Arkansas Boy Kentucky Girl Engaged

What happens when a native Arkansan, who played football for Mississippi State, and a girl from Kentucky meet and decide to marry.  The grooms friends throw an engagement party.  Now if that engagement party happens to be in mid winter in Arkansas the weather will be unpredictable.  Invitations were issued and fingers were crossed.  Fortunately, on this particular February night, the lows only made to the mid forties. 

Southern women are resourceful and the groom is an outdoors man, so local cut greens were used to dress the center of the table.  This basket full of evergreens including pine, magnolia, cedar and red berries gives off a wonderful scent of outdoors.  The antler sheds add that bit of rugged outdoors we were seeking.  The antique mercury hearts added a bit of red and were paid homage to love.

Rugged Centerpiece

Centerpiece

The cut pieces of log were used at various places on the table to elevate food and continue our rustic theme.   Copper mugs were used as votives and added to our rustic theme.

The combination of silver with the rustic were a great success.  Two pheasants flank the centerpiece.  Food consisted of dips, spreads and pick ups that were yummy and made by the participating host and hostesses.
















As the night was not cold, a fir pit was lit and all needed for s'mores was set out to be enjoyed by the over sixty people young and old that attended.  Sweat shirts were set outside in a basket in case anybody found it too cold to stay out.  Guests  could be seen throughout the night enjoying the fire, the s'mores and an occasional  cigar.

Table of goodies ready for fire pit.

Marshmellows ready to roast.

Cookies and condiments.

A silver punch bowl in the library was set out and contained a southern brandy, champagne punch and not a drop was left at the end of the evening.  That recipe came from my Delta friend and I am sworn to secrecy regarding the ingredients.

So when an Arkansas boy, with Mississippi roots marries a girl from Kentucky this is how we entertain the engaged.  Much fun was had by all.

Living Life with Babe: Before and After

Living Life with Babe: Before and After: Time marches on and the design process does take time.  Here is a sneak peak at just one part of a room of a project I am currently working ...

Before and After

Time marches on and the design process does take time.  Here is a sneak peak at just one part of a room of a project I am currently working on.  Paint color was well selected by client so now we are replacing old pieces and adding new items.  More to blog about as the project continues.

We start with a measurement.

Pieces are moved and added to measured space.  First the selection process as presented to the client.

Uttermost Console Table,

Uttermost Lamp

One corner complete and photographed by the client.

Some time and new pieces; oh what a difference.  Photos will be added to blog as new items are added to this project.  Keep an eye out. 
All Uttermost available through R. Hoskins Interiors and my clients experience great savings.

Uttermost pieces available by contacting R Hoskins Interiors. 

This is Not Your Granny's Wall Covering

 Wall coverings have been out of favor since the 80's when many bad wall coverings became the week end project for many homeowners doing improvements.  New technology has brought better product in the wall covering industry.  These are not your granny's wall coverings.

Some of my favorites were developed for commercial use but prove perfect for the homeowner.  These skins are some of my favorite.  This Lucy Large Gator in bottle green evokes a clubby library with dark trim and modern furnishings.

Hollywood Wallcovering's Lucy Large Gator

These two skin wall coverings could be used in many rooms from powder bath to dining rooms to kitchens.  As they are commercial grade, they could hold up to wear and tear in the kitchen.  I can see the acid green used in a dining room with blue velvet chairs and warm accents.  The warm cream is safe and could be used in any room.  The possibilities are endless.

Designer Wallcoverings - Benedict Canyon Collection

Designer Wallcoverings- Warm Cream

Favorite Room Transformation

This is one of my favorite room transformations.  This particular client decided to take her husband office, which had an attached full bathroom, and converted into a much needed downstairs master.  The space, built in the 1970's was a dark office.  The rock wood burning fireplace had the potential to make this a cozy bedroom. 

The transformation began with this painting that the owner had owned for years.  It had been done by a college friend and became the focus of the addition of bright, happy colors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owners beloved art piece.

We opted to keep the bookcases in their natural wood finish which proved to be a challenge.  After cleaning out the clutter from years as an attorney's working home office space,  the wood was cleaned.  The huge wall of windows keeps this room from being dark.  The addition of bright fabrics on the owner's existing chairs went a long way to brighten this room.  Wall lamps attached to the bookshelves provided reading light when in bed and saved space on bedside tables.

Wall lamps add light without taking up real estate on side tables.

The custom headboard proved to be an inviting place to spend the night.  The addition of the wall hung lights freed up real estate on the bed side tables.  Simple linens from Pottery Barn made this bed inviting and easy to make.  

 Cleaning out and reworking beloved items into the shelving gave the room an airy feel.  We kept what was precious and moved the rest out.


Covering the vintage wing chair with bright fabric and placing it so that the window light lights the reading or work the client undertakes, made the perfect work space.

Because the floor had a brick paver finish, we used a room size carpet to make the uneven floors more safe for middle of the night trips to the bathroom.

Newly Upholstered wing chair

This room went from dark and dreary to a bright and happy place to sleep, read a book and enjoy a glass of wine by the fire.  Still one of my favorite transformations.

New Orleans Magazine Shopping Day

 New Orleans, home of big celebrations, is known for its food and drink.  That reputation is well earned.  Shopping on Magazine Street is also a big treat.  As I prepared for a trip to NOLA, my January issue of "House Beautiful" magazine came.  I noticed a small article on a shop that Bryan Batt, Mad Man star, and his partner have opened in NOLA on Magazine Street.  Hazelnut was a small shop on Magazine Street that had an item I was determined to see and perhaps purchase.

Hazelnut NOLA historic artist plate.

Brian's idea was to take vintage prints and have an artist make these beautiful reverse decoupaged decorative plates with gold accents.  His great idea created some beautiful pieces.  Prices run from $90.00 to upwards of $ 250.00.  These can be ordered from www.hazelnutneworleans.com.

Ball Masque

 

City of New Orleans

There are many more to choose from.  I selected the one shown in the magazine because it was one of the originals and I love insects.

Tableau on easel in my living room.

 While at Hazelnut I found the cutest stick pin.  There was only one so I had to order mine.  I am wearing it everyday as my ohmage to Lent and Mardi Gras.

Baby Cakes Pin

If you are familiar with Mardi Gras you will recognize the baby that is found in a King Cake and if found by you indicates that you will give the next party.  They are now plastic but once were made of porcelain.  This just makes me happy when I wear it.

At another shop I found "Urchin Wall Hangings" that will be perfect for a clients massive limestone fireplace flue.

Rattan Urchin wall hangings for clients fireplace.

And just for the fun of it and because I love hats... I found the most fun vintage hat to wear next spring and summer.  My friends Jerry and Christie model for me in the lobby of the Royal Sonesta in NOLA.

Christie Patterson donning hat.

We had so much fun with that hat and I can't wait for spring to wear it.  Magazine Street in NOLA is a unique and fun shopping experience.  Hope to go back.  I think I could spend days just roaming that street.  Shops there are as unique as the characters that inhabit NOLA.

Jerry Jones getting in on the fun.

   

Valentine Decor and Dinner Table

Antique Valentines Card in Frame

I love Valentines Day.  It is the perfect day to celebrate with a cozy dinner for two or a dinner party for a crowd.  Christmas is over and the emptiness of all those decorated spaces can be haunting.  Valentines Day gives us perfect relief from the winter doldrums. 

 Simple red and white decor set the stage for a friendly dinner party.  The meal can be simple; salad, pasta dish and dark chocolates for dessert.  I love red accents as they can set the stage for so many holidays; Christmas, Valentines Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Election Day.  The list is endless.  A simple vase of tulips serves as a centerpiece.

Dark Chocolates and Liqueur

The antique framed Valentine, red candy dish, cardinal and chocolates on the side board invite guests to linger and enjoy conversation.

Even the candelabra is dressed for the occasion.  Candies are scattered on a sliver tray to lend themselves to the casual occasion.

Mantle is dressed in red as well

Red dishes await pre dinner snacks.

With a little effort you can enjoy Valentines day with family and or friends.  Celebrate life with those you love with a midwinter Valentines party.

Brass is Back

Since the 80's there has been a design movement toward cool, silver tones in metals.  Everything from bath fixtures, hardware on furniture, table finishes and even door knobs in interiors.  But baby brass is back.  The brass tones evoke the beginning of the movement toward warm tones in paint, upholstery and all elements of interior design.

 

Brass Cocktail Table from William Sonoma Home ($1,995.00)

This photo shows brass tone cocktail table, end table and light fixture from http:// www.WSHome.com.
 We see here the beginning of the use of warm red, warmer blues and even the grays have a warm tone.

Global Views Cuff Cocktail Table in brass $1,197.00

Bernhardt Geneva Cocktail Table $1,662.00

The cocktail tables above show the different tones warm finishes come in. http:// www.globalviews.com and http://www.bernhardt.com.

Jet Set Desk from Bernhardt $2,832.00

This desk from Bernhardt http://www.bernhardt.com illustrates the use of brass tones as accent on leather top desk.

Bernhardt Lance Chair $ 1,399.00

This Bernhardt http://www.bernhardt.com chair illustrates the use of warm tone metals accenting a leather chair.


The consumer can find the use of warm metals beginning to show up everywhere again.  Might make one wish you had saved those brass items from the 80's and 90's.  Look for brass and warm metals to show up first in small interior items such as lamps and decorative accessories.

R. Hoskins Interiors sells Uttermost, Bernhardt and Global Views.  Contact us for information if interested in a new piece for your home or office.