Monday, March 30, 2009

It's a Dog's Blog's Life

Yesterday when we were out-and-about, we drove up alongside this...I'm so impressed Ben was able to snag this shot in a moving vehicle - with a point-and-shoot no less! I doubt I would've been able to do it with my fancy-schmancy DSLR! I think it gives me a photography complex ;)

Speaking of complexes....You know, I visit a lot of blogs - many of which I consider to be top-tier design blogs, written by professional Interior Designers. Most indulge me with inspiring and beautiful images, but the best design blogs also offer a glimpse into the creative mind of an interior artist - and are happy to share the process.
I'm a serial-commenter, so I'm always grateful to bloggers who respond politely to comments I leave by taking a moment to hop over to MLHP and give me a quick hello. Some have even been gracious enough to answer my design and career-related questions. {thank you, Joni & Rebecca}
You can tell a lot about a person by their virtual manners - there are those who are
truly humble and kind despite being oh-so-busy & talented, and those to whom I (little 'ol design-loving, blogger-Mom ex-patted to Brazil) am just far too low on the food chain...

O-Kaaaay...'nuf of my sniveling - let's talk weekend, shall we? What were ya'll up to? This was the first weekend we've had together, as a family, in weeks. Ben travels a lot for work, so it's always a special treat to have weekend time home to be lazy lizards, or busy bees! I can't say we were of the Bee sort, but we did do some furniture rearranging - so I consider it a productive weekend!

I've been bugged by the furniture arrangement in our big living room - just too many pieces placed on the diagonal, and not enough symmetry. (Sorry about the poor image quality)
It was starting to make me go cross-eyed! So, time for some editing...

First things first...remove (let's face it) the ugly, leather slipper chair.

I bought this chair when we were furnishing our home in NC - it was a quick-fix buy, nothing I was ever all that jazzed about - you've had some of those purchases, right? Anyway....the chair sort of blocked a walkway - so it got stashed in the office until I can (hopefully) sell it...

Next...in from the covered porch came my (as yet un-finished) but still beloved Chinese Chippendales... We placed them opposite the TV cabinet. The painting was Ben's Valentine's gift to me this year - that's a story for another post!
FYI - Yes, I'm trying to choose paint/fabric for these chairs - I'll keep ya posted!

So, this was the finished product...
Can you tell what we did? Yes, I still have two chairs on the diagonal, but moving the ottoman to make it parallel with the sofa, and putting the Chippendales side-by-side created a much more visually-pleasing arrangement. The room feels sooooo much more aligned and organized - I swear I can think more clearly now!
I've got some other ideas brewing for this room....maybe we'll dish on that on Friday. What did ya'll do this weekend? Any good projects? Either way, hope it was restful and restorative!

11 comments:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I love the Chippendale's, they are just gorgeous. I do agree with you that I like the room better with the new arrangement. I not good at a lot of diagonals either. I can't wait to see what you do with the chairs. Since you have the zebra chair and it's such a great accent piece, I think I would paint them black, besides I just think that's so classic for a chippendale. Maybe a pop of red from the rug for fabric just something not too bright. You asked about project, I just finished drapes and rearranged the familyroom, so this weekend I just rested. I'm glad you had a great one. Hugs, Marty

Anonymous said...

Those chairs are gorgeous my heart literally stopped for a second.

and that Pup is ridiculous! I love it!

Anonymous said...

The chippendale's look great there! Now, you just need a little table between them. Maybe a cute garden stool!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

That looks so great! Those chairs are fabulous. I think you got it right this time. Enjoyed your remarks about polite bloggers. You are so right. I'm amazed and humbled when a blogger, who has a design career and a beautiful blog, leaves me a message. laurie

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Forgot to tell you that I LOVE the picture of the dog in the car. laurie

Lindsey E. said...

Lovin it!! I promise to get my room re-do pics to you soon...it's been one of those months. However, bug Jennie if you can. She's planning to send you her bathroom design dilemma! Hope all is well...

Maureen Stevens said...

the dog pic is so adorable! btw, a Texan in Brazil? How exciting! Love the chippendales,too btw.:)

Victoria said...

I really love your rug! However, I am a very poor college student at the moment, but do you know of any inexpensive places to find one that is similar?

Keep blogging! I love to see your exciting life, and lovely design ideas.

alison giese Interiors said...

Victoria - How can I email you? I couldn't figure it out on Sense or Sensibility (yes, I'm obviously a loser!) BTW your blog is killer! I love your writing style, and feel a bit more hip just from reading your posts!

Maureen Stevens said...

Hello Alison!

You are way too sweet. Thanks for adding me in ur blogroll, I'm adding u as well. UT grad, that's amazing! My fiancee is so in love with Austin (he's from Beaumont & I'm from the Philippines) & when I saw the town a few years back, I fell in love with it, too. It's urban & hip without being snotty & u get the best of everything, nature, art,music! Give us updates on ur wonderful abode in Brazil. I'll be decorating the condo soon...I can't wait:) Stop by anytime at my blog....

Btw, tried e-mailing u but it's not working...

High-Heeled Foot in the door said...

First off that dog is too cute. I love that it's wearing some shades. Now on to the living room. I love the quick change you did. I'm constantly moving things around in my home. I love those chippendale chairs. Can't wait to see what fabric you pick.