Crazy About Books.....

I couldn't resist posting some of my favorite pictures about books...stacked on tables...mantles...bookshelves...When I come back from market the first question is...How many bookshelves did you buy this time? As I look around the shop right now, most of my bookshelves and cases have found new homes. I really don't have many left. Time to buy more!!

This room would be beautiful even without the bookshelves in the background. But those stacks of books somehow make this room look so lived in. Of course it really helps to have a classic bamboo chair and some blue and white porcelain in the room (two more of my favorite looks).

I absolutely adore the bookshelves in this room! What a wonderful idea to drape it like a window. Notice how they tucked some pictures in the mix......love it!

Books stacked everywhere! Even though there are a lot of books in this room it still has wonderful balance and a look of organization. It is so wonderful to have all of these books at your fingertips...

I think that a dining/library is one of the best ways to combine two functions of a room into one. Most of us don't use our dining rooms as often as we would like. By combining the two the functions of the space increases. I'll bet that conversation around this table is always interesting. Also note the versatile slip covers on the chairs. They are comfy for reading and still fantastic dining chairs....just toss the soiled slips in the wash! We carry a full line of dining chairs along with slip covers. Wouldn't a monogram on the back of the chair be fantastic?

This picture is from one of my favorite bloggers...www.cotedetexas.com. An informal arrangement of books in a small corner of her living room.

I'll admit that this room has a lot going on....but look how cozy and wonderful it is. This room is designed by Martin Muller.

This fresh and cozy setting was taken from the set of the movie Somethings Gotta Give. I loved everything about this home on the beach. I think I will have to do a post just about this home at some point.

Notice the great mix of books and decorative pieces on these shelves...Try stacking books and laying some on their sides for variation.

This room was decorated by Charlotte Moss. All of her books are on my personal bookshelf! The warmth of the old pine table and the blue and white porcelain gets me every time.

This room is more formal looking....I don't think I could function if all of my books were turned with the spines facing in....it would be pretty hard to find what you are looking for. As I look closer...maybe all of the books are covered in the same material or paper....what do you think?

A great way to display books without the heaviness of a wooden bookshelf. Again notice the slip covered chairs...pretty inviting, huh?

Again, some organized clutter.......

Hope that you gained some insight on how to display books...get them out and show them off!! Books are also great to use as risers to bring the height of a table lamp up or stacked under a vase to give it more importance. Look around your home for all your favorite books and display them where you can enjoy them.

On another note...I was hoping to tell you that the Sid Dickens order was in....however, it won't be in until some time on Tuesday...so by Wednesday they should all be out for you to see. I will also post a picture of all that come in so you can see what we have. Stay tuned!!!!

Oh, and we are planning a super fun (got that "super" prefix from my granddaughter, Isabella) Spring Open House on Saturday, March 15th...I'll let you know more of the details soon. Take care...Sue

Your Bedroom...Your Nest....

Hi everyone....I thought I would post some pics of some of the bedrooms I have come across in some of the blogs that I read. For some reason, I am decorating so.o.o.o many master bedrooms this season! Maybe it is because our winters are so long that we need a comfy "nest" to make us feel better. So, here it goes.... I love the way the designer, Vincent Wolf, uses modern and traditional elements in this bedroom.....the little white table in front of the bedside table looks great! Also notice how he places a tall bookshelf in front of the window.

In this bedroom, lots of pictures make it seem very personal and warm. The textural mix also adds to the warm feeling.

This mix may put some of you off....The fur throw really makes the room look less stark against all the black and white. Using the same pattern on walls, headboard, and bed skirt pulls this look together. I also adore anything monogrammed.... The disigner is Michael Levine...photo from Domino magazine.

The cozy blue and white checks against the all white room makes this space work. The bed skirt adds pattern and texture. Picture courtesy of Kathy Ireland of California.

The bright warm colors of the curtain and the painted furniture warms up this "white" room. The bedside table stacked with books makes the room look "lived in".

This all white room still seems cozy....perhaps because of the textured rug and the wonderful layers of bedding. Notice the use of "pops" of black that make this room interesting.

Miles Redd is one of my favorite designers. His mix of materials and textures always makes for a room that draws you in and makes you see something different every time you enter. Master bedrooms should reflect the homeowners........

Patricia Gray shows us examples of wonderful canopy beds....without the heaviness of the material canopy. She writes a wonderful blog a http://www.patriciagray.blogspot.com/.

This room is wrapped in padded wall sections. Every inch of the walls are covered, but it doesn't seem cluttered because of the neutral pallette. Again, small amounts of dark wood are used to make the room "pop". This room would seem quite bland without them.

The chocolate fabric headboard brings this room together. Again, lots of cream and white....but some tapestry and stripes are added to make it interesting. The dark drapes balance the heaviness of the headboard. Balance is key to making a room comfortable and restful.

I just realized that almost every room that I have shared with you has very light colored walls....but by no means is this room dull! Any choice of color could have been used for the pillows on this bed. The whole room could change just by changing the color of the pillows!! A great textured bed, some wood furniture, a little bit of gleaming metal, and a soft floral at the windows.....how relaxing!

Balance and symmetry is what this room is all about. Eventhough the bedside tables are different, the lamps are the same. So, by all means, if you are uncomfortable not having everything matching....a pair of bedside tables ..a pair of bedside lamps...try to mix up just one of these elements to find an interesting balance. Afterall, this room is all about your comfort. Style these days, is striking a balance between what is pleasing to your eyes and works with your lifestyle.

Try not to put off decorating your bedroom. I know it always seems to be the last on everyones priority list. You can't imagine how many clients I am working with that still have all the cast offs from all over the house in their master bedroom! Let these orphans go!! You deserve a room that functions and sooths .....

I will try to post another series of pictures of more bedrooms in the near future. Remember...our shop is relatively small...we can't show you everything that is available to us on the showroom floor. We can order everything that you need (including bedroom furniture) to make your nest one that you love coming home to. We also carry many lines of bedding...drapery fabrics..upholstery...Come in and see us soon! Take care, Sue

New and Amazing Stuff!!!

Nothing represents the hope of Spring more than the nest with eggs in it......right now we really need that hope of Spring!!! We just have to get through the next couple of months! Come in and visit the shop and we will breath some fresh hope of Spring into your home.

How about setting a lantern with a battery operated candle in it on your front porch to welcome friends and family? We have all sizes and shapes of lanterns to decorate your mantle, porch, kitchen table, or even bathroom....Tie a sprig of greens with a pretty bow at the top.....or attach a bunch of flowers or a nest....

Perk up a corner of your room with some blue and white porcelain...it is always a bright spot in any room...whether you have used blue in your room or not...it just makes all the other colors in your room "pop".

Chocolate and blue have definitely made a design statement as of late. We have many "aqua" vases, urns, and decorative pieces in the store right now. This aqua and brown box is a silverware storage box but could also be used as a jewelry box.....

More of the aqua vases....right next to our chocolate sofa trimmed out in chocolate and cream pinstripe.

More nests and dishes for Spring. Try tucking one or two into your displays. Using fruit also brings much needed color and fun into your decorating ....On plates, pictures, and just arranged in a favorite urn or bowl.

This adorable new lamp mimics a stack of small books or trunks. It sits atop a new distressed side table........

I absolutely love these new chairs! They are very sturdy for their small size. The seat is slightly padded for a comfy fit. We have them in a black distressed finish or a warm dark brown. They would look great around an old pine table as well as a new "retro" looking one. Or simply tuck one under that small desk that seems to be overwhelmed by a larger chair....

This vase has really been well received...they are going fast! Pretty with a colorful bunch of spring flowers or simple greens. The brushed nickel side table has faux "bamboo" detailing....a classic look at a great price!

Another brushed nickel addition...faux bamboo chair with a comfy cushion. Agian....this look is stunning mixed with antiques or modern furniture. We are able to get lots of different furniture looks from this line. They offer beautiful mirrored chest and bedside chests.....etageres, tables, shelving.....

Chinese red is an all time favorite of mine. This antique looking chest of drawers has inlaid woven panels. It would be at home in a bedroom, bathroom, hallway, foyer....just about anywhere that a dramatic pop of color and some storage is needed.

I guess I should have taken a picture of our backroom in the shop to let you see for yourself how much new merchandise has flooded the store!! Beth and Kelli have been working for weeks to get everything unwrapped and priced....still lots more to come...but get in now while the selections are great!! Hope to see you soon. Take care, Sue

Where's the sunshine......we will make our own!

At this time of the year we need some little bright spots in our home...We have just the thing!! Arriving daily are lots of pretty little posies as well as long twiggy stems ....

Simple green apples and white hydrangeas against a black door is fantastic.

We have received countless vases and urns for you to fill with our lifelike silk greens. The prices on these are amazing!!

Brightly colored vegetable and fruit patterns, prints, and ceramics are another way to bring much needed color into our homes.

Looking for a house warming gift? or a little something to take to a friend? these oval cheese platters and spreaders with script monograms are the perfect answer! They also look great tucked in a bookshelf on a little wooden plate stand.

This sofa from Lee Industries is so much fun!! It is slip covered so you can wash it and put it right back on....or how about switching it out with another slip for a completely different look?

Another new addition to the store. This sectional has a chaise included on one side. Sectionals have become extremely popular again.......lots of great looking seating in a small area! This sectional is available in about 1000 different fabrics...and best of all, it is available in about only 4 weeks.

Also, remember your sweetheart, daughter, mother, grand daughter, or anyone who loves Trollbeads....we have a great selection of pink and red beads as well as large and small heart charms. Or, what better time to start a trollbeads bracelet? Come in and see Beth, our Trollbeads expert, and she will help you put together a great gift!

Have a happy and safe week. I'll try to post some more pictures during the week...the trucks are coming in on Monday and Tuesday.....Talk to you soon. Sue