UN-Save the Date, NEW DATE

Due to some unforeseen circumstances, we are changing the date of our first ever Birds of a Feather barn sale. Confusing, I know, but mark off March 15 and change the date to Sunday, March 22. Same time and place. 


We have tons of pretty things and may even have some other vendors/bloggers involved. More on that later... In the mean time, don't forget to change the date and we hope to see you there! 


MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
WHEN: Sunday, May 22nd from 3pm-7pm
WHERE: 2 West Charlotte Street, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Get directions here.
WHAT: We will be hosting a "Feather Your Nest" sale where you can pick up accessories, furniture, lighting and more at amazing prices!


So... as you all know, we have very different styles. To show off some of the items that will be in the sale, Ann styled the vignette below. (Can't you tell). Amazing finds.  

Check out the hottest new grain sack pillows  and the leather side chair. Yes, it's leather... just like a saddle. And the lamp... need we say more?

 The accessories are plentiful and range from organic to sleek.

 Speaking of... guess who styled this shot? Yep. Every single piece in this photo will be at the sale too...

 (Hooper has been sneaking many of the accessories into her own house until the big day).

 And Ann, just because you have 4 kids, does not justify carrying this bag around while you "test it out" for our readers. 

Oh yeah, did we mention that there is sooooo much more where this came from? Also, wine, cheese, wine... and really great prices (and wine). We hope you can make it! 

Bye bye birdie,

A&H

Happy Mother's Day....

Mothers Day Breakfast with the family... $60, flip flops from the husband...$45, foam flower sparkle necklace I'll be rockin at church this morning...priceless.

Wishing you a day where no one argues over where they sit in the car, no one has a melt down over the size of their cookie in comparison to their siblings, no one gets so tired they cry for no reason, and no one pukes, poops or hands you food they have already chewed but now don't want...

Happy Mother's Day!

Bye, bye birdie,

~A&H

Before and After (not in that order)

Let me start by saying that this is the "After". I learned two valuable blog lessons with another recent post. If you post the before picture first, two things happen:

1. Readers think you designed "before" room and you have absolutely no talent or eye for anything pretty so they don't read post. 

  2. My husband, who doesn't actually read our blog (but pretends to), will call and say: Hmmmm. Nice room, doesn't really look like your style. I say: That is the before picture dummy. 

And it's downhill from there. 

 So, that being said. This is the after...

Now, how did we get here? Let's go backwards. Sometimes it is hard to comment on "before" pictures because I don't want to offend my clients who may like parts of their old room.  However, I feel sure that this client won't be hurt when I tell you this dark room needed major help. My client and her very cute family of four, spend most of their time in this room (it makes me depressed just looking at it). She called me for a facelift (and we're not just talking Botox), we are talking overhaul.

    The seating arrangement just wasn't conducive to conversation (or reading, or TV watching).

 I love exposed beams, but these beams when they run  into the dark fireplace make the ceiling feel lower than it actually is.  

So, here's how it went down. I got a call on Easter night from my seamstress that my slip covers were ready. That means, I had big plans for my Monday. I don't mess around, so I get twins ready for school bright and early so I can hit the ground running. We get to school, only to find out that they don't have school. Great. Haul twins to Homegoods for necessities so I can surprise client with install. Do not realize that client is entertaining a zillion 3 year olds at home for girl's (in pink) birthday party. Show up with slip covers, lamps, accessories galore to surprise client. Never a good idea. Fortunately, party was wrapping up and husband was back to work (considering this was really going to be a surprise to him).  So here's how it turned out...

I found this vintage bamboo chandelier in the wrong color. It will brighten up her adjoining breakfast room, once finished.

I offered to paint it, but my client broke child labor laws and took care of it herself. Don't you love the color? What you think? I'd love to hear from you so leave me a comment! 

Bye bye birdie,

~H

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