maple and shade

THE LIBRARY: CELERIE KEMBLE.

2012-01-26T10:48:00.003-05:00

A perfect little package arrived to my doorstep yesterday, and in it was a well-awaited Christmas gift that I've been overly anxious to delve into. Celerie Kemble ranks iconic in my design book, so of course I had to add Black & White (and a bit in between) to my design library shelves. For those of you that lust over powerful, intuitive, bound-breaking interiors like I do, I'd highly recommend the glossy, drool-worthy pages of Celerie's published brilliance:

There's a little sneak peek to wet your design book appetite.
And, a bonus (as I'm notorious for discarding busy book sleeves): the hard-printed cover is to die for.

HAPPY THURSDAY.

THE STAR.

2012-01-25T14:33:00.002-05:00

My words of wisdom (or maybe not at all...) for the day.
Along with my favorite latte...from my favorite Hope and Union.

Hope your Wednesday is as warm, sunny...and inspiring as mine.
And filled with dear friends, an amazing lunch, delicious coffee...and open windows.

xoxo.

HAVE YOU SEEN: SOUS STYLE?

2012-01-24T10:22:00.002-05:00

Let me introduce you to all of its well-curated wonder:

Not only is Sous Style an eye-candy laden site that boasts the very best round-up of interiors (categorized and easily navigated by room, I might add), it's very much like an online magazine, providing design-minded readers with gorgeous food photos, recipes, the very best big-city eateries...and clever content like Room Anatomy, Cook for Me, and House Hunter.

Take a peek:

Launched by Pippa Lord, a Melbourne-native-turned-Brooklyn-transplant (and photo director for ELLE, I might add) Sous Style is brimming with some serious inspiration. And perhaps what I love most about SS? Their admiration for the "imperfectly perfect," as if they're a young, cool Martha Stewart for an entirely new and progressive generation of well-versed homemakers.

But don't take my word for it...check out Sous Style yourself.
:)

BLACK AND WHITE

2012-01-23T10:51:00.001-05:00

My two favorite colors.

HAPPY MONDAY.

DESIGN ICON: BERTOIA

2012-01-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

I have a faint (or rather large) infatuation with this brilliant little chair. Produced by Knoll, the Bertoi chair is the mastermind of mid-century, italian-born, artist, sculptor (and design icon) Harry Bertoia. Much like a ghost chair, I adore them for their versatility. No matter the style, era, or color of its surroundings, this minimalistic, low-profile chair will slide right in to most any design scheme and make a stunning addition without warranting too much attention. I love the idea of juxtaposing its modern, hard frame with contrasting lines, textures, styles, and materials. Throw it into an uber-traditional room for an interesting spin...quickly and easily ground an overly-feminine room with a black-framed, somewhat gritty Bertoia...compliment a kiddo's room with a super fun color...even dress up your outdoor space with a hardwearing set. The options are endless, and the result always superior.

See?

[ photos sourced on my pinterest ]

Interested in an iconic Bertoia for your own space? Design Within Reach sells them. Yes, they're an investment--but also a classic. They'll forever be held in the highest regards amongst the design world!

And...they're super comfy despite their deceiving hard lines, but my favorite softening tricks include throwing a square pillow in the seat, or draping an ikea sheepskin over the entire frame. DWR also sells fitted seat cushions!

So there you have it: a forever-favorited design icon of mine. Feel free to email me if you have any Bertoia questions, or if you're seeking design advice on how to incorporate one (or many) into your own space!

Until next time...
HAPPY READING.

BACK IN THE STATES.

2012-01-17T12:02:00.002-05:00

But my heart sure isn't:

Nope...it was left in Colombia, and I'm sure to be spending all my thoughts, hopes, dreams, and hours trying to plot my route back to that country. Email, iphones, traffic lights, paved roads, Walmart, and Starbucks have never seemed so repulsive...

Until tomorrow...(when maybe I'll be more motivated).
xoxo

2012-01-11T09:10:00.000-05:00

the district

greetings from DC!

i am so happy to fill in for hannah while she is jet-setting around, living the fabulous life while the rest of us are left with nothing to do but look at pictures of asian babies and french bulldog puppies on the internet.

I’ll admit I was a bit rusty…unfortunately, my blog fell victim to this annoying thing called getting a job where i am required to work at work ~~and at least fourteen hours a week of law and order: svu.~~ Now all my spare time is devoted to pinterest and the fine detective work of the 16^th precinct. I can’t imagine what my nineteen followers are doing now…

where are they getting their daily dose of ~~anorexic supermodels in indian headdresses~~ hard-hitting journalism and current events?

...

anyway—enough about me! I’m doing a post about washington, dc because it’s a cool city and a post about clothes was taken.

(i mean, just look at this picture...)

i am always surprised when people tell me they’ve never been to dc. i’ll spare you the guilt trip about how IMPORTANT it is to visit the CAPITOL of your NATION where you LIVE and how PROUD you should be of this truly AMAZING place—and focus on some other cool things about the city.

Most of the pics are of Georgetown because I happen to believe Georgetown is one of the coolest areas in the district ~~and that’s where I live and my boyfriend wouldn’t take me anywhere.~~

m st.

when my parents first dropped young intern-emily off in dc, they made the mistake of driving straight down m st. in georgetown. unfortunate because traffic is m-i-s-e-r-a-b-l-e on m st. no matter what time of day and because once I saw the cobble-stone streets and the j crew that looked like monsieur defarge's wine-shop—

I was never going to leave.

i’ve since graduated from j crew—but I haven’t lost my appreciation for the architecture and charm of georgetown. not unlike charleston, a lot of homes and storefronts in georgetown are regulated by an architectural preservation board and have to adhere to specific and stringent building guideliZzzzzzz…oh my god I’m sorry, I fell asleep.

Anyway—if you are interested, you can read about how the super awesome apple store in Georgetown was rejected by the Old Georgetown Board five times here.

Below are a few more georgetown gems...

dean and deluca, m st.

sweetgreen, salad and tangy yogurt shop

started by a group of young georgetown grads

sweetgreen storefront outside

sweetgreen storefront inside

sweetlife advice

watch out...dc now has a pinkberry

pizzeria paradiso, m st.

(also, good--two amys pizza)

mr smiths piano bar on m st.

of course...georgetown cupcake...

okay, yes the cupcakes are good--but aren't all cupcakes good?

there are few things in life i'll wait in line for (for hours) and a cupcake is not one of them...to each his own

this i just couldn't RESIST...

a place, dear reader, that is very special to someone you may know.

one of my favorites and new to georgetown, all-saints & spitafields.

perfect for georgetown.

the shopping has vastly improved even in just the last year...rag & bone, madewell, all-saints, barbour, diesel, calvin klein, betsey johnson,and loulou lemon have all recently come to georgetown joining standy-bys such as cusp, intermix, barney's co-op, rugby...

a few other shops worth checking out in georgetown:
urban chic, lost boys, hu's shoes, hu's wear, annie creamcheese, blue mercury, charm, m29....

another newbie...paul's on wisconsin ave. super cute and chic little bakery.

aaaaand below are a few more dc highlights....

cherry blossoms in foxhall village

blacksalt fish market and restaurant in the palisades

and little further out of the hood...

eastern market, capitol hill

inside eastern market, capitol hill

eastern market, capitol hill

stained glass at the national cathedral

and lastly, one of my favorite pictures of dc. the dupont circle hangover.

i could go on and on with this spotlight on dc but detective stabler is up to something and i just have to get to the bottom of it.

come visit!

CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT, CAN'T WORK WITHOUT:

2011-12-31T08:01:00.000-05:00

hello maple + shade readers!

i'm so very honored to be guest posting while our lovely hannah is down south.

this very blog inspired me to create the egg which documents my life in jackson hole, wyoming.

out west i work hard (real estate) and play hard (in the mountains!)

a few things i absolutely cannot do without.....

cannot live without1. i carry my hobo clutch everywhere. 2. this patagonia down works great for both skiing and showing property. so many awesome colors every season.3. if you are a mac user, this little gem keeps your mac safe. trust me, invest....only $20!4. stylish anthro bedding keeps me warm and cozy during the long winter months.5. a gift to myself after i sold my first house. dress her up, dress her down, i take this little lady everywhere....even dubai!6. one can never have too many pairs of frye boots out west.7. greatest product ever invented. i have one in every coat, every purse, my car, my office, and ski pants.

cannot work without1. the otterbox might be bulky but it protects my iphone from the snow. i have to take it with me when i ski! my emails are non-stop.2. my new blogging job requires me to snap photos all over town. the 60D is light and easy to use.3. my mom always said that people will take you more seriously when your nails look good. my favorite polish, midnight red. 4. my around-the-office moccasins. very comfy and not too casual for when clients pop in.5. i need music 24/7. at my office and on the slopes. this app is perfect.6. go ahead and laugh but this medicine ball has been my best friend for 3 years. sometimes i do ab workouts when no one is looking....and its a great ice-breaker when new customers walk into my office!

pop on over to the egg and say hello!

TRAVEL (AND PACK) IN STYLE.

2011-12-30T16:21:00.000-05:00

So...packing (for me at least) doesn't exactly come easy, especially when there's multiple destinations involved...meaning varying weather and temps. But thanks to the brilliant Brock and Marsha--the masterminds behind the personal styling business and blog Style Edit--my next suitcase will be perfectly packed. And hopefully yours, too! Let's see what the experts have to say on the matter:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Winter is here! Most of us are so very tempted to stay cuddled inside our warm humble abodes but adventure keeps calling our names! Planning on taking a road trip or a flight to somewhere nice? Packing can be stressful. We know. But, we are here to help! Unpredictable weather or multi-destination trips can be a headache when it comes to packing--especially when you have to pay to check a bag! A major challenge arises when you are attempting to pack style-minded yet versatile clothing for a long trip. We've all been caught standing defeated in front of a overly packed 9 x 14 x 22 inch piece of carry-on luggage. Never fear my dear--where there's a will, there's a way! Take a look of our packing suggestions below!

...and...

Tips you will cherish:

1. Always bring a great selection of jewelry! Jewelry can be stowed in your purse to prevent damage and taking up room in your suitcase. For example: Statement necklaces can help create countless looks. One white shirt can produce 5 looks with 5 different statement necklaces!

2. Always wear your heavy items on the plane to allow for more space in your luggage. Layering is a must! Plus, it tends to be pretty chilly on the plane.

3. Scarves can double as sarongs--creating more fabulous looks!

xoxo,

Brock + Marsha

Style Edit

*Be sure to check out their blog for more amazing (and everyday) personal style tips. Love these ladies!

TWO DAYS

2011-12-30T10:41:00.003-05:00

Til we leave for our two-week Colombian rendezvous.

That means we're:

Feverishly packing.

Making...and scratching off...lots and lots of to-dos.

Getting this pup clean...and all geared up...for her two-week stay with Aunties and Uncles.

Making sure my nails are glammed out for New Years Eve in Miami...
( Yes, my priorities are totally in order ).

And drinking lots of coffee so this doesn't happen.
( Isn't he the cutest? )

P.S. check out the sink skirt I whipped together yesterday!

Our master (aka teeniest ever) bath is finally coming together.

Loving this chocolate ticking bordered in black--goes perfectly with the nearly-black walls and floor.

So masculine...and restful. More pics to come later :)

HAPPY FRIDAY!

I have a few guest posts in store for you dear readers while I'm away. I'll keep the content streaming, though posts will happen a few times a week rather than everyday. But I won't leave you hanging :)

BE SAFE. HAVE FUN. AND HAPPIEST NEW YEARS 2012!!

LATEST LOVES:

2011-12-29T11:06:00.002-05:00

Hi all! Hope you had the most wonderful Christmas. I certainly did, but it's so nice to be back in my sweet Carolina. I'm in the midst of gearing up for our big Colombia trip (in three days!), and working on some eye-candy content so I won't leave you readers in the dark for two weeks.

Until then, here's a look into my latest interior loves. I'm always on the hunt for one-of-a-kind finds that infuse a space with interest...those inevitable conversation sparkers...those pieces you'd perhaps never, ever think to incorporate in a room but make a smashing addition.

Overdyed rug / kaleidoscope art / stacked entry table / crumpled waste bin / olivewood geometric side table / gold and ivory bauble stool / black facet coffee and side tables / pink camel clutch (turned pillow?) / distressed clay pot

/ white facet side table / brass node

Stunning, right?

And there you have it--the job of a designer: to find those rare, statement making pieces and pull them all together in a pleasing, well-curated, functional way.

Interested in any of the above pieces? Many are to-the-trade only. Send me an email and I'd be happy to source them for you!

THE COLLECTED.

2011-12-23T10:45:00.001-05:00

A collection of pretty things I'll be sure to enjoy this holiday weekend:

-A gold feather trinket tray, given to me by a good friend
-Luxe, emerald-hued velvet that arrived to my office yesterday
-An antique gold chain necklace that belonged to my great grandmother
-A favorite gritty yet inspiring coffee table book of mine: Changing New York by Berenice Abbott
-My oversized gray and gold leather clutch
-My new Elizabeth and James sunnies...thank you again to Hampden Clothing!

MERRIEST CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL.
And safe travels wherever you may be going.
See you next week :)

Oh, and HAPPY FRIDAY.

P.S. want to know what I'm really up to each day?
Follow me on twitter!

HOLIDAY MIXOLOGY.

2011-12-21T12:57:00.002-05:00

If there's one thing I love about these festive winter months, it's a well-thrown holiday fete that mingles high style, savory tastes, an insanely good playlist, and interesting people galore. Be the talk of your holiday-partying crowd and pull together a stylin' soiree with these curated tips, tricks, and recommendations (but I must warn you--guests may never want to leave):

FIRST:

THEN:

AND TAKE SOME STYLE HINTS

FROM THESE DASHING, MOOD-SETTING BARS:

tray / tortoise tumblers / smoke glasses / gold highballs / agate coasters / decanter / votives / napkins

Let the cocktail festivities begin.

We're too on the busy-side to host any Christmas or New Years bashes, but I'm counting down the days til' next holiday season, when hopefully-clear schedules will give way to cocktail sipping and wintertime mingling.

Have you... or are you... throwing a party? If so--what are your tips for a rockin' good time?

HAPPY WEDNESDAY.

DAPPER DUDES.

2011-12-20T10:03:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love when you come across a product/website/design/thing that's so incredibly well-done and groundbreaking that you simply can't get it out of your head? I'm quite literally (lit-tral-ly for all you P&R fans) obsessing over the talent, wit, thought, planning, and passion that's so entirely evident in Cavalier's product and identity. And yes...a wee bit jealous that it's for dude's only.

I just love their aesthetic: it's like big city cool meets slow, southern charm. And I'm totally digging the resurgence of the put-together man's man--that well-groomed, style-laden guy that also appreciates good quality, handsome things (and a cold, stout beer) but spends his daydreams riding motorcycles, growing facial hair, and wrestling wild game in the woods (I don't know--all man things?).

So, go check them out...

their website is stellar
their branding amazing
their products are stunning
their photography is enthralling
and their tumblr is amusing.

...and order your dude something dapper for the holidays.

I, apparently, am a huge fan :)

HAMPDEN CLOTHING GIVEAWAY:

2011-12-19T12:32:00.000-05:00

And let me tell you:

I. NEVER. WIN. ANYTHING.

And I. am. so. excited.

Not only am I an abiding coveteur of all-things Elizabeth and James, I was in dire need of some styling new sunnies. And thanks to Charleston's very own Hampden Clothing, I'll be happily sporting them from here on out, and sending all admirers their way. After all, no where else in this city (or the east coast, really) will you find such a gush-worthy array of hand-picked, edgey, exclusive designer duds (hanging on a stunning selection of racks) with an unmatched dose of southern hospitality. I just love their "shop your style" feature that's been carefully curated to your self-professed taste, and their blog is always serving up some incredible fashion inspiration. Take a peek, and like them on facebook--for that's how I won their oh-so-generous giveaway.

Thank you, Hampden girls!

PROGRESSIVE HOLIDAY DINNER.

2011-12-19T10:34:00.001-05:00

Hi all! Hope your weekend suited you well. Mine was filled with yard work galore (all. those. dang. leaves.), Saturday dinner with good friends followed by a birthday celebration at a favorite, super-cozy Charleston cocktail institution, holiday shopping while strolling historic King Street, wrapped up by an incredibly fun and delicious progressive holiday dinner with best friends. All in all, I'd say it was a pretty good Saturday and Sunday :)

Speaking of the progressive dinner--it was so fun! Not to mention easy...and such a brilliant way to enjoy friends' homes all decked out for Christmas.

Maple and I were in charge of the main course, so we whipped up a super savory yet oh-so-easy, comfort-laden dish of basil and parmesan polenta topped with balsamic, garlic roasted cherry tomatoes and parmesan encrusted white-wine chicken. Don't let the long menu fool you: we cooked the polenta in the slowcooker (so it would stay warm while dining on hors d' oeuvres elsewhere) and quickly pan-seared the flattened chicken in a skillet as soon as we made it to our place. Served with crusty, peasant bread and a rich, tangy malbec--it was the perfect make-in-a-hurry meal that's worthy of dinner guests.

So what about you? Have you ever participated in a progressive dinner? I'd love to do it again...any tips you have to share?

THE FRIDAY FAWN LIST.

2011-12-16T10:19:00.001-05:00

This Friday I'm:

Chic, color-block, wear-with-anything pumps.

Stunningly simple wall art.

A fall-worthy, big-city, sidewalk-exploring outfit.

A sunny, city-view window seat.

The perfect bedside lighting number.

Neutral but oh-so-interesting drapes.

This flattering, feminine, casual (or not) blouse.

Simple, pretty, walk-friendly flats.

An elegant pair of blushing, crystal table lamps.

The most-perfect-of-all paper weight.

What are you fawning over on this very Friday?

HAPPY WEEKEND, Y'ALL.

*If not referenced above, photos can be cited via my pinterest.

DIG-WORTHY DESIGN:

2011-12-15T14:04:00.002-05:00

LAUREN SANTO DOMINGO.

She may be one of the most revered style authorities in today's fashion realm, but this girl sure knows how to leave her iconic mark on an interior. Check out her well dressed (and highly coveted) NYC digs:

I'm mildly obsessed with that luxe velvet sofa. I'm a sucker for dark, masculine hues, not to

mention graphic patterns, so this--to me--is perfection.

Gold. Leather. And high-gloss wood veneer. And check out that hot pink stump in the background! Smoking may be faux-pas these days, but who even cares: cigarettes and matches look mighty chic (so Don Draper) laid out on the coffee table.

Classic David Hicks wallpaper, extra-large gingham pillows on a diagonal, punched up by Warhol originals.

A Lalanne hippo by day; a full bar by night. Assuredly there are zero dull conversations happening in this room.

A rainbow-hued collection of bottles perfectly perched atop stunning burled wood.

And, LSDs guest room--turned closet--turned office. So Marie Antoinette.

Those are the select images I'm swooning over.

Check out the Vogue slideshow and interview for even more eye candy (like...LSD's jewelry drawer).

HAPPY THURSDAY.

HOMEMADE VANILLA SUGAR SCRUB:

2011-12-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

A confectionery shower treat.

Not only is it: 

Super easy.
Super cheap.
It's super delicious smelling, and is sure to scrub away that scary, winter-dry skin til it's buttery smooth.
Or, perhaps sugary smooth. Either way...it's ahhh-mazing.

MAKE IT:

3/4 C white sugar

3/4 C brown sugar

1/3 C olive oil

1 tsp vanilla extract
a few drops of honey 

THEN:

Throw it in a mason jar...hop in the shower...and TREAT YO SELF. (Parks & Rec, anyone?? Only my fav...)

Or, wrap some pretty ribbon around it, stick a jingle bell on there, print out a nifty, thrifty cute label, and stuff it in a stocking. You'll be sure to delight whoever's so lucky to receive it.

Speaking of homemade gifts, did you see Cupcakes and Cashmere's holiday bottled spirits? So incredibly cute. I want to make me some!

HAPPY SCRUBBING.

TRAVEL WISE.

2011-12-13T12:01:00.000-05:00

In 19 days Maple and I will be setting foot on a jetliner and hopping across the Caribbean for a two-week rendezvous to here:

We'll be gallivanting across the mountains, cities, and seascapes of Colombia with two other close-friend-couples (one of those being a Colombian...hence the destination). With holiday chaos inevitably mounting, I'm making a major attempt to get everything organized and packed prior to our Christmas pilgrimage home.

Here's a look into my so-called travel essentials:

The must-haves to make any trip easy, breezy...and for your bag to stay under that 50 lb mark.

1. Nars lipstick in Heat Wave // pucker up your lips for all those travel photos
2. Yellow banded bracelet // punch up any outfit with cheap jewelry you won't shed tears over losing
3. Big, bold scarf // bundle-up in the mountains...cover-up on the beach
4. Glitzy playing cards // because they'll make any plane ride (or late night) that much funner
5. Handsome, sturdy carry-on // anni-gift from My Maple that I can't wait to tote along
6. Yummy reading material // enthralling love story entangled with NYC's 1970's art scene
7. Bold, sporty bikini // because you never know what beach-bound adventures may arise
8. Pint-sized, pocket video camera // bring home all those travel memories in HD!
9. Comfy, printed flats // these flats were made for walkin'...& punching up any daytime, tourist garb
10. Oversized clutch // daytime. nighttime. anytime.
11. Ultra-cool aviators // buy them once...look cool forever.

Happy travels!

HAPPY TUESDAY.

*Big thank you to Sarah for referencing the bandeau top!

GET COZY.

2011-12-12T11:14:00.000-05:00

Falling cold rain + sniffles, sneezes, and chills means I'm longing to curl up in one of these cozy abodes:

[ all photos sourced on my pinterest...follow me! ]

So today's post is short, but sweet.

Don't you just love the lush textures and jewel-tone hues in the above photos?

Cozy. Calming. Warm...and indulgent.

Hope it inspires your week's beginning, and that yours is less dreary than mine.

HAPPY MONDAY.

IT'S FRIDAY.

2011-12-09T15:27:00.001-05:00

And how incredibly cool are these triangle pendant necklaces from etsy seller a merry mishap?

Given my newly-established brand identity...
my admitted infatuation with triangles...
gold...
and necklaces...

I think I need one.

HAPPY FRIDAY.
enjoy that weekend of yours.

DIY: CASUAL ROMAN SHADE.

2011-12-08T10:25:00.001-05:00

How adorable is my good friend Amy?

She's the mastermind and incredible talent behind Sweet Tea Imagery, my very favorite Charleston wedding / family / lifestyle photographers. Truly--she's brilliant! See?

Not only is she incredibly fun, sweet, and unbelievably skilled with that camera of hers, but she's entirely professional and knows the very best beach and historic district spots for the most amazing background settings. If you're ever headed to Charleston, look her up and getch-you some family photos! (Yep, I make up words.) And tell her I sent you :)

Anyway, I've been helping miss Amy plan a little design update to her adorable kitchen nook, and was blown away by a DIY project I spotted on her dining room window. If you know me at all you know that I lust over roman shades and their elegant simplicity, but they're pretty pricey to have made so I haven't bit the bullet on outfitting my own windows with them. Well, problem now solved, thanks to Amy and her DIY skills!

Check it out:

[ disclaimer: the terribly terrible photos are by me, not Amy. She is probably cringing at the sight! ]

Doesn't this casual roman shade look amazing? I love the soft, restful lines of the curved bottom, and the interest that the ribbon-tie creates. And that ikat fabric Amy chose is amazing! It really makes her dining room fresh, cozy, and totally put-together.

The best part? Amy says the entire project is super simple (only 7 easy steps), and requires minimal sewing skills (you could even use stitch witchery to hem the edges and create the rod pocket if you don't sew!).

Here are her directions:

1. Find a fabric you like that's wider than the width of your window by at least 5 inches to allow for hemming. Purchase enough yardage (in length) to go 10 inches past the bottom of the window (from where you've installed your curtain rod), to allow for rolling and hemming.

2. Hem each side of the fabric so the shade will span 1.5 inches past the outside window edge or moulding. (Say your window is 36 inches wide. You'd want the finished width of the shade to be 39 inches, so each side rests 1.5 inches from the window edge.)

3. Turn under the top and bottom edges, and hem.

4. To create the pole pocket, fold over the top hem (leaving enough room for the circumference of the pole to slide through), and sew in place.

5. Now you just have to attach the ribbon! Amy tacked each ribbon length (4 total, 2 for each side) to the top, backside of the curtain, about 4-5 inches from the outside edge. She then ran 2 pieces of ribbon (1 on each side) down the front of the curtain to meet the 2 pieces hanging in the back. (You can run a hand stitch to help keep the ribbon in place, or use fabric glue!)

6. Turn your nearly-finished shade wrong-side-up and begin rolling the bottom hem til your happy with your shade's length, and tie those ribbons you just tacked on! A helpful hint: Amy used an extra piece of shoe mold to help her roll the fabric and keep it straight, and then just slid it out when she was happy with her roll!

7. Now hang that pretty!!!

So how easy is that?! If you decide to embark on making your very own casual roman shade, feel free to email me with any questions you come up with along the way! hannah@hannahmaple.com

And please...I'd love to see photos of your end result!

And a huge thank-you to Amy for being so DIY-savvy...and amazing!

IT'S MY BDAY.

2011-12-07T07:33:00.001-05:00

And guess what? It's already been accompanied by a few birthday-perfect surprises:

ONE: Our camellia out front conveniently decided to flower (reason #942 I love the South--December blooms). This is perfect (and funny) because we didn't even know what this giant shrub was for about six months, and it's a winter bloomer so once we discovered it was a camellia, we had to wait patiently to see what color and variety it would show to be. So now we know--hot pink with white splatters--and I love her.

TWO: U.O. was having a 50%-off-the-sale-price sale. I scored these $100 knee-high boots I've been eyeing for two years for...drum-roll...$20. Oh, and it just so happened they only had my size left. A birthday meant-to-be.

THREE: Fresh-squeezed OJ accompanied my early-morning wakeup call (he's so good to me).

FOUR: So did a homemade tomato, feta, mushroom arugula frittata (yum), and...

FIVE: the cutest dang coffee service I ever did see.

So, this bday gal is feeling pretty blessed today, and entirely thankful for all you readers and your sweet emails, comments, and constant encouragement. THANK YOU! You're really the best.

And sorry for the super late-in-the-day post. Despite what it seems, today's been busy, busy.

HAPPY WEDNESDAY.

xoxo.

REVAMPED.

2011-12-06T09:13:00.001-05:00

Alright my pretties (and any Mr.'s who may be reading this, as my Maple pointed out that could be so, and you probably don't like being called pretty...)

She. Is. Done.

The blog, that is. There are a few more tweaks to come (email button, twitter, etc.), but for the most part this is our new look! I wanted something a bit more simple and classic, and I needed it to reflect my new brand identity:

Above is a sneak peak at the front of my biz cards. I love the logo: classic, clean, and effective. The idea was to keep the text simple, and, when I get bored, I can change the background. But for now it will be a subtle, letterpressed snakeskin texture.

The three triangles are my so-called "emblem," and they'll find a place on the back of my bizcards. I'll also be printing them on letterhead, envelope liners, etc. etc. I love the symbolism hidden behind their simple yet striking presence: triangles are one of the most significant primary shapes in geometry. They're known for their inherent stability, and are often used in structural systems due to the fact that they cannot be easily altered or broken. Yet despite the shape's unmatched strength and solidity, it becomes entirely dynamic when tipped onto one of it's sides. Over thought? Maybe. But there's one more representation: my brilliant logo designer reminded me that I live at the beach, and the triangles are a geometric representation of those salty ocean waves I so greatly adore.

So there you have it. A breakdown of my brand identity. And, because I love mixing unexpected elements in my designs, the cards' edges will be painted in a stunning shade of peacock blue. Can't wait to start handing them out--though I'm afraid they'll be too pretty for me to easily let go :)

In the meantime, if you have any blog or design-related questions, feel free to email me! You know I love hearing from you. hannah@hannahmaple.com

And thanks for bearing with me! I'm so excited to be launching my very own design firm, and can't wait to provide you with loads of daily eye candy and unmatched inspiration.

HAPPY TUESDAY.

TODAY IS THE DAY.

2011-12-05T13:56:00.001-05:00

Bear with me, dear friends--today is the day the blog makeover begins. As mentioned, she's getting a bit of a face-lift! We're going to iron out some wrinkles, if you will, and smooth things over so she'll be ever-so-beauteous (with a whole-new face).

Or...I just want her to match my new brand identity :) But, today may mean aesthetic chaos each time you click on the link...so my sincere apologies. I hope it doesn't spill over into tomorrow, but it very well could. That just means we're hard at work doing these exciting updates.

And, in the spirit of change, be inspired:

A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.

-Churchill

See you soon! And thanks for your unending patience!

THE DAILY GRIND.

2011-12-01T15:05:00.001-05:00

Today's been a good day, despite the fact that Maple and I are still trying to kick these Thanksgiving colds of ours. Nonetheless, crisp weather, ample sunshine, and a busy calendar is making me pretty dang happy today, though I'm still reminiscing about last night's dinner (and what followed suit):

I made Asian pear pizza, topped with pancetta, mozzeralla, 

feta,and of course shredded parmesan:

It was nothing short of delicious and I haven't stopped thinking about it since! Thank goodness there were leftovers...which I just devoured. Really...it was the perfect concoction of sweet and savory, and the salty pancetta really heightened it to perfection. And it's so easy: simply roll out your dough, top it with thin slices from two ripe Asian pears, crack some fresh black pepper atop, and layer on your cheese of choice. Top it with pancetta straight from the package (no need to pre-cook), and throw it in a 400 degree oven until the edges are lightly browned.

And in case you're curiosity's been peaked, here's my favorite dough recipe:

The Pioneer Woman's pizza dough

(simply scroll to the very bottom)

Maple strung the lights on our tree

(which I was more than excited to pick out!)

Our first tree in our first house:

We make or give one another an ornament every December that represents the year gone by, so we don't have all that many. All that we do have, though, are super special, and it's so fun to reminisce over each one as we hang them. See that round, wooden one? That's my favorite--made by Maple himself...before we got hitched.

So my morning started off at Wildflour bakery--chatting it up with a really good friend over delicious coffee.

I grabbed some Sherwin Williams paint samples after coffee and headed over to another good friends house to discuss decorating plans for her amazingly cute kitchen nook:

Cool, crisp weather has finally descended upon Charleston--which means beloved boots and legwarmers for me today:

So Amy and I sipped some tea, talked paint, stain, and other fun things, then headed to the Habitat Restore to peruse hidden treasures with peppermint hot chocolate in-hand. We scored: amazing bentwood cafe chairs for $5 a piece. Amy left with two, and I couldn't bear to part without at least one. So in my guestroom it now sits:

$5!! She'll sit pretty with a custom round cushion and newly spruced walls (whenever I muster up the energy for that dreaded painting task).

So now I'm home, nestled in front of the computer, with a candle burning and tea in the kettle, tackling an email or two and wrapping up some design work:

...daydreaming over my office revamp (goodbye halfway painted peacock wall...hello diamond grass cloth paper and glossy moulding) and that oh-so-cool console I found for dirt cheap that I so badly want to paint (see the brass, corner hardware and half circle, flush drawer pulls?!):

And that's my day.

Full of dear friends and all the things I love.

So I'm off...to finish work...clean house...and anxiously await the arrival of a best friend from college.

Happy Thursday!

 P.S. don't be surprised by Maple + Shade's soon-to-be new look. I'll get around to updating it in the next few days or so :) 

BIG BARGAIN, HIGH STYLE.

2011-11-30T14:32:00.001-05:00

Does anyone else ever wonder how Kmart is still in biz? I'd probably never go there, except that it's incredibly more convenient than hauling my way to Walmart and fighting traffic near Target. Lucky for me, I needed to pay a visit yesterday. And look what I just happened upon in the lighting aisle:

A faux ostrich lampshade for (gasp) $15...lined with gold paper and everything.
You must know by now that I'm a sucker for anything python/lizard/ostrich print (just wait til you see my new brand identity). And...I favor masculinity over anything pretty. AND...it was $15. So in my basket it went...and on my coveted marble lamp it now sits. The perfect pair, I'd say.

Thank you Kmart. I may just buy all you have in stock.

P.S. I looked for it online, and it seems as though it's sold in-store only.

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA.

2011-11-30T10:00:00.001-05:00

Tis the season--for emptying your bank account. I adore the holiday season, and all of it's festivities, and spending what seems like extra-quality, enjoyable time with family and dear friends...but the pressure to buy all your loved-ones gifts often means I find myself stressing over the funds in our bank account. So, if you're on a rather right budget like moi, check out this amazing gift idea via my best friend Kendall. Not only is it super thrifty, but it's super cute--and super handy--meaning you'll actually use it. I don't know about you, but more often than not all those stocking stuffers and gag gifts I get end up at Goodwill, because, well...I can't stand clutter and I simply don't have room to harbor them. That, too, musters up a lot of guilt. So, here you go: a guilt-free, stress-free, money-saving gift that's entirely ahh-mazing and smells good, too :)

HOMEMADE PEPPERMINT LAUNDRY SOAP

THE RECIPE: (thank you, Kendall, for sharing!)

 and yes, it's safe for HE washers!

3 T naptha bar soap, grated (like Dr. Bronner's peppermint castille soap) 

4 T washing soda 

4 T borax

5 C cold water

3/4 C hot water

30-40 drops essential oils (peppermint is good for the holidays)

Melt the grated soap with the 3/4 C water in a pot on the stove. Stir frequently. When melted, remove from heat. When mixture has cooled a bit, add the cold water, washing soda, borax, and essential oils. Then, divvy out among mason jars (or, if making it for yourself, store it in an old laundry dispenser container). Shake it up, and voila!

And, a little tip: throwing it in the blender will help emulsify everything! 

Use 1/4 C of your concoction to wash a full load.

So, if you're going to be super cute like Kendall, you'd print out the recipe on a little tag and tie it around the mason jar. 

And cover the jar with some festive fabric, of course:

--If you're lucky enough to live near an ikea, this fabric would be perfect.

--This green gingham and this red gingham would be super festive and far from cheesy

--And how about this non-traditional, Amy Butler fabric? It may not be very holiday-ish, but I'm loving how it would look with some thick red yarn tied around the jar.

Have a happy start to your December holidays!

Hope this inspires you to enjoy your gift giving.

EVER SO THANKFUL.

2011-11-23T11:45:00.001-05:00

And so the packing begins.

We're hitting the road today...venturing home to our Kentucky.

So looking forward to a Thanksgiving spent with our ever-missed family and friends, and,
with this long-awaited holiday weekend comes a million reasons to be thankful this season:

My Maple.

Our (rapidly) growing family -- all of our nieces, and our soon-to-be two nephews.

Our travels.

That pup of ours!

My talents, passions, hopes...and my dreams.

This incredible coastal city we're so lucky to call home.

Our house.

And, of course, all those amazing friends we're so lucky to have...

and their insanely cute kiddos.

So...happy travels today, y'all.

Be safe. Be happy. And enjoy all that yummy food.

PLEASE EXCUSE MY LANGUAGE.

2011-11-21T16:04:00.001-05:00

A house is more than just a shelter from 
the storm. How we shape our homes, 
and how we behave within them, speak 
volumes about our history, our values 
and our way of life. 

 - New York Times 

What are you passionate about?

BIG CHANGE.

2011-11-18T09:58:00.001-05:00

Hi all! Yesss, it's been a while. And yesss, I've been really bad at this lately. But--there's good reason: big changes are coming this way! I guess you could say Maple and Shade is growing up a bit...taking on a new persona...and a new focus. Some exciting things have been in the works, and I think it's time to bring those to light. Anyhow, it's not transition time just yet...but soon. In the meantime, here's a bit of eye candy...and what I've been digging as-of-late (because you know I am always on the hunt for swoon-worthy inspiration) :

Miu Miu and glitter galore (suddenly I want to get all glam and girly)

from Sea of Shoes (an absolute fav of mine).

Gryphon gone good, with their NYC flash dress.

Sweet old cars and....

LA days, via Sea of Shoes (again).

Work and gym...combined. Love me some solid black, even on a guy.

Makes me want to live in NYC...much less hit the gym a bit more often.

[ via the one and only sartorialist ]

Kate and Andy Spade's red lacquered walls and simple, imperfectly perfect bar have

me vying for shiny, bright walls and chrome-framed art.

(And to think, they started their biz with zero money and tons of hope).

A simple display of shoes...rustic hardwoods...and clean, white millwork walls.

[ the brilliant, from me to you ]

This geometric dress has me craving shard lines and this sultry color combo.

[ from me to you, again ]

Markham Roberts (via an ancient domino) did it right in this laid-back, super cozy, sun-filled space (in Manhattan, I'm sure). Those haint blue-walls and that marshy artwork somehow reference Charleston...making me super happy I live where I do.

See you soon, my friends.
You may not recognize us at first, but we'll still be what we've always been:
a documentation of sight-worthy finds, with a little taste-making of our own involved...
do you catch my drift?

:)

Interior eye candy.

2011-10-26T12:38:00.000-04:00

Well, the bad news is that my week's been crazy and there really hasn't been much time for posting.
But, rest assured: with bad news comes the good! Install started this morning on the dental office--and the opening party is this Friday--and photos will be taken that afternoon (by the amazingly talented Sweet Tea Imagery)--which means there's a lot to do and not much time to do it. But it's all coming together incredibly well and we're beyond ecstatic to reveal our baby to the Charleston public with an amazing soiree.

So, while I'm running a trillion different errands, marking off my to-do-lists, and overseeing the hanging of roman shades, etc...I'll leave-you-be with some serious interior eye candy pulled from my pinterest boards:

Stainless steel counters done well--which is hard to accomplish with their cold, sterile aesthetic.

Love the art, the wallpaper, and the bar.

A fresh palette of pink--the pops of peacock really ground the girly hue.

I'm obsessed with these smooth, white stucco planters.

And the gravel.

Mural-esque wallpaper can be a good thing.

Loving the contrast of the navy hollywood regency chairs and the blonde wood table.

So elegant.

This simple bathroom reno leaves me itching to knock out walls

(and pink in gray tile) in our own.

And lastly, small space furniture planning can be tricky.

I'm totally loving this clever arrangement--and that chaise!

Happy Wednesday, y'all.

We'll see what tomorrow brings, and whether a blog post can be squeezed in.

Can't WAIT to show you Dental (and party) pics.

House update.

2011-10-20T11:28:00.000-04:00

I've been a bit reluctant to show the progress on our house, because, well...I feel as if there hasn't been much. But, after some reader prodding and pleading, I decided it can't really hurt. Designing a new home is a progress, especially when you're young and on a penny-pinching budget. And, our house doesn't exactly reflect my ideal tastes and style--those likes tend to be expensive. So, Maple and I have had to be uber thrifty and creative with what we've put in our home--but that, I think, makes one a better designer. You're forced to find the bargains that don't look like bargains, and be super selective on your thrifty scores. The last thing I've wanted to do is settle (easy to do when on a tight budget), so our interior is definitely taking time to come together. But I thought I'd give you a little glimpse, as you've waited so patiently.

Now, to reminisce. Remember the before?
You were probably wondering what in the heck we were thinking.
The house wasn't in rough shape...but it's 1957 bones were in dire need of some updating.

I didn't show you much, because it's still in need of window treatments, wall paint, and small tasks like re-magnetizing a few cabinet doors, but remember my post on the updates to our kitchen? I can't wait to outfit those windows with custom romans (which means $$), but my patience is still being tried on that task.

So, now that you've been reacquainted with her raw, in-need-of-love state, here's a few photos of some progress we've made. Again...sorry for the iphone photos...I may or may not know where my good camera's charger is at the moment... :)

THE ENTRY:

Here's what you see when you first walk in the door. That desk was my mama's when she was my age...and I (regretfully) painted it a minty-white shade when I was in that phase. I have plans for her: like new, chic brass hardware and a new coat of high-gloss paint, but that's pretty far down my list. I love the rich gray, brown wall color (Curio Gray by Sherwin Williams), and the dark gray on the closet doors anchors the space and mimics the dark hue of our couch and the gray of our dining bench. I chose a cowhide rug for the space, since the foyer juts to the right in a rigid L-shape. The organic shape of the hide really works to de-angle the space and create a smooth transition into the living area.

Here's a head-on view, though I don't think this pic does it much justice. That oversized brass lamp and gilded shade were maybe $20 at an estate sale--a score I'm totally in love with. I love their extra-large scale. That mirror was a marriage gift to my grandmother, hailing from the mid 1930s. I treasure it, and love that it's the first thing I see when I walk in. I love my little bamboo, caned side chair...though she's currently where our lasso hangs out. I've been a bit of a commitment-phobe when it comes to hanging things on the walls, but I really want to wait til we get our window treatments and furniture settled.

Again, I love that some of our most-treasured things are the first thing we see when we walk in the door. That burled wood humidor was my first wedding anniversary gift to Maple--it has his initials carved in the top. The rich texture of the wood is incredible! Stacked atop the humidor are some of my very favorite vintage books (some which are my grandfather's), anchored by brass horse-shoe bookends (horse shoes are kind of our thing, with Maple's dad having been a jockey and all). That iron horse head tray came from an antique shop in Ashville, and those decanters on the left were wedding gifts.

THE DINING AREA:

High on our wish-list was a table that would seat eight, since we love to have friends over for dinner. Guaranteed to be a painful expense, I did some looking around on craigslist and, as fate would have it, found a reclaimed barn door in amazing shape that happened to be the perfect dimensions for a table of eight. We sanded and polyurethaned the top, and maple built me a simple parsons base (he's amazing, and I've yet to paint it). All-in-all the total project, door n'all, ran us about $150--an incredible steal. The high-gloss black chairs hail from Boston, and belonged to my mom and dad when they were first married. The turkish kilim rug is the most incredible pattern I've seen--a piece that Maple and I will forever treasure. The space is a bit akward (again, with the L), so from day one I envisioned pushing the table against the wall with a built-in bench. Not only does it create a super cozy dining space, you don't have decide which way to walk around the table, and the wide walkway gave us room for a console/serving table on the opposite wall. Those pillows are simply a fill-in (I'm thinking of having one extra-long pillow made to span the length of the bench), and I'm not sure that's the perfect spot for our treasured cotton painting (given to us by Maple's uber-generous mom), but we'll have to see what works when we find the perfect light fixture (preferably a sleek, mid century mod hanging lamp).

THE MASTER:

Remember my vague mention of my pottery barn drapes? I was so anxious to get treatments on these windows that I decided to forgo the expense of going custom. But--I told you I had a little trick up my sleeve to make these look a bit more custom and tailored--and fit the simple, refined, masculine scheme we're going for in the bedroom. With a few packets of iron-on, 1/2" bias tape and a little DIY elbow grease, I transformed these PB drapes into the custom drapes I'd envisioned all along.

In progress...

They're still in dire need of a good steaming, but here's the finished effect. Soon that dresser will be painted with a rich green-black (I wanted a bit more depth to the color than stark black), and updated with simple, sleek hardware. The wall color (hard to tell from the grainy photo, I know) is the perfect light gray--Dolphin Fin by Behr. We really want our master to be light and airy (easier for us to wake up in the morning), but restful, calm, and masculine. We still have lots of work to do in here (hence the lack of photos), but I'm pretty happy with the progress.

So there you have it: a mini sneak peak at the progress (and inevitable shortcomings) of a house in progress. Patience is certainly a virtue for good reason, and I've really had to learn to be okay with how things are at the moment and really enjoy the fruit of our labor and the time that it takes to actualize our hopes and dreams for this house. There's so much to do, and really...it may take years to check everything off our ever-evolving list, but it will get there. That's the fun of it, I guess--getting your hands dirty and really making it your own. So cheers to that, I guess: having a vision, having a dream, and doing anything and everything you can to realize it, no matter how trying and time-consuming that task may be.

HAPPY THURSDAY.

P.S. Here's a teenie glimpse into our living room if you're a hair curious.

10.18

2011-10-18T14:41:00.003-04:00

Three years ago today I married my Maple--that wickedly smart, handsome, clever, genuine, loyal, creative, hardworking, supportive, fearless, selfless, funny, wavy-haired, full-hearted man that I am somehow lucky enough to call mine.

Happy October 18th, y'all.

Light it up.

2011-10-14T12:08:00.000-04:00

A crucial component to executing a successful design plan is knowing where to spend your money. I'm a firm believer that good design doesn't have to be equated with a scary high price tag, but there are certain details that are well-worth splurging on. Lighting is one of those. It's essential to highlighting the architectural bones of your space, and the biggest factor in creating ambiance. And by splurge I don't necessarily mean big dollar signs--you could find an incredibly inexpensive lamp with loads of character--but the shade you don it with can make or break it's influence in a room (what I mean is--spend the extra few buckaroos and get yourself a well-made shade that doesn't show big seems and cheap construction). A word of advice: have fun with your lighting. Don't be shy. Take a risk and go bold. It's such an effortless way to flank a design with that one-of-a-kind, custom aesthetic:

Love these as reading lamps in a master--juxtaposed with crisp white bedding and simple nightstands.

Emerald and gold. These would make the perfect jumping off point to an entire design scheme.

I'm totally into the regality of brass at the moment--so these naturally make me happy.
Also finding myself drawn to the clean architectural/geometric details.

They're crazy--I know. But how cool would these neon sconces be

in a traditional-modern space? They'd be the perfect accent to simple art hung

above a dining room buffet.

These shades are doing the cork-wrapped bases any justice. How amazing would malachite shades be? Hmm...will have to look into that :)

Candelabras can be tricky. This modern, tailored one does the trick :)

I'm loving this mid-century chandelier and would kill to see it in a marble-walled bath.

Masculine. Tailored. Regal. Yes, please.

They'd be a stunning addition to an entry console. Those first impressions matter!

How fun would this french chandelier be above a kitchen island?

Loving the arrows and that green, antiqued sphere.

You really couldn't go wrong with these french feather sconces...especially flanking

the mirror of an elegant, simple master bath.

Like I said: be bold, take risks, and have fun with your lighting.

It makes all the difference in the world and goes a long way in making a space look original.

Thank you, firstdibs, for being crazy amazing. (The above lights all hail from their site.)

On another note:

TGIF.

Enjoy that weekend of yours.

Dental office design.

2011-10-13T12:44:00.002-04:00

So, I've hinted around a bit that I've had a pretty big project in the works. Tyler, my dentist friend, hired me to design his brand new dental office that he's starting with his business partner, Chris. The project's been in the works (for me, at least) since June, but being that we're outfitting a bare-bone space, construction has taken predominance the past four months or so. Well, we're getting down to the wire: the opening soiree is scheduled for October 28th, and the practice's official first day of biz will be November 1. That means we're busy, and finally getting to see the fruition of four months of decision making. As with any project, there's been a few hiccups, but overall the project's gone relatively smoothly. I'm so excited and proud to see our efforts and visions come together; the space already is, and will be, phenomenal.

Take a peek:
(sorry for the terrible iphone photos...it's just so handy!)

Above is the hallway leading from the waiting room to the employee lounge (the very end destination).

To the right (in between the shiplap walls) are seven operatories, or exam rooms.

Painting and detailed finishes await this hall...but she's looking mighty good, I'd say!

And...simply because it makes me happy: a light-filled view of the hallways from the waiting area.

Stunning, eh?

The electrician's scheduled to install fixtures this afternoon, so our morning consisted of determining the correct height for our SEVEN burlap pendants--custom made, I might add :) They're nothing but gorgeous, and will make a breathtaking addition to that oh-so-long hall.

Here she be: the wall of problems. Okay, not entirely, but this final look was accomplished only after several headaches. But that comes with the territory of being visionaries, I guess. We aren't always practical. Perfection is the outcome, though! Tyler's wish for shiplap is finally realized.

Hey--that's me--climbing ladders and holding my breath--because see that glass globe? It was entirely custom made, which means, if it breaks--we're in super hot water. Those lights are exquisite and I am more than pleased with their turnout--antique brass sockets n' all!

Here we have one set of exam room custom cabinets. To give you a point of reference, the shiplap walls (in the hallway) are on the other side of this unit. I'm standing (taking the photo) right where the dental chairs will be!

And here's another exam room photo--Tyler (the dentist) and the cabinetmaker discussing some issues. Tyler's super creative and had a vision to divide the exam rooms with these custom storage units that will host bi-fold doors. Lewis (cabinet dude) did a phenomenal job--and that gray! I can't get over it! Laminate's never looked so good :)

Boxes and boxes of lights! It's a bit hard to tell, but we chose to do a two-tone paint treatment in this consult room. It's nestled between the gray waiting room and white exam rooms, so I really wanted this space to transition well. Accomplished! We're digging the look.

So the install begins on our custom built-ins. This is the far right unit.
A built-in bench and a dark gray shiplap backer will connect this unit with the second.
Julia, the architect, was amazing, and did a wonderful job of relaying Tyler's dreams into blueprints.

And speaking of that second unit...

I'm totally in love with the gray paint we chose. It's "Cyberspace" by Sherwin Williams--not too black, not too blue--just the right shade of gray. We were like little kids this morning--completely giddy over this piece and how well it's turning out! Finishing touches will include a custom seat cushion, bolsters, and throw cushions, a large piece of modern art, and two side-mounted sconces with burlap shades. The perfect, well-curated mix of modern and rustic--just what the Doctor ordered--quite literally... :)

So there you have it: a not-so-little sneak peak at the project of a lifetime. Seriously--I'm so blessed to be a part of this amazing project and have had an absolute blast putting together design schemes, choosing finish after finish (everything from flooring, to plumbing fixtures, to door hardware), dreaming up custom window and fabric treatments, selecting furniture, and buying the accessories. Lots of hard work, meetings, phone calls, shopping trips, and internet orders later--our hopes, visions, and dreams are finally being realized.

Well...that's what my day looks like.

HAPPY THURSDAY!

It's almost the weekend :)

Currently digging:

2011-10-12T10:21:00.002-04:00

The onset of fall is *finally* upon us here in the (somewhat) deep south, which means I'm gearing up for dark, wintry hues to match the bleaker days that are ahead. I'm not much of a bright, pastel girl to begin with--I'm drawn toward darker, moodier colors and things--but I'm especially digging and dreaming of rich, masculine hues; sleek lines; bold pattern, shape, and texture; and gold--lots of gold--to add a contrasting layer of reflective metal to all those moody darks.

So there you have it.
My October mood board, if you will.
Dark, rich, and filled with textural interest.
I'll take one of each, please...especially that gold-flanked table. Love.

What things are you craving for fall?

Note: I have a terrible habit of not always documenting my online finds. If you have any questions about any of the above items--email me! I'll happily find them for you :)

ICONIC.

2011-10-10T13:09:00.004-04:00

Kelly Wearstler is a god.

I mean seriously...where did this woman come from?
I wish I could spend a day in her brain.
She makes bold look so effortless, and has such a crazy good knack for pulling together
what seems like a million different patterns and textures.

I kind of want to be her.

At least I can read her blog.

Recap of a week.

2011-10-05T10:55:00.000-04:00

It's here. It's finally here. October, that is...my very favorite month. This one's sure to be a whirlwind, with our calendar being jam-packed and all, but cooler temps are breezing through, simmering down this balmy Charleston summer we've (somehow) endured. I'm terrified that I'll blink and October will be over, so I'm really doing everything I can to slow down and enjoy these days, which kick-started with a week at the beach...a much-needed, somewhat of a stay-cation with my family in a little house on a secluded seaside. It was perfection. Here's a glimpse:

The boardwalk. Our own little trail to the quiet sand and sea, where hours upon

end were spent reading, writing, and just being.

The red kite.

My dad would take us to the park to fly kites on a sunny, windy hill as kiddos.

I love watching it dip and dive, teasing the sand and the waves.

The very best caramel cake on the face of the planet. No lie. Garden & Gun even says so.

Enjoyed on the salty, breezy porch with what else but a steamy latte.

Everyday should be that good.

Work. And play.

The quiet shoreline. On my favorite beach.

A canopy of Loquats. Aren't they stunning?

Maple and I are starting on our patio. We'll be planting this gem of a tree,

found amongst a seaside nursery in Pawley's Island.

Our last night of vaca: spent back in the city.

We happened upon a food truck rally in downtown Charleston.

What's this, my friends? An unbelievably scrumptious Roti Roll:

braised pork atop curried mac n' cheese (omg) and hot-off-the-grill naan.

Utter concentration--ain't he cute?--required to conquer that massive BBQ sandwich.

The best I've ever had, from Hello BBQ's food truck, parked maybe too conveniently

(on a daily basis) just down the road from my house.

The perfect end to a perfect week: a garden brimming with ripe, plush mini tomatoes

and purple-hued jalapenos. Somehow, someway our 'maters are still flourishing!

So there you have it, friends--a recap of my treasured week.

Now back to the grind. Have I told you about the dental office I've been designing?

The project's been progressing over the past few months, and construction is beginning to seize (I hope, I hope). Flooring and tile starts this Thursday. Equipment goes in next week. Install's gearing up to happen the week of October 20th, as the grand opening soiree goes down October 28th....which means...I'm about to get super busy (and, I'll have photos to debut soon!)

Until tomorrow...

Happy Wednesday!

An end to my hiatus.

2011-09-26T12:38:00.001-04:00

Eeek--you're probably wondering what happened to me. Well, me too. I got sort of busy, and in the mix of it all, lost a bit of my blogging motivation. But, that's two-fold, as with that lack of posting comes some exciting change and some exciting news. I'm working on developing the direction and branding of my business, and with that will come the direction and branding of my blog. In the meantime I promise to keep Maple and Shade afloat with eye-candy and inspiration, but my hope is to put my dreams in action and reorient my blog around my design obsession (and business). Direction is a good thing, I've learned--so here's to the in-between-stage of figuring out my new course.

Thanks for being patient, dear friends and readers. I know how frustrating a blog hiatus can be, especially when the author keeps you in the dark. So here marks the beginning of the end to my unpredictable blogging whereabouts and whatabouts.

Speaking of whereabouts, my week's been relegated to Pawley's Island--an eclectic, laid-back Atlantic beach community an hour and a half north of Charleston. I'm on vacation (although you never really feel that way working for yourself), and finding myself completely enamored by the emerald blues and greens that make this coast such a tranquil escape. Juxtapose these rich, refined hues with an edge of black and white and you've got a pretty stellar color palette.

{all photos via my pinterest}

Inspiration is everywhere.

Here's to being inspired.

HAPPY MONDAY.

Can't wait to show you what I've really been up to.

I'll give you a hint: it's gray, and orange, and it's all in new a dental office... :)

The details.

2011-09-02T15:25:00.002-04:00

It's all in them.

Be brave. Go bold. Soak up the details.

And long live your weekend.

I hope it's at least three days.
Mine is four.
That means I'll see you on Wednesday :)

Vintage peacock chairs.

2011-09-01T11:22:00.002-04:00

Most of you assuredly know that I'm a bit of a bargain hunter. Good design absolutely does not have to come with a high price tag--you just have to be willing to put lots of effort into scouting deals. Eventually, you're sure to get lucky.

And, by now you've happened upon the fact that I have a pretty eclectic (bold...crazy...whatever) sense of style. We'll just say I have a 'well-versed appreciation for one-of-a-kind things.' Now, that sounds better :)

So, here's a little story. Maple and I are building a patio because, well, we have a giant, giant, giant yard (for the 'burbs, that is) and it's pretty much like taming the outback. Snakes, spiders, lizards, crocodiles (okay, kidding...maybe), you name it. So, like I said, we're building a patio and treating our yard so I, once again, will want to venture outside and maybe, just maybe, spend some good QT time out there. As depicted from our outback-ish yard, we live in the tropics (ok, the Carolinas), but we're totally running with the tropics theme for our patio. I, of course, have been dreaming up furniture and aesthetics, and decided peacock chairs would be royally awesome.

Never heard of peacock chairs? Well, that's because they are rare (and no, not because they are hideous, as Maple insinuated). They're handmade, and AWESOME, and you have to have pretty bold taste to weather their regal presence. Therefore, they're hard to come by, AND, when you do find them, they're priceeeeyyyy.

Take a look:

(Not nearly as cool as...)

(Okay, maybe this photo isn't exactly helping my case. But look at that chair. Who wouldn't want to sit in it? Throw in a tropical cocktail and well, I'm not leaving. )

(This bookshelf would be outright boring without Mrs. Peacock. Throw her in the mix and you've instantly contrived a feature wall. )

(Via Lonny...of course, of course.)

(This photo might be as vintage as the chair. And awesome.)

So, are you ready for this?

I was perusing craigslist in search of a "set of chairs" for a client of mine.

I clicked on a random posting.

And I found:

PEACOCK CHAIRS.

Two of them.

The most amazing I'd ever seen.

At a crazy, ridiculous steal of a price.
FIFTY DOLLARS. For the pair.
Let me introduce you:

Guess what Maple came home to yesterday? They're giant. And crazy. They took over our front porch. And I love them (they've grown on the Mr.). They now sit in our living room, awaiting the day our patio is built. I can't wait to have friends over...plop them down in these babies (in front of the fire pit, under the canopy of lights, amidst the tropical plants) and serve them fruity cocktails. Won't you join us?

And, lesson learned. Keep treasure (and deal) hunting. It will pay off. Especially if you live in a community where A. people truly don't know the worth of what they have and/or B. they have too much money to even care (as in this case--the owner was moving her estate to NY and simply didn't want to deal with them).

Formulating fall.

2011-08-23T10:45:00.001-04:00

And wishing for the crisp, cozy weather that arrives with it.

{photos via pinterest}

---------------------------------------------------

Therefore, formulating fall-inspired interiors:

Clean lines and dark, complex hues, with a hint of mid century mod revival.

Yes, please.

What's on YOUR mind for fall?

Hello again, Monday.

2011-08-22T11:05:00.002-04:00

Our weekend was full of:

homemade coffee cake and heart-filled lattes

this funny little lassoed mutt (yes, she did this on her own).

and house projects galore.

(that, my friends, is never-ending...)

Maple hung the master bedroom curtains (as seen above)--I love waking up to that view! Anyhow, I'd planned on having all of our treatments made, until I realized it would pretty much break the bank (because I of course wanted double widths and pinch pleats. I can't just have ordinary anything, you see). So instead I resorted to Pottery Barn (despite my aversion to their overpriced, generic products) and bought some simple (gasp) ivory panels. Never fear, though...I have a little trick up my sleeve to make them look a bit more custom and give them some masculine character, upon which I'll show you some photos :) The next project will be painting that dresser a semi-gloss black and outfitting it with some simple, sleek hardware to contrast with it's feminine lines. And, when we find the right piece, we'll adorn that left-hand corner with a stunning little side chair (preferably chrome and cognac leather). And that marble lamp? She'll be getting a new shade--a faux-gator skin, to be exact :)

Hope your weekend was just as refreshing.

HAPPY MONDAY.

Heirloom Tomato + Arugula Tart

2011-08-10T12:58:00.001-04:00

Step one.

Step two.

Step three.

Step four.

And, mini blackberry, apple tarts whipped up with the leftover dough.

The perfect summer fare.

xoxo.

IT'S FRIDAYYY

2011-08-05T16:46:00.001-04:00

and guess what?

THIS gem of a package arrived to my office today:

Gorgie, hot-hued fabric that will be hanging on the racks just waiting for the perfect new home (aka...a client that wants her).
My ideas for her use go on and on...and on...

So, HAPPY WEEKEND.
I'm off to Trader Joe's, and I really can't describe my excitement.
They've taunted me long enough. They're OPEN.

I LIKE THESE:

2011-08-05T13:37:00.001-04:00

How fun would that planter be topping off a stack of books on your desk or bedside table?

I love the idea of the faceted candle stick holders on a contrasting hued coffee or side table. And, though falling second in favor, I must to say those lightbulbs are entirely brilliant.

EBAY = AWESOME.

2011-08-02T11:24:00.003-04:00

As you most certainly know by now, my interior style is pretty eclectic, which means I'm obsessively searching for statement making rarities. I love me some one-of-a-kind finds that no one else is likely to think of incorporating into their homes--much less have stashed in the attic (unless your the offspring of a nostalgic architect, like myself, who's dad harbors gems like eames side tables and Bertoi chairs in his warehouse); anyway...it's those pieces that easily inspire and lend an air of refinery to any design plan.

Por ejemple:

Checkout that vintage flamestitch, velvet upholstery--it's a shame the fabric is in need of recovery. Still--how rad are the contemporary lines and the sleek, chrome barrel frames? These would be stunning juxtaposed with a long, rectangular frame--like a bar/dining table/conference table. I'd want to have lengthy meetings everyday if I could sit my butt in these.

So, I tried pretty dang hard to convince Maple this paper needed to dress the walls of his man bathroom. He wasn't having it, which made me wonder--my office? Hmm...I see it with simple millwork 3/4 the way up the wall, with this dark filling in to the ceiling. It would be ahh-mazing.

If only I (or a potential client) had $800 big ones laying around--I'd hang this over a rocking round table, and voila--you'd have a stunning dining area.

I mean, really--could it get any cooler? I see this paper decking out a walk-in closet--totally sophisticated and glam. I would probably move my desk in there...and maybe my bed. So maybe not a good thing.

If I were Peggy I'd totally buy this and make Don Draper rock it on his man-glam desk.

The lucite alone makes this an awesome investment. Throw in the hot pink upholstery, black and gold

casters, and sleek barrel shape, and I'm sold.

Going in my bathroom. Enough said.

Crazy cool antique Tole sconce. If only there were two...I totally see them flanking a large window dressed with a simple roman shade
(ahem...my kitchen?).

Tell me you wouldn't want to lounge all day in these babies on a patio, under a black and white cabana striped awning, surrounded by potted orange trees. Yes, please, I do need another mimosa.

Bringing an entirely new meaning to "doublewide." I mean, do I even need to explain, her. No...no...absolutely not. If only shipping were an option, here. Perfect for a waiting area, a patio...or even a dining space. I'd push it against the wall and place a sleek, white rectangular table in front. Dramatic...amazing.

So there you have it. My awesome ebay roundup. I feel like a bit of a warning needs to be issued though...it's addicting. And your husband/roommate/dog might begin to question large, mysteriously-shaped packages arriving on your doorstep. Because you can't really disguise that double-wide peacock chair.

HAPPY TUESDAY.

Maples Ahoy.

2011-07-29T15:18:00.000-04:00

Yep, we bought a boat...and last night was our maiden voyage.
We dropped anchor in a marshy river bend, shared a little toast, and cruised those soft, summer waves.
Balmy Charleston evenings will never be the same, nor will our weekends.

HAPPIEST FRIDAY.

Design idea: Vintage National Geographic

2011-07-29T13:09:00.001-04:00

Hello, hello, my loyal blog readers! I must first send a big thank-you your way for being ever-so-patient with my lack of posting. I hate to say it, but it's tough to make blogging a priority when life gets busy and there's the potential for an income to be generated doing actual work. I love posting inspiration, and showing you what I'm up to, and I so very appreciate your reading support!

Anyhow, pinterest is glorious--is it not?! I find myself perpetually pinning design ideas and inspiration...and products and resources I intend to use for ongoing projects. And somehow, someway...in the midst of all of that...I stumbled across these: scans of vintage National Geographic material.

Totally awesome.

{okay, I couldn't resist. But just look how teenie they seem! in the words of Liz Lemon, 'I want to go to there.'}

Amazing, are they not? Yes, it's so cool that photography has advanced to capturing stunningly clear pictures with crazy megapixel technology, but don't you sort of wish photographs still came out looking like incredible paintings, without the aid of photoshop? I'm truly smitten by the vintage aesthetic.

In fact, so smitten, that I can totally see these images lining a bare wall in a gallery-style fashion. Of course this sent my mind reeling, and one little ebay search unveiled a lot of 1960's National Geographics for ten measly bucks. TEN dollars. From there you could frame them as-is, in simple/modern frames from Ikea (to create a bold contrast with the vintage subject matter), or...you could scour thrift stores and ebay for neglected vintage frames. Hang them in two rows with at least four photos in each row, and there you have it: an inexpensive, statement-making fix for a lonely, neglected wall! Hmm...thinking this might be the perfect addition to our wood panelling-clad TV room, where I'm wanting to create a dark, inviting, cozy library environment.

Anyway, there you have it: a simple, cheap, and totally awesome design idea!

Working from home has its perks:

2011-07-22T16:12:00.001-04:00

Don't be fooled: I do do work. But, since my home office is still very much a blank canvas (aka uninspiring) and today it was actually the stage for a photoshoot, I thought it best to curl up on the (above) cozied sofa.

See that pretty plump pillow? The geometric one? It was in the shoot, which I can't wait to show you the results of. The next issue will be out soon--so I will have to wait til then to reveal it. My last night and this morning consisted of preparing for the two shoots, both centered around projects that I designed. I offered the corner of my office for one, which meant I was hurried to paint, hang curtains, scout furniture + props, and style it all. It was pretty much my dream. And somehow I'm lucky enough to get paid for it.

Okay, back to work...
xoxo, my pretties.
Until next week.
Enjoy your week's end.

Blame it on the rain...

2011-07-22T15:56:00.000-04:00

Or the beach, as that's been the reason for my recluse the past week and a half. It was glorious--and just what I needed--days and days of surf, sandcastles, starfish, cooking, laughing, coffee, good reads, sweet treats, screened porches, that salty ocean breeze, and...best of all...lazy days with much-missed family.

So I'm back.

And I think these are pretty:

{photos via my pinterest}

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Porch, magazine, weekend...oh my.

2011-07-08T13:45:00.000-04:00

It's Friday! You know what that means: yes, I HAVE been drinking coffee all day. How'd you know? It's because it's raining. One cup just didn't suit. Anyway, I'm also gearing up for the weekend. You'd think living in the sunny south we'd have quiet, restful weekends full of drinking peachy iced tea and mojitos on the porch. But we don't. Nope. In fact, we pretty much have friends/family in town or we're out of town just about every weekend of the summer. Anyway, next week is our vaca on the beach with Maple's family, so I've been preparing to ditch work for five days, and I can. not. wait.

(For the record, this might be the longest M + S post ever...and yet-to-come. Let's just say there's lots to catch up on and I'm not entirely good at showing you all that I've been up to. Oops.)

Anyway, fixing up the house has been happening at ice-age speeds. Has it even happened? Yes...yes...I have to keep looking at those "befores," but my gosh it takes forever. Especially, when as mentioned above, we're perpetually entertaining or being entertained, meaning painting/yard work/hanging curtains/attaching hardware/etc etc etc has to wait. And wait. And wait...

But...I've made a teenie bit of front porch progress. Remember what she looked like before?

Baghh! Scarring, I know.

Carpet. Carpet?! Yes...carpet. Guess what? It's still there. Because...of course...there is ASTROTURF underneath, clinging every-so-tightly to that concrete with construction adhesive, meaning we will have to rip and scrape our lives away when we decide to tackle that mess.

So, after scouting craigslist for some furniture finds, revamping the ultra-cool chairs with new fabric and pillows, and giving some life to the downtrodden space with plants, here is what she's looking like now:

Ohh...carpet...I can't wait to rip you up, roll you out, and hand you over to the city dump.

See the wrought-iron column? It haunts my dreams. But, thanks to this variegated confederate jasmine, those hideous, winding spindles will soon be boasting a full, flowering vine.

We still have some plans for it, like: constructing a prettier step and redoing the akward walk; surrounding the exposed side with grasses and other privacy-bearing plants and shrubs, and placing some more substantial planters at the front. But, guess what--those were cheap and definitely fit the bill until we're ready to splurge.

Now for the rug.

It's not looking so hot these days, being that the sweltering sun has sucked the color from it, but...I did make it. It was a magazine project of mine.

The rug was featured in the latest issue:

See! It used to be pretty...

And here's some shots of me (painstakingly) making it.

The Before:

The during:

(Soo I must've misplaced my hairbrush that day)

And the photoshoot:

(I told you this post would be excruciatingly long).

Anyway, there she is, in her finest form.

And now she greets me on my front porch each day, reminding me that life is pretty great and doing work for the magazine pretty much rocks.

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Abstract.

2011-07-07T11:47:00.001-04:00

Alas, I am back...and wiping the drool that's accumulated from spending wayyy too much time ooo-ing and ahhh-ing over the splendid work of Sally King Benedict: an inspired Southern artist, in every sense of the word:

Maple and I want a painting, much to the likes of hers, to hang in our dining room, just above the console/buffet table. It's a very bare wall at the moment, and an abstract oil (toned down a notch with neutral gray/white/black hues) is sure to fit the bill, especially when flanked by a pair of sconces to lend a light, airy feel to that side of the room. Perfect for the dining that so often goes down in there. My pocket can't quite afford the splendor that's shown above, but lucky for me I have a super talented sister-of-a-friend (did you catch all that?) that's willing to take on the task. She surprised us with a different abstract canvas (our 1st piece of art, I might add) as a wedding gift, and from that day forward we've been sold on her skill! I'm a wee bit excited to get this piece commissioned, and show you the real deal hanging on the wall :)

Now, back to the grind, I guess. Working on a magazine project that's set to debut in the upcoming end of August issue! That, too, I'll have to clue you in on.

HAPPY THURSDAY.

Happy Holiday.

2011-06-30T11:13:00.002-04:00

Well, folks--Maple and I are venturing off on a little weekend escapade to the mountains of West Virginia to watch Maple's college friend walk down the aisle. We're headed out this afternoon, with an overnight rendezvous in Charlotte, where we'll spend a few inevitable hours in Ikea (outfitting my office and picking up a few accessories for current interior projects) before checking out the city with our good friends. This morning's been a whirlwind: I've already mowed the lawn, watered the garden, worked on my maters, had the oil changed, run through the grocery, vacuumed for our oh-so-generous house and Poppy sitting friends...and I've yet to pack. Off to do so!

HAPPY HOLIDAY WEEKEND.
Hope it's extra safe and full of good food and very best times with your loved ones.
Mine will be!

P.S. Don't you just love the colors in the retro mag cover above? I'd say a room could certainly be contrived around this piece of art!
Inspiration is everywhere :)

Gold gild.

2011-06-29T17:43:00.001-04:00

Quite possibly my favorite accompaniment to Charleston's balmy summers? Afternoon thundershowers. My work day is winding down, and Maple and I are gearing up for a weekend getaway, but for the moment I'm posted up on the couch, in front of our big, partially open picture window, coffee in hand (of course), watching the rain pour down on my happy front yard flowers...soaking this drizzly weather up as much as they are.

I should be taking care of looming chores...like...packing...but I couldn't help but take advantage of this couch-calling rainstorm. Anyway, here's a peek into what's been inspiring me and my design outputs as of late...I'll give you a hint: it's shiny, ultra-chic, reminiscent of an awesome, vintage era, and working it's way into just about every room in our house...and my client's (don't worry, Williams--not you).

Gold casserole dish? Brilliant addition to any dinner party.

Those hammered gold studs are calling my name....

Shiny-clad calling cards? I say yes.

I'll forgive the fact that it's Martha's kitchen that dons gold-plated cabinet hardware...it's amazing.

This gold-hued, geometric lamp would be stunning on my (somewhat imaginary) bedroom dresser. Furniture collecting takes time, right? Yes--if you're broke.

Instant art: planning to outfit a bare wall with marbled gold paper. My office, perhaps? Somehow I don't think that would fly with my Maple anywhere else...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alright, friends.
Back to the rain.
HAPPY WEDNESDAY.

Strawberry muffin recipe

2011-06-28T14:59:00.005-04:00

Per reader request, below is my highly-adored, simple strawberry muffin recipe that I used to swoon our new neighbors into thinking we really aren't all that bad. Having a bad day? Hoping to spread some good cheer? I suggest you make these:

{photo via sipsandspoonfuls.com}

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup canola oil

1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup white sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped strawberries

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Oil an 8 cup muffin tin, or use paper liners.

In a small bowl, combine oil, milk, and egg. Beat lightly. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, baking powder and sugar. Toss in chopped strawberries and stir to coat with flour. Pour in milk mixture and stir together.

Fill muffin cups. Bake at 375 degrees F for 25 minutes, or until the tops bounce back from the touch. Cool 10 minutes and remove from pans.

Scout.

2011-06-28T13:20:00.000-04:00

Totally obsessing over the casual, eclectic style manifested in Scout Designs' interiors. TradHome named them one of their top 20 up and coming U.S. designers to keep your eye on, and after fervently studying their design repertoire and mirage of scouting photos, I couldn't help but envy their treasure-troving, antique-scouring lifestyle--not to mention their well-seasoned, multifarious design taste.

*SWOON*

What do you think?
Worthy of TradHome's generous nomination?
I certianly admire their panache for well-styled interiors.

Greens.

2011-06-23T10:31:00.000-04:00

I like having a garden :)

Hello, Monday.

2011-06-20T11:02:00.000-04:00

It's you again. I can't entirely say that I missed you, but that's alright...my Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were filled with date night, good food, good friends, surf, sand, and the arrival of visiting family. So, I guess I'm ready to conquer you and the work that you bring.

And here's a little gray inspiration to help make your Monday (and mine) a little brighter :)

I think I need that coffee cup. Okay, I pretty much just want that coffee cup.

HAPPY MONDAY, Y'ALL.

Sunday funday.

2011-06-13T12:10:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was really the epitome of what a Southern Sunday should be: morning church service that involved bagels, coffee, and chatting with friends; a Charlestonian brunch with old, Kentucky college friends on historic King Street; window shopping on our walk to the car, including a drop-in at Blue Bicycle Books, which we walked out of with three beloved purchases; an afternoon nap followed by an Italian-roast espresso (the grounds hailing all the way from NYC); a bikeride to a neighborhood seafood shop, followed by a ride in the opposite direction, through hidden marshland, to the neighborhood grocery; and, to top it all off, a simple, healthy, and exquisite homemade meal accompanied with a glass of wine and ample couch time.

Please excuse Maple's shirt, messy hair, and overloaded backback :)

What a really good meal should absolutely leave behind: the prettiest array of scraps.

The most simple, colorful, flavor-filled dish: three parsnips, a bunch of carrots, and a bunch of radishes, all sliced in half or quartered. Drizzle with olive oil, and pour this mixture on top: 1/4 cup bourbon, 1/4 cup water, 2 teaspoons brown sugar. Throw in about 8 cloves of garlic, smashed, and salt and pepper to taste. Roast at 400 until veggies are soft, but haven't entirely lost their color or crispness.

Save the greens from the radishes--they make the perfect, plush bed to bake salmon atop. We did just that, brushing the salmon with olive oil, sprinkling with a bit of salt and pepper, and topping it off with sliced lemons. Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes, until salmon begins to turn white.

And here you have it, our Sunday Supper: all dished up and ready to be devoured. We did just that, and it really was the perfect melding of flavor, texture, and health. Oh, and see that heap of brown rice and peas? Equally delicous and easy: cook 1 cup of brown rice according to package directions and set aside. Saute one minced shallot until begins to brown on the edges; add 2 cloves of garlic (minced) and the zest of 1/2 lemon and a cup of fresh or frozen peas. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, and leave on the heat until warmed through. Season with salt and pepper...and enjoy.

It really, absolutely, no doubt in my mind was a perfectly perfect Sunday.

Hope yours was enjoyed all the same.

Almost: The Kitchen.

2011-06-10T11:01:00.001-04:00

So, our kitchen has been quite the time (and money) consuming task as of late. If your recall, this is what it looked like when we bought the house (please excuse the working mess) :

It's very much the reason I fell in love with the house. It had the good bones...a terra cotta tile floor...huge windows that crank open...and space for our heirloom butcher block. And that's all that really mattered in my book. The rest I could work with. And that, my friends, is what we've been doing.

I actually really love the dated cabinetry (gasp...I know...a huge faux pas in today's design book). But here's the thing: they're custom; they extend all the way to the ceiling and are finished with crown molding; they're simple and plain; and someone painstakingly created them by hand, just for that kitchen, 50 years ago. I cherish those stories, and the time and effort that person put into their design. What I didn't cherish was their ultra-white paint job and that glaring black hardware. So Maple and I painted them this color by Sherwin Williams (who's always having major paint sales, by the way):

Yes, maybe it's a bit daring. But that's me...and my design style--always looking to break the norm. Life's too short to be boring, in my book at least. It's really the perfect concoction of gray and brown--just what I was seeking. It's warm, and inspiring, and disguises the imperfections and stains that are pretty much inevitable in our no-holds-barred cooking environment. Best of all? It melds perfectly with the tones of the countertop (which we so badly want to replace but must keep for a bit) and the orange tones in the terra cotta flooring.

Here's a glimpse of the result, but please be forgiving. She's far from being done:

See the exposed wood on the side of the slanted pantry?

It, of course, was slathered in laminate and will soon be sanded and painted.

The new cabinet color doesn't perfectly suit the outdated stove. Instead it makes it pop. But that's ok for the time being.Just imagine in it's place a stainless, slide-in gas range.

Someday...hopefully relatively soon.

Lots of sweat still to be shed, but she's getting there at least. See that miserable gray backsplash? It's vinyl paper. Sweet--or not at all. We're still taking that down, but of course it's not as simple as peeling it's misery away. There's laminate underneath, which extends behind the counters, so that's a chore in itself. Soon, though, that will all be painted white. And someday, when the budget allows, it will be marble, or something of the likes. Not only do the walls need work, but so do the facades of the cabinet. We've chosen the hardware, we simply need to find the time to install them all. The walls will get coated with a warmer shade of white that works with the existing tones, and the windows will be outfitted with simple roman shades that are in keeping with the plain cabinetry. I really wanted to work with the vintage charm of the kitchen instead of glossing it over and trying to pretend it's brand new. That's simply not my style.

Last, but quite far from being least--the dishwasher went out a few days ago. It's probably 10 years old, and a base model GE. Instead of replacing the pump and still loathing it's appearance and terrible washing and drying perfomance, we decided to replace it. Lowe's had t his sleek, plain-front Whirlpool super duper on sale, and I scored a $600 dishwasher with three sprayers and an adjustable top rack for just over $400.

And, while I was perusing the back-aisle of major deals....guess what else I spied:

This beauty, which a customer had special ordered and decided to return. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it, except that it didn't suit that person's taste as well as they'd hoped. What was originally a $1400, 4-burner, slide-in gas range was marked down to $1053. And, in conversing with the sales guy, I talked him into marking it down 15% from that already-slashed price. I was ready. Maple was on board. We were going to take the plunge. After all, we'd allocated some funds to replace the miserable glass top we're currently stuck with. And then I felt selfish, because Maple wants a boat (although he does very much want a gas range, too). And we want to build our patio. And plant a few trees. And build an outdoor oven and grill. And buy window treatments. And my word, that checklist goes on and on. So I left her behind...which is so hard for me to do when I know she was pretty much the best deal of the century. But, I don't need her to be happy, and that's pretty much that.

Anyway, I thought it was time to give you a glimpse at the little bit of progress we've made in the house. It was hard for me to do; for some reason I'm entirely too reluctant to let people in on the imperfect state of our house. But it was time to get real...so I hope you've enjoyed :)

Design Portfolio: Being Frank.

2011-06-08T16:59:00.001-04:00

I recently had the pleasure of working with Fran, a brilliant/witty/well-versed client who's jet-setting around the world as a newly-trained flight attendant and, in between crossing those oceans, is exploring the bounds of her new city: NYC. Envious? I certainly am. She wanted a blog that reflects her warm, girly, vintage-loving personality. I quite like what we came up with :) Take a peek at her blog--Being Frank--it's worth the detour, and just as cute and clever as it sounds.

Happy reading.
HAPPY WEDNESDAY.

Summer. It's here.

2011-06-06T15:11:00.002-04:00

Hello, long-lost friends. I'm beginning to think maybe you were a bit worried about me...like...I'd fallen into a pit, or something equally incapacitating (Parks and Rec watchers--you know what I mean). Life's actually had me pretty unbelievably busy these past few weeks: I made the giant/scary/exciting transition to being 100% self-employed (umm...what?!) and have been so incredibly blessed with a constant stream of work which = deadline after deadline. Fingers crossed it stays that way :) So, my apologies that blogging has been pushed to the back burner. Here goes my 42nd attempt to reviving Maple and Shade's regular scedule... :)

Summer's certainly set-in here in Charleston. And you know what? This year I think I'll embrace it. Shocking...I know...but no more wishing away that sweltering sun in high hopes for boots, scarves, and steamy cups of coffee. Maybe the fact that we now have central air has helped my outlook a bit, but, I've also come to the realization that in order to be a devout Charlestonian you pretty much have to worship summer's weather. Maple and I have made a pretty good start by conquering house-projects galore (ohh...home-ownership) and making batch after batch of summery strawberry muffins (duh).

Anyway, it's so fun settling into our new house. We've been homeowners for nearly three months now, and although progress has been a bit slow...it's also been steady. It's good to remind myself where we started, and how much more I'll appreciate the home we make for ourselves if it takes time, sweat, and maybe a few tears.

Anyway, we've been knocking out some small-scale projects little by little...this trellis being one of them. Just look at this little gem my handsome Maple made me. There's a very bare wall outside our kitchen window, so, being the handy hubby that he is, Maple tacked together some individual pieces of lumber he found and attached them to the exterior wall (so much cheaper than pre-assembled trellises). We stained the wood black and planted some sweet-smelling confederate jasmine, which by next spring should have climbed the trellis with gorgeous white blooms. Can't wait :)

Mmm...now for those strawberry muffins...

White.

2011-05-27T14:59:00.001-04:00

White walls: tired, or true? I, personally, like to be a little more daring and infuse my personal space with cozy, carefully-selected hues. Maybe it's the years we've spent living in dingy, white-walled apartments that led me to choose a soothing palette of grays and browns, but--there's certainly something to be said for clean, white, seamless walls, like those found in the home tour below. I love the design aesthetic: clean yet eclectic; warm yet modern. The white walls really provide the perfect backdrop for their carefully edited artwork, and the heavy, velvet pillows and draperies really soften the austerity of the space. And...those kitchen tiles...need I say more?

Take a look at the kitchen sink: I love the simplicity of the stainless faucet floating on the white, flat wall. More and more I find myself leaning toward a backsplash-free backdrop, and (more out of budgetary reasons), will be doing just that in our own kitchen. Those antique-bronze wall lamps are stunning, and the floor pillows and the draped, slipcovered chair make the perfectly tailored space warm and inviting.

So...enjoy the above eye candy, and your *hopefully* long, holiday weekend; may it be filled with good company, amazing food, warm sunshine, and long, leisurely days (I know ours will).

This is how we do it.

2011-05-24T09:40:00.001-04:00

Maple was off hanging with his Kentucky boys at the beach all weekend, so my weekend was left wide-open. I used most of my quiet time to catchup on the design projects I have in my inbox...and house projects, of course...but this was my Saturday night:

Look at that shaggy little pup of mine, begging at the cook's bare feet. I don't blame her--that open-flame queso fundido was pretty much out of this world. Yep...this is what summer nights in Charleston are all about: good friends, good food, and really good times.

The romans.

2011-05-23T11:16:00.000-04:00

Roman shades, that is.

Yes...in the midst of adorning the many bare windows in our house with some dressings, anxiously awaiting the polished, homey feel the fabric will lend to each room. But--you know what that means: having to make a dang decision. Really, I'm the worst when it comes to decorating our own place. I can help other people all day long, and fire off ideas and decisions, but my gosh there's just too many fabrics/patterns/textures/styles/looks that I love and want to see in our house. I have a friend that's a designer at a local fabric/home design shop here in Charleston, and she must really think I'm crazy due to the hours and hours I've spent wandering her aisles (aimlessly, or so it seems) with the most confused look on my face.

But, this weekend we made some much-needed progress and decided on roman shades for the kitchen's three windows and the master's two large windows. I love the soft, simple look of romans in the kitchen--where Maple and I spend the majority of our time together. We want the room to feel clean, but cozy and welcoming. The windows are wider than 54" (the standard fabric width), so to make up for the lack in fabric, we're going to do white romans bordered in a dark gray, to match the color of our cabinets.

As for the bedroom, those windows, too, are super wide. We've chosen a light gray and cream diamond-esque/geometric fabric for the shades, and will border them in an army greenn burlap (to match the bedding)The walls (yet to be painted due to all the prep work) will be a soothing, light gray, and we bought a gorgeous, woven ikat fabric with tones of brown, gray and cream for large (26"), billowy, plush bed pillows. We want our bedroom to feel cozy and electic, but with a "grown-up" air to it.

Anyway, enough of my window treatment novel...below you'll find some eye candy that's proven to be my window design inspiration:

{photos via pinterest}

Do any of you have roman shades in your home? If so, anything you particularly love about them? Anything you would've done differently? I'd love to hear :)

HAPPY MONDAY.

Of course.

2011-05-18T16:09:00.002-04:00

It always happens this way. I'm writing to you from the bleak, rather depressing interior of La Guardia (I mean...did they have to make it gray and maroon?), folks--because it never fails:

my flight is wayyy delayed.

This weather has been something else: days and days of rain and fog. I really didn't mind it until now--afterall--Charleston is on the brink of being a million degrees with matching humidity (okay...being a bit dramatic here) so floating around the city in a jacket and scarf really wasn't unwelcome in my book. But here I am, just wanting to get home to my hubby (who leaves tomorrow, I might add), and I'm watching that tall, towering skyline disappear amongst the gray, filmy rain. Let's just hope this pour-storm dissipates so my flight can pick me up.

The only upside?

Ex-NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani just smiled at me...

The village.

2011-05-13T14:28:00.000-04:00

Life is pretty good at the moment. Holed up in the West Village of NYC partaking in 7am big-city yoga, sipping espresso and working in cool-vibed coffee shops (amongst film producers, I might add--yes, I eaves drop), lunching in quaint eateries with a best friend, walking the brownstone-laced streets (gazing at Brooke Shield's new house around the corner), taking in all the sights and sounds this eclectic, bustling neighborhood has to offer. I keep telling Bea--who I'm crashing with--that all I really want to do is see a celeb. Sad...I know...but pretty much true. I'm thinking the closest I'll get (because that's just my luck) is the photos of Jude Law and one of the Olson's I saw on the wall of Economy Candy--the floor to ceiling, knock-you-over-it's-so-ridiculous, infamous East Village candy store. It was amazing, and we ventured home on the subway snacking on candy I had never even seen before. Bea thinks I had a deprived childhood because I didn't have a crammed-full candy drawer at my disposal, so she's desperately trying to makeup for that void in my life. I'm okay with that :)

Anyway...a few pics documenting my first day of six in NYC:

I had more--but for some reason blogger is really not liking them at the moment and won't let me upload. By the way--did any of your posts mysteriously disappear?

Well, I'm off to finish up some work and make a tour of the West Village as we make our way to dinner. HAPPY FRIDAY.

See you next week :)

Bound for the big city.

2011-05-11T16:56:00.000-04:00

{photos via pinterest}

Feverishly packing for my big-city escapade. Six whole days in the big apple means endless adventures (and blisters) under the canopy of sky-high buildings; soul-raising, mouth-watering, never-to-forget food (and beverages); late nights catching up with college-found friends (one being a bestie I haven't seen in two, too-long years); finding inspiration...everywhere...for current clients and future designs, an incredibly-anticipated rendezvous to Brooklyn Flea, picking out textiles and accessories for a NYC apartment re-do, oogling over the latest and greatest stationery designs at the National Stationery Show, and...really, really missing my Maple.

I am excited, nonetheless. And no worries, I'll be checking in next week--updating you on my where-and-whatabouts.

Any must-eat/see/go/do suggestions?

A well-rounded breakfast.

2011-05-09T10:53:00.001-04:00

Healthy?...no.
Delicious?...unbelievably so.

Maple and I are lucky enough to have some pretty amazing friends, from pretty amazing places, who are generous enough to give us pretty amazing things, like melt-in-your mouth (very legit) French chocolate croissants and smooth, delicious organic brew from the coffee-mecca Colombia.

Thought I'd share.... :)

Happy Monday! Hope your weekend was perfect. Ours was pretty close: we hosted a Kentucky-themed Derby-day dinner party, complete with mint juleps, bourbon balls, derby pie, hot browns, bourbon and brown sugar roasted carrots, and mashed potatoes (of course). It was a feast--and really so much fun.(Pictures to come).