EYE-CATCHING, COLORFUL & BOLD: DANA GIBSON'S HOME ACCENTS LINE

I've been a fan of Dana Gibson's work for a while now.

I first recognized Dana's work when it was sold under the Moses Spring name.  I worked at The Kellogg Collection in Washington, DC and we carried her line of ceramic lamps (I'm guessing it was about 10 years ago).  These lamps were notable because of their uniqueness - the hand crafted bases of pink pigs, spotted cows and blue primula flowers - were a quiet, but humorous nod to the English countryside style (which was still influencing the design world in early 2000).  But, what really caught my eye were the hand painted lampshades that accompanied her one-of-a-kind lamps - bold pastel stripes! 

Since then, Dana Gibson's home accents line has greatly evolved.

She uses TOLE to create her lamps, trays, waste baskets, and picture frames.

But, the contemporary use of bright colors mixed with pattern and chinoiserie chic - always make me pause!

And, well, WHO doesn't love a little bit 'o leopard every once in a while!  I DO!

This past spring, she teamed up with Jane Wilner to create a line of custom bed linens.

And, teamed up with Stroheim to distribute her eye-catching and bold  fabric and wallpaper designs!

Here are a few of my favorites that I found at the Fabricut Showroom here in Atlanta.

Canton (Vases),  Kira Kuba, and Twig wallpaper

Little Lanin, grass (wallpaper), Montenegro, Bombay

Canton wallpaper

Ocelot wallpaper

Trot wallpaper in Persimmon/Brown

Trot wallpaper in Lime/Brown

                                                                                 Via

What's not to love?

Did you find anything that you want in YOUR home?  If so, call or email me - I can get it for you!

Have a great Monday!

EMERGING ARTISTS at GREGG IRBY

I am in the beginning stages of redecorating my Den - okay, VERY beginning stages!  Oh alright! - let's just back up and say that one day soon - I hope to get my act together and re-design my Den!  Right now I'm heavily thinking about my scheme and the art work I want to buy to put in the scheme.  There are way too many options - just look at some of the art works I'm trying to decide on! - which is why I'm posting today.

Here are some of the kickin' contemporary art works that I'm in love with!

(I apologize in advance, I grabbed most of these photos from Gregg Irby's web site and they are all a bit on the blurry side, no you aren't drunk!)

Michelle Armas "Spencer" 36x36

This particular piece, by Michelle Armas, is one I quickly fell in love with.  Her works are currently being shown at Gregg Irby Fine Art here in Atlanta.  Gregg Irby specializes in showcasing emerging artist's talent. There are several pieces works of Michelle's that I like at Gregg's.  Sadly, this is not one of them.  I found this piece, "Spencer" on google and clipped the photo for my "Den wish list".  I'm assuming this piece is old and sold, since I haven't been able to locate it on Michelle's or Gregg's web site (yes, I've been stalking!).

Here are a few other pieces by Michelle Armas.  They don't necessarily work for my Den project - but, I particularly love the vibrant colors that she uses and the movement and energy they invoke.

Michelle Armas, unknown (from Pinterest)

Michelle Armas, "Splendid Splinter"

Michelle Armas, "OK Great" 48x48

Michelle Armas, "Joie" 36x48

Some other powerful canvas contenders for my Den scheme are by Eileen Power, whose work is also being shown at Gregg Irby Fine Art.

Another standout artist featured at Gregg Irby Fine Art is Britt Bass Turner.   Her work was recently featured on Jennifer's blog over at The Pink Pagoda.  With so many beautiful pieces to choose from, it's probably best if you check out her web site.  She's got a gorgeous array of drool-able artworks!

Britt Bass, "Mike N Ike"

 I very much am in lust with this "Hot Pink Lemonade"!  It would be a gorgeous addition to my Living Room!

Britt Bass "Hot Pink Lemonade" 48x48

To see more of these artist's works and other emerging artists, go visit the Gregg Irby Fine Art studio!  It's an extremely charming studio with a wonderful selection of beautiful and affordable art.

GREGG IRBY FINE ART

3725 Powers Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
(404) 941-9787

The Quatrefoil Craze

I'll admit it - I'm still crazy about quatrefoil.
I can't help myself.  I know the "Quatrefoil Craze" has been around for several years now and some of you are probably groaning and screaming - ENOUGH with the quatrefoils already!  But not me - I still get pretty excited when I see a piece of furniture or accessory that has cleverly incorporated the quatrefoil motif in its design.

via Pinterest

Suzanne Kasler has mastered the look.  She's practically branded the quatrefoil as her own design!

This chair is a classic with a WOW factor!  

Great paired with a vanity or as an accent piece in your Living Room.

Suzanne Kasler for Hickory Chair

Depending on the finish, this would be a stunning Center Hall table or Breakfast table

Suzanne Kasler for Hickory Chair

Suzanne Kasler for Visual Comfort

The quatrefoil which means “four leaves” in Latin  - is a shape composed of four equally overlapping circles with the same diameters, creating a delicate and feminine shape. 

Here are some of my other favorite Quatrefoil pieces!  

The thoughtful planking design on the top of this cocktail table hints at the gorgeous iron frame underneath.

 A rustic table with great iron details!

 I, especially, love this mirror!  It's hard to get, but the wait is worth it!

I think I will be purchasing a pair of these Arabelle lamps for my own use!

 This cabinet is a great storage piece!  It comes in Ebony (as shown) and White.  The mirror reflects light in the room and will help make the space feel bigger.

Please don't hesitate to call me if you'd like to have any of these items in your home!

MONOGRAMS: Elevate Your Style

If you're anything like me, you may have a small obsession with monograms.

monogram design by Monogram Inc.

Antique monogram - RBR

 I've always appreciated the beauty and elegance a monogram brings to the object it adorns.  I mean, take a plain white towel for example...a colorful and beautifully executed thread monogram can instantaneously elevate the mundane into a luxury good with unique charm!

monogram by Leotine Linens

Powder Room design by Melissa Rufty

What about personalized bed linens?  Caroline Brackenridge's New York City company, Monogram Inc., can create spectacular custom monograms for you.  THIS is how I would spend my extra money.  I could just drool over all of her designs - love the color combinations!

Embroidered sheet monograms by Monogram Inc.

Kathy Kincaid

You don't necessarily have show off your monogram on just your bed linens or stationary these days - what about on your shoes?

Stubbs & Wootton

    

Jack Rogers monogrammed sandals

Or your Wedding Cake?

via Pinterest

Or Christening Cookies?  (by Amber Spiegel)

custom monogram cookie by Amber Spiegel

There are lots of unexpected and fun ways in which you can use your monogram.  

Leotine Linens adds a monogram to a chair back

Betty Burgess paints a monotgram on a Dining Room chair slipcover

But, I have to say...back in time, craftsmen REALLY knew the true value of a monogram!  Look at this antique handkerchief!  The detail that went into this piece is amazing!

 And this pin!

Monograms are classic and, happily, will never go out of style.

If you'd like to read more about the history of monograms, read Cynthia Brumback's book

The Art of the Monogram.

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Thanks for reading - have a great weekend!