Oh So Busy

Dear Blog...I am so sorry for neglecting you. Please forgive me and help me redeem myself with a new, interesting post.

Despite the economy, the last few weeks have been busier for me than the past year combined and I am thankful! I am very excited about the loft space in Birmingham that I will be furnishings next month and even more excited about the clubhouse in Chattanooga that I am working on from the ground up.

Some of my favorite inspiration pieces are below. I will be including them in my new spaces!

Oysters, Anyone?

For about the last 4 years, I have been admiring these two plates proped on the mantel at a friend's house, all shiney, in shades of pink and white and blue. Every time I visit her, I just have to give them a stare (as if I'm window shopping or something) because they are gorgeous! Turns out they are reproduction oyster plates - a gift from a friend - from a well known home accessories line. Well, I'm not a big fan of oysters and I wasn't much of an antique shopper back then so I didn't even know there were special plates for oysters! Now that I'm older and wiser (ha!) I am well aware of these treasures and I love them. Only thing is, when you find the real deal...they are pricey!

So, although the month of July isn't a month with an "r" in it (for those of you who may not know, that is how you determine the best time to eat oysters), I am dedicating this post to some of the most beautiful oyster plates I've come across online. Note that I only browse online because there is no way I could ever shell out $1500 for a plate! I'll just admire from a distance...

What an Amazing Bath!

Duravit's Starck X tub with stones retails for about $4800

There are so many elements of design in a home and more and more we see even the most common elements turned into an architectural feature. Below are some of the most fabulous and unique bathtubs on the market that would truly make your bath a work of art. I was inspired by someone special to research these objects of relaxation and I am smitten with a few in particular. I thought I would share so you can obsess over one or two as well...

Novellini's Cristalli Bathtub - solid glass. Yours for around $13,000.



Looks like concrete. Feels like concrete (well, actually it feels more like wood) but this tub is made of Syndecrete, a natural cement-based material that is lighter but stronger than concrete.

Archeo is a copper, free standing tub by Kallista and a splurge at $67,550.

This unique tub, designed to look like a piece of furniture, is by ArtQuitect. No word on pricing!

Classic free-standing tub for two by Dream Bath International. $2600

Yes to Yellow in 2009

Someone recently asked me what colors were "in" right now and if you pay close attention, it is obviously yellow. I see it here and there and have grown to love it, although as a child it was always my least favorite crayon.

If you need proof, Pantone has announced it's color of the year for 2009 - Mimosa. It is a vibrant, warm yellow and they state "In a time of economic uncertainty and political change, optimism is paramount and no other color expresses hope and reassurance more than yellow."

Here are a few photos to inspire you to bring a little sunshine into your home.

The New Antiques

This past weekend I made my first trip to the Scott's Antique Market in Atlanta. How have I lived here for 2 years without experiencing this?? My good friend McCall taught me the ropes and introduced me to some very interesting people...including the delicious Turkish hottie who sells a fabulous lighting line! I must say, I have a new appreciation for antiques. Because of my obsession with greys, whites and all the washes in between I came across so many pieces I thought I had to have! Luckily, I had much self control but I am posting some examples of the latest in antiques. Girls, forget the cans of white spray paint....Grey has stepped up. Don't you love it?

This is not an antique, however it is at your fingertips on homedecorators.com for only $199!

Can your favorite color really be white?...

I remember when someone asked me not too long ago what my favorite color was and I wanted to say...white, for sure! But I gave a little disclaimer first because I thought most people would think that was impossible...and that white isn't really a color. But the more work I do and the more recommendations I make, it is a fact that you can't go wrong with white! Whether its a sofa, a rug, a lamp, or all three, they will make a beautiful statement if white. I tell myself everytime I go shopping that I can not buy more cothes that are solid white, black or gray. My closet looks like a dark, cloudy sky but I love those colors. And the photos below are more proof that white is better than red or purple or brown. And black walls...how fabulous they are still!...especially with these pieces.

Black Walls = Chic

Something I have ALWAYS wanted to do is paint a room of my house black. Yes, black. I.Would.Love It! And I thought of this years ago before it became so cool in the high-end design world (at least I like to think I was ahead of the game on this one).

So...here are a few photos to prove that black walls can be fabulous and chic, not gothic and strange! What do you think??

Also, I have to share my latest obsession....my new bedroom lamps. I absolutely adore them. And wouldn't these be AWESOME in a black room?? The answer?...most def.