A Unique Art Find Right here in Atlanta

One of my favorite styles of artwork is collage art.  I love the concept behind collage work, combining various elements together to create a story or paint a picture.  A couple of years ago, I featured some collage art that I came across from one of my favorite vendors at the Atlanta mart, Paragon.  The collage pieces from their artist were so dynamic and interesting.  Little did I know that the artist behind these works lives right here in Atlanta and is a fellow designer with many of the same passions as me.  This talented designer  is Timothy Burney and I recently had the opportunity to view some of his newest work.  All I can say is Amazing!!!!

I can’t wait to share a few of my favorite pieces from his collection with you, but first let me tell you a bit about this artist.  Timothy was born and raised in Mississippi and has a love for photography and design.  He is fascinated by ‘objets’ and incorporates them into is work.  Timothy was an antique dealer for 20 years and many of his ‘objets’ were purchased during his travels to England and France (I want to go) which makes his art even more unique because they are one-of-a-kind.  In addition to the incredible shadow box art that Timothy creates he also produces beautiful pieces from his photography and a selection of unique clocks.  Many of his pieces are available only to the trade thru Paragon but he does have a website where you can view and buy his work.

Now, on to the eye candy…

This Chopin bust collage is incredible.  I love the mix of antique pieces that add so much dimension and visual interest.

This piece really speaks to the collector in me.  The antique ruler and architectural rendering are awesome.  Just what every designer needs for their studio.

Another tug on my heartstrings.  I love buttons, especially vintage ones and this display is really fun.

This is one of the clocks made for the Paragon collection.  Wouldn’t this look great as part of a gallery wall?

How about this collection of vintage clocks under glass!  I so love!

A vintage letter & envelopes dating back to the early 1900′s.

Another one-of-a-kind collage piece combining vintage documents, art and findings.

This set of Johnson Bros. bowls with a silver spoon would be so beautiful in a kitchen or dining room.  I love Johnson Bros. and have purchased several pieces when I’ve been out antiquing.

Beautiful French ornamental pieces mounted on top of old documents.

And I so adore this framed antique clock face.  Pretty cool!

You have to take a moment to check out all the art and photography on the TimothyBDesign website.  I promise you’ll be inspired and want to buy a piece.

And, for those of you that live in Atlanta, Timothy just opened a space in the new Westside Market on Ellsworth Industrial.  This new market is a collection of vintage and antique  dealers and showcases a few of my favorite dealers like Parker Kennedy. I haven’t had a chance to visit the market in person but plan a trip next week to check it out and will be sure to take lots of pics.

Until next time…

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Blog Connections and Some Amazing Artwork

As I blogger, it has always been somewhat of a mystery about who it is that actually reads my blog.  I know that a larger percentage of my readers are women and many of you are designers like me.  I also know that I have quite a few male readers (yeah men!) and that lots of you love the same things I do…fashion, entertaining, gifting and design.  It is always nice to connect with my readers and I love it when one of you takes the time to drop me a note to let me know how much you enjoy what I write and share with you.

A couple of months ago, I got an email from one of my readers in NY letting me know how much HE liked my blog.  Victor had a website listed at the bottom of his email and of course I checked it out.  Come to find out that one of my blog readers is Victor-Raul Garcia, a very well-known abstract modernist painter from NY.  Victor and I have traded a few emails and I have come to love his work and wanted to share it with you.

Here’s Victor in action creating one of his colorful and dynamic pieces.

Victor was born in Lima, Peru, raised by his grandmother and came to the US at the age of 8.  He has long had an interest in interior design, visual expression and color therapy, all which led him to follow his passion of being an artist.  Victor is known as an artist that explores new ways to create his work, often mixing traditional materials with non-traditional elements like coffee grinds and wood stains.

This is how Victor describes his work…”Layers are the distinction between past and present, old and new, buried and rediscovered. The process I use in my work I call ‘art archeology’ since I am stripping away layers to unravel a hidden mystery or putting on layers to add mystery to what’s hidden. I believe we all have a physicality, a personality and an essence, which is what I hope to portray in each piece.“

Victor’s work has been collected by people all over the world, has been shown in many galleries and has been featured in many magazines.  Here’s a look at some of his current pieces.

ASUNCION

BABEL

INRI

RED ENVY

TORMENTA DE FUEGO

What I love most about Victor’s art is the intense use of color and the bold statement each piece makes.  I hope to one day own a piece of Victors work.

The blog world is an amazing space.  While I may never know who each and every one of my readers is, I love when I can connect with someone, make a new friend and find a whole new source of inspiration.  As someone who has always wanted to dabble in painting, I’m inspired by Victors art.

Thanks Victor for reading ConfettiStyle and for reaching out and saying Hi!

To learn more about Victor you can visit his website here or connect with him on Facebook here!

p.s.  I’d love to get to know my readers better so leave me a comment and let me know your name and where you are from.

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A Mirror Wall…Under $300 and One Shopping Trip

I was in Target recently and stopped by their mirror department to see what was new.  I was blown away but the collection of stylish mirrors they had,  many of which are part of their new Threshold collection.  I wanted to buy each and every mirror I saw but restrained myself because I wasn’t exactly sure how I’d use them in my home.  Alas, Pinterest to the rescue.  Upon putting in the search term Mirrors, I was hit with so many beautiful mirror displays and that got me dreaming.

There was one image that stood out to me but I figured it would cost a pretty penny to pull to the look together.  But I soon realized I could get the look using various Target mirrors  for less than $300 and would have to make only one trip to the store.    Here’s the plan..

Pretty great right?  Several of the mirror styles that Target has come in packs of 3 which makes the per piece price really great.  And right now most, if not all the mirror are on sale which makes them a super deal!

Have you shopped Target lately and if so any great finds I should know about?

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Design Trend: Antlers

Seems that the Antler décor trend is not just relegated to cabins and rustic décor.  Antlers have become fashionable and have gone mainstream.

My personal decorating style does not include the antler look but I can appreciate and admire the charm and eclectic touch they add to a room.  I especially like them as part of a gallery wall arrangement, when they are used to create a chandelier or when they are  incorporated into tabletop décor.

Here’s a little Antler Inspiration to finish off the week.  Enjoy!

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For those of you that love the look of antler décor, I’m sharing a great resource for stylish antler wall plaques.

My friend Sarah over at UpscaleDownhome started buying and making antler plaques last year and sold them in her Etsy shop. She combines vintage fabrics and materials with the antlers and then mounts them on decorative wood plaques. She also makes antler curtain tiebacks.   Sarah has created a nice business with her antlers and is continually adding new styles because these babies sell so quickly!  I urge you to head over to her shop and check it out and while you’re there, take a peek at all the fabulous vintage finds she has for sell too!

Here are a few of my favorite UpscaleDownhome styles…

Vintage Deer Antler Mount with Green Military Wool by UpscaleDownhome

Vintage Deer Antler Mount WhiteSweater by UpscaleDownhome

Vintage Deer Antler Mount with Chalkboard Paint and Black Plaid by UpscaleDownhome

Antler Tiebacks by UpscaleDownhome

Have a fabulous weekend and check back tomorrow for my weekend reads!

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My New Favorite Wall Treatment: Fabric

After seeing the fabric covered wall that Marian over at Miss Mustard Seed  created in her master bedroom, I’ve totally fallen for the idea of fabric as a great way to decorate a wall.

via Miss Mustard Seed

While covering walls with fabric is not the quickest and easiest to do, the impact is down right stunning.  Applying fabric to a wall is quicker than stenciling and given all the beautiful fabrics available on the web an in fabric stores, you can create just about any look you want.

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Fabric covered walls are a great option for renters since fabric can be mounted to foam core or cork board and attached to the wall with removable adhesive strips or Velcro.

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I love the look of quilted fabric walls which can be achieved with cording and tacks.

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Placing fabric into the recessed areas of a paneled wall is another great application idea. Add ribbon to finish off the edges and create a contrasting border.

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And burlap or linen is an inexpensive and easy fabric wall treatment.  Use upholstery tacks to secure the fabric to the wall and create an industrial chic frame.

Adding fabric to a wall is not on my to-do list but if it was, here are a few fabric picks I’d consider :

Cottage Twill in Harmony from Fabrics.com

Suzani Twill in River Rock from Fabrics.com

Rigi by Thom Filicia from Lewis and Sheron

Patras by Nate Berkus from Calico Corners

Porada Lin in Watermark from Calico Corners

So what’s you vote?  Love it or Leave it???

If this idea has inspired you and you want to give fabric covered walls a try, here’s a good tutorial on how to get it done.

 

Other post you might enjoy!

Accessorizing the FIVE Impact Areas of Your Home

Creative Wall Décor

The Starting Point of Design

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Reflecting on MIRRORS in the Kitchen

 Happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a great weekend.  I spent a good part of Saturday shopping with a client and then came home and watched Argo.  Boy was it a great movie and so suspenseful!  I can totally understand why it won Best Picture.  Sunday the hubs and I ran errands, stopped in at a couple of antique stores and lounged a lot.  While my mind wanted to work, my body was in full R & R mode.

I’ve got a full week ahead with a trip to the Atlanta Merchandise mart planned, developing the new series of design workshops I’ll be presenting at a local retail store this month, shopping for several client projects and heading to Scott Antique Market on Friday.  It should be a great week!

Two of the design projects I’m working on involve mirrors in the kitchen so I thought I’d share a few decorating ideas with that in mind!  I just happen to think these ideas are pretty brilliant!

  

Mirrored backslash

Mirrored Wall Decor

 Mirrored Cabinets

Mirrored Accent Wall

Mirrored Refrigerator Door

Decorating a kitchen with mirrors is not something that most people would put at the top of their list but the results can be stunning.

THE BENEFITS OF DECORATING WITH MIRRORS

*  Mirrors Enhance Light

*  Mirrors Make Small Spaces Look Larger

*  Mirrors add Impact and Depth

*  Mirrors Add Style and Design Detail

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Ideas for Styling & Accessorizing Your Kitchen

Happy Monday!

I hope everyone had a great weekend and enjoyed watching the Oscars last night.  As always, there were some stunning dresses and some that missed the mark.  I’m sharing my winners of the night at the end of this post so make sure to read through to the end.  Until then I’ve got some kitchen decorating ideas to share with you!

Designing a kitchen is like designing no other space in the home.  There are always space restrictions, function issues and flow considerations  to work with, in addition to balancing style with storage and organization.  Once a kitchen is designed and all the key elements are in place next comes accessorizing countertops, cupboards, walls and floors.  This little task comes with its own challenges but there is lots of inspiration out there and a few design tips to make decorating your kitchen a bit easier.

COUNTERS:

Kitchen counters are a sacred space in most kitchens with the act of creating storage space with work space becoming a real balancing act.

Whenever possible, it is a good idea to go vertical to maximize storage.  A wood plate rack like this one below not only look goods but offers up maximum storage in a minimum footprint and keeps everyday items close at hand.

Countertop accessories like utensils, tools and seasonings can be gathered up on a pretty tray and not left scattered around on the counter.  A tray also makes it easy to move all the items at one time when the extra counter space is needed.

Wire wall racks don’t have to be hung on the wall to function in a kitchen.  This tiered rack not only uses vertical space but keeps items super organized.

If you have the wall space, create more counter and surface space with the addition of a wall shelf.  This shelf is so beautiful and adds to the character of the kitchen.

p.s.  A super stylish touch for any kitchen counter is the addition of a small accent lamp or two.  Task lighting and ambience at its best!

CABINETS & SHELVING:

A big trend in kitchens at the moment is open shelving.  Taking the doors off of cabinets not only allows someone to showcase a beautiful collection of dinnerware or pottery but the kitchen will have the impression of feeling  larger and more open.

Open kitchen shelving requires organization but when kept organized the impact is stunning.

You’ll also notice that the way the pieces are placed on these shelves utilize vertical space and layering to make the display visually pleasing and efficient.

Open shelving in a kitchen also provides a great opportunity to display decorative items that will enhance the overall look of the kitchen.

And don’t forget the sides of cabinets as a potential display/storage area.  A simple towel bar can become an attractive spot to hang baskets or towels.

(Ikea has great handing bar accessories to create this look)

FLOORS:

When decorating your kitchen, think of your floor as you do your wall.  Add interest and color with rugs, paint or decorative flooring.

I love the look of a runner in the kitchen instead of using several smaller rugs placed in front of the sink, stove etc.  The runner enhances the size of the kitchen and draws you in to the space.

Even traditional area rugs are a great way to style a kitchen.  Larger, flat weave rugs will bring pattern and warmth to an otherwise hard surface kitchen space.

More and more people are opting for painted floor treatments in their kitchen for both the ease of care and added style.  I love this diagonal stripe pattern which adds real visual impact.

When smaller accent rugs are used in a kitchen, go for something bold and dynamic.  This more modern geometric pattern is a great contract to all the other elements in this kitchen.

Or, smaller rugs in the same color but with different patterns is another fun style option.

FLOR tiles are a great style and cost-effective option for kitchen floors.  If one tile gets ruined simple pull that one out and replace it.

WALLS:

Seems that wall space in kitchens is becoming less and less in home design these days.  Because of that it is really important to make a statement with any wall décor you do add to your kitchen.

Framed chalkboards are great not only because they give an eclectic touch but also because they are functional for writing down list, menus and recipes.

Framed “kitchen themed” prints or even tea towels is a great way to add style to your kitchen without much cost.  Keep the frames simple and use color to make the impact.

I love decorative plates as a wall décor statement in a kitchen.  Collect a variety of plates in a simple style but with varying colors and patterns.  The plates can easily be taken down when needed for entertaining too!

This fun DIY project is a great way to create wall décor for your kitchen.  Spray paint some thrift store flatware, frame it against a piece of decorative or plain scrapbook paper and you’ve got a great look.  Just imagine all the color possibilities.

How don’t forget a large wall clock as an option for your kitchen wall.  Go big and bold.

And how about considering a large round frame or embroidery hoop with a piece of decorative fabric.

The kitchen is the hub of the home so make sure to spend a little time creating a space that feels good and adds to the spirit of your home!

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And now my picks for Oscar best dressed are:

Charlize looked stunning in this white gown and her short hair made it even more chic.

This dress worn by Sandra did not have to rely on leg slits or a deep neckline to make it stand out.  The fabric and fitted shape make this dress stand out.

While I didn’t really like the little loop on the belt, the rest of the dress was amazing. The tiered color at the bottom was flirty and fun.

Whenever I have the chance to attend a super formal event, I always opt for a color instead of black because it always stands out. This royal blue color was stunning on Robin and made the simple velvet fabric come alive.  My vote for color of the year 2014!

And finally Jane Fonda.  I love anything in bright yellow and good golly doesn’t she look great for here age! WOW!

Have a great day and do it in style!

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Eclectic Wall Art

The more I shop flea markets and antique stores, the more I’m loving the idea of collecting random pieces of art and creating an eclectic art wall reminiscent of a something you’d find in a Soho loft.

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 Art is a sure-fire way to personalize your décor.

I’m off to Scott Antique Market tomorrow and who knows, I just might come home to a few pieces of eclectic art of my own!

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