Inspiration Board #6

Well, it's about time to share another inspiration board with you, isn't it?! It's only been...ummm.... Let's just say it's been WAY too long! 

Ready for that design board? I'm all into spring colors. I always am this time of year. Frankly, I love them year round. So, my inspiration today is coming from this photo I took at Biltmore House when we were there last month:

"Yellow & Red Tulips"

B.E. Photography

Where does your mind go when you see that gorgeous combo of bright yellow and orange tinted red? For me, these are the images that immediately pop into my head:

sunshine,

popsicles,

fresh cut grass,

colorful flower beds,

spring showers,

energy,

life,

blue skies, 

&

bright new green leaves....

and then I ended up with this fabric being my next and main jumping off point:

Recognize this? It's the fabric I fell in love with about a month ago!

Braemore Selim Punch

Those colors and pattern just scream the need for a whimsical and fun room! I pulled together a breakfast room based off these two images. One that would be fun to sit in and energizing each morning. This was my final result, which you can also view each piece of independently on Pinterest:

Inspiration Board #6
B.E. Interiors

I started this board on March 26th and I'm just now finding time to finish it up and post it! Funny. When I started blogging it was to build my business as well as to connect with like-minded people all across the globe. Now, I've been incredibly blessed with as much work as I want to take on and struggle with finding time to blog! My, how the tables have turned. I've never felt so content in what I'm doing. I've been incredibly blessed! The best part is that it seems to be constantly evolving. 

I started out redoing pieces to sell in a consignment/antique shop. Now I'm doing mainly custom work from furniture to drapery to design consulting (which is my favorite) with custom painted furniture running a close second. I still have dreams of one day having my own fabric design label, but that would just be a big plus at this point. If I've learned anything, it's that being open to whatever the good Lord puts in front of me brings the greatest joy.... not me trying to plan out the future. He keeps bringing bigger and better stuff as time goes by and I'm constantly excited to see what's next:)

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Time keeps on ticking, ticking...into the future!

"New Life"
B.E. Photography

There I go again with a song. See. They just pop into my head for headlines, and I have no idea why.

Been a while, hasn't it? Now that some events have passed, I feel like I can actually sit down and think again. In His devine providence, the Lord saw fit for me to basically loose about four months of life as I know it, but in doing so, has brought me so much closer to Him.

First, we lost a family member rather suddenly, then it was Christmas, then I did a remodel in record time, got sick while doing so,  dealt with a declining grandmother (who has made a slight upward turn...Ms. Energizer Bunny!), then spent three weeks of my life wondering if something was seriously wrong with my health! UGh! Now that it's over, I can say, God has been incredibly good to me and my family by allowing me to find out I'm totally fine.

I mentioned before I had made three trips to the doctors office with an upper respiratory issue, but could not seem to get well. Long story short, on the third trip, she took x-rays, freaked me out by sending me to a pulmunologist who had me do lung testing and told me that I had some "scaring" showing up in my lungs that "wasn't normal" and scheduled me for CT scan!!! Having just buried someone with lung cancer, I nearly fell completely apart as my nerves were already shot. I seriously started wondering if my doctor really knew what she was doing, and became very frustrated with not ever getting a diagnosis. I got my x-rays, went to a new internal medicine doc and was diagnoised in one visit with bronchitis... something I've never had and the first doctor should have been able to recognize. I then waited a week and had to go through CT scan...something else I've never done. By this point, I was feeling fine and was starting to wonder if the CT was even necessary, but for peace of mind went anyway. In the end, the pulmunologist's office called me this week and told me.....that my lungs were totally normal and fine! The "scaring" (bronchitis) they'd seen was no longer there. Is God great or what?! I nearly went comatose, I was so exhausted from the stress of the last few months:)

There was some serious praying going on during those three weeks. While reading the boys' Bible story one night, I was hit with the feeling that God was speaking directly to me. Ever felt that? We were reading about how the twelve spies were sent out to steak out the promised land by Moses. When they came back, only two (Joshua and Caleb) chose to believe in what they could not see, and told the people they could take the land with God's help. The other ten lost faith and were intimidated by what they saw, so they told lies about how impossible it would be to take the land of Canaan. I not only felt it then, but continued to feel like God was telling me to keep my trust in him,  not in what I saw or heard. I knew I was to trust in the unseen God and his plan for me, not in the info and opinions being thrust in front of my face. It's been a serious evaluation of my faith. I'm not so proud of how much fear I had or how little my faith was, but I am incredibly grateful for the patience of such a loving, heavenly Father who knows what we need when we need it. I had wonderful friends and family praying for me every step of the way. Every time I felt like I was at the end of my rope, He would send a shower of peace over me, reminding me to trust in Him.

A lot of time was spent debating what my future might hold and what changes I might have to make to my business if I was even able to keep doing it. I've mentioned before that I am very leery of chemicals. After coloring my hair with a new dye full of ammonia (and not yet knowing I had bronchitis), my lungs just slammed shut and I ended up at the doctor's office to get a steroid shot. I've always been bothered by fumes, but I've never had issues breathing and it scared me to death! That was confirmation that I am just hypersensitive to fumes. I have made the decision to primarily stick with paint or unfinished applications. No more contact cement and VERY little staining, which will only be done with a respirator and outside. I'm dying to get back to projects and have turned my attentions for now on our house and getting some things done around here to share with you.

Well, there's your update and why I've not written in a while. I feel great now! To top it off, it's my favorite time of year (even with all the yellow pollen). Everywhere I turn, I see new photo shots and beautiful fresh colors. Be inspired to trust in our unseen God! Look at the beauty surrounding us in the spring and marvel that he would take the time to create such grandeur for us to enjoy:)

I sit at my dining room table and work each day, looking out the window at the beautiful birds that flock to the feeder hung in the maple tree. This little guy is one of my favorites! There's a Mrs. Cardinal I'm waiting to get a shot of as well:)

"Cardinal"
B.E. Photography

This little guy is voicing my praises for good health and God's grace!

"Singing Cardinal"
B.E. Photography

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Tobi Fairley Inspiration

All images shown on this post via Tobi Fairley's Portfolio.

Yesterday I went searching for some ideas to liven the dining room up. I'm not going to repaint, but I am thinking of recovering the four chairs I already did with something a little more cheerful. (Go ahead...say it. I know what you are thinking, "Are you insane?!")

I took down the damask curtains. I may even sell the rug! I think I'll list them on Craig's List along with the two extra plaid curtain panels that corrdinate with the rug (that's what I used on the chairs). I'm not only realizing I just need color around me, but I also like neutral rugs. I'm going back to my old stand-by – my no fail rug choice: sea grass. No matter what I do, it always goes with a sea grass rug:)

These are just some ideas I'm tossing around. We'll see. Right now I have some valances and drapery panels I'm working on for a client to finish up. I'll show you some before and after pics when I get them installed. I'm also having to rest. I made my third trip back to the doc [in three weeks] today and have now started my second AND third round of antibiotics. I think I just pushed myself too hard with work and all the family events since this fall and it finally caught up with me. Have I mentioned I can tend to be a work-aholic - although not consciously? It's not until I'm about to drop that I realize I've not taken a break. That's great for clients... not so great for me when I'm sick and should be resting. Now, I'm just plain sick of being SICK and will do whatever I need to... including sitting on my rear for a week if need be so the meds can do their job (I SOO don't do that well!). I'll be fine and am working much harder at pacing myself these days:)

During my down time, I decided to go check out Tobi Fairley's website for ideas. I love the way she uses color. It's not over the top, but it's vibrant, happy, and soothing all at the same time. Love it! Here's some of the images I particularly liked:

Hmmmm.... here's an idea for punching up a room with black. Colorful art and accessories layered over a black "canvas".

Subtle use of color on the chair fabric.

Simple but elegant use of contrasts.

This just screams summertime to me!

Thinking I like the more graphic nature of black and white versus black and beige.

How great are those silhouettes in bright colors? Simple art work anyone could do.

I'm a big fan of this color combo.

Great little vignette of complimentary colors!

This kitchen just has my name all over it!

Those are so my colors!

I love that orange is popular again.

Take a color and spread it around in bits to keep it from looking random and to tie it all together.

Just adding some colorful flowers or art can make a room pop!

Great use of white, orange and it's compliment soft blue.

I love a white kitchen with a dark stained island.

I'm fancying some green painted chests for night stands when I look at this picture.

Neutrals but lots of texture and pattern - not boring.

Ooooo......

Ahhhhh....!

I'm particularly in love with this melon pink right now!

Feel like grabbing a paint brush yet and slapping some color on a small side piece or lamp? How about some beautiful flowers in a vase? Or maybe some colorful throw pillows? Those are fun and easy to switch out when you tire of them. Go for it. Be bold and push yourself to use step out of your comfort zone of neutrals!

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Personal Insight

Biltmore House viewed from one of the walking paths through the gardens.
B.E. Interiors Photography

You know, life is a constant learning process. No matter how old you get, you never know it all (sorry kids!). I love to look at soothing neutral rooms. They really appeal to me and I love to design them. Guess what I've learned, though. I don't like living with them! I totally neutralized my dining room this past fall and had it done just in time for Thanksgiving and the family dinner after my grandfather-in-law's funeral. At the time, I liked it. It was so drastically different than what I'm used to doing in my own home. I experimented... and I learned something new about myself. I'm just not a neutral kinda gal and it's not appealing to me anymore! [Oh, the hubby will just loose it if he reads this!]

It's not that I don't think it looks pulled together, but I can tell I've been going through kind-of a dark season in life. It feels like a funeral home to me now! Maybe it's just because immediately after finishing the room, I was hosting the family meal after burying a loved one. Now, I'm waiting on a second funeral to happen in the near future.

My grandmother is rapidly slipping away. She fell about two weeks ago, hitting her head incredibly hard. I'm surprised it didn't kill her. Also surprising was the fact that no bones were broken. Ever since, though, she's slipped really fast. I wonder as I leave her each morning after our "coffee" (when I check on her, gather up her dirty clothes to wash, etc.) if I'll see her again the next day. I wouldn't trade this time with her for anything. But, it's extremely draining emotionally... spending each day wondering if it's your last with someone you love. The last thing I need right now is to feel like I'm in a funeral home in my place of refuge - my home! Whether it really looks that way or not, it's how it feels because of all we've been through since it was finished. I can't think of anything that lifts your spirits better than a good dose of color and remembering this verse:

"Be joyful always; pray continually;give thanks in all circumstances, 

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

So, I'm looking to change it up a little. I'm craving some color! There's just too much black and beige. It's almost spring time and things are starting to bloom. Spring is my favorite time of year...when everything seems to be full of life and new beginnings.  I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet in the dining room, but I'm tossing around some ideas. Nothing major. I do still like the paint. Some color just needs to be injected and a little of the black removed. The wheels are spinning....!

The boys in front of the "castle"!
B.E. Photography

Biltmore House viewed from the Italian Gardens.
B.E.  Photography

The brilliant orange of these bushes in the dead of winter really inspired me
to come home and liven things up a bit with some color!
B.E. Photography

In the meantime, I thought I'd share some pictures I took at The Biltmore House last weekend. As a little family celebration of me being done with the rental house and finally home on the weekends, we jumped in the car last weekend and headed up for the day. Nothing was blooming, and there was a bitter cold wind blowing, but it was fun. Not so sure it was good for this upper respiratory mess I've had for what seems like forever, but never the less, we had a good time. I'm not sure if the kids were more  excited to see "the castle" or the animals at the petting zoo:) Enjoy!

One of the gargoyles on the Biltmore.
B.E. Photography

Cherub in the Italian Gardens at the Biltmore House.
B.E. Photography

Big Boy petting the horse at the petting zoo on the grounds.
B.E. Photography

This poor girl made me laugh:) She was about to drop a kid or two at any moment and had decided to rest in the wheelbarrow! I so feel her pain. What I wouldn't have given to be hauled around in a wheel barrow at that point!
B.E.  Photography

I think everyone wanted his woolly coat that day!
B.E. Photography

The two youngest taking a ride before heading home. Don't you just love my middle guy's fashion sense? And to think...I used to swear there would NEVER be camouflage in my home!

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Simple, yet elegant dinnerware.

I like this pattern, but that's a whole lotta money for as much of it as I would need!
Aynsley Basket Weave

After nearly twelve years, my everyday dinnerware is biting the dust. It's been heading that way for a while. One piece after another has broken, cracked or chipped over the years until I'm down to quite the hodge-podge of dishes in the cupboard. When a dinner guest asked if I ever worried that my coffee mugs would shatter when hot liquid was poured into them, I knew I'd put off replacing them too long! (How embarrassing!)

Thinking this will be the winner. It has great reviews! It's microwaveable, dishwasher safe, and very reasonably priced. You can also buy by the piece versus having to buy sets. Bingo! Most bang for my buck so far!
Ten Strawberry St Havana Weave

As pretty as colored dishes can be, white is so much more practical and versatile. It goes with any decor scheme. If you really want to be practical, don't even get a pattern on it like I did with the basket relief. I wanted just a little design. The basket relief is elegant when needs be yet casual enough for every day. I'm all about having just one set of dinnerware!

My old dinnerware from Pier 1. Loved the look, but not good for the microwave...
and that's a must around here! I don't even think they make it anymore.

It was love at first sight when I saw my everyday dinnerware at Pier 1 years ago (swoon!). I still love it, but there is just one small problem: it does not microwave well! Some pieces get scalding hot while the food remains cold, meaning I'm afraid to pick up anything that had been heated. There's been many a burned hand:(

Really pretty, but don't care for the size of the mugs. I'm a serious coffee drinker and so is just about everyone I have over. A mug like this just isn't practical for our everyday use.
Oneida Westerly Basket Weave

Nice, but a little pricey for as much as I need.
Pillivuyt Basket Weave

Very nice and reasonably priced, but hasn't got the greatest reviews.
Thinking this may be one of those..."you get what you pay for" deals.
Psaltsgraff Basket Weave

Nice, but once again, it's pricey for everyday use.
Wedgewood Nantucket

The basket pattern has stood the test of time, though. I still love it as much now as I did then. So, I'm on a mission to find a new set of dinnerware that is a little more durable, yet has the same look and feel. I'm finding that there is quite a selection out there of white basket relief. Wha-hoo! Now, just to pick one because I need a ton of it!

Oh, and guess what is open this weekend for three days? My fabric warehouse! I feel a trip coming on:)

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Today's Fabric Find

I don't know about you, but I'm SOOOOO over the winter grays! Today I found a fabric that just made me happy. It completely inspired me. It's going into my house somewhere...just haven't decided where yet:)

Drapery Fabric - Lauren Hancock Selim on Cotton Fabric

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