Change of Heart?

It is hard for me to get away from white bedding but this bed could change my tune...This picture is from the same article, I included it because the side chairs are in one of my favorite Schumacher fabrics...be looking for it in the future...
Images Kelly Keiser Better Homes and Gardens.

Morning Snack

Maybe this wall could keep my brain a little less scattered....Image This Old House Magazine

Updating the Bar Area

We have this great area in our home between the dining room and kitchen that is perfect for entertaining- equipped with a sink and wine fridge.  It’s where Jimmy makes his famous margaritas!!  It’s also where our china, wine and champagne glasses are stored, along with serving platters/trays, table cloths, placemats, napkins, napkin rings, various vases, vase fillers, and candles.  When we designed our home, I knew we needed extra storage in a central location for those types of things that were previously stored in various places around our townhouse.  I’m so thankful for this space! Makes an organization nut like me very happy!

  

(we’re still working on our wine collection- pitiful empty wine rack!)

So, although the space is very functional, I wanted to liven it up a little, and figured a mirrored backsplash would be perfect.  I tried looking around for a mirror or two that I could purchase but the space is just too long and skinny.  I called a couple local hardware stores, but they didn’t cut mirrors.

Then I remembered the awesome company that I ordered all the custom mirrors for the house from before we moved in, Cut Rite Glass, a husband and wife owned and operated company in Houston.  I called Cheryl and explained what I wanted and she sent they guys out to measure the space to get a perfect measurement.  About a week later, they came back and installed the mirror:) 

 

To make a long, boring story short, we moved the far left outlet up under the cabinet (cost $45 for the electrician to come out and do that) and had a hole cut for the far right outlet and a mirrored plate added.  (I had the hole cut in the mirror before I knew that outlets could be moved fairly easily and cheaply- otherwise I would have moved both!)

 

The cost of the mirror and installation (with the outlet cut and mirrored plate) was $216.  It would’ve been about $170 if they didn’t have to make the cut for the outlet and provide the plate.  Also, a beveled mirror would’ve been about twice as expensive.

I love how the mirror reflects the curved staircase from this angle!

Then we played dress-up . . .

When the guys were over measuring the area, they admired my mirrored tray ($40 at Target) and couldn’t believe how inexpensive it was- they said for them to custom make it would cost about $400 (because of all the small, beveled pieces)!

 

And what I’ve learned over the last two weeks is that outlets and thermostats can be moved people!  We’re still waiting for the replacement wireless thermostat, but I can’t wait to get it off of my art wall:)

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I’m sharing this post with Sarah

Spring Purchase

My friend Samantha had these on the other week and I immediately knew I "needed" them. So this weekend I made my first(ish) Spring purchase...They are comfortable and I believe money well spent. Plus, with every purchase Toms donates a new pair of shoes to a child in need.

Available here: Toms Kenya Stripe

Houston Bloggers

Last week I announced that we were planning a little get together for Houston bloggers and I’m so excited to hear that some new friends are planning to come!

For those of you going, or even if you're not, I thought it would be great to get acquainted with each other before the meet up.  Here’s the line-up so far:)

Amy’s blog is currently inactive.

    

If you are interested in meeting up in Houston on Saturday, April 30, please email me:

honeywerehomeblog@gmail.com

C-C-Changes In The Office

For the past few years I have run Marianne Strong Interiors out of our house. It has been a love/hate relationship. In some ways it is great to work from home. I know Harry (dog) approves. In other ways it is really hard- loss of a room in the house and never escaping work completely. As business grew I definitely outgrew the space, the temporary fix has been my "second office" also known as storage unit for samples, furniture, etc. Until now. I have been looking for space on and off for a while now but when you are busy the task easily moves to the back burner. However, the arrival of new family member on the horizon means it is time to step up the search. I will keep you in the loop, I have not found space yet, but when I do here are some images serving as inspiration...Of course I will need a big inspiration board. By no means a new or novel idea but I use mine all the time.
Maybe a whole wall? More is more right? I told Harry if I moved out his mug would be prominent above my desk, he doesn't seem to think that is a good deal in the least.
I put this picture in because I like it visually. I can tell you honestly that my office has never looked this organized a day in its life.
The decorator who I started with always had white offices, I really do think this is the way to go for a work office in this field. I need some color though so that is why this picture is here, to show that a little can go a long way...
How to organize the fabric swatches...that is the question isn't it? I find when I meet other decorators/designers this topic always comes up and no one has found a perfect way yet...
Yes, yes, yes....
Natural light is a must (and apparently hard to find in my budget range). Something like this what I am talking about; I will bet you a million dollars though this in not what I will find. Any takers? Anyone? I could use some extra moolah these days!
One of the best examples of what I have in mind is Suzanne Kasler's Atlanta offices. I am dying for a tour...
More to come as the search continues...

Images 1-5 Elle Decor, 6 & 7 House Beautiful, 8 Metropolitan Home, 9 & 10 Altanta Homes & Lifestyles