House and Home Defined

Before and After: Barstool Makeover

2013-05-01T21:13:00.000-04:00

I had been looking for a couple of months (no lie) for barstools for my client's kitchen. She was very specific about what she wanted. Wood with some upholstery. Low back. Just like what she had, only different...

So one day, while in the kitchen discussing a different project, it dawned on me! (Hello, where had my head been?) Let's reinvent the barstools she already had, since the wood tone, height etc were already perfect. They just needed fabric. And they were built just right to take on some fabric.

Here are the before and afters. Not my greatest photography, but you'll get it...

The before shots were at her house (with the barstool in the dining room., so I could lay it on the floor and not scratch it). The afters are in our showroom after the upholsterer dropped them off.

Is my upholsterer amazing or what?

My client's island is wood, but her cabinets are off white with a hint of gray. Here's the fabric (by Pollack) close up, next to the granite.

I couldn't be more pleased with how they came out. Next time I'm out at the house, I'll take a picture with the barstools at the island.

Thanks for reading! And if you're in the mood for shopping, stop by my shop 6 Wilson and see what's new.

Talk to you soon,
Carol

Lighting -- Inspiration from High Point

2013-04-27T16:19:00.001-04:00

There is nothing like High Point market for inspiration. It's like the Olympics of furniture and accessories. Seriously. And, trust me if you've never been, you feel the exhaustion of an athlete at the end of the day.

For me this market, lighting was really my thing. Couldn't get enough of it. Here's a look at what I saw, covering a wide range of styles...

Clean, fresh colors were a theme, but there were so many looks vying for attention, that I can't say any one style won out.

Exposed bulbs were everywhere. I tend to like most of them, but I have to wonder if they would be harsh on the eyes after a while.

Industrial influences were everywhere, too.

Lately, I've had a major crush on classic blue and white, so these really appealed to me...

The vase and urn on the left, below, would make great lamp bases, so I included them :)

With brass making a major comeback, I saw it in just about every style. Love it. And since I'm sure you're dying to know what I would choose for myself, well, I'll take all three below, please.

This sconce is called the door-knocker. It was so substantial and impressive...

There was no shortage of detail anywhere...

And the detail in this equestrian-inspired chandelier was just fantastic...

That's pretty much a wrap on lighting, edited down from a million pictures. I think it's fun to see what's showing, no matter what your style. And, I believe, exposure helps us define what we really love, don't you think?

Talk to you soon,
Carol

Front Doors

2013-04-01T21:25:00.000-04:00

It's like an allergy. Every spring, I start itching to change the color of my front door. Something to do with the freshness of the season, I guess, and thinking about flowers.

I don't know if I will move away from my current black or not, but I've been collecting inspiration. Check it out...

Source: leahrichardson.com via Carol on Pinterest

I love a front door with a lot of glass.

Source: sagegoingongreen.blogspot.com via Carol on Pinterest

Source: bungalowblueinteriors.com via Carol on Pinterest

If I were a purple girl, this would be fantastic...

Source: chattafabulous.blogspot.com via Carol on Pinterest

Blue, in every shade, is always a good choice...

Source: stylecarrot.com via Carol on Pinterest

Source: londonplanters.co.uk via Carol on Pinterest

I'll save this next one for my beach cottage (Ha!)...

Source: designindulgences.com via Carol on Pinterest

Source: diynetwork.com via Carol on Pinterest

Doesn't this next one just say, "come on in to my really homey home"?

Source: amyvermillion.com via Carol on Pinterest

Yup. I'll take the next one.

Source: theswenglishhome.blogspot.com via Carol on Pinterest

I think that your front door should work with your interior, no matter if it opens into a foyer or a living space.

Source: homedesignerpins.com via Carol on Pinterest

All of these are sooooo pretty...

Source: newsouthclassics.com via Carol on Pinterest

Source: paris2london.tumblr.com via Carol on Pinterest

You know I had to throw in an orange one...

Source: amyvermillion.com via Carol on Pinterest

In New England, I swear the number one front door color is red -- from Talbot's red to brick to burgundy to terracotta red. To my fellow New Englander's -- would you agree?

Source: amyvermillion.com via Carol on Pinterest

I haven't decided yet, but I must say, I DO love a classic black door. Especially when it's dressed for spring...

Source: etsy.com via Carol on Pinterest

I would love to know -- is there a dominant front door color where you live?

Talk to you soon,
Carol

Beautiful Bedrooms

2013-03-25T22:01:00.000-04:00

Okay, so the older I get, the more I decorate in my head, rather than applying the energy and time required to make changes in my own house. Maybe it's because I decorate and design every day in a design showroom, or maybe it's because I run my teenagers around instead of working on my house. Whatever the reason, I've found myself thinking about the state of my bedroom tonight, which leads me to this post.

I love beautiful bedrooms. My own could use some attention, and I find the following completely inspiring, for different reasons, as I redo my room in my head. Again. Let's look...

Source: mariannesimondesign.com via Carol on Pinterest

The drama of the bed and mirror above totally get me, as does the unexpected fabulousness of the duvet cover below...

Source: vintageluxe.tumblr.com via Carol on Pinterest

This next one has a raw honesty about it that really appeals to my simpler side...

Source: hookedonhouses.net via Carol on Pinterest

So I will always love toile. I just will.

If you've been with me for a long time, you know my first love is always window treatments (even though I'm now doing pillows at 6 Wilson). These drapes below are just so warm...

Source: mydesignchic.com via Carol on Pinterest

When I saw this next image, I had to stare at it. And then stare at it. again. The dark walls, the artwork, the collected authenticity of it just makes me stop and look. And admire.

Source: littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com via Carol on Pinterest

This next one just says pretty home to me.

Source: msimondesign.blogspot.com via Carol on Pinterest

Another bedside shot, with the Klismos design of the chair making it all so chic.

Source: mrshowardpersonalshopper.com via Carol on Pinterest

But, at the end of the day, this next one is where I'd want to put out the light. Like tonight. I'm a traditional girl at heart, and I crave beautiful comfort above all else in my home. No pretense, just signs of a true and comfortable family life.

Source: savvyhomeblog.com via Carol on Pinterest

What about you? What kind of look do you dream about for your bedroom?

Chinoiserie...Like It or Not?

2013-03-18T07:33:00.001-04:00

Did you know that Chinoiserie has European roots, not Chinese?

Source: chinoiseriechic.blogspot.com via Victoria on Pinterest

Check it out today, over at 6 Wilson's blog.

Thanks for reading, and for supporting me at 6 Wilson. I appreciate it so much. :)
Carol

A Picture Frame Pillow

2013-03-08T20:36:00.001-05:00

I'm talking about this F. Schumacher fabric on 6 Wilson today. Wanna come over?

Thanks for reading,
Carol

Switching Blogs is Hard

2013-03-05T15:45:00.001-05:00

You would think I would learn, after I went from my first blog, Sofas & Sage, to House and Home Defined. Switching to a new blog is hard. But it really made sense for me to move to my new home at 6 Wilson. I wanted to be more consistent with my shop name and my blog. And, who can do it all anyway? Some days, I'm hanging on by a thread. Literally. Lol.

So, over at 6 Wilson, I'm talking about banquettes. Come see some pretty images...

Coupon and Some Thanks

2013-02-27T20:33:00.003-05:00

I have made two very amazing friends through blogging, one who lives in my state, and the other, half way across the country. Today, I want to share with you what my far-away but close at heart friend Abby, of A Delightful Design, had to say about my Etsy shop, 6 Wilson.

Because of her generous review of my shop (and the fact that I love her blog), I made it possible for her readers to take advantage of a shopping discount, for a limited time, on my custom pillows.

Just click on the chair, above, and visit A Delightful Design. When you do that, you can use the coupon, too, and in the meantime, be introduced to a very talented designer :)

Thanks, Abby! And thanks to my readers for going on over to visit!

Sister Parish on 6 Wilson

2013-02-21T20:04:00.002-05:00

Sister Parish had great things to say, like the quote on 6 Wilson today. Click on the logo and come one over...

Thanks so much,
Carol

Living in Black and White

2013-02-17T20:50:00.000-05:00

That's what I'm talking about at 6 Wilson. Come on over :)

I'm Moving!

2013-02-12T15:49:00.000-05:00

My blog, that is :)

You can now find me at my blog, 6 Wilson, for all the same kinds of posts I write here. I'm going in new directions, and I want you to come along!

If you have followed me here, I would so appreciate you following me at 6 Wilson. And if you generously have me in your own blog sidebar as House and Home Defined, would you change it to 6 Wilson for me? Really, I would be so grateful.

My sincerest thanks to all of you who read and comment and send me emails. Please join me on my new road. I'd love the company!

Carol

Window Seats

2013-02-09T22:56:00.001-05:00

Over at 6 Wilson today, I'm talking about window seats. Come visit! I'd love to have you follow me there, too!

Source: traditionalhome.com via Carol on Pinterest

Thank you to my loyal readers, and my new friends, for your visits to my new Etsy shop, 6 Wilson, where it's all about pillows :)

I so appreciate your support.

Carol

6 Wilson is Open on Etsy!!

2013-02-07T23:28:00.000-05:00

I've been working like a crazy woman since the fall, in every spare hour, and now, I'm happy to say...

is NOW OPEN on Etsy!!!!!!!!!

And I couldn't be more excited!

Why am I doing this in addition to my full time work as an Interior Decorator?

Because I love textiles. Because I believe great style is not just about the latest trends.

I've combined my custom workroom skills, my love of quality textiles, and my decade long desire to own a design shop, to bring you affordable luxury pillows through 6 Wilson on Etsy.

Some Schumacher love (in the form of a pillow :), mixed with a little Kravet...

with a bit of Highland Court tossed in...

and then some really great embroideries...

In addition to the shop, I've started a new blog for 6 Wilson, to bring you the latest happenings in the shop and my thoughts on design in general, much like I do here. I hope you will follow me over on the 6 Wilson blog. I would be honored if you took the time to visit me there.

And, for now, I am off to prepare for the Blizzard that will hit us here in Massachusetts tomorrow. But I will be back!

For all of you in the path of this monster storm, please stay safe...

Carol

Before and After: Basement Guest Bedroom

2013-01-12T23:18:00.004-05:00

My clients asked me to do an English-inspired guest room out of a catch-all basement bedroom. The husband asked for something that would remind him a bit of his native England, with heavy emphasis on blue, his school color from his days at Oxford. Um. Okay. Soooooo up my alley.

I chose to go monochromatic and more masculine than what I did for their carriage house last year. The room is not done yet, but here's a peek.

We started here...

Adding grasscloth, furniture, carpeting, roman shade and a herringbone patterned bedding, we are now here...

Before...

Now...

That angled wall, above, will have a gorgeous 72" mirror, framed in a crackled, antique gold finish over some exposed wood. It will work magic to open up this cozy space.

The brass lamp, above, will be replaced by antique brass, wall-mounted swing arm lamps on either side of the headboard (everything will move a bit to the left to accommodate them).

The budget for the adjoining bathroom was not huge, but we were able to tie it in with some effective changes...

Here it is now...

The new wall color, vanity, light, and rug have made a huge difference (in person!).

So, here's a horrifying story for you...we were originally only doing paint, rug, and accessories in the bathroom. Well, I made the brilliant suggestion that perhaps a great new mirror would get things looking more connected to the new bedroom. Here's where I died. The contractor, taking down the mirror, hits the light fixture, chips it, the mirror brakes and ruins the existing vanity. "Don't worry," says my client, "we should really be doing a new vanity and light anyway." Sure. That made me feel like a million bucks. Or not. (They are the nicest people.) If that weren't enough, the tile floor wasn't finished under the vanity, and OF COURSE the new vanity didn't cover up this gap in the floor. So yes, new tiles and grout under the new vanity.

The mirror that came with the new vanity will be staying. Goes without saying :-/

The adjacent kitchenette also got a makeover with paint and a new rug. The furniture was all removed, as I suggested we take an antique amoire from another room and put it along the wall for much needed clothing storage for guests.

These rooms are not finished yet, but since I'm impatient and didn't want to wait, I thought I'd post them. The bedroom needs some serious styling, and there will soon be a gorgeous monogrammed pillow on the bed for a pop of color, and some art on the walls.

I hope from the projects I show that you might, somewhere along the way, pick up an idea that might work in your home. And if you ever want help in your home, just email me.

Talk to you soon,
Carol

Bathroom Stencil

2013-01-08T20:18:00.000-05:00

My girlfriend's bathroom went from builder white walls to this...

Wall: Ben MooreWarm Springs 682. Stencil: Ben Moore Apple Blossom 479

It took her approximately seven million, four hundred and eighty two hours, and she loathes me now, for suggesting it, but at least she is thrilled with the results. I get to blog about it, but I need to find a new friend. She fired me as her bff for the torture. No, she still cherishes me (ha), but the payback will be, well, it rhymes with swell.

What to do when your client is a DIY'r on a budget, wants great impact but not wallpaper? Suggest stencils. Unless she is your bff -- then, pay out of your own pocket and buy her the wallpaper. :-)

Would you try this?
Carol

Monochromatic Decorating

2013-01-06T20:53:00.001-05:00

Source: lh5.ggpht.com via Victoria Sargasso on Pinterest

So, here's the thing about me and monochromatic decorating -- I LOVE IT.

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Peggy on Pinterest

The monochromatic art, above, is completely serene, and lends a gentle calm to the bedroom.

You have to know, if you've been reading me for any length of time, that I have a life-long love affair with orange. The monochromatic white, with it's sweet pumpkin touches, below, is just divine.

Source: bhg.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Monochromatic is on my mind because I am debating green drapes in my living room -- I've been on and off this idea for a year. Seriously. I have problems. But aside from that, I am thinking I will commit this year to a monochromatic room of green.

Diamond Baratta via blog.pinkpagoda.us

What makes monochromatic so appealing? It allows accent colors to change over time. For a girl who loves change, it's genius.

What's your take? How do you feel about monochromatic decorating? Are you in or out on it?

Talk to you soon,
Carol

Happy New Year From Newport

2013-01-01T16:00:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year, my readers! Thank you for taking the time, all year long, to read my words and chat with me. I truly appreciate your support, both as friends and clients.

As has become tradition, we were in Newport, RI for New Years eve. It was cold. And windy. And cold. With snow. But we were warm in our hearts with the company of good friends to walk the streets with, and to share a lobster lunch and a hot Irish coffee. Here's a bit of a tour of the sights...

New Year's eve afternoon was so gray, my images almost look like black and whites, save for a bit of a blue cast. If they make you shiver, I assure you, that was the feeling in the air. The harbour was quiet and still, as if without movement, and against the cutting wind the boats and docks steadied themselves.

Even in the gray and cold, there is nothing like being near the water.

My favorite shop to buy a purse or wallet is Brahmin (a Massachusetts based company), and my love affair with their bags started here...

Next to Brahmin is the Cooke House, and I always love to see it lit at night, like all the shops, as if to beckon sailors home...

Their front door is always done with New England charm...

Newport soothes the souls of foodies and shoppers and decorators...

I've never tried the Gas Lamp Grille below, but I love the way it looked, as if pulled from a Dickens' street.

So, my best wishes to all of you for 2013. I hope you have warmth in your hearts and lights to guide your way.

Carol

Images from Boston

2012-12-23T08:52:00.001-05:00

We went into Boston yesterday to do some shopping and take in the sights of Christmas.

We were so busy that I didn't take many pictures, but here are a few to share the feeling. Below is the dome in the center of Faneuil Hall. With tons of people, it was hard to pause for the perfect shot, but this will give you an idea..

We went to lunch at Ned Devine's and had the most outrageous Guinness beef stew, perfect for a cold day in the city.

This is the bar area, which looked beautiful with wreaths around the lights, which, unfortunately, is hard to see in this image.

The stairway in the entrance had an incredible chandelier, with hand blown glass globes of sorts. You can see from all the brick that it's in a fabulous part of the building.

Over on Newbury Street, Carolers warmed hearts of shoppers...

I assume this was a private residence, in among the shops and eateries. I loved its presence on the street...

The British store, Jack Wills, was my favorite for design -- they accented their signature navy/pink so beautifully, and the building itself was true love. The top hat on the tree says it all.

Check out those old floors, and the stairway is to die for.

To see some incredible shots of Christmas at night in this area, check out Steve's pictures at An Urban Cottage.

I hope you all are enjoying this last day before celebrations begin. I am off to the market, then baking, cooking and wrapping. Hope I make it!

Carol

Christmas Dining Room Inspiration and Thanks

2012-12-18T22:38:00.001-05:00

Hi all. Is this the craziest time of year, or what?

With Christmas getting closer, you might be looking for some inspiration for your dining room and your table. Again this year, Scot Meacham Wood of his Adventures of Tartanscot blog, is holding a Christmas decorating contest, and the dining rooms are quite lovely.

Click here to be transported to some really pretty images. And then, scroll through the previous post to see stunning entryways and Christmas trees. And my thanks to Scot for including my dining room in his contest.

While we continue struggling to lift our heavy hearts, I encourage you to join me in indulging in the spirit and the inspiration of the season. I'm choosing to believe that 26 angels are enjoying their most joyous Christmas ever, and I'm sure they want you to feel the peace of the season, as they are experiencing now. And, continue to pray for their families, won't you?

Carol

Christmas at My House

2012-12-16T18:17:00.001-05:00

My front door, from the inside

The look of Christmas in our home is, for me, about warmth, a haven from the cold, a place to share a hot toddy on a cold New England night. It is always about making my family and those who come to visit feel as though I decorated just for them, because, in fact, I did. I hope you enjoy this peek...

My front hall chandelier, from below

It is tradition in my house to do my dining room differently every year. My girls always look forward to what is to come. Now that makes a mom feel good.

And who can deny the dog a picture, when he's dressed with his own jingle bell? And below are my daughter's chocolate-pepermint cupcakes. I'd be lying if I said I don't dance a jig that my daughter loves to bake :)

This Christmas season, we are all feeling heartache for the families in Connecticut whose joy will be diminished, and whose decorations and celebrations may feel empty. And so I pray, and I hope you'll join me, that the light of the Christ child will guide their way through, just as it did for their loved ones on Friday.

Many blessings to you and yours this week before Christmas,
Carol

The Irony and Heavy Heart

2012-12-15T10:53:00.000-05:00

It doesn't feel right to post what I had planned today. My heart is too heavy, as I'm sure yours is, too. This image is of Johnson Brother's pattern, "The Friendly Village", and the plates I've been collecting to use in this year's tablescape, are "The Schoolhouse." I put it all together Thursday night, and with the events in Connecticut on Friday, the irony is a bit much for me today.

So I will choose to think, instead, as I look at my table, of the knowledge that there is Christ in Christmas, and that he was in that Sandy Hook schoolhouse in Connecticut yesterday, not to prevent the tragedy of the human condition, but to do what he is meant to do -- welcome those angels into heaven and guide their way. I believe he was in that schoolhouse, ready to embrace his children, and that those children have found their greatest joy this Christmas. And I pray for the ones they left behind.

Carol

Christmas Past

2012-12-06T20:37:00.000-05:00

I hope you are enjoying the decorating season...

Christmas past is so nostalgic, don't you think?

Carol

A Client's Christmas and Where I've Been

2012-12-02T20:08:00.000-05:00

I can't believe two months have flown by without writing a word on this blog! It has been a whirlwind of a fall, between fifteen client projects and working on my online shop (which will open in January). I have so much to share. But for today (and Happy December, by the way), I want to share Christmas at my client's...

Remember this house from last year?

(If not, you can go here and see what we did in 2011.).

Last year, it was all about silver and white. This year, we brought in red, spruced up the front door, and again kept it streamlined and simple for this warm, contemporary home. Here's a peek...

A square wreath was a must for this linear front entry. My special events partner, Charlene, created this baby, and it smelled so good...

When you open the front door...

I love creating gorgeous packages. You can make a strong statement with very little, and I go nuts with a glue gun, ribbon and floral decorations...

The entry mirror got a little bling...

Here's the tree, done, with the mirror...

The tree is enormous, and the pictures just don't do it justice.

I love using sprigs of berries, sparkly greens and such within the tree. It creates great texture and interest, and is such a nice balance to the expected ornaments. This red and silver wire-mesh ribbon came from Michael's, and it's fantastic for a large tree.

The mantle went from this...

To this...

Charlene put that pinecone garland together -- isn't it gorgeous?

When Charlene and I do special event decorating together, whether its for holidays or tablescapes for clients' entertaining, we work in perfect sync. We get each other so uniquely, that we barely discuss what we're doing as we go along -- we just get it done. Check out my Decorating Services if you need our help in your holiday home!

Thanks for coming back and reading. I promise you a great December, full of inspiration.

Carol

Cowtan&Tout's Fall Line and Some Art

2012-09-29T10:00:00.001-04:00

When fabric reps come in to show their new lines, it's like Christmas to me, every time. Yesterday, Stacy Mangia from the Martin Group, out of the Boston Design Center, brought us Cowtan & Tout's fall line. Can I tell you all I did was gasp?

Honestly, my images are totally crappy and do no justice to the fabrics (camera phone and poor lighting). That aside, the embroidered fabrics like this above are so stunning in person, there are no words (I am a textile FREAK). The threads are thick and lush, and most of the grounds are linen.

In blogland, so many solids and prints on cotton are shown that it may seem that gorgeous, intricate and beautifully crafted fabrics aren't used any more. Soooo not true. Yes, they come with a price tag. But in small doses, like pillows, luxury design becomes totally affordable.

My frustration with photo quality is extreme, as this in person is so gorgeous I wanted to wear it! The design is all embroidered and the dots are raised embroidery.

The one below is a recolorization of an older design. It is a linen, and the colors are so vibrant and rich in person. I have to have some of the one that has the cream background at the bottom right of the image.

This one above is a cotton/jute combination with the softest hand. Perfect for stunning chair, with pillows on it from some of the other fabrics. If you ever see a fabric on my blog that you can't live without, let me know. I can certainly get it for you.

In other news, my girls have been doing some more of what comes naturally...

I'm thinking about adding some of their artwork, from time to time, for sale in my up-coming online shop. I'm looking for some feedback -- do you think there is a market for it? (Reasonably priced, of course, and not necessarily animals).

And, speaking of my online shop, I hope to be open at the beginning of November. I can't WAIT to offer my pillows in the some of the most gorgeous fabrics I've been collecting. Stay tuned.

Have a great weekend,
Carol

Decorating with Tole Trays

2012-09-21T08:21:00.001-04:00

One night last week, my girlfriend and I were on line shopping at Hunt and Gather in Raleigh, NC, a phenomenal consignment store near where she lives. And there it was, in all its gorgeousness, calling out my name...

Seriously? A botanical on tole?? I can't stand it, it's so perfect for me. So my fabulous friend, as a thank you for helping her transform her house with paint, just told me it's on its way to me. I could die. I might hug the UPS man when he delivers it. It is so me.

What do you think of tole? I love it, except, I must confess, the most popular style with large floral designs. They're okay, but not my favorite. Way too romantic for my taste. I checked out Pinterest to see what images I could find, and holy hannah, this stopped me in my tracks...

Source: google.com via KN on Pinterest

This is beyond glee. Orange wall? Hello. Tole with chinoiserie, black harlequin floor? Died. Gone to heaven. Take out a bit of the all-antique look and throw in some unexpected modern somehow, and I'd never come back.

What do you think? Do you like tole?

Have a great weekend,
Carol