Becolorful

A Space to Inspire - Black, White, and Marble

 

 

Mike and I were in Dallas this past weekend for a breathtakingly beautiful wedding.

Unfortunately it rained, but it didn't matter because look how gorgeous this indoor venue was.

 

The Rosewood Crescent, where the wedding took place, is an older but contemporary styled hotel in uptown Dallas and only a walk away from the cultural art district of downtown. 

When the sun finally came out the next day we thought it would be fun to do a bit of exploring.  The hotel itself and the surrounding area consist of an interesting mix of architectural styles that make up this part of Texas.

One example of the many varieties of Texas style was this home we stumbled upon.

I like to think of it as a bit of a European Oasis. A home that transports you mentally to  France, maybe Italy, or at the very least New Orleans. 

Definitely a space to inspire.

 

The home is built  with a center courtyard that all the rooms look out upon.

 

From the courtyard gate 

 

and pool fountain

 

 

to the tile floors

 

 

and stone staircase,  this home had those opulent features that make it a designer's dream project.

 

 

The modern galley kitchen is both sophisticated, functional and visually appealing. Seriously, is there really anything better than a black and white kitchen? I think not.

 

 

Insert wine bottles here. :D

 

 

Serving cocktails from your custom stone bar would definitely get you some kudos.

 

 

If a large master bath makes your heart beat faster then take a look at this...

 

 

a steam shower, double sink banked by built- in cabinetry and a breakfast bar.

 

 

A bevy of Versailles vibed closets doors line the hallway and a dressing room.

 

 

(someone needs to straighten up those shades)

:D

 

With so much attention to the smaller details this home was outstanding even though it was nearly empty.

I could only imagine where I would like to take it if I lived here.

 

 

 

 

The next images are from the the listing brochure that show what it did look like when it was all dressed up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pretty amazing, don't you agree?

Yes,  most definitely worthy of a nod here on BeColorful's

Spaces to Inspire

 

 

xoxo,

p

 

Christmas Style at Mom's Place

Welcome to my mom's home –

This three foot Santa is the first thing to greet you when you enter through the front door at my mom's place.

She bought him probably ten years or so ago in the Amana Colonies.

She had three of these exquisite bearded guys but when my dad became ill  she eventually decided to downsize to a condo and opted to only keep the smallest one of the three.

His friendly face has welcomed me for so many years now that he feels like one of the family.

 

My mom has a wonderful sense of style.

I love it when we decorate together but I am unfortunately always offering up an unsolicited opinion. Consequently, I'm afraid I have eroded her design confidence.

She really doesn't need my direction. She does a wonderful job all by herself.

Yes, my mom really has it going on. :)

We have made it a tradition to decorate her place together and we have so much fun doing it.

This year we spent two days pulling everything together.

Maybe not steady decorating. Hehe.

We did stop for a couple shopping diversions, dinner and martinis.

The first day though, I didn't get home until 2 in the morning!

My mom has quite a bit of party in her. :0

The other night  I thought I would go over to her place and take some pictures of our efforts for a new Spaces to Inspire installment here at BeColorful.

My mom had a party to go to that night but I went ahead and had fun taking photos of some of my favorite decorations and things that are just so representative of her style.

 

I would describe her look as traditionally elegant. 

I love her Nativity.

 

It is made of alabaster and the detailing is amazing.

In the past we have elevated some of the figures and placed twinkle lights and a gauzy fabric underneath them but this year we kept it simple.

The figurines are so beautiful. They don't need an embellished setting.

They can definitely stand out on their own.

 

I love the look and color of the alabaster.

These pieces are timeless and would look as stunning in an ultra contemporary home as they do here.

The simplicity of her holiday decor ends there though.

Simple is not a word I would use to describe my mom.

My mom loves anything that sparkles or shimmers. 

She apparently passed that trait down to me and to her granddaughter too. :)

If it reflects light, we all love it.

Look at the bling she pulled together for her coffee table.

 

You may recognize the mirrored trees. They were from Target this season.

There is a bit more  of this  tree theme glitz on the server.

Moving into the den, she showcases her pared down collection of Byers Choice Carolers. 

 

The room has one long wall of bookcases that make it easy to stage caroler vignettes,

including this one of A Christmas Carol.

Mom has also had these Christmas geese for a number of years and I always love unpacking them.

 

 

I always enjoy their casual elegance.

 

She put her mirror tricks to work in this space too.

 

 

This is my favorite room and I love these two chairs.

 

I am gaga for anything black and white.

Mom also has an affinity for faux dogs. Too bad she can't have a real one in the condo.

She only has the two but this one, named Chablis, is especially noteworthy.

Chablis doesn't shed, drool, or need to be taken outside. :0

 

Let me show you her dining room.

She added a few new items here this year.

 

The wreath on the table with the scattered "diamonds"

 

and the matching garland that we draped in the chandelier came from Brucemore.

 

 

This glittering circle of branches came from the same museum store.

They have gorgeous things.

 

We placed the branches in front of a wall of mirrors.

The effect is spectacular but it makes for a difficult photo.

 

Initially we weren't sure where to display these sparkling twigs but then opted for this arrangement.

We bought an inexpensive wreath at Michael's, draped some lights on it and then nestled the branches in the center.

What is the whole thing sitting in?

Well, actually, that is a baptismal font from the old church.

My brother was baptized in this font so I love it that my mom has this piece in her home.

I always think that those unconventional items, especially if they have a history, are what make a room and a home more interesting.

Christmas can even be found in Mom's bedroom.

From the red amaryllis wreath hanging on the mirrored bedroom door

to the red walls, sparkling disco ornaments and white Christmas tree, this room is quintessentially Carol.

She has a remote on the tree so she can climb into bed and admire the tree before falling asleep.

When she's ready she can turn the tree off and never get up. Love that.

Not only is she beautiful and creative but a smart one too.

 

Mom, I had so much fun pulling this year's holiday look together with you.

It's a lot of work for both of us but you make it fun.

So how should we deck out your place for Valentines? :)

xoxo,

P

 

 

Inspired TEXAS Style - Part II

 

Come with me beyond the gate and visit the site of 

 Inspired TEXAS Style - Part II 

because everything really is bigger in Texas.

We were down in the lone star state this past weekend for a wedding reception  and were invited to stay here at the house of the bride's parents for the weekend. 

Pretty sweet accommodations. :)

 

Our friends only finished building and moving into this home late last year and then had to quickly shift gears and begin planning a wedding.

I think they have done a spectacular job of pulling things together for the party.

I say they, but Glynda we know it was all you making so many of these decisions.

One of the things I like best about homes in the south are all of the outdoor spaces.

I spent the better part of Friday evening parked right here. 

Hot but breezy and oh so relaxing.

 

Maybe it's a Texas thing but I have never even considered venting our outdoor grill, especially with such a massive copper hood. I do like this look though and the built in sink and refrigerator down below make it so functional.

 

Nice.

It would also be great to have a pool like this but it is hard to justify in our part of the world where the  swim season is so much shorter.

 

 

Yes, I could get used to floating around here with a cocktail in hand. :)

Then there is the kitchen...

If it were up to me I would build the house without a kitchen.

I have very limited culinary skills. 

Maybe a microwave for heating up take out

and a frig to keep the drinks cold and I could call it done.

But for those of you that like to cook, the boat load of storage space and all the appliances here could make you swoon.

This kitchen has not one, not two, but three ovens,

 

 

and look at the size of that range hood!

 

Glynda, I didn't even know you cooked. 

Do you?

Yes, those are all tequila bottles on the island.  :) 

They had two margarita machines going for the party.

Dangerous and delicious!

 

The rooster collection is a nice touch.

 

I even found the   Anniversary Box   that I painted for our hosts a couple of years back tucked in one of the many built in shelving units.

I really liked the kitchen sink they went with.

Actually, some of the sinks throughout the house were like works of art.

 

Every house needs a little bling. A mirrored sink will take care of that.

 

There were a number of fascinating architectural features here including the main staircase which is floating. Stunning.

 

 

Mike and I have also liked these taller nine foot doors throughout the house.

 This one led to our guest quarters

and I have always been drawn to the character that a dutch door gives.

 

This one opens into the laundry room.

 
 

The ceilings are also noteworthy.

 

This one is in the master bedroom

and this one in the foyer.

 

The library ceiling

 

and the ceiling treatment in the game room.
 
   

I am also intrigued by some of the wall finishes.

 

 

especially this one involving burlap.

Apparently they laid the burlap flat and coated it with wall mud.

Let it dry completely.

Then they rolled it up to create the cracked and distressed look.

I'm not sure how it was then applied to the walls but I really like the way it looks.

 

 

 

There is so much eye candy in this house that it was hard to take it all in.

Besides, what we were really there for was a wedding reception.

They kept the wedding decorations to a minimum but there were a few nods to the event scattered around for the party. 

 

I thought it was fun touch to put the wedding dress on a mannequin for this event.

 

 

It was a fabulous party and a spectacular house.

Congrats to Nick and Nicole

 

 
 

It was an amazing weekend.

In the words of Montgomery Gentry,

" That's something to be proud of, that's a life you can hang your hat on"

 

Well done.

XOXO,

P

 
 
 
 
  
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
  
 
 
 

Inspired TEXAS Style - Part I

Have you missed me?

I've been BUSY

This past weekend I was in Texas for a wedding reception.

Our friends built this home last year.

Talk about "off the chains" 

This home fits that term perfectly.

Our friends invited us to stay here with them for the wedding event.

Apparently everything really is bigger in Texas.

We were definitely not in Iowa anymore.

As soon as we entered through the massive gates

and traversed that ribbon of a highway driveway

to finally arrive at the imposing gothic front doors,

I knew in true blogger mindset what my next post would be about.

 

We had been here last year when  this home was still in the framing stages.

During that visit we drove around the city with our friends looking at brick and stone samples and made several stops out here at the job site to see how things were progressing.

Like a good book or television show, it was gratifying to be able to see how it looks today. You know what I mean, you see or read the beginning of something and you want to know how it turns out.

Well this story is awe inspiring and turned out fabulously.

I don't like to show the front of a house on the internet for privacy reasons but here are some exterior views taken from the back.

 

 

Definitely impressive and that's the BACK.

Wish my backside looked that good... or even the back of my house. :)

As for me, I am always interested in the different decorating styles and building techniques that are maybe more unique to certain parts of the country than others. 

This house was full of things that aren't as common in the midwest.

Even though American Gothic originated in Iowa,

  
 

gothic architecture isn't that prevalent here.  

It starts at the front door of this house and is repeated in the windows and throughout the interior.

 

It was evident in the ceilings

and the outstanding woodwork.

 

* I'm still learning how to take an interior shot shooting towards a bright window. Do love the new camera though.

 

It has a kind of monastery feel don't you think?

I can't believe I forgot to take pictures of my friend's closet. Ms. Glynda if you are reading this, could you send me some? I covet and think I might hate you just the littlest bit for that center island full of jewelry drawers and that necklace storage idea. I know the women out here in blogland would love to show the men in their life what they are lacking be inspired too. :)

Other than the closet photo fail, one of my favorite spaces was the library.

Even if I didn't have time to read I would walk through this space just because it made me so flipping happy.

 I Know I use the word inspiring so often that it lessens its meaning, but for me this space is the quintessential definition of the word. This room appeals to my sense of beauty, design, and it hits that emotional cord that motivates me to really want to stay, curl up here with a new book and READ for hours.

 

I'm not sure that this homeowner is the bibliophile that I am but what they lack in quantity they make up for in style.

I love how you can see through the center to the home office down below.

 

Looking up you see the wonderfully embellished ceiling of the turret.

The design of the great room was also fascinating. 

It is in the core of the house 

and the arch theme repeats here also as you look towards the kitchen, foyer and the back forty.

 

Looking up - another layer of arches.

The twenty four foot ceilings give a lofty look towards the second floor and soaring fireplace.

 

Upstairs there is a craft room that appealed to the color evangelist and organization side of me.

 

How fun is that back splash? Love that.

 

Then, I guess if you are hitting a creative wall and need a little fresh air you just step out on the balcony and contemplate a swim or take in the pastoral views of Texas.

 

 

I could also wile away the hours in this glamorous media room. 

The woodwork here is also unbelievable.

I'm a lay down for great woodwork.

How fun is this space?

Purple walls, black trim and leopard print carpet.

Now that takes a bit of chutzpa for a Baptist in Texas,

but this midwestern Lutheran loves it too.

 

 

 

Serious swoon here. This is what I have been looking for either for a runner in our foyer or for under the dining room table. This is a custom piece so I'm still not any closer to finding my leopard. What I like about this is  the amount of pattern here and the color... hard to find. So much of what I've seen is harsh or rather cheap looking. This is so pretty in real life.

Yes, this is a big old Texas size house and so as not to overwhelm you with too many pictures in one sitting - plus, honestly, I have got to move on to other things today, I will take a break here.

Stop by tomorrow though to see some stunning wall treatments, wonderfully unique sinks and faucets, a Texas style laundry room, an even bigger kitchen and a stairway to Heaven. You know it's a humongous house when it takes two posts. :) Stay tuned for Inspired TEXAS Style Part II tomorrow at Be Colorful.

Until then,

X0X0,  

Linking up today with Met Monday at Between Naps on the Front Porch

Spaces To Inspire or The House of Sally

I am linking this post up today with The Inspired Room and her What Inspired You This Week Party. This is definitely a space that inspires me.

Confused? Keep reading. :) 

I love houses. When I watch a movie I sometimes miss the action or plot because I am too intent on studying the house in the background. 

Image from It's Complicated. 

I'm checking out the wall colors, the furniture or what's on the mantel and the coffee table. I don't think I'm alone. From what I am seeing out here in blogland this is a common affliction. We love so many different styles: cottage, contemporary, the Pottery Barn look, and traditional. We are like sponges taking it all in.

Architectural Digest image from Something's Got To Give

I am either just so lucky to have friends that share my love of houses or maybe I am drawn to people that also like to make a statement with their decorating choices. As a result I am surrounded with an abundance of creative decorating energy.  I am beginning what I hope will be a the first in a some what regular series of posts that I am calling Spaces That Inspire. To kick off my series I am starting with #1 -  Ta Da

 -The House of Sally. 

Sally is not only one of my besties but she is also a designer and an artist in our Traveling Door group. Even before I first saw Sally's home I knew that an artist and designer would have one of those spaces that inspire and would not be your typical Iowa home. Nothing  though could have prepared me for the sassy whimsical style that is Sally's house.

So here we go. Drum roll please ( too bad Typepad doesn't have sound effects) :0

As soon as you enter the front door you know this is a space that is going to make you smile. The foyer greets you with taupe walls that have been painted with randomly placed metallic squares of color and happy wall art.

 

 

 

and one of the tables that Sally designed.

 

From the foyer your eye is led into the coppery domain that is Sally's living room.

 

As pretty as this room is in the daylight, in the evening those walls literally sparkle.

I love  the chunky furniture and the drama of those polka dots.

I also like the way she has used the contrasting style of the pine armoire as a display piece. Her art choices make me swoon.

 

I may just have to steal this.

 

This Ann Royer is an especially great piece.

 

Throughout the house there are nods to their pasts and to places they have been. 

 
 
 

I have always been fascinated with her dining room and its horizontal stripes of chocolate. I thought her originality showed through with this branch that she painted and hung in the corner at Christmas time and then bedazzled with ornaments in lieu of a Christmas tree.

 

This print of a Grant Wood painting is so unexpectedly perfect here. So very Sally. Grant Wood by the way was an Iowa artist that painted and taught right here in Cedar Rapids. 

 

Now I don't have too many pictures of this room because in true artistic form Sally is in the process of totally revamping this space and it is currently a work in progress. I will definitely be revisiting it for you in the future but for now here is a sneak peek of where she is headed.

Now who but Sally would think to paint a room black and white  with a copper ceiling and then have it turn out so amazingly. I can't wait to see the finished product. She is not afraid to take a risk. I thought I made some bold choices but when it comes to thinking outside of the box she is my idol.

I love that we share that affinity for black and white. She  will be using these colors in her dining room and adding more of it to the living room. She has also repeated them in the master bedroom. I covet this bedding and these pillows.

 

 

 And she found this lamp at TJ Maxx but didn't like the shade so she painted it. Yes, she is a girl after my heart ( Fuzzy alert. Sorry about the bad picture).

 

My favorite touch in this room, though, is a very personal one on her hubby's side of the bed and right above his night table.

 

I really wish I had thought of this first and it honestly kind of makes me feel badly that I didn't. Honey if you read this I love you too.

 But the room that really exemplifies Sally and her unique sense of decorating style is her kitchen. From the bright pops of color -

To her painted and wine label embellished table.

But this next photo is the piece de resistance because absolutely no where else have I seen dishes hanging from the ceiling. This is whimsy at its best. I don't know how long she had to look to find that light fixture, but I can't think of anything that could work with this vignette any better.

 

Really? How does she even think of this kind of thing? Again, mixed with a Grant Wood print and the red pillar. I love that contrast of styles. It is difficult to see here but the spoon on the yellow plate looks like it is sitting in melted ice cream. Inspired!

 

Thank you Sal for letting me showcase your home, for letting me barge in not once but twice to take pictures, but most of all thanks for being a friend that continually encourages me to take a leap and just follow my creative instincts.