ConfettiStyle

New on the Bookshelf

ConfettiStyle — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:16:55 +0000

There are lots of new design books which have recently been released and as usual, I couldn’t resist adding a few new titles to my ever-growing collection of design books. Here’s what new on the bookshelf…

Outdoor Spaces, produced by Coastal Living and is filled the stunning images of chic and stylish outdoor space. I found inspiration on every page, from the accessories and pillows to the furniture layouts and color combinations. With some many design books focused on the interior of a home it is great to add this outdoor inspiration book to my collection.

If you love to entertain and throw parties, you’ll definitely want to get The Art of The Party. From small-scale events to larger galas and weddings, you get a fresh crop of ideas that will inspire your next party.

Ronda Carmen, the blogger behind the blog All The Best has compiled some of the most beautiful spaces that exist in her book Designers At Home. All of the rooms featured are the personal living spaces of some of the nation’s top interior designers like Bunny Williams, India Hicks and Charlotte Moss.

Bazaar Style: Decorating the Market and Vintage Finds spoke to my love of thrifting and finding the diamond in the rough. I love seeing how items from yesteryear are incorporated into stylish interiors for today. This is the perfect inspiration book for my this years shopping trip to the Longest Yard Sale.

What books have you added to your bookshelf lately?

Filed under: BOOKS, Decorating Tools, ENTERTAINING, Vintage Tagged: Design Books, Inspiration

Confessions of an Auction Virgin

ConfettiStyle — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:06:15 +0000

Ok folks, why hasn’t anyone told me about auctions before? Many of you have written about going to auctions on your blogs and I’ve seen some of the great items you come home with but no one ever told me how totally awesome they are!!

Last week the hubs and I had a new experience and attended an auction for the first time. All I can say is that I’m hooked and will definitely be making this a regular part of my schedule.

The auction we attended is held in an old warehouse that at first glance was a little suspect. The place was not pretty, the lights were low and the crowd was pretty diverse. All I kept thinking as we approached the building was, “I’m glad I didn’t wear sandals just in case a varmint runs across the floor” and “I’m so glad the hubs came along”! But once we walked in the door I knew we had entered someplace special. Just image thousands of items stacked to the rafters. I’m not talking junk people, I’m talking furniture (antiques and newer), lighting, artwork, rugs, decorative pieces and just about anything else you can image. This was a thrift shoppers dreams and I was living it!

As we made our way to the back of the building we passed a food buffet that is apparently a signature element on auction night. And, there was also a bar serving all kinds of beverages.

The back of the auction house had rows and rows of chair set up for bidders and in front of that were all the items that were going to be auctioned off that night. I immediately registered, got my bid number and began looking thought the auction items. I was overwhelmed with not only the number of items but also the range of pieces. As my heart began to beat faster I started jotting down the numbers for the items I was interested in. OMG I was beyond excited at the possibility.

Precisely at 6:15 pm the auction began and as I sat there I couldn’t believe my ears. The auctioneer started the bidding at $5.00 for most of the items and $25.00 for the larger furniture pieces. Are you kidding me!

Long story short, I bid on 5 or 6 things, only won the bid on two and we left the auction house at 11:00pm with the bidding stilling going on.

If you live in Atlanta and are wondering where this auction is, word on the street is that this auction is a well-kept secret and those in the know don’t share the name or location so I’m sworn to secrecy!

Just to give you an idea of the “awesomeness” of it all, I snapped a few photos of some of the items up for grabs. Hold on, you are going to be blown away by the prices these pieces sold for.

Everything you see in the photo, plus the stuff on the walls were being auctioned off and this was just a fraction of the items.

This antique settee sold for $100.00. The frame was in great condition and all it needs is a new upholstery job.

This wood cabinet sold for $85.00.

There were 4 of these vintage kitchen chairs and they sold for $90.00 for the set.

Here’s a look at some of the others items up for auction. The globe sold for $10 and that vintage dresser sold for $45.00.

I loved this old wood umbrella stand with shelf and bid on it. It sold for $80.00. I only wanted to pay $50 so I didn’t win the bid.

This vintage desk was beautiful. It sold for $150.00 and I think it could sell for $500+ at an antique market.

I also loved this vintage wood display piece and could just image my spools of ribbon on it. Too bad it wouldn’t fit in my car. It sold for $95.00.

This was one of the steals of the night. This arch top secretary desk sold for $125.00. I saw a similar one on eBay for $2200!

This wall clock was not working but had a really great style and design to it. It sold for $35.00.

Two guys bought this massive piece of original oil art (7.5′ x 5′) for only $120. The frame alone was worth hundreds!

After the majority of the big items sold the crew brought out racks of smaller items like glassware, frames and pillows and decorative objects. Each shelf on the rack was auctioned off in total with most of the shelves selling for $5.00 or less. There were lots of shelves that sold for $1.00.

My purchases for the night included a vintage wood magazine rack something like this one for $12.00

and I bought a “lot” of picture frames and framed art for $12.50 (14 pc. in total).

Attending my first auction reminded me of a few life lessons:

1. Never Judge a Book by It’s Cover–Inside that “old warehouse” was a stash of fabulous items.

2. True Friends Share–A good friend that was “in the know” shared the date and location of this auction with me.

3. Growing up my mom used to tell me that nothing good happens after dark–In the case of this auction, some of the best bargains can be found after 10:00 pm!

4. My husband is my best friend!

5. The Core Of Man’s Spirit Comes from New Experiences–Chris McCandless

6. Dreams do come true!

Now that I have my first auction under my belt, I think it’s appropriate to call me an Auction Hunter!

Filed under: Shopping The World, Things I Love, Thrifting, Vintage Tagged: Auction Shopping

Best of Etsy: Business Cards Vol. 2

ConfettiStyle — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:10:00 +0000

Do you like looking at the design of people’s business cards? Whenever I attend a big event and business cards are being swapped, I love check out the design and colors that other designers have on their cards. I really think that a business card should convey a bit about your style and/or personality and should be a design that stands out.

I love my business cards, but it’s almost time for me to restock my supply so I’m looking at some new options. I want something that is bright and colorful and a bold pattern. In doing my research, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite business card designs to share with you. I found all of these on Etsy which is where I got my existing cards from.

1) MalloryHopeDesigns

2) PipersPlace1

3) Deidamiah

4) StudioS

5) Charming Elizabeth

6) ColorLinks

7) SeedtoSprout

8) iPaper

9) LetterLoveDesigns

10) PiperPlace1

11) TreasuresinInk

12) MadLucyPaper

There are hundreds of business card designs available on Etsy so if you’re in the market for business cards take a moment to check it out. I know you’ll find a card that speaks to you!

Filed under: Business Cards, ETSY, STYLE

10 Ways to UpStyle Your Closet

ConfettiStyle — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:24:32 +0000

I love a beautiful closet and think it’s one of the easiest ways to enhance your life. A beautiful closet makes your clothes and accessories look better and I believe it can also make you feel your best each and every day.

Many of the design clients I work with struggle with making the most of their closet, from organizing it to making it a design statement like the rest of their bedroom. No matter how big or small your closet is, there are some design tricks you can use to make it a beautiful, functional and inspiring space.

1. CREATE A POWERFUL FIRST IMPRESSION

If you don’t have a walk-in closet, don’t let that stop you from creating a dynamic first impression with your closet. Painting your closet doors, adding trim work or using wall paper to add a graphic punch is a great way to up-style your closet.

2. ADD PAINT OR PAPER

Adding a little pizazz to the inside of your closet will not only energize the space but your clothes will look more glamorous surrounded by pretty paper or paint.

I love the idea of wall-papering the inside of a closet door. It creates such a pretty backdrop to display outfits against.

Paint your closet walls your favorite color which is sure to lift your spirits.

3. ORGANIZE BY COLOR

Organizing your clothes by style first (shirts, pants, skirts etc.) and then by color will give your closet a stylized feel and make getting dressed easier.

And don’t forget that the hangers are part of your style statement so use all one style of hanger to give your closet a streamlined and cohesive look.

4. KEEP IT ORGANIZED

I can’t stress how important an organized closet is to starting your day on a good foot. Keep like items together and use shelf dividers to keep things tidy.

5. USE STORAGE BOXES AS A STYLE ELEMENT

Storage boxes are another great organizing tool. Invest in study boxes with stylish details. Storage boxes can become part of your closet style! If you come across plain boxes at the thrift store, an inexpensive roll of wrapping paper and double-sided tape can transform them into decorative boxes in a flash.

6. PUT THINGS ON DISPLAY

I love to incorporate decorative accents into a closet space. Hanging a piece of art or displaying accessories or personal care items on decorative risers can transform your closet into a special space.

7. MAKE IT PERSONAL

If space allows, why not incorporate a small vanity desk or chaise into your closet space. It my not seem like you’d hang out in your closet but I promise this will become a special retreat for you.

8. ADD A TOUCH OF GLAMOUR

One of the easiest ways to up-style your closet is by hanging a chic chandelier or pendant light. This change alone will make your closet feel special and personal.

9. ADD SEATING

Ok, who wouldn’t want this gorgeous ottoman in their closet. Seating, whether a chair, stool or ottoman will give you a place to put on your shoes and turn your closet into a salon.

10. ADD A RUG

Adding a decorative rug as a style layer in your closest is a quick and easy up-style tip. Go bold or stay classic but layer a rug to give your closet a sense of warmth and coziness.

If you’re looking for ways to make your closet a more inspiring space, try one or more of these Closet UpStyle Tips!

Happy Decorating!

If you’d like help creating a home your absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my design services!

all images can be found on MY DREAM CLOSET pinterest board.

Filed under: Accessorizing, CLOSETS, Clothing, ConfettiStyle Interiors, Decorating Tools, Design Tips, FASHION, INSPIRATION, ORGANIZATION, WALLPAPER Tagged: FASHION, Inspiration, Interior Design, Style

My Visit to Antique Traditions

ConfettiStyle — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:45:24 +0000

Before I headed off to the Kentucky Derby, I had the privilege of being the guest of honor for Ladies Night Out at a fabulous store north of Atlanta. Antiques Traditions is a cute home décor a gift store that is actually composed of 4 stores under one roof. The store sits on a quaint little street in downtown Norcross which exudes all the charm of a sweet southern town. The streets are tree-lined, the people are friendly and the ambience is unmistakable!

Lorraine who owns Antique Traditions started the business years ago with her mom, Hazel. After years of being in business alone she opened up her shop to three women, Carolee, Taylor and Mary, each of whom has their own unique shop under the Antiques Traditions roof.

I can’t fully express to you what a wonderful selection of vintage, handmade and new items Antique Traditions has to offer so I’ll let you enjoy my own personal photo album.

This iron star wall grill is one of the stores best-selling items. I think it would look pretty awesome as a ceiling medallion with a chandelier hanging from the center!

Antique Traditions carries one of my favorite personal care lines, Shelley Kyle! This line of products will really make you feel pampered!

Lovely accessories

and wonderful textiles!

I loved this table with the carved swan base!

The jewelry selection at Antique Traditions is fabulous and the prices are great.

Handmade soaps and pillows

Adorable baby items, perfect for gift giving! Carolee also offers custom monogramming for many of the items in her boutique.

A wonderful assortment of personal stationery

Vintage lighting, furniture and decorative accents.

Beautiful watercolor art

and whimsical linens.

I love, love, love this necklace!

Isn’t this chandelier fabulous. I can envision it hanging in a bathroom or bedroom.

There is a wonderful selection of artwork

and mirrors!

And lots of lovely trinkets!

A few of these metal tags came home with me

and you know I love this cloche!

I am so happy to have had the opportunity to meet the women of Antique Traditions. With so many specialty retailers closing their doors, it is great to know that a store like Antique Tradition is thriving and creating a special shopping destination for its customers. I’ll definitely be making lots of visits back to the store and look forward to checking out the rest of downtown Norcross. Thanks Lorraine for inviting me as the special guest at your event!

Antique Traditions

109 South Peachtree Street

Norcross, GA 30071 770-263-7761

http://theshopsofantiquetraditions.com/

And, like Antique Traditions on Facebook here!

Filed under: Antique Shopping, Shopping The World, Vintage Tagged: Antique Tradtions, Norcross

Inspiration + Weekend Reads

ConfettiStyle — Sat, 11 May 2013 13:58:10 +0000

Happy Mother’s Day to my mom and mom’s everywhere!

A few links I think you’ll enjoy this weekend!

I find this stores business model and its CEO DISGRACEFUL!

Such inspiration and a beautiful home too!

My favorite on-line mag!

I’m back in jewelry making mode and want to recreate this necklace!

Great advice on fulfilling your dreams!

I love this DIY project and just may have to create my own version!

I never thought I’d think of JC Penney as a source for cute apparel but this, this and this is making me change my mind.

Filed under: FASHION, INSPIRATION, JEWELRY, Weekend Reading

DIY Cloche

ConfettiStyle — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:33:05 +0000

Happy Friday!

Well, as you can see I didn’t get around to posting my DIY project yesterday. Instead, I was at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) spending the morning and afternoon with two Million Dollar Decorators!

Mary McDonald & Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Mary and Martyn shared lots of fabulous design advice with the audience and afterwards spent time chatting with each of us and taking photos. Much of what they had to share hit home with me and I gained some valuable insights on how I can make my design business better. Thanks Mary and Martyn!

Now, on to the fun DIY project I want to share with you…DIY cloches!

You see, I love glass cloches. There is just something beautiful about displaying items you love under glass as if they were priceless heirlooms. Since I already have a couple of traditional glass cloches I decided I wanted to add a few more to my mix and this time I wanted them have a bit more style. With that, a super quick and easy DIY project was born!

I made three cloches each with a different decorative knob handle. The wood lamp bases really add a lot to the smaller cloche and the decorative plate I used with the taller cloche can easily be changed out when I change the items displayed inside. I’m still finding the right spot in my home to display each cloche and I’m also going to be changing/adding to the elements inside each one as well. Plus, I’m looking forward to changing out the looks seasonally, inspired by these cloche displays!

SPRING

source

SUMMER

source

FALL

source

HOLIDAY

source

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you were inspired to make a cloche of your own!

Have a Great Weekend!

Filed under: Accessorizing, Crafting, DIY, Vignette Tagged: Accessories, ADAC, atlanta decorative arts center, Cloche, DIY, martyn lawrence bullard, mary mcdonald, Million Dollar Decorators, Style

Treasure Hunting: Kentucky Style

ConfettiStyle — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:59:16 +0000

Whenever I get the chance to drop in to a new flea market I do. While we were in Louisville over the weekend I popped into what appeared to be a run down market only to be surprised by the bargains that awaited me!

Isn’t this marbleized cobalt blue ice bucket chic?! And for only $15.00!

I have a love for milk glass and was thrilled to find this lidded jar for only $8.00. I love the scroll pattern and the lid handle.

This brass planter was the bargain of the day. It’s super heavy, has really cool handles and bun feet and it was $6.00!!!! Yeah me!

A vintage glass dyers has been on my shopping list for a while now and I was doing the happy dance because this beauty only cost me $15.00.

And finally another addition to my handbag collection. This sleek black clutch with a bright red lining was, wait for it…..$5.00!!!

This is why I love to thrift!

If you’re in or near Louisville plan a visit to:

J Town Mall of Vendors

10000 Taylorsville Road

Louisville, KY 40299

I’ll be back tomorrow with a little DIY project I know you’ll love.

Filed under: Flea Markets, Shopping The World, Thrifting