Minding the Manor

Love me some global style!

2011-12-22T19:14:00.000-05:00

Please enjoy today's globe-trotting guest post...
Hi everyone! I'm Jessica from Arcadian Lighting, a blog and website where I get to write about interior design trends and all the different kinds of lighting fixtures that go with them. I'm delighted to be guest posting today on Minding the Manor because I'm going to be talking about lighting with global style.

Ever since I was little, I've been fascinated with other cultures and always dreamed of decorating my home with treasures I would pick up during my travels around the world. Here are some ideas for bringing a bit of global style into your home, without having to buy an airplane ticket. I hope you enjoy these global inspired interiors!

This study beautifully combines worldly items to create a room that inspires a bit of wanderlust. A collection of framed paintings, a Persian rug wall hanging, a petite ship in a bottle and an antique globe draw the imagination to all different types of cultures and time periods.

A completely white room provides the perfect canvas for the eclectic variety of African and Balinese furniture and textiles. The impressive pendant light in the corner certainly commands attention.

Lamps on either side of this desk mirror the repeating patterns throughout this lovely vignette. Rich, rusty colors, animal horns and a black and white photograph all reference romantic, exotic places.

Another stylish office, this interior design mixes vintage pieces of furniture with a Grecian key patterned throw pillow and Zebra skin rug. (I'm hoping that's a faux skin rug!) The rustic colors and monochromatic accents are a beautiful combination.

A modern interpretation of Moroccan style, this living room showcases a collection of vibrant traditional pillows and a decidedly minimal environment. The ornate mini chandelier is a glamorous touch.

A literal take on global style, this living room features at least three antique representations of Earth. The aged coloring of the globes and map tie in wonderfully with the room's neutral color palette.

A child's bedroom is the perfect place to introduce global style. The map of North America and planetary mobile are great opportunities to spark a child's desire to learn about far off places

This chic and modern living room has a more subtle approach to global style. The Moroccan coffee table and serving tray pick up on the beautiful detailing on the throw pillows and sparkling chandelier.

Which cultures and styles inspire your home decor the most?

Let us know!

And be sure to stop by Arcadian Lighting blog for plenty of fresh interior design ideas every day!

Rub-a-dub-dub

2011-12-15T18:11:00.000-05:00

I simply love it when people add a little holiday cheer to unexpected places!

My aunt has an old fashioned tub in a bathroom off of her kitchen that her family never uses. She ever-so-craftily decoupaged said tub in a black and white floral linen (I must beg her to give us a tutorial!).
Usually, she keep her houseplants there but last year, she plunked a festively decorated Christmas tree right into the tub!

Looking forward to seeing what she does this year!

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

A Tale of Thanksgiving Past

2011-11-16T18:18:00.001-05:00

As I hinted yesterday, Thanksgiving is sort of a big deal for us.

We usually dine elsewhere on the big day and to my delight, I am usually called upon by the hostess to create the centerpiece. Typically, I am given a peek at the linens just a few days before, then it is my task to whip up something good. I have come to the realization that my centerpieces get more ambitious and complicated with each passing year...

Four years ago, I really kept it simple.

Some glass vessels, candles and some natural elements (pinecones, snippings from a shub) found in the yard.

I even made a quick side arrangement for the buffet table that year.

Three years ago, I moved on to using actual flowers rather than things found in the yard, but still kept it pretty simple.

Just some mums from the local (very cheap!) produce shop. And I had to make a little something for the buffet table...

I simply stacked some granny smith apples using toothpicks on a glass cakestand and tucked some evergreen shrub snippings and left over mums into the bare spots.

Two years ago, it was the year of the vegetables. I found this idea online somewhere and I just thought it looked so elegant...

I used my glass cakestands again but this time, tied some veggies around pillar candles with a purple satin ribbon and an orchid here and there.

And last year, I must admit I went a little nutty... I just get so caught up in Thanksgiving!

Tall glass vases with branches (in retrospect, I should have spray-painted them silver) with white hydrangea, small hot pink flowers and some sort of vine. I made hanging votives out of regular glass votives and wire. I also hung blue, hot pink and clear crystals from the branches.

Yes, I styled the bookcases on either end of the fireplace

And the mantle...

Both sides...

With the lights turned down low, candles glowing, crystals shimmering, the atmosphere was so ethereal. I felt like we were out sitting under a tree in the woods, dining on a bed of moss.

That brings us to Thanksgiving 2011...

My hostess has mentioned that the event would be very simple this year. I'm looking for inspiration in case she calls upon me for help!

Simple, chic, and easy is the name of the game...

(Image: Eddie Ross)

Ooooh, metallic paint on dried corn cobbs is brilliant!

(Image: HGTV)

Ornamental kale and asparagus is so lovely

(Image: Fresh Home)

I detest birds of any kind but I could actually see something like this with metallic gold or silver paint on the branch and some jeweled or glittered birds (I guess butterflies would be too spring-like?)

(Image: Belive it or not...Walmart)

A melange of pumpkins... some shiny and some not. Please note the silver pumpkins on the mercury glass candlesticks as I find them so delightful.

(Image: HGTV)

This tablescape is so modern and chic... I think I'll do something like this at home for a future Thanksgiving Eve cocktail party!

The big day is only a week away... are you ready?

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

Dress your head with feathers!

2011-11-15T09:34:00.000-05:00

I love Thanksgiving.

Really, I do.

(Image via etsy)

I especially love to get dressed up for dinner... I am talking pilgrims and Indians, people.

Last year, we wore cheesy costumes ordered online but I think I will get crafty this year....

My inspiration...

(Stunning images via etsy)

I'm making my own feather headdress! Instructions found here. I'll let you know how it turns out...

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Nice Try, PB!

2011-11-03T20:12:00.000-04:00

PB tried to make a knock-off of this stunning cabinet that I've been salivating over for weeks

Exhibit A

But as you can see, the PB version does not have the same je ne sais quoi

Exhibit B

I must admit, there is some pretty detailing in the silver, but there is simply not enough of it for me!

(Image: PB)

Rarely, does a piece of furniture move me to purchase. I am soooo fickle. But the etched German silver cabinet (Exhibit A) haunted me for weeks. I didn't actually plan to order it due to inflated shipping cost, etc. Then I walked into a local shop and there it was across the room! I was convinced that it was fate when I saw the price tag... $200. less than the catalog, plus I would save the $200. shipping charge...

Four hundred bucks richer, I told the gal at the register to ring it up, and I loaded her up into my car and rode off into the sunset. It looks stunning in our newly painted dining room (yes, I painted the room, AGAIN!). I've stocked it with liquor bottles, cocktail shakers and glassware. It makes a wonderful bar cabinet!

Cocktail time!

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

Blog challenge... yay!

2011-10-18T11:56:00.001-04:00

Nothing gets me more inspired and ready to spring into action than a dollhouse decorating challenge!

(Image: thisnext)

It's no secret that I love dollhouses and miniature interiors, in fact, I think I mention it rather frequently (like here and here).
When I heard about the challenge a couple of weeks ago, I raced down to the garage to gauge the condition of my own dollhouse.

Kind of buried under stuff so it's a bit hard to see how much work it needs. "Tres pathetic!" I say to myself in a faux French accent.

This is what it "should" look like from the outside. Looks like it needs quite a bit of TLC to get it into shape by December 15th!

I do have some furniture/fixture pieces and I did buy a lighting kit. I know there is a fabulous little sofa hiding somewhere. Just have to dig for this stuff and come up with a concept...

Don't know if this project is do-able in such a short timeframe since the exterior needs so much work. maybe I can just concentrate on the inside? Something to ponder...

It's a lovely day outside so I'm off to go spray paint something...

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

I wanted to do something beachy yesterday

2011-07-17T20:05:00.000-04:00

After many, many weekends of working on home improvement projects and spending the weekdays holed up in my home office working, I really needed a beach day. The Mister, having just come back from a work trip was very resistant to a road trip so it looked like I was going to have to use my imagination.

Maybe put on my CD of ocean waves, slather on some coconut scented lotion, order some crab legs from the local seafood shack. Anything to take me away from another weekend the same old same old....

I was going to make a fabulous glowing shell arrangement to gaze upon whilst sipping a tropical drink on the veranda

(Via Martha Stewart)

Or a faux capiz shell chandelier out of wax paper and an old lampshade to add some beachiness to the kitchen

(Via Freshly Picked)

Or somehow get my hands on one of these beach grass wall murals that I saw in Lonny

The Mister, realizing he would be roped in to further projects or home improvements, finally came to his senses and to the beach we went!

And we all lived happily ever after...

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

I can resist anything but temptation

2011-07-15T15:54:00.000-04:00

Intrigued by Martyn's tjuz of the Colony Palms in Palm Springs after watching Episode 7 of MDD, I just had to see pics on the rest of the hotel.

His sense of color is totally delicious.

And the walls in the dining room remind me of the purple drinks Kathryn was sucking down at the bar. I tried to look up the drink on their cocktail menu so I could make one to go with my prawns, but they don't have it posted, dahhhhling.

Colony Palms Hotel reminds me of the Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara (ahhhh..... Santa Barbara) where we stayed on our SoCal spring minibreak.

It had that same lavish Moroccan and Spanish vibe.

I can barely tell which hotel room is from which hotel...

(Canary Hotel)

(Colony Palms Hotel)

And the Canary doesn't have their cocktail menu posted to the internet either.

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

...with liberty and light bulbs for all

2011-07-14T19:49:00.000-04:00

I don't watch the news... like... ever. I don't get the newspaper, I don't go searching for news online (my online time is better spent reading design blogs!) and I don't really discuss it at the watercooler with work colleagues (as I am lucky enough to work from home). Call me shallow, call me selfish, call me ignorant, but don't call me to talk about the news unless a tornado/hurricane/serial killer is heading towards my house.

So, surely, hearing from a friend that the federal government plans to phase out incandescent light bulbs in the United States of America by 2014 was BIG news to me. Completely gobsmacked, I just about fell out of my bean bag chair (and I don't even own a bean bag chair) upon hearing this little nugget of information. Read more bout it here.

These new fangled energy-saving light bulbs are ugly and cast a ghastly glow, uglifying everything they illuminate.

We may be saving the planet but what a dreary existence it would be... sitting under those intensely unpleasant bulbs day.... after day.... after day....

I'd have to wear rose-tinted glasses indoors just to replicate the lighting from my beloved Soft Pink incandescent bulbs. They just give everything and everyone such a beautiful healthy glow...

Seriously, this light bulb issue is MAJOR, especially for interior designers, decorators, architects, stylists, gallery owners, artists, Easy Bake Oven owners and aesthetically-inclined persons such as myself. I don't want some stuffy government good ole' boy making such an important decision for me or my precious pendants, innocent table lamps, and wee sconces.
Didn't we just celebrate Independence Day? In a country where we can choose a bajillion differenet flavors of M&Ms, we can't choose our own light bulbs? Not to go on a tangent, but do we really need so many choices of M&Ms when the originals are so darn good? Why mess with perfection? The same goes for light bulbs.

And what a huge slap in the face to Thomas Edison.

I don't know about you, but I plan to stockpile incandescent light bulbs (especially the pink ones).

Incandescently yours,
Ms. Manor

Swabbing the Deck

2011-07-05T12:49:00.000-04:00

(Image: Ms Manor personal archives)

Everyone thought I was cuckoo choosing solid white stain for our deck (future screened porch). We spent half of last July doing three coats of Cabot stain but it was well worth it. Don't ask me how I convinced "the Dude" that white was right... you know how men generally think it is sacrelige, painting over wood and all...

Much like a white car, it barely ever looks dirty. In fact, my car is pearlescent white and I wash it like twice a year. It helps that we had a roof built over the deck for the screening-in of the area which is currently in progress.

I won't fill you in on the gory details of this weekend's screening project as we've had more than a few challenges with what was supposed to be a very simple project! Now, we are just waiting on 200 special order custom screws that did not come with the screening tracks. We needed 300 and the manufacturer only recommended 100 upon order. It was a lovely surprise on the start of a 3 day weekend slated for installation....

Now, the saga will continue into next weekend which was supposed to be reserved for relaxation. Phooey.

Decoratively speaking, the wheels are in motion...

Outdoor Drapes: Arrived, Hemmed, Installed.

Area Rug: Currently, underfoot.

(Image: Ballard Designs)

Throw Pillows: Awaiting forms.

(Image: etsy, plum cushion)

Accessories: Pending. I like to see a room or an outfit before I accessorize.

(Image: z gallerie.com)

Lighting: We'll see how far candlelight will take us, otherwise, some pretty capiz string lights may do the trick.

(Image: Target.com)

Furniture: May need a little paint touch up before the big reveal.

(Image: Ms. Manor personal archives)

And like I said, screening is in progress.

(Image: Coastal Living)

If all goes well, we may have a finished screened porch by the time the mosquitos stop biting. That would be just our luck!

Anyhoo, I've decided to give it a good mop and hose down today. Yes, indeedy, I'm swabbing the deck.

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Hope you are having a funky fourth

2011-07-04T10:48:00.001-04:00

(Image by Ms. Manor. New Hope, PA)

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

Must be an omen

2011-07-03T08:50:00.000-04:00

The fabric I selected for my screened porch throw pillows keeps poppin' up.
Here...

(Traditional Home)

And here...

(i suwanee)

This must be an omen for me to start sewing my pillows before the summer slips away.

The pillow forms have been ordered so I am just sittin' here tappin' my foot, waitin'...

We have made some progress with the screening part of the screened porch project which I will share soonishly...

I just know you are at the edge of your seat.

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

This room makes me want a hot dog real bad

2011-07-01T22:52:00.000-04:00

(Image: Tobi Fairly)

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Shady!

2011-06-21T17:05:00.000-04:00

In my younger days, I was quite the sun worshipper. But now in my thirties, I want to slow down the formation of wrinkes so I slather on the sun protection, wear a big hat, and lounge under the cover of a beach umbrella.

(image via shelterpop)

But have you ever noticed how basic and unstylish most beach umbrellas tend to be?

This is about as good as it gets, people.

They make patio and rain umbrellas in all different colors and designs and even in exotic shapes, so I cannot seem to wrap my head around the lack of designer beach umbrellas.

One theory is that most fabulous people fly to their beach resort destination and simply sit under the umbrellas belonging to the resort, hence no market for anything better than one you can score at Kmart.

Beach umbrellas at resorts are usually sturdy and get the job done, but they are simply not aesthetically anything to write home about.

I've finally found a company that carries something worthy of a fabulous day at the beach!

How fun is the fringe?

Oh, my... what an interesting floral motif

Lovely!

I'm simply wild about this one.

Unfortunately, they are only for sale in Australia!

But I think I would want something much more whimsical anyway....

Like this pagoda shaped bella umbrella

How cool would that look on the beach?

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

Adorable Cottage in the Cape

2011-06-21T11:02:00.000-04:00

I could so curl up in this cozy cottage with a cup of tea on a summer morning whilst we talk of plans for the day's coastal adventure...

And we just might!

Yes, I've been vacation rental shopping, again, as I think a mini-break to the Cape is in order!

First, I think I'll go out an buy a turquoise dish rack.

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

I am completely obsessed with anything and everything bamboo.

2011-06-15T11:37:00.000-04:00

Our outdoor furniture,

Our bed,

My desk,

And various accessories around the house. I just can't seem to get enough of it.

I've been completely obsessed with this flatware from Crate & Barrel for the past 10 years. I visit it every time I stop into the store. Our current flatware is all bent and mangled from trying to pry open crab legs. Maybe it is time to finally bite the bullet and buy the flatware? And I guess we should spring for some sort of crab opening utencils, while we are at it...

I am almost out of places in the home where I can add bamboo so I think I'll start wearing it, too!

Cute vintage bamboo bangles like these would look fab with just about any summer outfit.

Are you obsessed with bamboo? Do tell.

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

I have no excuse...

2011-06-10T18:41:00.000-04:00

Other than I went on vacation and got a little lazy when I got back... like a month ago.
I did scope some fab window boxes in Newport Beach, California.

What in the heck are they?
Hollyhocks or foxglove, maybe?
Don't know, but I wish I could be so bold, here in the Philly burbs.

When we first moved into this home, the window boxes were kind of sad looking scalloped wood things.

I probably could have slapped some paint on them but they were falling apart.

Last year, we put these puppies up (Note: we also took down the old drab green shutters, too).

This year, we got our new shutters installed (pretty beastly business, it is, drilling holes into the stone!)
I painted them to match our front door. Looking forward to the sweet potato vine growing like crazy as it does every year. Last year, I dug a dozen potatoes out of the window boxes!

I need to figure out what color to paint the door trim (currently, drab green).
Black?
White (window mullions are white)?
Taupe (to blend with the stone)?

Your opinion would be much appreciated!
Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Goldilocks and the Three Throw Pillows

2011-04-13T17:16:00.000-04:00

My Trina Turk fabric has arrived!

Time to make pillows for the porch.
This is how I spent my lunch break...
Running in and out of my house with my bolt of fabric, swathing it over different sized pillows to see what I like best.

Small lumbar pillow?

Big lumbar pillow?

Or two for each settee (with the TT fabric, of course)?

The small lumbar could work entertaining-wise because three people could comfortably sit, one in front and two on the sides. But does the wee lumbar pillow look too small for the large settee? And won't everyone be jealous of the person in the middle, leaning against the fabulous pillow?

I like the look of the big lumbar best, but it might get weird for entertaining since two people would have to sit pretty close together with the pillow behind them or very far apart if they wanted to sit beside the pillow. For one person sitting out there alone reading or having a cup of tea, it is perf. Hmmmmm.

The two pillow per settee scenario is good because the pillows can be easily tossed, smooshed or otherwise handled without too much thought about proper "throw pillow etiquette" (what a great book idea, huh?).

Whilst I, the great procrastinator/non-decision-maker, ponders this further, perhaps I'll start writing that book...

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Retro Island Glam

2011-04-12T17:48:00.000-04:00

As we go through the process of neutralizing the wild paint colors splashed in every room of our house, I think I am finally convinced that neutral wall color need not be boring, thanks to these snaps of a fabulous Bahamian cottage featured in the February issue of Coastal Living. The homeowner calls her style, "Retro Island Glam."

Please note the grasscloth backdrop and natural-fiber rugs in practically every room with juicy pops of color in all the right places...

I love this first image so much I could scream

(Photos by: Annie Schechter)

Mwah, mwah.

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

She likes navy all of a sudden

2011-04-07T12:08:00.001-04:00

I went to Catholic school.
I wore a navy blue plaid skirt & sweater with a crisp white shirt every day for 12 years.
I LOVED wearing uniforms because I never had to worry about what to wear. After I graduated, I never wanted to see navy blue ever again.

(Image: Jonathan Adler Barbie)

Although, I wish I could still wear a uniform.
But I think it would have to look something more like this if it had to be navy and white.

All of a sudden, I am digging navy... both in interiors and fashion!

(Image: Mary MacDonald via Decorpad)

(Image: Daniel Pafford via Lonny)

(Image: Roger Davies Photography, Jonathan Adler via House Beautiful)

I bought this cute tee dress from Victoria's Secret, that has spontaneously become the inspration for my office re-do color scheme. I'll use it with lots of orange and natural textures.

I was originally planning on going gray with pops of turquoise with lots of shiny silver bits but my griege paint color choice turned out more beige than gray so I went back to the drawing board. Plus my VIKA MOLIDEN desk legs from IKEA proved to be too big for my desk top.

The color I went with was, Olympic's Gray Beige (what an inventive color name!) but I had the chap at Lowes make it up in the Behr Premium Plus Ultra (paint and primer in one is such an excellent time saver and it slathers on so smooth).

It didn't quite come out this dark so I was a wee disappointed but I decided to live and let live, especially since I am in "staging" mode in hopes that we will be selling this place soon. Anyway, the lighter color would probably appeal more to the general public than the darker color and it makes the room look huge.

(As you can see, my big raspberry mess has become my big beige mess)

For the desk base, I'm going to use our old faux bamboo dining table base that was collecting dust in the garage. And I have 2 tall bookcases purchased from Target last year.

(By the way, Kodak EasyShare M550 is the worst camera ever. It takes VERY blurry photos. Or maybe I need glasses)

Yes, I've been organizing.

I hope to replace the clear bins with something more decorative.
For the time being, they are working just fine to keep everything in its place.

This has been my progress, so far.
Now I just need to find a comfortable non-desk chair looking desk chair, fabric from my window shades, a rug, and some nifty decorative bins and boxes for my shelves....

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Give me Greige

2011-03-31T11:51:00.000-04:00

Remember I mentioned that we were planning a kitchen renovation?

(Image: TM Design, Ltd via Decorpad)

I spent months kicking tires (cabinets), agonizing over the layout, chasing rainbows, etc.
I put together the final cost estimate and timeline and discussed this along with the disruption to our lives with the man of the house. Together, we envisioned the mess our kitchen would be during the process and the lack of time we had to execute the design.

We decided that the process would be uglier than our currently ugly kitchen. So, we decided to take the easy way out and move instead.
This means that the time has come to put to work everything I've learned from The Stagers and Sell this House! We plan to put it on the market next spring, so we have some time to put finishing touches on some projects and neutralize the decor.

The "neutralizing" part is going to be a challenge because I'm the type of gal that thinks leopard print and fuscia paint is neutral.

(Image source unknown)

Since I'll be painting the home office this weekend, this is the perfect opportunity to start the "neutralization" process.

Now to find the perfect shade of greige....
Any suggestions?

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

My Homely Office

2011-03-30T15:17:00.000-04:00

My 9 to 5 is partially a work from home gig. I am usually very busy and doing very important and scientific things to benefit humanity and whatnot.

(Mad scientist woman, photo source unknown)

You wouldn't believe what my home office looks like. It is so horrible, I don't even work in the room.

It has become a dumping ground for everything I don't immediately want to deal with.

Sewing and craft supplies, holiday decorations (hello, snowman pillow!), unopened mail, etc. I just drop stuff, shut the door, and run!

There is even a dead plant sitting on my so-called desk. This is serious, people.
I think it may be time to finally tackle this homely office.

I'd like to go for the "post-modern, well-traveled, glamorous, bohemian scientist" look. I want a space that is tidy and organized like a laboratory with pops of bright color and worldly objets d'art.

My inspiration?

Gorgeous home office from the Elle Decor showhouse decorated by Kendall Wilkinson in Feb/March issue of Elle Decor. Grey, brown and turquoise color scheme, groovy chairs, and eclectic accessories. Tidy and sophisticated but cozy. Love it.

This workspace from bhg.com rocks vintage objects with a vibrant backdrop, creating an eclectic but studious vibe.

I have always been a fan this bookshelf wallpaper. Grey and fuscia is a winning combination in my book!

This seating area designed by Lisa Epley, provides a colorful perch to strum the acoustic guitar during a short musical interlude between conference calls.

So, as you can see, I have lots of work to do.

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Work, work, work

2011-03-16T16:43:00.000-04:00

Seems like all I ever do.

New colorful, happy throw pillows are at least some comfort on a dreary day.

Love, love, lovin' my weekend HomeGoods find.

As I stood in line, hugging these plump and velvety-soft pillows, I could see the cashier at register one was practically coughing up a lung and snarfling into a big wad of tissues. I'm thinking, "Please God, don't let me get summoned to register one!"

Of course, I got summoned to register one.

I also picked up these fun magenta placemats. I only found 2 so I'm using them on the bar cabinet until I find a few more. Guess I'll be scouring every HG in the tri-county area this weekend.

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

P.S. And it looks like that urn needs a big hairy fern!

Consider this a public service announcement.

2011-03-09T08:35:00.000-05:00

You could have the most gorgeous home...

(Image from Decorpad)

But if it smells like monkeys,

...it is all for naught.

When your windows are closed all winter, odors tend to get trapped in your house. Ever stop by a friend's house and it smells like baked fish or wet dog?

To keep your home smelling as good as it looks, you can light a fabulous (and expensive) candle like any of these:

Archipilago No. 54, Bloomie's

Illume "Ocean," Bloomie's

Voluspa "Pink Citron," Bloomie's

Fabulous, yes, but we don't all have Zsa Zsa's bank account.
And these candles only mask the smell.
They don't eliminate it.

If you want to squelch eau de stink, try one of these crisp and clean smelling OdorClear candles. Apparently, they have some fancy schmancy scientific-sounding technology that "eliminates odor and fills your home with a wonderfully fresh fragrance." And best of all, you can get them at CVS Pharmacy for only $7.99. Cheers to that!

My fave is the Eucalyptus & Lavender but I would love to try Lavender & Mint. Several people have walked through our door saying, "Wow, your house smells SO FRESH!" To me, that is much better than hearing, "Mmmmmm.... bacon."

Give it a whirl and let me know what you think!

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

P.S. This was not a paid endorsement... My aim is to help de-stinkify one household at a time and make the world a much better smelling place!

Martha's Secret Stash: Throw Pillows!

2011-03-08T15:31:00.000-05:00

I loathe shopping malls but found myself loitering in Macy's bed and bath department Friday afternoon whilst waiting for the Mister as he underwent an eye exam.

Seems my gal Martha has been holding out on us, as evidenced by some fabulous throw pillows (in two colorways) NOT found on macys.com or elsewhere on the worldwide web.

EXHIBIT A

EXHIBIT B

A couple of these would look great in our bedroom.

Speaking of, I need some finishing touches in this room.

In my crystal ball, I see...

Some shiny silver ring pulls for the nightstand drawers,

new lamps yet to be determined

and something furry underfoot...

perhaps faux sheepskin

or cowhide... yee haw!

But remind me to lock my room when my vegetarian friends come calling.

I would LOVE to see the ceiling fan disappear but this 1940s colonial is unfortuately not outfitted with modern day cooling technologies (a.k.a. central air conditioning). So, we either sweat it out whilst gazing up at a beautiful lighting fixure or live breezily looking at this monstrosity.

This midcentury walnut dresser was my great grandmother's. I love the dresser and usually I am not one to keep the mirror attached, in favor of a non-matching wall mirror. In this case, it serendipitously has the same shape as the bamboo bed so I am happy to keep it attached. However, I do need some new nickel pulls for the drawers and perhaps a vigorous swiffer session to catch the dust bunnies hiding underneath!

Then some colorful artwork would do nicely on either side of the far window, perhaps some handpainted geometric pattern on the chocolate brown shades (I'll wait for your tutorial gorgeous, shiny girl!) and I have my thrifty little eye out for a tall, skinny lingerie chest to replace the cedar chest in the corner of the room).

It seems that all of our rooms are in this state... the basics are there but then I lose steam when it comes to the finishing touches that really make a room. I don't know if I just get bored with what I have going on in the room and I don't want to fully commit to a style or a color scheme. I would love to take a weekend and completely "do" an entire room to completion. Will this ever happen? Probably not. I think I need to admit to myself that I am just the type of person that needs to SLOWLY let a room evolve. Too bad I am ready to redecorate completely once we actually get to that point.

Hope you are making progress with all of your own finishing touches!

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Pink Zebralishisness

2011-02-15T11:08:00.001-05:00

I usually run for the hills when the Mister is watching superhero movies, kung-fu, western shoot'em ups, etc.

I like to think that my taste is more refined, more sophisticated, if you will... (truth be told, one of my favorite movies is Romy & Michelle's High School Reunion; I guess I better get off of my high horse, huh?)

So I was pretty surprised to find myself glued to Superman II Saturday afternoon while Clark Kent & Lois Lane were shacked up at the uber tacky Honeymoon Haven in Niagra Falls (which is not a real hotel, by the way). I even ran for my camera to get some snaps of this...

A fabulous sofa which is probably rotting somewhere in a Hollywood thrift shop. But I do love it so!

Also, loving the ginormous pink lampshades and those ikat-esque drapes! I could, however, live without the goofy firepit and the pink bear rug.

Okay, let's go back to folding scarves.

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

Love is in the air... or is that pepperoni I smell?

2011-02-15T10:01:00.000-05:00

True love is a heart-shaped pizza.

Half pepperoni, half plain.

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

Pimp my Bookshelf

2011-02-08T14:16:00.000-05:00

My once boring Target bookcase...

With a silk fabric remnant from JoAnn Fabric's bargain bin, a few sheets of foam board, some fabric glue, and a few other tools

I cut the boards to the sizes of the bookcase openings; Cut the fabric a couple inches larger on all sides and wrapped the boards, securing with fabric glue

Then popped the "upholstered" foam boards into this plain bookcase

And voila!

A very easy and non-permanent way to make my bookcase look more polished

And since all the boards are now cut to the perfect sizes, I can easily recover them with a different fabric at my whim

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Ding-dong!

2011-02-08T10:44:00.000-05:00

9:36 A.M.
Mr. UPS Man is dragging a box containing our new TV cabinet up the front walk from Overstock (my first Overstock purchase!). Looks like I'll be assembling this thing today.

I think I need more hot pink in my life.

2011-02-03T18:47:00.000-05:00

Maybe not this much.

(Modern Luxury Furniture Design)

(Let the record show that I do LOVE this kitchen)

Just a dash of hot pink here and there would do.

Things I am considering...

For the house:

Throw pillows made of this

(Chaz in Candy Pink)

Or this

(Tazo in Azalea/Denton)

Or this

(Chainlink in Cerise by F. Schumacher)

Or this

(Links Pink by Annie Selke)

Or this
(Animal Skins Pink by Duralee)

And a little something for me:

Fun vintage "80s surf punk" necklace to wear on vacation with a crisp white tunic

(Etsy)

I am pleased as punch that my happy color is back en vogue!

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

I would tell you the full story...

2011-01-27T13:31:00.000-05:00

But it would just get me lathered up.

Not "lathered up" in this sense...

(Cindy Crawford in Allure Magazine)

Jewelry for Walls

2011-01-26T15:40:00.000-05:00

Ten years ago, on a pilgrimmage to the annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival my sister and I stopped by the St. Stephens Art Show (right outside the CoGro Fest) and stumbled upon some beautiful prints with great color and whimsical subject matter. I loved so many of the artist's prints. It was hard to decide which one to bring home.

After much consideration, I finally decided on his lovely print of a girl in an orange sweater with a cat resting on her head. As I made the transaction, I realized that the artist was actually the lovely 11 year old girl, Alina Eydel, that was sitting right there in the tent.

We walked through the rest of the festivals and both agreed that her paintings were the best we had seen all day and next year we simply must come back to buy more.

Ten years have gone by and I have not once been back to Miami in February. So I never had the opportunity to get back to the art festivals and every time I see my girl in an orange sweater with a cat resting on her head print, I think to myself, "Self, you should look up this artist and see if she is still painting." Just never got around to it...

So last month, I was completely gobsmacked when I tore open my birthday gift from my sister. It was another print from the same artist! Apparently, she bought it for me a couple years ago then misplaced it. I am so glad she found it because I am absolutely loving it!

Inspired by the fondness I have for my new print, I googled Alina to see what she is up to. She is now twenty years old and still creating delightful figurative acrylic paintings... but with a twist. She has created her own mixed media technique which she calls "mosaic on canvas," incorporating bits of texture in the form of pearls, glass beads, turquoise and other materials into the surface of her paintings. The result is what she calls, "jewelry for walls." How fabulous is that?

("Precious in White" by Alina Eydel)

("Body Architecture" by Alina Eydel)

("Central Park" by Alina Eydel)

See more of her work here.

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

Wow in Wyndmoor

2011-01-19T12:18:00.000-05:00

This cold weather is brutal. It keeps me from my daily brisk walk around the neighborhood. I am a visual person so the treadmill simply doesn't do it for me. I need the stimili of observing the neighbors' homes to see who painted their shutters, got a new front entry door, etc. (and also who really NEEDS to paint their shutters (us), get a new entry door, etc.). I'm not looking in windows to see what people are doing... I really couldn't care less. I'm looking to see what color the dining room is or to admire a chandelier or window treatment.
On days when it is too cold for my walk, I let my fingers do the walking... all over local real estate listings or local publications. Usually, the decor is not awe inspiring or unexpected in the listings... usually staged and simple or in obvious need of an update.
I stumbled upon this seemingly average (for Wyndmoor) 110 year old stone colonial in Philadelphia Magazine (not for sale, by the way)

(Philadelphia Magazine / Photographer: Trevor Dixon)

And was I pleasantly suprised?

What fabulous color and art!

And the perfect mix of modern & antique

Turns out the home in inhabited by a local artist/do-it-herself-er

I've got to find out where she shops...

See more photos here.

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Thanks a mullion!

2011-01-13T21:28:00.000-05:00

Kitchen design humor. If you get it, you are a total geek (like me)!

Word on the street...
Martha's got cabinets at the Home Depot.
That's right.

I'm diggin' the Dunmere

I'm tempted by Turkey Hill

I'm cuckoo for cocoa puffs

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

The time has come...

2011-01-12T14:55:00.000-05:00

...for a new and improved kitchen.

Our kitchen right before we moved in 3 years ago

Our kichen now

Blah to everything except the rug!

We didn't want to put any money into the kitchen when we first moved in as we had planned on an eventual renovation. I simply brightened the wall and floor paint color, spray painted the ugly gold hardware, added a shelf for the microwave, and recently added the fab indoor/outdoor rug.

It is pretty sad when the "before" looks better than the "after," huh? Let's just call the "after" the "in between" for now.
With some of our other projects out of the way it is now finally time to bust a move on this boring kitchen of ours.

Time to review the inspiration file...

Note the wallpaper at the tippy top. Fabulous. Would look great inside a white glass front wall cabinet filled with white dishes (Lonny)

Black cabinets are so sophisticated (Coastal Living)

Although, turquoise cabinets would be pretty cool (Architectural Digest)

The epitome of whimsical chic (unknown source)

Love the look of open shelves (Jonathan Adler)

Seaglass tile (unknown source)

and glossy painted floors (unknown source)

and more glossy painted floors (Coastal Living)

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

Mumsy called

2011-01-06T10:53:00.000-05:00

She requested my assistance in finding her a new dining room chandy.

(Exclusively found at Shades of Light)

Maybe I'll give her ours and order one of these for our dining room...

We really need a punch of pink (coral) in this room, yes?

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Cute Accent Chairs

2010-12-28T10:34:00.001-05:00

Snowed in (sipping a champagne cocktail, eating chocolate) and browsing Overstock.com, I found some really cute accent chairs & settees! We moved a large chaise out of our livingroom to fit the Christmas tree and when the tree goes, I'm thininking it may be nice to add 2 accent chairs or a little settee instead of bringing back the big hulking chaise...
I think I've found some reasonably priced yet stylish options...

Mmmm... chocolatey

very chair-y

on wheels, yet!

they sell it in a purple & white colorway, too

in leather.... maybe... but would love it in linen (or velvet)

silver satin, anyone?

nice shape but a little on the safe side for me

a baby Biedermeir... such a steal at $377... reupholstered in a punchy geometric, this could be faboo

Some very handsome options, I must say! I am trying to hold out to see what is behind "Door Number 2" which is an unseen vintage settee sitting in my Auntie's garage.

I think I feel a road trip coming on...

P.S. What goes better with "after Christmas online shopping" than a fabulous cocktail? This one also pairs well with chocolate! My glamorous sister turned me on to this yummy concoction called the Poinsettia, created by Emeril Lagasse, found here. I must warn you, it goes down very easy!

Ingredients

1/4 cup vodka
1/4 cup Champagne
1/2 cup cranberry juice
Crushed ice
2 strips orange zest, each about 1/4-inch wide and 2 inches long

Directions
Combine the vodka, Champagne and juice in a large-stemmed red wine glass. Add crushed ice and stir until the mixture is well chilled. Twist the orange strips over the glass, drop them in, and serve.

Cheers!

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Genius, genius!

2010-12-22T12:17:00.000-05:00

I don't know how I missed this on Design Sponge but, WOW!
What a great idea. If you are anything like me, you get sick of once beloved wallpaper, fabrics, accessories, (well, everything) so quickly. I am sitting here staring at fabric I bought in April 2010 and I am thinking, "That is soooooo April 2010" and I want something new...
I can just paint all of the walls in our house with black chalkboard paint and DRAW EVERYTHING... wallpaper designs, drapes, art, mirrors, even architectural details! Then I can erase it all and start all over again when I want new designs.
The heck with renovating the kitchen... I say we tear it out and just draw cabinets on the walls! I guess we will have to find a place to stash dishes and stuff... phooey
Cordially,
Ms. Manor

30-ish domestic goddess seeks...

2010-12-22T09:56:00.000-05:00

(Image: Better Homes & Gardens)

a really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really funky hall tree to put at the bottom of our staircase. I want to paint it and display hats and stuff... but not too much stuff so it looks cluttered.

I've been looking on Craig's list but I don't see anything interestingly ugly enough for my taste...
Cordially,
Ms. Manor

A festive tszuj...

2010-12-19T10:47:00.001-05:00

I wasn't going to go bananas decorating for Christmas around here and I certainly didn't...

But I wanted to give the room a little punch of color and sparkle...

I think a few little touches of raspberry really did the trick to make the mood more festive!

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Minding the Miniatures Part 2

2010-12-16T10:40:00.000-05:00

One more thing to add to my dollhouse inspiration file!

I was cruising the blogs this morning and stumbled upon some stunning images from December 2010 Harper's Baazar on Mrs. Blandings' blog and I just had to mention them...

They appear to be very glamorous and (very small!) boudoir interiors made of paper by artist Su Blackwell. If this doesn't inspire me to dig my dollhouse out of the garage, nothing will!

Visit Su's website to see the delicate and ethereal beauty that is her paper scuptures. Magical!

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Minding the Miniatures

2010-12-15T09:34:00.002-05:00

Back in September, I heard about "Operation Dollhouse" where Curbed sent a bunch of empty dollhouses to shelter magazine editors. I thought this was a fantastic idea and was curious to see the results as I am a lover of all that is minature (Proof: I have a HUGE half built dollhouse in my garage that I started to build for myself ten years ago. I know that sounds a little weird since I'm in my thirties and have no children). Anyhoo, the results came out in October and I am just finally seeing the results (But you don't come here for up-to-the-minute style news, do you? We're just old design-obsessed chums chatting over a cup of tea, right?)
Here is a recap, in case you were asleep under a rock (like me) for the past few months:

The empty dollhouse sent to each mag

And here are some of the best (in my humble opinion):

Lonny's modern glam hideout...

Stunning entryway, n'est pas? The lighting fixture is a Christmas ornament!

Note the seagrass runner on the stairway and the chevron drapes

What a a creative use of marbleized paper (if any store can keep it in stock since posted by the fabulous Jenny from Little Green Notebook)

House Beautiful's mod podge pad...

They used pages from the magazine... what marketing genius!

And finally, Elle Decor's charming and bold abode - my overall favsie!

I always said that when I "finish" decorating our house (which will NEVER happen as my style is constantly evolving) that I would pluck my dollhouse from the garage and delight in fixing it up. Who knows, after the holiday hustle and bustle is over, maybe I will FINALLY bring the house up to my design laboratory. I know a fella who would LOVE it if I removed my HUGE dollhouse from the garage to make more room for snowblowers, lawnmowers, and other assorted man toys...

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Minding the Manor... in England!

2010-09-29T11:40:00.001-04:00

Just back from our fabulous trip abroad and I can't seem to get the breathtaking scenery and insanely gorgeous country gardens out of my head!

First, a view from our room in The Cotswolds... Can you imagine waking up in a fairytale village like this every morning?

The English take gardening to a whole other level...

We were welcomed home by sad, shriveled plants in our once fabulous, overflowing, summer window boxes.

(Window Box - Before)

(Window Box - After)

Should have promised the neighbors we would bring them some Cadburys if they would give the plants a sprinkle.

Oh, well. Time to dream up a window box scheme for fall anyway...

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Larger than life!

2010-07-06T18:26:00.000-04:00

Whilst shopping for accommodations for our trip across the pond, I became intrigued by the hip black and white wall murals in the rooms at Hotel Indigo in London. (Images: hotels-london.co.uk)

Love the graphic quality of the ironwork

Almost looks like this pokey little room has a balcony

Makes me want to slap wheels on my hotel bed and race fellow guests to Regent's Park!

After our trip, I am sure that I'll want to bring the sights of London back to the states so maybe I'll have to get one for myself!

(Image: Tower Bridge and Thames River, London, UK by Steve Vidler, art.com)

(Image: London Street Scene by Unknown, art.com )

What a jolly good addition to a blank wall in a guest room or home office!

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

Mystery Fabric, Brownies Bought on Impulse, and the Beach Towel that Never Was

2010-06-29T15:39:00.002-04:00

Is that corduroy?

Velvet, maybe?

It kind of reminds me of....

Some beach towels I found at Home Goods!

I unfolded one and draped it over the cocktail ottoman to show a lounging Mr. Manor our fab new beach towels (honestly, I had every intention of using them for the beach). That's when it hit me... it was the perfect "fabric" to slipcover the ottoman.

The terrycloth was thick and not easy to sew or match. In fact, after I had 2 towels cut into pieces, I realized that I would need a third towel! Three HG locations later, I found a third towel and ummm... some new lamps, a funky pagoda candle holder, a clam shell bowl. I find that if I bring Mr. Manor some brownies or cookies bought on impulse at the HG check-out counter, he doesn't ask questions or notice how many bags I drag into the house with me. That is my tip of the day for you, ladies!

Anyway, he really thinks it pulls the whole room together...

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Gorgeous Things!

2010-06-19T08:44:00.001-04:00

On our recent mini-break to coastal Delaware, we stopped into one of my favorite shops, Mod Cottage on Rehoboth Beach. It was chock full of simply gorgeous things.

(Images: Mod Cottage)

Some of my favorite finds….

Lovely lace pottery by Maggie Weldon. I think I'll need to start a collection toute de suite!

(Images: Lace Pottery, Maggie Weldon)

Placemats by Pomengranite Inc.

(Images: Pomengranite, Inc.)

And the perfect summer accessory... this unusual mermaid vase, I could not resist...

Cordially,
Ms.Manor

Tropical Paradise Found... on a Lake?

2010-06-15T21:16:00.001-04:00

Loving the June issue of Canadian House & Home. This issue was well worth the hefty “imported” magazine subscription price. I booked-marked practically every other page.

You have probably seen pics of Jenn Cranston’s fabulous beach bungalow floating around the blogosphere.

I love that her place is on a lake and she has it outfitted like a tropical getaway.
Reminds me of how I try to pretend that our suburban Philadelphia pad is really located downtown Charleston, SC. Oh, yeah- we’re livin’ in “Charles-adelphia!”

Back to the lake…

This little bungalow is so beachy and bohemian chic. I could soooo vacation here. Well done, Ms. Cranston... This gal even makes vinyl mini-blinds look stylish!
When I moved into various rental apartements and into my college dorm, my first order of business was always to pull the blind string to hike the blinds all the way up, then I would cover the windows with plain white roman shades from IKEA. Cheap, yet crisp and neat. No muss no fuss.

(Image: treehugger.com)

I don’t know what it is about mini blinds but they drive me mad. We had them in my home growing up in the 1980s and they would get all bent out of whack from peeking out the window.

Maybe I dislike them because they would get dusty and I was the resident duster?

Or maybe because I am a bit obsessive compulsive and I can’t take the chaos of having one little slat out of place?

I am certainly not saying that Ms. Cranston needs style tips from moi because her place is pretty darn fabulous. And there are no design magazines knocking on my door, that is for sure. It is simply a matter of personal preference...

(Image: Target)

If it were my spot, I'd probably put up some white roman shades lickety-split.

(Image: Blinds Express)

Or, with a bigger budget, some thicker white wood blinds or even shutters would do nicely.

(Image: Martha Stewart Living)

Or, if privacy (or practicality) was not an issue, I’d cover the windows in strings of capiz shells like Martha.

Oh, Martha, you should have picked me to be a contender for your “apprentice” show years ago at the casting call. I would have done you proud.

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

Eat your heart out, Donald Trump!

2010-06-10T20:38:00.001-04:00

It just dawned on me that I never shared my fabulous Craig's List find from last summer...

I was cruising Craig's one day for anything and everything bamboo and I chanced upon this seemingly fabulous bed. The ad said it was a Robb & Stuckey bed, which sounded familiar, but I just couldn't put my finger on where I had heard it before.
I figured, I need a headboard (and footboard) and for 250 bucks, I could paint it if the finish turned out to be ghastly. So, we picked her up some rainy June evening from the home of a bohemian couple in the city. They said it was given to them by their parents and it really didn't fit in their hundred year old skinny doorway-ed house. We got her home and put her together and she was in perfect condition so I was thrilled that I wouldn't have to do any painting. I happened to talk to my Floridian sister that evening. I described the bed and mentioned Robb & Stuckey. She was like, you got a Robb & Stuckey bed in perfect condition for $250!

Apparently, this is a high end furniture place in Florida where bamboo beds like this are anywhere from 3-5K... some of them on the website don't even have prices!

I bet Donald Trump shopped here for his place in Palm Beach, Mar-a-lago.

Well, I guess folks like us, without such a palacial, 3 billion dollar beachfront vacation home can have Robb & Stuckey beds, too. Thanks to good old Craig!

So, I've been working on a revamp of our bedroom ever since and here's my progress so far...

The tall skinny end tables were custom-made to my specifications and spray painted by moi. Not sure about the lamps, yet. They might be too matchy-matchy with the coral coverlet & shams. And Jonathan Adler would surely plotz if he saw what I did to my wanna-be JA lamps... they just seem to look better white, as JA intended, before my kooky paint job.

We'll just have to see how this room evolves...

For now, I'm off to have fun in the sun. Enjoy your weekend!

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

Alpaca Extinction, Fake Lemons, and Serendipity

2010-06-03T16:23:00.001-04:00

Don't you just love it when catalogs or magazines show a fabulous item in their photographs but don’t actually sell said item or tell one where to find it. I don't even bother looking at fashion magazines anymore because I'll flip through the pages and the item that usually grabs me is listed in the description as, "model's own."

I love this brown and white striped throw in this pic from the Ballard catalog. I’ve stashed away my afghan so this throw would be perfect for summer. (Pardon the tiny scanned image from the catalog)

(Ballard Designs Catalog)

I can't help but zoom in on the only item that is not for sale. Does this ever happen to you? This happens to me in shops, too… more times than I can count.

A headshrinker (and I use that term with all due respect), would probably say that I have a case of “design commitment phobia.” I want what is unavailable because I can’t make the commitment to buy what is available. Let's dig up Dr. Freud and ask him.

Meanwhile, I'll start a support group and consider buying this alpaca wool throw from Cost Plus World Market. That is, I’ll consider it until the alpacas are extinct (or CPWM is out of stock) then I’ll be crying that it was the perfect throw...

(Cost Plus World Market)

In fact, a very similar scenario occurred just a couple weeks ago.

I procrastinated for months over picking a dining table and when I finally decided on the 'Bendetta' from Ballard. At the point of purchase, I discovered that the finish I wanted was no longer an option and they had no plans of bringing the table back in rubbed black. That rubbed me the wrong way for sure.

(Ballard Designs)

Serendipity struck one afternoon, while browsing Pier 1 for fake lemons (my real ones kept getting moldy too quickly in my table arrangement). Quite fortuitously, I spotted the 'Marchella' dining table, aptly described as “rustic and civilized all at once,” on sale for $299. The 'Bendetta' would have been 3 times that price with shipping!

(Pier 1)

Weather permitting, I will be spray painting the base of the 'Marchella' black this weekend. Then we’ll chase each other around the new improved table with glee, using the money we saved as confetti.
Now that, my friends, is taking (fake) lemons and making lemonade!

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

"Good Morning, Mr. Breakfast!"

2010-06-03T12:54:00.000-04:00

(Coastal Living)

Dangling bacon strip chandelier. Now, I've seen everything.

I have good news and bad news... (both are unrelated to breakfast meats and chandeliers).

The good news is, we are no longer having computer problems because we got a new one. The bad news is, we haven't hooked up the printer so I can't scan anything and our camera is kicked. I had tons of pics to share, too. My hands are completely tied and I am in full blogging mode!

Phooey.

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

May your window boxes runneth over

2010-04-28T16:25:00.002-04:00

Looking through my vacation photos from the past couple of years, I noticed that I seem to have a little bit of an obsession with window boxes.

(Image: Unknown)

We always seem to vacation in places with little quaint shops or fabulous historic buildings which often have, you guessed it, lots of pretty window boxes or container gardens out front, and I cannot help but snap some pretty little pictures.

(Image: 'Mermaids on Main' Shop in Chatham, Mass. by Ms. Manor)

(Image: Martha's Vineyard, Mass. by Ms. Manor)

(Image: Provincetown, Mass. by Ms. Manor)

(Image: Charleston, S.C. by Ms. Manor)

As we planned this year’s vacation, I found myself scouring the web for photos of our potential destinations (I was secretly checking out the window box scene to make sure we were going somewhere that would not aesthetically disappoint).

Finally, we decided where we will go this year, and let me tell you, the window boxes have lured me like a siren lures a sailor to the sea.

(Images: Balcome Street Window Box Company)

The above images are from a fabulous window box design company in Central London owned by the cheery lady with the watering can. I can hardly wait to see them in person... England, here we come!!!

(Image: The Paddington Arms)

Alas, a pub, with some lovlies spilling over the top- We’ll have to come by for fish & chips!

In the meantime, I am working on some window boxes of my own. Stay tuned for my dramatic “before and after” and maybe I'll share my "how-to"...

Cheers!
Ms. Manor

Bye, Bye Bamboo

2010-04-21T20:28:00.003-04:00

After three months of phone tag with our contractor re: our future outdoor living room, a.k.a. screened in covered deck/porch, we decided to stop waiting. It’s about time, eh? So, I’m sitting here in the dining room, waiting for our NEW prospective deck-roof-builder, thinking about our HUGE bamboo base glass top dining table that sits only a few feet from the French doors out to the deck. I simply love this table and had planned on painting the base glossy black as part of the dining room re-do.

Now that we have to walk around the giant table to get to the deck, I am feeling like it is just too darn big for the room. Maybe a small-ish round table (with possibly a leaf) would be more suited to the room and our new traffic pattern. 48” would be perf, but it seems like this size is reserved for skinny pedestal kitchen tables.
I'll keep the banana fiber chairs from IKEA because they make me feel like I am on a coastal vacation and they add such a great texture to the room. Plus, I can cover them with crisp white slipcovers, if I so desire.
As for the table, I found a few contenders:

Look at those legs! It’s the 52” Bendetta dining table from Ballard Designs. Maybe we could get away with an extra 4 inches?

I dig the shape of the Sonoma dining table from Zgallerie. I like the idea of not having to play footsie with table legs, but 54” is really pushing it.

The Maxwell dining table from Zgallerie is quite handsome and looks much more expensive than it really is. I like the flexibility of having the leaf for entertaining purposes. But it is 54” inches without the leaf or I would have ordered it already!

The American Drew Camden dining table (OneWayFurniture.com) is the perfect size, has a leaf, free shipping but no returns so I would have to be absolutely sure. I am the type of gal that returns roughly 70% of my purchases so this is a huge risk. Is the base too boring?

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

Looking into my crystal ball...

2010-04-20T15:16:00.002-04:00

...I predict a new home decorating trend that you will see this fall on all of the best dressed sofas this side of the Mason-Dixon Line. Luckily, this trend won’t break the bank.

Can you guess what it is from the photo?

(Image via etsy)

Yep, that’s right.... afghans! The more colorful, funky and interestingly ugly the better! My afghan was made by my great grandmother circa 1970 and has been essential to my fall/winter coziness for decades. I consider it a priceless family heirloom...

(Image via Ms. Manor)

It is best to buy yours now and tuck it away for the summer months because afghans will be all the rage come September.

Here are a few of my faves found on etsy:

This one is called the ‘Lipstick Afghan.’ I love the description, “Afghan is approximately 52" by 65", big enough to drape artistically over a glamorous chaise or to wrap a weary fashionista after a hard day of bargain hunting.”

Orange you glad I found this groovy orange one?

Get the ripple effect

Or, do the zig-zag trend on the cheap- I'll zig, you zag

This one is truly a work of art

Lap blanket. Vintage. Twenty-six bucks. Oh my, how fiscally responsible of you!

I guess we are crocheting everything now, aren't we? I do declare, this bath mat is the living end!

If none of these float your boat, you could learn to crochet and whip one up over the summer. Your great grand-daughters will thank you.
Crochet me a sweater while you're at it, will you?

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

For the Birds

2010-04-17T10:13:00.003-04:00

(Image from Alfred Hitchcock's Film, 'The Birds' which, by the way, is the most terrifying movie I have ever seen)

This morning, I woke up early… too early… to the sound of birds chirping their little heads off. Much to my vexation, I discovered that they are making nests right outside our bedroom window. After almost being pecked to a pulp by a peacock wandering around a Florida petting zoo at age 5, I have very little fondness for the loathsome little beasts.
Spring has sprung, so of course, birds are on merchandise in all the shops and catalogs. They seem to be surrounding me at every turn…

Have you seen these ultra creepy papier mache bird statues from Anthropologie? Who buys these things???

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

I've been away for a bit... but now I'm back!

2010-04-13T14:58:00.003-04:00

Dear Readers,
Thanks so much for hanging in there! I am having some serious laptop problems and I haven’t been stressing so much about it because it got me away from being glued to the internet and allowed me to enjoy the fabulous Spring weather we’ve been having. So, here I am catching up on all the posts from the zillion and one design blogs I follow while my laptop is behaving. Looks like the world just kept on spinning without me!
Of course, I haven’t been on hiatus from thinking about design. I’ve been working, but in my spare time, I've been lounging on the deck, sipping tea whilst reading shelter mags, flipping through catalogs, daydreaming about home projects and a summer vacation somewhere fabulous.

(Image via Sunset Magazine)

I am enjoying the deck while I can because come June, the afternoon sun renders the deck “hotter than Georigia asphalt” as there are no trees nearby for shade. In the evening, mosquitoes descend upon us as we attempt to dine al fresco, and I almost forgot to mention the bats that swoop dangerously close to our heads after dark. Our solution? We are adding a roof and screening to protect ourselves from, uh, nature, I guess.

This was the unfortunate looking patio roof that was once attached to our home. If you would touch one of the “scallops” it would come off in your hand! Last year, we had the structure knocked down and the deck built in its place.

Above is the deck before the fancy-shmancy- railing went up. Thanks for reminding me... we need a better way to "display" that ugly green garden hose.

Voila! The railing came out just as I had planned.

The back of our home goes downhill so the deck is actually one story up from the yard and we have a nice view of the treetops and “our kingdom” below.

Where are we now with this project, you ask? We are waiting for the township to approve the roof and the contractor to call us back. We’ve only been waiting for 3 months.

Dear Joe Contractor, if you are reading this, please, call me back... I am just brimming with ideas for our new outdoor living room!

Some outdoor room inspiration...

(Image via Unknown)

(Image via HGTV.com, Baylor Bone Interiors)

(Image via Southern Living)

(Image via Sunset Magazine)

(Image via HGTV.com)

(Image via House and Home)

If our laptop is still behaving, I hope to speak to y'all again tomorrow. We've got a lot of catching up to do... Au revoir!

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Splurge and Save

2010-03-05T14:57:00.001-05:00

We finally made our big decision...

And splurged on the‘Willow Sofa’ from Crate & Barrel!

On delivery day, I could not have been more excited. It was promptly delivered in perfect condition. One of the delivery men (or the FRTs, “Furniture Relocation Technicians” as I like to call them) chuckled as he asked, “No children or pets, eh?” But I know he was really thinking, "A white sofa? Are you nuts, lady?"
When the FRTs vacated the premises, my fella and I plopped down on the plump and inviting sofa and found it to be unexpectedly uncomfortable.

I was so disappointed. Then I remembered the cushions were a down blend and needed to “settle.” The salesperson did warn us.

Five days later, I am pleased to announce, it is getting more and more comfy with each sit and we are very, very happy with it (that is, until tonight night when my fella finds out we won’t be having our weekly pizza night on the sofa in front of the TV).

I am looking through a veritable plethora of fabric swatches to come up with some possibilities for throw pillows (the 2 linen aqua pillows are new) and some ideas for slipcovering the new ottoman we ordered. I need more texture, pattern and a pop of color... coral maybe?

Since we splurged a bit on the sofa, we are going super cheap on the ottoman.

What I really wanted was the Castered Tufted Storage Ottoman from Ballard Designs but I just couldn't decide on a fabric and even if I did, in 6 months I'd want to change it. Let me tell you, I am very fickle when it comes to fabric and it would be quite impractical to slip-cover a tufted storage ottoman.

So, I ordered the Angelo Home Cocktail Ottoman from Overstock.com for a mere pittance!

It combines "modern lines with traditional details," like I like. The fabric is not really my cup of tea so the plan is to slipcover it and maybe add some castors. This ottoman is a great size, 48" L x 28" W x 19.5" H. The sofa seat is pretty high so this will be just perf, I hope!

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Who knew?

2010-03-04T12:08:00.000-05:00

Who knew that Mood Fabrics, as seen on Project Runway, had fabulous home decorator fabrics?

And they are not too ridiculously expensive either. Love that!

Some of these make me want to sew like there's no tomorrow...

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

Going for Baroque

2010-02-25T15:38:00.003-05:00

When we get a chance to dine out either locally or while traveling, we are especially fond of little off the beaten track BYOs or small restaurants that serve freshly prepared food (the kind of place where there’s usually something with goat cheese on the menu).

(Image via http://www.zazzle.com/)

It is evident that many of these places do not consult interior designers in the planning of these establishments. They often have tables that are too low for the chairs; finishes not intended for commercial use, awkward bathroom stall placement (you should not have to straddle a toilet to close the stall door), and just plain bad feng shui. They are usually otherwise very charming little places with great food, so I amuse myself by mentally re-designing them. I’ve got big plans for all the little BYOs and small restaurants we frequent. That is for sure!

(Image via Tripadvisor.com)

On a recent trip to Montreal, while walking around the old part of the city, we stumbled upon the most enchanting little establishment called Barroco. They were booked for the next dinner seating but we promised not to linger if they would squeeze us in before the rush. I don’t even think I was hungry but after peeking in the window and seeing the place, I knew it was my design destiny.

(Image via Tripadvisor.com)

I tried to inconspicuously take photos but they came out very blurry so I don’t have any good enough to share (they looked pretty clear through my wine goggles as I was snapping them, of course). Luckily, I was able to find the website for the interior design firm, Rubik, which designed the place.

(Image via Rubik Design Interieur)

The place was so intimate, cozy, and chic. They played French-y music and the lighting was dimmed to perfection. It could have sworn I was in France. I simply adored the contrast of the exposed beams and stone walls against more baroque elements, such as the chandeliers and ornate frames.

(Image via Rubik Design Interieur)

I can’t even remember if the food (a mix of French, Spanish, and Italian) was good or what I had, I just remember that this place had the most AMAZING atmosphere and I was eating it up.

(Image via Rubik Design Interieur)

This is one restaurant I did not mentally re-design one smidge. It was absolute PERFECTION.

If you ever find yourself in Montreal, you must go.
312 ST. PAUL WEST (corner of St. Pierre) Montreal, QC

Here are some photos of another fabulous restaurant called Mirchi designed by the same design firm. This one has got Indian flair. I must go here...

And I'm going to request this table.

Bon appetit!

Ms. Manor

So clever and so cheap!

2010-02-24T09:22:00.000-05:00

What a clever idea for adding architectural detail on the cheap!

(Image via Better Homes & Gardens)

Old junk store frames painted white and hung (securely) under a chair rail.
I have tons of old frames like this and a chair rail in the dining room.
That spray painting finger is really getting quite itchy!

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

"Tonight, I'm gonna party like it's 1999"

2010-02-23T17:36:00.000-05:00

I’ve been going through old stacks of magazines in my home office and I happened to stumble upon an issue of Elle Décor from 1999 (my idea of “partying” is looking at old magazines… whoopidy-doo!)

I recycled most of my magazines when we moved into our home (I was tired of schlepping 12 huge crates of shelter magazines from apartment to apartment). I ripped out articles and images and organized them into plastic sleeves in color coordinated binders (I’m such a design geek). However, I did hold onto a few issues of various magazines if they were particularly chock full of fabulousness. This particular issue had a shopping guide to Paris, a home designed by Lulu De Kwiatkowski (one of my favorite Lulus), and especially because it had an article with photos of Lulu Guinness’ home in London. I have long admired LG’s whimsical handbags and seeing her townhouse was quite a treat.
Please pardon the quality of the scanned images...

Eleven years later, I wondered if her home still had that same vibe. Whilst merrily "image googling," I found some photos from a 2009 spread of her “Chic Victorian Terrace” in Living, Etc.

I was pleased to see that her home still reflects her charming, glamorous and eclectic aesthetic yet, has many new and clever touches.

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

The Weekly Tszuj: Stumped by Pure Organization Project #6

2010-02-22T18:03:00.000-05:00

Last week’s Pure Style Home project was, “Reinvent a Beauty” and I must admit I was stumped. I have several “beauties” in need of reinvention around the house and a pile of stuff in the basement all waiting for one thing or another, many of them, just a simple coat or two of spray paint. Unfortunately, in my neck of the woods, it is not quite spray painting weather just yet.

I’ll share a few of my items that will be first in line for my mad spray paining spree that will begin once the weather breaks. I hate to show "befores" without "afters" because basically, you're looking at a big pile of my junk, but I am hoping the "afters" will be worth the wait...

This leggy beauty is going to be simply gorgeous once she’s sanded down, primed and painted. I’ll add a little bit o’ wipe-on poly, and she will shine for sure!

This is our faux bamboo dining room table. It is a bit big for the space but since it has a glass top, it doesn’t overwhelm the room. I’d love to paint it either high gloss black or high gloss white. I’ll have to see how it fits into the grand scheme of things to come in my dining room re-do.

This little guy has been green since my aunt painted him for my circa 1991 Ralph Lauren-esque burgundy bedroom with paisley comforter set. It held my very first CD boombox and collection of black leather bound Agatha Christie books. Since then, it has been a nightstand, end table, hallway “console,” bookcase, bar, linen closet, potting bench, and everything else in between. He could really use some freshening up.

I have two of these Jonathan Adler “wanna-be” lamps that simply need a fresh coat of white paint and maybe some whiter lampshades.

Ahhh… here’s a project I can work on that does not require paint. I have this long, skinny shelf that is the perfect size to fit in our tiny dining room. I’d love to cut off the ears that protrude from the top and do the Little Green Notebook slipcover project (yes, I know, it's not a sink, but you get the idea). This would allow us to have an extra hidden storage space in the dining room for serving pieces and whatnot. I'll have to get moving on this if I want to catch up on Pure Style Organization Project #7!

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Going Coastal

2010-02-13T11:54:00.003-05:00

My sister just sent me an email, reporting that it is 60 degrees in Miami and she is dreaming of a coastal vacation getaway. Those of us in the Northeastern United States that are recovering from blizzard conditions are thinking, “Oh, what a pity, it is 60 degrees in Miami!”

And quite possibly just to drive me insane with jealousy, she sent me a link to Coastal Living’s “15 Prettiest Island Rooms,” some of which I do find pretty, like this one:

And this one:

However, my sister and I both know of some pretty beach-y, fabulous rentals in Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, designed by a gal named Beth Keetch. We discovered her years ago on greatrentals.com and have been back to Isle of Palms every year to stay in her “well-appointed” beach cottages.

Often, beach rentals have no personality, look like the set of the 'Golden Girls,' or worse, are filled with people’s old, out-dated furniture they no longer want in their own home. But, Beth’s properties are filled with color and oodles of personality!

I’ll share a few of Beth’s “Prettiest Island Rooms.” I’ve had the pleasure of staying in a few of her properties and let me tell you, the photos do not do them justice!

Beth refers to this one as “Wild Dunes meets Lilly Pulitzer”

Another view of the “Lilly” living room

This is my favorite bedroom; I could stare at the drapery fabric all day

What you don’t see in the photo is the beautifully tiled shower and deep jetted tub where I took a delightful bubble bath within an hour of arriving

Charming!

What a bold color choice for tile… Love, love, love it!

Nothing like balmy South Carolina breezes on an old-fashioned screen porch

Adorable all-season porch; I love a designer that is not afraid of hot pink!

Coral & muted aqua, one of my favorite color combinations! And you know how I feel about white slip-covered sofas

Note the Ballard Designs French leopard rug and fabulous bamboo curtain rod

I am usually not too nuts for nautical, but this is really quite crisp and inviting

Beth’s bedrooms have the most luxurious bedding

Another great porch

Now, if Beth Keetch ever googles herself, she may chance upon my humble little blog. And if she ever does, I would love to know the source of that drapery fabric in the aqua room!

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Beware of the paint color chain reaction! (Part 2)

2010-02-10T15:42:00.001-05:00

As I mentioned the other day, I am working on a new color scheme to make the living room and dining room flow a little bit better and not look so much like A Very Brady Kitchen.
We decided to keep the ‘Brown Fox’ in the living room but needed something new in the dining room.
So, we said goodbye to ‘Dark Mango’ and helloooooo to ‘Spaqua.’

It is really a lovely color, almost like the color of a box from Tiffany’s.

Here was the fabric (Diamante, Seamist) from Calico Corners that inspired the color choice:

However, once 'Spaqua' was on the wall, I wasn’t quite sure.

The change was quite drastic.
Flipping through this month’s House Beautiful, I felt a little better when I saw that one of the designer picks was Benji Moore’s ‘Rhythm And Blues’ which is almost the exact same color!

The rest of the issue was chock full of beautiful blues. It gave me a bit more confidence about our color choice. That is, until I got to the last page of the issue.

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

The Weekly Tszuj

2010-02-08T18:05:00.024-05:00

Pure Style Home is on week five of an organization spree...

Today, when I saw Lauren's junk drawer clean out, I decided that five weeks of my procrastination was enough. I simply had to join the fun!

Before: Lauren's lovely little mess

After: Lauren's lack of mess

So far, this gal's projects have included an entry closet make-over, gorgous little jars of touch-up paint, and broken knick-knack repair, to name a few. Today, my grandiose plan was to do 5 weeks of organizing in one day. Like many of my plans, I could only accomplish what was humanly possible.

Before: Our messy little junk drawer

Our empty junk drawer (For some ooomph, I cut an old IKEA placemat to fit)

After: The not-so-junky drawer

Next, I tackled our entry closet. In a few months, when we renovate the kichen, this closet will be ripped out since it backs up to our pantry. So, I didn't bother painting the closet. I won't even show you the before photo. Trust me, it was just one big, overflowing mess. In fact, on many an occasion, upon opening the closet door, I've been clunked on the head by falling board games (Scrabble, anyone?) and various tchotchkes. Voilà!

I stashed gloves and hats in the brown basket to the left, travel accessories (neck pillows, etc.) in the pink Diane Von Furstenberg satchel in the center, and put scarves and pashminas on the IKEA thing-y on hook in the back of the closet. I also added a hook to the door for tote bags.

The large basket holds throw blankets, the wicker suitcase holds yoga supplies, and the little basket holds my sewing kit.

Lastly, I made up my own little touch-up paint jars for the rooms most recently painted. I'll need to grab some more jars for the rest of the house!

I can hardly wait to see what project Pure Style Home will tackle next week!

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Kicking myself...

2010-02-07T17:43:00.004-05:00

For not buying these throw pillows when they were on sale yesterday for $9.99!
Now they are completely out of stock at William Sonoma Home.
There will be other throw pillows, I guess. Sigh.

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Beware of the paint color chain reaction!

2010-02-06T14:59:00.015-05:00

My favorite color has been orange for as long as I can remember. I have an orange microwave, orange bike, orange camera, orange teakettle, orange coverlet & shams, orange plates, and until a few days ago, an orange (well, coral) dining room. Every pad I’ve had for the past 10 years (and there have been quite a few) has had an orange room of some sort, even the rentals. I just simply couldn’t live within four walls without at least one of them orange.

Two years ago when we moved in, we painted the dining room Eddie Bauer’s ‘Dark Mango.’ The color came out so fabulous, we painted our front door, too. A visiting friend with a lake house in Indiana loved the color so much, she called her paint contractor from our house and had her great room painted the same exact color that very same day. That’s how good this color is (this photo does not do it justice).

We painted the living room ‘Belgian Waffle’ when we moved in, which in retrospect, was probably because I was hungry.

We never really decorated our rooms, we sort of just threw together what we already owned, like his bachelor pad taupe sofa, my bright raspberry drapes and funky throw pillows (pay no attention to the guy on the sofa).

Fast forward to a few weeks ago, when I decided our living room was in need of a makeover because the two colors felt a bit to circus-y next to each other.
So, we painted the living room Ralph Lauren ‘Brown Fox’ despite warnings that “grey is the new brown.” The plan was to use lots of white with the brown for contrast. Then add pops of color with throw pillows & accessories that I could change at my whim.

And the result:
Delicious chocolate-y ‘Brown Fox’ + zesty ‘Dark Mango’= "A Very Brady Kitchen" color scheme.
This, we did not anticipate!

Something must be done.

To be continued....

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

How positively medieval!

2010-02-01T18:04:00.014-05:00

(Calcot Manor near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England)

In a perfect world, I would be reclining on a white velvet chesterfield sofa in our very own stately manor in the Cotswolds, sipping a cup of strong black tea with a copy of Pride & Prejudice in hand. I would also have a British accent and a couple of Brittany Spaniels curled up in front of the roaring fireplace. And, if a car would crunch up the gravel covered drive, I could yell, “Release the hounds!”
A girl can dream, right?

(William Sonoma Home, Beverly Sofa, $3,200.00 - $6,950.00)

With a sofa price tag of beyond 6K in velvet and an historic medieval manor worth hundreds of millions of pounds, this dream has very little chance for realization.

I have the book and the tea covered and I think I can even manage a plate of biscuits. We are considering a dog. The manor in the Cotswolds is out (maybe a night or two to at Calcot Manor on our “next” trip across the pond)?

And I’m working on the accent.

As far as the sofa is concerned, we’ll have to settle for practical, study and possibly slip-covered.

The white slipcovered sofa is like an empty canvas waiting for splashes of color and texture from piles of sumptuous throw pillows that can be changed at whim. Since the simplicity of the white sofa will provide endless combinations of color schemes, we plan to keep this sofa around for a while. So, the focus is on design and comfort, but also quality. And the slipcover is a brilliant solution since it can be pulled off and plunked into the washing machine.
(Crate and Barrel, Willow Sofa, $1699.)
Why do I love thee? The cushions are super comfy (could that be polyfoam wrapped in fiber down blend, encased in downproof ticking under thy buttocks?) I am digging the square arms so when I’m feeling mod, it’s mod. And when I am feeling more tradish, it’s tradish (traditional). All it takes is a little tzsuj in either direction, and for a fickle gal like me, that might just do the trick.

(CB2, Movie Slipcovered Sofa, $1199.)

CB2, Crate & Barrel’s little sister, has a very smart option in store. There are mostly rave reviews for this lounge-y eco-friendly sofa. The description says, “You don’t sit on it, you sit in it.” I love that it has one long seat cushion and lacks back cushions. I can really pile on the personality with some giant throw pillows. Unfortunately, the seat cushion is only polyfoam and we don’t have a CB2 in Philadelphia for the “Sit Test.” I think a road trip to NYC is in order.
Rowe, Darby Slipcovered Sofa $1100-ish)

This Rowe sofa is really quite nice looking. We currently have a tuxedo style Rowe sofa that was purchased 9 years ago and it is in perfect condition and is super comfy. We even considered slip-covering our current model, but shelling out $1100. for a simple white cotton from Calico Corners is kind of silly and my sewing skills, are certainly not up to the task. With regard to the ‘Darby,’ unfortunately, none of my local Rowe dealers have this model on the floor, so no “Sit Test.”

(Pottery Barn, Square Slipcovered Sofa, $1,599 with down-blend option)
This one is comfy and down blend cusions are available, but I’m not sold. The back cushions that sit over the arms do not excite moi. For the same price, I’d probably opt for the C&B model.

(Macy’s Chloe Sofa, $699.)

I found this rather good-looking white velvet sofa at Macy’s on sale for $699. A mere pittance! I’ll need to see it in person because this looks too good to be true. I am a bit skeptical of the price. White velvet isn’t so practical anyway, is it? Even without wee ones, pets, or wild parties going on at our place, I just can’t imagine keeping it spotless.

Looks like Ms. Manor is taking a road trip!

Cordially,
Ms. Manor

Mirror, mirror (I want you) on the wall…

2010-01-13T17:05:00.012-05:00

In my possession is an old mirror from my visual merchandising days. The poor old girl was headed for the dumpster. I’ve been lugging her around since 2000. She’s been to 5 different apartments, a storage unit, and now lies in our garage. I dragged her out the other day and she is barely wearing her vintage 80’s contemporary wood-grain and shiny silver laminate ensemble. I’ve been trying to peel off the stubborn laminate for 10 years! I know that 80’s fashion is all over the runways these days… thankfully, the interior design community is not currently embracing this trend.

I think it is high time this gal gets a make-over! She has made it this far so I am determined to revive her… to bring her up to date with the current fashion and throw her a dinner party…maybe find her some admirers.
I’ve started a file of some rather exciting possibilities:

Exotic Victorian Grooviness…
Not sure where I found this photo, but I think it was taken at an antique market by a fellow blogger. Victorian tin ceiling tiles with a Moorish design over a simple mirror.

Don’t remember where this image originates, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was from West Elm. I could climb a tree, cut off some branches, glue them to the frame and go crazy with glossy white spray paint.

Here’s another one with twigs as seen on Better Homes & Gardens.

Where would one obtain this many oyster shells to make something like this Wisteria Oyster Shell Mirror? This would take some serious glue-gunning. Perhaps, this works best as a circle and wouldn’t look quite so swell “rectangularly.”

Recently, I saw this kooky mirror at Anthropologie. It looks like a very ornate frame was broken to bits and art-fully reassembled. Witty, glamorous, and totally unexpected!

First, I need to find a way to get the rest of the laminate off, then decide what to do with her.

I’ll keep you posted on my progress....

Cordially,

Ms. Manor

Target and the 'Not-So-Great Save Event'

2010-01-09T04:53:00.010-05:00

Each year, once I de-tszuj the house of Christmas “festivery” and the tree has been kicked to the curb, I suit up in my best furniture and accessory wrangling gear, grab my fella to help lift the heavy stuff, and head out to Target’s annual Home Design Event (Global Bazaar or whatever they are calling it from year to year) to fill my shopping wagon with fabulous finds.
About a week ago, I popped into the store to find out when the goodies would arrive. Last year, I was there every two days breathing down the employees’ necks as they opened boxes and put the stuff on the shelves because these goodies are usually in limited quantities! Anyway, I was beyond disappointed to find out from a fellow on a very tall ladder, that there will be no Home Design Event this year. Instead, they are having, “The Great Save Event.” Apparently, Target thinks we’ve lost our enthusiasm for home accessories (and our minds) and will be just as excited about ginormous boxes of tampons and mass quantities of laundry detergent.

Even the cartoon gal in their ad looks seriously disappointed.

Cheer up, blondie! Target wants you to go home and get creative. Re-cover your old chair with a slipcover fashioned from liquid detergent-dyed paper towels and make lampshades from plastic laundry baskets.

How would you design this room with items bought exclusively from the Not-So Great Save Event à la HGTV Design Star?

Cordially,
Ms. Manor