Making traditional look fresh


Here in the South, we're full of mahogany furniture.
Most of us probably have a lot of  mahogany hand-me-downs.

Check out how designer Daryl Carter transformed this piece.
Flat black paint and a carrara marble top.

I really do love most of Daryl Carter's work.
And I think this looks great.

Could you do this?


The Costello's House - Then and Now



Remember when we looked at Sara Ruffin Costello's holiday decor here?

I did always love how she wrote the lipstick greeting on her mirror.

Take a look at her New Orleans house now,
as recently featured on One Kings Lane.

Can you spot a few changes?

Love all the black and white.















Fall/Winter Grays from Pottery Barn






Agreeable Gray (SW 7029)


Check out Pottery Barn's Fall/Winter color selection,
including a few great grays.


Online (SW 7072)

Dark Room (SW 7083)

Sensuous Gray (SW 7081)

Iron Ore (SW 7069)



Any favorites here?

Sensuous Gray would look fabulous in a cozy den this winter.























Hovey Design


Neutral, quirky and masculine.
My kind of look from the interiors and staging of






















Scalamandre Tiger Velvet Pillow







I am just learning that Williams Sonoma Home

This one is going on my Christmas wish list.

(I've been a VERY good girl this year.) 

an elegant new york apartment

Designer Janine Carendi MacMurray's New York apartment is restrained and elegant.



I love how she framed her child's artwork in an antique gilt wood frame.



The deep blue library/den might just be the best part. 



More of her child's art flanking the doorway.


Photos by Jeff Hirsch


See the full apartment on New York Social Diary.

Is a new seagrass rug in your future?





You know how I love the look of layered rugs.
If you are sprucing up a little before the holidays
(just like I am), I recommend this 9 x 12 Safavieh Seagrass rug from Overstock.
I just put one in my dining room and I'm a happy gal.




It's a great rug  - much better quality than the ones I have previously
 ordered from Pottery Barn.




And for reader Jennie H.,