February 21, 2015

Design on my mind


Well it is always on my mind...keeps me awake at night, in a good way...keeps the blood pumping


Headed to Atlanta this Monday for the Design Bloggers Conference


Who else is going? Would love to meet up with some of my favorite bloggers

And these people......
Michael Patrick Flynn


Alexa Hampton

Bunny Williams

And Key Note speaker, Nate
My friend Luba of the Boston area, is with the firm who organizes this event. Heads-up Luba, I will be asking for some introductions. Hope you can get out of town!

From Atlanta I head west to Memphis for a retreat with the Amy Howard decorative finish line. A hands-on session with the new product line up


Am particularly excited about the VENETIAN PLASTER, 2D EMBOSSING STENCIL and
 GREAT NEW STENCIL PATTERNS for furniture, walls and fabric.
New techniques will also be taught and one just learned is reverse painting on glass with lacquer sprays and water

Nice isn't it? Watch for a future post with instructions and the decorating options.

Up for a BEFORE and AFTER?
Here's a current favorite

What we have here is a builders special; black granite surround and a rather odd mantle which is so out of place with this massive wall. The two rustic columns on the side were set there as a potential design element.......nope.

 Four of these boys, found in Atlanta, are vintage Belgian Draft horse bog shoes
Tiny mantle, gone. In it's place is a vintage fireplace surround found in Tennessee, a gorgeous Tiger Eye and Burled Maple with a beautiful patina of age. Hubby Steve, built a surround above the mantle, this is one tall wall! 
Those criss cross shadows are from the overhead woven egg basket chandeliers.
 Painted
Can you spy the wet bar to the far right? 
In it's reincarnation it will be a Whisky Bar, with custom chalk art and rustic floating shelves from Thailand.




After.......




In formation with a vintage Prune Dryer from Provence, a one piece hand carved wooden chain, et al, makes for a big change, don't you think?
If I get my act together would like to bring a professional photographer in. Another plus from the Amy Howard retreat will be lessons in photography so you will not have to endure low quality images.....well, I hope

Going to the conference in Atlanta? Let's meet up, drop me a line


The winner of this book is Carolyn, enjoy!
















































































9 comments:

  1. That mantel transformation is amazing! What a yummy patina on that Tiger Maple surface. And the vignette above.....one-off cool!!

    You had a book giveaway? I'm so disappointed I missed it.

    Have a fabulous time at the bloggers conference - take lots of photos and mingle, mingle.

    xoxo
    L
    PS - It's snowing AGAIN in DC. Between all the snow and frigid temps, not looking good for my camellias.

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  2. Wow! What a transformation with the mantel! Also, welcome to Memphis!

    Karen T.

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  3. My comment seems to have disappeared! What a transformation of the mantel! And, welcome to Memphis!

    Karen T.

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  4. Debra I am amazed at your new mantel and surround, perfect! What an exciting trip lined up with the best of the best in design and then the workshop that I am sure will be fascinating !! Have a great time!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

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  5. All I can say is... PERFECTION!!!

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  6. Debra,
    I wish I were going to the conference, it sounds like fun and choc full of information. The mantle before and after is amazing...is that your redo or the home of a client?
    Have fun and I know you'll share some of the great information you learn!
    xo,
    Karen

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  7. i wish you were going too karen!
    no, not my house but a clients. my 1856 house has such LOW ceilings :-)

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  8. Hi Debraa, hope the conference is amazing. I actually considered going and kicking myself now. Loved your comment on the Charleston aquarium. Too funny. I saw it and thought "I can see fish anywhere!!!!" Have fun in Atlanta.
    Love that mantle!!
    xo Terri

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  9. Debra, A remarkable transformation!! Looking forward to see the rest of the room, and to hearing about the DBC! Wish I could have attended, can't wait to hear all about it. All the best, Rié | Porttobello Design Blog

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