Another day in paradise...

Paradise, we all have our own take on what paradise is, but I will have to say that enjoying a few sunny, breezy days on the coast is my definition of paradise.

I am now back from my short little paradise, but in light of the unseasonable freezing weather now in our wake, I want to send a little bit of warm weather your way - enjoy!

Morning ritual at the beach is to start off with a hot cup of coffee out on the deck or by the pool...  Also still loving this little number I snagged from Anthropologie a few years ago...perfect for sunny,breezy days on the coast!

You absolutely can't beat this view...loving the palm trees surrounding this yummy pool.

If you're still in need of a little more coffee and are starved, a visit to the Donut Hole is a must if in the Destin or 30A area....a new location just opened outside of Rosemary Beach - good to know if staying on that side of 30A!

For my breakfast for champions, I went with an egg white pimento cheese omelet - DIVINE!!! My husband chose his usual - the "diet plate" which of course is certainly the opposite of diet {try biscuits, cheese, scrambled eggs, + sausage smothered in gravy}.

After a meal like that you definitely need a walk on the beach so at least you feel like you have done something productive while enjoying gorgeous scenery.

But, I would highly suggest doing so with a mimosa in hand - after all this is paradise!!

And what's a trip to paradise without a "parrot heads" sign and....

A pirate's flag of course!!

Hope this brightens and warms your day!!  Enjoy your week and welcome to paradise!

Trending Now.....

With High Point Market in full swing I am getting tons of inspiration through all of the designers, bloggers and publications posting their take on the next greatest trends for the coming year.  

While I sometimes incorporate the latest trends into my home, I tend to stick with filling my home full of objects that I enjoy seeing every day and living with - after all, your home reflects yourself and your lifestyle and shouldn't necessarily be dictated by what is trending.

However, I have found that what is "old, classic and traditional" is finding a resurgence in the design world with hues of blue and white popping up in decor from classic urns to textiles, nods to Asian influences especially Chinoiserie and we cannot forget the luxe look of gold and of all things brass.

Blue + White Urns | Traditional Home Showhouse

I absolutely love the look of displaying a collection of blue and white urns on a mantle.  Another way to get a similar look is to hang blue and white plates flanked by a pair of blue and white urns.  Your Grandmother or Mother probably has a ton of these and they are fairly easy to find in consignment and antique stores.

Quill Notes Tip ::  Fill the urns with fresh greenery or corkscrew willow depending on what the season is - currently I have boxwood greenery in my pair of blue and white urns - magnolia leaves are always a good choice as well, and currently you may want to fill them with the bold yellow blooms of forsythia. 

Chinoiserie Armoire | Traditional Home Showhouse 

 This fretwork chinoiserie armoire is simply divine.  This piece exudes Asian influence yet due to its clean lines would fit in just about any home.

Another option for incorporating this look into your home is to include a folding screen or lacquer cabinet with a chinoiserie soapstone or ivory inlay.

Chinoiserie | Traditional Home Showhouse

The mint walls paired with coral details, chinoiserie upholstery and brass side tables are the perfect fit for this sunroom.  Again, the blue and white urns and plates would pair fabulously in this breezy space.  

Orchids | Traditional Home Showhouse

Chinoiserie | Traditional Home Showhouse

Saturn Table | Taylor Burke Home

Taking a step away from the blue and white and Asian influences, we move to the luxe look of brass. Taylor Burke Home's Saturn Table is a stunning use of brass paired with an agate detail.  I was able to snag one of these beauties in October and have it placed right next to my wingback chair with cane details upholstered in Cotton + Quill's Koi textile design.  

Even a modernized and contemporary style side or occasional table can be mixed with a traditional Asian look.  

Cane Wingback Chair in Koi Upholstery {shop textiles here}

Bamboo Chinese Paintings

Art is another way to incorporate Asian influences into your home.  I painted these bamboo illustrations while studying abroad in Taiwan - these were the basis for Cotton + Quill's Bambusa textile design as well.

Try framing black and white art in gilded frames.

Blue + White

I cannot get over the versatility of blue and white plates - they are so beautiful when framed as a grouping.  Here I have surrounded my hand calligraphy, letter-pressed wedding invitation with a few blue and white plates along with a pair of carved German wall brackets topped with a pair miniature cloisonné ginger jars with a gorgeous robin egg glazed interior.

Also finishing this look are custom linen-cotton draperies in Cotton + Quill's Capri pattern.

Get the Look ::

Carved German Wall Brackets {found at the Willow Tree in Athens, Ala}

Blue + White Plates {found at various shops while thrifting - the Willow Tree has quite a selection of these as well}

Letter-Pressed Invitations here

Cotton + Quill's Capri Textile here

Cotton + Quill's Terrace Collection | Bambusa, Shu Te's Chintz, Cuckoo

Cotton + Quill's newest textile collection, the Terrace Collection, is infused with Asian motifs.  Shown here are a few coordinating patterns in minty greens and turquoise.

Cotton + Quill's Terrace Collection | Cuckoo, Shishi, Dynasty

You simply cannot have an Asian inspired look without including a pair of foo dogs - or better yet, foo dog textiles!  I have recently acquired quite a few of these Chinese guardian lions to add to my own home.  Another great thing about these design icons is they are suitable for any home - I currently have my eye on a pair of lamps I spied at Beth Haley Design's showroom in Nashville, TN.

Now go scour those estate sales and consignment stores or even your Grandmother's attic for some blue and white gems and brass details to add to your home!

Effortless Floral Bouquet....

It's the start of April and Spring is on the verge of being in full bloom across the South.  One of the things I look most forward to this time of year is when the bushes and trees begin to blossom and I am able to create fresh floral arrangements from my very own yard.

I have included a few images of what's in bloom in my yard, and if you live in Alabama or one of the surrounding states, you are probably seeing the very same blossoms.

Camellia Bush

Loropetalum Chinense Shrub

Encore Azalea 

Dogwood

Other shrubs and trees you may see in bloom is Forsythia full of yellow blooms, Tulip Magnolias, Star Magnolias, and of course the Redbud.

Once you have the blooms you want to use to brighten your home, you must have a vessel for which to display them.....this is an item I left off of my bridal registry that I certainly regret.

Since I don't have a wide variety of vases I have had to become quite creative in how to display fresh cut flowers.

Variety of Floral Vessels

For my current arrangements, I have chosen to use my great-grandmothers hand painted, emerald green tea pot and a recently acquired candy dish.....one item that is a necessity to create an effortless floral arrangement is a frog {shown at the bottom}.

For my effortless floral bouquets I used a variety of blooms cut at different lengths to create a layered effect for my arrangement.

Effortless Floral Bouquets

Teapot Arrangement

Effortless Arrangement with Frog

Easter Table

Enjoy your the rest of your Sunday, and create an effortless arrangement to brighten your home this week!

Taking the High Road to High Point - Part III...

After making a few educational stops along the way we have made it to our final destination - High Point!!  There are so many things I love about High Point I may just have to break this up into two entries....although I am going to try to fit it all in here :)

Whether you are attending High Point as an exhibitor, trade or buyer you all get the same feeling when you pull into town - that rush of energy and excitement as you get ready to show or preview the next greatest product or design trend before anyone else.  It's like a kid on Christmas Eve wondering what cool new toy Santa will have waiting for them the next morning.

Attending High Point Market is not just about seeing what is up and coming in the design world, but it is also about experiencing the town and building relationships with so many talented and wonderful people.  

Showplace | High Point Market

The Suites at Market Square | High Point Market

The Suites at Market Square is one of my top locations to visit at HPMKT which features temporary spaces full of new, up and coming products and sources.

Antique and Design Center at the Suites at Market Square | HPMKT

The Antique and Design Center is located on the ground floor of the Suites at Market Square and is an absolute MUST when attending HPMKT.  This space is chocked full of antiques and vintage finds and in the evenings the bar opens up and the cocktails are served!  The Vintage Bleu was divine!

Wood + Metal Wallpaper Roller Printer | Antique and Design Center

Being a textile designer and currently working on a wallpaper collection as well, I made sure to snag one of these beauties I found while scouring the Antique and Design Center.  I have mine sitting on a farm table, but I have also seen them made into lamps.

The Penny Path | High Point

After hitting the first or second day of HPMKT, you gotta have some grub to refuel for the next day - that brings us to The Penny Path.  The Penny Path is located right in the heart of High Point and offers the most delicious crepes I have ever put in my mouth.

Savory Crepe | The Penny Path

Glenda Gies Bag | Suites at Market Square M3025

I have made it a tradition to purchase a new Glenda Gies bag each trip to market.  I have at least one compliment every day carrying her gorgeous bags!  Currently I am loving my newest addition, the Roxanne bag in Pippa cut velvet + it's ORCHID!

If you can't make it to HPMKT, visit the online shop here

Stray Dog Designs | The Suites at Market Square

I absolutely LOVE Stray Dog Designs - unique is an understatement to describe their quirky yet artisan products.

Tommy Mitchell | The Suites at Market Square

There are no words for the stunning creations of Tommy Mitchell's designs.  From gilded and hand painted flowers to furniture and lighting, his creations are simply divine - and the showroom!!  Heaven.

Tommy Mitchell's Painted Flowers | The Suites at Market Square

Photo Property of  http://ro-sham-beaux.com | Ann Yancy Rogers of Ro Sham Beaux | The Suites at Market Square

Ro Sham Beaux, founded by Ann Yancy Rogers, is a collection of gorgeous lighting designs with nearly endless customizable options.  Below are a few of my favorites and ones I am currently CRAVING...

Ananas | Photo Property of  http://ro-sham-beaux.com

I absolutely adore the Ananas and love the bold color options available.  Try using a pair of these flanking a bed or atop a buffett - the places you could place this beauty are limitless.

Purchase the Ananas here

Malibu | Photo Property of http://ro-sham-beaux.com

The Malibu is another of my favorites and is certainly a statement piece!  How perfect would this be perfectly placed in a foyer or as eye candy in a dressing room?

Purchase the Malibu here 

Beth + Chris Collier of vanCollier | Photo Property of http://vancollier.com

I met this talented and down to earth couple while showing this past October.  Beth and Chris are the minds behind luxury line, vanCollier.  If you are in the Suites at Market Square, you must make a point to stop by their inspiring space.

Below are some of my absolute favorites from their product line.

Jeannie Ottoman | Photo Property of vancollier.com

James Sofa | Photo Property of vancollier.com

Detroit Wallpaper | The Suites at Market Square

I met these guys from Detroit Wallpaper while showing this past October, and I love their style!!  Being a textile designer, I can certainly appreciate the work that goes into creating their unique and original wallpaper designs - definitely worth checking out!

Also, that crocodile belt I have on (shown below).....yes it's a full crocodile, is one of Moo Moo Designs creations - and guess what?  Their space is located not far from the Detroit boys!!  Another reason I love Beth Collier of vanCollier  - she's the one who let me in the know on this little gem.....make sure to stock up on some Moo Moo before leaving High Point!

Crocodile Belt | Photo Property of moomoo-designs.com

Can't make it to HPMKT?  Purchase this beauty here

On the list to add to my collection next visit....

Bone Dangle Earrings | Photo Property of moomoo-designs.com

Purchase here

Ending my guide to High Point, I cannot leave out Taylor Burke Home.  Julianne Taylor and Lauren Burke are the sister partners behind this phenomenal line made in the USA.  Their collection immediately caught my attention at the April 2013 market and from the next few images you can see why.

We also partnered for the October 2013 market, and Taylor Burke Home will also be carrying Cotton + Quill's line in their showroom during the upcoming April 2014 market - ONLY 1 DAY AWAY!!!!

Without further adieu....

Taylor Burke Home Showroom | The Suites at Market Square :: Salon G-7055

Taylor Burke Home featured textiles from Cotton + Quill's Deco Collection paired with a stunning blue velvet on their Urban Loft 2-Seater.....I also made sure to snag one of their Saturn Tables (right of 2-seater) before I made the trip home......LOVE it!!!

Taylor Burke Home Showroom

One item certainly on my wish list from TBHome is their Kings Grant Chair (butter shown here) featuring a fretwork design.....swoon

TB Home James Ottoman

A new introduction for the April '14 show is Taylor Burke Home's James Ottoman upholstered in Cotton + Quill's Shishi pattern in Midnight from the newest Terrace Collection with a contrasting orchid welting.

TB Home's Deco Dining Chair

Another new introduction for HPMKT is TB Home's Deco Dining Chairs......how chic + that pop of blue!!

Cotton + Quill's Terrace Collection Pillows

Lastly, make sure to look for these beauties from Cotton + Quill (available here) that will be sprinkled throughout Taylor Burke Home's showroom!

Now go and ENJOY High Point!!  Happy Scouting!