Beautiful Bedrooms

Okay, so the older I get, the more I decorate in my head, rather than applying the energy and time required to make changes in my own house.  Maybe it's because I decorate and design every day in a design showroom, or maybe it's because I run my teenagers around instead of working on my house.  Whatever the reason, I've found myself thinking about the state of my bedroom tonight, which leads me to this post.

I love beautiful bedrooms.  My own could use some attention, and I find the following completely inspiring, for different reasons, as I redo my room in my head.  Again.  Let's look...

Source: mariannesimondesign.com via Carol on Pinterest

The drama of the bed and mirror above totally get me, as does the unexpected fabulousness of the duvet cover below...

Source: vintageluxe.tumblr.com via Carol on Pinterest

This next one has a raw honesty about it that really appeals to my simpler side...

Source: hookedonhouses.net via Carol on Pinterest

So I will always love toile.  I just will.

If you've been with me for a long time, you know my first love is always window treatments (even though I'm now doing pillows at 6 Wilson).  These drapes below are just so warm...

Source: mydesignchic.com via Carol on Pinterest

When I saw this next image, I had to stare at it.  And then stare at it. again.  The dark walls, the artwork, the collected authenticity of it just makes me stop and look.  And admire.

Source: littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com via Carol on Pinterest

This next one just says pretty home to me.

Source: msimondesign.blogspot.com via Carol on Pinterest

Another bedside shot, with the Klismos design of the chair making it all so chic.

Source: mrshowardpersonalshopper.com via Carol on Pinterest

But, at the end of the day, this next one is where I'd want to put out the light.  Like tonight.  I'm a traditional girl at heart, and I crave beautiful comfort above all else in my home.  No pretense, just signs of a true and comfortable family life.

Source: savvyhomeblog.com via Carol on Pinterest

What about you?  What kind of look do you dream about for your bedroom?

Chinoiserie...Like It or Not?

Did you know that Chinoiserie has European roots, not Chinese?

Source: chinoiseriechic.blogspot.com via Victoria on Pinterest

Check it out today, over at 6 Wilson's blog. 

Thanks for reading, and for supporting me at 6 Wilson.  I appreciate it so much. :)
Carol

Chinoiserie...Like it or Not?

I think chinoiserie is something you either like, or you don't.  Would you agree that there's not much middle ground on that? Me?  I like it, in small doses.  And what is it, anyway, you ask?

Source: bienenkiste.tumblr.com via Dande Dibiarma on Pinterest

Here's a look at a chinoiserie pattern on a dress (very cool), but most often we think of it as Chinese pastoral scenes painted on black furniture, blue and white porcelain vases, floral wallpaper, fabric or fine china.

Source: puttinghealthfirst.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

But did you know that chinoiserie is actually a French word?  And that it has European roots, not Chinese? (the following is from Merriam-Webster online...)

chi·noi·se·rie

noun \shēn-ˈwäz-rē, -ˈwä-zə-;
 Fanciful European interpretations of Chinese styles in the design of interiors, furniture, pottery, textiles, and gardens. The expansion of trade with East Asia produced a lively vogue for Chinese fashions in the 17th–18th centuries. The most outstanding chinoiserie interior was the Trianon de Porcelaine (1670–71), built for Louis XIV at Versailles. The style featured lavish gilding and lacquering, the use of blue and white (as in delftware), asymmetrical forms, unorthodox perspective, and Asian motifs. In the 19th century, the fashion gave way to Turkish and other styles considered exotic.

Source: kaspelimages.com via Michael on Pinterest

Chinoiserie is incredibly classic, and it can be used in excess (don't like), like French toile
(do love), or in the smallest of doses, like, say, in a pillow.  From 6 Wilson.  Ha!

Let's look, shall we?

Wouldn't this number...

paired with these guys...

be fun on the white, slip-covered sofa across from the table setting in this room...

Source: everythingfab.com via Samira on Pinterest

Indeed, I say.

And if you like your chinoiserie a bit more traditional, you could use this guy...

or maybe this one,

paired with these, perhaps...

On a classic sofa...

cozypad.com

Hello.  I think this one, with it's gold tones...

Belongs on a chair in this room...

Katrin Cargill Country Homes

Would you agree?

So what do you think, is chinoiserie for you?

Inspiring Tile

  At the tile showroom today, I nearly fell over.  Almost passed out.  Couldn't believe it when I saw this...

And when I went hunting for a marble to go with it, on the other side of the store, and put this combination together....

 

Like I said.  I started seeing stars.  And when I came to, I had the vision for my client's bathroom. :)

Here's some other stuff that caught my attention today.  I would ADORE this on my own half-bath floor...

And staying in the yellow tone, this number wanted to go home with me, too...

Really, anything on this display could make me happy.  (Okay.  Not the wave-looking one.).  But yes to the rest.

This next one gave me pause, too, not because I would use it (too many colors for me), but the masculine feel of the matte boarder against the color really appealed to me.  And the metallic pencil tile is cool.

Back to the near-pass-out category, these faux wood tiles were so gorgeous I was having a hard time breathing.  (If you think I exaggerate in the description of my reactions, well then, you just.don't.know.me :)

Seriously.  In person, these looked so much like worn wood it was crazy.  Nuts.  I can see any one of them in a stunning kitchen with exposed beam ceilings.  Are you with me?

There were several vessel sinks on clearance, and they were beautiful.  Some of these were under mount, too.  Did I miss the memo?  Are vessel sinks so yesterday?  Frankly, I'm way too practical to own one.  All I can think is - one chip on the edge and the whole thing is ruined.

Okay.  Back to tile.

I was looking for some inspiration for a tile to go up the wall from the vanity to the ceiling in another bathroom, thinking I will float some frameless mirrors.  In person, this clear glass is really pretty. Not convinced, but thought I'd show it.

And that was my morning.  I love what I do.  And, I am lucky to do something I love for a living.  That blessing is not lost on me.

A Picture Frame Pillow

I'm talking about this F. Schumacher fabric on 6 Wilson today.  Wanna come over?

Thanks for reading,
Carol

How a Picture Frame Pillow is Made

A picture frame pillow?  Yea, you know, when the center of a pillow is "framed" by fabric, like this baby, which will go in the shop right after this post...

Check out 6 Wilson for all my pillows!

I combined the linen F. Schumacher center, with wool crewel, and a super heavyweight Highland Court light gray linen for this one.  I thought you might like to see what goes into making a quality, professional pillow.

So here it goes, in a picture-story...

sorry about the weird lighting -- it was under the light of the ironing board in my work space

So, that's how a custom, picture-frame pillow is made.  It takes a ton of time (and I know how to do it.  Back in the day, well, let's just say it took two tons of time).  Just sayin.

Please visit this new guy, and all his pillow friends, at 6 Wilson on Etsy.  I'm sure he'd like the attention!

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!

Roman Shade Love

Every time I see this shade on my Pinterest Board for window treatments I want it in my house.  Really bad.

Decorated VS. Collected

 I couldn't possibly agree with this more...

Source: thehiddenharmony.blogspot.com via Carol on Pinterest

I like it when there's some personality, not just trend after trend...

Source: benjamin-bullins.artistwebsites.com via Carol on Pinterest

Maybe a favorite color reigns supreme, just because...

Source: hellogiggles.tumblr.com via Gerri on Pinterest

I really love to get a sense of who lives in a house, right when I come in the door.  Can't you just imagine who lives here from this image...

Source: theinspiredroom.net via Carol on Pinterest

Or this next one?  Totally different, but welcoming because they look collected...

Source: thehandmadehome.net via Carol on Pinterest

This kitchen looks like it evolved, don't you think?  The beams and the brick totally appeal to me (shhh..I would have used soapstone on the counter tops, though).

Source: indulgy.com via Carol on Pinterest

Whether these images are your taste or not isn't really the point. Collecting pieces and colors and weaving them into your home is what makes it your own.  And when you hire a decorator or designer, make sure you let them know what you prefer -- decorated or collected.  It makes a big difference in the end.

Hope you all are enjoying your week!