Grassy Goodness

I love the look of grasscloth and I think the place it looks best is on the walls. I am not the biggest fan of wallpaper but there are some looks that cannot be achieved any other way. Having said that, I'm sure some paint-genius has perfected the technique of faux-grasscloth-wallpapering, but the average Josephine isn't going to know how to do it or want to invest the time and energy.

What I can't decide is whether or not this * trend * is coming or going or staying! Regardless, It all sure looks pretty. What do you think?

{images via Houzz & Decorpad}

Timeless or Trendy?

I've been preparing to start a couple of new regularly featured series here at City Southern. One of them on PATTERNS. I've done a few posts on patterns already (like this one on zebra), but there are just so many out there that can be used in design (both good and bad!).

Then, today in blogland, I read a post about stripes over at Three Men and A Lady. The question is - are you still loving stripes, or are you totally OVER the trend?

The post was talking about being over striped walls but still loving a nice wide stripe on this pair of wingback chairs. And, it got me thinking. Thinking about trends and patterns that some may think are old and tired and some are just discovering. You see this in all forms of design. Trends take a while to make their way to the masses and by the time they get there, the trend setters have moved on to something new! Fashion is old as soon as it comes off the runway. Wedding trends are tired before you are finished planning the event. If you want to be on the cutting-edge, it's only the 'edge' for so long. Plus, isn't the point of being on the edge is to do something no one else is doing yet?

So the question remains, how do you stay fresh and new when decorating your home but make it LAST long enough to enjoy it until you can afford to redo it?! You have to be able to mix the classic and enduring styles with the trends to get the best of both worlds. Use classic things in a new and unusal way. Or use trendy things to accessorize. And if you get bored easily like me and you are constantly changing things up, use trendy items in ways that can be changed out easily and inexpensively!

So, stay tuned for the new series. And enjoy these photos of STRIPES. You be the judge...are these stripes classic or trendy? Are you tired of seeing stripes? Is there another trend you're ready to say goodbye to?

all images are via decorpad

Lovely Lucite

If I had to describe my personal style I would say it is: Mostly classic. Traditional with a touch of contemporary. A little galmour. Sophisticated. Trendy but also timeless. Clean Lines. Coordinated but not matchy-matchy. Somewhat unexpected. Whatever terms I use to describe my style, I wouldn't ever call it "modern". BUT, I do like to throw in a modern piece of furniture or accent here and there. One thing that does the trick is LUCITE and it has hit the design world full force.

Who doesn't love a Ghost chair (or two)??

(both images via Decorpad)

I was introduced to Ghost chairs years ago in the wedding business. Everyone either has ghost chairs or chivari chairs at their events these days, but what I'd really love to do at an event is the Lucite Chivari chairs - the best of both worlds! Can you imagine how good these chairs would look in a color-washed room?

When it comes to home decorating, here are just a few of my favorite uses of this lovely lucite:

 Lucite and Brass Coffee table (via Elle Decor)

This lucite coffee table is an unexpected addition to this otherwise contemporary traditional sitting room.

  (photo via Decorpad)

 This version, the peekaboo coffee table, is available at CB2 for a reasonable $249

I love Lonny and I love this trunk used here as a coffee table.

I always love to have coffee table books on display but they take up so much space!

What a great (but expensive) solution - (nearly $3000!)

Luckily, Plexi-Craft has a very close alternative for $377.

 

This desk is gorgeous:

(via Decorpad)

And I have to say these barstools are pure genius.

They are a feature in the room but don't take away from the beauty of the kitchen.

(via Decorpad)

PS - I definitely want these Capiz drum shades (from Oly Studio) too!

So, now you know what I think of Lucite...any thoughts from the peanut gallery?

Laundry List

Where do you focus your decorating energy in your home? We all know "kitchens and baths sell houses" (unless of course you are a super-talented DIYer who wants beat up bathrooms and kitchens to remodel yourselves!) so they tend to be decorated to your liking first. Most people answer with any number of the rooms that guests spend time. Others focus on the rooms where they spend the most time themselves. But what about the laundry room? Many of us spend way more time than we would like to admit in our laundry rooms (unless you have a rockstar husband who does the laundry!). Many of us have our washer and dryer in a mud room where everyone enters the house. So, why should you treat this room with any less decorating savvy than all the rest?? Besides, it could make a less-than-fun chore, a little more bearable!

Here of some of my favorite droolworthy laundry rooms:

all images via Decorpad

And last but not least, my FAVORITE one:

I love the color of the washer and dryer, I love the style of the cabinets, I love the wallpaper, I love the hangers, I love the stairs, and I love love LOVE the chandelier! I got the pic from Decorpad but I believe this beauty actually belongs to a fellow blogger, Saucy.

Okay, now you've seen the beauty so it's time for me to complain for a minute. The one thing I cannot STAND about all of these laundry rooms (unfortunately) is they all have front-load washers. It's totally the fault of my father's brainwashing but I am not a fan of the front-load washers. I always get the water going and add detergent BEFORE the clothes go in so I'm not sure that's a habit I can kick. I also have a habit of needing to add another shirt or a random sock I left behind once the washer has started going. How are you supposed to open a door filled with water?? My Dad also taught me that front-load washers are bacteria breeders. It's TRUE, and it causes a moldy SMELL if you're not careful. Thif youere is a product you can buy called "smelly washer" that will get rid of the smell but I couldn't tell you if it helps the actual mold/bacteria problem or not. Have any of you tried it? Does anyone out there agree with me??

And if you don't have a huge room or a lot of money to spend, here are a few great tips:

• Paint the walls (or use wallpaper or a stencil for added interest)


• Hang a picture, a small piece of artwork or a sign


• Replace wire metal shelving with inexpensive cabinets from a hardware store, or use solid wood shelves and storage bins that match


• Replace your light fixture with something more decorative


• Buy a pretty ironing board cover and display it instead of hiding it away (try Etsy)


• ORGANIZE

This room is less extravagant but equally as beautiful!

So...did I strike a nerve with anyone? Do you agree? Have you recently done a laundry room makeover in your own home? Please share!

Lust for Less!

It's been a few weeks since I've done a LUST LIST item or a Luxe for Less. I thought a good follow-up to my Jonathan Adler post last week would be to do a Jonathan Adler look for less.

Lo and behold: Decorpad featured such an item!

Bond Desk

$2750

via

Dopio Desk

$599

PS - Head on over to Jonathan Adler now to take advantage of their FIRST ever Annual Lighting Event! 15% Off!

*Lust List* ...Frameless Mirror

Remember the gorgeous frameless mirror from yesterday's post?



It's an Uttermost mirror available at stores like Bed Bath & Beyond and Bellacor for around $220.00. Pottery Barn has their own version, the Elise Mirror for $189.00. But you can also buy the same mirror by Allen + Roth for just under $80.00 at Lowes!




I can't take credit for the Allen + Roth find - all the credit goes to the ever fabulous Decorpad. They have a great "look 4 less" section of their website. Not only do they find specific items for less, but they take whole ROOMS and tell you where to find all the pieces for a low cost.

Check out this Sophisticated Bedroom Look:


And the same look for LESS:
Get all the details on this and other looks over at Decorpad!