Color Me Lovely

Finished Kitchen!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Tue, 21 May 2013 06:30:19 PDT

I'm sharing with you a kitchen I recently finished. The home is a wonderfully designed architectural gem, and clients I have worked with for many years. The home has high ceilings, fabulous large windows, and an open but very warm and inviting environment...I love it! Enjoy!

Stainless steel tile backsplash and granite countertops. I love how my woodworker Walt McHenry decided to continue the maple top trim of the cabinets around the cooktop hood!

White laminate and maple cabinets with maple floors

A look into the adjacent family room

A closeup of the backsplash tiles and granite countertops

Stainless appliances and cabinet hardware

I can't decide if I like the pic better with the undercabinet lights off or...

on! So thought I'd include both! Now to find the perfect table and chairs!

Later! Susan

Redecker Hedgehog Brush

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:58:42 PDT

The Redecker Hedgehog Crumb Brush from Crate & Barrel. Get it here!

Isn't this just the cutest crumb brush ever? Not that many of us really take the time to get out a particular utensil to brush the crumbs off our tables. In fact, that's the one pet peeve my dear hubby has when we go to a nice restaurant...the crumb brushing..."really, is that necessary". Of course, at the restaurants, they use the bent metal type apparatus called a Crumb Catcher...not quite as appealing!

I don't think I would ever really use a crumb "catcher" or "brush", but it's just so cute! Only $12.95 and ships for free! What else could I use it for?? What would you use it for if not for crumbs? Let's think of something. I need some rationalization for buying this cute little creature!

Enjoy the weekend!!

XOXO Susan

Sun Room Update

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:34:39 PDT

Happy Spring! Not a pleasant topic in this northern neck of the woods, as we are continuously getting dumped on by Old Man Winter...and yes, it is getting "old"! One small project I am currently working on is a sun room update. However, in addition to a sunroom, this room is also the main, year-round family/TV watching room...and not a large space. Currently the room is painted blue with wood trim and ceiling of a golden hued tint.

The goal of the space is a soft, monochromatic environment accented by dark wood furniture and a pop of color in the artwork. We are going to paint the walls a wonderful warm grey, Ben Moore's Smoke Embers 1466 above. The planked wood ceiling and trim will be painted Ben Moore's White Dove OC-17...my always go-to white.

Above is the existing grey/brown leather sofa and loveseat.

The new carpet: Love this Shaw carpet! It's called Polished Comfort and this color is Silver Smoke. Sooo reasonably priced -- gotta love that!

My color palette: folded branch-like Duralee fabric will be the roman shades with the Dwell Studio's Robert Allen diamond pattern in a large ottoman with accent welting in a silvery vinyl that turns tan/gold when the sunlight hits it, like in the picture above. How cool is that? Perfect for this color combo, huh? The remaining fabrics are pillows.

Now for the punch of color...no final decisions yet, but up for grabs from MN artist Jessie Schreier:

Buddy and/or...

Lilypads

Or...

Stay tuned for the final before and after results!

Toodles my dear noodles...Susan

Decorative Glass in the Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 06:14:03 PDT

Decorative glass used in remodeling has become so popular over the past few years that I thought I had seen it all. But NO! I'm excited to introduce Shahab Shokouhi, my guest author today, discussing and showing fabulous ways to use glass in the kitchen. Enjoy!

Kitchen Remodeling via

Kitchen overhauls are not the easiest remodeling jobs out there, but there are definite trends you can utilize to make your kitchen look stylish. In this post we are going to look at various examples from back-painted glass backsplashes, to glass kitchen counter tops, to kitchen islands, all of which will make your kitchen a modern cooking oasis! Glass backsplashes and colored glass panels are a perfect way to not only add light and a beautifully modern shine to your kitchen, but color-coordinating is also extremely easy.

Different Colored Glass Painted Kitchen Backsplashes via

At Dulles Glass and Mirror, custom-colors are offered based on most major paint manufacturers including Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams color codes, as you can see above.

Green Glass Backsplash via

There are many styles of glass backsplashes. You can get a whole glass panel custom-cut for your kitchen wall, or you can use individual tiled glass backsplashes like above. And if you're looking for a bit of a modern flare, there are a lot of backlit options when it comes to glass in the kitchen.

Textured Backlit Glass Casing Island Countertops via

Above is a glass casing kitchen island countertop with backlights. Similar to glass backsplashes with installed LED lighting, this island is decorative, functional, and injects a unique vibrant light into the kitchen; the ultimate in modern technological decorative flare. Another common, often overlooked style of glass in the kitchen are glass kitchen cabinet doors.

Glass Kitchen Cabinet Doors via

Glass kitchen cabinet doors are perfect to show off your most interesting of items, giving your kitchen a contemporary look. If you're looking for a more traditional look, white colored backsplashes are available as well.

White Colored Kitchen Backsplash via

Often times with back-splashes, it's a good idea to match your switch-plates and outlets to the color of your backsplash.

Hand-Made Glass Countertops via

When it comes to the kitchen, there is a lot of functional hand-made glass art available, like the hand-made glass countertop above. There are glass art houses that are creating masterful glass kitchen countertops, producing a one-of-a-kind look that will clearly turn heads.

Kitchen Island via

Not everything has to be a full-on overhaul. One easy way to add a new bit of flare to the kitchen is a kitchen island. While this one pictured is a very high-end and rustic kitchen island, there are a lot of kitchen island options available for you. From the DIY low end IKEA models, to designer models, it's absolutely the easiest way to add countertop space to one's kitchen. Follow these trends and your kitchen will be a brighter, easier to clean, and more productive cooking space.

About the Author Shahab Shokouhi is a Writer at Dulles Glass and Mirror-- a manufacturer of commercial and residential glass products including glass table tops, vanity mirrors and glass sheets.

Susan here again! I can't decide if my favorite is the Textured Backlit Glass surrounding the island OR the Rustic Kitchen Island with a glass insert on the top. I think I'm going to have to go with the latter. I love contrast!! Ready to use some glass in your kitchen now? Tell me your ideas!

Toodles! Susan

Spring and Petite Wonders

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:29:54 PDT

I recently saw this wonderful, dainty floral arrangement while on a trip to New York. There were so many things that caught my eye: it's petite, but full presence, the contrast in hues, the desaturated color of the large grey green leaves contrasted with the intense chroma of the dainty, frilly fuchsia flower petals. This one little presentation has so much richness, and best of all...it won't get in your way while eating!

So, of course, I had to ask the Garden Guru, my mother-in-law Deb Brown, the best way to duplicate this little dandy on your own. Her suggestion:

"It looks like several frilly carnations for the center wired together at the bottom. I would say look to your houseplants and trim the ends from trailing philodendrons or pothos this time of year. In summer, you could cut a few leaves from perennials. Or any time, you could pick up a small bunch of floral greenery at a grocery store florist -- or wherever you buy the carnations. I think the fun part would be the creativity involved. That little arrangement or bouquet could be made with other flowers as well as carnations...a mound of mums, for instance. And in June, one luscious peony, surrounded by contrasting leaves."

Spring will be here...eventually...really!!

Susan

IGH Living Room Progress: Mantel going UP!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:28:08 PDT

Happy Spring!

Details are coming together in an Inver Grove Heights living room I am updating. Let's look!

In this corner, we added grommet style curtains using Robert Allen and Schumacher linen fabrics and a new olive green Hickory wing chair with nailheads. I love this Schumacher linen with the oversized paisleys but chose to use it only on the large floor to ceiling windows on either side of the fireplace so we could keep the focal point on that wall. I put Robert Allen linen solids on the patio door, but connected the draperies with the rust colored border at the top. Linen just hangs so beautifully, it's one of my favorite fabrics!

We added a new Charles Ray sofa, but I decided to keep the coffee table my client had inherited from his mother. I just love the oversized feel of the piece, the carved details and those bulbous legs are so fabulous! We highlighted the details with gold leaf and gold Rub n' Buff...thanks to Candice of Textural Hues!! We're also adding cabinet doors to the bottom half of the built in bookcase behind the sofa. There's one on either side of the dining room entry. Now they'll look like built in cabinets instead of built in bookshelves. Still need to redo that piano seat...it's in progress!

And yet in another corner, you can see we've painted the rooms' walls and ceiling with new Ben Moore colors and added this luscious Hickory chaise in a soft grey/blue. This fabric is soooo soft, you can snuggle right in and watch the wildlife right outside the window. The homeowner already owned the espresso colored faux fur throw, but I think it's perfect on the chaise and grounds the colors in this corner.

Back to the other corner, you can see the old mantel from a chunk of cedar and the graduating bricks holding it up. I am not a fan of protruding bricks in fireplaces, and it truly doesn't work with our revamped style...too retro, too 50's/60's looking, so...

...we are going to cover them up. We could have possibly knocked them off, but we didn't want to risk weakening the entire fireplace structure. The above corbels are hollow, acting as caps, to go over the protruding bricks and hold up the new larger mantel which will wrap around and tie right into the window casing on either side of the fireplace.

Here's my fabulous woodworker, Walt from McHenry's Custom Furniture & Cabinets refining the fit on the new mantel. Now to paint it to match the trim, and install.

Keep posted!!

Susan

Peacocks In Decor!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 08:27:44 PST

Today I have a wonderful guest post from Mari at Arcadian Home. I think she's selected some of the best images ever on peacock decor! I'm dedicating this post to my good friend Joy...I don't know anybody more peacock crazy than her!! Let's read on...

____________________________________

Hello, everyone! It's Mari here from Arcadian Home blog, a beautiful place to find lots of decorating inspirations, including table decor, wall art and interesting lighting fixtures of all sorts. I'm so excited to be visiting Color Me Lovely with a guest post about peacocks in decor. Today's post was inspired by Susan's wonderful auction find of an antique white peacock print by Jessie Arms Botke. You can see it here. To celebrate that found treasure, I've pulled together eight images of rooms with beautiful peacocks as focal points. Please enjoy!

Designer Jeffrey Bilhuber placed this preserved peacock on a pedestal as the focal point in a lovely blue Manhattan apartment living room. Peacock blue accents pop in the midst of paler shades of blue.

This painting of a white peacock on a black background serves as a lovely focal point above the deep pink velvet settee in a traditional living room.

A contemporary peacock painting in brilliant blue is the center of attention at the head of this wrought iron canopy bed. Turquoise buffet lamps with large black shades (only one is visible here) are perfect atop the bedside chests.

In this inviting pale gray and green dining room, a contemporary peacock painting serves as a colorful focal point. A blue and white rug gives the space an understated coastal feel.

This living room with wonderful global style includes a colorful preserved peacock near the fireplace behind the deeply tufted gold velvet sofa. Moroccan tables merge beautifully into the design that also features sleek metal modern tables.

An eclectic bath has two peacock elements -- a pretty painting resting on the floor against the wall and the window shade in a floral and peacock patterned fabric.

Elle Decor brings us this lovely green dining space with two preserved peacocks, one is white as seen in Susan's antique print.

A gorgeous peacock mural is stunning in this glamorous pink bedroom with clear acrylic four-poster bed. The only thing I'm missing is a really glam modern pendant light hung in the center of the room. What a great space!

Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

What do you think of these peacock inspired interiors? Leave us your comments below and be sure to check out our website for more home decor and lighting inspirations!

Was I right??? Awesome images, huh? Being the ultimate animal lover I am, I would never, ever condone killing and stuffing animals purely for purely pretty decor. The stuffed peacocks are absolutely stunning, so if you want them in your home, please, please check your sources and make sure they lived a long, lovely life and died of natural causes. Many thanks!

Later 'gaters! Susan

Gurgling, Gothic and Gargoyles

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:45:13 PST

Last August my son, and firstborn, went off to college. What an emotional time! I could have never prepared myself for the feelings that would come flooding in. It felt like a "death", truly. I know...it sounds morbid, but hey, that's how I felt! However, I am definitely excited for him. I truly believe he'll do fabulous, and he was ready for more of life's challenges and adventures. He recently was home for a holiday break for a good chunk of time, and I felt a "wee bit" of those emotions gurgling (remember that word) back up as he departed, but fortunately, they maintained themselves and didn't unfold.

With that said...on a DESIGN note, Bradley University, where my son is going, has a lot of gothic architecture that I really admire! I have always loved the stately, medieval, somewhat ominous feel of gothic architecture so let me enlighten you a bit.

Henry Ives Cobb designed the buildings at Bradley U in a style popular during the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries known as Collegiate Gothic. It's a subcategory of the Gothic Revival period and can also be found at Princeton, Yale, and Duke. Gargoyles and intricate arches were a popular feature. Mr. Cobbs is well known for bringing his Romanesque and Gothic touches to numerous public and private institutions in the Chicago area at the turn of the century.

Gargoyles date back to the 13^th century. The were originally intended as waterspouts and drains to keep rainwater from damaging the mortar foundations of buildings. The word gargoyle comes from the French word gargouille, meaning “throat” describing the “gurgling” sound made by water as it ran through the figure. Pretty cool tidbit to know, huh? I'd much rather have a gargoyle instead of the contemporary drainpipes of today!

However, now that we have drainpipes (ick), gargoyles are primarily decorative. In addition to originally being functional, they were also suggested as a means to ward off evil spirits.

There is also a lot of wonderful sculpture on the premises. This one is my favorite! Doesn't this look like a Henry Moore sculpture?? I could not find any plaque or inscription on it...I'll have to find out one of these days. I absolutely love it!

And the patina!! Gorgeous, love patina!!

And this dear readers...is Lydia Moss Bradley, the woman who founded the University. From looking at that ~~scary~~ delightful face, I dare say not too many students were probably skipping classes during that time!

Carpe Diem! Susan

Auction Mania

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:02:51 PST

I love finding a good deal and it's even more enjoyable when the environment is appealing and you're not digging through some dusty, smelly, gross antique store basement. Last summer I went with my mom to an auction located in the small town of Mountain Lake, MN, where she grew up, with a population around 2,000. Although it is more diverse now, the town was initially composed of mostly 1,800 Russian Mennonites who settled there between 1873 and 1880. Most of the auctions are on farms in that area, but this one happened to be in the town. Auctions can be fun even if its just for the people watching, or looking for that one little treasure. I often find that auctions in rural or farmland areas contain a lot of tools, mostly rusty and not too functional, or heavier equipment, but this one was a gold mine!! The family was very creative--painters, decorators, upholsterers, sewers, and obviously collectors. There were gorgeous murals on the walls throughout the mid century house (sorry didn't get pics of those!).

Oodles and oodles of quilts of all kinds in fabulous shape, and with their creative eye, many were very unique. I tend to like the crazy quilt style above.

Wool, wool, and more wool. Being a textiles and fiber nut, I was instantly drawn to this.

More gorgeous wools--plaids, stripes, solids...bags and bags of it.

Many fabulous oriental/persian style rugs.

Antique dolls, tins, and notecards. Look at the gorgeous turquoise and yellow design on the top of the can behind the dolls.

Antlers and antique game boards -- all the things you see being used in decorating and design magazines currently. And not just one of each -- if they had something, they had many variations of it.

I am also a nut for the Art Nouveau period with its undulating lines and curvy movement. This mirror was so indicative of that.

Close up of mirror's sinuous lines

Tons of rag rugs, which I could really use now for a current upholstery project of mine!

The grounds at the house were spectacular, yet natural, earthy and like the Art Nouveau period, very undulating, so of course, there was a lot of wonderful garden statuary.

Fun collectibles

What can I say, I am the ultimate cat lover, so of course, had to take a pic of this. However, there were many other boxes...one with dogs, one with birds, one with...you name it!

Teacups, teacups, and more teacups! Not typically uncommon for auctions, but WOW...this many for a single household? Some had the coolest designs.

Part of the grounds...isn't this inviting?

Exactly what most people in a town of 2,000 on a nice summer day came for...socializing and catching up with friends and neighbors.

Rolls and rolls of designer upholstery fabrics

Stunning carved antique furniture

One thing I did buy...this funky white peacock antique print by Jessie Arms Botke. I wish it was an original but then the cost would have been out of my reach. However, since the print is antique, the quality of brushstroke imagery is lovely.

And talk about an impulse purchase...just as we were leaving, the auctioneer was starting the bidding on this faux mohair sofa, which can be separated into 3 separate pieces. Starting bid: $4.50. Did anybody want it? No one. So, I bought it for $4.50! The bad news...I live 3 hours from where the auction was and have a small SUV car, so it is currently at my parents house, which is just fine. Do I need it, do I have someplace to put it? NO. But really, when in your life can you say you bought a sofa for $4.50 that looks this good??? Yeah, I know...impulse.

Have a fabulous weekend!!

XXOO Susan

OvErSiZeD ART!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:54:52 PST

I love playing with design elements...looking at strategies a different way, reversing the norms, etc. For the last few years, a trend of reversing the size of wall decor over furniture has been booming. I love it! It really gives a new sense of energy and enthusiasm for rooms by playing with proportion and scale, and of course, I always love it when art takes center stage! It works brilliantly in creating a strong focal point and can give the illusion of enlarging a small space. In addition to being great examples of oversized art, below are also some of my favorite rooms of all time. Enjoy these fabulous examples, and please, try this at home!!! If you're not sure how to make it work, let's talk!

What can I say...one of my all time favorite designers. His mix of styles, patterns, proportions, and colors always makes me smile. Miles Redd

Another of my fave designers. As Jamie has said, if you're looking for all beige, don't come to me. I agree! Design by Jamie Drake & Assoc. Art by Lana Gomez

Cool Liz Taylor art--Love the image of her in her slip with a drink, the pinky rosy hues of it, the retro feel, the way it fills up the wall, but in a child's bedroom? Hmmm...not so sure about that. I think future therapy will be in order. Vogue Archive

A mirror also does the trick. Make sure it has a substantial, interesting frame. Elle Decor

Steven Gambrel

So minimalist, yet feels so complete. Garret Cord Werner Architecture & Interiors

Don't hesitate to tuck the art behind the sofa if too large -- of course, this also may depend on the image. Design by Annabelle Selldorf of Selldorf Architects. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.

Notice how the sconce shades, on either side of the photograph, blend into the wall giving the art even more focal power. Amanda Nisbet Design

Photograph or painting, I see this design strategy as a sure winner and a classic, yet avant garde approach, that will never go out of style. Go for it!!!

XXOO Susan

Where has Susan gone??? Oh yes, and Pantone 2013 Color of the Year!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 15:12:09 PST

Well as you can tell, when I'm a busy working woman, in addition to those other areas of my life...mom, wife, girlfriend... my posts go out the window. Not complaining, being busy in my field is a good thing (thank you Martha). Not that I don't have anything to write about either. In fact, topics pop into my mind numerous times a day, in addition to the little birdie sitting on my shoulder saying, "When you get home, sit down, and make it short and sweet." Yes, well a lot of good that birdie did for me. Thank goodness it's flown south for the winter.

The number one issue I HAVE to talk about is the new 2013 Pantone color of the year -- #17-5641 Emerald. I love it! But I'm biased since green, and all of its variations, has always been my favorite color.

Let's look at some of my favorite Emerald Green room designs, shall we?

Infamous Stark Carpet advertisement

Photograph by Michael Eastman

Interior design by Tobi Fairley

Interior design by Jamie Drake

Soft mint green in this front room, but notice the stunning emerald green square, not the whole wall, behind the shelving in the distant room. Interior design by Jamie Drake

Image from The Decorista

Interior design by Kelly Wearstler

I use a lot of chartreuse (more of a yellow green) in my interiors, but not a lot of Emerald Green. That's my goal for 2013!

On to Oz! Susan

Inviting Office Spaces

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 11:17:01 PST

I recently read how bringing nature into your office space creates a more attractive and relaxed environment for your visitors by invoking familiar memories of their childhood days exploring nature (ok well at least MY generation!) I am currently working on a commercial space where the company is very eco, green, earthy, multicultural and hip. I am soooo excited about this project and I'm having so much fun creating an environment unlike the typical commercial environment. With that said, enjoy these commercial surroundings that I think are unique solutions.

The reclaimed wood really warms up this otherwise white space.

Need a boost of energy? Complementary colors are always your best bet!

TBWA Hakuhodo Japanese advertising company. I've always loved bringing the outside in!

Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Slovenia -- YES, that's right...a government office!

Google Zurich -- This wasn't the only office space I saw with a slide. Love that!

Really like all the stripes directing your eye to the middle of the room. It draws you in. AND the beverage cooler. While you're waiting, help yourself to a cold one!

Vertical greens juxtaposed with horizontal reds. Contrast and complement!

Ideapaint -- Brainstorm time!

Think Outside the Box -- Always!!

Susan

Eclectic Vintage Color -- the Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 21:52:00 PDT

Hi All!

Time for after pics!! This post is focused on a kitchen from a multi-room first floor project. I'm calling this project Eclectic Vintage Color because those are three adjectives the homeowner really wanted to incorporate into the finished designs. The entire project included the kitchen, laundry room, powder room, family room, living room, and dining room. I think I'll do different posts for each room. How's that sound? First up -- is the kitchen -- which probably isn't as vintage, eclectic or colorful as the other rooms. After all, we did need function here. I posted before pics of the below kitchen here and did progress posts as we were selecting finishes, etc. here and here. So now, drumroll please...check it out!

Eclectic Vintage Color

Maple cabinetry, granite countertops, mosaic style backsplash with glass, stone, and marble, stainless fixtures, stainless breakfast table, vinyl chairs

I absolutely adore the backsplash/granite combo. The swirl of the granite combined with the structure of the tile is just divine!

I really like all of the coordinating textures in this image, particularly the charming basket shelf.

In addition to the island, there is a large peninsula -- see the three pendants -- with three stools for additional seating or to watch TV in the family room.

Didn't my client do a fabulous job finding baskets for the shelf with the perfect shade of grays and cream liner to tie in with all of the varying colors we brought into the kitchen?

A little personalization with knob icons for the four family members: grapes, baseball, books, and butterfly

But wait, we can't forget about the adorable family dog, Milo! He gets a personalized knob too...

I know, not the best pic, but it's a dog head knob identical to Milo's breed. How fab!

And of course he also gets his own little eating/food storage station!

Stay tuned for Room #2!

Susan

It's Only a Hollywood Metal Bed Frame

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 18:41:45 PDT

We have been living with a low profile style bed frame for quite a few years now, not by choice, mind you. Personally, I don't like beds that are low to the ground. A couple of years ago, we had just purchased a king size mattress but didn't have the base yet. I was so busy at work, I could not think of what type of bed, frame, headboard, etc. I wanted. A client of mine was getting rid of this king low profile bed frame to be replaced by the stunning new upholstered bed I had designed for her. I grabbed the loft bed frame thinking it was temporary, and now at least, I wouldn't have to sleep on the floor. I make a habit out of not grabbing my client's old belongings...I don't know, something just feels a bit strange about it, but this was short-term, right?

John Malick & Assoc

Well, two years later! I've decided I don't want a complete frame, just a decorative headboard, with a basic metal Hollywood frame to hold the mattress and box spring. What is a Hollywood bed frame, and why do they call it that? So glad you asked!

"Hollywood is actually the brand name of a metal frame system that has legs where you can place a box spring in and attach a headboard as well. The Hollywood Bed Frame Co. began creating solid angle-iron framing systems used for box springs in the year 1925. In the same way that facial tissue is synonymous to the brand Kleenex, box spring frames are also synonymous with Hollywood since they are known as Hollywood frames. "

I was sick of shin high bruises from the wood frame, and with allergies, upholstered was not a good choice, and it would be easier to make the bed. Lifting a king size mattress up, even slightly, out of a wood frame is no easy task! I knew I wanted a nice metal frame, no flimsy sliding contraption. My bedroom has all hardwood floors, so no wheels. Those locking devices never last. So, I searched the internet and found the style I wanted. Not being a bed frame aficionado, it truly is impossible to tell what you are getting on line, so decided I needed to see it in person.

Willey Design

Did you know there is basically one company who monopolizes the metal Hollywood bed frame industry? Since I wanted a nice one, I decided to call the most high end retail furniture store so it would be decent quality. No, all they had were the ones that were on wheels, basic, not heavy duty...and not in stock. Ugh. Feeling frustrated, after all, this is a basic bed accessory, right? My husband said just get the basic one, and we'll take the wheels off. OK, yeah I guess we can finagle that to work. I ran up to the low end furniture store merely 2 miles away, and they had exactly what I wanted AND in stock! No wheels, state of the art design, heavy duty! Unbelievable! Is there a moral to this story? How about...Keep Your Options Open!

Enjoy a few more beautiful bedrooms with "headboard only" style beds:

Tobi Fairley

Nighty-nite!

Foyer in RED

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 17:15:17 PDT

Hello! I'm super excited about the foyer progress in my foyer/dining room/living room project. There is still quite a fair amount to do in here, but I had to share with you how fabulous the new wallpaper, ceiling, and chandelier look! The foyer is not large, but very tall, with a "racetrack" style relief pattern on the ceiling. My goal was to emphasize both assets. With the vines crawling up the walls, your eyes follow up, up, up to the sparkle of the chandelier and the red ceiling accent. I think it looks grand! As the husband said, "It's like walking into a Christmas present." (And I believe that was a positive compliment! :)

Clarence House Flowering Quince wallpaper and Crystorama Solaris pendant

The stained wood handrails, only, will be painted a glossy black enamel. The white stays. The Crystorama star shaped sconce will get two red chandelier shades. Love finishing touches!

The front door is to the left with a long skinny window next and the coat closet to your right. The long skinny window will be getting iron hardware and a pulled back drapery. So great to watch it all come together!!

Toodles for now!! Susan

Football Colors on HOUZZ

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 11:59:45 PDT

Fall is here...almost! This has been an incredibly busy, busy summer for me, and for many people I know. There must be some weird karma energy in the air uniting the emotional and hectic vibes. Unfortunately, it has not been all positive. Some events this summer have been exciting, some tragic, some nervewracking, and some just plain "yeah, ok, whatever". Maybe that's why it's felt so busy...the emotions have been nothing short of a whirlwind! Nonetheless, a lack of writing has certainly prevailed! Hear, hear!! With that statement, I feel like I should be in a medieval village courtyard listening to the angry crowd yell! OK, back to design... Getting excited for the football season?! Well check out this article by Houzz.com writer Lisa Frederick where they featured one of my designs to represent the West Virginia Mountaineers colors of blue and gold!!

Show Your Team Spirit With Colors

Announce your football allegiance with something subtler than a shout: rooms dressed in color palettes to match your team!

In Alabama, where I live, sports — especially college football — are king. Almost every conversation eventually turns to how (insert team here) looks at spring practice, or how they'll fare in the upcoming season, or how they blew it in the big game last weekend. So it goes without saying that folks here aren't shy about putting their fandom on display at home, inside and out. click here to continue reading and see images

About Lisa Frederick:

Birmingham, Alabama, United States
About me:: Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
My favorite style:: I'm essentially a traditionalist, but I love mixing things up with elements of the unexpected. I believe the pieces that fill a home should have meaning and resonate on a personal level, rather than being chosen simply to fill a space.
My next house project:: I'm itching to remodel my tiny master bath - a mishmash of '80s brass fixtures, seafoam-green wallpaper and chocolate-brown cabinetry.

Hut, hut, hut...(that is what the quarterback says, right?) ~Susan~

Purple

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 12:32:26 PDT

If someone were to ask me if I like the color purple, I would say, "it's ok". Nothing too enthusiastic. Yet, when I look at my house, what do I see...purple, when I look at my gardens, what do I see...purple! I think the term purple gets a bad rap, don't you? My first instinct is to think of an ugly, intense Minnesota Vikings purple -- eeek! Do you think that too? What is it about the Vikings color that makes me wrinkle up my nose? I guess if I look more closely, the colors I am surrounded by are more lavender, desaturated and dusty purple, fuchsia, etc. With every color, there are so many variations that I think it is truly difficult to say you "hate" a color. Oh really, you say, even Vikings purple...yes, even Vikings purple. We all have our favorites that truly speak to us, and mesh with our "color comfort zone". Honestly, there are no colors I hate, as long as they are used appropriately whether that be the proportion, the environment, the combinations, the application (not a football jersey), etc. Every color deserves 15 minutes of fame!!!

Let's look at some rooms where purple, and variations of the hue, really reign (pun totally intended)!

Mr. Peacock Style blog

Susan E. Brown

photo by Per Gunnarsson

Pinterest - I know, not a room, but how stunning!

Yikes! Purple Passion galore!

Susan

Swimming with My Mother

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 14:15:11 PDT

I saw the play Swimming with My Mother last night at the Guthrie Theatre's Dowling Studio. It was very touching, and moving, particularly since I'm a mother, but also knowing the two performers were the "actual" mother and son -- perhaps a bit reflective as well. Yes, pun intended! The play, as described on the Guthrie's website, "A young boy takes a lesson from his mother, a swimming coach. Life passes in laps, things change, and the boy teaches his mother to dance...their own stories intertwining and swelling like a rising tide." The movement was so fluid like a blurring of water and dance, absolutely lovely.

At the end, the well known choreographer and performer David Bolger shows us a 6 minute film he did with his mother called Deep End Dance. This was an incredible visual of dance under water. Check it out below!

DEEP END DANCE from La Gaîté Lyrique on Vimeo.

Doesn't his mom, Madge, look great for 78 yrs old?! Wow, if you are a an avid swimmer, keep it up!

Breathe, bubble, breathe, bubble... Susan

What Would Your Pet Confess?

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 18:32:53 PDT

Recently I saw these amusing animal prints on dog-milk, part of design-milk. They are a hoot! Can't you just hear the cats and dogs pictured saying these things, with their little smug expressions! They are by Christopher Rozzi of New York, NY. His Etsy shop is called Tiny Confessions. Each is a print made from an original painting. You can get a few different color options for the backgrounds too, as well as many more clever "confessions" declarations.

As much as we all love and adore our pets, it's hard to know what your pet is thinking or verbalizing, so maybe just imagining them saying these things brings us one step closer in our relationships with them, huh? Really? Really? It's ok to pretend, right?

Meow! Woof!

XOXO Susan XOXO

Houzz Feature - Where to Put the Piano?

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:03:14 PDT

Do you own a midcentury console piano? Me too! Trust me, you are not alone! Do you want to keep it although it really is not your style? Yes? Again, you are not alone! Whether you purchased this piece yourself or it came to you as a hand me down...typically the latter, huh...it is here to stay, for a while anyway. Not only that, but to replace this item is expensive, time consuming, and not an easy piece to have delivered. But where to put that thing? And how do you integrate it with your other style loving pieces? Check out this week's Houzz feature, "Yes, You Have Room for a Piano" by Amy Renea. One of my piano design solutions has been featured!! Click HERE!!!

Keep the tunes rolling! Susan

Nancy Mackenzie

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:00:30 PDT

Texture, fiber, found objects -- how could you not be totally in love with fiber artist Nancy Mackenzie's newest work at the Sticks and Stones show at Raymond Avenue Gallery in St. Paul, MN! I have always been enthralled with textural work whether it be utilizing nature, handmade paper (I used as a medium to exhibit my Masters color theories), fabric, fiber, felting, etc. This last exhibit of Nancy's however, is really hitting home for me! If you are not familiar with Nancy, she is an internationally recognized fiber artist creating wall mounted sculptures and wearable art. Nancy's work has been exhibited, and in permanent collections, across the country, Asia, Latin America and Tokyo.

I love the simplicity, yet chaotic nature of Nancy's wall and table pieces for this show. I find both the simple and complex elements in each piece so delicately balanced. The airy sculptures are made of willow, apple, waxed linen thread, Japanese paper, and apple bark. The 2D media of the computer does not give due credit to the wonderful 3D aspects of each piece, so an in person appreciation is definitely advised. The show only goes until June 29th, so hurry and check it out!! You will be truly captivated!

If Nancy's last name, Mackenzie, sounds familiar to you, she is also known as the wife of internationally recognized potter Warren Mackenzie with hundreds of solo exhibitions and permanent collections in Tokyo, the Metropolitan, Smithsonian, Victoria and Albert, and many more. Nancy and Warren reside locally in Stillwater, MN.

LIVE WITH ART!!!

Susan

Pink, Orange and Yellow

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Wed, 30 May 2012 19:40:42 PDT

I am just tickled pink, yes pun intended, about my Honeysuckle perennial this year! The blossoms are just popping up everywhere. The hummingbird moths are circling around, and boy are they cool, with horizontal and vertical striped bodies. You can see one in the picture above towards the top. I couldn't get a close-up picture that wasn't blurry, so I grabbed one off the web.

Aren't they cool? It is called a White-lined spinx moth (Hyles lineata). I thought for sure it had to be a hummingbird with its super fast wing speed and because they often make appearances around the plant as well, but then my daughter, all of very bright 13 years of age, pointed out..."no mom, birds do not have antennas". Hmmm...little smarty pants...and of course, she's right.

I love the flowers. So exotic with splays of petals in colorful pink, orange, gold, and yellow. Almost sherbert like colors -- so I thought...hey! let's look at rooms using the same color combos!

Love the addition of the chartreuse! Ellen Grasso Inc design, photo by Danny Piassick

OK, remember these soft blue curtains for future reference... Elle Decor

What I wouldn't give for an office like this?! The Donghia fabric on the back of the chairs is one of my favorites. I used it in a foyer below. Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

Susan E. Brown Interior Design, photo by Lisa M. Bond

Stunning simplicity, with just enough color to warm it up, but not sacrifice the minimalist feel. Studio One-off Architecture and Design

Did you keep in mind the soft blue curtains from before? Look again! Soft blue brought in with pink and orange. I like it! pj hollyhocks design

Feeling the need to wear sherbert colors? Look no further! A summer shoe just for you! JCPenney

Aahhh, my backyard again... serene and relaxing... Susan

Twin Cities Design Collective: Spring Garden ~ Pops of Color

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Mon, 21 May 2012 19:15:06 PDT

Hi all! Spring is here!

Please take a look at my guest post on Twin Cities Design Collective: Garden color selection for how you want your garden to feel ~~ together with my mother-in-law, Deb Brown, the Twin Cities "Garden Guru"!

Click HERE to read more!!

Happy planting!

Susan

Concrete Tile Patterns

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Sun, 20 May 2012 19:32:56 PDT

I am absolutely loving these concrete tiles I recently saw on Designboom by Mut design studio + atelier! The pattern is called 'Drops'. They are made from a mold so you can fit them together to make a variety of combinations, with images of circular droplets, goldfish, lotus plants, and water lillies. Made as an encaustic tile, meaning the color comes from various clay colors and not glaze, the pattern has depth and will not wear away with use. These would be so fabulous here in Minnesota where you could heat it underneath and have a floor that is beautiful and toasty! Check out more images of this unique pattern here.

Wouldn't 'Drops' just be stunning in a sun room? The pattern 'Drops' was designed for the manufacturer Entic Designs. Check out their website here where you can see more fabulous patterns like the two below.

Absolutely gorgeous!! I can not wait to use these in a project!

Have a colorful week!! Susan

Houzz.com Ideabook - Free Standing Tubs

noreply@blogger.com (Susan E. Brown) — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:46:19 PDT

Thank you Larry Karol of Houzz.com for including my bath project and opinion on free standing tubs in your Ideabook. What a wonderful Mother's Day gift!!

Susan E. Brown Interior Design on Houzz.com

Please check it out here: Expert Talk--Freestanding Bathtubs Make a Splash

Have a fabulous weekend, and CALL your mother!!

Love you tons Mom! ~ Susan ~