High Point: Layered Coffee Tables

You expect nesting side tables but at High Point I noticed layered coffee tables. These are from Dwell Studio. They offer visual interest with their varied height and extra surface area for both a tablescape and empty space for setting down wine glasses or plates - who doesn't need that during a party! (That's Christian of Maison 21 and Ashlina of the The Decorista reflected in the mirror. It was great fun to meet them.)
If you look closely you'll notice there are 3 tables (above).
These clean lined layered tables are from Drexel Heritage.

Although I didn't see these layered tables at the Oly Studio High Point showroom, they are featured in an ad in this month's Elle Decor.

I like the idea of layered coffee/cocktail tables - do you?

High Point: Color is King!

Color is king at High Point! It seems that at every turn, happier, brighter and glossier interiors ruled the day. Orange, pink and turquoise took center stage and while neutrals and rough textures are still to be found, they seem to be playing a supporting role to their cheerful counterparts. Maybe in this prolonged economic malaise, the design world is bringing us a much needed antidote! (above room from Hickory Chair)
Drexel Heritage, known for their vast range of custom options in finishes and fabrics, offered color in a wide range of styles; from an elegant, classic look (Laurie Chair) with a Moroccan flavor to a more traditional European feel in the Christelle settee below.
Love everything about this room!

I'll be posting more later about Drexel and their amazing collection of upholstered case goods, like the one above.
At Thomasville, traditional furnishings have taken on a more relaxed, fresh vibe. One of my favorite pieces was the Monaco chair with accompanying curved shaped ottoman. Love the scale and I can attest that it's super comfortable.

Thomasville has expanded their accessories line with some wonderful options; more on that in a later post, as well as their authentic take on the industrial look.
This was my favorite fabric from all of High Point - an outdoor fabric called Lovebirds Sorbet . It was clear that Lane Venture, a firm that focuses on outdoor furniture and indoor wicker, was all about blurring the line between indoors and out.

Vibrant color options from their outdoor slipcover collection. (More on that later too. There's just so much to post about from High Point!)
Even prints you would typically see in sepia tones are now donned in bright colors. These are from Lillian August.

As I was wrapping up this post, I came across this room from DC Designer Heather Safferstone and think it really captures the trends from High Point:

- embracing happy, strong color

- glossy surfaces (mirrored tables, lamps) and

- rough textures and neutrals in a supporting role (driftwood lamp, raffia covered side table, rug)

This was my first time at High Point and I want to extend a huge thank you to Cheminne Taylor for inviting me to join the bloggers for the sponsored trip. There's so much more to post about in the coming weeks - including all the fun people I had a chance to meet.

Door Jewelry

I'm here at High Point and will have alot to share when I get back. (It really is fun!) In the meantime, here's some incredible door handles from Dallas' Blueprint. The blue door color is pretty fab too.

My Friend's Lovely Breakfast Table

An invitation to Rhonda's house for breakfast is always something to look forward to. Along with delicious food, she sets the most relaxed, comfortable table. It's no wonder the conversation at the breakfast table almost stretch into the lunch hour!

Eye Candy & High Point?

Came across this room by Nicky Haslam on a recent visit to Jentrified. Love the whole room and the choice the photographer made in showing just a bit of the door, as if you were walking in.

This coming weekend I'm very excited to be joining a group of bloggers on a sponsored trip to High Point. Can't wait to visit the showrooms they've lined up, along with take in the whole experience. I've read that comfortable shoes are a must. Any other advice you'd give?

My New Old Bathroom Sconces & Great Etsy Seller!

For our lower level bathroom remodel, I purchased these 4 vintage electric sconces for $40 a piece from Plaire, a terrific esty seller (more on that in a bit.) 2 will be rewired for use in the bathroom and the other 2 will be in used in the dining room. They're brass with antiqued mirror at the back.

Unfortunately, in the shipping the antiqued mirror broke on one of the sconces. So unless I can find a close approximation, I will replace the antiqued mirror with plain mirror on both of the ones for the bathroom and remove the curved wire to give it a more modern look. The brass will be cleaned and polished and the sconces mounted on the New Ravenna Wave Glass that will surround the mirror above the sink vanity. I also plan to use the tile as a feature above the freestanding tub.
The brass faucet was a $75 vintage find on etsy and the $10 towel bar was found in a clearance bin in a local plumbing supply store. Wish I knew who the manufacturer is!

Back to the great etsy seller Plaire; I was so impressed with how she handled the damaged sconce, exceeding my expectations. Definitely take the time to visit her store where you'll find great stuff like this:

antique French wire fishing basket
Although this antique French headboard is SOLD, it gives you an idea of the pieces that come through her etsy store.

New from John Jacob

Recently came across these images on the site of interior designer John Jacob of South Africa. More images of this amazing home found here.




Couldn't resist putting in my all time favorite John Jacob room!

iSad - me too

"I want to put a ding in the universe." Steve Jobs

Can't imagine what it would be if he hadn't.

Flowers in a Trough

On my second trip to the fab store Blueprint in Dallas, I came across this narrow ceramic trough filled with flowers. Really love how it fills the space of this bureau; could see this as a great centerpiece for a dining table. Putting this into my idea file for Thanksgiving.

Charleston Eye Candy: jackpot

I came across image first and had a feeling the rest of the house would be as wonderful. The home is the perfect blend of designer touches and real livability; beauty and function perfectly matched. It's obvious the shelves above aren't styled but in this case, don't you find that's better? Notice the model boat and print above the door and, of course, those amazing gray checkered floors and gray door. (all images via Carriage Properties here)


More patterned floors. Can't tell if that's antiqued mirror or wallpaper behind the shelves.

Love the fabric on the boxy wing chair to the left.

I could get used to this butler's pantry.