Monday, April 30, 2012

SO Original! Table DecorThat Blows Me Away

First, here's a good, simple one for Mother's Day:


And the rest are simple too (nothing fussy... 'cause fussy is just...fussy) :






LOVE the suspended table decor:





Don't forget the coffee table! 
Guests can help themselves, sitting comfortably on the couch, floor, easy chair.
 Drink station nearby, of course.


Dining alone? Do it with style:



Have a Stylish Day!
xo
Valerie


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Sunday, April 29, 2012

Mirrors with Rounded or Arched Tops

You have seen theses mirrors. Irresistable.
The mirror-as-headboard , below, is  a gold  arched-top antique.  
It would look great in any room. But if you can't have that,
 the rounded top gold mirrors are lovely:



same mirror as above,, different angle:

And the Lovely alternatives:










Call it French, Country, Traditional, European, 
Rustic...the gold frame, the antiqued look, is a winner.


Have a great Day!
xo
Valerie








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Saturday, April 28, 2012

Bookcases + Coziness ( aka Book Nooks)

Reading Nooks  or, for some, Reading-and-Falling-Asleep Nooks.

Every home should have one, no matter how big or small. 
Maybe you can have more than one.
Here are plenty of examples:





















So sweet! :


Great design, great for the mind, great for the soul!
Read on!
xo
Valerie









Friday, April 27, 2012

Feathered Cameroon Juju Hats + Other Feathered Head-toppers

What is that poof-thing on the wall? I've been asking myself that.
So I decided to research it a bit and show you how I fell in love!



 If you can't Wear them, Wall them:
They are Cameroon's tribal Juju Hats. 
Feathers are sewn onto raffia, and worn as hats by Cameroon's
 tribal leaders and by others of importance.
 The hats symbolize beauty ( the rare beauty of the feathers), prosperity,
 and the positive qualities associated with birds.
 So now that  understand, I LOVE them!

 Detail:


The inside of the hat:


As wall decor:











In the UK it's done a bit differently:

     

And also at Mardi Gras:

Interestingly, each example --  regardless of  sex, race or continent  --  connotes status.

Stick a feather in your cap!
xo
Valerie


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Thursday, April 26, 2012

So Perfect, Some Preppie

Clean, simple design, with at least a hint of the preppy style is a great look.
 It does not require a huge income, but it really helps -- especially if you
 are looking for something like an authentic beach or rocky shores connection...

Simple, classic, and comfortable are key words for this look:





A modern take:


Eloise at the Plaza chic:

A Southern take:

A New England take:



Black and Tan...perfect anywhere!










The formal in these rooms are a relaxed version. 
They make one feel so content.
 Even if you don't have the Cape Cod shore or 
the huge weathered clapboard Homestead with pool, 
you can still pull this look off. 
That's why I adore it.


Have a great day!
xo
Valerie




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