Did Someone Say Mint Julep?

Did Someone say Mint Julep?  Because the next big style trend for 2012 is Horse Country!  Okay ladies, how many of us wanted that pony when we were little girls and we never got one!  Well here is our chance to fill our homes with horse decor and be totally legit...We can become "horse" people overnight!  It simply takes a little imagination and a little time to create your own "mini estate."

                                       traditional home office design by baltimore interior designer Johnson Berman



As you may already know, this style is classic and traditional featuring dark furnishings and leather as well as velvets and plaids... Think classic Ralph Lauren or Biltmore Estate.  Jacqueline deMontravel of Romantic Homes magazine describes it as "handsome and layered."

                                           eclectic living room design by new york interior designer Anthony Baratta LLC

                                    traditional staircase design by new york interior designer Anthony Baratta LLC


As you begin your search for equestrian goodies, look for worn leather, silver, plaid blankets or upholstery, equine art and prints, trophies and horse-show ribbons.  The good news is that this style often overlaps with some of the other top trends we have discussed such as vintage and farmhouse styles, as well.

                                                               traditional dinnerware design by Gracious Style

                                                         traditional accessories and decor design

                                                modern dressers chests and bedroom armoires design by Layla Grayce

                                                                  eclectic table lamps design by Candelabra


Okay y'all...saddle up!  Check out www.horsecountrycarrot.com for some serious inspiration!  And of course, www.ralphlauren.com.  Do you already have a little equestrian influence in your home?  Where do you like to shop for your horse country items?

The Ultimate Timeless Style...Patriotism

How do Stars and Stripes fit into your home?  If they are not already present in some form, maybe you should consider the addition of a little patriotism into your space!  The next top style trend for 2012 is "Made in America."

eclectic exterior design

Americana is an aesthetic that should hold some meaning for all of us!  Fortunately, there are many ways to incorporate this casual and comfortable concept into our homes.  When I think of Americana and home, the first name that comes to mind is Ralph Lauren.  As you know, Ralph Lauren created a lifestyle brand that became the defining concept for American Style.



Classic American Style is casual and unaffected. It exemplifies quality and its treasures are meant to be handed down...Pendleton blankets, weathered leather chairs, antique trunks, American Flags, whitewashed wood, old family trophies and a warm fire in the fireplace.

                                     traditional kitchen design by dc metro interior designer Sroka Design, Inc.


Your concept of "American Made" may include lighter colors and simple style and my idea of it may be a little more rugged...like a log home or a ranch.

                     traditional family room design by san francisco architect Ward-Young Architecture & Planning

                       traditional exterior design by san francisco architect Ward-Young Architecture & Planning

Or maybe, your choice for Americana is as simple as adding some red, white and blue!

                                                                        eclectic artwork design by rusticdecorating.com

                                                                     eclectic living room design by Horchow

                                                                   traditional serveware design by Wisteria

                                      traditional kids design by grand rapids architect Visbeen Associates, Inc.

Isn't it about time? Patriotism and honoring good traditions should never go out of style.  Go ahead and become a trend setter in your own neighborhood... make sure that you have an American flag hanging somewhere in your home or in your yard.  How do you show your tribute to Americana style?  What are your favorite sources for vintage American finds?

Farmhouse Flair in 2012

"Wide Open Spaces" and good ole cowboy boots are required for this next "Top 2012 Style Trend."  Well, maybe you can get by without the wide open space if you have to, but I would recommend a pair of cool cowboy boots....for Farmhouse style.

traditional exterior design
by burlington architect Smith & Vansant Architects PC

I really began to notice the prominence of this aesthetic when my design magazines started to include articles and photographs of chicken coop plans that are nicer than most family homes!  Hey...I am ALL for chickens having a beautiful place to live but do they really need a replica of The Biltmore House?

Well,  it is true that many families around the country have embraced the tradition of raising livestock in even the most "suburban" types of neighborhoods...and they are doing it quite successfully.  My feeling is that this style trend has gained popularity for reasons beyond the "look."  I believe that this trend encompasses a little more... like the idea of embracing our roots in these tough times and the importance of finding pleasure in the simplest of tasks like getting your hands dirty in your own garden and cooking fresh eggs for your family in the morning.

contemporary dining room design by boston architect ZeroEnergy Design

It just so happens that farmhouse style is pretty fabulous and we all know that every farmhouse is full of old stories- when we include items in our lives that have a history, life becomes a lot more interesting indeed.

Farmhouse is a state of mind and a way of life in many cases, but it is also possible to incorporate special items into your home without going the way of the coop!  Often the look includes lighter, neutral tones and  distressed furnishings- with the occasional bright antique quilt or bright painted tin sign.

                              traditional dining room design by austin architect Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

Many would say that the kitchen table is the heart of the home in a farmhouse...the place where every day would begin and end and where a lot of those famous stories were told.  If you ask me this is not a bad tradition to uphold and certainly, it is not a bad look.

                               traditional dining room design by atlanta interior designer Yvonne McFadden LLC

The good news for our wallets- there are many items from which to choose that have a beautiful patina and that is a key word to remember when it comes to farmhouse.  Take a look at your regional flea markets and make sure to visit the next Country Living Fair  in Ohio or Austin and you will find everything you ever dreamed would be in a traditional American farmhouse...but don't forget to wear your cowboy boots.

                                  traditional kitchen design by san francisco design-build Canyon Design Build

Farmhouse style is whatever you decide that it is for you and for your home.  There are so many possibilities and so many sources. Inspiration is all around you and if you are lucky enough to live in the country, then get in your car and take a drive.  You won't believe the things you see when you are paying attention!

                                                              traditional serveware design by piperclassics.com

                                                         eclectic dining chairs and benches design by Factory 20

                                                       contemporary bathroom sinks design by WS Bath Collections

                                                                      eclectic storage boxes design by Etsy


So here is the plan...wait for a pretty day, put on your jeans and cowboy boots, put a Rascal Flatts disk in the car, roll down the windows and head for the hills. You will be sure to find your inspiration and you might just find a little adventure as well!

Fall At The Mountain Farmer's Market!

One of my favorite things to do in the fall is to visit the Farmers Market. Years ago, I began visiting Asheville, NC in the fall to see the beautiful leaves, the gardens at Biltmore, and enjoy the crisp fall air downtown! Years later, I worked in sales across Western North Carolina and I was able to enjoy my favorite season by visiting beautiful mountain towns in the midst of all this autumn color like, Boone, Blowing Rock, Franklin, Sylva, Waynesville,and Nantahala every day of the week. And let me tell you, during the months of October and November I just didn't want to leave these areas to head back home!

I had the opportunity to visit every cool farm stand and roadside market and made some incredible discoveries, not to mention enjoyed some of the best homemade apple cider, boiled peanuts, and pumpkin bread. I continue to enjoy all of these places and several years ago, I added the Asheville Farmers Market to the list. I really just enjoy the energy of the market and all of the vendors as much as the pumpkins, flowers, bittersweet, fresh fall produce and apple cider!

I made my first fall visit the other day and it happened to be a big delivery day! I was parked alongside many farmers bringing in their pumpkins for market. I saw some incredible pumpkins of every color, from the deepest orange, pale greens, creams, golds etc! There were some beautiful oversized buckets of cockscombs, and all forms of bittersweet from sprays to large wreaths. The entire market was bedecked in Mums of every color you can imagine! I can never resist getting Mums in the fall, because they are so representative of the changing seasons. They are essentially a beautiful teaser of the exact colors that we can expect over the upcoming weeks!


Here is a photo of the Cockscombs that I purchased! I plan on visiting the Market several more times, so my next visit I will purchase a larger bunch and create a large Fall Arrangement with them!

I also some purchased several pumpkins, bittersweet, 3 ears of indian corn, and a small Mum. I found the small child's wagon at The Screen Door for about $20.00. As you know, older wagons, especially wood ones and/or painted ones are extremely expensive when you can find them, so I was thrilled to find this, as I can use it for many different displays in the coming years.

I literally placed all of the items in the wagon and voila! I did not use any adhesives, or pedestals. I wanted it to be very simple and organic! No over the top "arrang-ery." I think I just made that word up, but you get the idea. One visit to the farmer's market, all "real" produce, and one magical, inexpensive fall wagon!

I may place next to the back door, or I may leave it in the kitchen area!

Have you made a visit to your Farmer's Market lately? If not, it is time to carve out a few minutes of your day to head to the market to breathe in some fresh air, pick up a pumpkin or two and take a look around...it is a great way to get inspired for the season!

It's Time To Plan That Outdoor Fall Display!

It is time for a scavenger hunt in your yard and your home!  It is just about time to begin planning your outdoor fall displays.  I have been reserved in my outdoor fall decor in the past several years and this year I am going for an explosion theme...  classy explosion theme.  The reason I mentioned a scavenger hunt, is because the fall display is one of the few times we can get away with integrating our broken or old yard items into a display and it actually looks incredible.  In fact, the older the items, the better.

www.brainerd.com

One of my favorite things to do once fall arrives is to drive through the neighborhoods and areas of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and look at all of the farm and yard displays.  It is a great way to get inspired and at times,  thoroughly entertained.  We have all seen some of those good ole' fashioned "Fall Displays Gone Wild!"  I look forward to my adventures this year and I will photograph them and feature the displays in a special blog post.

Some of the top displays that stand out in my mind included old wagon wheels, tractors, vintage wheelbarrows and old yard tools and farming implements.  I have recently seen some of the most beautiful colored squashes and gourds in grays, cremes and pale greens.  I also love the idea of utilizing kale and cabbage.

www.calloways.com/fall-displays-landscapes

One of the easiest ways to begin is to start with your main entrance and complete your main entrance before you start on any other locations.  Never place your items on top of a dirty or spider web covered entry!  You are highlighting a focal point on your home and you should sweep all areas above and below to ensure a clean palette on which to place any items.  Trust me, if you spend time and effort to create a warm entry and you have left a large spider web on one of your columns, your visitors are now focusing on your entry display...and the spider web!

Try to stay with a theme and a specific palette of colors for each location.  For example at your entry,  utilize all shades of creme and pale gray gourds and pumpkins with accents of black, titanium, wheat and natural materials like burlap, straw, and tall, thin groupings of wheat.  Then on either side of your garage, integrate another color and element and again in the corner of your yard.

www.lovetosew.com/outdoordecoratingforfall.htm

It is all about having fun and using your creativity!  It is also a fun family activity where everyone can get involved and contribute something.  Inspiration is everywhere and I have seen some of the most beautiful photographs in the most recent issue of  "Midwest Living."  Check it out if you get the opportunity!

I would love to hear some suggestions for local and regional sources for any items mentioned above.  If you know of any nurseries, garden centers, flea markets or antique malls that you often visit for these types of items, please share!

Now... start hunting and get out those garden gloves.

"I Am Excited About Your Birthday....Because I Like Birthday Cake!"

One of the best things about having an orderly life and home, as well as one in which you feel comfortable and are able to invite friends and family, is that it opens up more time and space in your life to enjoy what really matters...like birthday cake!

This is birthday season for my family. I know you have heard of hunting season, well, same thing. We have a lot of summer birthdays in my family and we always get together to celebrate each one with dinner and a party. Although I am famously not a fan of extreme summer heat, I recently realized how much I enjoy this time of year and it is because I get to visit with my family often, and it is always centered around laughter, good food, celebration and most importantly, birthday cake.

We all make jokes with each other about it. We get excited about each gathering, genuinely, but yes we also have the tradition of the famous cake from the cake lady. And we all take pride in our choice each year of the type of cake that we order and the most important part, the colors of icing!

This was my birthday cake this year and no, there is no way that I can possibly share any concept of how incredible this delight tastes......sorry.  But at least you can see the picture...and imagine?

What are your family's birthday traditions?