Bent on Burl Wood

Did you know burl wood is an abnormal growth found on a tree that has typically experienced some sort of stress - like insect or fungal infestation?  Rather nice material for being an unwanted arboreal house guest, wouldn't you say?

I've been eyeing this particular desk/vanity/console made of burl wood and lucite for some time.

 

 

 Source: myinteriorlife.blogspot.com via Alison on PinterestO

I've also been wondering how it, or a clever knock-off, could make an appearance in my casa.  In a DIY mind-set, I came across these options:

Contact Paper via Ebay (could work, or could be very, very B.A.D.)

Veneer sheets via Ebay - Gets the award for best looking, but also requires more of an investment...oh, and serious application skilz.

 

...and faux wood wallpaper via here. Possibly the happy medium.

I'm sounding crazy, but the call of the Burl is getting stronger!

Sunday Foodie over at MLHPlate

Wondering what in the world to whip up this Sunday?  Check out my food blog for a quick recipe based on my latest food obsession.

Highlighting Interior Photography

As I'm gradually accomplishing projects around my house, and planning to put together a portfolio of my interior styling work, I'm focusing more and more on what it takes to present a room amazingly.  A professionally photographed space can take a less-than-extraordinary room, and with incredible angles and lighting, make it look straight out of a design glossy.  A poorly-lit and photographed room, however inspiring it may be, will never earn its true merits.

I came across the work of Ashlee Raubach, who's photographs of interiors capture light and essence perfectly, creating a sense not only of a beautiful space, but of actually wanting to be a part of them. 

Talk about inspiring!

 

 

 

Ready to BOO! *with cupcake update*

We're just about ready to roll with tonight's festivities.  All my girls have their costumes...

Been doing a lot of this...

...and this

...and still need to attempt this...

Source: tumblr.com via Alison on Pinterest

I'm not the best baker, so wish me luck, and have a safe and Happy Halloween!

*UPDATE*  OK, Done.  Sometimes, I surprise myself....

Feeling confident now...onto these...

Source: notquitenigella.com via Alison on Pinterest

Hacked by Hague

Well, it only took me about a month, but I can finally say I'm finito with the hack of my old, Ikea media cabinet.  Thanks to the generosity of Kathy from My Interior Life, who sent me a color-match of Hague Blue,  I was able to have my own Brazilian version made.  The paint mixer here was so "impressed" with my obsession dedication to having it just right that he renamed my custom color "Azul Americana." I'll take that as a compliment. ;)

I also subbed in the same gorgeous, brass pulls we used on my sister's hack.  They play very well with Hague.

The space above the odd-height cabinet will be earning some new artwork from Miss Jenny. 

 

Loving that reflective finish SO. MUCH.

...and since we're starting Halloween weekend, I'll go ahead and show you the Before again - it's kinda SKEEEERY!

Have a Spooktacular weekend, Peeps!

Market Picks

Were any of you at High Point Market this week?

Yeah, me neither.

Something about living in Brazil...

It doesn't matter, though, because a handful of other bloggers and designers got their Instamatic on, and gave us all a glimpse of what we can plan to see in the coming months in terms of furniture, and accessories.

There were some fresh things I was happy to see on the horizon, but a bit surprised that some trends (framed coral?  rustic/industrial?) still seem to be having some time in the limelight.

Here's my pics among the iPhone images,  remember, "Going to Market" is about inspiration...

A tufted, tangerine leather sofa.  Crazy love.

Source: dcbydesignblog.com via Noir on Pinterest

Punch-colored throws over masculine chairs.  Divine.

Source: houzz.com via Susie on Pinterest

Mary Macdonald's line for Robert Abbey lamps - I'd use a pair with a more curvy, traditional console.

Source: Uploaded by user via High Point on Pinterest

I sort of sit and stare at this desk.  One of the few glimpses of chrome I saw in a sea of brass and gold.

Source: Uploaded by user via High Point on Pinterest

Can you tell I'm drawn to accessories with graphic statements these days?  Ottoman by Barclay Butera.

Source: Uploaded by user via High Point on Pinterest

The peacock-blue velvet of the sofa won my heart, but I'm also crazy about the somewhat manly take on the tufts.

Source: mimiandmegblog.com via Dana on Pinterest

Clearly, hides (and even more now) skins are having a moment.  Get thee some.

Source: Uploaded by user via High Point on Pinterest

Awhile back, I snatched up a malachite box and lighter for a song.  I doubt the going rate on this amazing tray is quite so kind, but if I were designing your room, you can bet I'd be trying to talk you into it.

Source: Uploaded by user via High Point on Pinterest

...and finally, for all of you who loved and commented on the light fixture in this post, here ya go:  The Meri Drum for Oly Studio

Source: Uploaded by user via High Point on Pinterest

Living Vicariously: The New Furbish Store

It's pretty amazing when the opening of someone else's boutique gives you heart palpitations.  But that's exactly what I'm experiencing after seeing Honey + Fitz's pics from the new Furbish store in Raleigh, NC - the brainchild of decorative artist extraordinaire, Jamie Meares.

I'm more than delighted to live vicariously for a few moments as I virtually go through the store and pick out what I'd take home.  Although, it'd probably be easier to select items I wouldn't want to buy.

The entrance:  the yum factor is just getting started.

A bubblegum sofa. "Oh, I couldn't."  Um, oh, YES I could!

One of my favorite vignettes:  layering art upon large, graphically-enhanced walls.  Brilliant.

Evidence that I need a bit more animal in my life:  leopard bowls...

...and cheetah rugs

Headboard: to die for.  Ms. Meare's ability to layer and mix patterns: OFF the charts.

I'm working with someone who's guest bath is screaming for one of these custom, ikat shower curtains.

If you're into subdued/neutral and subtle.  I dare say Furbish is not your place, but everyone's space needs a jolt of some sort.

I'm due a mommy getaway trip, and I'm seriously considering a mecca-like pilgrimage from Brazil to Raleigh.   Anyone wanna meet me there?

*All pics courtesy of Dina of Honey + Fitz *used with permission*