Renae Moore Designs

Design Inspiration

2012-01-17T13:48:00.000-05:00

Michele Morelan is one of my favorite 'go to' places to visit. I love that her hubby is a pilot and she has two sons...just like me!

She is a tremendous talent not only in interior design but an outstanding artist.

I envy her schematics....something I would love to learn. She has a video series on 'how to' but my renderings look nothing like hers.

Visit her at her blog, A Schematic Life.

Be inspired.

Maureen Bower of Eclectic Revisted is a new friend of mine. She had a beautiful sense of design and a lovely way about herself.

Visit Maureen here.

♥

Do you want to turn your house into a lovely home?

Contact MD for design services.

Project Monday

2012-01-16T15:14:00.000-05:00

Projects on hold....

Sandwiched in

It is said that my age folks are called the 'sandwich generation'. Those that care for children and their parents.

Since my kids are grown and gone...

...I suppose it's an 'open-faced' sandwich.

Today I sit with my mother as we sit waiting for my father who is getting prepped for open heart surgery tomorrow.

A man, who by looking at him, is the picture of health and still walks 4 miles 4-5 days per week. A man that by virtue of getting older has valves that leak.

I thought I would share with you the next few days some bloggers that have interesting things to share and beautiful designs to envy. First up, my very good friend Lisa Porter, a jewel and creative I met (online and in person) through this crazy world we call blogland!

Visit her here...you will be delighted in what you see!

♥

Would you like to turn your house into a lovely home?

Contact MD for design services.

Foodie Friday

2012-01-12T21:53:00.000-05:00

It's Good to be Green

The other day I saw the benefits of green smoothies packed with nutrition and getting more of what we are 'supposed' to have in the way of greens in one place.

Iowa Girl

Greek yogurt (I like plain - less sugar that way,), milk of your choice, (almond milk for this girl), peanut butter (the natural kind, no sugar and no hydrogenated oil), and spinach - yep, SPINACH,

like get 'yo' popeye on!

Ingredients:

1 frozen sliced banana

1 Tablespoon peanut butter

1/2 cup 0% Vanilla Chobani Greek yogurt

1 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze (or other kind of milk)

4 cups baby spinach (or more, or less)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Nutritional stats:

350 calories, 10g fiber, 21g protein

Great way to start your day!

Bottoms up! :)

It's tulip time! They always make me happy.

♥

Do you need help turning your house into a lovely home?

Contact MD for design services.

photos: Pinterest

Design - Casa de Moore

2012-01-05T12:25:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in my last post, Mr. MD and I are directing our thoughts towards heading west in the next few years, If you told me I would have thoughts of building a home, I would have told you you were nutzzz! After briefly looking a real estate in a few areas I have come to the realization that we MUST build to get what we want, because this will be (after 40+ moves for myself) our last move until our kids have to 'do' something with us. I hate that day for them (and us).

A few years ago one of my BFF's built a home on the gulf coast with this layout of the master bedroom. My drawing is certainly not to scale but will give an architect my desire. I want to use natural elements that will fit into a mountain setting.

This is Steve Giannetti's (architect and husband to Brooke, Velvet and Linen) schematic of their future home Patina Farm. I love the open space with the see through fireplace separating the kitchen from the living area. Gosh I wish I could do these schematics!

Go visit Brooke often to follow along with the design of their home and visit Amazon to pick up their book Patina Style.

♥

Do you need help creating your house into a lovely home?

Contact MD for design services.

Mountain Home

2011-12-28T17:50:00.000-05:00

After spending a family vacation in Breckenridge the week before Christmas, it rekindled Mr. MD and my desire to move west. My head started spinning with building a home that would suit us until we're too old to drive. :) When I got home the new edition of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles magazine was waiting for me.

I was particularly drawn to architect D. Stanley Dixon's design of a mountain home for an Atlantan couple in Cashiers, NC. The interior designer on the project was Nancy Warren (photographer Emily Jenkins Fellowill) who had a great vision for the interiors to give a warm mountain feel.

I particularly love the North Carolina fieldstone entry into the home and the creamy horizontal wood paneling.

Just because a home is in the mountains does not mean there has to be a primitive look to it. Rich warm textures in the textiles and aged wood on the walls layers this comfy room.

A mix of the elegant and rustic.

The kitchen is large enough for a long farm table and opens up into the dining room with a stone fireplace. Love the dark stained plank floors and the rustic beams on the ceiling.

This is a great look featured in Elle Decor. Plank floors again, lighter in color and wall of book cases.

Suzanne Kasler's design in a beautiful log cabin as seen in her book Inspired Interiors. She uses rough hewn wood and horizontal wood paneling and logs to frame the four poster bed. The linen on the bed softens the hardness of the wood.

The cabinetry here is stained to match the old wood....beautiful. No upper cabinets which I like.

Put that in the file!

The antiques look very pretty against the rough background.

These few images have gotten my head spinning...it will be a few years down the road but definitely something to build upon and add to!

♥

Do you need help making your house into a lovely home?

Contact MD for design services.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T03:00:00.002-05:00

For unto us a Child is born,

...unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

May the joy of the Lord be yours and His peace be upon you now and through the new year.

Thank you for your love and friendship.

XO Renae

Tangerine Tango

2011-12-14T22:07:00.000-05:00

The new 'it' color for 2012.

"Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it," Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute," said in a statement "Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy."

US Weekly

What do you think about it?

Could you?

How would you? An accent perhaps?

There is a certain refreshment of color topped on neutrals.

I do like this Hermes inspired corner!

I'm curious, tell me.

Great looking jacket.

T Tango is not a color that compliments my skin tone so it will not be in my wardrobe.

How about it? Let me hear from you.

♥

Would you like to make your house a lovely home?

Contact MD for design services.

Foodie Friday

2011-12-09T17:05:00.000-05:00

Today I was thinking I better get the ovens fired up and get going on some baking.

Peppermint chocolate cookies

I love giving festive plates of cookies and other sweet yummies to friends...

...and the nail girl, the hair girl, the mail girl and the dry cleaner girl! :)

Dip first in chocolate and then roll in whatever you like!

I have made these for years, labor intensive but beautiful to look at and quite tasty!

We can do this!

♥

All images from Pinterest.

Do you need need help making your house a lovely home?

Contact MD for design services.

Christmas Tables

2011-12-08T09:05:00.000-05:00

Every Christmas our church hosts a spectacular ladies tea and dinner. Due to the room being filled to the capacity of 600 last year, a brunch the day before was added this year for about 200. I hostessed a table for both events.

I had an expert helper setting up for brunch. He's helped me many times throughout the years and we make a great team!

I like 'layering' my tables and started with a black cloth used as a topper to the white which was provided. Next came a tree skirt topped with a live evergreen wreath. The center (which I failed to get a close-up) is a cut glass bowl filled with pine cones and ornaments, tree limbs and a battery operated lit branch.

Repeat the whole setting for the dinner the next night. While the brunch was lovely, there's something about the larger room and the ambience of the evening.

The other table hostesses bring their own creativity and love to their tables.

It is a wonderful evening of inspiration and a perfect kick off to the Christmas season.

These are the sweet friends who joined me this year.

The day following I had a sit down dinner for 10 at my home.

See here for setting the candelabra straight! I love the creative process and started with a favorite linen cloth and then a piece of creamy burlap I fashioned into a runner.

Live greens cut from the yard and battery operated lights nestled in. I like using a variety of candlesticks too, a mixture of mercury glass and cut glass!

A Christmas table at my house is never complete without English poppers!

A great time was had by all!

As always Susan at Between Naps on the Porch is hosting her

Tablescape Thursday, be sure and pop over to see how she and other friends are setting their tables!

♥

Do you want help making your house a lovely home?

Call MD for design services!

Room Redesign

2011-12-07T14:39:00.000-05:00

One of my friend's (C.A.) has a lovely home and her own sense of style. Her dining room is the first thing one sees when entering the home but for one reason or another it never got 'done'. She had purchased a huge (6 feet across) round farm table but wasn't sure how to pull the room together. She asked if I minded tossing some ideas around...what designer doesn't love that?

Around the table were a variety of chairs that she had put slip covers on for unity, while she was waiting on some French chairs she found on Etsy. She is a great shopper!

She inherited some drapes from the previous owner...

...and a very pretty chandy.

My first suggestion was to neutralize the walls and to her good fortune, SW Rice Grain (one of my favorite neutrals) matched her trim quite nicely. She did keep the dark ceiling.

This door on 4 legs which she had in another part of the home fits the French theme well and perfect the room. It's great to be able to 'shop the house' for treasures. Here you can see one of the French chairs.

We had a lined burlap table skirt made and she got the glass cut. The birdcage was green and all I had to say was 'how about making it creamy' and she was on it and did a great job!

C.A. fell in love with the Restoration Hardware mirror which is a beautiful addition. She also found the sconces which frame the room nicely. I meet at her house for Bible study and it was fun to hear the other ladies comment on how much they loved her dining room!

I think she did quite nicely, don't you?

♥

Do you need help making your house a lovely home?

Contact MD for design services!

Project Monday

2011-12-05T11:14:00.000-05:00

Having a dinner party seems to be the impetus to getting some details around the house attended to that keep getting pushed back for another day.

The chandy over the dining room table is an upgraded builders grade that I have been wanting to tone down a bit.

Out came the liming wax and I got busy.

This will do until I get my grandmother's crystal chandelier up!

I found this beautiful candelabra this summer but had not had an opportunity to use it yet and see how the candles sit in it. The whole thing leans a bit so it wasn't a surprise when the candles were crooked.

If you don't have any of this candle wax, it is a definite 'must have' when getting candles to stand properly in their holders.

A little dab here...

...and there...

...and all appears straight!

Foodie Friday

2011-12-02T03:00:00.001-05:00

Christmas parties are starting up and I'm always looking for interesting dishes. I thought I would share some yummies for your own hostessing or taking to others.

This rosemary wreath topped with the olives, tomatoes and mozzarella is festive and sure to be a hit.

Goat cheese cranberry kisses.

courtesy Liv Life blog

Bourbon Whiskey Meatballs - YUM!

Tasty Kitchen

Lemon Orzo Salad

with asparagus and tomatoes

abigmouthful.com

Garlic Mushroom Bruschetta

Doanl Skeehan he's pretty cute, the Kitchen Hero!

You know I like pumpkin, see here and here.

This frozen pumpkin mousse with walnut toffee crunch requires a few miles on the treadmill before enjoying!

Epicurious

Chocolate dipped pretzels...I have made these for years and they are always a hit. Roll in chocolate peppermint or heath. Addicting!

Hostess with the Mostest

♥

Do you want your house to be a lovely home?

Email MD for our design services.

A Bit of Nostalgia and a Birthday Wish

2011-11-20T03:00:00.001-05:00

Today is my son Geoff's 24th birthday. I don't know why I always want to go back and look at baby pictures, maybe it's to remind me the kids really were that small!

I must say I miss - at times - being the 'snack queen, the entertainment guide and referee'. Children and puppies, what could be better? Like most younger siblings, pictures without the others' are almost non existent.

By God's grace and mercy over the times I failed miserably at being 'mom', he has grown to be a fine young man. A kind, considerate and patient man whose precious girlfriend Mary is a jewel of a young woman.

Happy Birthday Geoff...we love you!

♥

Settee Around the Table

2011-11-16T20:32:00.000-05:00

So tell me...

Do you likey?

I do.

Settees

mixture of seating types

gorgeous table

silver love

quirky chandy

♥

Horchow

Do you want your house to be a lovely home?

Contact MD!

Foodie Friday

2011-11-11T03:00:00.001-05:00

Baby it's cold outside and what is better than coming inside for some good soup?

This White Chicken Chili is just the right thing to warm you up.

Right along side how about a

cranberry pecan chicken salad sandwich?

So yummy.

Pretzel cookies with chocolate and peanut butter chips. Yummo!

Do you have a place to hang a jar of flowers?

Simple, easy and fun!

♥

Do you need help making your house a lovely home? Contact me here.

Images from Pinterest.

A Sneak Peak

2011-11-03T21:47:00.000-04:00

Home painting and LR reno update.

The dust has been flying and the paint cans popped around Casa de Moore.

If you live in the Atlanta area,

Friendly Monster Painting Co.is THE best. The attention to detail is superb, not to mention how they clean up. Impressive.

They skeered me half to death by extending a ladder up two stories to get to the 'trays'.

I am very happy with the paint choice,

SW 7647 Crushed Ice.

Did YOU notice a change in color? Mr. MD didn't!

He had to ask....too funny.

My grandma "Punkin's" sofa back from the upholsterer, she was the envy in the shop. (Chong's Upholstery, Marietta.) See here for before. Will add color in a bolster and some other pillows.

Table skirt finished and chairs upholstered too. Found the aubergine patterned fabric to make lumbars and bring in contrast to the gray and yellow.

Slate window treatments...coming.

On the hunt for an outstanding piece of contemporary art for over the sofa. Love abstracts and mixed media.

Hopefully it won't be too long to pull all of this together. Good things take time...patience is NOT one of my virtues!

♥

Do you need help creating a lovely home?

Contact me here for all of your design needs.

Foodie Friday

2011-10-28T03:00:00.001-04:00

I LOVE PUMPKIN!

This looks divine.

Make Ahead Meals For Busy Mom's Pumpkin Coffee Cake
From Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
15 oz can pumpkin
3 large eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt

Streusel Topping:
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup walnuts, chopped

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray the inside of a tube or bundt pan with nonstick spray; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until well blended. Add the pumpkin and eggs and mix thoroughly. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and salt. Add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture. Mix on medium speed until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl combine the flour, sugars, cinnamon, melted butter and walnuts. Sprinkle the streusel over the cake batter. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Slide a knife around the pan so the cake doesn't stick when removing it. Invert the cake onto a plate. Then invert the cake onto another plate, so that the streusel is on the top. Cool completely. Cover and store at room temperature.

(For two round cakes: coat two 8-inch rounds with non-stick spray and place a circle of parchment in the bottom. Divide the batter between the two pans, top with the streusel (x3) and bake for approximately 35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.)

Not So Humble Brown Butter Icing:
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
whole milk

In a small saucepan, heat the butter over medium low heat until fragrant and the butter solids are golden brown. Pour the butter into the sugar and combine with a whisk. Continue to mix, adding one tablespoon of milk at a time until you have a pourable icing.

Drizzle over the cooled cake, then abandon all dignity and begin stuffing chunks of it into your mouth.

AND....we can do this!

♥

If you want help creating a lovely home, contact MD!

images from Pinterest

Black Doors and the Versatile Blogger Award

2011-10-26T15:43:00.000-04:00

Interior designers

Julie Taylor and Danni Greenwalt

hail from southern California and are the team at

T&G Interiors, they now pen a blog by the same name.

They are new blog friends to me and have graciously passed on the Versatile Blogger Award. Thank you so much!

Many of you have been readers of mine for a while and probably know more about me than you really want to but the rules of the award are:

to be a gracious receiver and thank the one (or two) that presented to you and then link 15 blogs you love to follow for the award to go to next, and share 7 things about yourself.

It's no surprise I love black, both in clothing and decor. See post here on painting all (23) of the inside doors on 2 floors of my home black.

Every week I volunteer at a senior living facility and do crafts with some outstanding ladies full of wisdom and grace.

I don't 'do' fake flowers, but love creating beautiful arrangements with natural elements or fresh flowers.

I have a pet peeve of cords showing when decorating a room. It becomes a game of how I can hide them.

I am a 'neat freak', not one to clutter or stack. I stop at the garbage can between the mail box and the door to throw away most of what comes in the mail.

I believe in gracious manners and write notes of thanks or encouragement on lovely paper...promptly, to be delivered by the post person.

I can be found on my bicycle 2 or 3 times a week

for 30 - 45 mile adventures with fab friends.

Thanks again to Julie and Danni, please go visit their blog

T&G Interiors, they have a lovely eye for design.

15 of my 'go to' blogs are:

the Visual Vamp, Linda@Lime in the Coconut,

Debra@5th and State, A Gift Wrapped Life,

Acanthus and Acorn, Art by Karena,

Classic Casual Home,

Design Indulgence,Eclectic Revisited,

Fifi Flowers Design, French Essence,

Greige, Lovely Things, Sanity Fair,

Shannon Berry Design

♥

If you would like help making your house into a lovely home,

contact MD, we will work online or in person.

Project Monday

2011-10-24T16:16:00.000-04:00

Casa de Moore is preparing for the painter!

I am excited for a couple of reasons. One - I get to choose the wall color, what you see is what I inherited three and a half years ago.

Second - since I am used to moving every 2 or 3 years and that is not on the horizon, this feels like moving! Everything off the walls, out of bookshelves and hutches. Third, I can move everything around and change up the wall art and furniture placement. I love re-design!

I painted this black about 5 years ago, so it's going to get a spruce up! Stay tuned....it's going to be crazy getting this place put back together before Mr. MD gets home this weekend! Wonder if he'll notice?

♥

If you would like help creating a lovely home, please contact MD.

We can work for you online or in person!

Foodie Friday

2011-10-21T09:13:00.000-04:00

Fall is finally here!

This 'lemon and rosemary chicken' looks so yummy and perfect for a chilly night.

Mr. MD will be home soon and he will love this!

You all KNOW I LOVE hydrangeas. Love this wreath infused with small white pumpkins and gourds!

I am sooooo loving this cooler weather!

♥

Both images from Pinterest.

Do you want to make your house a lovely home?

Contact MD for online or in person design!

Project Monday

2011-10-17T18:02:00.001-04:00

Nothing says welcome more than a nice entry to your home.

Except when it looks like this.

Uggghhhh

It was either get to it NOW or wait until spring. I missed my opportunity last spring and honestly I always go in my home through the garage and 'out of sight, out of mind'.

Once I got the goo on there and started scraping I wondered, 'now what have I gotten myself into?' It was a 4 advil kind of night.

I tried to protect the hardware but the goo loosened the tape and I ended up taking it off, totally messing up the finish on the handle. Figure that out later, get to sanding. I'm telling you, my right bicep is buff! :)

I painted it the same color as the outside shutters...

and did a bit of antiquing of my own on the hardware.

I'm really pleased with how it turned out!

♥

Do you want your house to be a lovely home?

Contact MD for online or in person design!

Foodie Friday

2011-10-14T13:23:00.000-04:00

Paula Deen's Pumpkin Pumpkin Pie Trifle is so yummy. I have made it the last two years and it's made with gingerbread.

This year I want to make it with pumpkin bread as the base since my family is not fond of gingerbread.

I'm also going to make them in individual servings!

It will for sure be a hit!

Have you brought fall to your house yet?

Go visit my friend Rebecca at Acanthus and Acorn for her quick tips on decorating your front porch. Isn't her golden girl so sweet? Oh and I love her flagstone porch too!

Window Treatments

2011-10-12T18:03:00.000-04:00

Window treatments frame a room and provide a beautiful finishing touch just as lipstick pulls your make-up together.

I prefer simplicity.

I am in the process of deciding just the right pleat and hardware for the living room.

I am contemplating no finial and perhaps a return rod. Would love your thoughts!

I adore goblet pleats.

Can't help but notice the beautiful millwork in this room too.

These softer pleats are pretty too.

Unconstructed simplicity.

I don't like valances or cornices, just simple straight lines with a puddle on the floor.

Covered or painted rods?

Perfection for an unobstructed view.

I spy Amanda Talley art!

Will someone please tell me where the money tree is so I can go pick just enough for one of her pieces of art?

This has nothing to do with what I am considering BUT I just love these roman shades and that they are lifted high above the windows and french doors.

♥

images: Domino, Suzanne Kasler, Bryan Batt, Mary McDonald, Veranda

Would you like to make your house a lovely home?

Contact MD for online or in person design!

Silver!

2011-10-06T18:37:00.000-04:00

I adore silver and am always on the hunt for interesting pieces.

My latest finds are these beautiful pots. The coffee pot was black when I found it and as I polished with love the fabulous patina began to come through. The little spoons I have collected for years, they need a bit of polish!

The dust has been flying around Casa de Moore, Mr. MD has been out of town for weeks and will be home for the weekend and my son and his girlfriend are coming too! Oh that sure makes for a happy mommy!

What do you like to collect?

♥

Would you like to make your house a lovely home?

Contact MD for online or in person design!

Project Monday - Chalk Board Paint

2011-10-03T10:14:00.000-04:00

My girlfriend was having a birthday and I wanted to do something a little different for her.

First to an arts and crafts store for a frame, then the local home improvement store to have a 1/4" piece of plywood cut to fit the frame and purchase the chalk board paint.

It really is simple to prime first, then 2 coats of the chalk board paint.

VOILA!!

I made me one too and it really works!

Of course I took her some flowers too....arranged in a mason jar!

♥

Do you want your house to be a lovely home?

Contact MD for online or in person design!

Foodie Friday

2011-09-30T03:00:00.005-04:00

I start my day off everyday with steel cut oats topped with dried cranberries and a 'just yellow' banana, a scoop of protein powder and flax meal, sometimes I add Greek yogurt.

marthastewart.com

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and tomorrow I will be riding my bicycle in the "Tour de Pink" young survivor's coalition. One of my BFF's has just been diagnosed...I ride for her.

goodiefeasts.com

I need to make sure I eat well throughout the day for maximum energy to take on the hills of Atlanta. These Santa Fe Chicken Wraps with black beans, corn and avacados will be so yummy.

marthastewart.com

This tortilla and black bean pie will be just right for dinner to ensure enough good carbs for sustained energy. Get recipe here! I would use whole grain tortillas and add some chicken!

Have you treated yourself to some flowers this week? It's time sistah! Get to it!

♥

Do you want to make your house a lovely home?

Contact MD for online or in person design!

Gray and Yellow Decor

2011-09-27T21:03:00.001-04:00

Do you find yourself in different seasons of your life being drawn to certain colors?

There is something about gray and yellow that gets my attention.

Gray is a cool color with either a blue or black base. Since I am not a 'blue' girl, I prefer the black, and the the 'coolness' brings a bit of crispness to the room in my mind.

Yellow - with a golden undertone - is the warmth that welcomes.

I want my friends and family to feel comfortable in my home and not be uncomfortable kicking their shoes off and cuddling up on the sofa or chair!

Fun details!

Of course I love black too, and here it grounds the room a bit.

Lovin' this in the baby's room! Cammo!

Fab window treatments!

You like contemporary?

Loving the balance of textures along with the colors!

It hit me with the living room renovation I am in the middle of, I have been adding yellow and gray around the home for the past year. Robert Allen fabric on the kitchen chairs!

SW Ellie Gray painted in the master and the bed dressed in golden embroidered shams and bolster with a creamy matlesse.

Golden tones in the art as well against the gray wall.

The living room ceiling in SW Rock Bottom, walls SW Origami White.

This fabric is on order for skirting a table.

I adore this Amanda Talley fabric that I want to do 'something' with.

Are there colors that draw you in?

♥

Do you want to make your house a lovely home?

Contact MD for online or in person design.

Photos from Houzz and Google.

Foodie Friday

2011-09-23T16:33:00.000-04:00

Mozzarella and Basil Puff Pastry Twists

Check it out here!

A small arrangement I did for a friend!

Of course in a mason jar!

Happy Weekend!

♥

Do you want your house to be a lovely home?

Contact MD for online or in person design!

Kentucky Bluegrass

2011-09-22T12:55:00.001-04:00

Bloggy friends = some of the best ever!

A trip to KY to visit the MR on business, included a wonderful visit with Lisa Porter of the Lisa Porter Collection who has been a special friend for quite some time.

Gracie (the one with the dark fur coat) very graciously invited Erma in for a visit too!

We had a fun day chatting, giggling and enjoying some of Lexington's design and decor shops.

I'm such a good blogger I barely took pictures.

One of the shops had this oh so clever upside down sconce made into a lamp. I could do that!

How about this sprinkler used as a hand towel rack?

I did find this little table and a teapot at different shops. I collect silver teapots and adore the various styles and shapes.

We had so much fun just chatting I forgot that I like you tell you through pictures about fun times!

The MR and I went to this cafe in Versailles (Ver-sails), KY, just west of Lexington. Good thing we got there around 11:30 because very soon there was a line out the door and around the building.

I was hungry but I could eat only 1/2 half of this sammich. So good. The setting is gorgeous with all the equine farms that line the road.

I have recently learned too that Guy Fieri on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-in's and Dive's" has featured it on the show!

Getting caught up at Casa de Moore after being gone. Thought I would show you the lavender in my garden - so fragrant!

♥

Would you like to make your house a lovely home?

Contact MD for online or personal design.

Project Monday

2011-09-19T14:01:00.000-04:00

The refinishing of my late grandma "Punkin's" sofa has been a bear to say the least.

As I have mentioned before it is almost 70 years old and I'm almost certain the original finish was still on it. Kind of an orange-ish hue, not my fave.

I got all the varnish stripped and the wood cleaned. If I could have had the piece more at eye level my back would have appreciated it.

I am not the spring chicken I used to be! I love the burlap and horse hair as well as the cotton batting.

I stained it with Minwax Ebony.

Here she is today with her wax on!

I will be making my decision on the fabric this week. Something creamy in linen. I know Punkin would be pleased.

The next trick for me is to figure out how to clean the splatters on the garage floor before the MR gets home from his business trip! Any suggestions?

Working on an entire LR reno, can't wait for it to be finished so I can show you!

♥

Would you like your house to be a lovely home?

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Foodie Friday

2011-09-16T03:00:00.002-04:00

When is the last time you had a grilled cheese sandwich?

food blogger, photog

Add some bacon, avacado and apple slices...yum!

Grilled Cheese Sammiches are just plain American!

Love this...mason jar - for your drink, bandana - for your napkin and the silverware. Clever!

Do you have any flowers left in your garden? Bring 'em on in!

♥

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photos from Pinterest

Child's Play

2011-09-14T18:45:00.000-04:00

If you are not plugged into Pinterest,

next time you sit down for your coffee or tea check it out.

There are some suggested boards

but you can taylor them to your lifestyle.

As a designer it is a wonderful place

to catalog great design inspiration.

I have many boards one of which is children.

Look here for why I feel a bit in the 'nesting' mode.

I want to create a room where grandkids

can always feel like they are having a slumber party at 'Grammie's' house.

Can't you picture these beds being used as trampolines? Oh boy can I hear all the giggles! 4 beds in one room...awesome!

How about a cute nook? I remember sleeping on top of my grandma's cedar chest.

Customize colors with child's faves!

Don't you think these are some great room ideas?

♥

1.houzz 2.tumblr 3.thezhush.com 4.andreasideas.blogspot 5.google 6.tumblr 7.casadiez 8.theinspiredroom 8.chicoheap

Do you want to make your house a lovely home?

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New Orleans field trip

2011-09-12T12:02:00.001-04:00

This precious one is who got me on the plane to NOLA.

Her mom came into my life when she was 14 and I love her as my very own. I view this little bundle as the first of my grandchildren. Those of you that are already grandma's know the love felt and awe of our Creator that creates such miracles.

I was graciously invited to stay with my sweet friend Valorie of The Visual Vamp, and her tango man, Alberto Paz. It was so much fun to meet Amanda Talley and visit her gallery, studio and home.

We caught her working. She is such a sweet girl!

I know many of you know her work.

A lovely piece in progress.

Guess what? She now has fabric.

Got my wheels turning.

Next stop.....Renaissance Interiors.

A resale store with many good finds.

This is just the coolest! One way a chair, opened up, a table!

Crystal....these are amazing.

We then went to meet Bryan Batt, a New Orleanian and actor (Mad Men, Broadway) and owner of Hazelnut.

He has a beautiful book being released the first of October, Big Easy Style. I got a sneak peek! :)

Back home....

a glimpse of the projects going on today!

Still working on this beast....almost ready to stain. Did I mention how many staples, nails and glue?

Lots of work but it will be loverly!

♥

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Foodie Friday

2011-09-09T03:00:00.001-04:00

Berry Galette

A yummy mixture of blueberries and blackberries.

Williams Sonoma

A food processor makes this flaky pastry dough in a snap. The recipe yields enough dough for three pies or galettes.

Ingredients:

For the flaky pastry dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
24 Tbs. (3 sticks) plus 3 Tbs. unsalted butter, cut into cubes
3/4 cup ice water
4 cups blackberries, blueberries or a mixture
2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar
3 Tbs. flour

Directions:

Mix the dough
In a food processor, combine the flour and salt and pulse briefly to mix. Scatter the butter over the top and pulse just until the mixture forms coarse crumbs about the size of peas. Drizzle the ice water over the flour mixture and pulse just until the dough starts to come together.

Transfer the dough to a work surface, divide into 3 equal pieces and press each into a flat disk. Set 1 disk aside and wrap the remaining 2 disks in plastic wrap for future use (see note above).

Roll out the dough
Preheat an oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll out into a 13-inch round. Fold the round in half, transfer to the prepared sheet and unfold the round.

Fill and bake the galette
In a bowl, lightly stir together the berries, lemon juice, sugar and flour. Spoon the filling onto the dough, leaving a 2-inch border uncovered around the edge. Fold the edge up and over the filling, forming loose pleats. Bake until the filling is bubbling and the pastry is golden brown, about 25 minutes.

Transfer the galette to a wire rack and let cool slightly. Cut into wedges and serve. Makes one 9-inch galette; makes 3 pastry dough disks total.
Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Food Made Fast Series, Baking, by Lou Seibert Pappas (Oxmoor House, 2006).

Don't forget to pick up some flowers too!

♥

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Cottages & Bungalows

2011-09-07T03:00:00.014-04:00

When Angela invited me to be a part of the girls' weekend, little did I know her 'cottage' was famous!

I followed the transformation of the cottage on her blog The Painted House, she has beautiful design sense and eye for detail.

Angela is such a beauty but it doesn't stop there, she is one of the kindest women I know!

Rhoda Montgomery

I LOVE the frame around the antlers!

Rhoda Montgomery

Shannon Berry

This door on the track is cool-e-o!

What a terrible view to wake up to...not!

The bunk room...so cute, too bad I snore...

I had to sleep here! hehe

Master bedroom...

...and bath, shower on opposing wall.

Shannon Berry

How cute is this?

Shannon Berry

Comfy family room!

Angela Blehm

Girls doing what we do best...chatting!

A perfect retreat for your next trip to the NC mountains! Go here to get on the calendar!

♥

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Project Monday - Refinishing

2011-09-05T18:00:00.000-04:00

Mr. MD is still out of town and I have been a busy girl! You know...while the cat is away, the mousy plays!

I scored (22 smackers) these nesting tables at

'My Favorite Place' here in Atlanta that seriously 'American Pickers' would know they hit the mother load.

This place has some serious junk and hidden treasures.

Couldn't wait to get home and get the paint brush back in action.

Since I am now a pro at this type of finish, I figured if I couldn't find the right place for them I could sell 'em.

Next project:

My grandma's (Punkin) Victorian sofa passed down. Story is grandpa ordered from Argentina almost 70 years ago. There are a couple of chairs of the same vintage that my mom still has.

The finish has not been cleaned up for many years and there are vacuum strikes on the feet.

I'm stripping down and going to re-stain (you'll have to wait to see!). I could barely get up after bending over and twisting and working those biceps and triceps. There are lots of grooves and holes.

Take a look at the 'inside'. Burlap, horsehair and cotton. The upholster WILL keep this, no foam here. This is going to be love-er-ly when I am finished! Punkin would be so pleased to see her sofa getting a new life! :)

Been painting too....MR. MD said as long as I don't paint his gun safe, the 'vette or the dog, I can paint whatever I want!

♥

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Drooling Designers at a Show House

2011-09-04T14:37:00.001-04:00

What a treat to be invited by Angela who pens The Painted House to join her and several other designer/bloggers to head to the mountains of North Carolina. It would be a fabulous girlie weekend to visit the show house in Cashiers.

She was the most gracious hostess at her 'cottage' in a nearby town where we could giggle and eat yummy food and enjoy the beauty that God created. The locals say ca-shers, can't you just hear the mountain folk? Her 'cottage' is another post as it is simply...extraordinary!

The gardens at the front entrance of the show house were beautiful and so lush.

Right inside the entry and to the left was this beautiful office designed by Charles Faudree.

I am not a huge lucite fan but this desk was just stunning. I could definitely handle it in my own office!

Rhoda Montgomery

What I realized after looking at my collection of pictures is that I seemed to focus more on design elements instead of the entire room. Interesting.

Rhoda Montgomery

Interesting piece...

love how these two side tables are used together

View from...

...here.

legs taken off of this settee and mounted on a board and tied to rafters for a porch swing...genius!

Painted floors.

Quilt made from clothing labels!

View from the lawn, house facing pond. We got to eat lunch on these beautiful grounds. Such a beautiful and inspiring day.

♥

Do you want to make your house a fabulous home?

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Foodie Friday

2011-09-02T03:00:00.001-04:00

Where did the week go? The days fly by with the projects I have going on. Plus I took an 87 year old 'girlfriend' out shopping for her new apartment! This ole gal has a lot of kick and I couldn't wear her out. :)

I thought it would be fun to help get summer on its way OUT and have some refreshing grapefruit juice in these cute mason jars.

More mason jars for just clipped hydrangeas...

...and a little something savory with these parmesan crisps. Yum.

I am working on my post on the show house in Cashiers, NC, can't wait to show you all the fabulous design inspiration. :)

1. photography Nicole Hill Gerulet

nicolehill.blogspot.com1.

2. stylemepretty.com

3. The Italian Dish

♥

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Project Monday

2011-08-30T18:22:00.000-04:00

As you recall I painted all the inside doors of my house black.

Oh how I would love a total powder bath reno with a base that makes a statement...

...and a sink that sits on top with some interesting hardware and change the mirror and lighting.

Of course that would mean a floor issue, then a wall issue, and a total paint over. Not ready for all of that and we don't plan on staying here until we are taken out feet first. :)

I opted to wield the black paint brush again, and tried like crazy to dismount the tp holder.

Even while standing on my head with my readers and a magnifying glass I could not get that sucker off. Hate those things, sort of the way I am not fond of towel bars.

Funky Glicee's on opposing wall.

♥

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The Hills are Alive

2011-08-29T19:29:00.000-04:00

In beautiful North Carolina!

Fabulous blogger's weekend with these sistah's!

A weekend retreat in a lovely cottage in the mountains of North Carolina to gain inspiration (and drool) from the show house in Cashiers, a lovely quaint community nestled in the mountains.

Angela - The Painted House - our stunning hostess with the VERY mostest

Shannon - Shannon Berry Design - our resident celeb, who had a beautiful guest room in last year's show house and took us to some of her fave stomping grounds

Lori - Lori May Interiors and her BFF Heidi (who is on her way to blogging herself)

Rhoda - Southern Hospitality

and Moi!

Have I teased you enough? You'll have to wait, more is coming!

♥

Do you want to make your house a lovely home?

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Foodie Friday

2011-08-26T03:00:00.002-04:00

It's the weekend...

...set a purdy table...

...arrange some flowers

and put out some of your favorite cheeses, fruit and don't forget the vino!

Enjoy! ♥

I'm off for a 'girlie' weekend to go visit the Cashiers, NC design house, and then every little antique/junk store between there and Asheville. Will take pix!

Do you want to make your house a lovely home?

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Scott's Antiques

2011-08-24T21:16:00.000-04:00

I know all around blog land most of you have heard of Scott's Antiques that comes to Atlanta every month. It inhabits 2 giant buildings and some out buildings and tents. It is amazing how much 'stuff' is out there.

I went a couple of weeks ago on the 'hunt' for some things.

While on my hunt I found a feller who makes these chicken coups and the birdhouses above.

Years ago when I lived in Alaska, our 'girls night out' activities including making baskets. The varieties of these reeds brought back lots of fun memories of laughter and girlfriends.

So many great colors and sizes.

This is an interesting greenhouse/outdoor room.

Love the top on this table...

...and the zinc top double sink. Perfect for a mountain retreat!

Great chest, really like the shape.

Everywhere you look there is painted furniture. I think a little goes a long way.

Bamboo umbrella stand, lots of $$$.

Original art deco.

How about these doors? So much goodness can be done with them.

Chandy's anyone?

These actually were pretty reasonable.

How lovely these French doors would be along one side of a house.

Mr. MD loves his truck and gives me looks when I want to drive it (which is about twice a year). He thinks I am going to 'do something' to it. Sooo, I took a picture to show him the lengths I went to make sure nothing would happen to it! :)

♥

Do you want to make your house a lovely home?

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Foodie Friday

2011-08-19T12:43:00.000-04:00

Enjoy the weekend!

How about a little shot of dip....

The Dip is as follows:
1. Refried Beans
2. Sour Cream
3. Guacamole
4. Pico De Gallo
5. Queso Dip
6. Cheese

7. Green Onion

...and a yummy margarita?

We like 'em frozen!

Ingredients

2 quarts ice cubes
1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate
12 fluid ounces tequila (measure with empty limeade can)
1/4 cup Cointreau
Garnish:
margarita or kosher salt for the rims
lime slices cut in half

♥

Do you want your house to be a lovely home?

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Project Monday: Sideboard Reno Part 2

2011-08-15T09:07:00.001-04:00

I must be honest, this job was one of the more difficult I have done in a while. Check here for part 1.

We left off with me repainting the sideboard and starting over. I know now why this type of furniture has the price tag it does, lots of man hours.

I did a mix of 'pure gold' and 'antique gold' for some embellishments.

So I found some grooves...

and detail to bring out on the sideboard,

as well as the top drawers.

The smaller drawers show the wash over the gold around the framing....

...did NOT like with the gold or the wash, so I repainted for the 3rd time. Oy.

'Raw Umber' wash over the paint, much better.

I decided to take the hardware 'down' a bit.

Of course, one thing leads to another. I softened these with the liming wax also.

Chose Annie Sloan wax to get the sideboard job done.

Washed and waxed.

All in all I think it turned out well. Not super thrilled with the 'shine' but definitely needed wax to seal the paint. Rough styling, will be looking for larger heavier vessel for the hydrangeas to balance out the tall lamps.

♥

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Foodie Friday

2011-08-12T10:08:00.000-04:00

I am always trying to find something new and interesting to try food-wise, so to keep me looking I thought I would share what I find with you!

Today, from Williams Sonoma Recipes this

"Tomato Tarts with Basil and

Fresh Goat Cheese"

looks so yummy and I will be trying it out on Mr. MD (Moore Designs)tonight.

For the best flavor, prepare these tarts at the height of summer when all of the colorful heirloom tomatoes (my absolute favorite) are at the farmers’ market. Select a goat cheese with a rich, creamy consistency and a full, tangy though not overly assertive flavor.

Ingredients:

20 to 25 fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Salt, to taste
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, about 10 by 12 inches, partially thawed
5 oz. fresh goat cheese
About 1/2 cup milk
1 large red tomato
1 large yellow tomato
6 medium tomatoes, quartered

Directions:

Preheat an oven to 400°F.

In a small bowl, combine two-thirds of the basil, the garlic and the cherry tomatoes. Add the 1/4 cup olive oil, season with salt and toss gently to combine. Set aside. Place the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured work surface. Cut into 6 rectangles, each about 4 by 5 inches. Place the rectangles on a baking sheet and prick them all over with a fork to prevent the pastry from rising. Bake until light golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand on the baking sheet. Leave the oven on. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, using a fork, mash the goat cheese. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring until the cheese mixture has a smooth consistency but is not runny. You may not need all of the milk. Cut the large tomatoes into slices 1/2 inch thick and season with salt. Gently spread a heaping tablespoonful of the goat cheese mixture onto each pastry rectangle. Using only the large, center slices of the large tomatoes (reserve the remainder for another use), place a slice on each tart. Bake the tarts until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Place the tarts on individual plates. Season the tomato quarters with salt and scatter around the tarts, dividing them evenly. Top each tart with a mound of the cherry tomato and basil mixture, again dividing evenly. Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes. Garnish the tarts with the remaining basil and serve immediately. Serves 6.

Bon Apetito ♥

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Essentials of Breakfast and Brunch, by Georgeanne Brennan, Elinor Klivans, Jordan Mackay and Charles Pierce (Oxmoor House, 2007).

Do you want to make your house a lovely home?
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Project Monday: Sideboard Reno Part 1

2011-08-08T13:57:00.000-04:00

After seeing Providence Ltd's Mona Thompson's beautiful sideboard in her DR and then from the pages of Suzanne Kasler's book

Inspired Interiors

Suzanne Kasler

Mona Thompson

I found the courage to do some antiquing of my own. Of course Mr. MD couldn't believe I would paint it!

I chose to use chalk paint as my base.

I have never painted with this type of paint which I have since found out that chalk paint is actually equal parts of latex paint and plaster of paris. Next time I will mix my own as the marketed brand is pretty spendy.

I had no clue how to put the stuff on...heavy, light? So I went light and there were brush strokes which I was not too keen on. I used a mix of antique gold and metallic gold to embellish a bit.

The top...hmmmm, not sure. This is after a wash of 'raw umber', again not sure of what I am doing. Use a brush a rag? I didn't want a ragged effect, so I used a spongy brush.

Drawers didn't look too bad and really OK with the wash. Details are hard to tell with my ipad camera.

I wanted to wax the sideboard and did some investigating about this wax. Do you see how the can says CLEAR?

Uhhh, that doesn't look clear to me, but I thought maybe it dries clear.

I tested on the smaller drawers...nope not gonna do. So I went online and did some more investigating and found that 2 coats of the base is best - I did one.

Soooo, back to the drawing board. I started over. Gave everything a good second coat. Today I will 'embellish' and 'wash', wish me luck. I hate anything that looks 'homemade'!! That derned perfectionism, killer.

The great thing about the chalk paint is it will go right over varnish so no need to sand, strip or cuss!

More investigating on the right kind of wax and how to apply, think I have found the right kind.

♥

Do you want your house to be a lovely home?

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Suzanne Kasler

2011-08-04T11:36:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I had the privilege of spending the afternoon with

Suzanne Kasler

(along with 100 other designers).

It was lovely to hear her thoughts that go into the interiors she designs. She highlighted several pieces of her work including her own home from her book,

Inspired Interiors.

This is the entry to her home which she had faux painted stone on the walls...beautiful. She loves the idea of a non-traditional entry, I think this says 'welcome' immediately.

This really grabbed me, I love the runner on the stairs and the mix of art going up the stairs.

Suzanne bought this lovely tapestry at the Paris flea market and rolled it up and stuffed in in a 'roll-on' suitcase to get home. It became the focal of her family room.

Love this corner, note the mix of art.

This is a fabulous corner that she designed with a John Saladino settee. I love the screen. I can imagine sitting and having a glass of champagne.

Suzanne loves stripes and you will see them in many of her designs. If you will notice, many of her walls are white, but there is no sense of a 'white' room because of her use of textiles.

This project SK worked with Keith Summerour Architects. This area sits above the living area and was open, the architect designed the lovely wall of windows to envelope the space...beautiful.

Notice again the stripes, I love this space.

Suzanne also adores the 'X' motif that she also uses in much of her design.

I am enamored with this room. I don't know that I would have the guts. Walls and drapes the same color, note the mix of chairs at the table...love that! SK told the homeowner that if they did not like the color she would pay to have it changed.

Of course they loved it!

I most definitely was inspired. Her parting words were 'be true to yourself'. Love that!

Thank you Suzanne, you are lovely and ooze with talent. You inspire Me!

♥

Do you want to make your house a lovely home?

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