Collections

Collections are an extension of memories in tangible form.

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Traditional Home

 When something makes an impression on a collector a collection is born. 

CLX100116_090Country Living

The architectural aspects of hotels and motels fascinates me.

From the Ritz-Carlton to Route 66, I marvel at the history, architecture, design, interiors of grand hotels.

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One of my favorite historical landmark hotels, Hotel Bentley, is a hometown legend.

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The Hotel Bentley is a stunning testament to opulent grand foyers, crystal chandeliers and marble staircases.

Notable guests in its 104 year old history include Major General George Patton, Lieutenant Colonel Omar Bradley, Colonel Dwight David Eisenhower, and Henry Kissinger.

bentley-lobbyBe still my heart!

bentley-chandelier

When the last owner decided to close the Hotel Bentley, I was able to acquire a few of the items to add to my collection of hotel silver and china.

Making welcomed additions to my collection is an etched seltzer bottle, a lithograph from the hotel art collection, and a charger from the dining room china pattern.  

I do love a good hotel china charger.

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Even with non-smoking laws and policies in place, matchbooks remain a highly collectible item.

Las Vegas hotels never die, they just implode.

Fortunately, the classics remain alive and well via a well guarded matchbook collection.

Power outages, fire pits, birthday candles or barbecue grills need not apply- these vintage matchbooks are for admiring purposes only.

I view antique plates and bone dishes as small pieces of art full of history, provenance and color.

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Coming in as the number one thing I like to collect is frogs.

The association with frogs goes all the way back to the mid 70’s.

Ions ago, don’t ‘cha know.

When the majority of mothers around the neighborhood discovered a great summer babysitter activity for the neighborhood kids, the word spread like softened butter.

porcelain-frog

Our local community theater was sponsoring a summer workshop culminating in a off, off, off Broadway production at workshops end.

The play was Fairy Frog Superstar, and yours truly won the part of the Fairy Frog.

A future theater star was not born, but my love of all things frog was.

It only takes one look at a frog for my thoughts to go back to the summer of frog.

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CLX100116_083Country Living

My collections are as much a part of my decor as they are my personality. Our homes should reflect our personalities, and collections touch upon that.

“I like for rooms to feel collected—not decorated.  I always say that perfect is not perfect.”

— Mark D. Sikes

Do you have a collection?

I would love to hear what it is and why it is special to you.

 

 

Show & Tell

That Reminds Me: Seasonal Home Decorating Ideas

Thoughts of fall have naturally brought about seasonal home decorating ideas, reminding me it is time to begin putting together ideas for a fall tablescape.

Noting a stunning pair of barley twist bar stools seen on Pinterest turned my thoughts to the pair of vintage barley twist candlesticks I know I have somewhere.

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Found the little darlings.

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Isn’t it funny how an image or an item in that image can initiate the decorative snowball effect?

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One Kings Lane

Textures, finishes, and color palettes evoke thoughts of warmth, coziness, and hominess- qualities so closely associated with cold weather days and nights. 

Decorative throws and pillows infuse a space with the look and feel of warmth.

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Candles in scents of the season treat the senses.

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Seasonal home decorating ideas often are inspired by the senses.

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

The versatility and style is year-round, but there’s just something about a basket that is woven into the fabric of fall and winter.

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Forget the pie, this is my idea of a slice of pumpkin love!

Pumpkin, ginger, and cinnamon- from kitchen to table to home decor accessories to color palettes.

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Dering Hall

Traditional Home

In a few months from now I’ll be writing about how I can’t wait for spring flowers to bloom, summer colors, and there’s nothing better than the taste of barbecue.

For now, I’m looking forward to the first really cool night and the feel of a down comforter.

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Also on the fall treats list is the delicious scent of cloves and oranges throughout the kitchen and dining room, and the highly anticipated first taste of a pumpkin spice latte.  

Okay, now it’s your turn.

What is it that you hear, see, feel, smell or taste that reminds you of fall?

Love your style!

Show & Tell

Three for All: Planning A Fall, Harvest and Thanksgiving Tablescape

Planning a fall tablescape is both a labor of love and one of the best parts of the fall home decorating season.

Blending the best of the season can carry the theme through to a harvest and a Thanksgiving tablescape.

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Natural elements provide a canvas easy to work with, color that only nature can produce, and the opportunity to treasure hunt close to home outdoors as well as indoors.

tablescape2012That which nature doesn’t provide, Hobby Lobby, Tractor Supply, eBay, and my brother the avid goose hunter does!

A savvy tablescaper keeps an eye out for future holiday table setting ideas and clearance sales from holidays past.

Patience and an additional 40% off clearance sale at Dillard’s secured the six new dinner plates, dinner napkins, and hammered copper napkin rings for my fall tablescape.

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Burlap sandbags from Tractor Supply make casually chic, virtually indestructible and very affordable placemats.

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To know me is to know I love the opportunity to show and display items from my antique plate and creamer collection.

The Prussia Royal Rudolstadt bread and butter plate is a find from our last antiques inventory shopping trip.

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It’s odd how decorative accessories that normally would not be paired together do, in fact, create the perfect look.

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When Dave the Builder brought the Wedgwood candlesticks home from the antique shop I was not feeling it.

But wait.

After careful reconsideration it dawned on me that the steel gray goose feathers in the centerpiece cast an elegant shade of Wedgwood blue all their own.

“A September to remember.  An October full of splendor.  

A November to treasure.”   

-La Prevenchere

My thoughts exactly!

Show & Tell

Deliciously Easy Cheesy Corn Cornbread

Cheesy corn cornbread perfectly tops off a hot bowl of homemade soup, chili or gumbo.

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Country Living

I have friends and family who refuse to eat gumbo unless there’s been a frost on the ground, won’t go near chili unless it is well, chilly, and insist soup served with a couple of pieces of cheesy corn cornbread  is a must have accompaniment to the fall into winter soup season.

Cooking up a big pot of soup, chili or gumbo sounds like a tasty activity to undertake on this late summer into fall afternoon.

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And while I’m at it I believe I’ll whip up this super easy, satisfying and delicious recipe for cheesy corn cornbread as a culinary complement.

Cheesy Corn Cornbread

Ingredients

2 packs corn muffin mix

2 eggs

¼ cup milk

1 can cream style corn

2 cups shredded cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°F.  Lightly grease baking pan.

Stir muffin mix and eggs together in medium bowl to blend. Add milk and stir to combine.

Fold in cream style corn.  Add shredded cheese and stir until blended. Pour batter into prepared baking pan.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

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enjoy

Show & Tell

Historic Homes And The Beauty Of Their Architectural Elements

Architectural integrity through architectural elements is the indelible mark of historic homes and landmarks.

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Longwood

It is usually the only tangible proof of bygone golden eras ruled by classic styles.

Cornstalk Fence Hotel

Cornstalk Fence Hotel – Flickr

Restoration efforts and day to day upkeep of historic homes can be financially mind boggling.

Another consideration is the sheer expense of replicating these styles in today’s market which can create financial hurdles too difficult to clear.

Aging and changing neighborhoods coupled with a natural progression away from this style of living  places most of  these homes in the private sector on an endangered species list.

Longwood-Columns-Natchez

Longwood

Craftsmanship, detail to details, and artisan skills used to envision, shape, form, and build these homes fascinates me.

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Over the years we have had the opportunity to tour, consult on, and donate antique pieces to several state and privately owned historic homes.

As much as I love antiques, I will walk right by a period piece without so much as a glance to get to the heart of the historic matter.

Architectural elements  grab and hold my attention.

architectural elements

Locally we have a block of homes known as Mansion Row.

Anchoring the far left corner of the block stands the Thompson-Hargis Mansion.

Built in 1907, this Greek Revival home with characteristic Ionic columns, porte-cochère, triangle pediment, and transom entry was once a jewel in the crown of our city history.

Exterior and grounds showed the weathered look of sun and time- nothing paint and repair could not fix as the property was structurally sound and the architectural integrity intact.

Thompson-Hargis Mansion

Removal of the furnishings was conducted years ago, windows and doors boarded, and the grand dame beautifully sat idling until this past Sunday evening when she fell victim to a senseless demise.

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Neighbors who recall the elegance of what was and admirers of what could have been mourn the total loss of of property, history, and hope.

Thompson-Hargis

It’s a sad turn of events and an even sadder realization that original, historic, and one of a kind architectural elements were destroyed.

historical mansion

Dollars do not factor into the equation, there is no replacement value for the architectural integrity of this 105 year old home.

RIP Thompson-Hargis Mansion.

Darleen-signature-love

 

 

 

images:  Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation, We Saw That

Show & Tell

Updates and Seasonal Edits: Fall Home Decor Ideas

Change comes with fall home decor ideas.

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Pinterest

Leaves will change colors, the hands on the clock will change, and for many their home decor accessories and accents will change.

The highly anticipated arrival of fall evokes many thoughts associated with this time of year and influences fall home decor ideas.

Crisp clear evening air that somehow wonderfully floats the music of the local high school bands directly to your front porch, the snap, crackle and pop of a roaring fire in the fireplace, soups, stews, and gumbos cooking on the stove for an entire day, and the turning of leaves that naturally put the colors of fall on parade.

It’s beginning to look and feel a lot like fall!

Color and texture updates and selective edits through home decor brings the beauty, warmth, and feel of fall indoors.

Inspirational and affordable (two terms no one should ever shy away from) ideas are as close as a walk around the neighborhood.

I remarked in a post last year that nature is the ultimate arts and crafts store.  

Foliage, acorns, magnolia leaves, branches, pine cones and the local farmers market provide natural elements to create the quintessential fall centerpiece, wreath, front door or mantel display.

Better Homes and Gardens

Seasonal fruits, nuts, pumpkins, gourds, ornamental corn and gourds are a trip to the grocery produce department and a pop of fall color away from a natural beauty.

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 Country Living

Pinterest

A dough bowl never meets a crop of faux pumpkins it doesn’t beautifully complement.

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The “nature” of design~ Designer Barry Dixon gained inspiration for his fabric “Oakbark” from rubbings taken from the bark of old trees.

Now that’s inspiring!

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Traditional Home – Better Homes & Gardens

Rich browns, yellows, oranges, dark greens, deep crimsons, cozy shades of beige, and metallic jewel tones emphasize the palette of the season.

Blankets, throws, and seasonal linens will warm the toes and provide seasonal eye candy for the home decor-fall inspired decorista in all of us.

The fall color palette is easy to work with, and can easily create a striking contrast when paired with the right spring or summer color.

Neutrals know no season, turquoise is a year round accent color, and dark, royal or navy blue is classically versatile.

Warmth is the thought of the fall day and evening, too.  Heavier weight fabrics and textures such as tweed, houndstooth, wool, chenille, and knit take home decor center stage this time of year.

“Throw” caution to the fall wind- throw pillows and throws in seasonal colors and fabrics instantly and affordably update home decor to reflect the look of the applicable season.

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I would love to read about what exterior and interior fall home decor ideas and seasonal updates you have in mind for your home.

Love your style!

 

Show & Tell

Color Me Inspired: Choosing Paint Colors

Choosing paint colors can be a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be.

Exterior or interior painting is by far one of the most inexpensive, impressive, and immediate options for changing and refreshing home décor.

Oversize French Artist Oil Palette

Think of color as personality plus in a gallon, quart, or sample size container.  It holds the power to calm, excite, bore and entice- a fascinating concept that reflects our personality and taste.

Color has the ability to infuse a space with decorative drama, calming appeal, or high octane energy.

cyd charisse meet me in las vegas

Several years back before one of our trips out to America’s playground I watched what proved to be a color your world show during Vegas Week on the Travel Channel focused on how environment and interior design affects gamblers.

Color plays a significant role in casino and gaming floor interior design, especially pertaining to the mood and behaviors of gambling guests.

soothing-colorsBlue is typically avoided due to the perceived calming effect as red remains a popular color choice for the excitement factor, and purple evokes an intimate, warm, and inviting feeling.

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Inspiration is everywhere, and color choices can come from a favorite article of clothing, piece of jewelry, home décor accessory or fabric, or a treasured collectible.

When deciding what color to paint a space, these are a few of the factors I take into consideration:

What is the overall feeling this space needs to convey?

Formal or casual?

Relaxing bedroom or high energy kitchen?

Visual flow and compatibility with the overall color palette.

Texture and sheen, or lack thereof.

Flat matte or soft sheen satin eggshell?

Glosses shine in the vein of durability- the choice range being the easy to clean sheen semi-gloss to the  woodwork, furniture, and high sheen-high traffic friendly high gloss.

Sure, there is both implied and true rules for color selection in interior design and decorating. Smaller spaces appear larger when a lighter color is used.

Lighting

A space blessed with plenty of natural light can support darker color choices.

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House & Garden – Photography by Owen Gale

Natural light will accent the prominent tone of the color.

Remember this; the color of the paint you see in the store will not be the color of the paint you see on the walls in your home.

Paint colors will cast different colors at different times of the day based on natural and artificial lighting (basically the same principal as photographing with natural light vs. night shots).

Small space + light colors = open up and say size

Small space + the b&b principal (balanced & bold) = hello, gorgeous!

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House Beautiful – Photography by Laure Joilet

Color is not just for walls.

Painting a ceiling with a contrasting color or sheen creates a dramatic focal point that will spread the color love by guiding the eye to the wall color.

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W Design Collective

White, beige, black, and brown no longer qualify as the only kids on the neutral block.

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Photo by Sandie Clarke on Unsplash

Flawless gray areas have now moved into the classic neutral category.

Bold colors can be the Switzerland of the space, as long as warm and cool shades exist in colorful harmony while balancing the hue.

All things do come together in a space to influence the whole of the look, and when the correct balance is achieved, look out!

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Architectural Digest

Small spaces tend to appear larger if lighter colors are used, but large patterns or bold colors balanced with the proper lighting can make a dramatic statement.

Painting is a great way to test the waters and step out of the decorative comfort zone.

Most paint brands have paint samples for purchase.

Etched Glass One-Coat Hide Satin Enamel InteriorExterior Paint & Primer Sample

Behr Etched Glass One-Coat Satin Enamel Paint & Primer Sample

Take the time to purchase paint samples of the color or colors you have narrowed your choice down to.

Apply a couple of coats of the paint to an area on the wall you will be painting, allowing to completely dry.

Turn on the lights, pull back the curtains or open the blinds, shutters etc… and let the light in.

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Hold that thought until later in the day when the light will be different.

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Now, hold that thought until evening when the light has once again changed.

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Tones will come to call at different times of day.

Color shows you how beautiful and right it is for you to live with at any time.

 

 

 

 

 

Show & Tell