...the design of kate spade!

The kate spade store in Green Hills just reopened after an extensive renovation.  Susan (store manager) told me that the renovation was being called the 5th Avenue renovation because the old store ... which is not that old to begin with... would be designed based on the kate spade on 5th in NYC!

To celebrate the store reopening, a special guest will be giving a talk and taking part in a mini-fashion show.  The guest is none other than...TIM GUNN!!!

Tim was in N'ville last year and I had a chance to attend the event, which was awesome.  I will be attending again and bringing Genny!

So, in honor of the store reopening, I decided to share a little about kate spade design!  I am a collector of kate and had to have a closet renovated to accommodate my bags!  I love the unique yet functional design of the bags along with the "history" and names.  The one above is the Big Apple Bon Shopper!

Here are several pictures of the "old store" during the previous Tim event.  You can see the classic simplicity of the old store design.  The purses are the true decoration.  I always think of them as somewhat quirky, eclectic prep style... bags that inspire an eclectic look and nothing too "matchy matchy!"

I will have my camera ready tomorrow and plan to take MANY pics!  Here is another of my favorite bags.  It's the Hand in Hand Break the Rules Tote.  The embroidered design was done by Bosnian women and some of the proceeds go to a relief fund.  I love the bag - it's perfect for my iPad and...It's...ME!

After a certain amount of time, each bag is "retired" making them valuable to any katespader!

...searching for another kate!

Decorating with mixed-media art!

This Saturday is the First Saturday Art Crawl in Nashville!  It is one of our favorite events each month.

Most of the galleries feature local artists, however, there are always a few who are nationally known exhibiting their creations.

I seems to always be drawn to mixed-media pieces or those unconventional techniques that do not usually involve canvas. 


These are a few of the pieces we have purchased over the years.  They are part of my decorating scheme...after all...what is decorating without art?

This piece is from the Red Lotus Collection by L.A. artist, Andy Anh Ha .  I love the signature that appears on all of Andy's work!

One of the first pieces we purchased at TAG (no longer operating).  Don't you love Johnny? 
Artist: Jon Langford

I call this piece, Mrs. O.... any one of the two!  

(Can't remember the artist but it was purchased from Estel Gallery)

Bugs in the System hangs in my home office!  

Purchased at TACA Art Festival in Nashville a few years ago.  Artist:  Scott Phillips

Another favorite by a local artist (don't have the name).  This was purchased at Take 121 (now Take 121 Arts) which has moved from the downtown area to another location in Nashville.

 

...in search of the unconventional!

Cooking and decorating with herbs...

I can't believe that in the short time since I planted this year's herb garden I am already cutting and drying!

This process involves several steps and also presents decorating opportunities.

The garden was planted (and revitalized) within the last few weeks.  I have been keeping track of the growth and have already been able to cut and begin the drying process for thyme, rosemary, parsley, and cilantro.

Once the herbs grow approximately four inches (or double in size), I cut them back for drying.  You can also freeze them or use them immediately after cutting.

I use a small basket, herb scissors, and twine.

After a thorough rinsing, I drain the herbs on paper towels or dish towels.  Tie with the twine and they're ready for drying.  I use a trellis purchased from Home Depot set up in the screened in porch for drying.  (2009 pictures above and below)

Here's what I have drying so far.  It takes about three weeks for the herbs to completely dry.  Then, I remove the twine and stems and save and store in stainless containers.

Herb containers with labels from World Market.  These are magnetic!

...looking forward to cooking with herbs!

...some of my "historical" decorating items!

Today I was thinking about all of the items that I have collected over the years--some discarded by the original owner, some purchased at antique shops, and some "acquired" through purchase at the Avant Garage Sale.

Sometimes, I see something when I least expect to and can envision it somewhere -- on a table, bookshelf,  or wall. 

Other times I get an idea and then look for the item to use in decorating.

Here are some of my favorite "historical things"...


This is a wreath that I have had for over 25 years.  It's made from cotton bolls after the fibers were harvested.  It has traveled with us to two states and many different homes.

This old tool box sits on a cherry hall table.  I had to wrestle it away from a senior gentleman...

Old drafting table purchased at the Avant Garage Sale in Nashville (The Arts Company).  I recently saw a similar table and stool in the Restoration Hardware catalog for uber $$$!  Old flight charts scattered on top give an interesting twist!

This piece sites in a corner in our formal dining room. 

Partial collection of old purses from the 1950s purchased at an antiques show in Maine.

I keep this one on a desk and display old eyeglasses in it.  It's bakelite and I just read that Carrie will be carrying one in the upcoming movie!

I'm sill looking for a "home" for this cool stamp set.  Right now it is displayed on top of a book cabinet...but, who  knows where it will end up?

...searching for more "historical objects"...

Adding "seats" for guests!

Adding extra space for entertaining in a 600 sq ft loft is challenging, but, what fun?!

To add extra seating for guests, I decided to make the most of the hallway and eating bar.  This area is the only place in the loft with a lower ceiling.

I wanted to create an interesting space but also didn't want the low ceiling to prevent me from going with a darker colors.

I decided to add an "interest wall" and wanted to try stippling!  Stippling involves multiple steps and two different types of paint technique brushes (along with the typical paint roller).

My idea was to select paint and a technique that would pick up the black granite design.  I used Ralph Lauren paint and the "antique leather" technique.

Base: LIBRARY MAHOGANY NA31
Glaze: SADDLE BROWN AL14

Three coats of a rust color first, then covered with a glaze, and then "stippled" with a stipple brush.

I added a Parson's table in Beet (West Elm), a set of mugs that I threw, and a piece of artwork from the Refuse and Reuse collection (Estel Gallery).

Refuse and Reuse / recycled wood

I also wanted a special place for this piece that was made by Brian Downey (The Arts Company).  It sits on the Beet table and is one of the first things you see when you enter the loft.
(...it's awesome, Brian!)

My husband hung beadboard under the counter and I stained it a dark walnut for a funky old look.

Two saddle stools finish the area and make an interesting space for guests because the counter overlooks the kitchen and living area.  (Carpet from West Elm)

Future plans:  I have River Rock paint to "soften" the beige walls...summer painting to come!

Sunday reads!

It's Sunday!  Time for reading in the courtyard!  I am in the process of planning the renovation of the loft bathroom, so...here are my Sunday "reads!"
 

Nice, but we don't have this much space!

thinking of renovations that retain the character of a hard loft...