Coming of Age, Teen Girls Bedroom

It was long past time to say Good-Bye to Strawberry Shortcake according to the oldest daughter!  Mom wanted to redo their bedroom and I took them out shopping to get a feel for their likes, wants and needs!

Browsing the home section of Stein Mart, the oldest sister fell madly in love with the scripted bedding and convinced the young sibling that was the look they were after.   It was a very sophisticated look for two girls 12 and 14, but Mom without seeing it signed off!

I started the purchasing of bedding, and upon showing it Mom, she told me that the recently painted walls would not work with the bedding!  Well the bedding wasn’t going back since she signed off on it but I would have the walls painted the color that would complement the bedding!

Once I was able to view the room in person, and since we weren’t buying new furniture, I evaluated the needs of each girl and configured the layout of the room.  The twin bed had a trundle underneath which belonged to the young girl. 

My vision for the room was to have the trundled bed raise on risers purchased from Bed Bath and Beyond, so that the bedding would hang properly and give a more cohesive look by having two twin beds, thereby giving the room a more polished look. 

I placed the dresser between the beds in front of the window, giving each girl light for reading in bed and separation in space. 

I took to Home Goods for fun decorative items, such as the lamp, picture frames and jewelry hanger found on top of the dresser! 

I found the animal print rug which I adore at Smith’s Market Place (formerly known as Fred Meyer) The colors were a perfect match for the bedding and brought into the room a fun playful mood that added a touch of whimsy!   Who wouldn’t want that rug to warm their toes on a cold winter morning?

Two growing girls heading into their teenage years needed to have memo boards for those beloved pictures of friends and outings.  These boards from Willow House started out being green but that just wouldn’t do and so I painted them one night and changed the flowers to a brown, added new ribbon and hung them on different walls by the desk which any student needs in their room! 

During another shopping day at Home Goods, I found that delightful desk chair in linen with the crown on the back, and I knew that this piece needed to be in this room to complete the look! 

With the exception of adding floor length drapes on each side of the window, the room turned out perfect and the two girls had no idea what their room was going to look like so it was priceless to see their faces and the Mom who was so touched had tears of joy seeing her daughters so pleased!

Job well done if you asked me!  What are your thoughts, if you care to share, I’d love to hear!

Enjoy!

Linda

 

Fall meets Mercury Glass!

  I am finding that I have a new love; yes it’s true, named Mercury Glass!  There is just something magical about the silver that has an antiqued weathered finish that draws me to it!  Mercury Glass is trending right now; you’ll find it everywhere you look!

 

Earlier in this Fall season I found myself eyeing the silver pumpkins at Costco, each visit I would wander over to take a glimpse at them.  Yet I resisted the urge and wondering how I would use it in my rustic mountain home. 

 

It wasn’t until I popped into Right at HOME that I came across mercury glass deer antler candlesticks!  Again I resisted even though I found them to be breathtakingly beautiful.  Needless to say I returned the next day and purchase three of the candlesticks in different sizes for my Great Room fireplace mantel.   I could see myself using these candlesticks in a future tablescape when entertaining friends. 

 

Of course there are the Celestial Candleholders that are in the current Fall catalog of Willow House which comes in a set of two, one gold and the other silver.  Of course I headed back to Costco where I ended up purchasing four of the glass pumpkins in three different sizes and styles. 

 

With my expansive stacked rock fireplace, I wasn’t sure how using fall colored leaves would work with the silver, but I must say that I am very pleased with this years, Fall inspired fireplace mantel, giving way to a warmth to this year’s Thanksgiving guests!

 What do you think?  Does nature work with the silver of mercury glass? 

 

Enjoy,

Linda

Antlers and Pumpkins

 

 When we dine with family or friends, even if it’s just a Sunday dinner, we are entertaining.  I love to not only entertain the taste buds but the eyes as well! 

 

This tablescape was created with a mindset on Fall with leaves, acorns, pumpkins and deer antlers! 

 

The inspiration for this table was the deer head napkin rings which I found at a local kitchen goods store.   With the green and brown plaid of the napkin, I was well on my way to creating the look I was after.

 

I used the dark brown tablecloth topped off with a lovely shade of a green square topper.  Using the Convington Accent Tray from Willow House as a charger, topped with the Riverstone Dinner Plate, the Alfresco Accent Plate and the Riverstone Bowl, gives a masculine feel doesn’t it?  All of the dishes can be found through my website at http://lindaburt.willowhouse.com

 

The centerpiece creation began with the inspiration of the plaid fabric pumpkins, I found at Randee & Company, a local store.  Using the Elegant Barley Twist Pedestal to give height, I used faux leaves and acorns to soften the look.  Sprinkling more leaves and acorns around the base, I wanted to tie in the napkin rings I added the real deer antlers that I picked up at Right At Home, another local store. 

 

I am pleased with the finished look and the feel that I set out to achieved!  Who do you think would enjoy it more, men, women or both?

 Share your thoughts, I’d love to hear!

Linda

In my haste to capture the table before my guests arrived, I did not check the views from all angles, please for give the dog gate.

Welcome to my HOME

Four and a half years ago we made the move from City living to the peace and beauty of Mountain living, this is HOME!  After living the majority of our lives in the suburbs of the city, and after many unsuccessful years of my husband trying to get me to make the move, the time was finally right for me.  For me personally, I hate moving and mere thought of it sends shivers down my spine.  We’ve moved two other times in our marriage to brand new homes that we had built.   As much as I loved our second home and thought I would remain there for the rest of my life, that wasn’t to be!

I have not regretted for one second the decision to make what I hope is our third and final move!  The HOME we finally get to call our own was not without struggles to secure, and it was close to being distressed. 

This HOME was 90% finished when we took procession and the landscaping you see in these pictures was put in by us, or should I say our landscaper, Big Rock!  Gardening is a passion of mine and I feared that I my love of gardening would change, but in fact it is even better by Tyson’s design.

I Welcome You to my HOME! 

 

Thanks for stopping by today and if you care to share a thought, I’d love to hear!

Linda

Backyard BBQ Bash-Set Up!

 

This past Saturday we had our Annual Backyard BBQ Bash!  I love how this year’s lay out of tables and chairs create what I consider the perfect set-up!   My backyard is long with a hill side full of landscaping that is still in the process of maturing.   Personally I can’t wait for it to grow in a bit more and create a bit of a haven.  Any way I wanted to make sure that we used the entire yard and not just around the kitchen!  Last year, I took the food clear to the opposite end, far from the kitchen!  Yes I knew what I was doing but it was something I needed to try and well I didn’t like it.  My darling husband created his bar in my kitchen and so can you imagine the congestion?   This year I made better decisions of placement and I thought I’d share with you all!  Let’s begin the process shall we?

 

First thing first was to move the sofa to the far end of the yard, with the help of my friend Sandra of Signature ReDesign, we lifted and carried the sofa down and centered it. 

 

Wanting to get the next big piece into place we went into the flower bed and pulled out my potting bench placing it in the grass with the hillside behind it. 

 

Moving the coffee table and placing it in front of the sofa freed up the Patio for the buffet that was to be placed there and we started creating what I liked to refer to as my Lounge!

 

 Off of my Master Deck, I pulled two side chairs which have ottomans and I placed them around the coffee table. 

With the Lounge furniture in place it was time to add a little décor with hanging paper lanterns and hanging Caravan Lanterns!  Keeping with the color theme of Red, Black and White, I placed red candles in.

 

Next Sandra and I played with the placement of the dining tables.  Finding the right balance of round and oblong was important to the feel and atmosphere. 

My dear friend Mary and her darling, they loaned me their pub style table which of course made the perfect bar!  Thank You both for bringing over and with their little table in which to put trays of glasses, openers, stir sticks and more, the bar area was complete!  

I was also able to create little conversation areas with the use of their green chairs and side tables.  Love this!  There were lots of options for everyone to gather, share conversations, make new friends or renew old ones! 

 

Moving on it was time to bring out the linen and make a decision as to what would go where!  On the Potting Bench I wanted to close up the open back, I knew that the presentation of both the Appetizers to begin with and changing over to the Dessert Bar would disappear if I didn’t close up the back so I pulled up the tablecloth and we tacked it into place!

 

After we place the linens on, we thought it best to do placement of each dish and so we brought out the dishes and each dish had a slip of paper telling what was to be place inside it. 

 

After that was all done we trimmed up the flowers and wrapped the raffia around the stems. Those were kept indoors until the sun was starting to set and would no longer burn them.  Sunflowers were the statement on the buffet with Alstromeria and Carnations gracing the tables.

 

I hope my guests enjoyed the evening as much as I did under the setting August sun!

May you find inspiration here for your next backyard BBQ! 

 Enjoy!

Linda

Tomato and Onion Tart

 A perfect summer appetizer with fresh tomatoes and basil!  Enjoy!!

 

3 ripe firm tomatoes, very thinly sliced (8 to 10 ounces)

1 (17 ounce) package frozen puff pastry

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

Parmesan cheese

1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh oregano

1 tablespoon fresh basil

½ teaspoon coarsely ground garlic

1 small sweet onion, very thinly sliced and separated into rings

¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

 Place the tomato slices between paper towels.  Let stand for 20 minutes to remove any excess moisture.  Thaw the puff pastry sheets at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Unfold 1 sheet of dough and place on an ungreased heavy baking sheet or baking stone; flatten the dough slightly.  Place the second sheet of dough over the first rotating a half turns so the 2 sheets are offset; flatten dough slightly.

 Layer the mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil and garlic over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.  Arrange the tomato slices in slightly overlapping concentric circles over the cheeses.  Scatter the onion rings over the tomatoes; sprinkle with ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Fold the edge of the dough carefully, forming a rim around the tart.   Bake for 25-35 minutes.   Cut with a sharp knife or pizza cutter into wedges.

Serve immediately.

 Yield: 8-10 servings

 

Side Note: I had the Puff Pastry Shells and decided to use them instead.  I chopped up the Cheeses, tomatoes and onion.  After pre-baking the shells I filled them with the Cheese, Tomato and Onions, put the top back on and baked for about 2-3 minutes long.  Doing the shells made my serving size smaller but the presentation was WOW!

Tray Service!

 I love trays, I use them around my house in various ways.  Some of my favorites I use as art pieces, such as the Southern Living at HOME French Quarter tray.  I love the texture, color and size and often when I hold a decorating show in my home, I have women who wish to purchase it!   Sorry ladies it’s not for sale!  When I want to use the tray for food, I can easily access it!

 

 What I also love about trays is the way they corral items and give them more present by making them a focal point.  Such as the one I use on my Great Room coffee table.  Two candlesticks, candle snuffer and a vase of fresh flowers!  Look how it keeps the table from looking cluttered! 

 

I use the Willow House Jamestown Tray on my husband’s vanity to hold his colognes.  Again it keeps the counter tidy and organized!   I don’t know about you, but my guy doesn’t take the time to put toiletries away in the morning as he gets ready for his day!

 

In the bar, I used the Windsor Tray to hold a container of stir sticks and a pretty bottle of liquor. 

 

In a small guest bathroom, I used my Willow House Estate  Vanity Tray to hold a liquid soap dispenser and a faux orchid.  The tray actually catches any drips from the dispenser, yes it is doing double duty!

 

When decorating for a holiday, smaller items tend to look lost as they are scattered about a room, by using a tray to hold small objects such as bunnies at Easter gives them more present, and looks rather charming! 

 Check out these pictures and notice how they look and feel in the room.  They aren’t just for serving up food!  Look about your home, where could you use a tray?    How would it make you feel about your space?

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you care to share your thoughts, I’d love to hear!  If you like my blog, I’d be honored if you share it as well!

 Enjoy!

 Linda

Pictures belong to Linda Burt, BHG, Home Goods, Pinterest, Willow House

Tango to Dinner

One of my favorite things to do is to make new friends!  To cook dinner for them makes me happy, to honor them and their gift of friendship by sitting down at my table to laughs and conversation, by the time the meal is over, I hope they feel special and it was time well spent!

I met my new friend Sandra back in November when she asked me to be the Willow House Design Consultant at her Open House Benefit.   Sandra is a professional stager, interior designer, and she helped assist Nate Berkus!  How cool is that?  Sandra is such a sweet southern soul and I am honored to call her friend! 

Then there is Wendy, equally amazing and so very sweet, it’s a sincere sweet too.  I met Wendy about 2 years ago at my friend and neighbor Pam’s.  Being new to the area, Wendy made me feel comfortable and welcomed right from the start at Pam’s soirée.   That always means a lot to me, when you reach out to a stranger who doesn’t know the rest of the guests and you make them feel like they matter!  I knew she was one friendship that I’d like to expand on.   

With Pantone’s Tangerine Tango, Color of the Year release, and coming off of Holiday Season, I knew I wanted a tablescapes that was fresh and lively.  I visited some of my favorite stores for inspiration and finally at Pier One, I stumbled upon the Orange napkin ring, with a bit of turquoise.  Perfect combination, made my wheels start to turn!  I picked up the napkins at Pier One too!

 

Look at how those invigorating colors pop off of the black tablecloth. 

 

With that bit of turquoise in the napkin ring, I knew that I’d be using my Willow House Athena Crackle Vase.  Isn’t she a stunner, splendid in her turquoise with splashes of charcoal gray showing up to give a weathered vintage look?  I knew that orange Gerber daisies would be just the flower to really help make a statement.    With a play on words, I brought the orange down in the tangerines! 

 

Here is a shot of the table during the daytime, I did add orange candles to the tablescapes and at night it looked spectacular.  Using my Willow House Villa Stoneware dinner plate, I pulled the green out of the striped napkin with the Willow House Verde Accent Plate and placed the Riverstone Cafe bowl on top.  Using my Willow House Emerson Stemware and the Amelia Thimble Domes, the glass keeps the look clean and lets the focus stay on the Orange and Turquoise.  How about the beautiful Willow House Adelaide Flatware, have your fallen for the pattern? 

 

Well that about wraps up this tablescapes, a little side note, something that I would have done differently would be to add a piece of cardstock to the bottom of the Amelia Thimble Dome in a bright orange.  It would have played off of the tablecloth and the truffle would have been highlighted!  A project for the future is to make some slip covers for my dining chairs in a neutral cream, the napkins and the chairs are really fighting in this pictures! 

 Thanks for reading my blog, care to share your thoughts, I love to hear!

 Enjoy,

Linda

Scented Dreams

 

We all know that the smell of lavender evokes the calm and readiness to enter a peaceful sleep.   I think with your favorite flower on your bedside table in a scent that you favor, you’ll have that restful night sleep.

 

 Right now I have a lovely Willow House Cinnabar vase full by my bedside of a favorite flower of mine, the Dianthus purchased from Costco.  Their fragrance is lite and peppery.

 

 I have always loved the scent of these flowers and in the summer time I have “Pinks” in my yard.   What I also love about these flowers besides their amazing fragrance is their staying power, as long lasting cut flowers. 

Here is what Better Homes and Gardens has to say from their Gardening book.  “The quintessential cottage flower, pinks are treasured for their grasslike blue-green foliage and abundant starry flowers, which are often spicily fragrant. Depending on the type of pink, flowers appear in spring or summer and tend to be pink, red, white, rose, or lavender, but come in nearly all shades except true blue. Plants range from tiny creeping groundcovers to 30-inch-tall cut flowers, which are a favorite with florists. Foliage is blue-green.  

 

I look forward to closing my eyes taking a deep, deep breath and filling my dreams of sweet scents sprinkled with some spice tonight! 

What your favorite flower scent?

Care to share, I’d love to hear, your thoughts on Scented Dreams!

Enjoy!

Linda

Images and pictures: Linda Burt and Bing

Keeping Scale in Mind!

Okay friends, how many of you thought I was talking about the bathroom scale? Yeah, I’m with you on that dirty little word but in this case I am talking more about the décor scale.

As you may have read in an earlier post, the hunt was on for new master bedroom furniture. I’m delighted to share with you that we received it a couple of days ago and are thrilled with our choice. Take a look!

Arrival day took on some thoughts that I hadn’t had when we started the search. The morning of, we took down the old bed and placed it in our new guest room.

Since I had the room torn apart I thought it might be a grand opportunity to wash the wall where the bed would be place. My husband suggested that our rug be rotated and moved closer to the fireplace, hence leaving only a little of the rug under and anchored by the bed. Okay I admit it, he does have some good ideas, but shhhhhh!

With walls washed, the rug moved, the windows cleaned, the wood molding oiled, silk plants washed and the hardwood floor mopped, the room was ready for the bed.

The two delivery guys from Thomasville Furniture did a great job of bringing the furniture up the front steps and setting up the bed, which took about an hour. Those side rails are bolted in place and that bed isn’t moving! I am thrilled that I got the wall washed.

Once the bedding was in placed I was able to return the plants to their corners, and the chairs back to their spots, that is when it hit me and I had to laugh.

One of the many things we love about our home of 3 years, is the incredibly high ceilings. With my husband 6’3” frame, he really wanted tall ceilings in our new home. Even the downstairs has taller ceilings, than any of our other homes. With tall ceilings and an open floor plan, the furniture needs to be a bit bigger in appearance to fill the space and not be dwarfed.

 With the other bedroom furniture it wasn’t noticeable and the scale matched up, but with the new bed and chest of drawers I’m using as nightstands, wow the chairs look miniature now.

Oh how one thing leads to another and now I have a master bedroom that is a work in progress. This chair has a mate and they too will soon grace the new guest room and that makes me happy as I do love these chairs. Would it surprise you to know that we’ve had these chairs (although they have been recovered) since we were married over 30 years ago! Yes, there is a bit of history with these chairs.

In the meantime they will stay put as I begin a search for chairs, keeping my options open I will search some consignments stores and if I find the right size and look, I’ll purchase them and have them recovered. Another option would be to move an amazing chair from my office and one from the downstairs family to the master, but they too would need to be recovered. Any way you look at it, I will need a couple of new chairs.

 Who knew!

 Care to share your thoughts, I’d love to hear!

Enjoy! Linda