Eclectic Interior Design Group

Design Crush: Amy Lau

2012-01-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned yesterday, my latest design crush is Amy Lau. I was unfamiliar with her by name but once I started flipping through her book, I immediately recognized her work from shelter magazines. Here are some hot points from her bio: she worked under Thomas O'Brien, she studied at the Soetheby's graduate program in New York, she's been in a zillion magazines and she has a zillion product lines including a limited-edition line for Showtime inspired by the show Dexter. Amy clearly specializes in Mid-Century Modernism as you will see when we take a look at her portfolio....now.

I love the mix of modern and natural. Hard to pull off but she does it well.

To see more of her work click here or buy her book!

Stop The Madness

2012-01-30T06:18:00.000-08:00

I am totally obsessed with Pinterest [I couldn't get on there for a few weeks because I was just too busy and a few of my friends called to see if I was ok because I had not been Pinning! lol] I told myself I wouldn't buy any more design books and I need to start weeding out the ones I have. Well...apparently I have a full-on addiction because I can't stop buying design books! Seriously, I might need rehab. I went to return a book at Barnes & Nobel that I bought as a Christmas gift but found out the person already had it and their return policy is that you have to exchange it for the same amount or greater. Well....guess what I did.

So meet my new friends/enablers...

These first two are great for homeowners as they aren't just visual, they are "teaching" give you many how-to's and case-in-points.

We are going to talk more about her later. And I don't mean that in the Mean Girls kinda way. She is my latest Design Crush!

I have to admit I was drawn in by their colorful spines...

I do love you Pinterest and I think creators, former venture capital analyst Paul Sciarra and Ben Silbermann, a former Google advertising product specialist, are BLEEPING brilliant! But I can't seem to let go of beautiful, hardback decorating books! I like looking at them and using them in decor. They are all over my house! [Cut to the scene from my Hoarders episode.]

Are you following me on Pinterest? Search for me! Maybe it will encourage me to stop the madness knowing I have people relying on me for my Pins.

This Week I...

2012-01-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

Saw some progress on the kitchen reno. Electrical rough-in, cabinets installed, flooring patched and stained...

Check out the cute cabinet installer posing for the camera!

Here is the new construction I've been working on...we actually did drywall this week but I just found this photo on my phone so I thought I would share it.

I also finally got to go to Wren (which I talked about here) while in Beaufort visiting my parents at Christmas. Check out what I ordered...

Seafood Mac n' Cheese! It was as good as it looks and I didn't feel an ounce of guilt for eating it. Look at the big ass baked potato my mom got...

You can barely see it under all the fried onion rings. This place ain't for quitters.

I really liked the decor. A LOT. Check out how they had jute rugs hanging as room dividers.

Speaking of hanging stuff....
[No, I haven't hung (hanged?) myself yet for those of you who follow me on Facebook. But I'm getting close with that kitchen reno mentioned above!]

I finally hung the burlap drapes over at my booth! Please stop by and take a look...lots of good things for sale at Southern Accents.

Sometimes you have to improvise while on the job. I didn't have a straight edge so my client's kid's Peter Pan book had to do...

So this weekend I'm going to the Mac n' at the Drome, a benefit concert for Mac Leaphart who is recovering from a brain tumor. Terrible. If you are local, please go and help this talented musician out while listening to some great music!

Have a great weekend y'all!

Westbrook Design Studio

2012-01-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

Check out the office space of interior designer, Barbra Westbrook, via Atlanta Homes Magazine. How amazing to have an entire bungalow as your office space! For more of her portfolio click here.

House Beautiful February 2012

2012-01-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to see that the work of Lindsey Coral Harper made the cover of House Beautiful February 2012! I know I have shamelessly dropped her name before (her sister and my sister-in-law are bff's). We have never met but since we both are interior designers and both went to University of Georgia I hear about her career and accomplishments all the time as if we are living parallel lives (bhaaa, no comparison)....her career is moving at a breaking speed! And I am so happy for her! If you aren't familiar with her yet, well shame on you! I demand you to go look at her website immediately.

I love the Charlotte home she designed that is featured in House Beautiful so let's take a closer look...

And click here for more details from Lindsey about the project. Bravo girl!

Catching Up...

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness it has been a while! Well....so the holidays came and yada, yada. Then I went to Atlanta for market. Saw lots of pretty things...

While at market we went to hear Emily Henderson speak. My friend and I were such dorks...we were the first ones there! lol But Emily sat down with us and said "Please make friends with me because if we are friends I won't be as nervous!" So we did. She is ADORABLE!!! I mean really, really ADORABLE! Now what isn't adorable is this pic of me but what can you do...

That's my friend Lauren on the left.

Emily told us to call her while we are in L.A. and she would take us to all the thrift shops she knows of out there. I don't think she realizes that we really will call her! And maybe sleep on her couch.

While in The ATL I went to Scotts (for those of you not familiar it is a huge flea market that is open the second weekend of every month). The outside is my favorite part because it has the best deals. Well unfortunately it was like 30 degrees while I was there and I wasn't dressed for it so I (literally) put on all the clothes I packed. Remember that episode of Friends where Joey puts on all of Chandler's clothes? That is what I looked like. Here are some things I saw (many of which came home with me!)

Funny story on this bowl...my friend and I both go "Woah, I've never seen anything like this!" (because it was in a booth full of hand-made stuff). Then looked up to see four more just like it. We died laughing. Yep, one-of-a-kind!

And I want you to meet my new friend, Bob. Bob is awesomness defined. He is witty and helpful and has this adorable wife Dorothy...I heart both of them.

Bob even stayed an hour late to help Lauren and I pack up our cars! See...

I told him there was no way he could do it and I think he just wanted to prove me wrong!

While at Scotts, I also found out my bank has a daily limit on ATM withdrawls. Who knew? Guess it is a protection feature in case someone stole my card and since I was in a different state maybe the bank was suspicious. No, it was just me overspending.

So what else have I been up to? Oh yeah, just being the chairperson for a black-tie event for 300 people. No big deal. I have plenty of spare time! It was this past weekend and I am beyond ecstatic that it is OVER! But was SOOO much fun! And we raised a lot of money for local breast cancer patients (the charity is SOS) which is the important thing but it was my swan song. I will post pics when I get the CD from the photographer but here is one to make you giggle...the name of the event is Black&White (started because the statistics of breast cancer are black and white) but we had the band Yacht Rock and the event was at a venue on the Harbor and we also did a nautical theme sooo I had a backdrop printed for a photographer to take photos like you were standing on the boat and had a bunch of silly props. Everyone got really into it which totally made my night! People were doing the "King of the World" from Titanic, and pretending to jump, puke (and pee) off the edge...it was hysterical!

Photos by Mahmood Fazal

This is me and my great friend, Mason, who helped me plan the event. I could not have done it without her! I heart her more than words (cue the song).

And until I have more pics here is a feature that Charleston Magazine did on the event.

And I've had lots of client work going on which I will update you on later as I'm excited about the progress on all these projects!!!

And I have been busy working on another BIG thing that I can't quite tell you about just yet but I will very soon so stay tuned my friends!

Maybe now you understand why I've been MIA! But I hope to be back in some sort of regular posting routine. I've missed you so! xoxo

Remember Me?

2012-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Remember Me? It's been a while I know....I've been super busy. My apologies. I just wanted to check-in for those of you that don't know, know me and might think that I was the product of some tragic New Year's Eve mis-adventure. That is not the case. I am fine. Just super busy! But I miss you. So let me show you a few reasons why I've been MIA....

Remember this kitchen?

Well we've demo'ed it...

Can I get a Yee Haw???? I love a good demo. I'm happy to support Habitat for Humanity but I would have really enjoyed taking a sledge hammer to that kitchen! Not gonna lie. Ok, moving on....

Installing at another clients...

More to come on that.

Working on a new construction...

[Ahh, nevermind, there is just too much to show you!]

Adding stuff at my booth...

Planning this charity event...

4th Annual Black&White at Harborside East featuring Yacht Rock Schooner

1.21.12 from 7-11

Did you get your ticket yet?

www.shareoursuzy.org

And working on something BIG. I mean really, really BIG! I can't talk about it yet because it might not pan out but I really, really hope it does! Eek.

Now I'm headed to market for a few days so I will, once again be MIA. I hope to be back on a regular basis soon. Please don't forget me!!!

Bluffton, SC

2011-12-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

My dad and I have a tradition of going to Savannah, Georgia around Christmas to do some shopping and to eat lunch. But this year we decided to go to Bluffton, South Carolina instead since neither of us had ever been. My mom came with us and acted as our tour guide because she had been a time or two while on business. It is a cute lil' town filled with artsy stuff like galleries, pottery shops, antique and home stores and old school markets.

We ate lunch at Cahill's Market. A combo restaurant, farm and fresh market.

They had these cool sliding barn doors...

Pardon the iPhone pics from the moving car...

I bought this gem at Eggs 'n Tricities, a quirky shop that has personality (that's putting it mildly), I can't wait till you see what I'm gonna do with it!!!

They were gearing up for a fish fry and I was bummed we had to go back to Beaufort! This Tavern was just about the cutest thing I've ever seen and I imagine it has colorful characters that frequent it.

I feel in love with this church we stumbled upon by the river, The Church of the Cross. Take a look at how beautiful it is! I understand it dates back to 1857.

They were decorating for Christmas when we drove by...

And did I mention it is on the river and has incredible views?

I wonder if you can come by boat? Now, that's my kind of religion!

If anyone has any info on Bluffton or knows anywhere else I need to go on my next trip, please leave a comment!

Christmas Vacation

2011-12-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

We'll I'm off on my Christmas Vacation...all two days of it. Ba-humbug. Guess I'm spoiled as I usually take off between Christmas and New Year's but I can't this year. Not complaining! Super glad to have the work...just wish I could be with all my family to celebrate the holiday.

[sniff sniff]

And FYI, I might be sporadic with blogging until the new year...bare with me...I heart you. I'm knee deep in work and planning a charity event and I can barely keep my head above water so I just have to prioritize. It kills me...I love writing in my blog!

[sigh]

Hope everyone has a safe and blessed Christmas!

Curb Appeal

2011-12-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

Yet another post talking about what I'm getting for Christmas. Just so you know, I sponsored a child and all I asked for for Christmas was a donation in my name to Charleston Elves, an organization a friend of mine started, so I am not a selfish person, promise! Now back to me. My dad is a landscape architect as I've mentioned many times before and I also have a contractor friend who owes me a favor soooo.....I'm taking advantage of both and getting some curb appeal for Christmas! Rebuilding my front porch with ipe, adding some much needed architectural detail, new windows, paint and most importantly...landscaping! I'm not sure who is more excited, me or my neighbors!?! Here is a lil' teaser as to what it will look like. I promise to show you a before and after when it is all said and done!

Dad is coming today with his elves to do the landscaping! Yippee! My place will no longer look abandoned.

Baking

2011-12-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

I don't love baking. Why? Because I am not any good at it. I finally watched Bridesmaids this weekend [OMG still laughing...seriously I break out into spontaneous laughter at some of the scenes as I replay them in my head!] and I was watching her make that floral cupcake....never. I would never do that. But I SO appreciate the art form. And I appreciate that I can buy items like that from someone else who makes them!

Here are some holiday inspired baking ideas bia Pinterest that I may (or may not) attempt this Christmas...

I heart creative people.

Merry Christmas To Me!

2011-12-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

I am not Catholic. But I often joke about needing to go to confession because I have guilt about everything! I don't know what that says about me?!?!? It's ridiculous. My friends tease me. [I hope I didn't offend any Catholics there....I was just trying to be funny! See, I already feel guilty about that comment! lol] Anyway, so I was at Barnes & Noble yesterday buying some Christmas presents and just happen to accidentally pick up a few things for myself. Do I feel guilty about it? You bet!

So this is what I will be doing Christmas morn....

And since I still have not had time to read my signed copies of these...

Merry Christmas to me!

P.S. I must say I was pleased to see how many people were at the Barnes & Noble buying actual books. Good to know they aren't a dying art.

Christmas with the Crew

2011-12-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

I have mentioned before my obsession with all things J. Crew. I especially love the photography....classic and timeless. Seriously, take a look at all these photos and try to tell me if they are from current catalogs or not. I dare you. Double dog dare you.

Does anyone know what the "J" in J. Crew stands for?

Google told me that the man that invented the company in 1983 loved to row and then just picked a letter that looked good in front of it. I was hoping for more. He should have made something up Cliff Clavin style.

This Week I...

2011-12-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

I actually started this last week but then my modem quit on me. Hence the start of the lack of posts.

Attended the Preview Party at Eco Deco, a new eco-friendly paint line, debuting their new designer collection. This is me with my friend and sales rep, Tracy Blanchard...call her if you are interested in their product! I will be posting more about it soon!

I look really drunk but I only had one glass of wine. Promise.

Watched the Downtown Charleston Christmas Parade. Typically my favorite part is mocking all the random parade entries like "The Illustrious whomever" or the "Miss Runner-Up Charleston County Second Grade Class Beauty." But this year I had the most fun watching the kids watch the parade (in the non-creepy way that that sounded)...

Decked the Halls at a client's home...

Not great pics.

Finalized tile and countertop selections for a client. Here is a sneak peek..

My dad came into town to help me with a few things, I don't care how old you are, sometime you just need your dad! We took a lunch break on Shem Creek...I literally got a sunburn and it was December 9th.

Added stuff to my booth over at Southern Accents...

Not sure if you heard this but Charleston, SC was voted The Most Attractive City by Travel + Leisure.

We are racking up quite a list of accomplishments!

Have a great weekend!
I'm in denial that Christmas is rapidly approaching. TOTAL denial.

Happy Birthday Bro!

2011-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to wish my much older brother HAPPY BIRTHDAY today! I hate that we don't live closer so we could spend more time together. He is such a great father to these three amazing boys...I wish I could see it on a regular basis. Not only is he the managing partner of his law firm but he coaches all three of their baseball teams and shows up for all of their numerous activities...Lord knows how he finds the time!

Still a kid at heart! Love it.

Love you bro! xoxo

I'm Sorry....

2011-12-13T09:06:00.000-08:00

No, I'm not breaking up with you. I'm just super busy and it dawned on me that I haven't posted in a while! And I wanted you to know that it's not you, it's me. I just need a little break...some time to focus on my work. I think this time apart will only bring us closer. Then maybe after things calm down, we can reunite and rekindle our love of design. Until then, perhaps you can reread some of my old posts and share in some of our wonderful memories together. Cue the cheesy romantic movie montage music....

Boxwood

2011-12-08T05:30:00.000-08:00

I'm obsessed with boxwood! I just bought a wreath for my front door. Boxwood shrubs are being installed in my front yard very soon. And I'm about to buy spheres for the planters on my front porch (post Christmas). I said I was obsessed, didn't I?

Why do I love round stuff so much???

For the monogram folks...

I just die for this...

B. Braithwaite shop in The ATL

No clue but I want to go there....

Come on, I had to!

Best Laid Plans

2011-12-07T05:30:00.000-08:00

When I started my blog, I did it with the intention of showing design students (or potential designers) what the design industry was like day-to-day. I wanted to provide insight on the "real" in's and out's of interior design like client case-in-points and images of what I do during the week in the post "This Week I." Admittedly, I don't always follow through on this as I originally intended. While out in a showroom, I forget to take photos of what I am spec'ing. While in a client's home, I forget to take photos of the "after." While putting together selections, I forget to take photos of the concept board. You get the idea! I just get busy and regret/feel guilty that I don't show you more! But I wanted you to know what my intentions were (are).

Well, today I am going to show you something real. Something real, raw and dirty...the real, raw and dirty side of interior design.

I love my job. I really, really do! But some days are tough. Today was a really tough day. I won't go into specifics but in this job you work with lots of different people, you rely on lots of diffident people and you need lots of different people in order for your job to work. Some days things go well and some days they don't. Today just all around sucked. There I said it.

When I came home I didn't know which I wanted...

So I had both.

For dinner.

Then I did a little of this...

to my poor friend that answered her phone.

(Not at her, just to her.)

And then I had a good cry. Kinda like this...

So to those of you out there contemplating going into interior design...yes, it is "fun" (at times) but mostly it is very stressful and exhausting and a lot of hard work and your brain never shuts down. No, it is not brain surgery. But it is a lot more than just "playing around with color swatches." I just want to be upfront about that.

Not every day.

So give it to me Scarlet...

If you can survive war, Yankees, hunger and birthin' babies, then I can survive today.

This Week I....

2011-12-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Started writing a post that I have already written. Ummm, what's up with that?

(I really need to get out more on Saturday nights)

About 3/4 of the way through writing it I started having de ja vu so I searched my own blog and realized why it sounded familiar...now that is just sad.

A friend of mine's dad recently passed away (unexpectedly) and it really made me appreciate and feel blessed that my parents are still in my life. I am busy with work (hallelujah!) but I left a day early to go to Beaufort to spend the day with my parents. My dad and I went antiquing in Walterboro before my brother and his family got there. I was hoping my mom would join us but she spent the day cooking (you might be thinking 'poor thing' but I think she preferred the solitude and the calm before the storm!). I had never been to Walterboro before and it was like most Southern towns...you can see how great they once were and dream of how great they will be again. It make me sad, sad enough to tear up a bit at all the vacant storefronts. But there was still a lot of great shops in this adorable quaint town and we really enjoyed our quick visit!

So the night before we went, my dad and I were discussing that we should make sure all these shops were still open. So what did he do? He photocopied the page from the phonebook. What did I do? I Googled it on my iPhone. Can you say generation gap? lol Anyway, speaking of generation gap....while shopping we found this old blackboard and my dad holds it up and says "Now this is my idea of an iPad." He makes me laugh.

Check out these amazing old Chevron floors from one of the antique stores!

I really wanted this English canopy chair but it wouldn't fit in my car (sad face).

I think these old enamel letters would be killer if you were the 4th...like Wade Hampton IV or whatever. I think some dude should hire me off this idea alone! I mean there are a million IV's in Charleston.

I really wanted these! They are ottoman size and I wanted to buy them and paint them a fun color like peacock blue. What do you think? My dad said they look like chess pieces and talked me out of them. I have not-buyers remorse.

Had fun spending time with my brother and his family too. My dad was mocking my brother, my sister-in-law and I because we were all sitting in the living room watching TV while simultaneously playing Words With Friends on our iPhones. [I think he felt left out.] I am really enjoying watching my nephews grow up and grow into their individual personalities. T (the youngest) is just hysterical, the constant entertainer who never ceases to surprise me. He came into the kitchen and asked how he could help, I thought Eddie Haskel style, yet he seemed to really mean it once he got started......

Exhibit A

Garrett (the middle child) is really into art and immediately asked if he could draw something (he knows that granddad is a super talented artist and he could pick up some pointers). Then when he saw that everyone was taken with his masterpieces, he decided to start charging. He made quite a profit! And as a business major, I was very impressed with his keen business sense....he's a natural.

One of my purchases title: Venus and Earth

Finn (the oldest) is super smart and a great athlete. He was either playing football in the front yard or asking me to do his word search with him. He has a hard time being idle and I can relate to that! It freaks me out how old he is getting...he started to talk to me about girls!!!!!!!

All in all, I'm just glad they want to spend time with me at all! I dread the days when I am not cool Aunt Sidney. I secretly try to beef up on their lingo so I can stay in touch.

Got a text from a client saying "Hey, we have 14 people coming over for dinner tonight and FYI our house looks fabulous! Just wanted to say thank you." It is moments like that which make it alllll worth it. I really do love my job! And I really needed to hear that this week as I have been really stressed out which as any designer knows, can lead to burn out. So many thanks back to you!!!

I have marked all tables down in my booth over at Southern Accents (among other things). Stop by and take a look! I am trying to make room for lots of new merchandise coming in the new year.

Um, in case you didn't hear....a lil' team called the Georgia Bulldogs is playing in a lil' game called the SEC Championship this Saturday. Yeah, that's right.

GO DAWGS!!!

Decorganizing: Yo' Closet

2011-12-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

Recently I asked my brother what he had been up to and he said "Decorganizing." I was shocked that he reads my blog! But it made me realize that I haven't done any Decorganizing posts in a while and I've been Pinning some stuff on Pinterest so I thought I would share with you some of these smart ideas for organizing your closet.

Does your closet look like any of these?

Let's Bounce

2011-11-30T03:00:00.000-08:00

"You know how everyone thinks they have a good sense of humor or good taste or that they are a good driver?" -Buddy (Bounce)

That is one of my favorite move quotes because it is so so true! I mean we can't alllll have a good sense of humor, good taste and be good drivers, right? I think about it often. Especially while driving.

Ok, I am have been super busy this week so just going to show you some great design images to give some "bounce" to your Wednesday. See what I did there? Bounce? Yeah, that's right.

Doesn't this make you want to go snatch up a $5 flea market Bentwood chair and spray paint it immediately? Genius.

Design Crush: Daniel Faires

2011-11-29T03:00:00.000-08:00

I have an all-around crush on Daniel Faires, furniture designer and interior designer and former contestant on HGTV's Design Star. He is cute and Southern and a talented carpenter....who doesn't love a handy man, right? He has been with his wife for 11 years...they went to the Homecoming dance together (pause for the "awe's"). She works in fashion and is equally adorable. The New York Times did a feature on their stylish 375 sq ft apartment (oy vey!...I don't think I can pull that off.) check it out here.

The chalkboard wall is for guests and friends to leave a comment, note, etc. Cute idea!

Daniel makes some stuff for Emily's show Secrets from a Stylist...

Like this reclaimed wood coffee table...

He also makes and sells his own furniture, called Capsule, named from the glass capsule tucked inside each piece containing observations on the wood’s history. You can check out his creations here.

He says he gets a lot of his materials from around his hood....

He also has a blog.

Are you crushin' on him now too? I wish him lots of success!

Irk-Some Design Words

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

There are several words used regularly in the design industry that I just don't like. No, I don't like them at all. I will share them with you immediately.

Yes, it can mean "original" or "unconventional" or even "eccentric" which I think can be a good thing in design. But it can also mean "having a moldy or musty smell" or "having a strong, offensive or unwashed odor." (i.e. your gym shoes smell funky as does rotten meat) I just don't like this word.

This word pretty much means "fanciful" or "playful" which is all well and good, I suppose, if you are designing a child's room or perhaps a Fun House. However, I just don't think of those feelings when I am decorating a client's home.

It means "combining elements from a variety of sources or styles." I don't like it because it is just WAY over-used. It is one of those design terms that people use when they don't know what else to call the time period or design style they are referencing. Yes, I realize this is the name of my company.

[Ya know...let me expand on that...I DO like the word for many reasons, obviously or else it would not be the name of my business! So let me explain why I DO like it. I like the word itself, visually, I think it looks good written (although spelling it ten times a day is annoying! P.S. while we're at it....no, it's not "electric" and there are no "g's" in "eclectic" I'm just sayin'). And I like what it stands for meaning I do like what the word actually means and it really does define my overall design aesthetic. Just wanted to clarify that and why it IS the name of my business. Plus, I want to have a shop one day and I think it will make a cool name.]

Now it is not to say that these words have never come out of my mouth or fingers since I blog. But they do irk me! And where not to voice my opinions than my written soapbox. Lucky you! Are there any design terms that irk you?

I'm Thankful...

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

I might whine when I get too busy but I'm very THANKFUL that people pay me to design their homes.

I might roll my eyes when they continue to "parent" me but I'm THANKFUL to have amazing and supportive parents.

I might dream of new countertops and appliances but I'm THANKFUL to have a roof over my head.

I might joke about wishing I had a niece to play with but I'm very THANKFUL to be an aunt to three of the best nephews a girl could ever ask for!

I might complain about the heat and humidity in mid-August but I'm THANKFUL to live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

I might need "Sidney" time every now and again but I'm THANKFUL to have great friends to spend time with when I don't! xoxo

I might wish for a new wardrobe but I'm THANKFUL to have clothes on to keep me warm.

I might gripe about my weight and/or physical flaws but I am THANKFUL to be healthy.

Sometimes we need to put things in perspective, don't we?

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I'm taking some much needed time off....be back in a few days.

This Week I...

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Finally spent some QT (quality time) on Etsy. Rut-ro. I went looking for one thing and about three hours and several hundred dollars later I had to logout. I didn't realize how much vintage stuff was on there! But my unique finds will be showing up in projects and in my booth over the next few months (like). Here is a sampling...

Received a photo of a client's finished vanity...I need to mention that I helped her with all the selections and designed the custom vanity but I was not on-site for the reno. It kills me where the sconces/mirrors are placed. Argh. Regardless...this bathroom is AMAZEBALLS (to quote Guiliana)!

Speaking of AMAZEBALLS, check out how good these floors look in my client's new house...

Remember we were selecting the stain a few weeks ago?

Yeah, we picked the right one!

I can't for the life of me remember what design thing I was searching for when this photo popped up but I just had to save it and share it with you fine people...

I mean WTF???

Was in the Charleston Mercury (local paper) for the Design Sponge book signing event I told you about.

Marked a bunch of stuff down in my booth over at Southern Accents. I am making room for LOTS of new additions coming in the next few months. LOTS. I've been a very busy girl. Go check it out....great stuff to decorate for the holidays, great gift ideas and as always stuff to decorate your home just in time for the relatives to come visit!

And this week's featured item is this killer fabric pendant light...

Orange with chocolate brown trim, 2 lights

@24"diameter, 5"h, hardwired

$95

Have a great weekend!

Pimpin' My Ride

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

So I just bought a new set of rims.

But not for my car. No, I'm not Pimpin' My Ride. I am going to repurpose them (at least that is the plan). The sweet guy at Habitat loading them into my car goes "So you have a Toyota at home?" (because I drive a Pathfinder lol) I really do buy some weird shit. (pardon my language). And this might be the weirdest thing I have bought to date. I buy normal shit, er stuff, too, I promise. Don't fear that if you hire me to design your home I will only decorate with tire rims! But I just get bored. I feel like anyone can go into a retail store, or market for that matter, and buy furniture and decorate a house. I get tired of seeing the same stuff! But that is because I am over-exposed to it. I live, eat, breath and dream interior design. If I am not designing for a client or shopping in a showroom or looking at a vendor's site online then I am looking at Pinterest or reading a design magazine or flipping through a design book......so you can see how I feel like I have seen it all. I don't mean this to sound snobby. I still like things I see in stores/catalogs/Internet/market but sometimes I want to "think outside the box" too. Like buying a set of Toyota tire rims and making them into side tables and/or ottomans. lol

[Crazytalk.]

Here is another "tire rim" idea of mine that is a little more mainstream. Today we installed some galvanized conduit piping as outdoor drapery hardware at a client's on Daniel Island. I say we, but really my installer did the work. And I do mean work because it was 80 degrees....in November....in Charleston and he was sweating....profusely. I, however, along with my buddy David from ACE (adore him), did all the real work (kidding) coming up with the plan prior to install. It looks pretty FAWESOME! (freaking + awesome) if I do say so myself! Take a look.....

One panel is missing (far left) in this photo. And these photos are TERRIBLE. Don't judge.

Why galvanized conduit piping you may ask? Well, one if you are a loyal reader you know I am obsessed with anything galvanized. But mainly because it is outdoor friendly, it is inexpensive and it coordinates with this little guy...

Who also lives on the porch.

I'll try to get better pics when the porch is finished and styled. How often do I say that and never do it???

Hmmm......

Design Crush (well just crush): Jeremiah Brent

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

I have to admit I cried with Jeremiah when they told Rachel Zoe that they were going to put eight more 'store in stores' in Bloomingdale's. And then again when Rodger rehired him at the bbq. I'm such a sap. Seeing someone's dreams realized is a surefire way to turn me into waterworks. He is a hard worker and really passionate about what he does...I can relate to him. (Or at least that is how he is portrayed on reality TV-lol-I realize I don't know him.) But Here is an interview with him after the season finale. Which is how I back up my opinions...you know...by more media.

The new Zoe Residence

Getting the chance to decorate the home of the most famous fashion stylist, Rachel Zoe, is a DREAM JOB and the fact that they let an unknown designer do it is very cool and unpretentious of them, in my opinion. What a good gig for your portfolio! I mean really. It is one project like that that can TOTALLY make your career. And looks like Jeremiah Brent is doing just that...making a career...by getting his own design business going. He's no dummy. I'm what some may call jelly (see also: jealous, green, envious).

Let's take a tour of the Zoe's (don't you know Rodger hates that!) kid friendly home, shall we?

And lil' Skyler's (love the name!) nursery...

After watching this season, I wonder if Rachel Zoe is going to have a partnership with Room & Board? If not, she sure is courtin' them hard! I hope the show comes back for another season. Heart me some Bravo and Andy Cohen.

Happy Birthday Lauren!!!

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

I wanted to dedicate this post to one of my very dear friends.....

(how funny if she picks today to not read this!)

I've been through a lot over the years (as we all have) but I have especially been through a lot with friends and this is one of those people that I know I can always trust, I know I can always count on and I know with absolute certainty that she will be in my life forever. She is, to quote Clairee from Steel Magnolias, "good people!"

She is a great friend who even though her own life is very, very busy as a career woman, a wife and a mother, she always seems to be there when I need her. Even if we haven't talked in a while she seems to sense when I need to talk to her and reaches out...it is the craziest thing!

She is positive, selfless and supportive. And not only encourages me to follow my dreams but takes time out of her life to help me do just that! We have "business meetings" (to talk about both of our many creative enterprises), I text her pictures of items I find for approval before purchasing and her husband is even in on it as he is my new Jack of all Trades Handyman on the side of his very, very busy life. (btw I heart him as much as her!)

Creatively speaking, we are totally in sync. We use to have a business together making jewelry and have talked about a thousand other businesses pursuits, ideas, endeavors, etc.! She is my favorite person to shop with as I can find a rusty piece of metal in a junk pile and turn to her with big, excited eyes and she will respond with matched enthusiasm. Then we'll spend the next five minutes (sometimes hours or days) talking about all the things we would do with that rusty piece of metal.

She has a dash of naivety that at times freaks me out (mainly for her safety) but I imagine it allows her to live a more stress-free life than I. For example, when we lived together and she would leave the front door wide open, not just unlocked but wide open. She is from this adorably perfect small town and I well, am not. But she goes through life assuming the best in people and I envy her attitude.

As far as values, morals, ethics and how you should treat other people....we are on the same page. The older I get, the more I realize how important that is.

She has two gorgeous children! A young daughter who dresses herself and already has a completely cool and unique style just like her mom. And a son who is so chill and relaxed, like her, that nothing seems to phase him. And they are both very funny kids, in their own right. She said the other day that her son put out his hand to get a high-five from his dad after getting his bottle. I mean.....

I could go on and on and on but I will spare the rest of y'all still reading. But I will say one last thing.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!!!!!!!!

Love you girl! And thanks for being such a great friend to me.
xoxo

This Week I...

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Am finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel...

No not that kind of light.

"Step into the light Carol Ann!"

That movie still terrifies me. I watched it with my brother when I was eight. Yes, eight. WAY too young! I was terrified but didn't want him to know so I acted like I could handle it. For the next two weeks, I slept on the floor next to my dad's side of the bed. Oh, I should mention that I had a huge tree right outside my bedroom window that I was certain was going to pull me through it and suck me into the Underworld. Eeek.

Worked on an e-decorating client's house...

Working on a design client's house...this isn't final and there is lots to come on this house but I got caught up on her daughter's bathroom. What can I say, I'm a girl.

Went to see The Eli Young Band. They played on a boat. Not sure if you can even see them in this photo. This is how old (dumb? lame? out of it?) I am...I thought we would be among like 30 people there. We were among like 300 people! And I am pretty sure there was a fraternity party going on. At least that is what it felt like. I'm not gonna lie...I enjoyed the eye candy (cough: cougar) but not the line for the bathroom. While in line, I noticed I had on (basically) the same outfit as the twenty-four year old in front of me. I am not sure if that should make me feel proud or embarrassed?

This week's featured item in my booth over at Southern Accents is this adorable coral lamp!

$125

lacquered white base and mint green coral lamp/finial with white shade

Don't forget to like Eclectic on Facebook so you can see my daily updates!

Look at the happy couple gazing into each other's eyes...

Islands in the stream

That is what we are

No one in between

How can we be wrong?

Sail away with me to another world

And we rely on each other, ah-ah

(Have I ever mentioned that that is my favorite song of all time? No joke. Stop laughing.)

Have a good weekend!

Hope the Dawgs beat Auburn! Woof Woof!

Modern Country

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of reasons people can hate on country music. I am aware of this and I totally get it. But I am still a major fan. I am a fan of old school country but the new cheesy stuff too. I am not afraid to admit this. You can make fun of me alllll you want! I will sing it out loud in the car, by myself so I don't offend others, of course. And I will dance front row, center, if at a concert. I live for the CMA's which were on last night. Now it seems like the CMA's are on like three times a year which is fine by me! I realize I have probably lost all non-country fans by now and if so, I'm sorry but for those of you that are still with me....how great were they??? Holy moly! Zack Brown singing Georgia On My Mind with Gregg Allman! Yowza.

My boyfriend, Blake Shelton won Male Vocalist of the Year. I heart him. I mean really, really heart him. The perfect blend of funny, confident and self-deprecating.

Then his wife had to go and win Female Vocalist of the Year and talk about their big night together...(sigh).

Moving on....

So since I am becoming about as swift with the segues as Carrie Bradshaw is with the puns, I am going to now talk about Modern Country in design terms. I am so hot on mixing country elements in with modern decor! I would really like to call it "Nouveau Redneck" but I don't think it would go over so well. Here are some examples.

What do you think? Are you "Nouveau Reneck"?

Gotta Make Everyone Happy

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

I am looking for bar/counter stools for a client...not an easy task in my opinion. Let me clarify, I could pick out bar/counter stools all the live long day but my dang clients have to voice their opinions! Apparently they need them to be "comfortable" and "cleanable" and "easy to move" and/or "swivel" and blah, blah, blah. Phooey. I tend to just focus on looks. Are you singing "You're So Vein?"? If you weren't, you are now....And if I didn't have to appease my clients, (you know I am teasing right? I love you! xoxo) I would go for some of these.

I'm heavily into an industrial + modern phase so I am majorly drooling over these...

Room and Board

And I still like theses guys.

Design Within Reach Stools

Or you can get the knock-offs for one-third the price on Overstock

Here they are in action...

I will always like the draftsman style. Always.

Crate and Barrel

Wisteria

And these occupy my dreams at night....

I mean really! I wish I had the designer's name handy to give him/her credit. Bravo!

Ok, back to finding some "functional" stools.....

Pro or Con: Karate Chop?

2011-11-08T06:00:00.001-08:00

Do you karate chop or not? I use to be con-karate chop but now I am pro-karate chop. I'm not sure what sparked the change. I don't like it too look too perfect however (see Hranowsky below). But I do think it helps to make the pillow look more "alive." And you DEF need the right down insert to help with this. NO POLY FILLS! (Said like Mommy Dearest). But don't fret....you don't need skills like Bruce Lee.

Being an amateur is A-ok.

Caitlin Wilson

lee kleinhelter

Tobi Fairley

via materialgirl blog

Angie Hranowsky

I was Googling some images and saw that I am not the first to report on this topic.

via trianglehoneymoon

She illustrates the difference...

See how flat and lifeless the one on the left looks?

Are you pro or con???

Hanging Out

2011-11-07T03:30:00.000-08:00

So I have mentioned before how I love to analyze my dreams. I keep several books in my nightstand so I can quickly look stuff up before the dreams fly out of my head. Lately, I have been having lots of dreams of me hanging, like hanging out of an airplane or a helicopter or a tall building or a tree. I looked up "hanging" in several of my sources and they all told me that it means that I am "awaiting a big change in my life." Which is totally true. I am not going to get personal with y'all (although some could say having a blog is already getting personal) but it just AMAZES me that your subconscious can be smarter than you are! Anyway, in my best segue attempt I am going to relate my dreams to design and talk about the hanging Egg chair originally designed by Arne Jacobsen to resemble the womb. Man, Lady GaGa would have LOVED this man! It comes in both the "bubble" form and the "rattan" form and has been knocked off a kazillion times. I enjoy them all!

Domino

This Week I...

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

[Ok, technically some of this is from last week....I am still playing catch up!]

Went to the book signing for Design Sponge at Dwelling downtown.

Can't wait to sit down and go through this book!

Then went to an event celebrating the one year anniversary for the Charleston Artist Collective. My friend Allison Williamson started this on-line gallery showcasing local artists offering affordable art. Each moth there is a different theme and a portion of the sales go to support a different local charity each month as well.

Photo from Scout

Tested some floor stains at a client's new home. We chose the one on the far right (Dark Chestnut)!

Went to The Red Party at the Old Jail in Downtown Charleston. The theme was vintage circus so we were flapper-esque. This event is put on by the American College of the Building Arts and is hands-down one of my favorite events of the year!

I took some pics off of their FB page.

This is me, far right, and my buds. The feathered hats were cool except I think I got knocked in the face about a zillion times by Mason's! And it was hard to eat my fancy hot dogs and fries with those feather cuffs.

Dropped two carloads of stuff off at the ReFurnish sale at Harborside East. I also went to the Preview Party and bought myself a few things! Y'all should stop by! Th-Sat 10-7

Follow Eclectic on Facebook! I am going to start highlighting an item from my booth every week. This week's item is a handmade wooden star. I think it could work inside or outside. Put it on a wall as art or on your mantel surrounded by garland and pinecones for a rustic look. Or add those old school large globe lights to it and hang it outside.

Handmade Wood Star

$65

Measures approx 42"w x 42"h

Bully!

Have a great weekend!

Say Goodbye To Hand-Me-Down's!

2011-11-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

Check out the storage in these dining spaces.

They are not your hum-drum hand-me-down china cabinet, that is fo' sho!

I Want My MTV

2011-11-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

I feel like my blog is starting to be like MTV who never actually plays videos. Meaning, I never show you actual design pics anymore! So here ya go...lots of eye candy...in no particular order...drink it in....

Who was there with me when MTV started?

All you local folks need to come out to the ReFurnish sale Th-Sat 10-7. I took two car loads of stuff out there yesterday! And when I did I spied lots of great items...if I don't scoop them up first then you just might get them for yo'self!

MLB: Live, Love and Decorate

2011-11-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

As promised, I would share a bit more from my meeting of Martin Lawrence Bullard, famed interior designer to the stars and star himself of Million Dollar Decorator. I felt he was ridiculously over-the-top on the show but super likable in person! While at ADAC, I was able to hear him speak along with Susan North, Senior Vice President, Design & Creative Directorof Schumacher, about developing your own line and of course pumping his own fabric line for Schumacher.

He talked about getting his first big client, Cheryl Tieg, which happened to receive lots of press in shelter mags and therefore led to many, many more big time clients. [Every designer's dream!] When asked how he got hooked up with Schumacher, Susan credited his work on the Greenroom at the Oscars and his ability to impeccably mix fabrics combined with his worldly aestetic. He had lots of colorful anecdotes about his travels and how they inspired the prints he created. One in particular was when his former assistant left him to marry the richest man in Turkey. So she went form schlepping after him to managing a personal staff of hundreds. Gotta love that!

In addition to his fabric line, he also has many other licensing deals in the works including a furniture line, eco-friendly cleaning products, a mattress line, a line of rugs for The Rug Co. and tiles for Exquisite Tiles. He is also the spokesperson for Jaguar. You should hear this man say Jaguar. It is brilliant. I J'adore him! Oh, he also said that he was asked to be the spokesperson for male Spanks. He was insulted and declined. Hey, a guys gotta have standards!

I hate this photo of me...I look like a 50 year old business woman. Not that there is anything wrong with a 50 year old business woman...it's just not the look I was going for. But it was funny as I was getting on the elevator, an impeccably dressed man in his early 50's looked me up and down and said "Missoni?" Then just nodded yes before I could answer and turned around all proud of himself. My shirt is from T.J. Maxx but he's right, it does look Missoni-esque. Anyway, the encounter made me laugh inside myself!

I should mention that Martin had pink socks to match his shirt.

Here is his book. Admittedly, I have yet to go through it but I am real excited to!

And I should also mention his inscription...I asked him to write something "naughty" so he wrote "Big delicious kiss to you!" Love it!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

So I'm a lil' late with the Halloween post but maybe you can file these ideas away for next year! Carving pumpkins use to be a big deal in my family when I was growing up. My brother was really good at it. And this was way before they had all these fancy tools! I miss doing it and will definitely make it a big activity when I have a family. What do you do with the innards?

This one makes me proud!

And this one always makes me laugh so I had to throw it in here...

So wrong.

Hope y'all enjoy trick or treating with your little ones!

Help!

2011-10-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

Does anyone out there know the source for this wall-to-wall carpet that Sara Richardson used in this nursery?

I will owe you big time! Thanks!!!

This Week I....Part II of II

2011-10-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

I went to the Country Living Fair at St. Mountain Park. I had never been and I wasn't sure what to expect. I was worried it might be "country with a K" as I like to say (i.e. kountry cutsie stuff). Yes, there was some of that but for the most part it was great! And the people watching was fun. We saw a Country version of Snookie! I wanted to take a photo but thought that would be mean.

Beautiful fall day...

This was a killer booth with lots of industrial stuff. Those yellow pendant lights came home with me! [big smile]

This booth was cool too...guess these are old British train (do they call them trains? no....tube?) signs.

I'm gonna need a bigger truck.

[Get it? It's a Jaws reference.]

Sorry my photos stink. I think I was clouded by my bargain hunting high. Speaking of...more stuff I found....

My friend said this looked like something out of Texas Chainsaw Massacre. ha! She's kinda right.

I almost bought this rabbit fur (For the record I am very anti-fur but I feel like buying a vintage fur is ok. I realize hat might be hypocritical.) but my man friend said I looked like his grandma. Ouch. I was going for sexy, not grandma. Then I started thinking I might look like Chevy Chase from Christmas Vacation when he got locked in the attic and had to put on his mom's old fur for warmth. So the coat remains where it is in this photo.

It is hard to see but this is the shell of a canoe and it is aqua (my fav color).

I thought about getting it and pulling a Jeffery Allen Marks...

I don't know what it is with me and chicken feeding apparatuses lately!

This was an outside bar.

And I was able to spend LOADS of time with my nephews this trip which was awesome! Took G shopping for his bday. Played dress up (maybe you call it costuming with boys?) with T. Learned every facet of baseball from F. They even played bowling on the wii with me because they know that is the only game I can really play...I just don't get Pokemon. I even got to see all three of their baseball games on Saturday...and they all won! Probably because they were trying to impress their super cool aunt. lol

I got back to Charleston just in time to make the last day of the Southern Ground Music Festival. My friend hooked us up with VIP passes. It was a great show! I heart me some Zack Brown.

To continue my VIP status (because that's how I roll), I also had the hook up at the Pro Am Jam show on Daniel Island...Mark Bryan got his mates Darius, Pat Green, Patrick Davis, Edwin McCain and some guy name Mike Mills out there to jam. Some vintage REM. It was pretty awesome!

I'm re-exhausted just telling you about it! I was suppose to go to Highpoint on Tuesday but when my alarm went off at 5 am, I turned it off, hid it under a pile of towels in my bathroom and went back to sleep.

I'm gonna rest up and get caught up this weekend. Hope y'all have a great one!

Go Dawgs!!!

This Week I...Part I of II

2011-10-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

Have been REAL busy! Gotta break this post up into two days for you folks so not to overwhelm you with visual eye candy.

I stopped in Columbia on my way to Atlanta to do some shopping. Found some goodies...these are the things I didn't buy.

I want to turn these old tractor seats into barstools.

Great Mid-Century chandelier (but I would use round bulbs)

Still coveting these yellow urns.

This booth was great, kinda hard to see but check out the apothecary style floor lamp in the foreground.

Chicken Feeder (seems random but you just wait! I did buy these.)

I don't know what this blue wood thing is but I forgot to go back and get it. I was gonna make it a centerpiece and put candles in it, etc. Darnit.

Ok, this is a bathtub and really gross. I feel sorry for those that had to use it because I imagine they never felt clean. However, I think it would make a great commercial sink or add legs and you have a killer beer tub for a party! [Just don't think about the prior bathing.]

Then I stopped in Augusta to see one of my best friends. We ate dinner at the French Market as they celebrated Oktoberfest which was kinda random at a French place (at least it seemed random?). My dinner date got the Crab Chop a la Charles and it was good, real good, I had food envy.

Next up was The ATL. While at ADAC, I met this guy...

Martin Lawrence Bullard. Not to be confused with this Mar-tin lawrence.

Don't you know he hates that! Anyway, he has a new book out so he was signing that and he has a new fabric line for Schumacher. It is quite fab! I will tell you more about it next week.

Then I went by a few of my favorite shops...South of Market (amazing), Pieces (it was closed and it shouldn't have been...I teared up/borderline sobbed as I peaked/eerily stared through the window for over 30 mins), Paris on Ponce (killer mix of stuff), Scarlet Loves Rhettro (lots of Mid-Century pieces, the owner just might be my sister soul mate) and Highland Row Antiques (I got here about 10 mins till closing so it was like Supermarket Sweeps...I couldn't stand it! But I did find a few things just in the nick of time!). I wish I had more time to shop in The ATL and see all my friends but it is always a world-wind!

You local folks will be seeing the goodies I bought at my booth at Southern Accents very soon!

Ok, more to share tomorrow!

Road Trip

2011-10-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm going on a lil' roadtrip. Here is a snip-it of the things I'll see...

I will be sure to tell you all about it when I get back! If you are going to be at any of these things send me a message...I'd love to meet up!

xoxo

This Week I...

2011-10-14T06:44:00.000-07:00

Was real sick. Stomach bug sick. Not fun. But it does remind me of one of my favorite movie quotes...."I'm one stomach flu away from my goal weight!" -Devil Wears Prada

I'm still upset by this BTW.

[Said the green eyed monster.]

Totally off subject (well, not entirely because she is in it) but have you seen this movie?

It is beyond adorable.

My dad and I rented it and watched it twice, back to back.

And speaking of adorable...meet my new assistant. My client's daughter helped us pick out tile for her new home. She would literally clap every time we got excited about our tile selections. It was like she totally got us. I hired her on the spot. Screw child labor laws.

Worked on this ridiculously cute house in I'On. One of my easiest clients ever (also a friend which surprisingly doesn't always translate into easy!) I show her something, she says she loves it, tells me how great I am and we move onto the next thing. Have they made cloning legal yet??? If so, I want 100 clients just like her.

Visited one of my favorite places in Mt. Pleasant...Royall ACE Hardware.

I go there all the time. Personally, I love my man David (he has a huge smile and dreadlocks and literally could not be any nicer! PS He also works at The Piggly Wiggly...he's a hard worker and has a 8 mo old son. Say hello to him!). He helps me with all my random projects and he doesn't give me weird looks and he doesn't act like I'm a pain in the arse. If you are local, please shop there before going to Lowe's or Home Depot!

Just want to be sure you heard....Charleston, SC was voted the Top City in America! America people!

Did you see my man Steve Colbert at the Conde Nast Readers Choice Awards? If not, click here. Hilarious.

Have a great weekend!

The Power of Pink

2011-10-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Domino

porterhousedesigns.com

All of you local folks go out and support the Mother's Know Breast Event on Daniel Island tonight! And mark your calendars for 1.21.12 for the S.O.S formal event Black&White at Harborside East featuring Yacht Rock Schooner. As chairperson of the event, I am hoping for a fabulous turnout! If you are interested in being a HOST or a SPONSOR, please email sidney@eclectic-idg.com. Share Our Suzy is a non-profit group which raises money for breast cancer patients on a local-level aiding them with costs not covered by insurance. It is a purely volunteer organization so all of the money goes straight to the patients, not to overhead costs!

Ombre

2011-10-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

I just did a lil' "ombre" to my hair again. In hair color terms, this is a technique where the ends are "sun-kissed" to give the illusion of grown out color so it essentially goes from dark to light. Did it last fall/winter also. Takes a while to get use to but I do like it! Y'all should go see Turner at Canvas Hair, she is great and has been doing my hair for over ten years! However, I don't seem to look a thing like the inspiration photos I keep on my laptop....

But it is not because of Turner, I think I need a team of stylists, trainers, make-up artists and Photoshop-ers!

Generally speaking, "ombre" is a French term which means a graduated effect of color that ranges from light to dark tones which could be of one color or may be a shading of three of more colors for a "rainbow" effect. Seems like the "ombre" trend is showing up in more than just hair!

Like fashion...

And home decor...

And (gag) nails...

[Please don't do this, I beg of you.]

And even baked goods...

Achieving Balance

2011-10-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to find some balance in my life. I have been pretty much working non-stop (trust me, I am not complaining!). But I keep getting sick because I go, go, go so I think my body is telling me to sloooow down. I mean I use to have time to work out on a regular basis. For those of you that don't know me personally, this is what I look like...

And I cook meals like this on a regular basis...

And typically I can find time to work on my novel...

And normally I have a rockin' social life....

And usually I have time to watch all my stories...

Ok, so not all of the above are true...

Now onto some pretty pictures that have balance. Like what I did there?

via decorno.blogspot.com

Here's to achieving balance in your life! If there is such a thing, right?

Lucite Love

2011-10-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

I love me some Lucite! I think it works well in both modern and traditional decor. Look at all the interesting ways Lucite can be incorporated into the home...

Lucite Handrail

Lucite Shelves

Lucite Knobs

Lucite Window Hardware

Lucite Table Legs

Lucite Tray

Lucite Hardware

[Anyone have the source for these???]

And always as furniture...

And check this out! Lucite antlers!

This Week I...

2011-10-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Went on a shopping trip for multiple projects and found some fun stuff...

you know me and circles. And iron.

I love to use unexpected things (like this old nail bucket) as a trash can. In fact, that is what I have in my master bathroom. My dad found it years ago on a jobsite and I snagged it from his garage. One man's trash is another man's treasure.

This said it was an old writing desk. You can't see the attached lamp.

Commercial pot rack. Finding the room is key! But yum!

These are 1950's phone tables (or so it said??) tablet to hold a phone and a phone book. Not certain as I've never seen these before. But I, of course, loved the circles. I would have to paint them a fun, bright color and perhaps use them on a porch.

I had to get these and you know why?

This is why...

Because she's 50. 50 years old!

They are for sale in my booth at Southern Accents.

Speaking of my booth, check it out....

I hope you are hopping in your car right now.

And I think we all need more cowbell, right?

[Somehow I'm thinking all you're getting from this post is that I stay home on Saturday nights watching SNL. ]

Ok, so I bought a bunch of old (early 1900's) mailbags from a vendor of mine. I think they are so cool as they are a classic slice of Americana and since it seems the Post Office might become obsolete, why not? Plus, I like the graphic numbers on them. You can't see in this pic but they have metal grommets. Trying to figure out how to repurpose them. Let me know if you have ideas!

P.S. I have tried 3x to turn this photo around ???

I came across the coolest table and chairs at World Market for a client's porch.

The price point is RIDICULOUS!

Um, this photo was taken on October 4th. I worked retail here and there over the course of fifteen years and I hope to one day own my own shop but I still don't get this.....

I don't normally take the time to "diss" a product but this one is so bad that I am going to.

If you are looking for a dry shampoo, (which I use on a regular basis) go for this one...

It is not the prettiest bottle out there (which normally would be a determining factor to me) and honestly, it is probably the least expensive of this type product on the market but it is hands down the BEST! And if the makers of this fine product, Batiste Dry Shampoo, want to send me Batiste Dry Shampoo, I am happy to endorse Batiste Dry Shampoo as long as you continue to supply me with this fine product, Batiste Dry Shampoo.

Ebony and Ivory...sitting together in perfect, harmony...

And the bonus Blue Heron! Gorgeous.

He fluffed his wings at me. Is that a non-verbal F YOU?

Let's take a moment an honor Steve...

I just love that it took someone uneducated in their field to completely revolutionize it. That's beyond awesome.

Ok folks...have a fab weekend! xoxo

SOM Blog?

2011-10-06T05:36:00.000-07:00

Did I know this? South of Market has a blog? I mean seriously....did I know this? Anyway, I do now! Or again. Am I officially getting old? Well, they referenced a beach house that was very "SOM" and I wanted to show you some pics...

Now go check out their blog because I am! Again, perhaps.

Design Crush: Jan Showers

2011-10-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ok so I was searching on Pinterest for "showers" for inspiration on a project and kept getting pics of the brilliant work of Jan Showers. I think it was a sign soooo let's talk about her! In her 25 year career, she has been featured in numerous shelter magazines such as Elle Decor, Veranda and Traditional Home; she has a book entitled "Glamours Rooms" and she has her own line of furniture, lighting and mirrors. Let's take a look.

Yeah, I want one of each. Now let's peek into her portfolio...

I'm drooling.....

The Parson Table

2011-10-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Let's look at some gorgeous Parson tables, shall we?

This one doesn't really count but I wanted to include him.

I'm such a fan of the Parson table. I think it can fit into any design aesthetic. And I love, love, love that it can come in many forms....lacquer, mirror, textured....all yum.

FALL

2011-10-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's fall y'all. I went to a cookout this weekend and had to put on a fleece. A fleece! I love the changing of seasons. I get so excited for all that a new season brings! This is what fall means to me....

What does fall mean to you???

This Week I...

2011-09-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Worked with a client on some selections for her new home...

Wide shot of the granite place.

Some of our selections...

At cabinet shop...

Worked on some selections for the kitchen reno I'm working on...we are not going with this Herringbone tile but I had to take a photo as I am kinda in love with it.

Remember the dark, dreary and poorly designed before kitchen?

[I want to take a sledgehammer to those upper glass cabinets in a bad, bad way.]

Well here is the plan...thanks to the brilliance of Jay at Southeast Kitchens!

It will be tweaked with a dash of my brilliance (lol).

Worked on selections for a downtown bathroom reno...

See, they scatter...I mean no harm little fellas, I come in peace!

Went to the 3rd Annual Bubbly&Brew Event to help raise money and awareness for My Sister's House, a non-profit organization that provides services, programs and resources to empower domestic violence victims and their children to live free from abuse.

That's me on the left. And this pic was outside, there were lots of people there inside!

Thanks for the mention ladies, in your lovely blog! If you have not read Two Doors Down, please do so now...it is filled with lots of good local resources and information!

Have a great weekend!

Wooderson, Brigance and Barry

2011-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Nope, not a law firm. What are last names of Matthew McConaughey movie roles for $1,000!

I don't know if there is a woman on this planet that isn't in love with this man. Am I right? I could listen to him read me the phone book for hours and hours and hours and hours and....well, you know.

Personally, I like to call him Matthew McConaughey-hey-hey.

I even found him charming when he delivered the sleazy line "I keep getting older, they stay the same age." in Dazed and Confused.

I found it kinda hilarious when I came across his Airstream featured in Architectural Digest so I just had to share it with you fine people.

Photography by Jim McHugh

"If it looks good but it's not functional, then it's not worth anything." he says.

Wonder where he plays the bongos naked? Just sayin'.

I'm not certain but the Google search on crazystalkerfan.com (joking) tells me this is his bedroom. [Let's pause for a minute while I picture myself here..........]

The actor customized his 2004 Airstream International CCD 28 with a practical mindset. For example, he removed the picnic style table in the living area and had a craftsman in Louisiana build him a more traditional model. -via Architectural Digest

And you thought I was gonna take this opportunity to show a gratuitous typical shirtless Matthew shot.

Shame on you.

Brilliant Ideas for the Bathroom

2011-09-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

So I thought I would follow-up to last week's Brilliant Ideas for the Kitchen with some ideas for the Bathroom because y'all really seemed to like them!

This could be done in a much more decorative way...hidden behind a piece of art or a mirror or architectural panel.

I love this since as you know if you remember from my previous post, I am not a fan of towel bars...so I like the idea of concealing it behind a shower curtain! As long as you can't see it through the curtain that is.

I think this could work for a good place to hide your scale too!

I mean this is just BEYOND brilliant. I detest those kiddie stools!

Once again, you can find these on my Pinterest page with links for more information.

Happy Pinning!

Were You Raised In a Barn?

2011-09-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am looking for barn door inspiration for a new construction job I'm working on....

I know, right?

I'm drooling on my keyboard.....

My sincere apologies for the lack of sources. I pulled them all from Pinterest in a hurry before a client meeting. I'm terrible and I hate myself for it. These above people are brilliant and deserve more. If you have any info, leave a comment and I will add it in later.

Secrets From A Stylist

2011-09-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have been dvr'ing Emily Henderson's show, Secrets from a Stylist, on HGTV for a while and got all caught up this weekend while home sick. She is such a stellar stylist, as she should be since that is how her career started, styling for photoshoots (as I understand it). Plus she's just adorable to watch! Here are some of the rooms she's created which she talks about in detail on her blog.

HGTV announces the launch of their new magazine, HGTV: Magazine, set to debut in October 2011. The editor-in-chief is Sara Peterson, formerly with Coastal Living Magazine, and she seems to be bringing a much needed real and relatable approach to the shelter magazine that I think will appeal to the viewers of the network.The content of the magazine will mimic that of their network including topics like decorating, landscape design, renovating, entertaining, food and real estate but will also take you behind the scenes on many of their popular shows as well as providing advice from their HGTV talent. The second issue will hit newstands in January 2012 and if all goes according to plan, full scale production will continue after that. Go check it out!

Before & After: Barcart

2011-09-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

I recently stumbled upon another local blogger's blog, Keller Creative. It is always exciting to meet a local person that shares your passion! She is a major DIY'er and is nice enough to share the details of her projects with her readers. She found this old medical cart at Paige's Thieve's Market and thought it would make a fantastic bar cart. Ironically, I was at Paige's the day prior and thought the very same thing! Sadly, I passed, she however nabbed it up! It was exciting for me to see what someone else's vision was for the very same find. She did a great job! Check it out...

Before

During

After

Great detail! (She added a handle for a towel)

See the entire process here.

This Week I...

2011-09-23T16:17:00.000-07:00

Added more stuff into my booth over at Southern Accents. Don't forget to stop by! If you walk in the door I'm along the right side, towards the back. Look for "eclectic" written on the chalkboard sign on top of the white bookcases.

Added the most killer lamps to a master bedroom. Sometimes the littlest things make the biggest difference!

Remember these guys? They tend to scatter when I pull up and take a photo so I have to be stealth. They make me so happy.

Remember these old corbels?

Well now they are part of a new console table! There still needs to be lots of "accessorizing" but I couldn't wait to show you...

Dropped some new pillows off at a clients. You really can't see them in this photo but the view is much more imporatant anyway...

Took on another bath reno project. This is the "before"...it won't look anything like this after.

Got sick. Of course, I just can't seem to catch a break or get ahead. So I convinced my doctor to call in a ZPak. Why can't they make those over the counter already?

Happy 8th birthday to this special little man! I am beyond bummed that I am not there to celebrate in person but I will make it up to you as soon as possible with an outting for just the two of us. I am so blessed to have such a sweet, caring and loving nephew like you in my life and I cannot wait to get one of your big hugs! I love you very much G! xoxo

Happy fall y'all!

Go Dawgs!

Brilliant Ideas For The Kitchen

2011-09-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have a Board on Pinterest entitled Brilliant which I think fits most of these ideas. They are a "why didn't I think of that" type of thing. Some of them are so simple it drives you nuts!!! But not so nuts that you aren't going to totally copy them and let your friends think you are that brilliant. Am I right?

Today let's start in the kitchen because I am working on a kitchen reno and a new construction job so I'm looking for brilliant ideas that I can call my own.

Trash and recycling shoot...

This is a magainze rack...

If you want more details on these ideas, go follow me on Pinterest. Not really sure how you find me? Try searching my name Sidney Wagner. Then block off the next six hours of your day...

Sphere-ical

2011-09-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm loving all these interesting sphere-ical pendants!

I especially like them hung in pairs.

Ok, the six year old boy inside of me sooo wants to make a crude joke but I will refrain. Instead I will just show you this pic and hopefully give you the same laugh....

Hee Hee

Picker Sisters

2011-09-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

So as I mentioned on my Facebook page (sorry to repeat for those of you that follow me)...I am OBSESSED with the show Picker Sisters on Lifetime! They are two women who totally speak my language and are living inside my head. If you are not familiar with the show, let me fill you in. These two ladies, Tanya McQueen and Tracy Hutson (both formally with Extreme Home Makeover) travel around the nation to small towns in search of old "junk" that they can repurpose into furniture, lighting and other home decor items. I love rusty old iron or galvanized anything and I love the concept of repurposing so I totally get them when they stand outside of a trailer telling a farmer how they are going to take two fenders and turn them into a coffee table....and it is quite enjoyable to watch as he stares at them like they are crazy people. They remind me of my dear friend Lauren and I who go "junking" together and talk about all the things we could make out of old crap. We get each other but not many other people do! Anyway, here are some of their creations....

This is by far my favorite! They made this hanging swing out of a silo.

They made these chairs out of an old Ford pick-up (I'm blanking on the term but the part that goes over the tire???) PS That is Alan the brawn behind the operation who actually makes all these ideas come to life. I loved the episode where one of them said "We couldn't do this without Alan." Well no duh! Alan is awesome. I am looking for my own Alan if you are out there and live in Charleston, call me. If you can do carpentry, welding, electical, painting, etc. You are hired! I'm serious. Call. Me. 843.324.6816 sidney@eclectic-idg.com

They made this headboard out of an old sign that says "The Possible Dream". We love that!

They made this killer chair out of an old radiator.

And here is a shot of their Pop-up shop, I-10, in L.A.

The first season has ended but I am sure you can catch reruns or watch on dvr. If you are into this kind of stuff you will really, really enjoy it! I have an office full of stuff that needs to be transformed so I really am looking for an Alan if y'all know of anyone who can do it all and would enjoy working on this type of thing. I don't want someone who's gonna look at me like I'm a crazy person...I want someone who gets me. At least half the time. Thanks! And if you are super rich (or slightly rich) and want to invest in me and my business, you can call me too. To steal a quote from someone much more important than me...I have a dream. And a buisness plan. Really, I do!

I'm Baaaaack!

2011-09-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

Isn't she a beaut??? And she's fast, real fast. Like that girl in high school who was gossipped about. But she makes me real happy. Like that girl did many of the guys in high school.

Since we haven't chatted in a while, I'm going to update you on a few random things...lots going on!!!

I'm working on decorating an events venue. Here is what I proposed...we'll see what they go actually go for.

I have a few more e-decorating clients in the back log since the ol' computer wasn't working. My apologies...I'm getting to you! Promises.

Working on a bathroom remodel. From what I hear, it was a bit of a sex palace before but I won't get into those details...

Also trying to figure out what to do with this bad boy....I hate covering exposed brick as it is one of my all time FAV's but sometimes you gotta do what the client wants to do....even after lots and lots of attempts at convincing otherwise.

Working on a kitchen overhaul...here is the before. It won't look anything like this once I get my hands on it (cue evil laugh)!

Let's see, also I'm working on a new construction home on the marsh that I am SUPER excited about. Can't wait to show you all the ins and outs of that....I'm certain you will love. I'm also taking on a entire house re-do (decorating only) no remodeling (at least not yet). I have two overall design plans that I am working on for clients as a here is what you need to do to each room kind of thing, I call it re-decorating. And I have several other projects, just as important, of lesser size (one or two rooms) that I am equally excited to tell you about, I just don't have photos!

So with all that being said...I was suppose to work all weekend but instead I spent it with this hansome thing. What's that girlfriend? Oh yeah, I totally made the right call! He is one of the most important and special people in my life and if you can believe it...he actually reads my blog....how precious is that? It really means a lot to me as my own family doesn't even read my blog! Anyway, I've had a lot of ups and downs with friends and family and boyfriends and betrayal and heartache and disappointment but this is someone whom I'm very lucky and blessed to have in my life. Whenever something really fantastic or really terrible happens, this is the first person I call. And it helps that he's really easy to look at....xoxo

Alright, more decorating posts coming your way....it's good to be back! I did miss you fine people. (And PS to all you other blog dorks....I'm loving the new Blogger format!)

Technical Difficulties: Part Deux

2011-09-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hallelujah! My new Dell laptop arrived!!! I would show you a photo but well, you know. The IT guy spent all day yesterday (and all my money) uploading my harddrive. Then he spent all morning at my house trying to hook up my Internet only to leave telling me I had a bum router. Well no duh! I've been telling him that for weeks and I am not an expert in IT. So I guess I am getting my third router in 2011. WTF people? Why do all routers hate me? All I want to do is connect to the big bad world wide web so I can work...is that so much to ask??? Argh. So I don't dare jinx myself but I SHOULD be back in the land of blog by Monday. I plan to make my posts extra good to make up for all the lost time. Oh I have missed you all so........hope you have missed me too!

Happy Weekending!

Technical Difficulties

2011-09-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm alive for those of you that don't know, know me and might have been worried that I drank myself into a wine induced coma. But I am still waiting on my new laptop from Dell....hence the lack of posts. I just cannot deal! I'm sorry to be so slack with you kind people but it is not by choice, I promise! I can't give you a blog post without attaching a pretty picture and my current laptop won't allow me to do that simple task. Ugh. I miss functioning normally...I really, really do!

Until then...go check out this website, Two Doors Down, that some lovely ladies started as a way to connect local folks with local businesses, artisans, etc. Looks like they have expanded to other markets such as Charlotte and Raleigh. I love seeing smart women do smart things!

Be back soon. xoxo

I'd Rather Be Surfing

2011-08-29T11:15:00.000-07:00

The internet that is.

So I spent the weekend surfing Irene. Just kidding. I don't surf, nor am I that daring (stupid?). We didn't get too much here, Irene was kind to us. My friend and I did go out to take a look at the amazing sky Friday night. I was trying to show you a photo I took of said amazing sky and a hilarious video of a guy I know getting totally blindsided by a huge wave but I'm having such technical difficulties...all the way around. My computer is dying. My sweet friend who works in IT tried to help but wiped out all my settings. I am so lost! It takes like 20 mins to download a webpage. I'm way behind in work. Man do we take technology for granted when it works well! So bare with me this week....I might not be posting much. And if anyone has any advice, recommendations, anecdotes, etc. on buying a new laptop I'd love to hear it. Thanks! Meanwhile I will be doing a lot of this...

(Ugh, I can't even load this stupid pic of me drinking lots of wine!)

So I'm off to drink more wine.