Classic with a Twist

CSN Stores Giveaway!

If you missed my latest ezine on coffee table ottomans, you are in luck!

I shared with you many ways to use the ottoman coffee table in your space and

now I'd like to show you where to buy them... at a great price!

CSN stores has a beautiful selection and are now offering to give one of my lucky readers a

$35 one time use Promo Code to use at any one of their 200+ stores!

Put it towards....

this beauty at the foot of your bed

or...

this would be great in the family room (note the pull out tray:)

and...

this guy in a media room (top comes off for extra storage)

or...

a few of these clustered together with a sectional?

View tons more at this CSN link...

http://www.allcoffeetables.com/Ottomans-C10719.html

or put your 35 bucks toward any CSN store you'd like.

On to the winning!

***Contest is Closed!***
Congrats to Liz of
Quiltz'n'Hoez
for the wining entry!

Entry Requirements:

***Leave a comment on my blog***

(1 entry)

*when asked to select a profile, type your name...
you do not have to be a blogger!

That's it! You are done!

For extra entries and more chances to win, see below and leave a separate
comment for each extra entry stating what you did!

1. Follow my blog publicly (3 entries) ... become a follower.

2. Follow Connell Interiors on Twitter
(1 entry)

3. Sign up for my e newsletter at http://www.connellinteriors.com/

(1 entry)

4. Blog about this giveaway and post a link to your blog post in the comments below

(2 entries)

5. Place my button on the side bar of your blog

(2 entries)

6. Become a fan of Connell Interiors on Facebook

(1 entry)

Giveaway will end at 11:59 p.m., Thursday, October 21, 2010. Giveaway open to both U.S. and Canada.
I will contact the winner by email and the winner will have 2 days to get back to me for delivery details.
Limit one set of entries per household please.

Here are the tips from my E-newsletter:

Go to http://www.connellinteriors.com/ to sign up and never miss an issue!

Have you ever considered purchasing a cocktail

ottoman instead of a coffee table?

If not, here are 4 reasons why you should!

#1 PROP... your feet! The most obvious function of using an
ottoman is to prop up those feet! Comfort is the key and why don't look you good doing it?
No wood to scratch and here's the chance to add another gorgeous fabric to your room.

#2 STORE...your stuff! Who doesn't crave more storage?
Lift the lid and keep throw blankets, kid's toys, magazines, games and extra pillows hidden away. Also a good choice with babies learning to walk... bump resistant!

#3 SIT... your buns! Extra seating is a bonus when having a crowd over. Pull the ottoman to the side and your guests will have a comfortable seat to watch the flick.

#4 REST... your glass! Using trays on ottomans is really no big deal! They give you one more place to use a great accessory and it is perfect for holding your drinks and snacks.

For style and function in your most used room, give me a call!

*CSN Stores contacted me to host a giveaway. I did not receive any payment, compensation, or products for my participation, and my opinions are my own.

Good luck!

Traci

Images via* www.csnstores.com

Sunday, October 17, 2010 Comments: 44

Rods and Tassels: Not your ordinary window treatment

Yes, I am the proud owner of a Softball team!

The owner has been quite busy lately, and unfortunately had not attended any of her team's games...

until last night!

I was there to RALLY my team since they are on a losing streak and while we didn't get a

W in the win column, we did have a great showing... 15-9! Progress!!!!!

As a unique form of advertising for an Interior Design firm, the name had to be "relevant" and the colors, were of course, my choice... hence the turquoise!

BFF, Kristen, created the logo and I will leave out how we came up with the name:)

Here are some highlights:

Hubby, at shortstop, with an unbelievable catch and

BFF Donna showing her cheerleading move on 3rd!

Just a bloody knee and elbow this game... mild.

If you haven't tried it, over 40 softball can be quite suspenseful:)

My girls can bat!!!

and Sherps...

Very good form for the old timers...

(are they reliving the past... or what?)

You may ask me, "Why do you own the team rather than play?"

While I consider myself somewhat athletic, here's my response...

"Let's just say... I've never played a sport with a ball:)"

Tuesday, October 12, 2010 Comments: 6

I never really thought this was "my look" but I just love it! After hearing all the buzz and reading about Laurie Anna's Vintage Home in the Dallas Morning News,

I knew I had to make a stop while in Canton.

First you may ask... what was Traci doing in Canton?

From my last visit to First Monday Trade Days,

I remember lots of cutesy crafts and dogs in strollers. This time, I tagged

along with two BFF's who were on a mission for some home accessories.

I'm glad I went!

So full of creativity and what I call "Vintage Chic", Laurie Anna's aimed to please!

You'll find a charming shoppe adorned with soft whites, tan burlap and tea stained linens.

Here is one part of their "booth" in the Arbors....

WANTED the wall clock...

(one BFF bought the light fixture instead!)

I passed on the above but could not help myself when I ran across this beauty!!!

I haven't found a place for it yet, but could not resist...stay tuned!

This one "struck' me as well. Must show Oh, Canada! for her yellow/gray gameroom!

Okay, one more clock in the background! Absolutely love the cake plates with the domes...

they are literally filled with anything!

Here's the inspiration for mine:)

Below:

Laurie Anna's

(L.A. uses the #4 stake as a place holder... so each person has a different

number in their delicate place settting!)

Below:

Traci's

(Mine is #3... for my three A's)

So... I gave myself permission to mix styles! I consider my style "transitional" with a classic

edge and I consider Laurie Anna's look very classic! Or Rustic and Modern... Or just Chic!

She grew out of the spots at the arbors and now encompasses four store

fronts on Hwy 19 as well.

Go to her website and order your favorites.

I'll be going back for sure:).

P.S. If you read my blog and enjoy it, I'd love for you to become a Follower.

Click to the right!

Until next time,

Traci

Images via* Moi, Laurie Anna's Vintage Home

Thursday, October 7, 2010 Comments: 14

Tile that made me smile!

Look what I found!

Isn't this tile floor THE. BEST. EVER?!

It pays to do a little scouring in the Dallas Design District because you

never know what you may run across! Renaissance Tile and Bath was waiting for me-

Renaissance is a leading design resource for luxury bath, tile and stone products from around the world. I've always been fascinated with the many unique applications of tile, but with this type of tile...a little bit can go a long way...

Especially when the tile is over $300 a square foot!

But come on....

DROOL!

Some of these which must more affordable... around $100 a sq. ft:)

But think about it? A small butler's pantry backsplash?

Behind the stove on the kitchen backsplash?

Focal wall in a powder bath?

My bathroom... for sure-

Yes, this is actually tile. How about in your foyer?

It's not wallpaper... trust me!

Textured walls and a light up console-

Okay, how about a small inlay with a border on the bath floor?

Love them all but guess my fav? Top row... third from left

Surprise, surprise

I will move away from transitional into rustic... there is a tile for every look!

Wall application... no biggie... maybe weekend project?

Killer floor and the lucite legs on the sink... MAJOR!

So, this post was wayyyy heavy on the tile, but Renaissance also has

the most classy bath fixtures as well

Thank you Renaissance Tile and Bath for the inspiration-

Which was your favorite?

Until next time,

Traci

Images via* Moi

Monday, October 4, 2010 Comments: 8

Fright Lights!

Countdown to Halloween!

This is your reminder to get up in the attic and pull down your Fall and Halloween decorations. I know you want to skip it this year, but do it for the kids!

Here's another great DIY project from the free magazine,

Lowes Creative Ideas

(go to the site and register for this if you don't get it! Great project ideas)

Fright Lights!