In The Spirit Of Striking Color Combinations: Orange and Black

Is this your idea of Halloween decorating?

In the spirit of striking color combinations, does the striking color combination of orange and black in interior design, interior decorating and home decor accessories scare you?

Fear not, my little decoristas.

orange-and-black-deck-orange-outdoor-trellis-rug-black-lattice-railingMegan Winters 

Sara StoryPinterest

Gramercy & Co.

orange-and-black-hallway-hermes-box-black-stools-arched-windows Megan Winters

black-orange-consoleChairish

Orange and black is the new black.

With a stylish presence and stunning color combination execution, the decorative implementation of this traditional Halloween color palette translates into stunning interior design and decorating choices with nary a sign of ghosts, ghouls or witches on brooms.

orange-black-bathroom1 Lonny

Ryan KorbanLonny

orange and black kitchenAt Home in Arkansas  

orange-and-black-paint-colors

The vibrant sass of Farrow & Ball Charlotte’s Locks.T

The warmth of California Paints Pumpkin.

The depth of Sherwin Williams Daredevil.

The stately elegance of Benjamin Moore Twilight Zone.

Orange and black conjures up a visual treat.

orange and black living roomDecorPad

orange and black interiorsLonny

orange and black living roomTaylor Howes 

The trick to practical palette magic lies in the balance of space and tone.

The quickest way to cast a new light on traditional colors is to influence the eye with complementing color through accents and accessories.

eddie-ross-black-deskEddie Ross

Don’t be afraid to bedeck your world in the colors orange and black.

Happy decorating!

Show & Tell

Seasons and Settings: A Seasonal Tablescape

Fall and Thanksgiving are seasonal first cousins.  I like to intertwine the two and hit upon the best of the best.  New traditional is a wonderful concept that I definitely embrace.  It incorporates the classic standards together with new trends.

seasonal tablescape

One of the biggest considerations in the art of tablescaping is reining in the costs. Taking that into consideration, the basics of  seasonal tablescape 101 is to bring good foundation pieces to the table.  Classic accents will pay for themselves over and over again, tablescape to tablescape.

Miles Redd

Fabric, ribbon and mesh in core holiday colors are interchangeable with other holiday themes.  I have tablescaped the heck out of $1.00 burlap bags,  and mastered the art of reinvention by mixing and pairing china and crystal  patterns.  Nature provides endless inspiration for centerpiece ideas.

traditional home decor

I pushed back from the keyboard and took an “eye”dea stroll around the house with the intent to set from within.  Setting the table with items I rediscovered here at home produced a ‘tween fall and Thanksgiving tablescape with a nod to nature and traditional fall colors.

tablescape ideas

Last year I style spotted items perfect for a Thanksgiving tablescape, but me paying full price for seasonal items is a rare occurrence.  This girl will wait a good clearance sale out with the patience of Job.  It paid off when I timed a visit to Hobby Lobby just right last year and got my 80% clearance on!  Included in those items was two yards of home decor fabric and one yard of green burlap. The wheels of creativity began to turn.

no-sew table runner

A standard table runner doesn’t offer the width needed for our kitchen table.  A tablecloth is too much.  If you can’t find what you want, make it or fake it.  I am no seamstress.  Hem tape is a wonderful invention.  An iron gets hot…real hot. My mouth is no prayer book.  The DIY 40″  X  70″ not really a runner, and far from a tablecloth, but exactly what I wanted came out perfect with straight lines and rocking corners.

porcelain fruit bowl

I’ve stared at the vase in the image below for months.  It has been sitting on the counter in the man cave kitchen, basically in my way.  Turns out the vase served as the starting point of inspiration for the centerpiece. Brown and green eucalyptus and grapevine branches are inexpensive ways to add filler volume and color.  Backyard hydrangeas bloomed in time for me to cut and begin the drying process.  Pheasant feathers give good fall and Thanksgiving decorating, but can be rather costly.  The hunt for a good deal on pheasant feathers began a couple of months ago.  Ebay came through with an auction for ten 20-22 inch feathers.  Determination, luck and a winning bid  of $3.91 sealed the deal.

fall centerpiece

I filled the vase with Aromatique Creme Caramel potpourri.  The remnant yard of burlap and a decorative tieback found at Goodwill embellished the neck of the vase and camouflaged any signs of stems.

fall placesetting

Can you tell what I used for a charger?  Dave the Builder’s stockpile of  12 X 12 floor tiles came in handy for this unique use.

table-place-setting

Dinner napkins tucked in Kerr jars with vintage flatware and brown velvet ribbon ties creates an all-in-one display.  I tried the look with and without fresh rosemary.  The jury is still out on this one.  Kerr jars keep with the theme and intent of this tablescape idea- use items from around the house with an emphasis on natural fall elements and colors.

tile-charger

Simple and uncomplicated never fails to set a beautiful table.

Show & Tell

Tour de Mystery: The Myrtles Mystery Tour

Moving on to the second part of our The Myrtles: Inspiration, History and Mystery adventure, we pick up with our party of three filling the afternoon hours taking in local points of interest while counting down the time to The Myrtles Mystery Tour portion of our trip to St. Francisville, Louisiana.

Our story takes place fifteen years ago, right around the time I opened Hopefully Classic Antiques and Interiors.

Antique shopping was high on the list of things to do, see and buy.

the-shanty-too

The Shanty Too – Visit St. Francisville

We trekked the streets and shops of downtown St. Francisville until we could trek no more, and now we are on to New Roads, Louisiana.

Miss EmilyMiss Emily – photo by Darrell Chitty

In a glowing review of highlights and attractions of this quaint area the not  story of Miss Emily is a must tell.

Miss Emily was a local woman who worked the queue of vehicles waiting to board the ferry on the St. Francisville side of the Mississippi River selling snacks, homemade pralines and cold drinks.

Sitting in line waiting to drive onto the ferry goes better with an ice cold Coke, salty peanuts and a homemade praline.

We continued our afternoon nosh aboard the ferry as we crossed the Mississippi River.

This unique mode of transportation is now closed.

In the name of progress and moving on up, the ferry has been replaced by the  John James Audubon Bridge.

I’m glad we got the chance take a ride on it before it did.

John James AudubonJohn James Audubon Bridge

New Roads did not disappoint. I didn’t know what I was expecting in return from this small town, but it delivered lagniappe in a big way.

We found our way to the main part of town and hit up several antique shops.

The first shop (sorry, I can’t remember the name of any of the shops) specialized in clocks and vintage walking sticks.

Dave the Builder was in his height of glory.

As we entered the shop, we were welcomed by the owner, an older gentleman well versed in the art of antiques and Southern charm, and a lovely older lady whose greeting came in the form of my kind of question, “champagne or fruit punch?”

peach-sunrise-fizz

Our son put in his request for the fruit punch.

I guess she could tell I was a little apprehensive about their comfort level with him in the shop with a goblet full of bright red fruit punch.

I knew this kid was raised in and around the biz and the dos and don’ts in shops and showrooms, but I also knew she was not privy to this pertinent piece of information.

This lovely and wise woman handled the situation with such grace and tact.

She invited our son to follow her to the butler’s pantry to help fix the drinks and to slip him a chocolate chip cookie or two.

Gosh, what a great memory!

We sipped, shopped and scored two of the most unique antique walking sticks.

I wish I had them both today, but I sold them to a client the following week.

Oh well, the memory is more valuable to me than the walking sticks could ever be.

new-roads

We found a couple of other shops and enjoyed the local fare before heading back via ferry to St. Francisville.

The timing was just right as it was barking up on sunset and coffee time.

Magnolia-cafe

Visit St. Francisville

We crossed another suggested stop off our list by visiting The Magnolia Cafe.

This place is an unpretentious do drop inn heavy on casual fun, food, and drink.

History & Haunting of the Myrtles Plantation

History & Haunting of the Myrtles Plantation

It was about that time to head out for the Myrtles Mystery Tour.

We drove up the winding driveway of The Myrtles, and the setting and timing could not have been better to set the mood and the tone for a mystery tour.

The above image says it better than I can.

Myrtles at night

Welcome to the Myrtles Mystery Tour

We claimed three of the large rocking chairs on the veranda and pondered what was to come.

While the crowd and the anticipation built, certain imaginations showed signs of running away with the night.

Miss Hester, our tour guide for the evening, casually opened the front door at precisely 7:00 pm and invited the crowd of about twenty to come right on in.

Talk about playing to an attentive and crowded room!

We all gathered together in the foyer with wide eyes and listening ears.

This is where things begin to get interesting.

Stay tuned.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Show & Tell

Carrot Cake and Apple Muffins

If the weather won’t cooperate with my fall fest at least this recipe for Carrot Cake and Apple Muffins will!

I live in Louisiana, and either the weather powers that be did not get the “it’s fall y’all” memo or the barometric pressure has a rotten sense of humor.

The weather did tease us last week with a mere hint of crisp air and turning leaves.

This week however, it is hot as Louisiana hot sauce down here in the deep south.

Hot and humid Louisiana weather with no sign of fall in sight times call for a little improvising.

applesBetter Homes & Gardens

Now we all know cinnamon and apples evoke thoughts of  fall through taste and smell.

Beginning with that thought, I took an inventory of available ingredients in the cupboards of the Places In The Home test kitchen.

carrot cake and apple muffins

I also took an inventory of how much time I had before game time, realizing a part homemade, part not so homemade recipe was called for.

Hello, Carrot Cake and Apple Muffins- a new taste of fall favorite recipe and crowd-pleaser.

recipe ingredients

Carrot Cake and Apple Muffins

Ingredients

carrot cake mix

½  cup flour

½  teaspoon kosher salt

2 teaspoons cinnamon

½  teaspoon allspice

2 eggs

1 cup milk

2  Tablespoons vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup apples, peeled and chopped

¼ cup brown sugar

1 15 ounce can fried apples with cinnamon, pureed

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.  Grease or spray bottoms of  muffin cups or line with baking cups.

dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together cake mix, flour and kosher salt.  Set aside.

sliced apples

brown sugar cinnamon apples

In a small bowl, mix together the chopped apples, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and allspice.

cinnamon apples

Place fried apples in food processor and puree until smooth.  Reserve ¼ cup of pureed apples for muffin mixture.  Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to remaining processed apples and gently stir.  Allow mixture to sit at room temperature while completing recipe and baking muffins.

fried apples

Add oil, eggs, one at a time, and milk to dry ingredients, stirring well.  Stir in the vanilla, chopped apples and ¼ cup of the pureed fried apples, gently combining all together.

cake batter

Pour batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Bake 20 minutes or until knife inserted in center of muffin comes out clean.  Serve warm with fried apple puree.

Makes 18 muffins.

muffin pan

The apples and cinnamon marry together to bring forth the taste of fall.

enjoy

Show & Tell

Black and White Color Combination Extraordinaire

“Black and White” by Three Dog Night makes a profound statement in many ways, but today it struck a black and white color combination extraordinaire chord.

black-white-foyer

Architectural Digest

I’m of the strong opinion that all color begins and ends with black and white.

Van Gogh

“Suffice it to say that black and white are also colors…
for their simultaneous contrast is as striking as that of
green and red, for instance.”

– Vincent van Gogh

black-white-benchTraditional Home

Put the two together and the black and white color combination extraordinaire takes command of design and space.

white-kitchen-black-floors

My Domaine ~ DISC Interiors

If you are contemplating going with a black and white décor but wonder about the absence of a pop of color, take a look at the following examples of black and white done right.

black-white-wallpaper-bedroom  Maura McEvoy for House Beautiful

black-white-color-palette

Williams Sonoma Home ~ PaperCity Magazine ~ Shabby Slips

black-white-bathroom

House Beautiful

Don’t confuse choosing the design darling color combination of black and white with boring, calculated, unimaginative or stale.

park-city-house-tour

Elle Decor

Selecting a black and white color palette clears the cobwebs of color confusion.

What?

Let me explain.

Have you ever been totally overwhelmed in the selection process or execution of color?

I’ve selected colors with the best of them, and I can testify to the fact too much of a good and colorful thing can confuse the living color out of me.

black-white-cole-and-son-malachite-wallpaper-octagon-wall-sconce-bathroom

Decor Pad

The places and spaces in our homes speak to us in either a whisper or a roar to the intent and result of our choices.

shawn_broaddus_2016_04_01_9999_9

Shawn Broaddus and Mike Hammersmith

Of interest is a recent article referencing how in business and everyday life we should always strive to be inspired, continually educated, and never lose sight of the fire in the belly.

Pulaski-black-chest-accent

Vice-love-canister

 

Jonathan Adler Vice Love Canister

Bolder Color Palette Framed Canvas Art PrintBolder Color Palette Framed Canvas Art Print

Mina Victory Luminecence Metallic Leopard Throw PillowMina Victory Luminecence Metallic Leopard Throw Pillow

Odd as it may seem, the color combination of black and white accomplishes these points.

black-white-CaracoleSimply Put – Caracole

Decoristas seem to never tire of studying new and inspiring design applications.

Inspiration is everywhere.

black-white-decor

Casa Vogue

Opera-Box-wallpaper

black-white-kitchenAtlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Building upon a standard of design is what keeps it relevant as well as timeless.

As decades go by, fads and trends fade from favor.

 

Duncan 1-Light Black Pendant and Rod with White ShadeDuncan 1-Light Black Pendant and Rod with White Shade

Does a certain period, style or color continue to strike your fancy, but you hesitate with the choice asking yourself the question, “Is this still used today?”

I think we all have.

Fear not.

Timeless to say the least, the presence of black and white in interior design and interior decorating choices proves as stunning today as it was sixty years ago.

Ebanista-Savelle-cabinet

Ebanista

Proven decorative ability is ever present when the design and decor color power duo is at play. A traditional decor favorite regarded as a contemporary darling and a modern marvel, black and white is a timeless color combination able to stand strong as the sole choice of color for a space.

This classic color combination choice removes palette doubt and eliminates any chance of the color combination extraordinaire burning out or fading away into decorating obscurity.

Show & Tell

Fall Has Made Its Presence Felt

Fall has made its presence felt!

I am thrilled to finally be able to welcome fall in with open arms, doors and windows!

fall wreathBetter Homes & Gardens

Although fall officially began yesterday, its long awaited arrival is perfectly timed for optimum enjoyment of the season’s first cold front, a hot cup of tea, and warm carrot apple muffins.

living room with fireplaceCountry Living

My eye was immediately drawn to the color palette in this bedroom featured in Traditional Home.

This palette choice hits a decorative high note with warm tones, a balance of traditional decor, and a tip of the hat to two orange and brown.

traditional decor

I snapped this colorful reminder of seasonal things to come from our backdoor Saturday morning.

The rain soaked patio is the remnant from the heavy rains that fell over the weekend.

I didn’t mind the rain at first, knowing full well it was the trade off for the cooler weather we would wake up to on Sunday morning and the first day of fall.

I had to keep reminding myself of that as I drove in the storm to pick up a stranded Dave the Builder.

Dave’s back tire chose to blowout right as he topped an overpass.

The rain was so heavy it was difficult to see three feet in front of you.

Believe me, it was not our idea of a fun Friday night.

We’re dry and safe, Dave’s truck is outfitted with two new tires, and fall has arrived.

Blessings!

fall is here

Have a great Monday and enjoy the fall of it all!

Show & Tell

Foyer Thinking: Foyer Decor and Design

Talk of and moodboard creations for entryway and foyer decor and design has got me Foyer Thinking.  You know what they say about first impressions.  A stylish and stunning  foyer is guaranteed to make a fabulous and lasting first impression.

Traditional Home

What is the shelf life of your home decor?  I’m talking accessories, furnishings, accents, lighting fixtures, wallcoverings, flooring- the whole home decor enchilada.

Oak Hill Architects

Do you spot refresh, elegantly edit, or wipe the decor slate clean?  A foyer is a great space to do a little of all of it in. Taking flow and form into consideration lays the groundwork however,  I admire and appreciate a decorative curve ball- a step away from the expected.  It’s a visual treat to the most trained eye, and it keeps things interesting.

chic foyer decorRue Magazine

As I worked on the Foyer Thinking  Olioboard moodboard for a client presentation this past week, I began to feel the pangs of home decor change.

 Better Homes and Gardens

That’s me- a forward-thinking foyer thinking decorator who likes a good play on words.  Giving the client a myriad of options gave me my own myriad of ideas. Standard accessories usually include a mirror, well placed decorative table or floor lamp(s), and a place to hang your hat.  Artwork, architectural pieces, whimsical objects, accent seating, a rug or runner in pattern play- yes, please!   A foyer or entryway offers a welcoming glance -a preview of  your personal decorative and design show and tell.

 

As I find myself deep into seasonal updates, client moodboards, color and editing, decor refreshing seems to be hitting home… mine!  Thank goodness the major design and decor choices in this house continue to hold my attention.  Home decor “staples” are design and decor elements that anchor the space and reflect core tastes.   A sideboard in the kitchen one day may be the entertainment center in the den the next.  That’s the great attraction to great pieces.  I call them decorative chameleons. 

marble-top-sideboard (2)

Then & Now

sideboard-partners

The temptation to remodel, refresh and redo goes with the territory.  I have promised Dave we will start small (you know what they say about promises, they are made to be broken).

Wikipedia

A trip to the Hopefully Classic climate controlled storage unit for a personal shopping afternoon will soon be taking place.  Foyer thinking will do that.  I feel the need to take inventory, treasure hunt, shake things up a bit, and do a tad of editing from within.  You know what they say about first impressions!

Show & Tell

Classic Pieces

Classic pieces connect the thin line between fashion and interior design.

From the runway to the entryway, classic lines, textures, patterns, and colors captivate the tastes and eyes of fashionistas and decoristas the world over.

Martinique-wallpaper

Martinique Wallpaper

Classic pieces in the world of fashion and interior design speak fluent influence and style.

hermes-inspired-orange-equestrian-serving-tray-1987

Chairish

Inspiration is everywhere, and the above image testifies to the truth of those three words.

When fashion needs beautifully collide with home decor wants the result can be fabulous and inspiring.

Where one good eye sees a drop dead gorgeous outfit, another good eye may see a home decor accessory must-have.

I’ve asked the following question several times, even writing a blog post about it.

Scalamandré Tigre pillow cover

Scalamandré Animal Pillow Cover in Tiger

It gets its footing from inspiration and its merit from this visual world we live, write, design, groove, relax and Pinterest in.

When you see an image of an iconic figure from the world of fashion, design, cinema, or music, do you think interior design?

The onslaught of seasonal home decor finds and fashions is in full fall force.

What’s hot, what’s not, and what’s trending makes an interesting read, but I chalk it up to what it really is- a subjective reference guide.

My wallet can’t keep up with the ever changing fads from season to season, year to year.

This is where trend pieces come in.

Selecting affordable wardrobe and home decor accessories keeps things updated, fresh, and fun.

That’s a great and stylish thing.

Oliver Gal 'Travel in Style' Fashion and Glam Wall Art Canvas Print

Oliver Gal ‘Travel in Style’ Fashion and Glam Wall Art Canvas Print

Leaning toward favoring the classics, I follow a basic principle of style in both fashion and interior design.

Build your house of style upon timeless and classic foundation and investment pieces, and let trending accessories do what trends do best, come and go. 

A  timeless piece is a quality investment you’ll only have to make once.  

This applies to fashion, interior design and home decor accessories. 

What trends and classics are inspiring you?

Show & Tell