The Emperor’s New Threads

I was reading about linens on a great textile vendors website today and I found this really interesting article on sheet thread count.  Now I know this probably isn't interesting to MOST people... but I really love this stuff!  Check it out!

The Emperor’s New Threads

Modern Man

I'm working with a Mom-To-Be to design a nursery for her Baby Boy.  She has an awesome sense of style herself.... very modern and clean.  So it's no surprise that when we talked about what this room could be, clean and contemporary were at the forefront.  We've been working quickly to get this thing together because Modern Boy will be here in a few short months.. and he needs a (stylish) place to lay his head. 

Right now the room is a blank slate, except for great hardwood floors, a huge closet and a re-purposed dresser that will double as a changing station.  Mom-To-Be painted the dresser white, and had clear vinyl pulls made at a leather worker... what a great idea!  Check back for completed pictures of that.

Before Pictures:

  Since a nursery really is a space for the parents, we wanted to set a calming mood.  Once we had some of the larger items selected, I created a mood board for us to work from.  Its a great way to see everything together and determine how its all working.  Mom-To-Be found a modern glider and crib at Baby Bliss, so we had GREAT bones to work with.  We then selected two silvery gray paint finishes, the darker of which will go on the crib wall to create a crisp contract between the white crib and white tree wall applique.  We then went for a rug.  Anyone that's been around a new baby knows.... clean ability is key when it comes to their surroundings. SO, we decided to go with a modular carpet tile from FLOR to create a grey and blue striped rug.  If any of the durable tiles gets annihilated by any array baby mess, they can just be replaced.

Furniture arrangement was pretty simple.  I arranging the pieces so there can be a direct B-Line path from the hallway door to the crib.... because we don't need any obstacles that will surely induce a late night "trip."  We placed a larger "tip proof" table to set next to the glider so Mom-To-Be and Modern Boy can keep everything they need in arms reach. 

 

That's it so far! Like I said, we are moving fast!  Check back soon to see the completed space!

A Designers Work is Never Done...

We've lived in our house for about a year and a half and it seems like a designer's work is never done, especially when it comes to my own house.  I started by mixing my funky, modern, girl stuff, with Brendan's rustic, traditional, boy stuff which I think has given us a comfortable and fun style.  As I've navigated our style and room furnishings, I keep a plan for the future in mind because we can't complete everything at once!

The newest addition to the funky/rustic 1930's house is a FANTASTIC console that I designed and had built by a great craftsman in Dallas - Joseph Shortell.  Here are some pictures for your enjoyment... if you are anything like me you can stare at its sleek simplicity...all...day...long!

Since we needed something that could fit our unique mix of tastes, I chose to use solid walnut for the body and a bookmatch walnut for the doors.  The pronounced grain of the wood, coupled with the sleek lines make it something that works for both of us...which you might imagine is a tall order!

I ordered the hand antiqued hardware from House of Antique Furniture.  Brass is timeless, especially in a rubbed finish (not the scary shiny finish circa 1992! eek)

 

 

We made the doors so that they will fold completely back to make it easy to access the full length of the shelf without having to contort into an acrobat to make it fit.  We also finished out the interior with maple wood since it is much less expensive than the walnut!  The whole piece has a wax finish to let the natural tone of the wood come through.

Next on the agenda...accessorizing!