April 26, 2013

Cottage Update: Dining Room So Far

I’m going to blame my lack of blogging on this totally delicious weather we’ve been having in Philadelphia. Seriously, the fact that I’m sitting at a computer right now is a true crime. Here’s hoping I’m really efficient with my design work for today and get myself in the sun as early as possible. We have SO many fun projects going on right now and there is SO much I want to blog about, but I just can’t manage to sit down and spend computer time organizing it all. Sorry if I sound like a broken record…Spring Fever, I tell you.

Anyway, here are a few snaps of what my dining area is looking like right now… (not at all finished!)

I’m using my Docksta table for now, but it will eventually be replaced by a leggy wood table from my mother.

(It’s being refinished right now.)

The chairs are two different sets of vintage bamboo and rattan chairs.

I love a good mix and match!

The set on the left were a great score and just needs to be reupholstered.

The set on the right need a better paint job as I tried out a few colors before settling on black.

Eventually they will both have the same fabric seat cushions.

You can see the remains of bubblegum pink from my previous paint job. Time to get some more spray paint.

Those of you who follow me on instagram or facebook may have seen that I changed out the chandelier this week.

I debated for awhile between a few (see here) and I am SO happy with the results.

I haven’t snapped them proper yet, but you can spy my choice on DM’s facebook page.

That’s all for now. Have a great weekend!

{See all Dining Room Posts Here}

August 14, 2012

A Favorite Budget Solution for the Dining Room

Soooo I’ve been hinting at it, but my “house” search is officially on! I use the word house lightly because I’m having a really tough time deciding if I want an apartment in downtown Philadelphia or a house in a quaint town outside the city. A yard and space OR city conveniences and culture? A big renovation or more money to spend on furnishings? So many questions, so excited to get decorating. One’s thing for sure, I look forward to giving my dining set a makeover, because I refuse to have the same look in a new place.

{My old set- Black chairs with black and white chevron upholstery}

Painted dining chairs are one of my favorite solutions for a budget dining room makeover. A coat of paint can totally change the look and feel of chairs and improve the personality of the whole room. Any wood set can get a coat, or it’s fairly easy to find budget rattan/bamboo chairs that are begging to be made-over. Whether its a crisp white, bold red, antiqued blue, or classic black, these chairs are setting the tone for the rooms below. What is your dream dining room chair color? I’m still deciding mine

Alassandra Branca/ Veranda

Southern Living

Julia Buckingham Edelmann / The Everygirl

PaolaNavone

Isabel Lopez-Quesada-AD Spain, via Head Over Heels

Martha Stewart

Podge Bune/ House Beautiful

Atlanta Homes

Extra credit: I love painted chairs mixed in with non-painted chairs.

Great as the head chair, or as side chairs with something different on the ends.

February 28, 2012

Congratulations to Mona Ross Berman- TradHome’s Top Ten Designer

Did you catch Traditional Home’s BIG announcement at Design Bloggers Conference? They revealed their 10 “New Traditionals,” and one was Philadelphia’s own, Mona Ross Berman. The rules stipulated that each designer be submitted by a blogger. Guess who entered the talented Ms Berman? Yours Truly! Designers and Bloggers will be featured in the spring issue of TradHome.

I’m delighted and excited to be writing the article on her fabulous project. She is so nice and has become somewhat of a mentor to me. I’m thrilled for her to have this recognition. As for me, I still can’t believe I’m included in this amazing group! See all of the designers and bloggers here- it’s really impressive.

While I can’t reveal the stunning home that will be featured in TradHome, I do have an exclusive peek at the dining room she designed earlier this past Fall for Chestnut Hill Showhouse. I saw this room in person and fell in love with all of the details.

The room is a great representation of her aesthetic; a modern take on traditional that is fresh, colorful, and layered. I was first struck by the wall treatment- a curved wainscot on the lower portion and a fanciful Brunschwig & Fils floral paper above. The mix of patterns and colors were spot on too.

How cute is this built-in china hutch? I also loved the bonus dining chairs covered in the Aga print by China Seas.

The window treatments were another favorite detail of mine. They were very clean and simple: with with orange piping along the cornice and down the curtains sides. The orange pop was really delightful. I believe the Moroccan-shaped stools were custom and were covered in another fun geometric print.

Being a gold-lover, the antique mirror over the sideboard was one of my favorite pieces.

I also love the concept of mixing a modern Danish dining set with more traditional wallpaper. Eclectic done right, folks.

I just love the juxtaposition of the modern chandelier against the traditional fireplace mantel!

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So, this Thursday is the shoot for Traditional Home and I get to be a part of it! I’m so excited to see the stylist and photographer at work at a real magazine shoot. Coolness. If only I had scheduled a hair cut ahead of time. My bangs are really tragic right now.

Stay tuned for the spring issue of TradHome. It’s sure to be amazing!

Interior Design by Mona Ross Berman

Photography by Courtney Apple

February 21, 2012

Dining in the clear

Is having a glass top/ Lucite dining table totally ridiculous? I just love the way these tables float in the rooms. They command attention yet don’t dominate. Very fresh and chic.

The maintenance seems like it would be intense for those who are anti-smudge. Yet, I can’t get the look out of my head. After years of favoring chunky wood farm tables, are the winds ashifting? Or am I just having a temporary crush?

Rooms- Elle Decor, Gary Spain, Timothy Whealon

October 7, 2011

gold dipped

Just loving the gold base of this tulip table- it’s just the right amount of unexpected glam. I’m thinking about giving a similar treatment to my Docksta table. The base has been looking a little grubby, why not give it a new metallic life?

What do you think… très chic, or too flashy for you?

Interior design by Ashlina Kaposta for Adore Magazine. Congrats, Ashlina, the space looks great!