Hounstooth is named for a Hound's tooth, Who knew?!

My dog, Stella, was lounging on my houndstooth patterned pillow and I took a picture and thought it was clever as she is a Hound breed.  I then decided to do a post on Houndstooth and discovered the origin of the design.  Wanted to share with you.

The pattern originated in Scotland in the 1800's, as a woven wool fabric worn by Sheperds.

I don't usually like the pattern in any other color but black and cream or white, but this is fresh. It looks like a square that went off track. It was first called Sheperd's check or Dogtooth, and the smallest version was called Puppy tooth.  In the 30's it became a favorite pattern of Christian Dior. 

Here it is shown in a tile floor.

Accent chair

In caramel and black, cozy

Bedding 

Interesting focal piece for maybe an office or a bedroom

Love it paired with florals for a more feminine look.

Bigger is Better, sometimes

i stumbled upon this designer from California, Hilary Thomas. Her own home was featured in Tradidional Home magazine, and I wanted to share some of the photos with you. A theme thru some of the rooms is Oversized lighting which is just beautiful. There are very high ceilings in the home, both indoor and outdoor spaces.

I also really like the mix of wicker chairs with the slipcovered chairs. 

This foyer is so neutral, yet not boring at all. Love the lighting. 

So much to look at in this small shot. That chair is eye catching. Love the dark bookcases.

This room has so much to inspire us. That lampshade, the wood ceiling, the over stuffed monogram pillows, that pink desk and chair..

Hilary has a great shop on her blog site where you can find some amazing items. I love these finials. They add just alittle bit of character and unique style to a lamp. These are pretty and there are more styles to choose from on the site. Check it out, Enjoy!

The Dog House, not really

So my husband and boys have been working on a project that I wanted to share with all of you.
There are many posts out there about taking a shed and using it for more than just storage. We have a shed that my husband divided in half and finished off part of it as an outdoor hang out room.

So this is the shed. We purchased it from Kempton Sheds.Thsnk you Bill Smith. 

They added flooring and stained it. 

Some knotty paneling for the walls.

A place to store the surfboard and it adds alittle character to the room.

We had a hard time finding furniture because it is a small space, so my husband and my boys MADE the furniture. 5 chairs and a coffee table. 

I found cushions that fit, which was difficult as the chairs were larger than most standard seats. I added a few pillows and a throw. There is a TV on the opposite wall of the seating and it is on a swing out arm so you can face the TV outside if we are having a fire. The chairs can easily move to the grass area if we need extra seating. We need a few more items for the walls but I think it turned out awesome.Family effort. 

Getting ready for college..part 1 ..Decorate that Dorm Room

Our precious children leaving the nest to venture onto college campuses across the country. What an exciting time for them. I have sent two of my three children to college so fat, and I have learned a few  things along the way to make their home away from home as cozy and functional as possible. Thought I would share some of my favorite finds with you.
The bedding is very important. They will spend a lot of down time sitting on their beds or snuggled under the sheets. There needs to be a durable comforter or duvet cover to withstand the constant flopping on it.

 I highly recommend PBTeenbedding. I have purchased it for both children and the comforter and
duvet held up for all four years. They are running a big sale this week. The sheets are the best also

They are soft and durable.

These are 3x5 flags from Amazon. The flags, in whatever style you like, are a great way to cover a window with just a few tacks. Also they cover a lot of barren wall space easily. They are light and easy to hang on a cement wall with double face tape.

The beds in the dorms are not the most comfortable. I highly recommend using a topper. Bed bath and Beyond. They offer the variety and range in prices to give you many options. 

Organization is key with these small dorm quarters. This modular cubby system is from Target the canvas boxes cone in a varity of colors for both guys and girls. Different shaped boxes for different storage needs. Comes in a few stains depending on your taste. Holds up well.

If there is a closet, taking the doors off temporarily helps to gain access to the clothing. Adding organization inside the closet helps a lot. 

This bed received a fabric headboard and some personal details. Lots of pillows on the bed help to add comfort. Love the body pillow. Target has the, and also has covers in different fabrics. Enjoy decorating your dorm room with your student. With alittle thought it will be comfy and cozy and functional.

Trays..you know you have them

For those of you that know me well, I am not the best organizer. In fact, I really, really stink at it. BUT, I have found the Trays are a great way to make things look organized. Bringing items together and setting them in a pretty tray or basket gives the eye one place to go to and there is a sense of organization.

Acrylic trays are so versatile. These are from West Elm

These lucite colored trays

are great for a little pop of color. Also from West Elm.

This is a monogrammed tray we received as a gift. Add s few items and you have a great little centerpiece for a table. You can shop your rooms for items to corral on the tray.

This is courtesy of Better homes and gardens. Helps to organize all your cooking needs in one spot.

Love little make shift bars with the help of a pretty tray.

Collected treasures from the beach, all in one pretty rattan tray

Coffee anyone?

So functional and fabulous in a bathroom. Pull out those trays you keep stored away and enjoy them 

This courtesy of HollyMathis.com 

Hurry! Go find all your trays and put at least one of them to use today. Have fun creating!

Jenny Wolf Interiors, I think I have a crush on you

It is very interesting how I stumble upon a designer that catches my eye and then as I research their work, I find I have been attracted to a room they have worked on without knowing it was their creation.
Jenny Wolf is a designer from NYC. I saw a great beach house showcased in Lonny Mag and then found so many other rooms that are just fabulous. I really can relate to her philosophy on design. When working with a client Jenny incorporates things the client loves and has collected over time. She also thinks about the personalities of the people who will be in the room she is working on.

I just love this bedroom. It is from a beach home in Long Beach Island, NJ. The bed should be the star of the bedroom and this one definitely is. Love all the details.

This is another bedroom in the home. Had to include it because I have a weakness for tassels.

This room is from a Hampton's cottage that Jenny Wolf designed. The ceiling is awesome. I like the monochromatic sofa and pillows.

This is from a Tribecca loft. 

So many details yet it remains a serene space.

Neutral but so fabulous. Love the seating.

Thank you Jennywolfinteriors.com. Please check out some more of her projects on her website. 

V

Hobnail, you make me happy

I know I'm weird, but simple little things make me happy. Hobnail is one of them. Maybe because it reminds me of pretty vases in my mom and grandma's homes.

 This blue setting is fromTarget. It coordinates with my all white serving pieces.

This tumbler is from Crate and Barrel. Potterybarn and West Elm also have acrylic outdoor hobnail items.

This beautiful punch bowl set is from Duncan and Miller. Perfect for a bridal shower or ladies lunch.

I found this on Pinterest, by David Bromstad. Love the opaque color

Alittle history on hobnail if you are interested. The design got it's name from studs or projections on sides of glass. A hobnail is a large headed nail used in bootmaking. In 1935, Fenton Art Glass Company made the first hobnail pattern on a lamp base and it all expanded from there.
White milk glassware is highly collectible and is considered the Signature line.
Hope you enjoy hobnail as much as I do, haha .