gorgeous grey

 Have you noticed the skyrocketing appeal of the color grey in interior design over the past couple of years?

I've been obsessed with shades of grey forever. Since my world is a wash of neutral tones, grey is a lovely companion "color".

A perfect example is my dining room.

I love the mix of natural wood, painted furniture, creamy neutrals and shades of grey.

I also mix together all of the things that speak to my heart like my love of beachy nautical treasures...

and a nod to my love for all things gardening.

A neutral grey palette looks wonderful with metallic silver like this collection of vintage watering cans.

I refinished this cabinet by painting the base in a soft off white distressed finish, I used an old world grey stain on the top and the hardware has an aged nickle patina.

The walls are two shades of grey separated by a white chair rail.

Old pewter, Ironstone and transferware are beautiful together.

Although this is a "formal" dining room, I do love to add timeworn pieces like this old cupboard and chicken coop that give the room a classic farmhouse feel.

Hiding inside this piece is a collection of stoneware, crystal and pewter.

I think the juxtaposition of formal with informal furnishings and accessories creates a lovely stylistic balance.

I hope that if you can take anything away from my design posts is that there really are no rules when it comes to designing your home. Take chances with mixing styles and pieces that speak to you. Take risks with paint. You can very easily repaint a room for a impactful and inexpensive change. Creating a room by starting with a neutral base, allows for the ability to make decorative changes with wonderful and interesting accessories.

Happy decorating!

a shining light

 Since my last post, I have been thinking a lot about family and some of my favorite times together.

My mom and I could pick up seashells every day and never tire.

My dad is a selfless soul that could take or leave shelling, but he is at his happiest just at the sight of his family doing something that brings them joy.

So my mom and I would collect as many treasures as we could find and my dad would haul them all to the house.

Once the shells were all cleaned, I thought it would be nice to do something with them that my dad could enjoy and help me with. Before I moved to Florida, my dad and I would spend most weekends in his garage creating, fixing, painting or refinishing things for my shop.

So a daddy-daughter seashell project was on my radar.

The vintage shell lamp...

I always have a "to-do" stash of projects in my garage or in storage. I thought a lamp might be a great project for us to tackle.

I had an old rusty outdoor post light with a fabulous aged brass sea green patina.

First, my dad removed the original wiring and replaced it with wiring suitable for an indoor lamp. Equipped with a plug and toggle switch. 

The original fixture would have been atop a solid post, so as it stood now, it was top heavy. So I rummaged through my vintage wood stash and found a weathered wooded block and a grey-blue board. Both have a driftwood look perfect for this project.

I replaced the candlelight arms with new sleeves and placed seashells inside the glass hurricane shade. 

I must say the finished product is spectacular!

The best part is that I was able to combine both my mom and dad in a project that will always make me think of them.

she sells seashells

 August has always reminded me of summer vacations. It was the month my family would take a beach get-away before school started.

Now that I live at the beach, it seems funny that August still makes me think of walking the beach and picking up seashells.

This year has been such a challenge for so many different reasons. Mainly, I miss that my mom and dad have not been able to come for visits due to Covid.

So this August is different. But I can think of my wonderful family every time I pass a seashell in my house or garden.

During this pandemic, if you are separated from family, I hope you have reminders of fun adventures around your home.

As much as I miss picking up seashells with my mom, I'm just happy that my entire family has stayed safe and healthy.

Everyday is a blessing.

coastal farmhouse

Well, I think it's pretty clear that I have a very eclectic style. Here is yet another mash up of styles that I adore.

Coastal Farmhouse

It makes perfect sense.

I grew up in West Virginia then I moved 12 years ago to a little island in the gulf of Mexico.

 

It's the perfect pairing.

 

Farmhouse wooden antiques.

 

Natural fibers.

 

Vintage nautical accessories.

 

Creamy, dreamy whites.

 

Treasures from the sea.

 

Together it creates a comfy

idyllic surroundings.

 

I have said so many times before, there are no rules when it comes to decorating your home. Surround yourself with the things you love and it will feel like home.

 



feeling the love

Since Valentine's Day is right around the corner, I thought I would share one of my collections with you as well as how I like to display my treasures.

 

 

Most of my cabinets are filled with white Ironstone and Transferware. So adding my vintage souvenir shell boxes is a seamless fit.

 

I also have some beautiful old ephemera including postcards, letters and prints. My collections come from thrift shops, flea markets and yard sales.

 

Filling a single cabinet makes for a splendid

and eye-catching display.

 

The vintage shell floral arrangement is a spectacular

addition to the collection!

 

Each tiny trinket box is a little different.

 

One tip to creating a visually interesting display is to create levels within the vignette. I always look for mini shelves and cubbies like this... 

 

Most old shell boxes have a red velvet interior but my heart flutters when I find black!

 

They are such a beautiful addition to the

black and grey Transferware.

 

Some little displays come together naturally like these 3 flat zig-zag shells on a beautiful antique plate!

 

Whether you have a single postcard and a shell or two or an entire collection like this, I hope you are inspired to get them out and display them this Valentine's Day!

 



appreciating winter...at the beach

Having a grateful heart is so important. And I thank the good Lord above for my family, friends and the warm sun on my face every single day. Living in a beautiful place is a blessing and it is important to share those blessing with others. I love to enjoy this amazing place by having sunset beach picnics with those I love.

 

 

Start with a simple setting. I love all things vintage so an old folding table covered with an antique quilt, a bench or wooden folding chairs and pillows are a good start. Prepare for twilight by bringing a few candles and lanterns. Then load a wagon with refreshments and gorgeous flowers!

 

 

I also like to bring a few things like a sketchbook or painting supplies and a camera to capture the sunset.

 

 

 

Don't overthink the menu. Especially for a sunset picnic.

It doesn't have to be fancy or catered or even a full dinner.

 

 

 A sunset picnic can be as simple as a few special desserts and a wonderful pitcher of fresh lemonade. 

 

It's all about spending time with the people I love and enjoying the beauty the God has created.

 

 

And giving thanks of course!

Entertaining should be a stress-free process. It's about the people, places and having a grateful heart.

Thanks for visiting!