Coming Around on Red

I have something to confess...

I don't much care for the color red in decor.

It used to be my FAVORITE color ever!

But for a while now I haven't cared for it. It was hard for me to work with, it felt like it overpowered everything else and was generally sucky.

But lately, I kinda like it.

The other day I even picked up this fabric swatch.

I'm smitten with its Ruby velvety loveliness.

                                                                            Source: isuwannee.com via Brandi on Pinterest

And after a quick perusal of my pinterest boards. I noticed I've pinned quite a bit of red.

                                                                           Source: theaestate.com via Brandi on Pinterest

                                                                              Source: design-crisis.com via Brandi on Pinterest

                                                                              Source: thedecorista.com via Brandi on Pinterest

                                                             Source: amberinteriordesign.blogspot.com via Brandi on Pinterest

                                             Source: design-crisis.com via Brandi on Pinterest

Source: sunset.com via Brandi on Pinterest

                                                                  Source: myfavoriteandmybest.com via Brandi on Pinterest

A lot of images actually...
This last image might have to be the inspiration for our hall bath reno. I'm thinking red and some inky blue, you know, in a non patriotic kinda way.
Are you a red lover? Have you always been?

Should I Put Something Here?

I'm having a quandary so I think it's time for a reader poll.

Here is the whole truth and nothing but the truth. This is my living room as it looks now. It needs a lot of work. It's come pretty far but I still have far to go to make the heart of our home the way I want it.

As I mentioned before, I'm building an art wall across the back. So my question is, should I put a piece of furniture on this wall?

A console, a dresser, a credenza, or just have nothing?

As I mentioned in my post yesterday, the chairs are going to be upholstered very soon. And that will be amazing. The new chair fabric will clash with the rug. I think I'm going to put my sea grass rug in here for now. I'm still waiting to find the perfect rug for in here. I need a new coffee table. Something mid-century but I haven't found "the one" yet.

This is what is on the other side of the room and no, I haven't painted the wall in that little nook yet. This little nook used to be a fancy pants mirrored 80's style wet bar.

So what do you think?

What would you do if this were your home?

Please share your wisdom!

Edit: Forgot to mention in my haste about the suzani fabric I posted yesterday. It is from my favorite store High Fashion Home. It's not listed online but if you'd like to to order just call them and ask to speak to Veronica. She's awesome and very helpful!

Beautiful House Tours

Is it just me or does it seem like there have been some especially eye-catching home tours on the interwebs lately?

First up is this absolutely wonderful California space. It's totally a man's place but in a way that's actually comfortable and very well designed.

I love the bench, and the dark trim, and the...all of it!

View the rest along with a beautiful patio, here.

This next one is so my style. I have gone back to look at the images over and over again. 

This modern home in Charleston is the home of interior designer Angie Hranowsky.

I'm completely smitten with the renovations she did in the kitchen.

I'm in love with the color palette in the living room. It's great inspiration for my own living room. And look at all the marble! She custom designed the fretwork on the right herself.

See more here.

Then this tour from Amie Corley. I love the combo of salmon, green and white. And look at the cute little benches, I spy some contrast piping...

Takes your breath away doesn't it? Just wait for the bathroom...

Hello Cararra Marble and Chrome accents, want to come to my house?

See more here.

I still can't get over this gorgeous Hollywood apartment. This image absolutely slays me!

Again, pink salmon and green. Love it!

See more here.

I know I may sound like a broken record but I just love seeing REAL people's homes. Not some over designed baloney that no real family could ever live in. I'm just thankful that we have wonderful places (& people!) who bring these tours to us.

Have you seen any great homes lately?

What Style are You?

I get asked a lot what my "style" is both in apparel and home decor and I always find it a hard question to answer. Of course because I like so many different things but I also just buy what I like, no matter what it may be. Sometimes I answer with catchy phrases like "Eclectic Contemporary" or "Boho Chic" and maybe "Glam Eclectic" but what do these things even mean? Who really knows! So, I ask what do you say when asked "what is your style?"

Are you...

 

A lover of white...

Belgian style antiques and reproductions...

Minimalist in wide open spaces...

Colorful and cozy in a nook...

Vintage classics...

Eclectic Contemporary...

All things print, pattern, and color...

More one the modern side...

A little bit retro...

So tell me friends, how do you describe your style?

Happy Weekend!

The Art of Decadence

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of modeling hair for the wonderfully talented Brittany at Clive and Co. Brittany's inspiration for the show was the glamorous style of old Hollywood and the seductive ladies that ruled this time period.

My hair was inspired by the lovely Rita Hayworth...

I was doubly excited about this as I've never had my hair done in the classic almost pin up girl, style. Brittany really knows her way around a head of hair and I have to say the results were nothing short of amazing.

From Jason Vongsay

I had so much fun getting ready with all the other models too!

Here we are with the master herself, in the black dress.

And because everything in life can be re-interpreted through home decor here are some equally decadent rooms!

Now Brittany must cut my hair forever because I love it so much! Until next time!

Favorites from The Selby Contest

I'm sure most of you are aware of the Selby and CB2 contest going on but have you had a chance to peruse the entries? It's a must do. Of course there's some strange ones but there's more than a few that are sure to inspire! Here are two that I just can't stop thinking about...

This is Kylie's place in Phoenix so cute, a little vintage, a little modern, a little glam, all put together so nicely. Also, what a great idea she had with the mantle. I wish I thought of this when I was living in an apartment. You can find some that need a little TLC for very inexpensive and change a whole room!

Love the ornate mirror, the seating, the fun patterns! Great job Kylie!

This one from Marco in Chicago fulfills my darker side.  I like the color of the walls and the curtains. 

This one from Margaret in LA caught my eye as well. Light, bright, and clean!

Great use of space! Love the black and white floor!

I wish I was this organized....

And two of my favorite blogging ladies have entered their humble abodes!

Ashlina, from The Decorista

And Leah, from The Way We Are

If I had a single room that was even remotely worthy or complete I would enter but alas, maybe next year!