Hello Dear Ones. In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I hope you are taking time to really enjoy the season and treating yourselves and your loved ones with good cheer. I'll be honest, I'll really hope I don't wake up January 1st, and feel like I've lost the time to really feel the glow and warmth of the season. While I'm trying to keep the family traditions for my kids, my mind is so full of many decisions right now. I am not only working my day job, but trying to get my new space off the ground, as well as oversee-ing the renovation process. Some days are hairy, and can be painfully slow with a toddler, but I have to say, I am seeing progress...sugarplums, are what I like to call them.
Mostly, I call them sugarplums because they are "done" and crossed off my list. That's one of the better feelings in life, isn't it? I read the latest REAL SIMPLE, that said even making your bed every morning makes you happier.
To start with, is a chair make-over that's been in the works for a good long while now. Finally getting it together, I did this project in three steps.
`1. High Gloss Paint...I skipped priming, and boy was I sorry. I think we did like ten coats all together over the cherry stained wood.
2. I oxidized some mirrors. Oxidizing is so easy! All you need is Muriatic Acid, Gel-like Stripper, and some grey craft paint. Lowes and Hobby Lobby purchase cost around $20 for materials. I still have plenty of these materials left for doing more oxidizing projects. Oh, and don't forget rubber gloves. After I oxidized the mirrors outdoors, I took the chair and mirror to the glass shop and had their staffers cut the mirrors to fit just inside the oddly shaped geometric shaped side panels of the chair. The glass company glued them in for me perfectly!
3. I have a good friend from college who is an artist/college professor that does upholstering on the side. She does such a great job and is inexpensive compared to most upholsterers. Lucky me!
I went with a heavy weight cotton/linen blend and paired it with a black gimp and nickel brushed tacks.
And, finally, my new logo reveal. Created by my cousin Laura's husband, Brett Key. He is a graphic designer by day and a freelancer by night. He's been so patient with me...because I honestly, sometimes have the hardest time settling on one design.
What do you think? Would love to hear what you think! What projects are you working on right now. Do share.
xo and remember to feel the glow of the season!
sharon
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
IM BACK! With a Sneak Peak + a Special Announcement
Image by nathaliebearden.com/
Hi All! It's time I come back and have a seat, dont'cha think?/?? Well, I hope you're as happy to have me back, as I am to be back. Sometimes life just gets in the way, but I've made it a goal to keep up with my musings on lifestyle things for the rest of the season and beyond.
So, you remember my first commercial design project I talked about a few months ago? Here's one of the first images ever released of the completed project. I found everything from flea markets and ebay and I had them re-designed with a soft, playful color scheme. The shoe display case, pictured above, is a reclaimed wine rack from the old Riverside Inn...just before the old building was demolished. I love being "green" that way. It's not only good for our environment, but it's more unique than anything purchased new. I put a few local craftsmen to work on some of these projects as well. I guess you could call that Aid to the Artisans too! I hope you'll visit the sweet, locally owned, Jellybeans. It's a real treat.
Now, for all of you who don't know me here, locally. I have some big news to share. I'm opening a design showroom/studio! Just up the street from my home. It's going to be called...little drum roll please...
Pickwick House. My dream come true. Nerve racking, big yes. That's partly why I have not posted here in a long while.
I chose the name Pickwick House for two reasons.
1. The old store front is located on the prettiest old maple tree-lined, neighborhood Pickwick Street.
2. I grew up on Pickwick and now live next door to the home I grew up in, so it seemed only fitting and true to not only me, but to this neighborhood. It will hopefully be a place for everyone, as was my childhood home...growing up in a family of nine kids. Our house was grand central station.
Starting out in mid-January {rough guess}, I'll be open by appointment and by chance. I am really working forward to hosting events, workshops, art-walks, and of course, my main babies...booking for room makeovers/home-design/events!
Looking forward to connecting with all of you, locals, here, face to face...finally! And, for those who live beyond!
I am so stinking excited and humbled by this new endeavor, that I never thought I'd have. Thanks to all of you, I'm here!
Love to you all.
xo
sharon
Hi All! It's time I come back and have a seat, dont'cha think?/?? Well, I hope you're as happy to have me back, as I am to be back. Sometimes life just gets in the way, but I've made it a goal to keep up with my musings on lifestyle things for the rest of the season and beyond.
So, you remember my first commercial design project I talked about a few months ago? Here's one of the first images ever released of the completed project. I found everything from flea markets and ebay and I had them re-designed with a soft, playful color scheme. The shoe display case, pictured above, is a reclaimed wine rack from the old Riverside Inn...just before the old building was demolished. I love being "green" that way. It's not only good for our environment, but it's more unique than anything purchased new. I put a few local craftsmen to work on some of these projects as well. I guess you could call that Aid to the Artisans too! I hope you'll visit the sweet, locally owned, Jellybeans. It's a real treat.
Now, for all of you who don't know me here, locally. I have some big news to share. I'm opening a design showroom/studio! Just up the street from my home. It's going to be called...little drum roll please...
Pickwick House. My dream come true. Nerve racking, big yes. That's partly why I have not posted here in a long while.
I chose the name Pickwick House for two reasons.
1. The old store front is located on the prettiest old maple tree-lined, neighborhood Pickwick Street.
2. I grew up on Pickwick and now live next door to the home I grew up in, so it seemed only fitting and true to not only me, but to this neighborhood. It will hopefully be a place for everyone, as was my childhood home...growing up in a family of nine kids. Our house was grand central station.
Starting out in mid-January {rough guess}, I'll be open by appointment and by chance. I am really working forward to hosting events, workshops, art-walks, and of course, my main babies...booking for room makeovers/home-design/events!
Looking forward to connecting with all of you, locals, here, face to face...finally! And, for those who live beyond!
I am so stinking excited and humbled by this new endeavor, that I never thought I'd have. Thanks to all of you, I'm here!
Love to you all.
xo
sharon
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Grateful Things
I hope this note is finding everyone well. We have so much to be grateful for, no?
{image from Coco+Kelley}
My grateful things are pretty basic, with a few wild turkeys thrown in.
* Dad taught us manners. Nothing else in life really matters.
* Mom made us all want to be like her in every which little way. Even down to her cluttered walls, and her habitual100 high-kicks she did while she brushed her teeth.
* Family's Good health.
* We have a somewhat cozy home. {The furnace is currently not working here. Again. As I start to complain, I stop and realize just how good we really have it compared to some who are not fortunate enough to have a home.}
* I have work.
* Exciting new challenges and opportunites ahead...
Wishing you all some warm and filling days ahead.
Love to all!
sharon
{image from Coco+Kelley}
My grateful things are pretty basic, with a few wild turkeys thrown in.
* Dad taught us manners. Nothing else in life really matters.
* Mom made us all want to be like her in every which little way. Even down to her cluttered walls, and her habitual100 high-kicks she did while she brushed her teeth.
* Family's Good health.
* We have a somewhat cozy home. {The furnace is currently not working here. Again. As I start to complain, I stop and realize just how good we really have it compared to some who are not fortunate enough to have a home.}
* I have work.
* Exciting new challenges and opportunites ahead...
Wishing you all some warm and filling days ahead.
Love to all!
sharon
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Happy Halloween!
Could we have asked for better weather for this fine holiday weekend?! What plans have you for this leaf-falling, soup-making, owl's nest-making day? Festivities are in full swing at our house and on our Pickwick street, where the Rountree Owl mascot awaits his moonlight call!
Today, we are costume sewing for a toddler Indian girl, and prop stylizing for a teen-age Martha Stewart.
Looking so forward to the classic annual neighborhood costume parade tonight, here in Rountree. Easily, my most favorite event of the year! {Thanks to Weller mom's, Robbin and Amy, who started this kid-friendly, neighborly tradition a few years back...now it's grown to over 400 kid/family paraders}. Anyone is welcome and it starts at five, just one block south of Grand on Weller. I look forward to seeing old and young alike in their quirkiest and most outlandish moods.

I love these masked guests of Truman Capote's infamous Black and White Ball at the Plaza hotel in 1966. What a party that would have been!
If you're in the 'hood, stop by 910 S. Pickwick and join us as we count over 500 plus trick or treaters this year! One of the reasons I say, "Rountree = Quintessential Halloween"
Have a wonderful day and night!
xo
sharon
{Photos via Habitially Chic}
Today, we are costume sewing for a toddler Indian girl, and prop stylizing for a teen-age Martha Stewart.
Looking so forward to the classic annual neighborhood costume parade tonight, here in Rountree. Easily, my most favorite event of the year! {Thanks to Weller mom's, Robbin and Amy, who started this kid-friendly, neighborly tradition a few years back...now it's grown to over 400 kid/family paraders}. Anyone is welcome and it starts at five, just one block south of Grand on Weller. I look forward to seeing old and young alike in their quirkiest and most outlandish moods.

I love these masked guests of Truman Capote's infamous Black and White Ball at the Plaza hotel in 1966. What a party that would have been!
If you're in the 'hood, stop by 910 S. Pickwick and join us as we count over 500 plus trick or treaters this year! One of the reasons I say, "Rountree = Quintessential Halloween"
Have a wonderful day and night!
xo
sharon
{Photos via Habitially Chic}
Labels:
Black and White Ball,
Halloween,
Martha Stewart,
Truman Capote
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Pretty Little Things + Behind The Scenes at ST. Designs
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| Ralph Lauren's Showroom @ ABC Carpet and Home! {INCREDS!!} |
| Well, what do you think? AND...CAN I have you, you STUNNINGly beautiful original upholsteried Settee? PLEASE, come to me! |
| Cutest shop I have ever seen. Called "The Best Chocolate Cake in the World"...in SOHO. |
| Beautiful Foyer of a house I've been consulting on. I decorated for Halloween on the credenza with the homeowner's things. The home is being renovated and is GORGEOUS! |
| Giving it a go on oxidizing mirrors. I am going to attempt to make a wall of oxidized mirrors. |
| Vases for a dinner party. The tablescape theme was "Mysterious". I collaborated on with Kendra of Lonie Mae...{should have pictures soon of the end result.} |
| Contemplating the purchase of a quite seductive gypsy painting. She stands seven feet tall and appears to have a gun in her holster? ..very Darrell Carter-ish style. |
| Taylor Made pillows are made to order. These just came in and I sold four out of five to the first customer I showed them to today! |
| My sister Rosie, threw a shower for a Mom to be of Twins! |
| Niece Goldie siting on Pinkie Velvet Chair |
| Rosie had the cutest decor... Miniature babies in bunkbeds on the cake!! INCREDS! |
| Wish my camera could show you that the stork brought two darling dears. |
xo
sharon
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Mr. Revolutionary is Cleaning House
HI All and Happy Fall! The weather is grand, no? Golly-gee, it's been so pretty outside these last few weeks.
Here on the home front, we've cleaned out a lot of stuff {furniture, junk, and undone projects that are haunting and taunting us}. All in an effort to cleanse. Also, to gear up for a hefty yard sale. Mr. Revolutionary {Will} has us running a tighter ship of "purging what we don't use". It's a good thing!
We've really pared down on all holiday decor too. For the last few years, we've been going towards a more minimal "Organic Grey/Charcoal" look that can easily be dressed up with a glam touch/twist. I'm loving this less is more approach... but still can't resist a little razzle-dazzle, shiny, and just one pop of color!
Here are some inspirations I am falling hard for:
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| Mirrored Walls or Mirrored Anything! |
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| Pinatas for Any Old Occasion! |
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| Dolled up Place Settings |
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| Being Nice is Easy...being KIND is much more! |
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| What I wear when I watch Will clean the house. |
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| Amazingly Royal Bedroom |
Images from Bliss, Full House, and Confetti System
I hope you are all having a great week!
That's it for now... I will try to share some projects that we have going in our kettle. Soon, and very soon, I hope!
xo
sharon
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The Scarlett O'Hara of the Design World: Mary McDonald
Who is your favorite female designer? I'd love to know!!!
I'd have to say my all time favorite is Mary McDonald. To me, she is The Scarlet O'Hara of Design. AND...She has finally published a book!! Mary McDonald Interiors: The Allure of Style. I ordered my copy over the weekend and cannot wait for it to arrive.
The book is supposed to be filled with wonderful imagery of her Beverly Hills estate as well as many favorites we all know from Domino.
I'll never forget when I first saw her work in Domino about ten years ago. It was so refreshing then and still makes my heart skip a beat every time I open up those well-worn pages. Not to mention every time I see her latest work introduced in the latest magazines. In addition to doing interiors, she also throws some dynamite-ly designed soiree's too! {My favorite Gala of her's was featured in Veranda '08...the green and white gala...does anyone remember that party or have those images???, let me know!}
Mary is as beautiful as her own rooms as well. She even resembles Vivian Leigh...If you haven't seen the latest Town & Country, you should see her beautiful feature there. She lets us in on her love affair with ball gowns {how glamorous is that?} and her latest addiction to grey flannel {a current day clothing trend, down to the shoes and all}. I love how her fashion sense imitates her design aesthetic..."old world glamour" in a contemporary world.
She grew up in Brentwood, California and then attended Parsons School of Design. After attending school there, she practiced as a milliner...{which, is a little known fun fact, huh?}.
Mary is here to stay...She's been solidly entrenched as one of the top 100 elite designers for a while now. And, for that I'm grateful, aren't you?
Happy Tuesday, and Have a great week!
I'd have to say my all time favorite is Mary McDonald. To me, she is The Scarlet O'Hara of Design. AND...She has finally published a book!! Mary McDonald Interiors: The Allure of Style. I ordered my copy over the weekend and cannot wait for it to arrive.
The book is supposed to be filled with wonderful imagery of her Beverly Hills estate as well as many favorites we all know from Domino.
I'll never forget when I first saw her work in Domino about ten years ago. It was so refreshing then and still makes my heart skip a beat every time I open up those well-worn pages. Not to mention every time I see her latest work introduced in the latest magazines. In addition to doing interiors, she also throws some dynamite-ly designed soiree's too! {My favorite Gala of her's was featured in Veranda '08...the green and white gala...does anyone remember that party or have those images???, let me know!}
Mary is as beautiful as her own rooms as well. She even resembles Vivian Leigh...If you haven't seen the latest Town & Country, you should see her beautiful feature there. She lets us in on her love affair with ball gowns {how glamorous is that?} and her latest addiction to grey flannel {a current day clothing trend, down to the shoes and all}. I love how her fashion sense imitates her design aesthetic..."old world glamour" in a contemporary world.
She grew up in Brentwood, California and then attended Parsons School of Design. After attending school there, she practiced as a milliner...{which, is a little known fun fact, huh?}.
Mary is here to stay...She's been solidly entrenched as one of the top 100 elite designers for a while now. And, for that I'm grateful, aren't you?
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| Mary in her leopard print study |
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| Mary McDonald Interiors: The Allure of Style by Rizzoli Publishing |
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| Mary's New Dining Room Makeover: Inspired by a Chocolate Shop in Paris |
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| Mary's dressing room: {Osborne & Little flame stitch wallpaper is one of her favorites} |
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