From a grill to a chandelier

So we have been in our house for almost 6 months now (so far so good!) and there has been lots of talk about what project to tackle first... remodel the basement, rework the kitchen, completely remodel the master bath... So, we decided to work on our master bedroom fireplace and closets first. The rest of our bedroom is done, so a few finishing touches and we can scratch this area off of our list. Stay tuned for tile choices.

We have been in the market for a grill (well, really a grill upgrade.) Last week I mentioned to my husband that he should *finally* get the grill that he has been wanting for a few years now. His response? He would rather get a chandelier for our dining room... sounds good to me! So on that note, here are my favorites.

 

and while we are talking lighting, here are my picks for the powder room...

and a few options that would be great in the living room and studio too.

sources...

                                                                  * Layla Grayce Lighting

                                                                  *Shades of Light

                                                                  *Saint Tropez Boutique

                                                                  *Jonathan Adler

                                                                  *Worlds Away Lighting

Happy Easter

Peyton and I are starting the Easter weekend with a sugar-cookie-making- marthon! It's easier (and maybe even more fun) than decorating eggs...and I'm a vegan so those decorated eggs would probably just go to waste, right?

Succulent plant projects

I've been dreaming of a wall of succulents for my backyard... and wondering if I could find somewhere to hang it indoors all winter. It seems like a large project to tackle but I think I would be up for the wreath one for sure. Is it another thing to take care of? Will my cat Chili try to eat it? You bet, but it's so relaxing to be surrounded by plants. Check out Succulents Galore... a fun Etsy shop where you can pick from the most amazing plants.

Designs from Flora Grubb, Succulent Gardens, and a wonderful blog that I love, Garden Dancing.

Craft Revival

I was a vendor at Craft Revival this weekend at Loving Touch, hosted by the amazing girls from Handmade Detroit. They covered the pool tables with masonite, invited 2 bands and 25 vendors and created a great little art and craft show. I brought a bunch of my soy candles and some of my smaller paintings. 

It's so fun to get feedback from customers and see what people choose...vintage or etched glass or the fun retro orange container in the photo above.

Roller Shade Experiment- Part Two

Confession: I have never really sewn anything before (except for some scrunchies in the 80's- uh...no judgement please!) So, I was pleasantly surprised with the finished product of my no sew roller shades. Not too shabby, right? The fabric is Lovely Lattice by Waverly in Celadon Green.

If you don't have the patience to spend the afternoon troubleshooting with a sewing machine, try this project... or choose one of the great custom curtain shops from Etsy.

*no sew* directions

R & R - southern style

I went to Fripp Island and Beufort last week for some r & r, southern style. It's a low country area near Savannah, where I went to design school. The homes are so grand and beautiful and the old trees are covered in spanish moss. The house below is my favorite... Y'all want to sit a spell and have a mint julip or some sweet tea?

My husband and I love to go drive in the county and scout out new areas... especially while on vacation. We drove down a few tree lined roads and found these beauties. These are out buildings on farms, but wouldn't they make a perfect cottage or guest house?

Ideabooks on Houzz

The first meeting with a client starts with reviewing their collection of magazine clippings to see their overall idea. These clippings have been stashed away- sometimes for years- until they are ready for their *someday* house. This is the best way to get a feel for their style (since 90% of us refer to our homes as eclectic!) On Houzz, you can put together an ideabook for fun, or for your *someday* house. Enjoy!

merrynoel's ideabooks

Houzz- Kitchen Design, Bathroom Design and More»

Browse by Space and Style- For Example:

Modern Kitchen · Eclectic Bathroom · Contemporary Living Room · Tropical Bedroom · Eclectic Dining Room · Contemporary Homes · Contemporary Patio · Traditional Landscaping ·