Made in the Shade

Love the Grey and Green

Replacing old lamp shades is an easy and affordable way to refresh an old lamp and update a room.  In the room shown above, check out the modern,  large, white barrel drum shades on the traditional brass floor lamps. The tall shades add height and make the lamps appear to pop off of the seagrass wallpaper.

I recently scored this beautiful vintage leucite lamp at Slate Interiors for under $100. The only problem being that it was missing its  shade. Knowing full well I had to have it, I gambled on the fact that I could find one! Hours of internet searching lead me to EveryLampShade.com. http://www.everylampshade.com The name is not a joke,  they really might have every lamp shade under the sun!

*My New Lamp

Here are a couple of my favorites for everyone to enjoy:

Floral Silhouette Giclee Drum Shade 13.5x13.5x10 (Spider)

Floral Blue Silhouette Giclee Drum Shade 13.5x13.5x10 (Spider)The perfect way to add an organic element to an otherwise neutral geometric room. In spa colors and in orange and blue! $74

Gold Drops Canvas Drum Shade 14X14X10 (Spider)

***MY PERSONAL FAVORITE!!!! 

Duck cotton and gold drops make this one my must have piece.$62.99

Stacy Garcia Porthole Giclee Shade 13.5x13.5x10 (Spider)

The perfect addition to a cream porcelain gourd shaped lamp or a glass or leucite lamp. Even more fun, score a flea market find and spray it a fun color and justify spending the money on the shade! $74

Woven Reed Giclee Shade 13.5x13.5x10 (Spider)

Add a refined natural texture to a room without the expense of buying a seagrass rug. This would go with almost any lamp in almost any room. $74.99

Stacy Garcia Circle Medallion Giclee Shade 12x12x8.5 (Spider)

Add a punch of color and some fun to a room with this barrel shade! $64.99

Embroidered Hourglass Lamp Shade 14x14x11 (Spider)

Hollywood Regency shines in the lamp shade. $43.99

Lights Up! Red Mumm Shade 14x16x11 (Spider)

Ok, maybe not so affordable but ever so cool. This eco friendly shade come in at $124.99

Lights Up! Black Mumm Shade 14x16x11 (Spider)

And in Black!

Ivory Linen Drum Cylinder Shade 8x8x11 (Spider) As for my new lamp delimma, this shade in a bigger size might be the perfect option! I love organic texture with the mid-century barrel vibe.

White Cotton Drum Cylinder Shade 8x8x11 (Spider)

Or I may just stick with a clean white. . .

Either way, I sure did have fun searching this site!

The shades shown above are mostly available at different sizes and at different prices. Take a look for yourself!

Cheers,

Tay

Cake it Your Way


IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!

April was busy and not just because I get spring fever like it’s no body’s business. . .it was busy because it was Scotty’s 50th birthday! Instead of going away for a long weekend at a luxurious resort, we decided to throw one killer party and invite all of our friends. It was a party to remember and he had the best time of his life. Seriously, next to our small wedding, this party was twice the size and almost as much fun. Besides the amazing band( Strange Brew) and our killer friends, the best part was the divine cake by Cindy Kerns, owner of Cake it Your Way.

If it was not for my dear friend Bailee, I would have bought the chemical filled Costco cake that is Scotty’s favorite. Sweet Bailee kept reminding me to “call her cake lady” and so I finally did, if not only so that I could say that I did.  After one or two email exchanges, we finally had a chance to chat on the phone. I told her all about our family, Scotty’s fence business and our love of all things tropical. I also asked her to make this darn cake taste like the one from Costco. . .well I AM NOT KIDDING the cake was the best thing any of us have ever put in our mouths! Noteworthy is how affordable her cakes are, the cake above was $50!! Now how about that!!

For once in my life I listened to someone else,  and I am so insanely happy that I did,   because her cake made the evening even more special than it already was. So I am sharing this with you, my favorite blog readers, because I know that you will love me for it later!!

Check out her website at www.cakeityourwaync.com to see why on earth I am carrying on like this!!

Cheers,

Tay

Here are some of my favorites from her website:

Lacy Butterflies
Bandana Cowboy Cake
Monkey cake
Purple and Lime Green Birthday Cake

Stylish Furniture & Decor Giveaway: Win a piece of design history!

If you follow my blog, then you already know that I adore  interior designer and online proprietor Annabelle Petriella. Specializing in furniture based on iconic design,  Stylish Furniture and Design is my go to place for all things stylish and modern.

The chair from above

Siren Chair

Is right here!

Based on the iconic 1958 Arne Jacobsen Swan Chair, Stylish Furniture & Decor’s “Siren Chair” delivers at an  exceptional price.  Recently featured on HGTV’s High- Low Project (airing in the fall), the exact chair used in the taping will be given away June 1st.

Made of faux black leather with an adjustable swivel base and plush wrapped arms, this chair would be the perfect addition to a killer home office!

IT”S SO EASY TO QUALIFY:

All you have to do is:

-Follow Stylish Furniture and Decor Blog

click here: http://stylishfurnitureanddecor.wordpress.com/

-Like Stylish Furniture & Decor on Facebook

click here:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stylish-Furniture-and-Decor/112399922180586

- You MUST leave me a comment on my blog and tell me how you would use the siren chair.

Dont Forget:

-Entries must be received between 9am on May 21st and 6pm on May 31st.

-The winner will be chosen randomly and announced June 1st.

-The chair will be shipped free of charge within the continental United States.

Good luck!

Tay

Curate: Plaza Midwood’s Newest Shop

Come celebrate our grand opening Friday, May 18th from 7-10:00pm.
DJ, small bites and booze on the rooftop patio
Invite your friends!

BEAUTIFUL OBJECTS FOR THE HOME
Like us on facebook if you haven’t already!

1200 Central Ave. Charlotte 28204

My friend Rachels newest venture!

Hope you all can make it!!

Cheers,

Tay

The Misadventures of Cate

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Meet our furry family member,  7 year old Basset Hound, Cate Mills Presson. Poor little things has a hard life these days. From the South Carolina farm were she was born to the streets of Dilworth, this dog is manicured, pedicured and bathed more often than I am.

The first time Scotty laid eyes on her he declared her his little baby. Somehow in the midst of trying to establish boundaries, we taught Cate to only come inside when we closed the door, to pee on Scotty’s man couch, to chew up everything in sight, to eat only my shoes, to suck the baby’s socks clear off their feet, and to stalk my birds like a cat. A bit stubborn maybe, but a job well done we think.

One of my favorite children’s books is The Diary of a Wombat. The funny little tale follows a rascally wombat, who only wants to be close to his humans. I picked up the book in South Australia, but as my luck would have it, it can be found here on Amazon.

Because I obviously had nothing better to do, I decided to give my children the day off, and followed our rascally  Basset Hound  around with my iPhone.

THE  MISADVENTURES OF CATE

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Sometime around 7:30am.

Been here since breakfast and not even thinking about moving.

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9:30am

Thought about it, but decided against it.

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1:00 pm

What on earth did I do to deserve being caged in the back yard? This place is for the squirrels.

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Sometime around 2:00 pm

Once again I protected my family from the neighbors. I am a super hero.

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3:00 pm

The UPS guy  stalked me all the way to the bus stop.

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Faced my fears and showed him whose boss.

*Not so tough when she’s not standing on the chairs, but not a total wuss either. Score one for the UPS guy. He made it out alive.

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The reason I got out of bed in the first place is finally home again!

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Sometime around Dinner and back in the bed.

It’s about time fool. . .feed me now or I will eat everything you own and leave a present for you in the morning.

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9:00 pm

You didn’t think this blockade would stop me from rubbing my fur and drool all over your silk curtains did you?

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Somehow managed to make myself the size of a teacup poodle and make my way back to my side of the bed. Knocked over some of the baby’s stuff and made a pillow. I am so smart.

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7:30am This Morning

 Not to wot worry, I will keep this house safe and sound until the public schools uncage you. . .

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8:00 am This Morning

Why am I out here again? Why is my bed out here? This is not good. Not good at all.

Love Dog Plaque

Cheers,

Tay


Raleigh Designer Jamie Meares Takes Center Stage: Lonny Magazine May 2012

This months Lonny Magazine

Keila Marino (left) and Jamie Meares (right)

Jamie shown above with associate Keila Marino

i suwannee

One of my daily blog loves, Jamie Maeare’s gets the attention that she deserves in the highly coveted online Lonny Magazine. Jamie is a Raleigh, North Carolina interior designer, owner of Furbish Interiors and author of blog fan favorite, iSuwannnee. North Carolina in the news for something awesome. . . We deserve it don’t you think?

So many southern homes host the traditional glassed in sun room, including mine. After 4 years, our’s still stands as it did right after we finished construction. Our “safe” bland walls and beige furniture only add to my lack of creativity when it comes to my own space. Jamie added warmth through multiple layers and made a space that can be so darn challenging, seem achievable.

Osbourne & Little’s Coronata Star wallpaper adorns the ceiling and makes for sweet dreams for baby! Grasscloth wallpaper add’s a feeling of coziness and makes me want to fall fast asleep. The modern crib is the perfect complement to other eclectic pieces in the room.

Traditional Curtains and pillows are balanced with a neutral color palate, the Moroccan rug and animal print ottoman.

This is my dream room. The oversized chandelier (from Oly Studios) hung directly over the coffee table , creates the perfect focal point for the living room.

If you don’t already subscribe to Jamie’s blog, go to http://www.isuwannee.com/ and see what she is up too whenever you wish!
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Happy Mothers Day to all you mommy’s out there!
Cheers,
Tay

Summer in The South: Southern Living Does It Charlotte Style

What better magazine to glamorize my favorite city than Southern Living. Check out the special edition of Southern Living’s Summer in the South  feature on our very own Queen City. The topping on the cake is local fashionista goddess Laura VinRoot Poole (of Capital) shares her current summer favorites and reminds us that this city does indeed rule!

 The Summer Calendar already has me reaching for my phone, I have A LOT of babysitters to book and friends to call!  First up and specifically calling my name is the June 1st The Year in Jazz, 1957 event at the Bechler Museum.

Summer Playlist

Download the Summer Play list and get down to bands like Alabama Shakes, Marie Mize and Moon Taxi. I am chilling right now to  Sugar & The Hi Lows belting out Show & Tell all 70′s style and I am more than happy about that.

The South's Best New Artisan Ice Creams

Summer in the Charlotte is my favorite and I cant wait to share it with you!!!

Cheers,

Tay

Check it out directly and then download it straight to your computer at:

summer-events-charlotte-north-carolina

Pushing Forward: Lizanne Shaver Redefines Design

Have you ever met someone who is so creative that you literally know that they are capable of creating anything? A person whose creative energy is so intense that you are virtually held captive as you watch them work? That is the exact way I felt the first time I was invited into Lizanne Shaver home. It was a cold winter morning and her office was stocked full of priceless fabrics strewn throughout the open room. There were faux fur hand bags in one stack, little girl’s couture skirts in another; and in yet another leather table skirts for a sample sale the next day. She walked me through her studio in a creative frenzy of excitement and I knew she was someone who has exactly what it takes to accomplish what ever it is her heart desires.

Naughty by Nature: The organic twig chandelier in the Sun Room pulls the outside in and unites the two spaces.

Lizanne Shaver is wife to Brad and mommy to Mary Hunter (15), Pierson (13) and Liam (11).She describes herself as a “lacoste” girl, traditional since she was eight years old. All that and more, she still like’s to “funk it up,” and to be “a little bit naughty in life.” A little over ten years ago, she started Lizanne Shaver Design. Originally focusing on drapery, she quickly moved into accessories. Nine years ago, she started the company Loop de Loops, bringing preppy fabric belts to stores like Fred Segal, Snappy Turtle and Nordstroms. Today, Lizanne Shaver Design is pushing forward with custom interior design, furniture re designs and just about every way to make her clients home’s uniquely theirs.

Current Obsessions

  • Functionality: Furniture should move with in the home. It should be easily transported and reused with in the home as necessary.
A historic chest gracefully connects the Living Room to the hallway.
  • Art: Lizanne is ALWAYS obsessed with art. She has an impressive track record of identifying emerging artists and has built a valuable art collection honing in her talent. The collection is showcased throughout her home.
A painting by Mary Boxley Bullington showcases in the kitchen. Her whimsical work is thickly layered with literary symbolism as Mary herself has a PhD in literature. To see more of her work, contact Allison Sprock Gallery in Charlotte, NC.
  • Objects: She is in love with the way “that one object” can transform a room. Look though out her home for perfectly placed coral and figurines and you will immediately understand the visual impact that such small additions can make to a room.
The Foo Dog’s in the dining room take center stage.
  • Neutral Palettes with Color Bursts: She believes in starting with neutral tones and then adding back in bursts of strong colors. Right now she is loving silvery tones as the perfect foundation for adding color bursts. The neutrals make the perfect backdrop for making fun changes seasonally.

“It’s like a mood ring. What colors can you make POP and make it unique and your own.”

  • Add Seasonal Fun: Lizanne love’s to accent her home with pieces that are reflective of the current season. Presently, she has a love of coral and has it placed throughout the home in such a way that one cant help but dream of future beach trips and afternoon cocktails by the pool.
Coral takes a darker side with a cool black shade; a drastic contrast to the slipcovered couch and beach artwork.
  • The Client/Family: As a designer she becomes obsessed with the family for whom she is working. Identifying and fulfilling there needs.
The Shaver Residence

The Shaver’s personal residence is the perfect reflection of Lizanne’s attention to detail, to a deeper knowledge of design concepts and to the unique aesthetic that identifies her.

The Impact Of the Entry

The Parlour Room

The richness of the front parlour room is highlighted by the custom hand painted bronze paint and pastel panels. The Capiz shell chandelier adds ambiance and a feeling of lightness. The Flokati rug balances the weight and brings warmth and coziness to the space.

The girls portraits by acclaimed artist Eloise Gamble literally pop off of the walls.

The center table is a flea market find that has served it’s time in many different rooms in the house. Originally gold with glass tops, Lizanne treated the table to “robins egg” blue paint in a high gloss lacquer, new wooden tops covered in cream leather and detailed with cream grommets. The pillows are current West Elm and the historical french chairs are covered in lux Fortuny Fabric.
The Living Room
Lizanne sets a cool neutral tone with soft pink walls, black trim and silver upholstered custom furniture. The Mid-Century shines here with her use of a leucite cascading side table and a funky gold arc lamp from Slate Interiors.
The focal point of the room is undoubtedly the portrait of four-year old Liam by Richard Fennel. Famous for his landscape work, the portrait of Liam sets the tone for the playful room and adds that burst of color that she is known for.
Small objects, strategically place on the coffee table beg you to explore their history. Three small clay figurines representing her children where a collaboration with the artist Jennifer Kincaid. A tiny piece of coral is a seasonal reminder that summer is almost here.
The Dining Room
The chocolate-brown wallpaper adorning the dining room was hand sewn with silk ribbon. Vintage high back chairs with leucite legs were upholstered in faux leather and make for a safe kids zone. The traditional table and chest add wealth and glamour to the room.
Ann Carrington’s British Flag done in buttons with a lacquer frame and gold matte is a show stopper at the dinner table.
The Sun Room
The red lacquer coffee table a personal favorite of Lizanne’s, was a splurge from creme dela creme, online store 1st dibs.com. The side chairs have been recovered in Trina Turk fabric. The chandelier was once chocolate-brown but was treated to a pure white high gloss finish. A true sign of how her work reflects just a bit of “naughty.”
Although a “flea” find, this vintage asian piece symbolizes happiness.
Figurines by the artist Jennifer Kincaid meaningfully connect the Sun Room to the Kitchen.
The Kitchen
Palm Beach flea market artwork makes for the most creative backdrop.
Instead of the traditional island, the kitchen table and vintage chairs give the feeling of being privilege to an elite chef’s tasting.
I hope you loved Lizanne Shaver’s home as much as I did! For more information on her interior design and availability, please contact her at 704-502-8362 or at lizanneshaver@att.net
Cheers to you all!
Tay

My Dirty Little Secret

Jasiatic

Faking it: Me holding my great grandmothers copy of Emily Post in Creative Loafing 

I have a dirty little secret and it’s not what you think. That fact is that I do not, under almost any condition, enjoy the art of cooking. I am terrible at it and if it were not for the fact that by law I have to  feed my children, I would never do it. I don’t even like the grocery store. They keep moving things around and  food conglomerates across the world keep repackaging perfectly good marketing campaigns and I can’t  find a thing. As if that were not bad enough, the lighting is almost always horrific and contributes to my half crazed appearance and migraine headaches. Indeed, my idea of a grocery store is Dean & Deluca, Something Classic and Reid’s Fine Foods.

Sadly, grocery shopping on a family budget prevents weekly splurges to the upper echelon of pre-cooked dinners. Thus, I land at Trader Joes, where almost every nutritious meal is pre-packaged, pre-cooked, organic and microwaveable. Poor sweet Scotty, he actually thinks that I am cooking him dinner as I dump a bag of flash frozen penne into my one sauce pan. This act is followed by a quick nuke in the microwave of whipped butter, poured onto bakery rolls, salt and peppered and wrapped in tin foil. . .he pretends it’s homemade bread.

Secretly I am tortured by my favorite friends as they carry on long conversations about cooking show divas whose names I honestly do not know. I am bored to tears as they share recipes and brag about techniques “to do this and that” with beaters and blenders and I don’t even know what else. I love them and so I try to pay attention. . . My eyes wander off and I know they know the truth and I am honestly a little sorry about that.

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This Week: My first hard-boiled egg! I googled how to do it and guess what? It worked!

I dread the playdate when my friends will open the refrigerator, only to be greeted with moldy leftovers and the to-go containers that are ruining our environment. I am lazy as I let Scotty pick up Chipolte, Moes and Brixx Pizza three nights week.

I love food. I love good food, exquisite food, the kind of food that I am not capable of making at home. The divine morsels served at Lulu’s, Upstream, Barringtons and Copper. . . The list goes on and on. Sadly though, when it comes down to it, the truth is that I am exhausted by 5pm every single night. Cooking is the last thing that I want to do and even if I did want too,  I wouldn’t want to put one more measly dish in the sink to save my life. As it is, my nails are so thin from cleaning that they peel right off and I  promise you that if something happens to me prematurely, the doctors should test my body for high levels of Clorox and Windex.

Two weekends ago I chipped, sanded and repainted the entire backside of our house. I also planted at least 20 plants and helped Scotty mulch. My list of house work is a mile long and  that doesn’t even touch the daily laundry, vacuuming, windexing and toilet bowl washing. Our house is 90 years old and I have a screw driver in every drawer to prove it.  I think I am pretty darn good at running a mid-size household and yet I only do 2/3rd of the job and I outsource the rest.

All this and I promise to try harder, to listen longer and to give more of a  gosh darn about our daily culinary experiences. Because I like my friends, I really, really do. . . and I love my family more.

Cheers,

Tay

Get the Look: Wishbone Chairs

Do you love the chairs from yesterday’s post as much as I do? Want to get the look without the expense of buying the whole set? Check out (my girl Annabelle) Stylish Furniture and Decor’s Wishbone Chair. Modeled after the iconic chair by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen, this version is solid wood with a hemp seat.

This little love come’s in at an affordable $245. Take 20% off if you buy more than 6 chairs. Available in brown, green, natural and pink! Enter CLT10 for 10% off as long as you order by 5/31/12.

Go to http://www.stylishfurnitureanddecor.com to check out more of her iconic design pieces!

Cheers,

Tay