Get to know Ms. Bailey

Southern style plays a big role in South Carolina designer Ford Boyd Bailey's designs. Born and raised in the South , she appreciates it's traditions.

Ford loves to take the traditional elements of her Southern heritage and shake them up just a bit. I'd call her style, "Southern with a Twist". It's a look she calls "Edgy Traditional." Whatever one calls it ... It's wonderful!

Whether it's the arrangement of furnishings and the objects or the way artwork is hung, there is always an element of surprise. She never puts a mantel over a fireplace and you will never find a swag near a window in her designs.

Her rooms have that sought after appeal of a house that has been lived in and loved through several generations of family. To create this look you will find a careful mix of materials, old beans ect. I sure could live in one of her homes ... could you?

Dining on a Dime

Last week I had a client call that needed two tablescapes done the following day and ask if I was up for the challenge...

I was giving a $250.00 budget and that included paying myself. I decided to pay myself $80.00 and give 3 hours of my time.(2hrs. for shopping and 1hr. for doing the tablescapes)

My first stop was to our "beloved" Big Lots ... where I scored 6 vases for $5.00 each and 12 diner plates for ...drum roll please, $1.00 each. Then off to Pier 1 for the salad plates ! These would serve as focals and cost me $5.00 each. Next it was off to Tuesday Mornings for the table runner and a few pieces of glass, just for fun . These cost me $20.00.My final stop was our local Kroger's where you can get a arm full of posies for $14.00 ! I added a few things found at the clients home... and the task was completed ...UNDER BUDGET ! So how do you think I did?

* I could not find anything there to light the candles for the photos and the flatware and stem ware were in the dishwasher.. Thanks

" I Am Yellow! "

For those who don't choose to live in the land of neutrals ... a little bird told me "Yellow" was the "in" color of 2009.

But color lovers beware ... you think you selected a soft shade of butter and after it is on the walls it starts to scream, "I am Yellow !! "

My advice to clients is to very carefully pick your yellows, think twice, and when you are sure ... go one shade lighter. Or just use it as a accent in the space.

But really, who can resist this soft and buttery, sunny and bold, or golden and radiant color ... it seems to convey a warmth that no other shade can muster. Tell me, can you resist?

Age of Neutrality

I read the other day that we were currently living in the "Age of Neutrality."

One does need to consider the natural light in a space when designing with neutrals. In rooms where natural light is abundant white and linen works best; reflecting the sun that streams in through the windows.

In rooms with less natural light...you need to work with darker neutrals and highlight the lighter players of the space.

Remember, it doesn't have to be all or nothing ... adding a shot or two of color to a room of neutrals will make the whole space smile.

A room of neutrals pays close attention to the textures, the patina of the wood, and the curves on the furniture ... details count most in these spaces, all contribute to an overall atmosphere that's both stylish and calm. Is your castle living in the "Age of Neutrality " today?

"It's My Blog and I will if I want to.."

I got a e-mail from a friend today asking when I was going to do a post on my garden... I reminded her that this is a design blog and she reminded me it was " MY " blog and I could do whatever I wanted too.

I then said that everyone had already seen my pictures and it is too early for new ones... she reminded me that I had new blogging friends and they had not seen my garden.

So we will call this how to decorate your yard... I would start with the outer edges and work my way in.

Always have a focal and a few dogs at all times... this is the entry to the back yard. That my little "Cliffie" he was a hand me down...

I always end my post with a question... would you like more garden post on the design blog?

Get to know Mr. Marty

California designer Dan Marty is one to study. His showrooms lack natural light and yet the dark and moody spaces are WONDERFUL !!

Dan's worldwide travels are reflected in the numerous antique finds and vintage textiles he uses in his spaces.

His showrooms also feature collections by Kathryn Ireland, Martyn Lawrence-Bullard and Farrow & Ball.

Pure talent and unerring eye is evident when he mixes his vignettes. I want to live in them....how about you?

Color Menu

Color is a matter of personal taste. Identifying with certain colors and spurning others can be rooted in childhood ... the pleasant memory of grandma's yellow kitchen or the dark recollection of a brown room.

To be accepting of certain colors can often a matter of acquired taste ... I would never have felt that I would order a black dining room from the menu, but now I just might.

You also have to think about how color will affect the next room ... your home should have a color plan. Harmony of color, after all , is similar to creating a menu. Considering the ingredients , how they blend, and the results an be quite tasty ... Have you come up with a color menu for your castle ?