clear winner


While I was out shopping yesterday, I spotted a stack of these sweet
 acrylic side chairs with bamboo detailing.
Now I kinda regret not getting one.
I don't really need it; but since when is that the deciding factor??

rough linen

 


images from Rough Linen


One day (soon, I promise) I want to show you my awesome linen duvet cover and pillow shams from my wonderful sponsor, Rough Linen.
Rough Linen bedding is almost as beautiful as Trish, the company's founder.
Each of her items is handmade of the finest linen.

Through January 31st, Kit from Chic Provence is hosting your chance to win a pair of linen pillows slips and a flat sheet from Rough Linen, worth over $250.

To enter, visit Chic Provence and leave a comment. Good luck! 

Nate Berkus gives me his "go-to" gray

Dior Gray
Benjamin Moore 2133-40
 
I have to give it to the folks at Nate Berkus Associates; they are super helpful. And fast. 
Last week when I asked about Nate's top gray paint color, I got this speedy reply...
 
"Benjamin Moore's Dior Gray"
 
I also dug up this little video by chance. I had no idea that it even existed.
When the design bloggers attended a taping of Nate's show a while back, I asked him about his favorite gray paint colors.
 
Here is his response.... 



The light grays that he mentions:
Benjamin Moore's Moon Shadow (#1516)
 Benjamin Moore's Silver Lake (#1598)
 
It was so fun to see that again.
 
(But too bad that my question was edited out.
You'd love my southern drawl, y'all.)
 

my "new" bergere chair

 
my thrift store bergere chair - after annie sloan and I took over
 
A few months ago, I found a square-back bergere chair at a thrift store for a song.
I had been itching to try Annie Sloan chalk paint - so I went for the Paris Gray, of course.
I painted the chair and then had it reupholstered.
Now, I know. These chairs are usually covered in a solid silk or linen.
But you know quirky me. I wanted to try something different.
And besides, everything else in my bedroom, home for the new chair, is a solid neutral.
 
 
So here is the after:   


 such a sucker for graphic black and white!
 
 
And here is the before:
 

all the detailing on this chair made it perfect for paint and glaze
 
 
I really liked the Annie Sloan chalk paint.
Especially the part about not having to prep or sand. Woohoo!
But it is pricey.
The glaze is pricey, too, so I used some Ralph Lauren glaze that I already had.
 
Now I keep looking around for another piece to paint. 
 
Hope you have a great weekend!
donna

demilune tables



Source: 1stdibs.com via Stormy on Pinterest












Source: taigan.com via Found on Pinterest



Call me demi looney. I'm looking for a pair of demilune tables for either side of my living room fireplace. I would love a gray painted pair or a limed wood pair...but I can't break the bank, either.
Isn't that always the problem?  

how I like my mirrors

Atlanta Homes Magazine








velvet ikat pillows








I can't get enough of these.

They come in colors, too...but why?







gray kitchen

 
 
Did you see Kay O'Toole's beautiful gray kitchen in the latest Lonny?

weekend retreat...




 


my son's away for the weekend. I think I'll spend a few days here.
 
hope you have a great weekend, too!
 
donna

black and white art


My love affair with black and white is well documented; you might even say I'm very pinterested in it. Especially black and white art pieces.



I read decorating advice recently (now, where did I see that?) that we should try to have original pieces, those that we can afford, at least, or create art ourselves -  rather than buy repros or prints.



Do you create your own art?



I just found these big pieces on 1st Dibs by antique dealer Karina Gentinetta. The paintings are bold, fun and are unmistakable references to the work of Franz Kline. Gotta love that scribbled drop cloth, too. 



I can just see one of these paintings above an antique french chest.



Does it make you want to re-create a masterpiece yourself? 

gray wet bar

veranda

The wet bar portion of the Windsor Smith-designed kitchen in Gwyneth Paltrow's home.
The cabinetry is Galveston Gray by Benjamin Moore.

(As if we need further convincing about gray cabinetry...)

mixing silverware











a favorite image from a country farmhouse


After many years of use, the knives from my everyday stainless silverware set are starting to wear. The handles are beginning to separate from the cutting blade.

I've looked around a little but haven't found a replacement pattern that I really love. Then it hit me to keep what I have and just add interesting (vintage) pieces as I come across them.

I am hoping to end up with a "set" that is as fun to use and beautiful to look at as some of these...  

gray bath

 
 
 
isn't this paris bath stunning?
not sure what type of wood the cabinetry walls are made from; maybe they're limed.
but they sure are perfection.
that, and the mirrors.
and the marble.
and all that natural light.
and the little stool.
and...and...and