Give Me that Thanksgiving Feeling

Thanksgiving is less than a week away and if your hosting a gathering that may mean panic mode for you... don't fret.  Here are some quick ideas to add a little style that is sure to get compliments.

1.  Threshold bar cart from Target.  I saw this in person and it stopped me in my tracks.  Great price for the market at $129.99
2.  Roasted Brussel Sprout Skewers - Giada had these on the Today show so you know they're "in" right now.  Search Pinterest for recipe.
3.  Brass and Marble lamp - Arteriors great for living room side table or possibly corner island off the kitchen.
4.  Get crafty with these 'I'm Thankful For' placemats.  You'll need craft paper, scissors, a ruler and a black or Metallic marker.
5.  Serve Lambrusco, any kind.  I'm totally into this right now, sparkling red served cold.  Refreshing!
6.  Need to separate certain guests?  Use Rosemary Place settings to keep fighting to a minimum and avoid an awkward seat directing.
7.  Host or attend in casual style with an added surprise of sparkle.  You can achieve this look with gold jewelry too!
8.  Hostess Gift Idea:  What does the Fox Say?  Brass Fox Wine Accessory Set Threshold at Target $12.99
9.  Birch woods wallpaper - Modern Cabin with a Scandinavian touch.  I don't expect you to wallpaper over the weekend, (although its possible in the powder room) but statement pieces like this make a great impression and big change in any form.
10.  This setting is exactly where I want be on Thanksgiving. The room looks spacious enough to host a crowd and the colors tones and lighting give the right amount of holiday cozy.  It takes me to the southern mountains, with the smell of deep fried turkey and the family gathered on the back of a metal tailgate in Eddie Bauer garb and big bauble necklaces.  Get the gun out for some after dinner for target practice, Kentucky bourbon and time honored family tradition. 

Share quality time with those you love and remember those less fortunate.  Is there someone at work without family close by?  Extend them an invite and make them feel welcome.  Holidays are about giving.  Enjoy!
-Amber

Weekly Obsession

Recently my Donghia rep from the Boston Design Center came to visit.  Oh, what lovely things she brought!  It feels like Christmas every time I go to the mailbox picking up my samples.  Here is my newest obsession from Elitis Auteur & Editeur


Volare Euraquilo


Volare Mistral

Volare Pamparo

These wallpapers are absolutely insane, I'm coveting them like gold until I can find the right client application.  Have a spot in mind for your home?  Contact me.

Project Concept: North Carolina Nursery

Recently, my very good friend from design school Crystal Williams and I put our heads together for a fun nursery project.  One of her girlfriends is expecting and wanted help pulling together a look that would add color to their home and welcome in their first baby.  I was happy to participate as its very rare I get to work on nursery concepts, or work with Crystal.  Before we did anything we needed a joint logo!
 

 

Wilhelmina Morris  

This was the name we always used in design school, our combined names (my middle and her maiden name) and a play on the famous designer/architect from the arts and crafts movement, William Morris.  Living in Rhode Island, I love the anchor however the symbol has a special meaning to Crystal.  Her husband Blake is in the navy and they live just a few blocks from the shore in Virginia Beach.

The expectant mommy had a few things on her list: a wrought iron crib, a natural fabric rocker like this one from Pottery Barn Kids, a color scheme of grey, mint, coral and yellow, and the use of modern fabrics like stripes and chevrons.  The majority of their home is grey, so Crystal thought it would be nice to do the walls in mint with a ceiling treatment of a lighter hue that came down into the room about a foot.  A thin separator banding of white or gold would highlight the detail for added character.

   Taking these items into consideration, Crystal and I came up with two different looks to help gauge what elements the client was drawn to.  Here's what we came up with:

Crystal's board created a sophisticated, polished feel through mercury glass lamps, a cream garden stool and glass knobs applied to a coral dresser/changing table.  A white drum shade replacing the overhead light and a pair of clean grosgrain ribbon roman shades help to project a modern monogram look into the room.  Accent pillows and an area rug add color and pattern to complete the concept. 

Learn more about Crystal, read her blog and inquire about work in the VA area here. 

My room inspiration was a natural look of layered texture through feel and visual perception in the watercolor bunny artwork, a flokati paired over a muted area rug, rope accent lamps and burlap bunting.  Mixed in with the soft feel, are punches of color and shine through yellow and pink artwork suggestions, a crisp white rocker and beaded glass pendant. Crib linens would be small scale stripes and geometric patterns in the muted mint/blue/grey colors.

We think are boards are great, but in order to provide a truly unique project that our client loves we needed feedback to define the look, step 2.  Our combined efforts were a success providing elements she loved from both concepts.  The finished product will be an installation that mixes her love of clean lines, color pop and natural texture.  Check back soon, we're working on the final resource board we'll provide our client as well as a detailed shopping list.  



The great thing about this job is the client will have the opportunity to gain items from her registry and possibly incorporate repurposed pieces.  Projects like the one above, can be divided into parts so that they become more manageable for your time and your wallet.  

Need help a achieving a look you love?  Contact me on my website for more information.  Amber Wilhelmina Design & Interiors 

Upholstery Trend: Application Stripes

Have you seen this trend popping up lately?  Application stripes have been catching my eye in recent publications.  Here are three examples to take inspiration from:

Duralee had this application posted on their website.  I love how the bold navy strip is reflected perfectly on the settee bolster.  You almost don't notice it at first.

 I thought this application was clever.  I snapped a pic on my phone from a magazine while waiting for an appointment - one of my guilty pleasures.  This would make a very bold statement in a room, and could be interpreted through almost any style.

  

 This is the most recent example I found from the High Point Market Style Spotters Fashion Report after this October's market.  Caracole makes beautiful pieces and this chair is no exception.  Its almost a modern take on the wing back chair with delicate legs with a back splayed detail and choice of fabric colors.

Have you seen this trend?  Send us your examples!