Not The Master Of My Mantel

Accessorizing a mantel is one of the most difficult parts of a living room - at least for me. My living room is rather traditional.  Therefore, I like to mix in some eclectic and contemporary pieces to keep it fresh.  The living room below is the perfect blueprint for incorporating past and present decor.

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn, Design: Jenny Keenan, via southernliving.com

Until yesterday, I had a similar gold leafed mirror over my fireplace, of course I forgot to take a before picture.  I love the mirror; however it competed with a large oil painting (on another wall), also in a large gilded frame.

Clearly I have not found the time to buy my new camera.  

The gilded mirror now hangs in my family room over a white couch with very clean lines.  They balance each other out and look great.  

A mirror above to fireplace is a must because the room is lacking when it comes to natural light.  This subtle six foot silver leafed mirror makes a difference.  The room appears brighter and wider.  Plus, it allows the painting to shine.  

Please excuse the bookshelves, etc.  Everything is in transition - just thrown on the shelves until I have the time to style and organize.

Now to the tricky part - what to put on the mantel?  I will defiantly take ques from the Charleston Charmer above and be sure to share after pictures.

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"You can tear a poem apart to see what makes it tick... You're back with the mystery of having been moved by words.  The best craftsmanship always leave holes and gaps... so that something that is not in the poem can creep, crawl, flash or thunder in." ~Dylan Thomas 

Friday's Fabric Flame

My mom, a wonderful seamstress,  is visiting next week.  Therefore, I am stocking up on fabric so I can take advantage of her skills.  My project list is longer than a 6 year old's Christmas list and I have two kids, so who knows how much we will accomplish.  The top project on my list involves this amazing fabric (let's just hope the finished product looks as good as it does in my head.)  Yes, that's metallic leather appliques you see!

Cheers!
Elizabeth

"Since everything is in our heads, we had better not lose them."  ~Coco Chanel

Making An Entrance

This hallway is in perfect harmony.  The white walls, diamond pattern floors, and colorful/playful artwork and upholstery balance out the grand, traditional space. 

Kristen Kelli

 Just to clarify what I love about this space: the coffered ceilings, the glistening marble floors, the arched doorways, the millwork, the white walls, the colorful upholstery, the over-sized ginger jars, the artwork, all drenched in natural light.

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity."  ~Plato

Location! Location! Decoration!

Do you recall this staircase (by the Kristen Kelli firm) on the cover of the February 2011 issue of Veranda?  The magazine is still on the tray in my family room.

You can own this glamours Beverly Hills home for a cool $19.5 million.  Click here for the listing. 

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not."  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

While we are on the subject of reading...  Many of you are familiar with the online shelter magazines, but if you are blissfully unaware you are missing out!  The following are on CDJ's must read list.

1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

Oh, the best part is all (but one of them) are free!

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"Books can be dangerous.  The best ones should be labeled 'This could change your life.'"  

~Helen Exley