Dining Chairs. Mixed, Not Matched

If you hire me, whether your leanings are modern or traditional, you're on board with my love of all things layered. You sign up because you like my taste and style, even if you don't yet know that means a motley mix of furniture pieces, fabrics and finishes. I won't let clients succumb to fear-based matching, even when they call it coordinating. I've said it over and over, "If you just buy what you love, no matter the style, it will always 'go'!" I totally believe this, whether 'it' is a dainty chair, an abstract painting or the fabric for a pillow. I also try my best to mix the finishes on pieces to avoid that showroom feel. Especially when it comes to dining rooms. 

I'm onto finish number three in a current dining room. We are designing the chairs that will surround an 18th Century farm table. The room is actually more of a dining porch, designed to look like an exterior space that was later enclosed with windows. "Original" exterior shingles cover the walls, tongue and groove lines the ceiling, lantern style sconces light the sitting area, and tumbled stone lays across the floors. Classic, casual and super comfortable. 

I envision a barefoot sort of dining room; one that beckons friends and family to a table set with beers and bratwursts, yet knows how to gussy itself up for the occasional holiday dinner. 

We found our long, amazing antique farm table over a year ago. I knew it would ensure that the space stay true to its casual beginning. I'm cozying up the stone floors with sisal. The long bank of windows will be warmed with draperies in a classic blue French check. A pre-electric, brass chandelier has been wired to accommodate our modern penchant for light.

So onto the chairs. From the beginning I saw antique Swedish something or other. I hadn't quite settled on the style. Maybe an upholstered Louis XVI, or a simplified Hepplewhite, but definitely something with the lightness of a painted finish. I always love this contrast with an antique walnut table. 

I'm definitely throwing some kind of wicker in the sitting area at the end of the long space. 

So many directions to go. So many beautiful choices waiting to be chosen. No matter what, I'll be sure the chairs, like the rest of the house, are comfortable, casual and totally inviting.

Happy Weekend and Happy New Year!

May much of it be spent at your own tables enjoying friends and family!

Sources: Veranda Magazine

Design Soulmate-Mark D. Sikes

Ever see a shelter spread and think, "Wait, is that my house?" Whether it's the house of your dreams or your reality. That's exactly how I felt when I saw this Lonny spread. Jennifer at Belclairehouse, felt the same way I did. She called it "decorating soulmates." Behold the work of Mark D. Sikes ...

For months I've had this dining room shot (along with many others of his) on boards behind my desk. I love it more every day. I actually just discovered that I've had much of his work pinned in boards and didn't know it was his. Funny to see the same spaces shot by different photographers, isn't it. Really shows you how crucial light is to the overall essence of a space.

The whole space is filled with all the things I love: Blue and White pottery, French check--especially in camel and cream, chinoiserie, and lots and lots of greenery! A must.

This is exactly how I used to accessorize my giant island in our old house. Blue and white + herb topiaries. (My hurricanes were a ZGallerie steal. I bought out the entire stock.)

Okay, anti-brass client who shall remained unnamed, this shot is bringing my heart back to the polished nickel. Mark is clearly a big fan of Mr. Michael S. Smith, as am I. As is anyone and everyone, I suppose.

And (real-world) friends, doesn't this remind you of my garden? Black and white striped fabrics, boxwoods and white icebergs. Nothing unique, I know. But why reinvent the classics? I think my soulmate Mark D. Sikes would agree.

Pink flowers on pale blue

I'm currently working on a project steeped in pale blues. While recently combing through my books for inspiration, I realized the rooms that really jump out at me always had a spot of pink, usually in the form of a bouquet of flowers. Put you finger over the flowers in these rooms and you'll see the happiness just drains from the picture.

I have always loved this combination of soft blue and pale pink. Especially, as I'm trying to convince my client, when it's sprinkled with bits of gold! 

images: Decor, Decor, Alexandra Rae Interiors, Southern Accents, my garden, Anne Coyle

I especially love blue and white porcelain with pink flowers!