tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67004803548105227742024-03-13T23:14:31.115-07:00Wydeven DesignsWydeven Designs is dedicated to finding great American classical furniture of heirloom quality and providing consumers with a GREEN alternative to home furnishingswydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.comBlogger522125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-22391223919236480792015-04-13T14:33:00.000-07:002015-04-13T14:33:08.790-07:00Decorating In Grey<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2PxAcjYoicY/VSwsNHQZZVI/AAAAAAAAKDM/TQxc8WTIQWE/s1600/Gray-18-living-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2PxAcjYoicY/VSwsNHQZZVI/AAAAAAAAKDM/TQxc8WTIQWE/s1600/Gray-18-living-room.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this great combo of grey and Bright yellow. - <a href="http://decoholic.org/2013/03/13/69-fabulous-living-room-designs-to-inspire-you/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Grey is seen everywhere in decorating these days. It is a versatile neutral and blends well with so many other colors. I have been somewhat hesitant to add too many really grey products to my Wydeven Designs Collections but certainly have included "grey-tones" and what I will call "gently greys".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m5nvFL23qck/VSw0bHdke0I/AAAAAAAAKEk/SzKkqU2wkGI/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m5nvFL23qck/VSw0bHdke0I/AAAAAAAAKEk/SzKkqU2wkGI/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015.jpg" height="640" width="622" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are some of the pieces from my collections that would work well in a grey setting - all from my European Linen Collection.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #535353; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><i>In decorating circles, gray is the
new white—and has been for a while. It’s a more elegant neutral that gives
depth to subtle colors and makes bold tones pop (rather than shout). But
getting gray right is tricky: The “temperature” of a particular shade—cool or
warm—can evoke very different feelings and have an enormous impact on the mood
of a room.</i></span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVqtirROELA/VSwtJaiCEKI/AAAAAAAAKDU/tOS3UC_Xzl4/s1600/101199076.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVqtirROELA/VSwtJaiCEKI/AAAAAAAAKDU/tOS3UC_Xzl4/s1600/101199076.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a perfect example of a "gentle grey" used as a background color. It provides a sophisticated background for the neutrals and sisal-colored floor covering -<a href="http://decoholic.org/2013/03/13/69-fabulous-living-room-designs-to-inspire-you/">Source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IeBs67hQxBI/VSwtJQhnO7I/AAAAAAAAKDY/_2nHeri0-R8/s1600/Gray-5-living-room-design-ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IeBs67hQxBI/VSwtJQhnO7I/AAAAAAAAKDY/_2nHeri0-R8/s1600/Gray-5-living-room-design-ideas.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, a very neutral room with grey patterned floor covering and accents - <a href="http://decoholic.org/2013/03/13/69-fabulous-living-room-designs-to-inspire-you/">Source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5Gq3k-JpY0/VSwtJQG6KGI/AAAAAAAAKDc/BfarHxNjwTs/s1600/Gray-11-living-room-design-ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5Gq3k-JpY0/VSwtJQG6KGI/AAAAAAAAKDc/BfarHxNjwTs/s1600/Gray-11-living-room-design-ideas.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like how this added pink warms up this cool room - <a href="http://decoholic.org/2013/03/13/69-fabulous-living-room-designs-to-inspire-you/">Sourc</a>e<br />
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Grey certainly is a wonderful color and provides a wonderful foundation for adding a multitude of warm and cool complementary colors. It would be my number one choice if I were redecorating my home right now - not that there is much chance of getting my husband to agree to that this soon!</div>
wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com69tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-13524156002659597142015-03-24T05:15:00.002-07:002015-03-24T05:15:26.795-07:00Before and After - Magical Transformations!My little business thrives on the fact that there are SO many great pieces of heirloom-quality furniture out there in desperate need of being saved. It is just a matter of finding the piece and transforming it to perpetuate its life for another 20-30 plus years. I just had this discussion with a new client yesterday - it is worth spending the time and money to find and refurbish a well manufactured piece of furniture and it creates a value that is very hard to duplicate today at anywhere near the same cost (if at all). And the best part - it is an environmentally friendly approach to home furnishings!<div>
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Here is my latest crop of "before and after" transformations - all deserving a gold star!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pIBmiz0e0Gs/VRFR4LGlbJI/AAAAAAAAKBg/3AGbliHgbZw/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bb%26a%2B-%2Bbergere%2Bblue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pIBmiz0e0Gs/VRFR4LGlbJI/AAAAAAAAKBg/3AGbliHgbZw/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bb%26a%2B-%2Bbergere%2Bblue.jpg" height="624" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found this little chair at a local thrift shop and redid the woodwork with chalk paint. This lovely Waverly print has now been used on four pieces. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hQu7KEmzKg/VRFR4Wf5StI/AAAAAAAAKCs/6jV-n6i10K8/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bb%26a%2B-%2Bbergere%2Bprint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hQu7KEmzKg/VRFR4Wf5StI/AAAAAAAAKCs/6jV-n6i10K8/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bb%26a%2B-%2Bbergere%2Bprint.jpg" height="640" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This chair came from the same thrift store as above - I do love this lively linen-blend fabric! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EuH7obY-LpM/VRFR4lhhASI/AAAAAAAAKBk/ly0wMQBtTUI/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bb%26a%2B-%2Bblack%2Bchair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EuH7obY-LpM/VRFR4lhhASI/AAAAAAAAKBk/ly0wMQBtTUI/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bb%26a%2B-%2Bblack%2Bchair.jpg" height="640" width="562" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This chair came from an estate sale and the dark brown wood was badly scarred. It is heavy and very comfortable - a little more "masculine" than my normal transformations.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8zzhRjkb1k/VRFR47AfjSI/AAAAAAAAKBo/PMCf1kJRPQw/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bb%26a%2B-%2Bchaise%2Bred.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8zzhRjkb1k/VRFR47AfjSI/AAAAAAAAKBo/PMCf1kJRPQw/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bb%26a%2B-%2Bchaise%2Bred.jpg" height="624" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This vintage settee was purchased at a "Vicki's" estate sale. I love the french stripe!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KsKE3SzZO4Y/VRFR5DgF_eI/AAAAAAAAKBw/vzBPwHEIXn0/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bb%26a%2B-%2Bfrench%2Bchairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KsKE3SzZO4Y/VRFR5DgF_eI/AAAAAAAAKBw/vzBPwHEIXn0/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bb%26a%2B-%2Bfrench%2Bchairs.jpg" height="640" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These three chairs were bought at a consignment shop during one of our road trips (this one to Virginia). The looks are very different. Both were refinished in chalk paint (two chairs in duck egg blue and the other old ochre). </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-INqAXXKus/VRFR3yw9lxI/AAAAAAAAKBU/HU9mwovhZwo/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2BB%26A%2B-%2Bfrench%2Bstyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-INqAXXKus/VRFR3yw9lxI/AAAAAAAAKBU/HU9mwovhZwo/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2BB%26A%2B-%2Bfrench%2Bstyle.jpg" height="556" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This set of chairs was purchased at a flea market during our recent trip to West Palm Beach, FL. The set was totally transformed with a lacquer paint and cream linen fabric.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_3EJpy0HImw/VRFR38Eav-I/AAAAAAAAKBY/M-zqidykc5Y/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2BB%26A%2B-%2Bred%2Bstripe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_3EJpy0HImw/VRFR38Eav-I/AAAAAAAAKBY/M-zqidykc5Y/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2BB%26A%2B-%2Bred%2Bstripe.jpg" height="624" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is another chair from one of "Vicki's" estate sales. The wood was in perfect condition - it just needed a fresh fabric.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-RgG8nqvsw/VRFR3o18FTI/AAAAAAAAKBQ/WgV49Waw5sM/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2BB%26A%2Bcream%2Bchasie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-RgG8nqvsw/VRFR3o18FTI/AAAAAAAAKBQ/WgV49Waw5sM/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2BB%26A%2Bcream%2Bchasie.jpg" height="640" width="562" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another vintage chaise from "Vicki's" sales. I did have to discard the down cushion - it was not salvable. The new high density foam cushion gives the piece a more tailored look.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPpBEZOQHFA/VRFR5eMuffI/AAAAAAAAKB0/D4sQeSaPTDQ/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bbaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPpBEZOQHFA/VRFR5eMuffI/AAAAAAAAKB0/D4sQeSaPTDQ/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bbaker.jpg" height="640" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought these lovely chairs from a craigslist add - eight lovely Baker chairs. I waited a long time before selecting the yellow silk (with velvet backs). They are on their way to Naples, Florida. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDtDUcZq9v4/VRFR5lbcUEI/AAAAAAAAKB8/97qKJXdy628/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bbefore%2Band%2Bafter%2B-%2Bbaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDtDUcZq9v4/VRFR5lbcUEI/AAAAAAAAKB8/97qKJXdy628/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bbefore%2Band%2Bafter%2B-%2Bbaker.jpg" height="624" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another "Vicki's" estate sale purchase! I have used this highly textured cream fabric on a set of Baker settees last year so it is only fitting to use the remaining fabric on this great chair!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gVvl7PJu66U/VRFR55ijizI/AAAAAAAAKCA/lwvFNCtCnWk/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bbefore%2Band%2Bafter%2B-%2Bsettee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gVvl7PJu66U/VRFR55ijizI/AAAAAAAAKCA/lwvFNCtCnWk/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bbefore%2Band%2Bafter%2B-%2Bsettee.jpg" height="640" width="620" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ANOTHER "Vicki's" sale piece (hidden in garage and in plastic wrap and found by my husband). The soft cotton velvet was the right fabric for this lovely piece which is already in its new home in Southern California. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYD7lQfTkz0/VRFR6UkpKJI/AAAAAAAAKCI/fEcEBDTn-7w/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bsherrill%2B-%2Bbefore%2Band%2Bafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYD7lQfTkz0/VRFR6UkpKJI/AAAAAAAAKCI/fEcEBDTn-7w/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bsherrill%2B-%2Bbefore%2Band%2Bafter.jpg" height="624" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought this great chair in a consignment shop right after the holidays. It will be on its way to its new home in Pennsylvania soon!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVdP1JK0xbs/VRFR6Wv73NI/AAAAAAAAKCQ/pDR3nr54hnw/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015-%2Bbefore%2Band%2Bafter%2B-%2Bround%2Bback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVdP1JK0xbs/VRFR6Wv73NI/AAAAAAAAKCQ/pDR3nr54hnw/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015-%2Bbefore%2Band%2Bafter%2B-%2Bround%2Bback.jpg" height="624" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK - this is the last "Vicki's" estate sale piece for today (although I have more). This nicely sized chair with down cushion was redone in a nice woven tweed.</td></tr>
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Well, that's the latest batch! I hope it inspires others to look for and refurbish these gems from yesteryear - happy hunting!</div>
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wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-51796439937825437332015-03-22T11:06:00.000-07:002015-03-22T11:06:01.833-07:00The World of Settees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aAJIPWjuFb4/VQ8B9_C3soI/AAAAAAAAJ_0/ZfclXwQsTdU/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bwydeven%2Bdesigns%2B2014%2B-%2Bmulitple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aAJIPWjuFb4/VQ8B9_C3soI/AAAAAAAAJ_0/ZfclXwQsTdU/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bwydeven%2Bdesigns%2B2014%2B-%2Bmulitple.jpg" height="640" width="368" /></a></div>
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I was perusing a House Beautiful magazine (<a href="http://housebeautiful.com/">link</a>) and happened upon an article entitled "The World of Settees".<br />
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<i>The versatile, streamlined settee can go where the more substantial sofa cannot - a narrow hallway, a living room nook, in place of a banquette at a dining table. </i></blockquote>
I would add:<br />
<ul>
<li>end of a bed</li>
<li>office </li>
<li>sunroom </li>
<li>in front of a fireplace</li>
<li>ANYWHERE!</li>
</ul>
The article includes photos of about two dozen settees demonstrating multiple shapes, sizes, designs, fabric treatments and decorating styles. The largest width was 72" but most were quite a bit smaller.<br />
<br />
I love settees and do include them in my Wydeven Design collections. My rule of thumb about acquiring pieces is that they must fit into my trusty minivan (Honda Odyssey) and settees do fit the bill (while sofas do not). In putting together this article, I looked at settees that are (mostly) currently available and was quite surprised that I had so many - and now do better understand why my storage capacity is stretched to the limit.<br />
<br />
Here are some of the nice pieces - quite a variety!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hzkf5mvCFZA/VQ8C8RoPC3I/AAAAAAAAKAc/nHPlzcnS9DM/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bwydeven%2Bdesigns%2B2014%2B-%2Bblue%2Bsettee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hzkf5mvCFZA/VQ8C8RoPC3I/AAAAAAAAKAc/nHPlzcnS9DM/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bwydeven%2Bdesigns%2B2014%2B-%2Bblue%2Bsettee.jpg" height="604" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This lovely shade of blue would work in most of my house! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q77klrDDrqo/VQ8C8nhaLQI/AAAAAAAAKAk/PgHrPNJwxfk/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bwydeven%2Bdesigns%2B2014%2B-%2Bgrey%2Bsettee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q77klrDDrqo/VQ8C8nhaLQI/AAAAAAAAKAk/PgHrPNJwxfk/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bwydeven%2Bdesigns%2B2014%2B-%2Bgrey%2Bsettee.jpg" height="604" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the most "modern" of the settees but would really work anywhere.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bngfaTBcQYw/VQ8C8_d3HWI/AAAAAAAAKAs/WaYu8zjmri0/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bwydeven%2Bdesigns%2B2014%2B-%2Bsilk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bngfaTBcQYw/VQ8C8_d3HWI/AAAAAAAAKAs/WaYu8zjmri0/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bwydeven%2Bdesigns%2B2014%2B-%2Bsilk.jpg" height="604" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am a sucker for silk - even though it does require some care in placement (away from direct light and potential exposure to water). This one is so lovely! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXF23xGqUOc/VQ8C7W9hI-I/AAAAAAAAKAA/qE_Cw9SB7BE/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bfrench%2Bsettee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXF23xGqUOc/VQ8C7W9hI-I/AAAAAAAAKAA/qE_Cw9SB7BE/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bfrench%2Bsettee.jpg" height="614" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is going to Auburn, AL - wish I had a dozen of these! The companion bergere chairs found a home in NYC.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQfC9DW3UYY/VQ8C7fZ7U5I/AAAAAAAAJ_8/RLRmhiTu_yU/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bpair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQfC9DW3UYY/VQ8C7fZ7U5I/AAAAAAAAJ_8/RLRmhiTu_yU/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bpair.jpg" height="604" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I do not often have a pair of settees and these are as nice as can be. Their lower profile would work well in many settings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_HkR9Q9jQh0/VQ8C7WoiiyI/AAAAAAAAKAE/Wob3dwDO8IE/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bsettee%2B-%2Bteal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_HkR9Q9jQh0/VQ8C7WoiiyI/AAAAAAAAKAE/Wob3dwDO8IE/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bsettee%2B-%2Bteal.jpg" height="604" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just love this sweet piece!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jTzF1IkTExM/VQ8C74NZw9I/AAAAAAAAKA8/iWPp7fqflzw/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bsettee%2Bpineapple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jTzF1IkTExM/VQ8C74NZw9I/AAAAAAAAKA8/iWPp7fqflzw/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bsettee%2Bpineapple.jpg" height="604" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This nicely sized settee is just out in time for a Spring debut! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xrRBppc5d4Y/VQ8C728hb4I/AAAAAAAAKAY/DEtKuTenVgQ/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bsettees%2BSP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xrRBppc5d4Y/VQ8C728hb4I/AAAAAAAAKAY/DEtKuTenVgQ/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bsettees%2BSP.jpg" height="604" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My European Linen Collection settees never last long - I have another one ready to be listed. These are all in new homes. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XINAQbjeV8s/VQ8C8GopRbI/AAAAAAAAKAQ/u76CBuxvXUQ/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Btufted%2Bsettee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XINAQbjeV8s/VQ8C8GopRbI/AAAAAAAAKAQ/u76CBuxvXUQ/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Btufted%2Bsettee.jpg" height="604" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorites! This one is already in a new home in California!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, I continue to acquire settees - have two more "in production". They work well in so many settings!<br />
<br />wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-45759507109432253342015-03-20T05:36:00.000-07:002015-03-20T05:36:19.689-07:00Spring is in the Air!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f-niA1mOUek/VQwSpXIoI3I/AAAAAAAAJ_A/8pCzInC19oU/s1600/11073191_10203601835918929_7094022275245477916_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f-niA1mOUek/VQwSpXIoI3I/AAAAAAAAJ_A/8pCzInC19oU/s1600/11073191_10203601835918929_7094022275245477916_n.jpg" height="400" width="328" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signage at Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground, Georgia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last Sunday was a beautiful day in the greater Atlanta area. The sun was bright and the temperature was a moderate mid-70's. My husband and I decided to take a quick trip to Gibbs Gardens - <a href="http://gibbsgardens.com/">link to website</a>. We have a four-season membership to these great gardens and the current feature is a series of fields of over 20 MILLION daffodils. We were not the only ones with this idea and had to wait over 20 minutes for their famous chicken salad sandwich (on walnut raison bread from a local bakery) - but it was worth it. The fields were lovely!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4aqCaU6hBg/VQwS9Oecr4I/AAAAAAAAJ_I/P3j1x9N-c9Y/s1600/10007413_10201442623499968_779431628_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4aqCaU6hBg/VQwS9Oecr4I/AAAAAAAAJ_I/P3j1x9N-c9Y/s1600/10007413_10201442623499968_779431628_n.jpg" height="640" width="524" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HDgYh9eMODQ/VQwS9GZE12I/AAAAAAAAJ_M/qvU5FhPbRaU/s1600/10922877_10203601839399016_5422902465179570899_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HDgYh9eMODQ/VQwS9GZE12I/AAAAAAAAJ_M/qvU5FhPbRaU/s1600/10922877_10203601839399016_5422902465179570899_n.jpg" height="640" width="496" /></a></div>
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Of course, anything in nature reminds me of my lovely Wydeven Design inventory (available on Etsy, eBay and One King's Lane (<a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/shop/wydeven-designs">link to One King's Lane</a>) and this occasion was no exception. Spring is definitely in the air - even inside!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eDpvSGx_kaE/VQwS9nR4LDI/AAAAAAAAJ_Y/jO0hTfEtBGU/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bspring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eDpvSGx_kaE/VQwS9nR4LDI/AAAAAAAAJ_Y/jO0hTfEtBGU/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bspring.jpg" height="640" width="576" /></a></div>
<br />wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-12431117430617753802015-03-18T05:05:00.000-07:002015-03-18T05:05:06.958-07:00Decorating in Reds!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59qPCA3nSzk/VQgXztxNtEI/AAAAAAAAJ9I/qaznZBStb-Q/s1600/540f5c34eab3f_-_ver-luis-bustamante-de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59qPCA3nSzk/VQgXztxNtEI/AAAAAAAAJ9I/qaznZBStb-Q/s1600/540f5c34eab3f_-_ver-luis-bustamante-de.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOTS of red in this room - see pinterest board for details and origin (<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/wydevendesigns/decorations-reds/">link</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftgkhPcNB5A/VQlllKa9AaI/AAAAAAAAJ9o/wZefvUiwPMU/s1600/ee30572bdc4c8ba7ec8d2c3fbccd65d7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftgkhPcNB5A/VQlllKa9AaI/AAAAAAAAJ9o/wZefvUiwPMU/s1600/ee30572bdc4c8ba7ec8d2c3fbccd65d7.jpg" height="320" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now this is a stimulating room - see pinterest board for details.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love the color red and would love to see more of it in home decor. I have a pinterest board dedicated to the subject (<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/wydevendesigns/decorations-reds/">link</a>). It is a color that I've used extensively in my own home. I have a traditional/transitional style in my living and dining rooms anchored by Chinese red rugs. The color may not be at its height of popularity right now (although "burgundy" is a 2015 color of the year), but it never entirely looses its advocates and is a favorite for many designers.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Red 101<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #535353;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">“</span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When people walk into a red room,
they immediately respond,” says New York City interior designer Scott Sanders.
Color experts describe red as a stimulating shade. It grabs focus (think stop
signs and fire engines) and, on walls, becomes the defining element of a space</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana;">.</span><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/decorating-with-red/ad?slide=3" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">link to article</a></span></div>
</blockquote>
One article I found talks about how to incorporate red into a variety of decorating styles - with an emphasis on walls and woodwork:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #2d3233;"><b>Contemporary design</b> incorporates
neutral elements with pops of bold color, often red.</span><span style="color: #2d3233;">On the door: Bold, bright red</span><span style="color: #2d3233;">Inside: Bright red shades in a
pillow, rug or throw</span><span style="color: #2d3233;"> </span><span style="color: #2d3233;"><b>Modern design</b> calls for all kinds of
reds: from primary hues to classic shades with burgundy or brown undertones.</span><span style="color: #2d3233;">On the door: Any red you love that
makes a statement.</span><span style="color: #2d3233;">Inside: Consider injecting red
through a painting or piece of art.</span><span style="color: #2d3233;"> </span><span style="color: #2d3233;"><b>Traditional design</b> stays away from
primary reds and instead involves burgundy or black tones.</span><span style="color: #2d3233;">On the door: A deep, rich red</span><span style="color: #2d3233;">Inside: Decorate with Oriental rugs
injected with darker reds.</span><span style="color: #2d3233;"> </span><span style="color: #2d3233;">T<b>ransitional design</b> relies on a
neutral palette, a perfect canvas for pops of red.</span><span style="color: #2d3233;">On the door: Match this red to hues
you use inside the home, or skip the red door entirely to keep a more neutral
theme.</span><span style="color: #2d3233;">Inside: Choose a softer and more
indirect approach like a red lamp or piece of art.</span><span style="color: #2d3233;"> </span><span style="color: #2d3233;"><b>Country reds </b>are chalkier and softer:
Think barn or scarlet reds. Choose reds with pinkish and purplish hues, like
the color of a ripening apple.</span><span style="color: #2d3233;">On the door: Barn red</span><span style="color: #2d3233;">Inside: Accessorize with country reds in knickknacks and
fabrics.<a href="http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/color/5-ways-to-decorate-with-red">link to article </a></span></i></span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0sP-zXBj6BA/VQlllvgvAdI/AAAAAAAAJ-E/09M35iAFSDc/s1600/shelly-riehl-david-red-sofa.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0sP-zXBj6BA/VQlllvgvAdI/AAAAAAAAJ-E/09M35iAFSDc/s1600/shelly-riehl-david-red-sofa.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.493.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Illustration of Country Red decor - <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/color/5-ways-to-decorate-with-red">link </a> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tf-RREg-dgA/VQllkaWj8sI/AAAAAAAAJ-I/IDGNw4uWDf0/s1600/540f5c351f0e7_-_ver-miles-redd-de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tf-RREg-dgA/VQllkaWj8sI/AAAAAAAAJ-I/IDGNw4uWDf0/s1600/540f5c351f0e7_-_ver-miles-redd-de.jpg" height="400" width="378" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the red "pops" in this space - a good example of contemporary design - see pinterest board for source information</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi2g_rS8tmc/VQllkZ8HX_I/AAAAAAAAJ9s/L0-oxfJEuJE/s1600/14ce0d3f7665ae48d6c720fe137b29d3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi2g_rS8tmc/VQllkZ8HX_I/AAAAAAAAJ9s/L0-oxfJEuJE/s1600/14ce0d3f7665ae48d6c720fe137b29d3.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a little dark for me but does illustrate how reds can brighten and energize the space - see pinterest board.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Za7HslpkLE8/VQllk3YbHaI/AAAAAAAAJ94/BP3hxcWNqBM/s1600/9c7a850198caa49a719232e0dea060cd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Za7HslpkLE8/VQllk3YbHaI/AAAAAAAAJ94/BP3hxcWNqBM/s1600/9c7a850198caa49a719232e0dea060cd.jpg" height="400" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely space - I would call this one transitional! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Xt3WVDm2tI/VQllkbIAQCI/AAAAAAAAJ9k/OVamo7egigY/s1600/04c3c65b4119fadcc2fa4b56848c164a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Xt3WVDm2tI/VQllkbIAQCI/AAAAAAAAJ9k/OVamo7egigY/s1600/04c3c65b4119fadcc2fa4b56848c164a.jpg" height="400" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red in a French Country style - love the fabrics used here - see pinterest board for details.</td></tr>
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I always have a few reds in my Wydeven Design Collections but never more than a few. Truthfully, they do not sell as well as either neutrals or blues but they certainly do need to be available for those discerning clients who want that pop of color in whatever decorating space/design they like! My pieces are currently available on Etsy, eBay and One King's Lane!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tbe-P4P5V7M/VQlolVtwLzI/AAAAAAAAJ-c/TkP9f4KGlac/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bwydeven%2Bdesigns%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tbe-P4P5V7M/VQlolVtwLzI/AAAAAAAAJ-c/TkP9f4KGlac/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bwydeven%2Bdesigns%2B2014.jpg" height="640" width="576" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was surprised at how few pieces I had in this great color last year - I have to try harder this year!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RBgo-2cpM_M/VQlok1l79hI/AAAAAAAAJ-Q/u_cvdsxHx5Q/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bfrench%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RBgo-2cpM_M/VQlok1l79hI/AAAAAAAAJ-Q/u_cvdsxHx5Q/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B-%2Bfrench%2B.jpg" height="640" width="561" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this stripe and wish I had more than just enough for one small chair. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cAipGYI-i6s/VQlok0ByaII/AAAAAAAAJ-Y/tJ2avtsgnxw/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B%3D%2Bchair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cAipGYI-i6s/VQlok0ByaII/AAAAAAAAJ-Y/tJ2avtsgnxw/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B%3D%2Bchair.jpg" height="624" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought this fabric in four colors - love the red version! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7i8paX0y0w/VQlok8TlEeI/AAAAAAAAJ-U/IqunoPrGClA/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B%3D%2Bchaise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7i8paX0y0w/VQlok8TlEeI/AAAAAAAAJ-U/IqunoPrGClA/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2BWydeven%2BDesigns%2B-%2B2015%2B%3D%2Bchaise.jpg" height="640" width="562" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great piece for a patriotic themed bedroom!</td></tr>
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I do love reds and wish more people were bold enough to use them in their space - they really could not go wrong with this great energetic color.<br />
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<br />wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-84225388122420492172015-03-13T11:58:00.000-07:002015-03-13T11:58:13.459-07:00Loving the Chalk Paint Colors and Finishes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have now been using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (<a href="http://anniesloan.com/">link to website</a>) for over three years and regularly feature my great pieces under what I am calling "The Custom Chalk Paint Collection" <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Custom-Chalk-Paint-Collection-Graphite-Chairs-in-Linen-Tweed-Can-Ship-/331495978314?ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT">example</a> on eBay. I have accumulated quite a few colors and am into my 2nd, 3rd and even 4th can for some.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OOwAQc2c8KM/VQMwcykGiDI/AAAAAAAAJ8E/KLgOb-SjLv8/s1600/IMG_2106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OOwAQc2c8KM/VQMwcykGiDI/AAAAAAAAJ8E/KLgOb-SjLv8/s1600/IMG_2106.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Ochre with Dark Wax</td></tr>
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Old White (most used)</div>
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Old Ochre</div>
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Paris Grey (least used)</div>
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Chateau Grey</div>
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CoCo</div>
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Cream</div>
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Emperor's Silk (like best)</div>
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Duck Egg Blue (like second best)</div>
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Country Grey (most recent add-on)</div>
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I have tried a number of techniques but have not necessarily achieved the "advanced" state - most of my techniques are fairly straight forward. By far, the most common application method is just several (at least two - often three) coats of paint with a clear wax finish.</div>
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See illustrations below of simple techniques:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kcSkyQXByF4/VQMqkgfk0BI/AAAAAAAAJ68/dKclreToj0o/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2Bdistressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kcSkyQXByF4/VQMqkgfk0BI/AAAAAAAAJ68/dKclreToj0o/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2Bdistressed.jpg" height="620" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lightly distressing the woodwork is the simplest technique. It works best when done before waxing but can be done afterwards (wax over distressed areas again if doing after initial waxing). I use a sanding block for best overall application and consistency. Truthfully, sometimes I do the distressing after the piece comes back from the upholstery shop if it has gotten dinged and scratched quite a bit in places that I cannot easily touch up. It's a pretty good trick!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XhhGmsYjFg8/VQMqnvnTDZI/AAAAAAAAJ7E/V3dJxR7ruog/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B-%2Bdry%2Bbrush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XhhGmsYjFg8/VQMqnvnTDZI/AAAAAAAAJ7E/V3dJxR7ruog/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B-%2Bdry%2Bbrush.jpg" height="620" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This technique is not difficult but each time i use it, I always start in less obvious places and then move slowly around the piece - usually several times to make sure it is evenly applies. I have had to repaint the base coat and redo the overcoat when it has been too darkly covered. The trick is to use only a slight amount of paint on a fairly dry brush to do the overcoat. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHS-tPprzx4/VQMqsmEdNyI/AAAAAAAAJ7M/ian-w6GLiEc/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B%3D%2Bdark%2Bwax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHS-tPprzx4/VQMqsmEdNyI/AAAAAAAAJ7M/ian-w6GLiEc/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B%3D%2Bdark%2Bwax.jpg" height="640" width="504" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my trickiest technique. It involved doing an initial coat of clear wax and following that with a coat of dark wax (I use a tooth brush to get it into the crevices). The dark wax coat needs to be managed (and sometimes removed with more clear wax) to keep it consistent. I love the way the technique highlights the curves and crevices of fine woodwork.</td></tr>
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I have created several photo boards to demonstrate the use of the different colors I've accumulated. They are all versatile colors.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3W4mU-sk68/VQMuZTmzSjI/AAAAAAAAJ7Y/91iUTez6vQQ/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B-%2Bold%2Bwhite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3W4mU-sk68/VQMuZTmzSjI/AAAAAAAAJ7Y/91iUTez6vQQ/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B-%2Bold%2Bwhite.jpg" height="640" width="406" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my biggest color - I am on my 4th can. It is a great off-white color that matches most cream/white backgrounds. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4uOJhEDduc/VQMuzYjroNI/AAAAAAAAJ7o/FCPOp0QUxeU/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B-%2Bduck%2Begg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4uOJhEDduc/VQMuzYjroNI/AAAAAAAAJ7o/FCPOp0QUxeU/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B-%2Bduck%2Begg.jpg" height="640" width="504" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck Egg Blue was a very early purchase because I just loved the color. It has worked well on many pieces but does need a lighter fabric to complement it. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hiMjEHz0ElQ/VQMuzTcOFiI/AAAAAAAAJ7s/LN1It31O-_I/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B-%2Bgraphite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hiMjEHz0ElQ/VQMuzTcOFiI/AAAAAAAAJ7s/LN1It31O-_I/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B-%2Bgraphite.jpg" height="640" width="406" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have always admired black and white combos and like the look of black wood. This is the closest to "flat black" that Annie Sloan carries. It can be made darker by using only dark wax but it is never totally black. I have found that many people love the look of black woodwork (and it works in SO many settings) but it is not as easy of a sale as either natural wood or white/neutral wood finishes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mbgRyiShl-Q/VQMwRnJCSOI/AAAAAAAAJ78/AAJeiQxft1M/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B-%2Bemperor's%2Bred.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mbgRyiShl-Q/VQMwRnJCSOI/AAAAAAAAJ78/AAJeiQxft1M/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B-%2Bemperor's%2Bred.jpg" height="640" width="568" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the brightness of Emperor's Silk but have found it hard to sell. I am about to add at least one more red piece to my inventory.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7731cExoxk/VQMw6B94NLI/AAAAAAAAJ8Q/vbTl1aF5C-c/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B-%2Bchateau%2Bgrey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7731cExoxk/VQMw6B94NLI/AAAAAAAAJ8Q/vbTl1aF5C-c/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B-%2Bchateau%2Bgrey.jpg" height="640" width="522" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This color was one of my first purchases. White it is called "grey" it definitely has a greenish caste. I have used it when it complements the fabrics and only then. I am in the process of having a vintage love seat upholstered in the same fabric as shown in two of these photos (Chelsea Linen called "Pineapple") . I used this color paint on that piece.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WxTpyzVaTCI/VQMw55kih0I/AAAAAAAAJ8U/7bSp9eQO6sQ/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B-%2Bcoco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WxTpyzVaTCI/VQMw55kih0I/AAAAAAAAJ8U/7bSp9eQO6sQ/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B-%2Bcoco.jpg" height="640" width="504" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought CoCo because I wanted a color that somewhat mimics real "brown" wood. This is the closest color. I am enjoying using it and sometimes just add dark wax to get even closer to the color of brown wood. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YANHJg_m_hc/VQMw6a0DnSI/AAAAAAAAJ8g/1Cd35g4wxSQ/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B-%2Bcream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YANHJg_m_hc/VQMw6a0DnSI/AAAAAAAAJ8g/1Cd35g4wxSQ/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B-%2Bcream.jpg" height="620" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this vanilla shade of white - almost a very pale yellow. I hadn't realized that I have used it exclusively with blue and blue and white - although I do see that it works beautifully! I should try with some other combos!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-riZSKASJwag/VQMw5xIBU-I/AAAAAAAAJ8M/BqCau5IEdYU/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B-%2BOld%2BOchre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-riZSKASJwag/VQMw5xIBU-I/AAAAAAAAJ8M/BqCau5IEdYU/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchalk%2Bpaint%2Bfinishes%2B-%2BOld%2BOchre.jpg" height="620" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If Old White is too "white", I used Old Ochre. It is a nice neutral shade with just a hint of pale taupe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUTf_pWOhRE/VQMyj78O6pI/AAAAAAAAJ8w/ZyKsaouB5N4/s1600/IMG_2177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUTf_pWOhRE/VQMyj78O6pI/AAAAAAAAJ8w/ZyKsaouB5N4/s1600/IMG_2177.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a close-up of a "gilding" technique over graphite. I have only done this once but liked how it turned out.</td></tr>
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Well, this was nice trip down memory lane and I enjoyed seeing the versatility of the paints. I would like to experiment some more but am always concerned about broader customer appeal. Maybe I'll pick up a can of the bright green in celebration of the upcoming St. Patrick's Day!!</div>
wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-32905958616335543522015-03-05T06:57:00.000-08:002015-03-05T06:57:29.623-08:00Fabrics Can Bring the Garden Indoors!I read an article yesterday in one of my many decorating magazines/websites that discussed the idea of bringing the garden indoors via the selection of fabrics (and colors). We are all impatient for Spring to arrive and this seemed like a worthy topic for a posting. I also happen to love floral/garden patterns and have quite a few in my current Wydeven Design offerings. I am increasingly pleased to see that florals are making a comeback and are very prevalent in today's decors - there is decidedly a trend away from the somber solids and the ubiquitous neutrals.<br />
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SO, here, in pictorial tribute, are some great examples of ways to bring the garden inside!<br />
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All of these remind me of outdoor gardens and spring/summer colors - a nice way to keep the home in a garden state of mind!wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-36567609337903370792015-03-01T05:52:00.000-08:002015-03-01T05:52:34.482-08:00Reflections - You Have to Love What You Do! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently had a "bad" experience that helped me to better understand and reflect on what I do with my spare time and passion these days. As I was ruminating about various blog posting topics, I thought I would try to put my random thoughts into words - words that might mean something to others as well. After all, life is what you make it!<br />
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A little history! I retired from a 30 year career sometime ago and followed that with a 5 year similar work/different setting career. I felt passion for the work I did and enjoyed both the challenges and the colleagues/friends made over the years. I traveled, felt my contributions made a difference, and was proud of my achievements. I was paid decently and was able to build a nice, but not lavious lifestyle.<br />
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About 11 years ago, I made a decision to try my hand at something very different - this business of mine buying fabrics, refurbish-able upholstered furniture, transforming the pieces, and selling to local and on-line buyers. I was clueless about the challenges, costs, income-potential - any of it. I just knew that each element of the process made my heart sing.<br />
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Growing up in a working class neighborhood and home, I had always loved "interior design" - pouring over the Sears Catalog with my sisters. I put together settings - curtains, furniture, accessories and could spend enormous amounts of time pretending they were mine. I have had recurring dreams ever since I can remember of wandering down a street with houses large and small and entering them to see what they looked like - how they were organized - how the interior reflected the lives of the owners/occupants. I still have that dream every now and then.<br />
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I have now been doing this work - and conservatively spend 40-60 hours on average a week - for over ten years. It is not terribly profitable - I squeak by with modest profits. But, I <u>love</u> it!<br />
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<li>I love buying fabrics and planning how to use those fabrics. </li>
<li>I love going to estate sales, garage sales, and antique markets scouring for the right pieces at the right price. </li>
<li>I love the actual transformation process and continue to be amazed by the "before" and "after" differences. </li>
<li>I even like (love might be too strong of a word here) the wood refinishing that I do if needed (the actual upholstery work is left to true experts - I would not like or love that work).</li>
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I find I have enormous patience waiting for sales. Some pieces sell almost immediately - many take a lot longer. I do not get anxious about it. I love hearing from buyers/clients when a piece just thrills them and am always a little disappointed if I hear nothing. I love meeting and getting to know my clients and have developed some long-term relationships with some.</div>
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So, what is this bad experience and why has it caused me to do all this reflection. I bought a set of leather chairs from an estate sale that were in "perfect condition". I planned to sell as is - something I almost never do - but these were just beautiful. I paid about 3 time my normal price for the chairs since I was not planning to add considerable fabric and upholstery labor expenses. Between buying and getting them home, the estate sale company owner and her son caused irreparable damage to both the leather and the woodwork. I was heartbroken and reached out to her to discuss and see if any adjustments could be made - I reached out three times and received no response whatsoever. </div>
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I thought about all the things I have done in my business to make things right for my customers who had been disappointed in some element of the purchasing process that was totally outside of my control. Usually, this involved shipping delays or damage. While the problems were limited, my actions included providing substantial discounts and even allowing a return to make a customer less unhappy. My husband and I recently traveled for four days to Texas and back to deliver some pieces after a shipping company that the customers had engaged dropped the ball. I did these things because I want everyone I deal with to be happy with my work/business. It is more than hoping for more sales - it is a matter of pride and passion for the work. I just hate it if someone is unhappy with any element of my business.</div>
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While I did not necessarily expect a refund or even a sizable pay adjustment from this estate sale problem, I did expect the owner to respond to my messages and express some understanding and sympathy for the dilemma, Ignoring it all together suggests she is not passionate about her work and not too concerned about her customers. I just wouldn't want to feel that way about the work that I do! </div>
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<br />wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-85105409021928836882015-02-24T07:31:00.000-08:002015-02-24T07:31:50.994-08:00Upholstery Tricks - Mixing and Matching FabricsI am always looking for ways to use fabrics to enhance shapely upholstered furniture. One trick is to use contrasting fabrics as piping to outline the piece. Another is to use a different, complementary fabric on the back of a chair or to cleverly make up for inadequate yardage. I do not like wholly different fabrics used in a helter-skelter manner - some of which I see in magazines and on sale sites - it looks too clumsy and cluttered to me. <br />
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Here are some of the ways I have used contrasting fabrics to enhance the upholstery work on my refurbished pieces - pictures tell the story so much better!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G3R5giatxmY/VOx61WJUeYI/AAAAAAAAJ2A/hR6OIBJGCkY/s1600/4283_74934993340_4522915_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G3R5giatxmY/VOx61WJUeYI/AAAAAAAAJ2A/hR6OIBJGCkY/s1600/4283_74934993340_4522915_n.jpg" height="400" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tailored pieces often look good with contrasting piping. It shows of the elegant lines. I chose not to use the contrasting fabric on the buttons because it would create too broken up of a back - the right choice, I think.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dD-lCmEGteU/VOx61tZmH-I/AAAAAAAAJ2E/rJbccpQdwzE/s1600/contrasting%2Bpiping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dD-lCmEGteU/VOx61tZmH-I/AAAAAAAAJ2E/rJbccpQdwzE/s1600/contrasting%2Bpiping.jpg" height="395" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a humble looking chair and ottoman in a plain red and white check that is enhanced by the textured contrasting piping. This is also an example of where adding a contrasting piping using a color already in the main fabric does not create additional restrictions to placement of the pieces.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ez9-1vT5ZK4/VOx62NEcRMI/AAAAAAAAJ2M/CZ7b7vy1W4w/s1600/different%2Bfabrics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ez9-1vT5ZK4/VOx62NEcRMI/AAAAAAAAJ2M/CZ7b7vy1W4w/s1600/different%2Bfabrics.jpg" height="400" width="357" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how this chair (one of a pair) turned out. The gracious curves in front and along the back were shown off by the contrasting blue piping. While it did limit some placements for these otherwise very neutral chairs, it did make them perfect for a popular blue and white setting. An important element to remember in adding contrasting piping is the likely placement (and versatility of placement) for the pieces. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdlJHqHEk9U/VOx61zF0S4I/AAAAAAAAJ2I/76jC2tTx4iU/s1600/IMG_1516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdlJHqHEk9U/VOx61zF0S4I/AAAAAAAAJ2I/76jC2tTx4iU/s1600/IMG_1516.jpg" height="400" width="326" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another example of using a color already in the main fabric to create a contrasting piping - in this case a very small yellow and white check. I also like to using contrasting piping to show off the woodwork and the lines created by the woodwork.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ueglVVHRMcQ/VOx62oIlltI/AAAAAAAAJ2g/4huMcHBOZys/s1600/play%2Boff%2Bwoodtones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ueglVVHRMcQ/VOx62oIlltI/AAAAAAAAJ2g/4huMcHBOZys/s1600/play%2Boff%2Bwoodtones.jpg" height="400" width="382" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I refinished this great settee (one of a pair) using chalk paint with an aged, distressed look. The clean-looking cream linen was set off with a taupe linen mimicking the woodwork colors and enhancing the fine lines of the woodwork. I chose not to put the same piping around the seat cushions because I was not trying to highlight those - in fact, I think that would have taken away from the whole look.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kw5r7wEPb4g/VOx62sQGBJI/AAAAAAAAJ2Y/4LiPlUdgJvE/s1600/solid%2Bwith%2Bpatterned.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kw5r7wEPb4g/VOx62sQGBJI/AAAAAAAAJ2Y/4LiPlUdgJvE/s1600/solid%2Bwith%2Bpatterned.jpg" height="400" width="346" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This black and white piping highlighted the textured nature of the primary fabric and makes the whole chair look more interesting. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXa4bFvA7uQ/VOyW_YzC1yI/AAAAAAAAJ24/sLrkS0VDK5c/s1600/4283_74936688340_881955_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXa4bFvA7uQ/VOyW_YzC1yI/AAAAAAAAJ24/sLrkS0VDK5c/s1600/4283_74936688340_881955_n.jpg" height="400" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This great fabric was outlined with a complementary green piping. I did want to break up - but only slightly - the size of this pattern and reinforce the flowery colors. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F2AonBWU7d4/VOyW_ZEjekI/AAAAAAAAJ28/-ly_adI7yvI/s1600/4283_74937163340_2041268_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F2AonBWU7d4/VOyW_ZEjekI/AAAAAAAAJ28/-ly_adI7yvI/s1600/4283_74937163340_2041268_n.jpg" height="400" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IT is a little hard to see, but the fabric on this chair and ottoman were outlined in a striped piping with the same colors of green and white.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hIcW8nA2ceE/VOyXALGwi6I/AAAAAAAAJ3I/oJYcuBu-304/s1600/chaise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hIcW8nA2ceE/VOyXALGwi6I/AAAAAAAAJ3I/oJYcuBu-304/s1600/chaise.jpg" height="251" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While it is impossible to know this, I actually had the upholsterers use the "wrong" side of this woven twill fabric as piping - it blends well with the wooden turned legs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9HXDXQ79M8A/VOyXAkcGfeI/AAAAAAAAJ3Q/Un1ptB6FXXE/s1600/combine%2Bdifferent%2Bpatterns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9HXDXQ79M8A/VOyXAkcGfeI/AAAAAAAAJ3Q/Un1ptB6FXXE/s1600/combine%2Bdifferent%2Bpatterns.jpg" height="400" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's an example of both a complementary pattern look - using the striped piping with the floral fabric - but also the use of this same fabric to make up for a small shortage of fabric. My upholsterer and I worked out this ingenious solution. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPNlvkO32D0/VOyXA0wJbGI/AAAAAAAAJ3Y/KcP5dgoNnW4/s1600/inadequare%2Bmaterial%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPNlvkO32D0/VOyXA0wJbGI/AAAAAAAAJ3Y/KcP5dgoNnW4/s1600/inadequare%2Bmaterial%2B.jpg" height="393" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another example of inadequate fabric yardage and a solution that works. I did have to go out and "buy" this striped velvet and cream fabric - usually I have a lot of options in my inventory. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PZnK7cUqXfs/VOyXBFm_zZI/AAAAAAAAJ3g/hSEFBNcQBcQ/s1600/replay%2Bprominant%2Bcolor%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PZnK7cUqXfs/VOyXBFm_zZI/AAAAAAAAJ3g/hSEFBNcQBcQ/s1600/replay%2Bprominant%2Bcolor%2B.jpg" height="400" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just think this turned out sweet and almost looks like an extension of the fabric pattern by using a contrasting piping that is the exact shade of white in the pattern.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0OYtx7nMr84/VOyYrGtyLOI/AAAAAAAAJ30/3LoXK4NsTNY/s1600/contrasting%2Bbacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0OYtx7nMr84/VOyYrGtyLOI/AAAAAAAAJ30/3LoXK4NsTNY/s1600/contrasting%2Bbacks.jpg" height="640" width="504" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I do like using a contrasting fabric on the back of chair that are fully surrounded by a wooden frame such as these fine examples. </td></tr>
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I hope these "tricks of the trade" are helpful and encourage creative fabric thinking!wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-16776107131922096742015-02-22T05:42:00.000-08:002015-02-22T05:42:05.505-08:00History of Buffalo Plaid Fabrics<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CPGbDFXVgk8/VOii4Ko_atI/AAAAAAAAJ1Q/tJly3EuDZkw/s1600/IMG_5846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CPGbDFXVgk8/VOii4Ko_atI/AAAAAAAAJ1Q/tJly3EuDZkw/s1600/IMG_5846.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recently sold and delivered French style chair (one of a pair) in teal buffalo plaid!</td></tr>
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I have loved buffalo plaids ever since I can remember. The oversized "check" makes any piece of furniture it is on look amazing.<br />
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I found this interesting bit of information about the origin of the design dated July, 2014:<br />
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<span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14pt;"><i>It has been noted that Buffalo Plaid
is making quite the comeback this season. What many people may not know is the
history behind the Buffalo Plaid and how it received its interesting name. </i></span> </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14pt;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14pt;"><i>Originally a Scottish product, Buffalo Plaid traces back
to the 8th century and is ranked the oldest Tartan. This particular Tartan
became a symbol of the MacGregor clan, a family known for being furious
warriors. Because of this, the MacGregors were banished from Scotland by King
James VI in 1603 and thus moved to Canada. Buffalo Plaid first made it's
appearance in American fabric history in the late 1800s when the Scottish Big
Jock McCluskey (MacGregor) from Canada settled in Connecticut. McCluskey did
many things during his time in America all while living off of buffalo hunting.
After the Battle against the Indians in the Battle of the Little Big Horn,
McCluskey bartered for buffalo pelts with the Sioux and Cheyenne and, in
return, the natives received the heavy woven Scottish blankets from McCluskey's
native home, made of a fabric now known as Buffalo Plaid. </i><a href="http://www.designconceptstothetrade.com/blog/design-trend-buffalo-plaid">link to article</a></span></div>
</blockquote>
I do buy this oversized scale fabric whenever I can and wish I could find more (at my price points, of course). Here are some of my favorite transformation using buffalo plaids.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SG2bnIx2ruc/VOik_405OfI/AAAAAAAAJ1c/Or3AkLa7wlg/s1600/buffalo%2Bplaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SG2bnIx2ruc/VOik_405OfI/AAAAAAAAJ1c/Or3AkLa7wlg/s1600/buffalo%2Bplaid.jpg" height="640" width="522" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought this fabric at Calico Corners Fine Fabrics several years ago. It was not selling well and I bought every piece I could find at about 70% off. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9gN3O-ll_0/VOilAUZIWFI/AAAAAAAAJ1g/jPVozSZ0X7o/s1600/IMG_2593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9gN3O-ll_0/VOilAUZIWFI/AAAAAAAAJ1g/jPVozSZ0X7o/s1600/IMG_2593.jpg" height="400" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This lovely dark cream and teal combo was purchased on eBay - I used it on at least four pieces and have enough left-over for another small set of clubs or a similar larger club and ottoman set as above. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PKZe_hMAjO0/VOilAeIYRaI/AAAAAAAAJ1k/TaRMBVNrHBY/s1600/IMG_5837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PKZe_hMAjO0/VOilAeIYRaI/AAAAAAAAJ1k/TaRMBVNrHBY/s1600/IMG_5837.jpg" height="313" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bluer teal with paler cream combo was just completed and sold to a family in a suburb of Houston. My husband and I delivered it ourselves and saw the beautiful job they were doing renovating a gracious home in the suburbs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, I will continue to look for these nice patterns and hope to expand my supply and color choices!wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-49012508217745190452015-02-20T05:12:00.000-08:002015-02-20T07:56:21.211-08:00Loving the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container tr_bq" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kC5MvJg85NE/VOct6_leMdI/AAAAAAAAJ0Y/i_Vosf57yXw/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kC5MvJg85NE/VOct6_leMdI/AAAAAAAAJ0Y/i_Vosf57yXw/s1600/images.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colony Hotel - Palm Beach - from their website - <a href="http://thecolonypalmbeach.com/">link</a><br />
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During our recent trip/vacation to the Palm Beach area of Florida (east coast), which happened to coincide with our 28th wedding anniversary, my husband and I stopped by the Colony Hotel for their famous pool-side lunch. The hotel is located near Palm Beach's version of Rodeo Drive, Worth Avenue. Interestingly, the reason we stopped here was not because of any prolonged research and planning process but because my husband forgot his cell phone in the car and left me standing on Worth thinking about lunch options. I stopped several passers-by who looked like they might be "natives" (you can tell in this tony area) and asked for recommendations. Both suggested this spot without hesitation - even saying it was better than the famous Palm Beach Breaker's Hotel food and ambience - which is saying something!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rj02Jczorlw/VOcvkRIhEjI/AAAAAAAAJ0k/LfcmxAJRuVM/s1600/colony%2Bhotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rj02Jczorlw/VOcvkRIhEjI/AAAAAAAAJ0k/LfcmxAJRuVM/s1600/colony%2Bhotel.jpg" height="640" width="562" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved the interior of the hotel - soothing shades of greens! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was immediately intrigued by the lobby area of the hotel decorated in shades of green and teal - very soothing and a little wild. <br />
<br />
I found a year-old article about the 2014 renovation of the hotel:<br />
<blockquote>
<i>PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Facelifts are as common as blue skies in Palm Beach, so it was only a matter of time before the famed Colony Hotel had some work done.<br />Taking the 67-year-old hotel from worn to wonderful, from staid to stunning was renowned interior designer Carleton Varney. Known as “Mr. Color,” he used pinks and greens, sea blue and coral to bring out the Southern charm of the family-owned hotel that is steps away from the shopping mecca of Worth Avenue. Since 1947, the hotel has hosted the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, President Bill Clinton, John Lennon, Frank Sinatra and many more famous names. <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/life/fashion/2014/11/03/The-Colony-Hotel-in-Palm-Beach-gets-colorized/stories/201411030005">link to article</a></i></blockquote>
WOW - I loved the space and how it had been transformed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eiPB9rbI3kE/VOcxU-uXfwI/AAAAAAAAJ04/MRf1r2dzaLw/s1600/colony%2B-%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eiPB9rbI3kE/VOcxU-uXfwI/AAAAAAAAJ04/MRf1r2dzaLw/s1600/colony%2B-%2B2.jpg" height="640" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More details - Colony Hotel in Palm Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From the article I discovered that there were many more beautiful areas to explore within the hotel but I was pleased to have seen what I could. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-302RJwDsmmc/VOcxuI_rShI/AAAAAAAAJ1A/VP2-AU54nHc/s1600/colony%2B-%2Blunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-302RJwDsmmc/VOcxuI_rShI/AAAAAAAAJ1A/VP2-AU54nHc/s1600/colony%2B-%2Blunch.jpg" height="640" width="582" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at the Colony's poolside restaurant was very nice!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The pool-side setting of their restaurant was very pleasant. I believe my husband particularly enjoyed the views including a bikini-clad guest who was perched practically at our table as she lounged cooly by the pool. Of course, I could be mistaken, maybe he was just looking at me!!wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-46763174869151602302015-02-18T05:17:00.000-08:002015-02-18T05:17:23.948-08:00Decorating in Green - Spring Dreaming <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XpcizYoj8s0/VOSMqFM4krI/AAAAAAAAJzY/5PgTojrZG8g/s1600/DSC04609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XpcizYoj8s0/VOSMqFM4krI/AAAAAAAAJzY/5PgTojrZG8g/s1600/DSC04609.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese Gardens - Delray Beach, FL<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
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<div>
Living in the South, we should not be complaining about the winter weather - particularly after hearing from family and friends living in the Midwest or New England areas where they are overwhelmed by record snows and cold temperatures. Inevitably, however, the "spring bug" affects me as we get the warmer versions of this - lots of rain and gloomy skies. I thought I would evoke the feeling of spring by writing about the use of green in home decor - the natural spring dreaming choice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have just dropped off several pieces to be reupholstered and have included a number of green fabrics - as always, I cannot wait to see them transformed. I have several bright greens in my current inventory and looked back at my archival photos. Green IS a wonderful color and very versatile.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here are several articles about using green in home decor - lots of creative suggestions:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/colors/g1175%20%E2%80%93%2040%20rooms%20with%20green">link to House Beautiful article</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/decorating-color-green">link to Real Simple article</a></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/decorating-color-green"></a>
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<a href="http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/decorating-color-green"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eY25idW55CU/VOSPB58d_TI/AAAAAAAAJzk/nRxmz68VGs4/s1600/54c03778b896a_-_5-hbx-mint-green-living-room-todd-klein-0910-xln-88143165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eY25idW55CU/VOSPB58d_TI/AAAAAAAAJzk/nRxmz68VGs4/s1600/54c03778b896a_-_5-hbx-mint-green-living-room-todd-klein-0910-xln-88143165.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JR8qpdhfn2w/VOSPFZ_j7uI/AAAAAAAAJzs/ZlOi1kai6Vo/s1600/54c0377757609_-_1-hbx-green-cottage-living-room-frances-schultz-0211-xln.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JR8qpdhfn2w/VOSPFZ_j7uI/AAAAAAAAJzs/ZlOi1kai6Vo/s1600/54c0377757609_-_1-hbx-green-cottage-living-room-frances-schultz-0211-xln.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here are some of my own green pieces - lots of styles and hues of this lovely color!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mKeVlGupxoY/VOSPa3-nqyI/AAAAAAAAJz4/HN6b91o4xaA/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bwydeven%2Bdesigns%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mKeVlGupxoY/VOSPa3-nqyI/AAAAAAAAJz4/HN6b91o4xaA/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bwydeven%2Bdesigns%2B2014.jpg" height="640" width="602" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hL-fEb7QMac/VOSPaqkMzvI/AAAAAAAAJz0/Akq7g7fRDqg/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchair%2Bhistory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hL-fEb7QMac/VOSPaqkMzvI/AAAAAAAAJz0/Akq7g7fRDqg/s1600/Photos%2Bfrom%2Bchair%2Bhistory.jpg" height="556" width="640" /></a></div>
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I just listed a lovely French chair newly upholstered with a green patterned linen fabric by Colefax and Fowler called "Snow Tree" - what a great name - just the right combo of emerging spring and leaving behind winter!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4JCOUmiU7SI/VOSQOIUH5FI/AAAAAAAAJ0I/fYfO19mtZHU/s1600/spring%2B-%2Bsnow%2Btree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4JCOUmiU7SI/VOSQOIUH5FI/AAAAAAAAJ0I/fYfO19mtZHU/s1600/spring%2B-%2Bsnow%2Btree.jpg" height="640" width="562" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Colefax-and-Fowler-Snow-Tree-Linen-Bergere-Can-Ship-/331482809625?ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT">link to description</a></td></tr>
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<div>
So - I hope that this posting inspires Spring Dreaming - it certainly helped me!</div>
wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-6356602659878702822015-02-07T10:18:00.000-08:002015-02-07T10:18:01.858-08:00My Kind of Shopping in West Palm Beach <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UcC7goAXErw/VNYQJ0qGxMI/AAAAAAAAJx8/clufQ1iDjNk/s1600/northwoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UcC7goAXErw/VNYQJ0qGxMI/AAAAAAAAJx8/clufQ1iDjNk/s1600/northwoods.jpg" height="556" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northwood Neighborhood is a great shopping district - stopped here to admire their refurbishing work!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My husband and I just returned from a nice trip to the Palm Beach area of Florida (east coast). While there, of course, we checked out the various options for buying "refurbish able" vintage and used furniture (and a fabric shop as well). We found quite a few shops and almost filled our van on our first full day in the area.<br />
<br />
We started out in the Northwood Historic District and found a charming shop called "My New Old Chair" - <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/mynewoldchair/my-new-old-chair-inc">link</a>. It is mainly a reupholstering business but also sells some charming refurbished pieces. Across the street, we checked out several antique shops and were given some advice about where we might look for the unique (reasonable) pieces I was seeking. He directed us to an area on Dixie Highway (old Interstate 1) near the downtown area of West Palm Beach. It contains many pricey antique shops but some more reasonable ones as well.<br />
<br />
We proceeded to check out various shops and made some purchases at this next one - a charity shop dedicated to helping a local senior living initiative. It was amongst the most reasonable shops we visited that day and for a good cause as well.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YGxN3ogPLX4/VNYQOmd-grI/AAAAAAAAJyU/Lnz8E3ZE5E4/s1600/nearly%2Bnew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YGxN3ogPLX4/VNYQOmd-grI/AAAAAAAAJyU/Lnz8E3ZE5E4/s1600/nearly%2Bnew.jpg" height="640" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought the three pieces shown and am about to start "chalk painting" each one. Total expenses for the three came to about $325 - not too bad - <a href="http://www.morselife.org/nearly-new-shop">link to site including how donations can be made to this cause.</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvCbPIo2CsI/VNYQQBDEQCI/AAAAAAAAJyc/hY_FDqoaTY4/s1600/nettie's%2Bwest%2Bpalm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvCbPIo2CsI/VNYQQBDEQCI/AAAAAAAAJyc/hY_FDqoaTY4/s1600/nettie's%2Bwest%2Bpalm.jpg" height="624" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nettie's consignment shop had some nice pieces but prices were a little high for my budget - I loved the great modified wing chair - <a href="https://plus.google.com/108143786417822154599/about?gl=us&hl=en">link to location</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTgUJLQJiEY/VNYQRkWr1dI/AAAAAAAAJyk/1bPU45knW_Q/s1600/west%2Bpalm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTgUJLQJiEY/VNYQRkWr1dI/AAAAAAAAJyk/1bPU45knW_Q/s1600/west%2Bpalm.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another great Dixie Highway shop - again, a little pricey - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hatfieldantiques">link to Facebook page</a>.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIooCHHG3SY/VNZUw0vOv1I/AAAAAAAAJy8/hH-0C1WV77s/s1600/Church%2Bmouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIooCHHG3SY/VNZUw0vOv1I/AAAAAAAAJy8/hH-0C1WV77s/s1600/Church%2Bmouse.jpg" height="640" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This shop is actually in Palm Beach near the tony Worth Avenue shopping area. It is also supporting a charity. Prices were not bad - I didn't find anything but can imagine finding things here if/when I return - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pbchurchmouse">link to Facebook page</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-06yeJSAOB24/VNZUxAyG7CI/AAAAAAAAJzA/B__Fvh04chA/s1600/fabric%2Bshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-06yeJSAOB24/VNZUxAyG7CI/AAAAAAAAJzA/B__Fvh04chA/s1600/fabric%2Bshop.jpg" height="640" width="576" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found this great fabric store on Dixie Highway as well. Every bold was reduced by 50% - prices ranged from $8 - $25. I did buy one English print at $12 per yard - pricey for me but a great value. This store is a "discount house" for their primary store on Clematis Street in West Palm Beach - address is<br />
<span style="color: grey; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">2025 North Dixie Highway</span><br />
<span style="color: grey; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">West Palm Beach, FL</span><br />
<nobr style="color: grey; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">(561) 655-9416</nobr></td></tr>
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Si<i>nce 1959, Mac Fabrics has been your best source in West Palm Beach for a tremendous selection of high-quality, low-priced fabrics, trims, and hardware. Our showroom is organized to make browsing for your selection easy! We have a fabric swatch library of over 500 thousand samples, and we have over 500,000 fabrics for you to explore!</i></div>
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wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-63766557660857543802015-02-05T07:28:00.000-08:002015-02-05T07:28:14.615-08:00Chaise Lounges at the End of the Bed - The Flagler Museum Example<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tdwRLqYu_E4/VNOFztI5UKI/AAAAAAAAJwc/ElbotWw0KwI/s1600/DSC04681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tdwRLqYu_E4/VNOFztI5UKI/AAAAAAAAJwc/ElbotWw0KwI/s1600/DSC04681.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, Florida - <a href="http://www.flaglermuseum.us/" style="text-align: start;">link to website</a><br />
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My husband and I just returned from a relaxing week in Florida - staying near Palm Beach. The weather was cool for the natives (low to mid 60's) but great for us escaping a rather cold, wet winter in the Atlanta area. We had never visited this particular area before and enjoyed taking advantage of many local sights. One of our favorite areas was Palm Beach itself (an island - who knew). It is, of course, famous for its rich residents and its palatial homes (think Donald Trump, Jimmy Buffet).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7rN1v_gJBY/VNOJqqigG6I/AAAAAAAAJwo/ASO460PuhbU/s1600/DSC04690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7rN1v_gJBY/VNOJqqigG6I/AAAAAAAAJwo/ASO460PuhbU/s1600/DSC04690.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from back of Flagler Museum </td></tr>
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One of the earliest settlers was Henry Flagler who appears to be a major founder of all strategic water-front cities on the east coast of Florida. A Standard Oil baron and contemporary of John D. Rockefeller, he fell in love with the beautiful weather and sought to tame the less than stellar natural environment (water-logged, scrubby vegetation, alligators). He built a railroad that initially traveled all the way to Key West and built hotels and homes along the way. One of his lovely homes, a wedding gift to his third wife, was this beauty on the Intercoastal Waterway. His estranged son's daughter bought it and turned it into the museum we see today. </div>
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<span style="color: #535353; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><i>When it was completed in 1902, the New
York Herald proclaimed that Whitehall, Henry Flagler's Gilded Age estate in
Palm Beach, was "more wonderful than any palace in Europe, grander and
more magnificent than any other private dwelling in the world." Today,
Whitehall is a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public as the
Flagler Museum, featuring guided tours, changing exhibits, and special
programs - from website above.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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We had a wonderful docent-led tour of the home and opportunities to take photos of the interior which has maintained much of the original decor and furnishings. I, of course, checked out the upholstered pieces - many of which I would have loved to cart away. One of the decorating trends I noticed was the placement of chaise lounges in most of the bedrooms and often at the end of the beds. This is a design element I particularly like and I think chaise lounges are a great addition to any bedroom - space permitting.</div>
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Here are some of the examples - I wish I could get my hands on some of these great styles:<br />
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I have a number of settees underway. They do take up a lot of space so I can't overdo them in my inventory. I just sold a custom chaise lounge to a client in Maryland and she has asked me to be on the lookout for another one - she loves a skirt-less look with interesting woodwork and down cushions - so comfortable.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yztL8TLixwQ/VNOKzSfX0JI/AAAAAAAAJxs/YHEFpirmiGQ/s1600/chaises.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yztL8TLixwQ/VNOKzSfX0JI/AAAAAAAAJxs/YHEFpirmiGQ/s1600/chaises.jpg" height="640" width="504" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are some chaise lounges from my archives as well as my pinterest board on the subject - enjoy - <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/wydevendesigns/chaise-lounges/">link to pinterest board</a></td></tr>
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wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-16999347464041193032015-01-23T06:12:00.000-08:002015-01-23T06:12:36.334-08:00Pinterest Dreaming with My Lovely PiecesEvery so often, I have been adding a "pinterest dreaming" posting juxtaposing one or more of my lovely pieces with images I have saved on my pinterest boards. It is an opportunity to analyze how well the pieces work in currently decorated and curated settings and validating decisions I've made about fabrics and finishes. It's also fun! Here is the link to all my boards - <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/wydevendesigns/">pinterest</a>. Source of all images not my own can be found on the boards.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtPX3TgYsKw/VMJSsLwI4hI/AAAAAAAAJvw/rJklTCOcsVc/s1600/chalk%2Bpaint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtPX3TgYsKw/VMJSsLwI4hI/AAAAAAAAJvw/rJklTCOcsVc/s1600/chalk%2Bpaint.jpg" height="604" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did the woodwork refinishing on these USA made French style pieces and they were just recently completed. The set of chairs is already in NYC and the settee will probably not be around long. I love it and would love to ditch some of my own things just to find a home for it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwGWZVjR94c/VMJSssOCfiI/AAAAAAAAJwI/4uBwKSyPwF8/s1600/neutral%2Bchairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwGWZVjR94c/VMJSssOCfiI/AAAAAAAAJwI/4uBwKSyPwF8/s1600/neutral%2Bchairs.jpg" height="604" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think either of these stylish chairs would work in this type of layered neutral setting. You really cannot go wrong with a neutral piece!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cbukPaCyjYI/VMJSsEZSH2I/AAAAAAAAJvs/yVkqW4EBkkg/s1600/pinterest%2Bdreaming%2B-%2Bchaise%2Blounge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cbukPaCyjYI/VMJSsEZSH2I/AAAAAAAAJvs/yVkqW4EBkkg/s1600/pinterest%2Bdreaming%2B-%2Bchaise%2Blounge.jpg" height="604" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This chaise lounge is a little more contemporary looking than most of my pieces. I do love its sleek look and soft, sumptuous fabric, VERY comfortable as well - I have a chaise lounge in my bedroom and it is my favorite place to read/nap. This chaise is currently available through One King's Lane - <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/vintage-market-finds/product/3172244">link</a>.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mz0CSbColDY/VMJStZVjS-I/AAAAAAAAJv8/9zTed0gR7g4/s1600/pinterest%2Bdreaming%2B-%2Bfrench%2Bchairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mz0CSbColDY/VMJStZVjS-I/AAAAAAAAJv8/9zTed0gR7g4/s1600/pinterest%2Bdreaming%2B-%2Bfrench%2Bchairs.jpg" height="604" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have been acquiring and selling these wonderful "European Linen" pieces from a local colleague/collaborator for over two years now. The finish that she applies is a hard lacquer in a distressed cream color. Most of the fabrics are cream linens with some other neutrals mixed in. This set is available through Etsy and eBay - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/215896610/four-french-style-chairs-in-cream-linen?">link</a>. The latest sale from this collection (a simple bench with pale seafoam linen) sold yesterday on One King's Lane. I love these pieces!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7QLeOpNSBw/VMJSuKhhvqI/AAAAAAAAJwA/ibCh1RIr1B4/s1600/square%2Bottoman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7QLeOpNSBw/VMJSuKhhvqI/AAAAAAAAJwA/ibCh1RIr1B4/s1600/square%2Bottoman.jpg" height="604" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I do not do many independent ottomans (separate from chairs) but this square one was an exception. I think it would be wonderful in front of a sofa or settee. It is available through One King's Lane - <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/vintage-market-finds/product/3314620">link</a>.</td></tr>
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Well that was fun! I tried to find last similar posting but it has been a while. Next time, a report on my business/pleasure trip to Florida!<br />
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<br />wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-77884815663241447602015-01-22T04:37:00.001-08:002015-01-22T04:37:12.858-08:00Picking the Perfect Fabric for Your HomeSince I LOVE fabrics and am in the business of marrying fine upholstered pieces with just the right fabric, I am always interested in good advice about how to select fabrics for the home. Fabrics are not inexpensive and a decision, once made, is difficult to reverse or modify. <br />
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Here are some bits of wisdom from renowned designers about selecting just that right fabric:<br />
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<span style="color: #2b2925;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Here are their top tips:<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2925;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>1. Have a starting point. "When
I'm fabric shopping, I start with what I call the 'main fabric,' that fabric is
the linchpin from which I can pull all of the other colors," says Alexa
Hampton."Sometimes the main fabric can just cover something small, like a
pillow or a lamp shade, but it is the critical element that I need to inspire
all of the other colors and patterns."</i></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_tc1zvArDWk/VMDqKZN9gaI/AAAAAAAAJvI/PW6NNeAyjVs/s1600/original_Tobi-Fairley-Houndstooth-Pillows_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_tc1zvArDWk/VMDqKZN9gaI/AAAAAAAAJvI/PW6NNeAyjVs/s1600/original_Tobi-Fairley-Houndstooth-Pillows_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.960.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good example of creating a color palette by using small amounts of fabrics on the accent pillows - you can just envision the rest of the room with these starting points - source HGTV.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #2b2925;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>2. Incorporate a blend of textures.
"When pulling fabrics for a project I like to incorporate a blend of textures
like linens, velvets and grasscloth to create a warm balance and give a rich
palette to a room," says Jenny Wolf.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2925;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>3. Have fun! "It is always
important to have a little fun when pulling fabrics, even if it is just for a
small accent pillow to throw in the room,' says Wolf. "Chelsea Textiles
has some of the most wonderful, whimsical embroidered fabrics."</i></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think of fun fabrics as ones with colors and pattern/movement - here are some examples I've used and/or will be using soon. The bright yellow pattern on top was used on a settee and matching chair and selected by my daughter as a house-warming gift when she moved into her new home during the summer. There, it brightens her entry foyer and welcomes her guests with its sunny disposition.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #2b2925;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>4. Think in layers. "Different
fabrics and textiles are a great way to layer a room and give it warmth,"
says Eddie Lee. "Coordinating patterns or a monochromatic palate in
different textures or solid blocks of color, multiple fabrics give a room
depth."</i></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d8-sr_zZex8/VMDq3j3sBAI/AAAAAAAAJvQ/No0098ySYHs/s1600/10474801_10152936280708117_5449045512122981951_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d8-sr_zZex8/VMDq3j3sBAI/AAAAAAAAJvQ/No0098ySYHs/s1600/10474801_10152936280708117_5449045512122981951_n.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even in this monochromatic room, the various layers complement each other and make the overall look more interesting - source Traditional Home<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #2b2925;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>5. Be appropriate. "A fabric may be beautiful, but
not be right for every room," explains Lee. "For example, a gorgeous
embroidered silk could be great in a living room, but not so much in a Family
Room. That being said, there are no set rules." <a href="http://www.veranda.com/home-decorators/a1044/how-to-shop-for-fabric/?click=_hpTrnsprtr_2&src=spr_FBPAGE&spr_id=1455_109799004">link</a></i></span></span></div>
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I have a board on pinterest devoted to fabrics - <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/wydevendesigns/fabrics/">link</a>. Check out some more ideas here!wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-14579436924264439002015-01-18T06:07:00.000-08:002015-01-18T06:07:57.998-08:00Weekend Estate Sale Shopping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hmDKmXB0q8c/VLmYsTqcIHI/AAAAAAAAJts/DWO3GRdFm8w/s1600/sherwood%2Bsale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hmDKmXB0q8c/VLmYsTqcIHI/AAAAAAAAJts/DWO3GRdFm8w/s1600/sherwood%2Bsale.jpg" height="640" width="560" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First sale on Friday morning - a "Vicki" Sale. I did get a call on the red Baker chair late Saturday but declined - probably not a wise move.</td></tr>
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We've had a long stretch of rainy, dismal weather here in the Atlanta area and were overjoyed to see a blue sky Friday morning despite the below 32 degree start of the day. My husband, my now-regular Friday morning sales companion since his retirement almost exactly a year ago, and I traveled to several sales to check out the goods and just get out of the house.<br />
<br />
One of my favorite estate sellers, Vicki, had two sales this weekend. As is typical, there are "high-brow" and "low-brow" items for sale. In the beautifully transformed ranch house shown above, prices were high on most items such as a pair of no-name Jacobean chairs/provenance for $3000. I did leave several bids and did get a call later on Saturday. By that time, I had made several purchases and didn't want to return to the area so I declined - probably should have pursued it - a Baker wingback for $100 is a very good deal!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ry8wmv6D5qQ/VLu5WGi8hBI/AAAAAAAAJuE/U3sx0LLmURQ/s1600/buckhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ry8wmv6D5qQ/VLu5WGi8hBI/AAAAAAAAJuE/U3sx0LLmURQ/s1600/buckhead.jpg" height="640" width="560" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Buckhead sale had some nice pieces as well. I bid on two sets of chairs (prices were $350 for the pair and I bid $150). I haven't heard back from this sale and don't expect to.</td></tr>
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There are still not many sales this time of year and we decided to stop at a local shop called "My Favorite Place" <a href="https://www.facebook.com/myfavoriteplaceatlanta">link to facebook page</a>. It is a nearby flea market type shop and prices tend to be very reasonable. Friday was a great day to stop by and I found three pieces to buy (two are Annie Sloan Chalk Paint projects) - total costs = $171.00 (much better than estate sale prices).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYFk92se6B4/VLu7PNBo0AI/AAAAAAAAJuY/Lt3elHGxNAc/s1600/my%2Bfavorite%2Bplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYFk92se6B4/VLu7PNBo0AI/AAAAAAAAJuY/Lt3elHGxNAc/s1600/my%2Bfavorite%2Bplace.jpg" height="640" width="582" /></a></div>
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On Saturday, I again went on the road with my Saturday shopping companion - Ouida. We did see some decent sales and even stopped in a design shop that is relocating and was offering, amongst other things, fabrics for $5.00 a yard up. I bought 12 yards and Ouida may buy some for chairs she wants to recover.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c3mRcX1GUts/VLu8AX_o6aI/AAAAAAAAJuo/p0_t8hh7pWo/s1600/another%2Bbuckhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c3mRcX1GUts/VLu8AX_o6aI/AAAAAAAAJuo/p0_t8hh7pWo/s1600/another%2Bbuckhead.jpg" height="614" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2n0uYRZrZ4/VLu9YfEA8zI/AAAAAAAAJu0/luJ7GuPNHGo/s1600/IMG_0353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2n0uYRZrZ4/VLu9YfEA8zI/AAAAAAAAJu0/luJ7GuPNHGo/s1600/IMG_0353.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of two chairs purchased</td></tr>
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After returning from the sales, I got a call on a set of Hickory Chair leather wingback chairs (wonderful condition) that I had bid $500 (against $900 asking). I consider these "as is" chairs and would love to keep them myself if I had the space. I asked my son out in California whether he could use them but his space is so tiny that they just will not work. I also asked my daughter to see if she had any use possibilities but she has no more space as well. SO ... I guess they will be listed as part of my "Estate Collection" which are items that are not refurbished. It is a fairly small collection because my joy is in transforming and revitalizing dated furniture but these just don't need it and, truthfully, I would not have paid this price for chairs that need redoing - my average is less than $100 per chair.<br />
<br />
So .. a wonderful shopping weekend all around. I am already working on the chalk paint projects completing clean-up and first coat yesterday and will be picking up the two leather chairs later as well as returning with Ouida to the design shop to revisit some of the fabrics for sale. I do love this!wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-21977440857954365082015-01-14T13:24:00.002-08:002015-01-14T13:24:35.967-08:00Part II - Creating Harmonious Homes - Color and You<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X44RUntcvvw/VLba-PCbxLI/AAAAAAAAJtE/ZXx8wNYLBZA/s1600/room-color-psychology.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X44RUntcvvw/VLba-PCbxLI/AAAAAAAAJtE/ZXx8wNYLBZA/s1600/room-color-psychology.jpg" height="454" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colors affect your mood and influence your health and happiness - <a href="http://freshome.com/2007/04/17/room-color-and-how-it-affects-your-mood/#ixzz3Opf2LHp1">link to extensive article about how different colors affect mood</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #2b2925; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">This is the second posting in a series I am calling - Creating Harmonious Homes. The first posting dealt with managing clutter. This one is all about selecting primary colors in a home - colors that sustain you - emotionally, physically and psychologically! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2925; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><i>Studies have shown that color can
change body temperature and appetite. It can affect your mood or level of
energy. Begin to become aware of how different colors impact you before
determining what hue to paint your walls. <a href="http://www.veranda.com/decorating-ideas/tips/a1041/peaceful-decor/?src=spr_FBPAGE&spr_id=1455_128614433">link to article</a></i></span></blockquote>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Color is a universal language, it stimulates the emotions, shapes, cultures and forms the background of our world. Everybody's life is enriched by color, which both energizes and lifts the spirit. Color can be a tremendous enhancement when you love it, or cause a real depletion in energy if you don't.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The rights colors are silent music; the wrong colors irritate and disturb. Louis Cheskin <a href="http://www.decoration.com/decorating-tips/impact-of-colors/index.html">link</a></span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are many articles about color and how it affects your personality. There are tests you can take to determine how color affects you. It is important to choose colors that make you happy, content, and at peace with the world. For me, that is quite an array - I like reds in some areas and blues and greens in others. I have tried to like primarily neutral colors but find that I just automatically start adding color to spark interest and variety.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yE5MZJCgoLg/VLbc4xamZsI/AAAAAAAAJtQ/ULmWuruupC8/s1600/blue-room-color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yE5MZJCgoLg/VLbc4xamZsI/AAAAAAAAJtQ/ULmWuruupC8/s1600/blue-room-color.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue is said to bring down blood pressure and slow respiration and heart rate.</td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What mood do you want to create? Which colors will help you achieve that mood?</span></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong>Find clear answers to these questions. If you find this task difficult try to look at magazines, decorating books, blogs and websites for ideas, or let your fabric be your guide. In fact, this is a good approach to take even if you’re starting from scratch. Fabric, carpeting, furniture and tile are available in a more limited range of colors than paint, so choose them first and then decide on your paint color. Once you find something you like, limit the number of colors in a room to no more than three or four. Too many colors can make a room look busy or cluttered. Paint is fairly inexpensive and transforms a room more quickly than anything else, so you can afford to experiment a little.</span></i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;">
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Freshome; font-size: 13px;">Read more: </span><a href="http://freshome.com/2007/04/17/room-color-and-how-it-affects-your-mood/#ixzz3Opf2LHp1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #003399; font-family: Freshome; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">http://freshome.com/2007/04/17/room-color-and-how-it-affects-your-mood/#ixzz3Opf2LHp1</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Freshome; font-size: 13px;"> </span></span></span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FvmS9gj8boU/VLbeG-VpfII/AAAAAAAAJtc/fvU-hv49R9I/s1600/yellow-room-color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FvmS9gj8boU/VLbeG-VpfII/AAAAAAAAJtc/fvU-hv49R9I/s1600/yellow-room-color.jpg" height="342" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Freshome; line-height: 13px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Yellow</strong> captures the joy of sunshine and communicates happiness.</span></td></tr>
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This is an important subject to tackle before getting too far in decorating a new home or making significant changes in existing space. It is easy to do right, there is a lot of help out there!<br />
<!--EndFragment-->wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-21946191237584425792015-01-12T06:17:00.000-08:002015-01-12T06:17:09.722-08:00Part I - Creating Harmonious Homes - Managing Clutter<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your home should bring you calm and peace!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found an uplifting article about how to create and maintain a calm, harmonious home listing multiple steps and strategies.</span><br />
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="color: #535353;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Your home
gives you a foundation to connect mind, body and spirit. Your home grounds you
and gives you a sacred space to connect to your inner light. Your body allow
you to move with energy and vitality as you go through your day and connect
with your world. A calm mind lets you face everyday challenges with ease, grace
and poise. Connecting to your spirit allows your inner light to radiate and
illuminates your path on your journey - <a href="http://christaoleary.com/home-in-harmony-lifestyle/">link to article</a></i></span></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A key step is to "de-clutter". Evidently, cluttering is a major negative energy drainer and disrupts the positive vibes one should get at home. There are TONS of articles, books, advice columns about managing clutter. I found that many refer to distinguishing types of clutter and working with the easiest form first.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #353535;">Clutter is a thief that robs you
day after day of happiness and energy.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #353535;"> </span>Most people have two kinds of clutter: memory
clutter or "I-might-need-it-one-day" clutter. However, we all
struggle with the 'lazy clutter' and that's what we need to tackle first. Lazy clutter is all the stuff that accumulates out
of negligence over time. It's not stuff you care too much about, so you ignore
it: un-filed papers, unopened junk mail, magazines, unwanted gifts or that
freebie cap you brought home from the grocery store but will never wear. Lazy
clutter is little more than trash and one of the few purposes it serves is to
accumulate on every flat surface in your home. <a href="http://www.oprah.com/home/Clutter-Control#ixzz3Oc2kLHTT">link to more information and articles</a>.</i></span> </div>
</blockquote>
We are not particularly messy people but are always working on de-cluttering strategies. One effort we make annually has had enormous benefits. We have a garage sale which encourages me to go through every corner of my home to contribute items and to judge whether something is useful or not. Whatever doesn't sell, goes to charity. I highly recommend this strategy. Or, if you don't enjoy the garage sale process (I, of course, do), just skip that part and bring the stuff immediately to a charitable organization. It really feels good!<br />
<br />
My daughter and husband are both much better at de-cluttering than I am. Here are a couple of unique/interesting strategies they use:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Small children are constantly bringing things/toys/stuff out and leaving them laying around. Toys have a way of making it outside of the bedroom and play rooms to all parts of the house. My daughter has placed attractive baskets on her steps - one for each of her two children. The kids place items to be returned upstairs into the basket and they go upstairs every evening to be refilled the next day.</li>
<li>Spices and other packaged//long-term items in kitchen cupboards tend to be forgotten and when using new or infrequently used recipes, I had forgotten what I already had and was buying multiples (up to 4X in some cases) which just ended up being stored with the other clutter in the cupboards. My husband actually took an inventory (laminated it) and placed it in my spice drawer. I have proudly shown this to friends who would like his services. I have not had to buy any spices or condiments for quite a while.</li>
</ul>
<br />
I agree that minimizes clutter in a home has enormous impact on both the physical space and your feelings about it. I am will be featuring additional strategies to create a harmonious home in the next few weeks.<br />
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wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-75997265329575219892015-01-10T04:59:00.000-08:002015-01-10T04:59:05.314-08:00A Whimsical (and Productive) Trip to Scott Antiques Markets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was captivated by some of the whimsical items for sale at Scott Antique Markets - runs through Sunday in Atlanta</td></tr>
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This is the second weekend of the month and, therefore, Scott Antique Market weekend (aka the largest in the world) - <a href="http://www.scottantiquemarket.com/">link</a>. My usual companion for this monthly event, Bette, and I traveled there on a cold, clear day to spend time with some of our favorite vendors and visit the numerous shops. It was a particularly busy day which we attributed not only to post-holiday enthusiasm (December is one of their slowest months) but also the fact that there is a huge Atlanta Mart activity in the city bringing lots of designers and others to the area.<br />
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In addition to looking for great pieces to add to my collection (Wydeven Designs sales), I looked around at the whimsical items on display. I found quite a few although would have found many more if I didn't get distracted so easily and constantly by great pieces of upholstered furniture - many at MY price point.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmECDJd5Cm0/VLEfsiQvaaI/AAAAAAAAJsU/1r-kVVsxyrk/s1600/whimsical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmECDJd5Cm0/VLEfsiQvaaI/AAAAAAAAJsU/1r-kVVsxyrk/s1600/whimsical.jpg" height="614" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTKfeZGuvbY/VLEfy87_zVI/AAAAAAAAJsc/LPehAQrwUiw/s1600/photo%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTKfeZGuvbY/VLEfy87_zVI/AAAAAAAAJsc/LPehAQrwUiw/s1600/photo%2B4.jpg" height="614" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bought this set of four French style chairs newly upholstered and refinished by Cynthia of CJD Antiques - regulars in the North Building of Scott Antique Markets. I have made several purchases from this charming and talented couple.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zCnrG8RwkpU/VLEfzbVsSyI/AAAAAAAAJsg/vIDzJ0xPnMU/s1600/whimsical%2B-%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zCnrG8RwkpU/VLEfzbVsSyI/AAAAAAAAJsg/vIDzJ0xPnMU/s1600/whimsical%2B-%2B2.jpg" height="614" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are the items i bought from Sharon (does her own upholstery and refinishing work as well). I am making monthly purchases from her which become part of my "European Linen Collection". It will be interesting to see how those unusual benches (with arms) sell. She told us she was inspired by a photo of benches like these in the latest issue of Architectural Digest! </td></tr>
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A great day at the markets! I spend quite a bit but could have bought more - such an interesting variety and, clearly, some within my price point limits. I continue to be surprised that so many people in this area have never been to these sales and finally convinced my daughter and her husband to go last month. They loved it and promptly bought a unique table for their new home.wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-24388503451751801542015-01-08T15:06:00.000-08:002015-01-08T15:06:47.678-08:00Cold Day Delivery to Cornelia, GA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Square in Cornelia, GA</td></tr>
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It was 11 degrees in our Georgia neighborhood this morning and VERY COLD! Of course, not as cold as many other parts of the country (I am thinking of family and friends in Falls Church, VA, Staten Island, NY, Chicago, IL and Cable, WI - ouch). But cold is cold. We delivered a lovely set of refurbished chairs to Cornelia, GA - about an hour north of the city.<br />
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I don't think I've been to Cornelia before (I am sure my sister Ellie's ears are burning - she is a "Cornelia" named after our Dutch paternal grandmother). I checked out the Cornelia website and found the following - love the reference to the moonshine still downtown:<br />
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="color: #6a6a6a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i>At the close
of the Civil War in 1865, the area where Cornelia is located was a typical
mountain forest. The spot was so well secluded that a moonshine still was
operated without interference at the site of what is now the center of
downtown. Cornelia was first a settlement around 1860. It was situated
near the old boundary line between the Cherokee and Creek Indian tribes. In
1872, workers of the Charlotte-Airline Railroad (later Southern Railway)
invaded the virgin forest. <a href="http://www.corneliageorgia.org/">link to website</a></i></span></blockquote>
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We enjoyed our "tour" of the area which did not take long. Despite the cold, it was a beautiful day to drive around and check out the local sites.<br />
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My client's home (graceful Southern two-story home with extensive acreage and a nice pool area in the back) was located a few miles outside of the city. I always like meeting new clients and hope I can make this little trip again soon! She did buy one of my recent favorites - a chalk pain project using chairs bought during a recent trip to Destin, Florida. I love how they turned out and they will enjoy their new keeping room setting!<br />
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<br />wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-25975263510451070622015-01-06T04:51:00.000-08:002015-01-06T04:51:30.887-08:00Creative Use for Benches - End of Bed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yM8pw9-fAM/VKvZEmjAXsI/AAAAAAAAJqs/P1IutBJUvsc/s1600/benches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yM8pw9-fAM/VKvZEmjAXsI/AAAAAAAAJqs/P1IutBJUvsc/s1600/benches.jpg" height="640" width="407" /></a></div>
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I happen to be awash in benches at the moment - many of them are part of my European Linen Collection. They are such useful pieces of furniture and can be used just about anywhere. I was glancing at an article about glamorous bedrooms in Veranda Magazine (one of my favorites) and noted that most of the bedrooms featured end of bed benches - almost as if this was a requirement. <a href="http://www.veranda.com/decorating-ideas/g1118/beautiful-designer-bedrooms/?slide=11">link to article and magazine</a>.</div>
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I have a pinterest board devoted to ottoman and benches that provides details about the various "end of bed" looks that work with benches - <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/wydevendesigns/ottomans-and-benches/">link to pinterest page</a>.</div>
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<br />Here are some of my favorite looks - all on my pinterest page.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-phUjcCRdr6E/VKvXgLjszaI/AAAAAAAAJqY/S2Qst6LQ66Q/s1600/800174a4e7bd0f0b3402517b1ee65750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-phUjcCRdr6E/VKvXgLjszaI/AAAAAAAAJqY/S2Qst6LQ66Q/s1600/800174a4e7bd0f0b3402517b1ee65750.jpg" height="640" width="520" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a very tailored look.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAN5Du-PEZs/VKvXiLFvWxI/AAAAAAAAJqg/7QSVo9BLb4k/s1600/710a166dac6e65200442bbece58d6a2e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAN5Du-PEZs/VKvXiLFvWxI/AAAAAAAAJqg/7QSVo9BLb4k/s1600/710a166dac6e65200442bbece58d6a2e.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If I were redoing my bedroom today, this is what it would look like. I love everything about it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wMZdpklwBSM/VKvXdZqO46I/AAAAAAAAJqQ/ngvBMmgPy1Y/s1600/3f98f0bb0d2b2161d78f869fc90c16a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wMZdpklwBSM/VKvXdZqO46I/AAAAAAAAJqQ/ngvBMmgPy1Y/s1600/3f98f0bb0d2b2161d78f869fc90c16a3.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This set of benches is similar to some of mine - love the colorful print!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mr9BZJoE9SQ/VKsQMHb-c0I/AAAAAAAAJps/C44ZPrAXRC4/s1600/540f5cd7da731_-_ver-best-bedroom-design-piero-castellini-de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mr9BZJoE9SQ/VKsQMHb-c0I/AAAAAAAAJps/C44ZPrAXRC4/s1600/540f5cd7da731_-_ver-best-bedroom-design-piero-castellini-de.jpg" height="325" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the height of the sides on this one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNKB1JsPfbU/VKvXbMx4mRI/AAAAAAAAJqI/W1Il6uTzVN0/s1600/3_1285617382_ED_0907_Gubelmann_5-lgn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNKB1JsPfbU/VKvXbMx4mRI/AAAAAAAAJqI/W1Il6uTzVN0/s1600/3_1285617382_ED_0907_Gubelmann_5-lgn.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this multiple "X" bench!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYC9rh_8unA/VKsQME97xpI/AAAAAAAAJpo/rzCrS7N5wwA/s1600/540f5cd8eadc2_-_ver-jan-showers-bedroom-de-14458643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYC9rh_8unA/VKsQME97xpI/AAAAAAAAJpo/rzCrS7N5wwA/s1600/540f5cd8eadc2_-_ver-jan-showers-bedroom-de-14458643.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicely proportionate to size of bed and room.<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-8741697583090310982015-01-04T07:23:00.000-08:002015-01-04T07:23:08.830-08:00Decorating Myths - Use of Multiple Patterns<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0qfl_7arVo/VKlV09kbMZI/AAAAAAAAJoI/PPAUpJNA4Lc/s1600/540f61c1cc5d5_-_01-carolina-herrera-baez-home-1012-xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0qfl_7arVo/VKlV09kbMZI/AAAAAAAAJoI/PPAUpJNA4Lc/s1600/540f61c1cc5d5_-_01-carolina-herrera-baez-home-1012-xl.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Demonstration of Mixed Patterns from Article Below.</td></tr>
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<b><i><span style="color: #2b2925; font-family: Times; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="color: #2b2925; font-family: Times; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">MYTH: Choose one pattern to be the
star of the room<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2925; font-family: Times; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">REALITY: Through artful pairing you
can feature two, three—even five!—fabulous patterns as long as you keep the
color scheme similar, and get creative with scale. <a href="http://www.veranda.com/home-decorators/g1238/decorating-myths-to-stop-believing-now-elle-decor/?slide=4">link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MCj8Q3WSjzg/VKlWEV7ySlI/AAAAAAAAJoQ/OD3Q27GWVWw/s1600/img_faudreeandmcbournielg_ss20_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MCj8Q3WSjzg/VKlWEV7ySlI/AAAAAAAAJoQ/OD3Q27GWVWw/s1600/img_faudreeandmcbournielg_ss20_0.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designer Charles Faudree</td></tr>
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An article in Veranda Magazine got my attention. It debunks 10 myths about decorating and one is about the use of patterns. It reminded me immediately of a customer I am working with who loves Charles Faudree <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ccmfarrow/beautiful-interiors-charles-faudree/">link to pinterest page highlighting his decors</a>, the internationally known interior designer (unfortunately no longer with us). His trademark look, besides his sweet <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #462f26; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, was French Country and he loved to mix 3, 4, 5 even 6 patterns.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #462f26; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Interior designer Charles Faudree, long a favorite of <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Traditional Home</em> readers, was known for his fondness for all things French. He was based in Tulsa, where he had an interior design studio and shop. The multitasking and highly versatile designer—who enjoyed an international following—wrote popular books on design, led design tours of his beloved French countryside, and designed wallpaper and fabric. He designed both quaint cottages and lavish formal homes. “I’m a big believer in the mix,” he said. “A single object on a tabletop or a single work of art on the wall can be nice, but for me, mixing collections provides the most excitement.” <a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/design/designers/interior-designer-charles-faudree-french-flair">link to article</a>.</span></blockquote>
My customer (homes in Maine and Maryland) is decorating the latter home and wants to invoke the spirit of Charles Faudree in her selection of fabrics and particularly patterns. I am loving the collaboration as we find and refurbish several French style wing chairs, a leggy chaise lounge and a compact settee. <br />
<br />
In support of the notion of putting together multiple patterns, I pulled some photos from my 2013 and 2014 collections and feel that they do work together very well. There may be some obvious lessons here!<br />
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Just reviewing my choices, I drew several conclusions:<br />
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Mixed patterns work when:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>patterns and colors are clear and crisp - not too many colors or too complex of a pattern</li>
<li>some of the patterns are stripes and checks which work with any graphic or floral pattern</li>
<li>colors are complementary or in the same color group (except blues - see next point) - I love combos of green and blue as well as yellow, blue and white</li>
<li>including many variations of blues and whites (some designers feel you can never go wrong with blue and white combos unless you have too little variation in the color hues)</li>
<li>space for solids is allowed in the mix - it could be the walls, larger furniture pieces (e.g., sofa) or window treatments</li>
</ul>
<br />
I enjoyed reviewing (and debunking) this myth and hope it will encourage others to be more willing to play with patterns. What are your favorite pattern mixes?<br />
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<!--EndFragment-->wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-85908666721257273422014-12-19T06:43:00.000-08:002014-12-19T06:43:38.103-08:00Final 2014 Before and After - My ParadeWell, it has been a busy GREEN year for me and I continue to be SO impressed with the magical transformations possible with heirloom-quality upholstered furniture. It's a win-win all around. Instead of languishing as outdated and little-used obsolete pieces (or worse - bulky landfill), the refurbished pieces are reclaimed as principle elements of current room designs.<br />
<br />
Here are some of the pieces transformed over the past month. I hope these inspire you to do the same!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CvxGhDj1sTY/VJQ0iNoGSsI/AAAAAAAAJnQ/yzOoRSuAWJ0/s1600/before%2Band%2Bafter%2B-%2Bbergere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CvxGhDj1sTY/VJQ0iNoGSsI/AAAAAAAAJnQ/yzOoRSuAWJ0/s1600/before%2Band%2Bafter%2B-%2Bbergere.jpg" height="640" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These vintage bergere chairs were purchased in a consignment shop in Destin, FL, during a business/pleasure trip. I refinished the woodwork using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and had my upholsterer recover in a linen pattern with red and white checks on the back. Love how these turned out!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3hcprvlwuA/VJQ0jdp-asI/AAAAAAAAJng/Sj91gWIBRl4/s1600/before%2Band%2Bafter%2B-%2Bblue%2Bcheck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3hcprvlwuA/VJQ0jdp-asI/AAAAAAAAJng/Sj91gWIBRl4/s1600/before%2Band%2Bafter%2B-%2Bblue%2Bcheck.jpg" height="640" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These chairs were bought at a local estate sale and refinished in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (Cream). The fabric selected is a blue and white woven check that I have used on several other pieces this year. Love the crispness of this look!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aFncONb1SQ/VJQ0hPrx6CI/AAAAAAAAJnI/cwgtHe6bRn0/s1600/Before%2Band%2BAfter%2B-%2Bcream%2Baccent%2Bchairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aFncONb1SQ/VJQ0hPrx6CI/AAAAAAAAJnI/cwgtHe6bRn0/s1600/Before%2Band%2BAfter%2B-%2Bcream%2Baccent%2Bchairs.jpg" height="640" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This set was purchased at the same sale as the French chairs above (blue and white checks). I redid the woodwork in a slightly darker neutral shade (Old Ochre) and had my upholsterer's apply a heavy woven cream fabric to the bulk of the piece with taupe velvet cotton used as piping and on the oval back. I think they look both contemporary and ageless!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e0H4s1v8U9k/VJQ0gulg1FI/AAAAAAAAJm8/4ebjK9ebdT8/s1600/Before%2Band%2BAfter%2B-%2BItalian%2Bchairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e0H4s1v8U9k/VJQ0gulg1FI/AAAAAAAAJm8/4ebjK9ebdT8/s1600/Before%2Band%2BAfter%2B-%2BItalian%2Bchairs.jpg" height="640" width="576" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I actually bought this set of six chairs about four years ago and have had them in my "working space" downstairs all this time trying to decide what to do with them. Three of the chairs needed some serious reinforcement of the base which my upholsterer does not do. My husband ended up taking them apart and by re-gluing and re-doweling made them good as new. I had my go-to lacquer specialist, Sharon, redo the woodwork and reupholster the seats in a European linen. Wonderful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khPUdmb1poY/VJQ0jW9ye0I/AAAAAAAAJnc/bnwtfQrLybM/s1600/before%2Band%2Bafter%2B-%2Bottoman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khPUdmb1poY/VJQ0jW9ye0I/AAAAAAAAJnc/bnwtfQrLybM/s1600/before%2Band%2Bafter%2B-%2Bottoman.jpg" height="556" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This versatile square ottoman was purchased at an estate sale and reupholstered in this crisp herringbone cream fabric. The styling of the base was changed because we could not get the multiple pleats to lay flat enough (too much bulk) and this cleaner look is much more attractive.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4qRAzfsXi8/VJQ0g_kOXkI/AAAAAAAAJnA/BJEmau9XYRE/s1600/Before%2Band%2BAfter%2B-%2Bralph%2Blauren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4qRAzfsXi8/VJQ0g_kOXkI/AAAAAAAAJnA/BJEmau9XYRE/s1600/Before%2Band%2BAfter%2B-%2Bralph%2Blauren.jpg" height="640" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These very sturdy chairs were purchased from a moving family on craigslist. I had a hard time trying to decide what kind (weight, pattern) fabric to use and ended up with this heavy woven pattern in cool blues and greens. I think the weight of the fabric and the oversized pattern work well on these large chairs. I hope someone else agrees!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7II8Z1S1e_Y/VJQ0jwt8g-I/AAAAAAAAJns/wDIUKOVzIQM/s1600/before%2Band%2Bafter%2B-%2Bteal%2Bsettee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7II8Z1S1e_Y/VJQ0jwt8g-I/AAAAAAAAJns/wDIUKOVzIQM/s1600/before%2Band%2Bafter%2B-%2Bteal%2Bsettee.jpg" height="640" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This lovely French style (my overall favorite) settee was purchased at an estate sale. It has been refurbished with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (Cream) and reupholstered in a heavy teal woven fabric with an embroidered look. This one is on hold pending a decision from a client - so not currently on sale.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObmC1i78Jj0/VJQ0ksfLg3I/AAAAAAAAJn0/l1ecRHMNf9Q/s1600/befroe%2Band%2Bafter%2B-%2Bred%2Bstriep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObmC1i78Jj0/VJQ0ksfLg3I/AAAAAAAAJn0/l1ecRHMNf9Q/s1600/befroe%2Band%2Bafter%2B-%2Bred%2Bstriep.jpg" height="640" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This chair was purchased at an estate sale and has been refinished in chalk paint (old white) and reupholstered in a crisp red and white cotton ticking. I do like this French Country look!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That's it (probably for the year). Have a happy holiday and see you in 2015!<br />
<br />
wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6700480354810522774.post-24842199019520708202014-12-11T14:51:00.000-08:002014-12-12T04:21:29.818-08:00Preparing for the Holidays - Christmas at Callanwolde <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jtub4RfZCWg/VIoashYkftI/AAAAAAAAJls/eYvjAWp6oAI/s1600/IMG_9943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jtub4RfZCWg/VIoashYkftI/AAAAAAAAJls/eYvjAWp6oAI/s1600/IMG_9943.jpg" height="400" width="331" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See website - <a href="http://callanwolde.org/">link</a></td></tr>
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On this beautiful (but cold for the South) day, my husband I traveled to Callanwolde Fine Arts Center to view the decorated mansion and seek inspiration for our own home's decor. Actually, I'm not too sure that this was my husband's intention but it certainly was mine!<br />
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First a little about Callanwolde. The Gothic-Tutor style mansion was built in 1920 by Charles Howard Candler, eldest son of the Coca-Cola founder, Asa Candler. It is located in Atlanta's historic Druid Hills neighborhood and is 27,000 square feet. It was saved from demolition in 1971 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The estate consists of 12 acres with several other buildings including a retreat, gardener's cottage and conservatory. It also has beautiful formal gardens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-opv8dkp6Tl4/VIodiRbyPhI/AAAAAAAAJl4/TF6KAOrBgS0/s1600/IMG_9940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-opv8dkp6Tl4/VIodiRbyPhI/AAAAAAAAJl4/TF6KAOrBgS0/s1600/IMG_9940.jpg" height="325" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the main house from the front gate</td></tr>
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Every year, the Center hosts "Christmas At Callanwolde" for about two weeks (thru 12/16). Some of the main rooms are decorated by local designers and there are several Christmas markets with items available for purchase.<br />
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Here are some of my favorites!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x56a1J_vvcA/VIod5Cy9U-I/AAAAAAAAJmA/yOY8qgnEFxc/s1600/IMG_9945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x56a1J_vvcA/VIod5Cy9U-I/AAAAAAAAJmA/yOY8qgnEFxc/s1600/IMG_9945.jpg" height="400" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree in Great Hall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfFhJuZ2daE/VIoei0IJRQI/AAAAAAAAJmQ/kk8BZSXpElc/s1600/breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfFhJuZ2daE/VIoei0IJRQI/AAAAAAAAJmQ/kk8BZSXpElc/s1600/breakfast.jpg" height="640" width="562" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This lively room provided great examples of "working with ribbon" - the tree was magical!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BzprJnDfrcc/VIoej5z2tXI/AAAAAAAAJmc/P21v4rmeivs/s1600/dining%2Brom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BzprJnDfrcc/VIoej5z2tXI/AAAAAAAAJmc/P21v4rmeivs/s1600/dining%2Brom.jpg" height="624" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved this fireplace and the beautiful wallpaper in this room - naturally I was attracted to all the great chairs!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CtnlKyc7vt0/VIoejXsPhFI/AAAAAAAAJmU/1-k98Z-cgBQ/s1600/library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CtnlKyc7vt0/VIoejXsPhFI/AAAAAAAAJmU/1-k98Z-cgBQ/s1600/library.jpg" height="640" width="576" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My FAVORITE space in the whole mansion! I loved the colors and think that a blue and green combo is always great. It was very sunny in the space and I did not get a good photo of the big tree with its colorful green and blue ribbons (too much backlighting) but the details are shown above.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAqc7nuJadQ/VIofe3ysZlI/AAAAAAAAJms/Y04wDL7vru4/s1600/gardens%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAqc7nuJadQ/VIofe3ysZlI/AAAAAAAAJms/Y04wDL7vru4/s1600/gardens%2B2.jpg" height="640" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will want to come back when the gardens are in bloom - what a lovely setting!</td></tr>
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<br />wydevendesigns.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09648269053868380115noreply@blogger.com0