Hats Off!

I've done my research on this. I'm talking 24 hours of non-stop Royals. I've watched Fashion Police and taken notes. I am starting to speak in a British accent and even called my little girl, "Poppet". Seriously, I know what I'm talking about. I'm onto something and think it may just be the newest trend in design. Rooms inspired by the outrageous hats worn to Will and Kate's nuptials.

I enlarged this one just in case you couldn't see it.

My  master husband is so hot...

                                

I like the jelly fish on the head wall.

          In the South, we say: Bless her heart. We also think less is more... (sometimes)...

In honor of Birds of a Feather

Oh and here's my favorite... Can't you just hear it: Where are you stylist? Why can't I find you, why have you gone away?...

That's all for now, check back daily for more design trends. 


Cherrio!
~H


credit to: Decorpad

Summertime... and the livin' is easy....

I love a porch... I mean, LOVE a porch! I guess it's deep in my southern roots.  I can remember eating tomato sandwiches on my grandparents front porch overlooking the river. (If you are on the water, the front of your house is what faces the water- This fact offered me much confusion as a child...doesn't take much...)

Anyhoo... You can imagine how excited I was when my friend Jane hired me to paint her porch. She already had vintage gliders covered in orange ticking and a great picnic table. She also had a vision for what she wanted... We decided on a dark grey and cream checker board on the diagonal with a blue stripe around the pattern. It's like a huge outdoor rug....only better (if I do say so myself!)

 I loved how it turned out... the pattern is fun and cheery though very much in keeping with the style of her AMAZING 100 year old home...

I grabbed Hooper and we styled her porch for my portfolio photo shoot. Our kids played in the yard while we worked, Jeff came over and grilled some steaks for us while and Read kept our wine glasses full... what an afternoon... (just kidding about the steak and wine part...really we just worked until it was time for carpool- a lot less exciting...)

playing up the oranges and greens and blues in little details make the outdoor space feel cohesive...just because it's outside doesn't mean you leave out accesories and details...

Speaking of details, the antique mirror Jane hung is a great addition and very unexpected but I really like how it reflects her beautiful yard.

I know Jane and her family use this porch all the time ...wouldn't you? And now that the average temp is in the 70's we are all coming out of hibernation.

Yes, porches in the South are a staple... lazy afternoons, al fresco dining, and no worries...
Wishing you a lazy worry free weekend...
Bye bye birdie,
~A&H

 

You Asked For It...

It's a 2 for 1 special today... you get to check out our own cribs here and one of our latest projects over at House of Turquoise.  

After your requests to see our own homes, we wanted to host our own MTV Cribs (but in our world, MTV=Moms taking valium), so you can see our homes up close and personal. Where we live -- indoors and out. Do not be fooled, our homes always look like this. They stay spotless, our kids are always groomed and mannerly and ... 

The slip covers are simply for the relaxed look, they are not used to cover stains (our kids are trained not to spill stuff and our five year olds still drink out of sippee cups).What,is that weird? 

So you already know that we have different styles. In fact, we don't even need to tell you who lives in each space. We may have very different approaches, but we have one thing in common. We both surround ourselves with things we love and that mean a lot. Ann inherited her dad's childhood desk and the painting above Hooper's mantle is a gift from her husband. Both spaces look layered and collected and we love to include unexpected pieces.

This organic side table has a polished edge (everyone needs a little silicone right?). Hooper likes to mix fabrics and rugs and play with color. She channeled Ann when she bought this rough hewned piece. 

Among Ann's art collection is this bright peacock by her daughter, an obviously budding artist. It's the piece she would grab in a fire (and the artist of course).  

Ok, so we were kidding about the valium (sort of) but we both need spaces where we can unwind at the end of the day. Hooper relaxes with a magazine, here on her porch, and watches the kids play in the yard (meaning: referees twins who chase each other with golf clubs).

Hooper and Read host al fresco dinner parties on the deck (yeah, right). In reality it's PBJ on paper plates for a party of 5.

So, this porch screams Hooper, what do you think Ann's looks like? 

Just as cozy, yet at the opposite end of the spectrum. Ann unwinds in her porch swing with a cup of tea (spiked) and reflects on her day while little ones frolic in the yard (isn't it just the most delightful image)?

Her dog Charlie wanted to be in the shot (so Country Living). 

You see, it is all very glamorous, just like you imagined. We're off to take care of our well-managed households! Stop by anytime (but give us a few hours notice).

Bye bye birdie,

~A&H

P.S. Don't forget to visit House of Turquoise where we are guest blogging while Erin is on her honeymoon. Come on over and see how a real dinner party looks (when it is not held at either one of our houses).

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