Classic with a Twist

Cowhide... Inside!

When I mention Cowhide Chic, I'm not referring to Western-themed decor since we live in Texas! A huge design trend is the addition of animals prints which add a new level of pattern and texture to any room. I've been eyeing hide and faux fur creations in stylish accessories from throw pillows to frames and better yet... gracing loads of furniture.

Here is a custom art piece we installed last month for my client, Fairview Fox, and I would label this design style as Rustic Elegant... (or Hill Country if you prefer!). Check out the combo of textures:

An abundant of favorites!

Close up of cowhide addition... faux, of course

Okay... wow!

Custom dining table... this could be yours... call me!

Show stopper for your library or smoking room:)

Talk of the office... a desk chair for sale!

Cowhide Floor tiles- a mix with an urban beat

If you want to skip the faux fur, here is a stenciled stool... a do-it-yourself project

A small piece can go a long way-

So, go for it.. start with a pillow:)

Until next time,

Traci

Images via: Moi, Room and Board, Flor, Google images, decordir.com

Tuesday, June 22, 2010 Comments: 2

This new, hip furniture showroom graciously hosted the monthly meeting of the DFW Chapter of the Interior Design Society... and boy, was it a treat!

IO Metro Furniture is catering to a crowd that desires a Pottery Barn/ Crate and Barrel look but with a bang! As many of you have heard me say, "Bigger is better and less of it!"- which is exactly what I saw in their showroom.

Unique furniture and large accessories that make an impact in a room.

Love the accessories on the mantle-

The wall decor format is a favorite "go to" of mine

Our group was treated to a catered lunch and a tour of the beautiful showroom, which not only has striking items but they are very well priced.

Have you ever seen Nesting Dining Tables? How great for entertaining!

Beautiful presentation

Now... less food, more decorating!

Simple, yet Stunning!

Just for me:)

So many things on the credenza, but it works!

More love...

If you are looking for a simpler look, try this design style. Visit IO Metro near the Galleria in Dallas or at the new location in Fairview off Stacy Road. If you don't trust yourself or need hand holding, call me and we'll get "Hello Metro" look together.

Until Next Time,

Traci

Images via: IO Metro and Moi

Saturday, June 19, 2010 Comments: 1

Iron Balusters: Right for You?

We have winded down at Mrs. White Wall's house and one of the finishing touches has been the replacement of her white staircase balusters to iron. I know this is a "Dallas" thing and it is almost a must in new builds in the North Dallas area... so those of you who are trying to update- here's another project for you to save for!

The real "Before" of the staircase

Here is the in between phase: New patterned carpet on the stairs and hardwoods installed

After: Simple and Elegant

The crowning touch will be the restaining of the wood banister to match the floor...

Beautiful with the dining room fixture

Stunning with the new foyer fixture!

A few tips for you:

When thinking of adding iron balusters to your existing stairway, you must consider your design style when selecting which spindle you will use. Mrs. White Walls has classic, traditional decor with an European flair so the simpler selection is a good one. If your home is more Old World, you may choose a baluster a bit more ornate (and what I call affectionately "goopy").

Another decision... color? Look around and see what metal finishes you have for light fixtures

Of course, the more to it, the more out of your pocket:)

Nice combo... busy with a break!

A modern touch

Disclaimer: Not all Dallas homes warrant this look!!! When we redid our house, I was going for a classic, transitional feel, so I opted not to replace the balusters, but accentuate the white instead. I'm happy with this look and happy to be a bit different... that's okay, you know!

My foyer Before (This is a lesson to look beyond the decor when house hunting)

Goodbye, Carpet... Hello Wood!

Ahhhhh..... After

Another example of the painted risers... A bit of a "Southern Living" look or perhaps "Veranda"

If you are a "do it yourselfer", visit Stair Warehouse for a complete tutorial and if you are not... call me!

Until next time,

Traci

Images via: Moi, Mrs. White Walls, Custom Hardwoods, Stanford Stairs, Stair Doctor, Contour Stairs, Stair Warehouse

Thursday, June 17, 2010 Comments: 2

The Reveal of the Mike Modano Cottage at Jonathan's Place!

The day has almost arrived!

Our charity project through the Interior Design Society will be revealed and celebrated tomorrow!

As the President of the DFW IDS Chapter, I am so proud of my members and grateful to the vendors who have contributed to our charity project. We have chosen to renovate the Mike Modano cottage at Jonathan's Place in Garland, which is “home-style” emergency shelter for abused, abandoned and neglected children who have been removed from their homes by Child Protective Services. The emergency shelter provides specialized services and 24-hour residential care to children age newborn to 17 years, and is the only emergency shelter in Dallas County that provides residential services for children in crisis who are under the age of 10.

Here are some sneak peeks:

Main Living Room Before

Main Living Room After!

The interior designers of IDS solicited donations from our generous trade resources and sold ads on our website to raise funds. Then we created and implemented a design plan to renovate and refresh the cottage which was showing some wear and tear. As a result, our group was able to install new hardwood floors, custom bedding and window treatments, hand painted murals, and new furniture. We feel honored to be able to brighten the lives of the children who pass through this shelter on their journey toward new and loving homes.

Nursery Before

Nursery After

Bedroom Before

Bedroom After

After a long workday... but so happy with the results:)

Creating the "Tree of Life" for the playroom

Some of our chapter members with the Founder and CEO of JP... Lisa Matthews (next to me)

Here are the details for our Vendor Celebration tomorrow:

Date: Thursday, June 17, 2010

Time: 3:30-4:00 Press Reception

4:00 - 8:00 pm Thank You Showcase

Place: 6065 Duck Creek

Garland, Texas 75043

Our project would not have been possible without the generous donations from our industry partners, IDS advertisers and friends. Special thanks goes to: Ashlynn Bourque with Sherwin Williams, Craig Favors with Inside Expressions, Kasmir Fabrics, ProSource Flooring, Leann Baker Photography, Missy Thornton, Damion Brooker, and muralist Heather Jennings.

Take a look at our IDS DFW chapter website for more info:

http://idsdfw.com/Scripts/News_Detail.asp?newsid=8

We hope that the newly-improved Mike Modano Cottage will cheerfully house many children who are hoping for a brighter future. We are very proud and honored to have participated in such a worthy effort.

More pics to come but until next time,

Traci

Images via: Moi and Leann Baker photography

Wednesday, June 16, 2010 Comments: 0

Sassy Skirted Chairs!

Check out the sassy skirt on these chairs! Love the pleats... it reminds me of my cheerleading skirts from back in the day-

This was a fun project with Mrs. Cave Dweller and we both were so tickled with the end result. Yes, we have similar taste- which made the job even more fun. She wanted something different in her kitchen nook so we paired the skirted chairs by Sam Moore along with COM fabric from Kasmir and Greenhouse with the custom banquette by Bentley Churchill (yes, you have seen it before!). It just so happened that two of my clients went for this curved sofa/bench for their nooks at just about the same time. As you can see, the fabrics definitely set them apart but the style for both is oh so chic!