"In his name the nations will put their hope.” - Matthew 12:21

Christmas Crafts; This year I got my dad a cornhole game set for Christmas. There was no other option in a theme, but UGA for him & Ben. I painted this bulldog on one board, & a red & black chevron pattern on the other. I was quite proud of the bulldog. It has taken a LOT of practice to get to them to this level! ha

I just realized I never posted my pictures from Peru...

I'll get on that.

This is my favorite feature of my basement back home. 250 wood shutters were constructed to be the ceiling cover to accomidate the low HVAC. The HVAC was painted to match the natural finish as well as new constructed wood lighting boxes.

This project is still in progress.

Creating Compelling Combinations –

Adam Straus, 2011 July/Aug. Lonny Mag.

1. Don’t be afraid to mix modern & mid-century pieces with traditional furnishings.
2. stick to a palette; color can unify an interior with a range of styles.
3. Coordinating fabric tones and wood and metal finishes create a cohesive look.
4. Vignettes offer terrific opportunities for combining various styles.
5. Balance elaborate pieces with those that boast simpler lines. Use one ornate piece per space to create a clear focal point.
6. Less is more. An edited uncluttered space will feel composed and focused.

With some recent changes in my life, Nellie will also be undergoing some modifications. From design to travels, Nellie Peppers will no longer be just design advice, but more of lifestyle blog.

House Beautiful's Decorating for a Small Space

1. Organize furniture into mini rooms.
2. Choose furniture that do double duty.
3. Float Furniture in the middle of the room.
4. Create hidden storage.
5. Use all available space.
6. Select multi-purpose children's furniture.
7. Match furniture to the wall color.
8. Try nesting tables.
9. Add closet space with an armoire.
10. Create additional entertaining area.

11. Choice an open console.

House Beautiful's Splurge on the Details: The Big Advice

1. Too many chairs and table legs can make a room "nervous." A skirted piece or two will make it feel "grounded."

2.One pair of pillows always looks skimpy. Use two pairs, in contrasting patterns, colors, and textures.

3. The most indestructible fabric for dining chairs is leather or vinyl. Especially if you want white.

4. The fastest way to make over sliding closet doors is to wallpaper them.

5. Love your closet. Paint them, paper them, hang pictures in them to inspire you. And definitely light them.

6. Small scale furniture only makes a small bedroom look smaller. Try a high bed and a tall headboard. Your room will grow.

7. Curtains are like runway dresses. The taller, the better.

8. If your room is big, create a cozy human scale with high-backed sofas and a tea-height table between them.

9. Brackets can bring order to a large collection or odd shapes.

10. Use a rug instead of a bath mat. It was made to withstand a lot more wear than the occasional wet foot.

11. You'll never get tired of a white room.

12. Mix up the seating at your dining table. You wouldn't have eight identical chairs in your living room.

13. Two large mirrors will completely change any room.

14. A four-poster bed will take the chill out of a modern bedroom.

15. The most versatile coffee table you'll ever own is an ottoman topped with a tray.

16. Colors that are in your face, too bold, can look flat and harsh, esp. after a little wear and tear on the room.

17. Gold is back in a big way. A few accents will really warm up a room.

18. Dark walls do the opposite of what you'd expect: They make a small room feel bigger.

19. Keep throws under control. Fold them lengthwise, then in half, then tuck them into the cushions.

20. Every room needs a little tuft.

21. Four lamps are better than two. You need ambient light for mood and direct light for reading.

22. There is no rule that a living room has to have a sofa.

23. An open armoire is more interesting than a closed one. Let people into your secret world.

24. Don't be afraid to paint a vintage piece. Every piece of furniture can't be brown.

25. Nothing softens a lonely corner in a big room like a potted tree.

26. Thanks to a new fabrics and finishes, you can create just about any room under the sun outdoors now. Live large!

If you were to check out my pinterest recent you will notice multiple pins from Lost in America. It has quickly become a tumblr I check daily for inspiration. Check it out.

South Design Guides

10 Ways to get Southern Style - Southern Living

1. Offer a well-set Table
2. Inherit (and hand down) heirloom silver
3. Make the old new again with Family Portraits
4. Add elegance and sophistication with stacks of books
5. Paint with luminous color
6. Choose monogrammed linens
7. Express your personality with fabrics
8. Ease into comfortable upholstery
9. Showcase (and revamp) a well-woven piece of furniture
10. Finish with Fresh Flowers
    

25 Tips for Celebrating the Soul of the South - Southern Living

1. Welcome Friends with a Beautiful Table
2. Enjoy the Blues
3. Write a Charming Thank You note
4. Savor Savannah
5. Build with Barn Wood
6. Smoke Like a Pitmaster
7. Keep it Sweet – Southern Sweet Tea & Peach Iced Tea
8. Float a River
9. Put up Pickled Okra
10. Partner Up - Texas Two Step
11. Partner Up - Carolina Shag
12. Partner Up - Appalachia Flagfoot
13.  Rediscover Mr. Faulkner
14. Celebrate Small Town Mayors
15. Grow an Heirlom Bounty
16. Gather ‘Round at Galatoire’s
17. Bring Back Old-Fashioned Storytelling
18. Plant your Family’s Tree
19. Pass Along your Garden’s Best
20. Visit the Shrimp Docks
21. Catch a Break in Music City
22. Make a Perfect Apple Pie
23. Homemade Apple Pie
24. Honor the Queen
25. Count Your Blessings

Libertine Rules to Live By - Elle Decor

1. Invest in ONE GOOD ANTIQUE to anchor a room.
2. Always have an extra case of CHAMPAGNE on hand.
3. Read REMEMBRANCE OF THINGS PAST for inspiration – but only 13 pages a night, so you don’t get burned out.
4. It’s a given to have FRESH FLOWERS around; keeping them monochromatic is the easiest way to have a major impact.
5. Check YOUR MOTHER’s & FATHER’S CLOSETS. Way in the back, there’s always a jewel – even old slippers.
6. Plan a trip to Paris, just for the FLEA MARKETS.
7. A COLLECTION doesn’t have to be accumulated over time. Sometimes it’s fun to buy the whole thing at once.
8. Forget about purebred dogs; ADOPT A MUTT.
9. A framed DRAWING OF YOUR PET by a friend can be more meaningful than the most expensive Matisse.
10. MAKE A COLLAGE ON YOUR REFRIGERATOR of museum stickers, invitations, funny notes, and every time you reach for something, you’ll be reminded of how lucky you are.
11. CLOSE YOUR EYES for 30 seconds at least once during the day, to be quiet and grateful.
12. Buy your FAVORITE BOOK IN HARDBACK – that’s one thing you’ll never grow tired of.
13. Always have enough NEGATIVE SPACE in a room, so the eye has a chance to relax.
14. Don’t throw away old clothes, furniture or knickknacks – drop them at GOODWILL.
15. MONOGRAM AS MUCH AS YOU CAN!! It shows you care.

Very Southern, high vaulted patios.

 

Once again Celerie Kemble shows off why she is top on my list from favorite designers. This is a frame from her home featured in the November issue of Lonny found at http://www.lonnymag.com/. I have always been a huge fan of framing things special to the heart that aren't necessarily photos of friends or family. Several examples of alternative ideas are framed comic strips, like the Seay's have down their hallway, sketches, children's letters or colored pictures, love letters, or even a photo of an outside chalk drawing. I recenlty had 4 of my first hand-drafted floor plans done, and they are some of my favorite items in the room.

      Louisana Longing...

 

 

I found these amazing photos while I was planning our trip to New Orleans.

So as of last friday I am now a iphone 4S owner. I loved my blackberry, but it had seen its last days. With that I have been on a search for a cool cover ever since, and came across this awesome site called, Society6. Above are 4 cases from the site which I really liked. They have thousands of pages to cases to choose from, all for just $35. With all those options I'm actually leaning towards the above J.Crew case, which I came across a month ago. What can I say, J.Crew will always have my heart, but for anyone else on the search check out Society6.

New post of projects to coming soon!

 "If you're young physically fit, hungry to learn and be better. I urge you to travel - as far and as wide as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them - where ever you go." - Anthony Bourdain

A must see, A Well Traveled Woman.

My new discovery is Kelly Wearstler's Blog - My Vibe My Life.  I have Kelly's book, Hue, which is full of great rooms designed with unique blends of fabric and architectural structured features. I recommend checking out both for great unique inspirational ideas.

I found two of these rattan headboards at Habitat for Humanity homestore. The legs were the only pieces that needed some repair. The headboards are not strong enough to mount to a bed frame so I decided to remove the legs completely, and use them as decorative art. After cutting off the legs, I spray painted them an antique brass and mounted them as you see above. Pretty good deal for $40.

My new obsession, behind Pinterest, is the Ombre style. Here are some great samples of how to get on your gradient look.

Joe's Jeans - The Skinny in Rough, J.Crew Watch Strap, Rifle Paper Co. Stationary, OPI's Brisbane Bronze Polish, Tory Burch's Blog, Jayson Home & Garden Olive Velvet Upholstery, Jayson Home & Garden Snakeskin beside table, J.Crew's Purple Watecolor Floral Scarf

These clippings are from this month's issue of Lonny (Sept/Oct 2011). If you've seen my parent's basement you know the love I have for using shutters in interior spaces. I thought these images were were great examples of how to use them in your own! White on white is another great trend now in fashion and interiors. The fear of white is gone, and white is taking over as the modern neutral.

Lonny Magazine, Lonny Etsy Store, Anthropologie, Dash & Albert

Door Decors are hand-painted stuffed burlap door decorations. Each a wire inner layer to keep their shape. If you would like a different design let us know! Door Decors typically run $44 each. Prices may vary by size.

Jordi & I found this lamp at a yard sale on the island last week. It is wood with dark metal accents. We add some paint, and a new shade for its new look!

Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams, Anthropologie, Johnathan Adler, WSHome, & Marjorie Skouras Designs

With College football, right around the corner, I dedicated this week's post to my team, GSU Eagles. I love this time of the year! GATA

I found these chairs at a small antique store in Bowman. After some putty, paint, and new upholstery they're all finished!

My new coffee table is complete! My Granddad had this chicken coop in his barn, along with many other great finds! I added the wheels and glass top for an inexpensive and interesting new coffee table!

Southern Proper, Marc Jacobs, Anthropologie, Etsy

 Lonny Magazine - May/June 2011, Nike, Good Wood NYC, Mondo Guerra


This post is a bit out of my normal style, but the pieces just seemed to fit together. As you may know the bimonthly count down until the next issue of Lonny Magazine comes out is always on my calendar. I look forward to each new issue, and this last issue did not disappoint. The featured interiors above are from Lonny's feature of Todd Alexander Romano's LA home. He has a unique style of mixing vintage pieces and finds. He accessorizes his table with this whimsey French skull print from Paris, and used a wooden skull from Palm Beach as a feature. While both of these items wouldn't fit into everyone's home, they are displayed in a unique creative manner which makes them stand out piece's in Romano's. Mondo Guerra had an amazing final show on Project Runway inspired by Day of the Dead, and I immediately thought of his line once selecting this weeks post because of his inspiration and mixture of colors and prints. Lastly, I added Good Wood NYC's necklace after a good friend of mine purchased it. The attention to detail is quite impressive, and I love the concept of wood jewelry. While skulls are often viewed as scary, these pieces show a different colorful side to the accessory, and I hope they give you a new view as well!

Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams, Jayson Home & Garden, Circa Lighting, Anthropologie,

West Elm, L.A.N.Y., Horchow

I have always been a stickler to the white rule; no white pants after labor day & not before Easter. So with Summer upon us I have loved being able to pull out my white jeans & tunics. With this i have also noticed the growing use of white basics in the home. . The days of khaki neutral walls will soon be closing and white interiors, accents & trim is back. I credit the growing use of textures & monochrome patterns to helping this trend work. Above are some unique white accents to help you bringen up your home during these longer days & warm rays just in time to give you a feeling of the cool breeze and a beach time attitude for Summer.

Horchow, Jayson Home & Gardne, Lonny Magazine, Circa Lighting


This week I pulled together a few of my favorite things. While many of these items aren't traditional South antiques, the importance of florals, fabrics, & good hospitality rein true.   A classic Southern home has the smell of a fresh lite candle, crisp linens, hardwood floors covered in rugs, and each window frames a picturesque garden. A few classic accents I recommend to stay simply southern are fresh flowers, monograms linens, and plenty of stationary. To find the above pieces start with inspirational fountain from Lonny Magazine's 2011 May issue. The wall mount is from from Circa Lighting, the leather chair, rug & mirror are from Horchow, and small accents from Jayson Home & Garden.

This weekly feature is dedicated to the amazing window display designers. Above are displays from, Anthropologie. They are a leader in innovative window displays, & most of their displays are made of recyclables & are green friendly on top of that! From working in retail as well as tourism, I have learned the importance of capturing your audience. One of my favorite Will & Grace Episodes features New York City’s Christmas displays. Their displays are unique & theatrical. There are so many shops & boutiques in NYC a unique display are what keeps a business attractive. It is important especially in these economic times being able to capture the crowd by inspiring their needs as well as their wants. When designing your window, creative freedom has no limits. Resort back the basic elements & principles of design as your guide for creating a unique space with balance.

Elements of Design; line, shape, form, space, texture, color, & value.

Principles of Design; balance, emphasis, repetition, movement, pattern, proportion, rhythm, variety, & unity.

Pottery Barn, Wisteria, Anthropologie, Jayson Home & Garden

I am really excited with the combination of items I found this week. They are a great collection of textures and prints. The Anthropologie spiny lobster rug sets the theme with its color tone. The acrylic side table from Jayson Home & Garden is the most unique piece, which I think every room should have(a splurg item)! The blue dresser is from Wisteria. It is a great example of when to revamp a piece of furniture for a room. I little paint can go a long way! Now, I am a fan of orange, but not everyone is. So if you love the rug, but aren't quite ready to commit to the matching orange walls these napkins and dinnerwear are an easy way to pull in color in small steps. So just in time for summer join the club, and go coastal!

Etsy, Crate & Barrel, Anthropologie, Kate Spade, Jay Yang

Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, House of Harlow

In a tribute to my crazy blue nail polish this week I choice color blocking as this weeks topic. After watching NY Fashion Week and seeing how popular color blocking has grown in the fashion industry it made me wonder, why hasn't this trend largely carried over to home decor as well? So I did a little research and the products above are a few samples of using color blocking in your home. I believe paint is currently the best way to translate this technique for any individual, but look for this trend to possible be growing soon in more house hold items!

Anthropologie, Jayson Home & Garden, Etsy

Once again this week I would like to discuss an upcoming Spring Trend. One you may be familiar with from the fall, Safari. In fashion, many may recongized the double breast blouse as a hot pick this year, as well as lots of animal prints. With the spring soon ahead those trends don't seem to be dwendling fast. Above I have found some great home accents from Anthropologie, Jayson Home & Garden, & Etsy all featuring the popular camel color, what I like to call "parrot green," and fur! These neutrals are truly not a fad, but are great accents to anchor a room with. Good luck shopping for your purr-fect piece! ha

Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, Fendi

    

 This week fashion has given me many flashback moments with the different styles coming back this spring. Neon colors, Cateye sunglasses, jean skirts, and a girl rocking Overall shorts on the UGA campus, by far topped this list. I highly doubt I'll put out the ole ovies again anytime soon, but you will def see me rocking a few neon colors and some cateye's for sure the spring season. So when deciding what to discuss this week I thougth I'd give you a glance into the Spring Season by translating some of these upcoming trends into home accents.