I am determined to come to some closure on my lighting fixtures this week.  The pendants I ordered for the kitchen have arrived but that is about where I stopped.  I don’t have a lot of room in the foyer as the ceilings are just over 8′ but I have had my eye on the Pipa Bowl Chandelier from Oly.  It is perfect for a space with lower celings (like mine) but sadly I think it is too wide for our foyer.  In any case, here are a couple of  images I’ve found online.

 Bear Hill Interiors

House Beautiful.  Photo credit, Luca Trovato

Do you like it? 

I finally pulled the trigger and purchased 6 of these in a vintage white finish last week. 

Now I just need to decide on the fabric I want to use for the cusions.  For some reason….I am really liking this at the moment….

But I digress, as this is not the point of this post.  While in the showroom ordering my chairs I was reminded that the same company makes these fun chairs which come in a number of finishes.  They have a great black finish with a bit of red distressing and they look great in a more natural wood tone as well.

They remind me of the now infamous red chair from Ruthie Sommers (via House Beautiful).

They are sold in pairs….in a variety of finishes. 

Do you like them?

Since so much of my business is online I often never see where the products I sell end up.  I recently had a bunch of pillows made for a client and I asked the workroom to email me some photos before they shipped out.  In this particular case, the client had a photo and needed help sourcing the fabrics.  Here was the inspiration.

Lynn Morgan, photographed by Jeremy Samuelson

Once we identified the fabrics we were in business and below is what we ended up with.  (Sorry for the plastic over the pillows but at least I got to see them!)  Each pillow is 22″ x 22″ with a 100% down insert and self-welt.  They have hidden zippers and in this case, full pattern match from front to back.  Any left over yardage is returned with the order.

Quadrille Zig-Zig in Navy on Tint

Lee Jofa / Seacloth Gypsy Bloom in Midnight

And finally, unrelated to the above inspiration image, the client purchased these as well.  Aren’t they fabulous?

Quadrille Kazak in Orange Pale Magenta on Tint

Pricing on the pillows depends on size, construction and fabric source and specifications.  For instance, these cost $69 each plus the cost of fabric.  Compare this to the same pillows that are available retail and I’d say it is a pretty good deal.  Contact me if you need help with your next project.  I’d love to help.

I love finding new and unique lines to work with.  A few months ago I received a catalog from Caracole in the mail.  Their offerings were enticing enough for me to set up an account to see more.

I love this chest…..called “Pardon my French”

And this sweet side table….

What about this gem of a mirror, called “Mood Ring”

And they have some unique sofa silhouettes, like these two favorites….

Love this chair too….so glamorous!

And finally, I am considering these two chairs for potential hostess chairs in the kitchen.  The previous chairs I’d chosen sadly won’t work because the arms are the same height as the apron on the table.  These will clear it and I love the shape.

“Watch my Back”

“Hostess with the Mostess”

Do you have a favorite?

Earlier this year I ordered the below framed art for a customer.  It was my first order from this company, all went well and the client was thrilled with her art.

Paul Marrot Lillies via Natural Curiosities

I learned that the vendor, Natural Curiosities, recently acquired the textile archives of French engraver, painter and textile artist Paul Marrot (1902-1987).  Barry Dixon used a piece from this collection in the below room that was recently featured in House Beautiful.

photo by Johnny Valiant

I love pink and this piece really speaks to me.  Check out the whole Paul Marrot Collection here.  Or, want something a little different.  How about the Jean Baptiste Collection?  Below is an image of some of this collection in use.  I think this image is from House Beautiful but I am not certain (if anyone knows the source I’d be greatly appreciative so I can give credit where it is due).

via

Finally, designer Lindsay Reid used many of their framed sea plants in the room featured below.

photo by Amy Neusinger

Want to see more?   Hop on over to Natural Curiosities.  They have some beautiful pieces.

Despite the fact that these floors are now off the table for the remodel (both for budget and logistical reasons), these images remain the inspiration for my kitchen seating.

Windsor Smith

Windsor Smith

Many of the chairs like this that are available retail are offered in a limited selection of colors (black, white or cream). But, I may want to liven mine up so I have been searching for manufacturers who will do a custom finish vs. having to buy chairs and then have them sprayed after the fact. I’ve found a few at varying price-points.

First, these are sold in pairs and the price is fairly reasonable. This chair is actually a hand carved wood chair. The pair sells for less than $1,000 even with a custom finish. The cushions are down filled burlap.These may be the winners for me given the price. I need armless as well and like the lines.

This next version is quite a bit more. But, it is a beauty don’t you think? Again, they will do custom and pricing depends on if you want the frame only or want the cushions (and what type of fill).

This last chair can also come in a custom finish. It costs considerably more than the above two options and has more of a fretwork pattern. It is probably too much for us (especially since we don’t need arms….which would be custom) but I do love this manufacturer and this piece reminds me why.

I have also started my search for the right wing chairs for the table ends. Last night we entertained 7 adults and 6 kids for dinner. It always amazes me how everyone ends up in the kitchen standing up all night. It just reiterates to me how important kitchen seating really is!   Are you the same, do you always end up in the kitchen while entertaining?