Thursday, April 5, 2012

B&A: master bedroom

Well, the time has finally come - I have pictures of the finished master bedroom! I am so excited to finally share with you my, what seemed to be never ending, recent house project. I am super happy with the way it turned out and I think Brandon even likes it, haha. So, without further ado here are some before pictures of when we first moved into Melrose!

tan walls, cream carpet, outdated fan ... I would love to replace the carpet (it is the only room in Melrose with carpet) with hardwoods but that is a discussion for another day
Deciding on paint colors ... the top color is the ceiling and bathroom paint, Benjamin Moore Horizon(it looks a lot blue-r in this picture than it really is), and I don't remember what I was choosing between but I picked the darker color, Benjamin Moore Storm in the Affinity Collection, since there is a large window + the double doors that provide a lot of natural light.
in the process ...
how beautiful is that globe fan!?!
Complete!
If you remember, I shared that we were using Brandon's childhood furniture that had traveled to Auburn with him, to the frat house, to Montgomery, and then to Birmingham so you can only imagine what kind of shape it was in by the time I was using it. It definitely got the job done, but after months of saving, lots of freelance projects, and hours of convincing Brandon - I was ready to upgrade! Here is my inspiration picture I photoshopped together and posted a while back. 
And before I show you the final, final pictures - I wanted to share a few images of what we were working with before. Yes, the dresser is missing 2 drawers and Brandon still insisted on using them by just shoving his jeans in them - I mean, I guess that was easy access!? Guys.
 We at least have the new nightstands in this picture, but we are still using the old bed and lacking some wall hangings.
Here is the final reveal! I think Brandon's skull mount really helped to balance the area between the oversized framed prints. The two prints, Ochi and White Print, belong to the wonderfully talented Michelle Armas. I can't afford one of her large paintings, but I can afford a print! I matted and framed them myself. 





please excuse my leg reflection in the lamp - I was so conscious of avoiding myself in all other mirrored surfaces, except for this shot (and I did it on both takes!)
I love my Coralie Bickford-Smith metallic F. Scott Fitzgerald books - just waiting on the others!
This is what I consider "my" dresser - as you can tell with all the jewelry, perfume, and gold gilded mirror. I searched high and low for the perfect mirror for this dresser and settled on this laurel mirror from Pottery Barn. The size is perfect for the space and the price was pretty reasonable too. I wish it didn't have the "distressed" marks, but oh well! I drape most of my necklaces over the silhouette painting I painted and use the bowls to store my bracelets. 
On this dresser we have one of our wedding pictures and a shot of Brandon's excitement at the National Championship game - I thought it was perfect for the orange chevron frame (War Eagle!). I found the tray at At Home in Homewood and used it to display Brandon's "collect all" bowl, a candle, his my favorite cologne, and some other doo-dads. 




I know you saw the fan that we started with so you can't blame me for wanting something pretty, right!? Well, I was dead set on a beautiful chandelier, but the male involved said NO - he wanted a fan. I decided to compromise on this issue hoping to persuade him on the other items in the room, and it worked. So, we met in the middle and I found this place in Birmingham that allows you to mix and match everything. I paired white, high gloss blades with a gold body and found this crystal chandelier attachment for the light. I think it is a happy medium and actually matches the curtain rod finials and some of the knobs I replaced.
So, what do you think? Was it all worth the wait? I think so! Now it is onto the guest bedrooms - one down and one to go. Here is a sneak peek of the completed guest bedroom that I will be sharing soon! I love the rustic sconces I mounted ... how about you!?

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

Well, spring is officially here and I am loving it! I have all ready enjoyed a few afternoons by the pool, my white jeans, and open toed sandals. Not only am I embracing the warmer weather, but so is Melrose's plant life. Our tulips have bloomed (and about died), the azaleas are in full force, and Mom planted me some new dainty flowers in my stone pots. Now, I am just waiting on our rose bush and confederate jasmine to spring alive!
 check out the drooping tulips in the background, oops!
And since Easter is right around the corner, I decided to go pastel pink with my new shellac manicure. So sweet and innocent.
I think it will match my new Easter dress from Zara perfectly. Don't judge - I know it looks a little funky and harsh with the black booties, but it really is sweet and feminine. I think a little gold belt around the waist will be the perfect touch. I love the mint green paired with the abstract watercolor and the palette is so unexpected. Do you have a new Easter dress? 

I hope you all enjoying this lovely weather! We are about to be in full backyard project mode so I will be sure and keep ya'll updated on the process! Stay tuned for Melrose's master bedroom reveal this week!

Friday, March 30, 2012

CHIPPENDALE CHAIRS

I know these faux bamboo chairs are infamous and fabulous statement pieces, but ever since I pinned this picture the other day they have really been on my mind! I would love a pair for Melrose's dining room. Have you seen any at thrift stores lately?

I know people can find amazing deals on these at antique malls and flea markets, but I have not been very successful! I did notice last night that Ballard Designs has a great option for these chippendale chairs - not in this awesome fire engine red, but in some pretty neutrals. Do you have any chippendale chairs in your current decor?
Macau Armchair - available in black, white, and natural (like below)
Here are some other beautiful rooms displaying their collection of Chinese chippendale chairs.

I love the fun fabric paired with the white, classic furniture
 via elle decor

 I love the zebra cushion - maybe the black or white Ballard chair with a funky print!?
 via lonny mag
 via
via rue mag

Have a fabulous weekend!