Quick Reveal

Thank you all for your suggestions on my front door color. After looking at numerous swatches and going back and forth on dark grays and dark blues, I just decided to go with basic black. The issue I kept running into was not clashing with the taupey-greigey (I know those aren't real words) trim that is all over the house. Black goes with everything, right? Well, without further ado, here it is . . .

Ta da! The dogs look thrilled!

Just as a reminder, here's what it looked like before . . .

Better, right?

And, from the inside . . . 

I think I may like the inside view even better than the outside. I've got a few more tricks up my sleeve to make the black carry into the house. For one thing, I'm getting rid of that rinky dink newel post and when I get a new one, I'm painting it and the banister the same black. Also, you may remember I have plans to recover that chair. I will paint the legs black and my fabric choices are black and white. I already bought some fabric, but I found another I might like better. This is my fatal flaw - indecision. I'm like Hamlet.

I'm just glad I pulled the trigger on the door. I'm really liking the clean, crisp look. Hope you like it too. Happy Thursday!

X Marks the Spot

First of all, I had a post about my need for X benches pretty much written in my mind and planned on putting it together this morning. Of course, I got distracted because my mother was still visiting and my kids are out of school for President's Day. So, I go about my day doing stuff around the house, hosting a play date, the usual. In between, I sneak a few blog reads when I see this . . .

My blog friend Bri over at Me, You and a Wiener found these X benches here in Nashville! I've been lusting after X benches for a while but actually started searching the internet in earnest for some over the weekend. So, where and when did she find these? On Craigslist. On Saturday. The same time and place I was looking, but she has got mad Craig skills. The benches are now hers. Finders keepers. I'm not bitter, just very jealous. She is aware of this.

I found these on eBay for $400 but someone purchased them for $600 at the "Buy It Now" price. Not that I wanted to pay that amount anyway. But these actually looked decent and I liked the coral velvet upholstery. Sigh.

Let's look at some fabulous examples of the elusive X bench I seek . . . 

Angie Hranwosky does not mess around. Love this little number.

 Elizabeth Bauer via So Haute Style

Meg Braff

Jonathan Adler, of course. And I know that I could buy a brand spanking new Jonathan Adler X benches for a mere $476 each (they're currently on sale!), but I'd rather not pay $1,000 for two.

Of course, there are always the ones at Ballard Designs.

But I would probably want to provide my own fabric which ups the price a bit up into the $250 - 300 (at least) each. Still a bit pricey.

So, where do I want to put these X benches? In my family room/living room/whatever you want to call it. Specifically, in that blank, empty, barren space between the coffee table and fireplace. I feel there's a void. My husband thinks it will be too cluttered. What? Too much furniture? Never. You can't really put anything big there and it is kind of a pass-through to get to the sliding glass doors (which will soon be replaced with French doors, both fingers crossed). And don't mind that random table to the right beside the sidelight window. I was moving furniture.

I know I need drapery, but I was waiting for new doors before I tackled the window treatment around them. Can't put the cart before the horse, right? Also, I realize there are people out there who hate TVs over fireplaces, but there seriously is not much of a choice with this layout. Once again, crazy builder.  Anyway, back to the space. Am I the only person who is bothered by the emptiness? By the lonely void in front of the fireplace?

See that brass coffee table? It's new. Craigslist. Who found it? Bri . . . I'm telling you, she's the queen of Craig. Stay tuned for a future possible collaboration between the two of us.

Forgive the lack of styling. I just got it on Friday.

Another option? Pushing the X benches under my sofa table/console. Of course, my table's a little small. Might need to find a different one. Maybe I should put Bri on the case.

So, what do you think? Could X benches solve my decorating dilemma? Or should I leave well enough alone?

Sources: Me, You and a Wiener, eBay, Angie Hranowsky, So Haute Style, Meg Braff, Jonathan Adler, Ballard Designs

Paint It Black?

My front door is in desperate need of a facelift. It may not be red, nevertheless I'm thinking I might follow the sage advice of the Rolling Stones and just paint it black.

Here's my sad weather-beaten front door. Even my pets are unenthused with it.

And a wider view so you can soak in the full beauty of the pinkish-red brick next to the yellow stone and taupe-ish trim. Damn builder's special a la 1997 - believe me, this would not have been my choice. And yes, I know my planters/urns look sad and empty. I did have greenery in them for Christmas but was waiting for spring to come back around to spruce them up with new plants.

The inside of the door is not much better. It's got major scratches which I swear are from the previous owners' dogs (although our dogs are certainly not guilt-free in this area). I neglected to get a close-up of the scratches, but trust me, they're there.

My plan is to paint the interior of the door the same color as the exterior. Now, I've just got to find the right paint. I know I said black, but I'm actually thinking of a really dark gray that almost looks black. There's a Martha Stewart color at Home Depot called Wrought Iron that might fit the bill.

I realize this doesn't look that dark and almost looks blue in the photo, but in the store it looks almost black. Does anyone have any great dark grays-almost blacks that they could suggest? I'm assuming I'll go with a high gloss finish. Or maybe a semi-gloss? Any thoughts there? The painter is coming on Tuesday, so I need to get to finding a color asap. Any input would be much appreciated. Even if the input is that you think I'm nuts and should go a totally different direction.

And lastly, just had to share another shot of the door featuring my favorite model

wearing the cutest little jacket I found at Old Navy the other day. It totally looks like a Mini Boden jacket at a fraction of the price. Score. I just wish they had one in my size so I could embarrass her by wearing it at the same time. Isn't that what moms are for?

Nothing but Netto

Picking up the March issue of Veranda, I had no idea of the delights inside. I had heard good things, but I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered the historic Boxwood home in Nashville was featured. I have driven past this house from time to time over the past few years and didn't really know anything about it except that it was undergoing an obvious renovation.

And what a renovation it is . . . 

The house was built in 1914 by architect Charles Platt and the three-year renovation was overseen by famed architect Gil Schafer. You can read more about the impeccable renovation work in Veranda and on Quintessence's blog (as she is a huge Gil Schafer fan). But, of course, what I was most interested in were the interiors. They are gorgeous.

What surprised me most is that the interiors were designed by David Netto. I don't know about you, but what comes to my mind when I hear Netto's name is this: 

Modern baby furniture. Netto started designing children's furniture when he couldn't find an appropriate crib for his daughter eight years ago. Netto Collection quickly became the cool, hip, modern baby furniture manufacturer everyone was buzzing about. 

He sold Netto Collection last year to stroller powerhouse Maclaren. Smart guy. He's also a very cute guy.

I just happened to run across some photos of him while doing online research - I'm always very thorough. After I stopped fantasizing over staring at his photo, I also learned some pretty interesting facts. His father bought Cowtan & Tout during the late 70's running the renowned fabric house through the 80's before starting fabric house Travers in the early 90's. As a result, Netto led a rather charmed life on the Upper East Side of New York in the 80's during the glory days of excess. Having graduated from Sarah Lawrence College and graduate school at Columbia, he later dropped out of Harvard's School of Architecture. He earned his design stripes under the tutelage of famed New York interior designer Bunny Williams before starting his own design firm in 2000. 

Despite his traditional upbringing and training under Williams, his style has a decidedly modern bent.

Netto's former New York living room. I love the clean lines and mixture of precious antiques with modern art and furniture.

 His NY bedroom

Another Netto-designed bedroom

And, lest we forget what he looks like . . .

here he is again next to one of his interiors.

You should definitely check out the March Veranda so you get a closer look at the beautiful interiors of David Netto. But if you just want another glimpse of the man himself . . .

another gratuitous shot. What, me, obsessed? No. Really, I just love the interiors. Really.

Sources: Quintessence, 1st Dibs, Maclaren Baby, Habitually Chic and Casa Sugar

Giveaway Winner & Thanks

Without further ado, the winner of the CSN giveaway is Fran from Green Street. Congratulations, Fran!

If you haven't visited Green Street before you must check it out. Fran has great style and is always sharing her favorite inspirations and advice. She also has a great giveaway going on that you may want to check out.

And speaking of style, Maureen from Eclectic Revisited was kind enough to bestow a Stylish Blogger Award on me.

You should definitely check out Eclectic Revisited as Maureen is an extremely talented and creative lady. Since I've done the 7 things about me and passed the award along already I will leave it at that, and simply say thanks so much, Maureen.

Lastly, thank you to Kim at Chattafabulous/The Green Room Interiors for mentioning my powder room re-do.

You should definitely head over to her blog and see her powder room options. Whatever she chooses will be a knockout as she has great taste. 

Thanks again!

Going Green

I could have titled this post "Green with Envy," but I decided not to drag one of the Seven Deadly Sins into this. Let's just say, I've been noticing a lot of green velvet upholstery lately that is very lust-worthy. Oops, there I go again. Okay, onto the pretty pictures.

There is Pure Style Home's Lauren Liess' yummy apple green velvet rolled arm sofa.

This delicious green sofa in a library designed by Markham Roberts featured in Town & Country. By the way, most of these examples have rolled arms. Coincidence? I think not. If and when I ever get a new sofa, this style is on the top of my list. And I'm obviously loving green sofas, I just can't decide if green is neutral enough for me. Hmm. Now, more food for thought . . .

Ruthie Sommers' sumptuous sofa from a Chicago home also featured in Town & Country. I could do without the bullion fringe however.

The mossy green loveliness from who else but Miles Redd. I'm in love with his color combinations.

More traditional prettiness from Markham Roberts.

And check out this beauty that Ashley from Meet Me in Philadelphia found at a local thrift store. $800 - quite a bargain for what is undoubtedly a very pricey sofa. I might be in trouble if I lived in her neck of the woods. 

I love the combination of green with peacock blue. Very rich.

A clean-lined sofa in Domino. The classic pairing of blue and green looks fresh and modern here.

And if a whole green sofa is too much for you, these green chairs from Celerie Kemble's apartment featured in Lonny add just the right amount of velvety luxury.

In hindsight, I should have saved this post for St. Patrick's Day but I might be sick of looking at green that day. Right now, I need a little green to lift me out of the winter doldrums. How about you? Would you go green?

Also, don't forget, you can enter the CSN giveaway until midnight (CST) tonight. I'll be announcing the winner tomorrow!

Sources: Pure Style Home, Town & Country via Blue Hydrangea, Town & Country via Laura Casey Interiors, Elle Decor, Markham Roberts, Meet Me in Philadelphia, House & Home, Domino via Pure Style Home, Lonny

Flare for the Dramatic

Aren't we all dreaming of spring right now? One more dreary, rainy or snowy day, and I'm booking a trip to an exotic locale. I swear I'll do it . . . I'm on the edge. What soothes me during these times? Looking at spring clothes of course. Specifically, the new spring trends.

So, what should pop in my inbox today but an email from Shopbop, a site I love to peruse but rarely purchase from. I'm just not a huge online clothing shopper. The trend of the day? Flared pants.

I actually have a pair of pants very similar to these. Love this look. Sorry, I had to add captions.

Cute sailor pants and that chevron sweater is pretty cool.

However, the next pair is a bit much for me . . .

Could you honestly walk in these pants? It seems there about two extra yards of fabric that don't need to be there. They're pants not drapery.

And, of course, who should do the flared jean look better than tastemaker Olivia Palermo?

She doesn't need a caption. This girl would look great in a potato sack. Maybe that will be the next trend.

So, will you be wearing flared pants this spring?

Don't forget to enter my CSN giveaway!

Sources: Shopbop, Shelter