Southern Studio Interior Design

It’s hard to believe that today is the first day of autumn.  It’s a wonderful season of change and I welcome every moment filled with warm sweaters, pumpkins, apple cider, and football.

As I was working with paint colors today, I pulled a few of my favorite colors that remind me of autumn.  Fall colors are rich and vibrant…and will bring warmth to any room.

So, if you’re inspired by the colors outside and want to bring them into your interior spaces to enjoy all year, try one (or two) of these paint colors by Sherwin Williams:

SW6151 Quiver Tan

SW7737 Meadow Trail

SW7598 Sierra Redwood

SW7703 Earthened Jug

SW7685 White Raisin

I just used White Raisin in my studio and it’s absolutely a new favorite!  Enjoy every color of the season…Vicky

Lately, I’ve noticed many beautiful bedrooms enhanced by the variety and beauty of upholstered headboards and beds. It’s a great look that can take on so many personalities.

This refreshing bedroom was featured in the 2009 Southern Living Idea Home.  The bold pattern of the headboard is the focal point in the room.

This classic and calming bedroom retreat was featured in House Beautiful.

I love this small space with an upholstered daybed from Traditional Home.  It’s the perfect guest room that can serve as a multi-functional space.

A few years ago at the Atlanta market, I found a wonderful company located here in North Carolina that creates unique upholstered beds.  Whenever possible, I try to use local businesses and craftspeople. We worked closely with the owner designing two children’s bedrooms; one for a little girl using apple green linen and hot pink monogramming and the other for a teenage boy using distressed and tufted leather.  Two very different looks for two very different kids. These beds by Carriage House are a few of my absolute favorites.

At the end of this overcast day, I think it’s time to retire early with a good book.  Now all I need is the bed!

Today was close to perfect!  It all started with a long walk on the beach with Dan and my happy dog. The sun was shining and the dolphins were jumping….life is good.

This afternoon we visited the Coastal Living Idea House located in the beautiful Seawatch at Sunset Harbor community. Every Idea House I’ve ever visited brings inspiration and this one is no exception. The interiors were perfectly executed by Phillip Sides Interior Design located in Montgomery, Alabama.

The architecture of the home, designed by Guidry Coastal Architecture, is charming with exquisite detailing.

The entry is casual and dramatic.  I love the black and white photography that lines the staircase.

The great room is large and inviting….a calm, coastal retreat.

One of my favorite interior details is this small window seat alcove. The window treatment is a simple shutter lined with chicken wire and fabric accents.

The kitchen has a large center work island that also functions as a breakfast bar.  Notice the forged iron island pendant designed by Phillips Metal Works.

The upstairs loft is flanked by two sets of built-in bunk beds.  The peek-thru windows are home to small reading lights.

This home will be featured in the November issue of Coastal Living, but it’s open to the public for viewing through November 29th.  I promise it’s worth the visit!

Now, how to end my near perfect day?  Maybe another long walk on the beach and a glass of wine.  Life really is good!

Labor Day….a legal holiday which honors labor and working people.  For me, this holiday weekend started with real labor.  For some time now I’ve been a member of the Triangle Alliance Group, a team of proven professionals that partner to grow and nurture business relationships.

Today our members joined forces to volunteer our time at a Clean Up Day for the Durham Rescue Mission’s newly opened Bargain Center.  The Bargain Center is located at 10701 Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh and offers 18,000 square feet of “shop ’til you drop” bargains.  It is an excellent place for Triangle residents to recycle and reuse furniture, clothing and household items.  It also provides jobs and serves as a training center for the men and women who are residents at the Durham Rescue Mission, many of whom were once homeless.

Alliance Group members hard at work include Troy Menges with Planworx Architecture and Richard Novacek with NOVAservices.

A special thanks to Shawn Saunders with the Durham Rescue Mission and Greg Smith with Greenscape.  Although they look like they are relaxing, they were responsible for coordinating the successful day!

If your Labor Day weekend includes cleaning out closets, please consider donating to the Bargain Center (or just stop by to shop the bargains)!

My labor is complete for the week.  I’m off to enjoy the fruits of my labor and wish you all the same!