Oh and in case you haven’t met Danny Seo, he is the poster child for all things green.  And my gardening hero.  Maybe one day I’ll be like him and hold healthy plants in my pimped out potting shed…

Back to the yard.  While researching plants and landscaping, I learned that English gardens are typically more square in shape.  Lovvvvve that.  Won’t even go into how obsessed I am with all things English.  So if we do any landscaping, my goal is something inspired by an English garden.  Hope to have topiaries, boxwoods, herbs, and maybe some pea gravel!

I’m equally fixated on window boxes.  That’s another goal.  Baby steps.

The chicks told me they would love a fancy place to leisurely lounge and fluff their feathers.  I think they would appreciate a scene like this.  Clearly my very favorite garden image of all time.

Feel free to cruise around and see more of my le jardin pics over here.

Hope you’re off to a great start this week!  xoxo

When I saw this I thought it would be a GREAT opportunity to do a combo giveaway in honor of Southern Living and Tracery Interiors, many of my pretties came from Tracery – like the fun pillows on our banquette.  More on the giveaway in a sec!

ANNOUNCEMENT…

In case you haven’t heard, Southern Living has a new Idea House in the works over in Nashville, designed by Phoebe Howard of Atlanta.  They created a sneak peek page for you to see right over here…looks like it’s going to be gorgeous!  You can read more about the design and see details of the plans here.  The Southern Living Idea House opens June 29th, as in only two weeks away.  One of the shots from inside…

As you may know, Tracery Interiors has also designed two Idea Houses, an airy coastal home in Texas and a stunning renovated historic farmhouse in Georgia. Both unforgettable.  To this day I’m still so very grateful for all the help from talented friend, Paige of Tracery, gave me in prepping our home for Southern Living’s arrival…I was so nervous!!  She also helped me keep my head on straight during the process of submitting photos (because I literally second guessed every design decision I made) and made certain we had extra special things ready for styling on the shoot.  She’s a pro after doing countless magazine shoots.  

Today I took a jaunt over to Tracery’s store here on the beach to share with you some of their latest goodies for the home. Check out this sea of pale blues and that incredible octopus art over my shoulder…dying!!

Vignette up close.

Remember my pillows on the banquette?  Tracery is my source.  Check out some of their newest pillows…I think I spy some prospects for our bay house.  Ugh, that lime green velvet with blue taping is killing me!  M-u-s-t  h-a-v-e.

Whenever you come down to the beach, you really need to be sure and visit their store in Rosemary.  My advice is walk to one of the restaurants next door, grab a bite to eat and sip something sparkly as you stroll over to shop.  It takes every ounce of self-discipline I have to not walk out of there with my arms full of pretty things.

Okay I was a little obsessed with the blue vignettes.

THE GIVEAWAY…

How about a one year subscription to Southern Living magazine and this beautiful coffee table book straight from Tracery Interiors…both perfect for classic design inspiration.

Let me tell you, this book is packed with so many fabulous Southern interiors and design ideas.  It would be pretty perched in your bookcase or stacked on a side table with others in your collection.  And guess who has a beautiful lake house featured?  Yep,  Tracery.  Here’s a teeny peek of the stunning home they designed.

HOW TO WIN…

Simply leave a comment stating:

1) How you would describe your personal home design style.

2) If you are a night owl or a morning bird.  I’m curious how many fellow night owls I have out there!!  ; )

Thanks again to Southern Living for the fun FB feature and to Tracery Interiors for another fun giveaway.  If you see anything you like, feel free to contact Tracery via email or phone over here.

Important:  Please comment in the comment section only, not in an email replying to this post.  Winner announced on Tuesday.  Don’t forget to check out Southern Living’s sneak peek of the 2013 Idea House!

Happy weekend, friends!

And paddle boards or kayaks any chance he gets.  Thinking back on it, water has always been a huge part of  his life…he grew up on the beach and even proposed to me on a Hatteras he chartered for what I thought was going to be a casual sunset cruise…surprise!

Since our move, paddle boarding has practically become a daily ritual around here.  Kids love to hitch a ride with their merman dad.

Our oldest has followed in his footsteps and has already earned his junior scuba certification.  Woot!

Here are some of Peter’s top picks for the sea-bound dad.

1.  The right hat is everything.  These Seaside hats are not only preppy fabulous, but functional and last forever.  Peter has had his six years now and it’s still mint.

2.  I’m no expert, but Peter and our oldest son inform me this is the paddle of all paddles.  Lightweight and bad to the bone.  The one we gave him for Father’s Day is right here.  The whole paddle line with other colors and styles is over here.

3.  It’s been mentioned here before that my husband’s life is not complete without a super power flashlight.  He is obsessed and loves this one and this one, which is even more powerful.  It’s waterproof, which, aside from being able to light up three square miles and singlehandedly blind a herd of deer,  I think is his favorite part.  If your guy needs a hat with handy flashlights built in, then this serious business hat for only $29 is the one.  It’s called a Powercap…and they’re not kidding!

4.  I think I imprinted on Maui Jims  when Peter and I had our first date – we met for lunch at a cute place in historic Marietta then hopped in his car to take a ride to get ice cream or something.  I’ll never forget how cute he was when he put on his Maui Jims before we drove away!   It was like a James Bond moment or something, ha ha haaaa.  He likes this pair and I concur ; )

5.  Peter swears by this Columbia Omni Freeze shirt.  I love the lines – you’ll see it’s very flattering for your man’s pecks, arms and waist, meow.  Apparently there is a cooling system that makes it feel like a blizzard when you’re sweaty and hot?!  Columbia has a cool video showing how it works here.  It’s so convincing that it makes me consider running a mile alongside a mountain.  

FOR THE LAST MINUTE SHOPPER….

Here is another list of what Peter says are simple but great “must haves”  for a guy.  I did not contribute, this is all him.  He really loved his assignment!  I actually learned some more about him while putting this collage together.  And I was a little sad to not see any gingham, cufflinks or JCrew goodies in it, ha ha.  The good news is many of these items you can pick up locally – it would be adorable to put a few things in one basket and tie on a sweet note from the kids.

1.  Peter says this is his favorite belt ever.

2.  Aloe Vera and Mangosteen juice is great after a big swim or workout.  Over here.

3.  Take it from me, this handy little device can save your marriage on picture hanging and DIY projects ; )

4.  Favorite sandals here.

5.  Bose noise canceling headphones.  Not kidding, Peter uses these all the time.

6.  Fun nautical watch.

Ruthie Sommers bedroom design below, amazing.

This one is more formal than my style, but we have a four poster in this master so it’s a good example of pairing lights with darker cased goods.  The bench is fabulous.  

Not to sound dreadfully boring, but I really think you can’t go wrong with simple white bedding. I think it’s a classic look and love pairing it with pillows in sophisticated patterns. I’ve been digging around and found a few white bedding potentials:

1.  This set of white IKEA bedding is so affordable it’s crazy.  It’s soft and flies under the radar, meaning it doesn’t scream “hey, I’m cheap bedding!”  Combined with higher end down-filled modern patterned pillows, it holds its own.  I’ve literally bought at least four sets over the last two years – use it in our Watercolor home for renters and it’s currently in our master bedroom of our bay house (until I find our for-real bedding, ha).

2.  Just discovered this hotel bedding from Sears.  Hmmmm, the border in six different colors interests me.  Might use it in one of our girls’ rooms?  If so, I’ll probably go with the white on white.  Although I love the way they used the black border in this room.  Will let you know if it I order this bedding and it’s good looking in person!

3.  This ruched white duvet could be fun contrasted with tailored shams and crisp white sheets.  PB teen of all places.

4.  More embroidered bedding on sale here from PB, probably softer and more plush than the Sears version if I had to guess.  Also loving their $29 linen Euro shams.  And their linen ruffled shams.

Oops, have to bolt to take my youngest two to a hair cut appointment, so I’ll try to do a follow up post next week if I find more budget-friendly bedding resources.  Feel free to share in the comment section if you know of any great bedding resources, I’d love to know!  xo

How perfect would this little spot be for storing rain hats, jackets and umbrellas?  Painting a hideaway closet in a delicious accent color is definitely on my to-do list.  Closets and nooks are a great place for an accent color, like the one I blogged about last week.  And I spy a high gloss door, yum.  This space by Thomas O’Brien.

Today my oldest daughter and I are hauling our horse, Savez, over to her trainer for their long-awaited horse camp with friends.  Petrified to pull our trailer in wind and rain.  Gulp.

Could use this adorable scarf to spiff up my tee, jeans, and rain jacket.  Add a nice pair of Hunters (currently on the wish list) and we’d be good to go.  Note:  found adorable Hunters in Chartreuse on sale over here.  

It’s a giddy up kind of Monday.

When I pulled together a few pics for this post my eyes welled up with tears seeing how instrumental my husband, Peter, is in our lives.  He’s done everything from teaching our littles how to swim, bike, play soccer, golf, and baseball to paddle board, fish, and rip stick right by their side.  He never says no.  He has never, not even once, turned any of us away when we’ve asked for help.  He’s carried sleeping tots up two flights of stairs to their beds at midnight and still does, even at their ages of 11, 8, and 7.  The 13 year old is rock solid and 5’10″ so that one’s tough.

We are so fortunate to have such a hero in our lives.

He always expresses love and support.

He’s hailed taxis, hauled luggage, wiped noses, driven hundreds of miles, read stories, and put up with chickens, horses, cats, dogs, never-ending design projects…all with no complaints.

Nope, never complains.  Not even after three days roasting in sun at a horse show that ends with a thunder storm and late night drive toting soggy horses and cranky kids.

Snow, sleet, rain, shine, nothing ever stops him.

I think this hero package designed by this crafty momma will be in order next Sunday morning along with something special things the kids are making.  You might like it for your hero too.  Free printable materials all over here.  Don’t panic like I did, just realized Father’s Day is in one week versus this Sunday, ha.

Happy Father’s Day to all the heros in our world.

In case you’ve seen this kitchen before and love the stripes on the bench and chairs, it’s Buoy in Bluebird by DeLany & Long and can be found over here.

And the paint color for the kitchen and living room is, in fact, White Dove by Benjamin Moore.  If you were ever debating this color, this should seal the deal.

There are no words for this.

Nor this.  Except to mention the fabric on the drapes, romans, and bench are Cowtan & Tout’s Sutton in aqua.

My eyes are falling out of my head from the symmetry, visual harmony, and sheer beauty of his aesthetic.

Simple, calm, uncluttered, classic.

You probably already know this, but James Radin is the designer behind the movies It’s Complicated, Something’s Gotta Give, and The Holiday.  Love, love, love all the textures in the It’s Complicated home.  I actually bought the movie just so I could stalk the house more.  Sick?  Perhaps.

Meryl Streep’s master was oh-so-cozy yet refined.  I noticed on all three of the homes that in pretty much every scene you of ALL the movies you see the tiniest pop of red in the room (I’m crazy like that).  Go watch and see.  It’s interesting!  Just don’t do this to your husband or Dad on Father’s Day, ha ha.  

The only exception I could find was the Something’s Gotta Give dining room, which by the way, I am still totally obsessed with.

Well I think that should set us up for some serious paint and design inspiration.

Note:  other than the paint and fabric resources I listed in this post, I do not know any other colors/fabrics from these pictures, so please no questions : )  All design by James Radin.  You can see more of his work here.  Photography by Karyn R. Millet.

1.  These target lamps just went on mega sale.  22 bucks each.  Go grab a pair!

2.  This rich, pure, color by Benjamin Moore is an honest cream that doesn’t throw any surprise green or yellow undertones.  Lovvvvve it.  Benjamin Moore Creamy White OC-7.

3.  For the life of me I cannot figure out how this adorable throw is on sale for only $18?!?  At that price, it’s a no brainer.

4.  Teresa Cline is an incredibly talented local artist.  This beautiful painting came from her ocean moods collection.  I also love her affordable woman of the sea giclee grouping – what great modern colors to add some pop in a monochromatic space!

5.  Great pillows help make a bedroom, no doubt.  Two of these little numbers thrown on your plush bedding are the right price and just enough pattern to set off the gorgeous painting in the room.

6.  I’m pretty impressed with the Martha Stewart line for window treatments.  You can’t beat that $53/panel price with a stick.  And the panels are trimmed in an accent fabric and come with the shiny rings!  I wonder if they are sewed on?  I have not seen this line in person but feel pretty good about it.  Panels over here.

7.  Have you ever seen a good looking ready-to-use desk that’s less than $90?  I haven’t.  Threshold just knocked it out of the park with this one.  It’s right here.  Only $85, friends.  Pair this with a vintage upholstered chair in a subtle, nubby linen and it will look beautiful.