Faux Tortoise Shell Mirror

I stopped in to <a href="http://toddalexanderromano.com/">Todd Romano's</a> lovely store the other day to look at some Bob Collins fabric for a client. While I was there (after getting distracted by the table covered in juicy Christopher Spitzmiller lamps) I noticed this beautiful bamboo mirror in a blue faux finish and couldn't stop thinking about it all day. I started thinking about trying a faux finish on one of my mirrors.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7055.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7054.jpg" /></div><br />I've had my heart set on trying a tortoise shell finish. And then I saw this amazing table in this month's House Beautiful and I love the idea even more. Miles Redd had it painted to look like green tortoise shell.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/MilesReddHB.jpg" /></div><br />I did some googling and came up with <a href="http://mclainwiesand.blogspot.com/2010/04/gerrit-end-table.html">this image</a> for inspiration.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/GerritMirror.jpg" /></div><br />The next step is getting the technique down. Does anyone have any experience with tortoise shell faux finish? Or maybe a good book to recommend?<br /><br />(PS <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/avery-mirror/mirrors/decorative-mirrors/198110">This Ballard mirror</a> (which is 20% off right now!) would be a good choice for a project like this. You'll want to go as simple as possible with the face of the moulding for a more realistic look.)

Faux Tortoise Shell Mirror

I stopped in to Todd Romano's lovely store the other day to look at some Bob Collins fabric for a client. While I was there (after gett...

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Top O' the Morning To You

Wishing you a very happy St. Patty's Day! Some favorite images with a bit (or a lot) of green...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Screenshot2011-02-05at94844PM-1copy.png" /><br />Robert Passal via <a href="http://vivafullhouse.blogspot.com/2011/02/children-chinoiserie.html">Full House</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/miltonavery-greensea.jpg" /><br />Milton Avery via <a href="http://aubreyroad.blogspot.com/2011/02/abstract.html">Aubrey Road</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/2004_031_p1.jpg" /><br />Kate Spade<br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/SAM_1770.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/PAIR-GREEN-ARTICHOKE-TABLE-LAMPS-HOLLYWOOD-REGENCY-MOD-/250789445647?pt=Lamps_US&hash=item3a6437400f">Green artichoke lamps on eBay</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/bridges1.jpg" /><br />Sheila Bridges<br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Gracie_74F323F0.jpg" /><br />Gracie Wallpaper<br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/styleathomecombedroom.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://www.styleathome.com/photo-galleries">Style at Home</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/etsyviajoblanca-gomez-prints.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/blancucha">Blanca Gomez</a> via <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2010/11/city-prints.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FbboSV+%28A+CUP+OF+JO%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">A Cup of Jo</a></div>

Top O' the Morning To You

Wishing you a very happy St. Patty's Day! Some favorite images with a bit (or a lot) of green... Robert Passal via Full House Milton Ave...

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DIY Branch Chandelier

Like <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/03/colorful-modern-art.html">DIY modern art</a>, it is also tricky to really pull off DIY lighting solutions. There have only been a few projects out there that I really like (<a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/07/bubble-chandelier-diy.html">here was a good one</a>).<br /><br />But I can't get over how great <a href="http://newyork.timeout.com/shopping-style/apartments-home-design/31483/mood-lighting">this lighting project</a> is. The owners of Abilene Bar in the Carrol Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn needed inexpensive lighting for their restaurant and came up with this idea.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/02chandeliers2210_rect540.jpg" /></div><br />They layered many of these simple and inexpensive socket adapters from Home Depot together to create a coral or branch effect. The best part is there is absolutely no hard-wiring required. The first socket just screws right into your existing light bulb socket. Completely genius!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture1-7.png" /></div><br />I like the white sockets seen here, but I'd also consider spray painting the outside of the sockets red or gold.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/unnamed.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/2abiline.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/3abiline.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/cbk.jpg" /></div><br />Image sources: <a href="http://newyork.timeout.com/shopping-style/apartments-home-design/31483/mood-lighting">Time Out NYC</a>, <a href="http://nymag.com/listings/bar/Abilene/">NY Mag</a>

DIY Branch Chandelier

Like DIY modern art , it is also tricky to really pull off DIY lighting solutions. There have only been a few projects out there that I real...

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Colorful Modern Art

You've probably seen that poster that says "Modern Art = I could do that + Yeah, but you didn't." DIY versions of modern art are harder to pull off than they might seem. Something tells me that trying a design like these below would be a little more doable, especially if your math skills are better than you brush work.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/hemma_hos_viktoria_hamberg_11.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://puregreendesign.blogspot.com/p/pure-green-living-magazine.html" style="font-style: italic;">Pure Green Living Magazine</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/citysae6a00e55225716d88330148c77b1ec7970c-800wi.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Elle Decor, via </span><a href="http://www.annesage.com/" style="font-style: italic;">Anne Sage</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">P.S. Notice how these modern pieces are paired with more traditional/antique furniture and rugs. It's the mix that will make your friends wonder how much you paid for that lovely piece of art. It would not be a good idea to put art like this in a room full of IKEA furniture.</div></div>

Colorful Modern Art

You've probably seen that poster that says "Modern Art = I could do that + Yeah, but you didn't." DIY versions of modern a...

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$500 Give Away to Pier 1

<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">This post brought to you by <a href="http://app.socialspark.com/disclosure_clicks?oid=1828622" rel="nofollow">Pier 1</a>. All opinions are 100% mine.<br />A couple months ago, Pier 1 <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/12/holiday-shopping-at-pier-1.html">invited me</a> to stop into their 5th Ave store to take photos of my favorite holiday wares. It was so much fun that I jumped at the chance to stop in again to see their <a href="http://www.pier1.com/catalog/browse/0100.seasonal">new spring line</a>. And guess what? Pier 1 is offering up a $500 gift card to one of you lucky readers!<br />Want to see what caught my eye at <a href="http://app.socialspark.com/clicks?lid=5912&oid=1828622" rel="nofollow">Pier 1</a>? I was pretty impressed by their <a href="http://www.pier1.com/catalog/browse/519.169.outdoor">outdoor furniture</a> line. We have a rooftop deck and I think some of these pieces would look great up there now that the weather is warming up. I loved this pretty rattan chair with the creamy white cushion:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7118.jpg" /></div>And aren't those velvet pillows pretty? They're an additional 20% off right now. (PS if you sign up for the <a href="http://app.socialspark.com/clicks?lid=5922&oid=1828622" rel="nofollow">Pier 1 Outdoor newsletter</a>, you'll get additional sale info and coupons)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7117.jpg" /></div>I also loved this wing back style wicker chair:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7127.jpg" /></div>There was a settee in this style too that I also really liked.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7128.jpg" /></div>For my outdoor space, I would mix a pair of one of the rattan chairs from above with a couple of fun accents chairs, like this scrolled peacock chair:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7121.jpg" /></div>Or a pair of these teal lacquered arm chairs:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7172.jpg" /></div>I also really liked this little wooden accent chair:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7152.jpg" /></div>I would also throw in a fun outdoor rug or two:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7173.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7143.jpg" /></div>And speaking of rugs, I really loved this wool ombre rug:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7149.jpg" /></div>I was impressed with the quality of the wool given the price...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7150.jpg" /></div>There were some really fun accessories at the store too, like this backgammon table:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7146.jpg" /></div>And these enamelware canisters in a pretty mint/jade color. I like the more modern font.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7155.jpg" /></div>I couldn't resist buying one of these beautiful bowls.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7159.jpg" /></div>They sort of remind me of a giant clam, but are a little more functional and can be used in the kitchen. Also these would be great for larger flower arrangements.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7162.jpg" /></div></div>I really love these marbled glass tumblers, but I couldn't decide between the acid yellow or the cornflower blue.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7156.jpg" /></div>Cute resin coasters for a summer bbq!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7167.jpg" /></div>I picked up a set of these porcelain mushrooms for the built-ins in my girls room:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7176.jpg" /></div>Wouldn't this chest of drawers be great painted or leafed?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7140.jpg" /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love the serpentine shape.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7142.jpg" /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">There were some really amazing chair offerings at Pier 1. Check out this bergere style arm chair:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7136.jpg" /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The quilted paisley fabric feels very Anthropologie, but at a fraction of the price.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7138.jpg" /></div></div></div>Sort of a rustic Louis style chair:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7164.jpg" /></div>This is one of my favorite finds of the day. $160 for a really lovely slipper chair. The pattern on the fabric will mix really well with other patterns and colors.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7114.jpg" /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">This chair was another favorite. It was really comfortable and a complete steal at $370. I would put a pair in a living room with a solid, more neutral sofa. I would also add some <a href="http://www.kennedyhardware.com/solid-brass-cup-caster.html">brass casters</a> to the feet.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7130.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Isn't that fabric fun? And I love how it pairs with the Lulu DK-esque brown velvet pillow (which is on sale for $18).</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7132.jpg" /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So, who wants a $500 gift card to spend on some of these gorgeous goods at Pier 1? Here are the official <a href="http://app.socialspark.com/clicks?lid=5992&oid=1828622" rel="nofollow">contest rules</a>. You have two way to enter:<br /><div>1) Leave a comment on this post stating how you spend the $500 at Pier 1. </div><div></div><div>--OR--</div><div></div><div>2) If you're a twitter user, tweet a link to this give away and include the hashtag #Pier_1_Imports. (And don't miss out on the next <a href="http://app.socialspark.com/clicks?lid=5932&oid=1828622" rel="nofollow">Pier 1 Tweetups</a> events!)</div><div></div><div>Contest ends on April 15. Good luck!<br /><br />**Update: Pier 1 has received some direct emails from some readers wanting to enter the contest. To be clear, the only two ways to enter the contest are to leave a comment here on LGN or to tweet. Thanks!</div></div></div><a href="http://app.socialspark.com/disclosure_clicks?oid=1828622" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="Visit Sponsor's Site" border="0" src="http://app.socialspark.com/views?oid=1828622" style="border: medium none;" /> </a></div>

$500 Give Away to Pier 1

This post brought to you by Pier 1 . All opinions are 100% mine. A couple months ago, Pier 1 invited me to stop into their 5th Ave store t...

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Moody Blue Silk Drapes

<span style="font-style: italic;">**A quick little update: I know you guys love my personal home and client decorating projects best (those are my favorite posts, too). I promise I'm not holding out on you without good reason. I've got some exciting things in the works that unfortunately prevent me from posting pictures just yet. But don't worry - I'm taking lots of photos of projects and I promise to share everything when I get the green light.** </span><br /><br />I love mixing fabric textures in a room - linens with velvets with silks. But with kids in the house, the silks usually need to be pillows or curtains. Fine by me - I love silk curtains! I found an inexpensive silk fabric source in the garment district and had planned to just make my own panels. But then I stumbled on <a href="http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=STY&ItemID=157f6bb&submit%20search.y=0&Ntt=la+scala&SearchString=la+scala&Ne=840+4+877+878+5+961+6+29+3+598+11+15+12+506+10+23+585+596+1031+8+18+904+903+969+949+833&hdnOnGo=true&NOffset=0&submit%20search.x=0&Nao=0&N=4294959029&SO=0&PSO=0&CmCatId=searchresults&mscssid=60f2bd175732f415b9faa77a3d935cd35xMnVNoV5a3WxMnVNoV5a3o200BAE37E5573F83CDB2576C826194AB8C551106903">these panels at JC Penney</a> for about $50 each. Real silk with lining? I couldn't pass that up.<br /><br />I bought four panels for my long window wall, which should be just enough width to combine and make two very wide panels. I bought them extra long so I could sew in my own pleating (tutorial on the way!).<br /><br />I got the Ming Blue color which, despite the preview color on the JCP site, looks like a mix between all of these curtains below. A dark, moody slate blue. I'm loving it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/9katespadeden-1.jpg" /><br />Kate Spade<br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/drapesIMG_0154-Edit.jpg" /><br />Windsor Smith<br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture93-1.png" /></div>

Moody Blue Silk Drapes

**A quick little update: I know you guys love my personal home and client decorating projects best (those are my favorite posts, too). I pro...

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