Roundabout: "Look @ It This Way" in Grantville

Aptly named...and I'm thankful that everyone isn't born with the same spin on creativity...this antique/collectible/florist shop is worth the hour or so to soak in everything, which frankly, requires too many adjectives to do it justice. The creative force behind this venture, Rodney, is energetic, entertaining and runs with scissors...really, because he just got an idea that he has to try out...
Decked out for Christmas, you have to look closely; not everything is as it seems,...but if it doesn't make you smile or laugh out loud, you need a vacation...

 

 

 

 

 

 

101: Symmetry That's Not Static

Good design requires balancing visual weight in a room; while it's achievable with unmatched furniture, lots of people prefer the calm of similar pieces. The trick is to keep the look and feel vibrant, not frozen... some successes below, and why they work...

The two benches keep this from being static

Imagine how different if the art was small-scale - yikes

Vibrant color on the wing chairs provide a middle-ground in this small space

It's the details that elevate what could have been just a 'study in beige'

Super cute and functional built-ins for a little girl's room

Color and form make this vignette a focal point

This much color and pattern needs the restraint of symmetrical placement

Lots of white keep patterns from overwhelming this small space

So pretty...

The tangerine lacquered ceiling is a wow - love the painted floor, too

The round table and large vases inject life in this room

Fabulous architectural elements keep this from being too serene

Images: elledecor,housebeautiful,traditionalhome

Want: Inventive Window Treatments

Why do the usual? There is a treatment for every challenge and taste, but make no mistake about it: a couture look will cost a fair amount...and oh so worth it!

Lovely inverted pleat with nailhead - Kips Bay Showhome 2011

Patterned inverted pleat

Interesting and adds a lot of depth here

Cornice board housing a woven wood shade

Patterned leading edge on panels

Bold mix of patterns - just works here

Wide shade and traverse drapery in same material

Fabulous square rod with birds and dressmaker bows

Double Roman shade for light and privacy control

Upholstered shutters

Outdoor rooms need panels

Lovely sheers and patterned fabric panels bookend a solid panel

Love: Tete a Tete Seating

Typically defined as a private conversation between two people, "tete a tete" in our world means a piece of furniture that allows two people to face each other. Victorian iterations were usually wildly carved and overblown, so their demise coincided with the Arts and Crafts backlash. The Art Deco period saw a bit of resurgence, but the chaise won out for popularity. Currently, there are several vendors that are making forays in this direction using clean lines...these pieces are great to link two seating groupings in a long room. While the choices are still slim, you can always use two chairs facing opposite each other....

From Cox Mfg, super comfy and traditional...

From Donghia

Hands-down favorite, from Jessica Charles

Roundelay, from Currey & Co - made from 4 pieces and can be customized; just had to include!

Salon Chair, from Bernhardt - turn two of these opposite to get your tete a tete 

Modern iterations from Interlude Home

Ditto

Yet again....

Need: Stylish Lounge Chairs

While the defining characteristic of 'lounge chair' is comfort, the following examples also deliver great silhouettes and nuanced details. You need fitted for your furniture first: adequate lumbar support, arm rests that don't raise shoulders, a flat plane from knee to thigh - better yet, add an ottoman and get your feet up!

Love the upholstered legs and nailhead detail - Hickory Chair

Refined step-back arm from Hickory Chair

Lovely curves would be more apparent in a simpler fabric - from Harden

From Bernhardt - subtle tufting on back and a bit more substantial than a slipper chair

From the Mr and Mrs Howard Collection from Sherrill - a comfy twist on a wing chair

A swivel from Harden

Stickley's classic 'Leopold' chair - originated in the 30's; incredibly comfortable

From Sherrill - contrast welt and button freshen a traditional style

From Henredon, this is all-around lovely and comfy, especially if floating in a room

From Celerie Kemble for Henredon - gorgeous!