OUT with the OLD and in with the NEW!

A friend asked me to help her update her living space. It just isn't her thing and with two growing boys, she just hasn't had time. Her very comfy post college sofas were doing the trick, but since we are (waaaayyyy) past the post college years, it was time for a new look (here it is).

 

Here's what we started with. 

Great bones, beautiful built-ins and a large fireplace made for simple adjustments. 

                     Out with the old...

And in with the NEW! 

        New sofa, flanked by family heirloom side tables...

Custom drapes soften the room and add privacy (when needed)

The oversized floral chair was replaced by something more modern and masculine. 

 Now, this was the find of the year. This ottoman was found on Craig's List for $25. Yes, I said, twenty-five bucks. I hate to give away all of my secrets, but this one was just too good to keep. It was in great condition and was reupholstered in a more current floral, a Kravet fabric.

     The burlap pillow makes this love seat a little less serious. 

Some finishing touches and there you go, Goodbye college, Hello, we're grown ups!

What do you think? 

You know I love a makeover and would love to hear your thoughts. 




                      Bye bye birdie,
                      ~H

                        

Second Circa Who-neymoon

Ahhhh, Circa Who, it's like a honeymoon all wrapped up in a bright yellow building. Can't you just feel the love?

Some of you may recall that Read and I are about to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Some very dear friends offered us their condo in South Beach (which I have learned is approximately 81 miles from Circa Who). Don't tell Read, but we may just have to lunch in  West Palm one day. I promise I don't have any ulterior motives. What better way to show someone you love them than by taking them antiquing. Surely, he knew this when he married me. Check out some of the pieces,  I We want to see in person...

Are there any other stops I  We need to make? We are headed to South Beach and then driving down to the Keys. Send me your favorite spots and I'll be sure to drag um, treat my hubby to some antiquing.


Bye bye birdie,
H

Credit to: Circa Who

Happy Easter!

I just couldn't resist sharing this picture of Hutson with you. We took a recent visit to a local farm and he just wouldn't put this little lamb down. It just makes me smile. 

Have a very Happy Easter!


Bye bye birdie,
A&H

This one's for you K !

So our cute friend from high school, K. moved to Ca. and married J. About 3 months ago she sent us the sweetest email telling us she liked our blog.( your blog is kick a$$ is a direct quote- thank you K , we try) Anyway she also said they were moving back to N.C. in a year and had already bought a house. We have seen no pictures but do know it is mid century modern and K is super excited about it. Who wouldn't be? I love the style, the influences and the opportunity to give you a quick history lesson. Sorry-can't...hold...back...nerd...side...any...longer...

Sooo...here goes... First I'm gonna pretend K & J scored a little number like this one...

The mid-century modern movement took place in design between 1933- 1965. Furniture and architecture took on simplistic lines and organic shapes. Windows became bigger, natural light was important in homes and living spaces began to flow. So, how would one (K&J) design the interior of a home like this to be current and functional for 2011?  I would take cues from the Hollywood regency style that began during the mid-century modern movement. What is Hollywood regency? Soooo glad you asked.... In simple terms take those clean lines and organic shapes and add a little bling! mirror, shiny metals and ornate details...

Here's a little mock up space that would blend mid- century, glam, current and function...

It would not be mid- century without an arm lamp... a simple sofa with a hint of traditional mixes things up but works because of the harvest gold color...

you don't need much pattern....

a sisal rug layers on the texture and a wood side table stays organic...

 shiny chrome and hide... hello, is it me you're looking for... tell me how to win your heart...

simple lines, ornate detail (faux bamboo SCREAMS Hollywood regency)

a little side table bling between the hide chairs & some geometric wallpaper (print on grasscloth)....

a patterned lamp on the credenza with some Jasper Johns on the wall....

Isn't this the most beautiful credenza ever...

Top it all off with...I know, I know...something sputnik is so expected but why not? It's pretty great and there are not a lot of places you could put this bad boy so I say Go For It!!!!

So K & J, I had fun pretending your house was mine... Enjoy your new home, send us pics. (I'm sure it will be AMAZING) and welcome back to N.C.

Bye, bye birdie,

~A

Credit to: wikepedia, ehow, shades of light, art.com, Philip Jeffries, CB2, West Elm, Overstocks, Crate and Barrel, Circa Who, Trina Turk

Happy Birthday Graham!

Today is my little girl's (um, not so little anymore) birthday. Happy Birthday Graham! She is 8. Which means, I am eight years older than I was when I had her (and was, then, young). Enough math. In honor of her birthday, Ann and I decided to take a last minute trip to Bald Head Island to celebrate. 

Here I am with Flanner on the ferry ride over.  I am blogging, er um, taking pictures of the lovely scenery. Really,  I am.

 So everyone was really excited about the trip, except for Molly, who evidently thinks we are the biggest losers on the planet. No idea why. 

So we squeeze them all into a tiny house (great find, BTW), very affordable and perfect, yet tiny enough that I suddenly feel like the old lady in the shoe. We set out to explore the island (ie: buy enough wine to calm nerves from day trip with 6 pint size Spring Breakers). 

And decide we are on Spring Break ourselves... Flash back. 

(Attn: DFS and BHI Police, not drinking and driving golf carts, just prepared for when we get home).  

Ahhh, the sign of a fun day. Kids pass out and we are wondering/hoping our husbands will show up soon.


Graham, I hope you have a wonderful birthday!
Bye bye birdie,
~H

Sunny Rooms

This week is Spring Break at our house and it has gotten me thinking about how inspiring a bright sun room can be. It's the perfect spot to let Spring flood in and spend the lazy days of summer. Check out some of my favorite sun porches and a couple of my own.

I love that this room literally brings the outdoors in.

The glass gives this room the illusion that it is actually outside.

I love the exposed shingles in this lovely room and all of the soft colors.

Casual and relaxing. I could nap on that day bed.

Great for entertaining (lots of people)

I love the sophistication of this room. The red packs a lot of punch. If you had the space, and tons of sunlight, what would you do? Happy Spring!

Bye bye birdie,
~H

credit to: Apartment Therapy, Decor Pad, Polyvore, Remodelista, Cococozy: Kelley Interior Design