get organized and get cooking

Posted on 24 January 2012 | 4 responses

Does putting away holiday decor always spur a bout of home organization for you? It inevitably does for me, just something about feeling cleaned up and squared away for the new year. This year, it was my kitchen that needed the overhaul–and the fact that I had ended 2011 with a photo shoot in one of the most organized kitchens I’ve ever seen gets part of the credit for launching my clean up.

Open spaces, ample storage, large windows…can’t you just envision what a dream this would be to cook in?

Yes, I could saute at the stove while the hubby makes a salad at the island and one of the kids gets out the dinnerware, all without bumping into each other!

And if you think it looks good on the surface, just look inside those cabinets! Designer Andi Stephens of Kitchen Distributors gets the kudos for designing this Fayetteville kitchen where there’s truly a space for everything…

(all photography by Rett Peek)

Guess you can see why my cupboards and cabinets needed a little tidying after working in this setting all day. Take a look at the rest of this great space here. See any ideas that will inspire your own kitchen cleanup?

 

 

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giveaway! signed copy of kathryn greeley’s new book, “the collected tabletop”

Posted on 23 January 2012 | 30 responses

On Saturday, At Home had the delightful privilege of spending the day antiquing with designer/author Kathryn Greeley, visiting Arkansas from North Carolina to celebrate her new book, “The Collected Tabletop.” Along with Tobi Fairley, and other design enthusiasts including Dinah Sullivan of Cobblestone & Vine, we visited Morris Antiques in Keo, stopped for lunch at Charlotte’s Eats & Sweets, shopped some more at I-40 Antiques in Morrilton, and then headed to Cobblestone & Vine for Kathryn’s book signing.

And guess what? Kathryn signed a copy of her book for one lucky At Home reader! To enter, simply leave a comment on this blog post. We’ll choose a winner at random at noon on Monday, January 30. Bonne chance!

PS- Read on for a behind-the-scenes look at our antiquing trip with Kathryn.

Our first stop was Morris Antiques in Keo, where Kathryn delighted the crowd with a presentation on setting the table (her specialty!). She arrived early to pull together tabletop options, mixing items from Morris with colorful fabrics for a fresh appeal no matter what your age.

Kathryn, an avid collector of flow blue china, suggested pairing it with this fabric. Great combo, no?

We all really loved this vignette. The amethyst color on the glasses and china, which Kathryn pulled from the Morris showrooms, paired with the green in the fabrics caught everyone’s eye and brings the antique china into 2012.

After Morris, Charlotte’s Eats & Sweets was on the itinerary. Everyone, including Kathryn, Tobi and Tobi’s lovely mom, Beverly Wells, shared desserts.

The tin ceiling is original to the historic building, which was formerly a soda fountain and drug store.

But the star of the show was the coconut pie! It was selected as one of the top pies in the South by Southern Living magazine…

Of course, we had to try the others too. We don’t discriminate when it comes to dessert. Not pictured is the caramel pie, which had us all in fits it was so good.

The apple and chocolate pies were de-lic-ious. (On a side note, Charlotte’s is the first restaurant we’ve ever been to that served dessert first!)

After Charlotte’s, we hit the road for I-40 Antiques, where Kathryn spotted a great pair of chairs and worked her magic with some fabric suggestions. She loved this pattern from Tobi Fairley Home, and suggested painting the wood white for an easy update.

Kathryn adored this basket, and quickly discovered it can double as a hat! She’s a trend setter, if we ever saw one.

Back at Cobblestone & Vine, Kathryn signed books for her admirers, and launched her line of stationery produced by San Lori Designs.

Thanks for tagging along! Be sure to leave a comment for your chance to win a signed copy of Kathryn’s book. Plus, read more about Kathryn on her web site… she’s as gracious as they come. We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her and promise you will too.

friday favorites: breakfast rooms, backsplashes, artful collaborations

Posted on 20 January 2012 | 1 response

From editor in chief Diane Carroll: “Absolutely gorgeous! I’d be at home in any room in this house. Especially love that black and white breakfast room–so striking” (Dream home: Because it’s awesome” from La Dolce Vita)

From associate editor/online editor Paulette Pearson: “Little nesting tables are so pretty and functional… I’m partial to the glam gilded ones.” (“Nesting tables” from Bear-Hill Interiors)

From assistant art director/special projects editor Laura LaRue: “This picture makes me want to leave work right this second and tear up my kitchen and start renovating! It’s such a beautiful space!” (“Dear backsplash…” from Haven & Home)

From art director Mandy Keener: “WOW! Not sure if i like the furniture or the father/son collaboration more.” (“Lucas Maassen & Sons” from Miss Moss)

color confidential with tobi fairley: decorating with pink

Posted on 19 January 2012 | 10 responses

Tobi Fairley is back with the first 2012 installment of Color Confidential! Today, she takes a cue from a Bentonville reader, and fills you in on decorating with the girliest of colors: pink! Read on to see how to incorporate it into your home, without going over the top.

Q:

Dear Tobi,

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it seems that everywhere I look I see pink – and I love it! Do you have any suggestions for using pink in my home without going too over the top? Thanks!

Kathy, Bentonville

 

A:

Hi Kathy,

Thanks for writing in to Color Confidential! I, too, love pink and try to incorporate it in my projects whenever possible. A girl’s room, whether she’s a newborn or a teen, is one of my favorite places to bring in this color. By using it sparingly in patterns and on solid accessories, you can create a fun feel that’s anything but over the top.

Here’s a project that was recently featured in At Home in Arkansas, where we grounded the different shades of pink with a range of neutrals including white, cream, and chocolate. Solid traditional wood floors, as well as neutrals for both the furniture and bedding, gave us plenty of room to add touches of pink in other places, including the wallpaper, drapery panels, rug and lamps.

If you want to use a bold color on a larger piece, such as this built-in seating area, consider a neutral framework or wall color. The wood base and cream-colored storage bins used here help to keep the bright pink cushions from becoming overpowering.

Girls’ rooms aren’t the only place you can use pops of pink.

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The white walls and sofa are the perfect backdrop to bring in this bold shade.

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If you already have a lot of patterns and textures in a space, consider adding one single piece, like this low sofa, to create a bright focal point.

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If softer pinks are more your style, gray can be a great pairing. The drapery panels here really lighten this space and give it an elegant feel.

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Finally, if you’ve experimented and you’re ready to go all in, paint your walls in your favorite shade of pink and accessorize with black and white and maybe a pop of something sassy like chartreuse!

Here are a few of my favorite pinks and some great neutral pairings for any space.

Mix it up with a navy and creamy white.

Sherwin-Williams, Amaryllis SW6591

Sherwin-Williams, Regatta SW6517

Sherwin-Williams, Summer White SW7557

 

Go for a lighter, more airy feel with a softer shade of pink and gray.

Sherwin-Williams, Priscilla SW6575

Sherwin-Williams, Mink SW6004

Sherwin-Williams, Ibis White SW7000

 

Go all out and mix two shades of pink with a light neutral.

Sherwin-Williams, Bella Pink SW6596

Sherwin-Williams, Haute Pink SW6570

Sherwin-Williams, Crème SW7556

 

Follow my “In the Pink” board on Pinterest to see more of my favorite ways to incorporate pink in to your home.

I hope you find the perfect pink for you!

 

Happy Decorating!

Tobi

resolved to go bold with decor in 2012

Posted on 17 January 2012 | 3 responses

Going bold in home design is an admirable 2012 resolution for someone accustomed to neutral interiors, but Cece Fourchy of Mississippi Maven is taking on the challenge! Considering her round-up of color saturated rooms, we say she’s got a bright future ahead of her.

January is all about resolutions. While everyone else is promising themselves to work out more, eat less and spend less, all I’m thinking about is decorating (are you surprised?). In 2012 I’m resolving to go bold with décor. Don’t get me wrong—I love my neutral boudoir, my creamy sofa, my subdued powder room. But this year, I’m going to throw some serious color in the mix. A turquoise screen? Sure! A purple breakfast nook? Why not?! This month’s issue of At Home in Arkansas is about “A Fresh Start” and what better way to freshen things up than a bright coat of paint or a fabulous fabric? I understand it may be hard to envision glowing greens and striking reds on a gloomy January day, so here are some photos to get you inspired. Enjoy!

Katie Ridder knows what I’m talking about: that green! Those flowers! I’m absolutely in love with this powder room.

When Lonny featured the home of Ruthie Sommers a few months ago, I couldn’t have been happier. So much inspiration for my bold resolution! Her cozy library has saturated red walls and fun colorful furniture.

I can’t get enough of this scene from ELLE Décor. An easy way to give any room a dose of color, the turquoise lacquer screen is a show-stopper.

Leave it to David Hicks to make a pink canopy bed ultra-sophisticated. And those chartreuse chairs? I’ll take two, please.

Kathryn Ireland gives this bathroom a vibrant look with red toile wallpaper and a fresh coat of paint on the tub. The rubber duck is clearly a must.

How could I talk about bold colors in 2012 without mentioning Tangerine Tango? In tune with Pantone’s color selection, Aerin Lauder’s living room is tres chic with orange walls and a leopard print sofa.

I’ve not always been a huge fan of purple, but this fabulous dining nook from House Beautiful has me convinced. Wouldn’t you love to have French pressed coffee and a croissant in here every morning?

 

What are your decorating resolutions for 2012??

quoting interior designer katie ridder

Posted on 16 January 2012 | 1 response

Images/quote via Elle Decor and Katie Ridder

friday favorites: duchess in lace, secret storage box diy, bar carts

Posted on 13 January 2012 | 2 responses

From assistant art director/special projects editor Laura LaRue: “Love the style of these chairs, but especially these bold colors. I am putting those orange and red ones on my wish list for 2012!” (“2012′s big decorating trends” from Paul Michael Company)

From editor in chief Diane Carroll: “Love Kate’s dress, and always love the look of lace thoughtfully (not too fussy) added into a home. But what really caught my eye? Prince William and that umbrella…I swear I had the same one in the 1970s and felt very hip carrying it to school!” (“Happy birthday, Duchess” from Beth Davis Interiors)

From art director Mandy Keener: “Adding this to my project list. Smart idea that takes care of the three problems I have when styling my own home: 1. How to display art. 2. Hide clutter. 3. Maximize the space on my bookshelves! (“DIY: Artwork and secret storage box” from Design*Sponge)

From associate editor/online editor Paulette Pearson: “It’s no secret I have a slight obsession with bar carts… and I’m not even much of a drinker! I’d love to have one in my home, if not for serving drinks then for holding or organizing accessories or books.” (“Friday favorites: Bars” from Bear-Hill Interiors)

From marketing coordinator Rhonda Davis: “Such a beautiful kitchen. The layout and colors are just beautiful.” (“Mellow yellow” from Habitually Chic)

at home hits the runway

Posted on 12 January 2012 | 2 responses

This master bedroom in our current issue cover story is just as it should be: soft and serene, with a nook carved out for the Mrs. to lounge, read and relax. Designer Jim Howard of James Michael Howard, Inc. chose Benjamin Moore’s Cargo Pants for the walls and a chaise lounge from Patina. From Chanel’s Pre-Fall 2012 collection, an understated color palette of ivory silk evokes the same sort of casual meets couture feel.

Photography by Nancy Nolan / Style.com

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