GARDEN STOOLS EVERYWHERE WE LOOK

As you know, I love beautiful, functional things. How about adding versatile to the list? Garden stools are just that! They make lovely plant stands, foot stools, tables and extra-seating. The interior design world has defintely taken notice of these guys and have incorporated them into their spaces.

Are these a trend?

What I love is that although you have been seeing them everywhere, and some may call them a trend, they are definitely considered timeless pieces! Garden stools were used in Chinese gardens during the 17th century and later in Victorian conservatories. From the 1870s until 1900, factories in England, like Wedgewood and Minton, produced garden stools in earthenware. Did you know that the they were used as cigarette tables in the 1950s--hence some people referring to garden stools as cigarettes tables? How funny!

If you haven't decided if you want to commit to a garden stool, you can buy a fair priced one since they are everywhere! While I don't consider them a true trend, my advice is to always buy trends that you can easily switch out. I have seen garden stools at TJ Maxx, Tuesday Morning, Marshalls, Ross, Pier One, World Market and Target (which has a suprisingly huge selection online). Of course, sometimes the more you spend the better the quality. You can expect to spend more at places like Cottage and Vine, Horchow, Wisteria and Williams-Sonoma Home. The most expensive I found were at 1st Dibs, which have the real things--antique garden stools. They are defintely fun to look at!

Here are some lovely and fun garden stools I found online: 1st Dibs, 1400.

Pier One, 99.95.

1st Dibs, 2400.

Target, 209.99.

Wisteria, 199.

Williams-Sonoma Home, 250.

1st Dibs, 1100.

Wisteria, 129.

Target, 189.99.

*Image 1: 1st Dibs, 2800.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...TUFTED FURNITURE

One of my favorite things is tufted furniture.

You see it mostly in sofas, chairs, settees, benches and headboards. I love that it has a tailored look! Tufted furniture instantly offers visual interest and style in a space. It adds dimension to upholstery because it highlights the fabric and casts shadows in the tufts. Who can resist a classic leather tufted chair--with that aged, worn look? Not me! Another option is using a different fabric--like the chair above. It transforms the chair and makes it into something soft and feminine.

Is tufting for you?

Image 1: 1st Dibs, Image 1: 1st Dibs, Image 2: 1st Dibs, Image 4: Hickory Chair, Image 5: Beeline Home, Image 5: 1st Dibs, Image 6: 1st Dibs, Image 7: 1st Dibs, Image 8: Mecox Gardens, Image 9: Beeline Home, Image 10: 1st Dibs, Image 11: 1st Dibs, Image 12: 1st Dibs, Image 13: 1st Dibs

CAPTIVATED BY CONTAINERS

I love beautiful, unique pieces that are functional. My parents will tell you that this love of mine began at an early age. As far back as I can remember, I have always been drawn to containers...mostly because they held what I deemed as treasures.

In light of spring around the corner, I found this wonderful beehive garden hose holder from Wisteria. It offers a whimsical alternative to your typical holder. It provides a function and adds an interesting, unexpected element to your yard. How fun!

Enjoy the weekend!

Image 1: 1st Dibs, Image 2 & 3: Wisteria

THE SUZANI TREND

Not sure if you noticed..but suzanis have been everywhere. These bright and colorful patterns have gained much attention from every kind of designer out there! They can add a punch of color and/or pattern in a space. Instantly, a lifeless and boring room can have amazing character and an interesting factor!

Believe it or not, I love checking out the pricey, high-end version of the item I am searching for. It helps develop my eye for the details in high quality pieces and know when I come across a good buy. It's always fun to dream so here are some antique, high priced options from 1st Dibs...

19th c. Gilded Louis XVI Settee in Vintage Suzani Upholstery, 4800.

Ottoman in Vintage Suzani Fabric, 2850.

Pair of Bolsters in Vintage Suzani Fabric, 1680.

Settee Upholstered in an Antique Suzani, 4850.
Antique Suzani Pillow, 450.

A great place to find your very own suzani at an affordable price is World Market. For less money, you can appear well traveled and cultured! They have many different pattern and color options. If you are not sure how daring you want to be in a space, remember you can always return your purchase if it doesn't work out. Be sure to check out their fabulous instock selection!

Round Suzani Applique, 24.99.

Suzani White Toss Pillow, 19.99.

Suzani Toss Pillows- Warm or Cool Tones, 24.99.

Suzani Chinchilla Grey Square Toss Pillow, 24.99.

BLOSSOMING DOGWOODS

Spring is in the air! Green grass and blossoming dogwoods begin to fill the senses in the south. Spring has always been a time I look forward to throughout the year. When I think of spring, my mind's eye goes straight to my parent's front yard--where beautiful, huge dogwood trees take bloom.

Being inspired by their fabulous dogwoods, I found chic home decor and textiles that bring this lovely tree indoors.

image 1: forest wanderer, image 2: pickard, image 3: traditional home, image 4: house beautiful, image 5: 1st dibs

Enjoy the weekend!

MESMERIZED BY SCONCES

Sconces are wonderful!

They serve both decorative and functional purposes in a home. You can choose sconces that are wired or hold the old fashioned candlesticks. It's important to remember that lighting is not limited to lamp lighting and ceiling lighting (which can create harsh lighting). It's always good to use multiple sources in a space because it provides a more flattering glow. Thus, sconces provide another level of lighting and create balance. These look great flanking a painting or print, mirror, fireplace, doorway or walkway, and even alone on small, empty wall space. They add so much character and sophistication!

Of course, as far as the wired sconce goes, the electrical design is one of the first things done in a house - so, the old fashioned sconce may be the way to go! You can find these at consignment and antique stores for a great price!

Here are some yummy antique sconces I found online:

This is an amazing pair of Italian 1940s sconces!

This is a pair of vintage rope sconces from Mecox Gardens. French, circa 1930's. The bows are exquisite!

Aren't these Italian sconces from the 1940s just fabulous?!

Love these deep teal 1940's Italian sconces! These were originally purchased in Paris and now on 1st Dibs.

This pair of 1920 French sconces are beautiful!


These are unlike anything I've ever seen before! Another find on 1st Dibs. The antique blue wire glass is super unique!

Cranberry glass shell motif-how different?! From 1st Dibs. Italy, late 19th century.

The custom lace trimed shades are wonderful! These are found on 1st Dibs . I love the decorative brass terminals!

This circa, 1930s French deco sconce has a great design. A wonderful option for someone needing more curves in their space.


There are so many options out there! I hope you have been inspired!