Eddie Ross

If you don’t think you can find uses for flea market finds, today’s post will change your mind.

Eddie Ross is famous for his design abilities, and of particular interest are his famous trips into flea markets with the vision to give new life to old items. His ability to create designs for rooms on any budget has earned him a large fan following and regular columns in two of the country’s most widely circulated magazines: Woman’s Day and Southern Living. We are so exited that he is a featured lecturer at Nashville’s upcoming Antiques and Garden Show (A&GS) — click here. Eddie’s energy is contagious and his ability to create a beautiful, unique table setting is unmatched.

I was pinch-me thrilled to have the chance to pick his design brain about entertaining and tablescapes today. A special thank you to both Eddie and his partner, Jaithan Kochar, as well as Sarah Bartholomew, co-chair of the A&GS, for making this happen.

For anyone not familiar with Eddie Ross, read his bio, click here, and be blown away!

A column from House Beautiful in 2010

Could this table be any prettier? A gorgeous table makes you want to linger longer. EddieRoss.com

Were your parents entertainers?  If so, is this where your sense for tablescapes came from?  If not, where do you think your passion for tablescapes started?

My parents rarely entertained formally, so it wasn’t until my first job at a catering company in Greenwich, Connecticut, that I discovered a world I loved. Every weekend, I’d go into lavish, old money homes to set extravagant tables with family heirlooms. I wanted to entertain like that, so I began to educate myself at antique stores on fine china, silver, and linens, then scoured flea markets and thrift stores to find similar items at prices I could afford.

From a 2009 blog post on EddieRoss.com

This is one of my all-time favorite Eddie tablescapes. He suggests renting bright chairs for a quick update and fresh feel for your next dinner party. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this - and I'm such a neutral girl. I need to branch out...

One more look at this amazing colorburst of a table. Since all my candles are white, I'm thinking about having a dinner party just to buy some turquoise ones!

Do you feel the South, in general, takes their tablescaping more seriously than other regions?

Yes, absolutely! Southerners take pride in tradition, family heirlooms, fine silver and monogramming–all the things I’m passionate about. I truly am a Southerner at heart!

Amber-hued Thanksgiving from 2009 EddieRoss.com

Thanksgiving table 2010. Eddie and his partner, Jaithan Kochar, created this tablescape for online magazine LONNY.

If someone were to stock their pantry with supplies to have on hand for any dinner party table, what would be the top 5-7 items they should have?

1. Good silver polish, like Maas.
2. Beautiful tapers in colors that coordinate with your china. My favorite are the 12″ and 18″ tapers from Creative Candles (www.creativecandles.com).
3. Linen napkins in colors that coordinate with your china. There’s more to napkins than white!
4. Chargers in a mix of materials: brass, silver and porcelain with bands that coordinate with the colors of your china.
5. Place cards, definitely.
6. And don’t forget plenty of good wine!

Halloween 2010 Tablescape - EddieRoss.com

Who says Halloween can't include some traditional monogramming?! It helps that at first look this monogram looks like RIP!

What items do you splurge on for a tablescape and where can/should you go cheap?

Scouring flea markets and consignment stores, I’m always finding sets of salad/dessert plates or great soup bowls at discount prices that I can mix in with what I already have. Then I splurge on fabric for tablecloths. It’s the surefire way to update antique china with a wow! Spend, too, on beautiful, unusual varieties of flowers that work with the colors of your china. It’s not as though you’re entertaining everyday, so make it special.

"...beautiful, unusual varieties of flowers that work with the colors of your china." From Auguest 2011, EddieRoss.com

Eddie setting the table at a SACD Style event in Savannah.

A close up from the same SACD event listed above. The flowers are bold and beautiful; the candles are bright and perfect; and, it is still easy to talk to the person across from you!

When having a dinner party, what is your ideal number of guests and why?

10 to 12 guests always feel like a party to me, so if you have the room, do it! Plus, if I’m going to cook, I like to bring together as many people as I comfortably can.

Another green tablescape, this time paired with yellows. It just screams SPRING doesn't it?

Do you have a favorite theme to throw a party around?

Instead of themes, I like to interpret vintage inspiration in fresh, new ways. For my partner Jaithan’s birthday last summer, I threw a princely feast on the lawn, inspired by a maharaja’s banquet in Mumbai!

Jaithan's princely feast when he turned 35! Lonny captured the party, and all the tips necessary to throw an amazing feast yourself! Click for details.

See?  I told you that you’d be inspired to shake it up, hit a flea market and add some color to your table!  Be sure to check out Eddie Ross at the Antiques and Garden Show next week.  The entire show promises to be simply amazing with all the antique dealers, lecturers, parties and more.  Click here to see why this is a must-attend event each year.

Eddie and Jaithan. A dynamic duo, indeed.

© 2012, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Home Decor:

Click any picture for more details

I believe this image is from LONNY, but the link is broken so I can't be sure.

Southern Living Texas Show House

Fashion:

Okay, here’s the thing, if you think finding the right shade of yellow is hard for your walls or your sofa, try finding one to match your skin tone!  Dreadful.  It is near impossible.  But, that said, yellow is super hip right now.

From Vintage Traffic website; 2012 Runway shows.

From Vintage Traffic website; 2012 Runway shows.

Blake Lively, always ahead of the trends, dressed in yellow with a grey belt and jewelry last year.

Most women would look better in the reverse of Blake Lively’s outfit: a grey dress, with a yellow skinny belt. It’s a cautionary truth that most of us simply can’t pull off yellow. I mean, look at those models. Even they don’t look fabulous in those shades of yellow they were asked to wear.

Grey dresses with yellow bouquet accents - much better.

Consider this outfit by J Crew:

Now, with ONE of the following accessories, you have instant yellow appeal, no jaundice coloring required: (all accessories found at Nordstrom)

OR

OR

Or, maybe just add this watch.  Watches as a fashion accessory are bold and back with a vengeance!

ICE watch, $50

No wonder yellow has always been popular in rain wear: it looks perfect against the grey sky backdrop!

So pretty

Flowers:

I love these images:

These flowers from Scoot's Lovely's Pinterest board. You should click to check out this flowers board.

Pretty yellow and grey flowers used at a wedding.

Time to add some yellow to your life!

For more yellow inspirations, see: http://pinterest.com/liza_graves/the-magic-of-yellow/

© 2012, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

The Asia, a wok-style fire pit, comes in 36", 48", 60" and 72".

Barefoot Beach. $1,179.00

Saturn, $1,179

Rick Wittrig lives outside of Nashville and started creating these steel fire pits several years ago. I asked him how he came to choose this career and had to laugh at his answer:

A few years ago we purchased a fire pit for our family. It promptly fell apart and caught the yard on fire. I told my wife Donna “This will not happen again; I will build a better fire pit,” and so I did. When our friends came over they would say, “ Wow, where did you get that?”  So I made some for friends and soon started marketing locally. Today we sell in all fifty states including Alaska and Hawaii, across most of Canada (we had one commissioned by the Olympics!), the Bahamas and as far away as Australia.

You’ve got to love and admire this can-do attitude.  Rick grew up in a tiny Mennonite farming village in Illinois where he learned many skills, including welding and metal fabrication for farm machinery.  These skills, obviously, have come in handy. 

As Rick mentioned, his Third Rock-designed fire pit was commissioned by the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler, Canada.

2010 Olympics, Athletes Village in Whistler, BC, Canada

Working on Third Rock

Third Rock

Prices start at $979 — and your fire pit will last a lifetime. These fire pits find their way into backyards, porches and docks for private and commercial use. 

Crater - a pure and classic minimalist design. $979

Wings of Flight - Artisan Log Rack, $300

I’m all inspired to re-do my backyard. Aren’t you? With a fire pit this pretty, we may just need to roast marshmallows year round!

www.firepitart.com/

© 2012, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Every StyleBlueprint city has listed sliced agate products from Rablabs in our monthly FINDS edition. We’re all obsessed.

http://www.rablabs.com/

This belt from Rablabs is $298

Joie ornaments for Christmas trees or fun uses year-round

Rablabs plates, 8"x9", $128 each

Napkin Rings by Rablabs $68 for a pair

After falling hard for the Rablabs products, we all started looking around our local shops for this trend:

www.theperfectpairnashville.com

Available in Nashville at The Perfect Pair

Available at The Perfect Pair

Available at The Perfect Pair

www.nordstrom.com

Available at Nordstrom. $148

 Scout, in Louisville, KY: http://scoutonmarket.com

Agate necklace by Nugarrd at Scout, in Louisville $48

Agate necklace and earrings by Nugarrd at Scout, $48 and $60

Jenkins Eliason Interiors: http://www.jenkinseliason.com/

Teal agate on copper chain by Summer Eliason at Jenkins Eliason Interiors, $68

Here is an example of agate jewelry that is formed into beads, not slices. Pink agate necklace from W&M

Becca Belz Jewelry: http://beccabelzjewelry.com/

Becca Belz, a Memphis-based jewelry designer, created this ladder agate necklace. $175

Becca Belz, $150

The following three pictures were taken at spruce, in Memphis.

Available at spruce, in Memphis.

Rings available at spruce.

Necklaces at spruce, in Memphis.

The following are examples of Druzy, or Drusy, which according to Wikipedia is a coating of fine crystals on a rock fracture surface, vein or within a vug or geode. We think it looks like moon rocks — very sparkly and nice.  

Druzy copper necklace by Summer Eliason at Jenkins Eliason Interiors, $218

Druzy gold-filled chandelier earrings by Summer Eliason, $385

We knew Etsy would give us tons of options for agate and geode jewelry, and we were right:

Etsy: agate geode druzy sliced earrings! $88.

For details on above, click here.

ETSY: $162.

For details on above, click here.

ETSY: $20. Geode Wine Stopper. Click for details

For details on above, click here.

Pinterest led us to these rings:

http://www.mossiere.com/product/druzy-geode-ring

Mossiere Rings: $38.

We dug around a little more and found these countertops, unlike anything we have seen.  

Countertops Concetto http://www.concettous.com/the_collection.aspx

How cool is this?

These countertops can even be backlit!

So, be on the lookout for new ways to bring agate and geodes into your home and wardrobe.  We think we’ll be seeing them on clutches, shoes, votives and more!

© 2012, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Photographer: John Chiasson

Take note of all the textures featured today.  The sculptures, stone pathways, gorgeous walls, gates, the beauty of winter trees showing off their bark and regal branches interspersed with evergreen and berries are enough to make me look around and think that even January provides a lovely time to embrace our gardens.

These images capture the work of the esteemed PageDuke Landscape Architects. A nationally known entity, their work has been featured in Veranda, Architectural Digest, Traditional Home, Southern Living, Southern Accents and on HGTV.

Note: One of our favorite places for further home and garden inspiration is coming up soon: the Antiques and Garden Show. Be sure to mark the Feb 10-12th event and be inspired with ideas for your own home. For more details on this show, including the lectures and demonstrations, click here. It is going to be fabulous!

Photographer: John Chiasson

Photographer: John Chiasson

Photographer: John Chiasson

Snow does enhance everything, doesn’t it?

Photographer: John Chiasson

Photographer: John Chiasson

Photographer: John Chiasson

Photographer: John Chiasson

While the next two photographs were not taken in winter, they do show wonderful elements that can be enjoyed in all seasons:

Photographer: John Chiasson

Photographer: John Chiasson

Photographer: John Chiasson

Photographer: John Chiasson

Photographer: John Chiasson

Photographer: John Chiasson

Photographer: John Chiasson

Photographer: John Chiasson

Photographer: John Chiasson

See?  A winter garden can be beautiful when planned to be so!  Be sure to check out the PageDuke blog as well, www.pageduke.com/blog/

Photographer:  www.johnchiasson.com

Antiques and Garden Show, www.antiquesandgardenshow.com

© 2012, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Southern Accents

HomeMillwork.com

 

© 2012, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Yarn Ball Winter Wreath

Consider making this wreath with red, pink, lavender and white yarn and hearts for February; red, white and blue yarn with wooden stars for July; black, white and orange for Halloween; green and red for Christmas. This idea was inspired by the blog, Two Junk Chix.

Over Christmas break, my family headed to Childersburg, AL, to my in-law’s farm. The menfolk hunted and I sat around and wrapped foam balls for my wreath. It’s an activity best done in conjunction with another activity: watching TV, chatting with family and friends or even as a passenger in a car.  It’s not a good one to do “on the clock.”

A beautiful day at the farm to make yarn balls!

You’ll need:

• One large round foam wreath. (I covered mine in burlap, but I’ve seen others use a wire coat hanger stretched out and fashioned into a circle. Grapevine wreaths would work, as well.)
• Variety of foam balls, sizes 1 1/2 inch, 2 inch, and 2 1/2 inch. (I used 60 total balls. To make this part cheaper, you can simply wad up some newspaper or foil to wrap with yarn.)
• 5 different colors of yarn of your choosing. (I liked having different widths of yarn. Contrary to what you might think, depending on the size of ball you are covering, the thicker yarn is not always the easiest. A trip to Dollar General might prove fruitful here, as quality yarn is not mandatory.)
• Glue gun
• Some elements of nature to incorporate

Burlap covered foam wreath. Pin, staple or glue gun to secure.

Simply wrap each ball with yarn until all foam is covered. I tucked the final piece of yarn under a tightly wrapped section to secure.

I chose colors for my wreath based on a winter forest.

Once your balls are all wrapped, it’s time to glue gun them to the wreath. I secured the largest balls first and worked down to the smallest.

Hmmm, there are not enough balls for my wreath....

I realized I did not have enough foam balls, so back to Michael’s I went, where I bought 30 more.

At this point, I just started finding places to glue more balls in with no rhyme or reason besides gut instinct for what would look best. This is where perfectionism will destroy the project -  just go for it, but know when to say, “This is good enough!” I added the prickly sweet gum balls as my finishing touch.

I wrapped a piece of yarn around the finished wreath and proudly hung it on my front door. Now, my house doesn’t feel quite so lonely…

My front door

If you want more inspirations for yarn ball wreaths, check out my Pinterest board: http://pinterest.com/liza_graves/yarn-ball-wreaths/

Happy New Year!

© 2012, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

A month ago I received a text from my favorite StyleBlueprint “source”- she who leads me to the trends. It read, “check out (friend’s) house for Christmas, she has multiple trees. And, they are all up and decorated by Thanksgiving.” So, I took a field trip out to her house. I had to see it. At this point in my own life, I still had my white pumpkins up from my Huber’s October adventure, and had them masquerading as a Thanksgiving centerpiece with some cranberries I didn’t use at Thanksgiving meal. I am ON IT, people. But secretly, I would love to have six or more trees. I could theme them all. I could make one white, one kids, one in each kid’s room….oh, dare to dream Heidi, dare to dream.

After my field trip, I took the temperature of my social media ladies on this multiple tree trend. Lots of confessions out there. A general theme from the decorators is “crazy, but true” as a self-description. However, I don’t think it’s crazy, I think its great. It’s ORGANIZED. Why overload one tree when they can all have categories and homes? (It is at this point when those of us with label makers could label all of our trees, as well.)

These could all be yours...

My initial question on Facebook:

Does anyone have multiple Christmas trees in their house? How many and what are the “themes?” I would love pictures if you would like to share.

Even a small table top tree is fun. Multiple trees are not excess-space dependent!

The responses were fast and furious – I have several friends who readily admit to having over 6 trees, with the winner having 8!  With pink, blue, flocked, rotating and themed trees all referenced, I was overwhelmed and equally jealous.

A rotating tree? I'm not sure what do with that one. I had no idea such a thing existed. How does this work with an electric cord? Mysteries aside, it does provide a fun thing to photograph and I'm sure my kids would love it more than my "all natural" Christmas tree with burlap. Image courtesy of Photography Blogger.

• I’m having a hard time getting up my one tree! You people are nuts!

I would like add, for the record, that NOT ONE PERSON sent me a picture. The confessionals on Facebook were fine. When it came to the proof, everyone headed for the Fraser Fir hills.

Confessional time

I have three trees this year. One big supreme in my foyer and tabletop trees in my girls’ rooms. My poor son still has not received his own tree, and he is almost five. (Thirdchilditis). But in past years, I have added a mid-size tree in our den for children’s ornaments (This was during pre-school, when ten ornaments were coming home a week. That has dropped off substantially with grade school-aged children.)

But, I’m here to tell you that it is not crazy to have multiple trees. Trees don’t just have to be in your main room. Here are some examples to inspire you.

The Main Tree

This is your supreme pizza of trees. It has a little bit of everything. In my house, every ornament was a gift, homemade or has some sentiment attached to it. Usually, this is your biggest tree.

Big tree.

Another big tree.

Louisvillians will love this tree topper.

A Formal Tree

This is a formal tree for your formal living room. Ornaments are “dressy” and uniform. This tree’s owners are known to keep the decorations on it and simply cover it and put it in the basement when Christmas is over.

Tree in formal living room.

Flowers and special lights. A formal tree for a formal space.

Kitchen or Bathroom trees

Don’t call me crazy. Considering you spend most of your life in the kitchen (hopefully not the bathroom as much) three little tabletop trees are perfect. I found this example on Pinterest.

Kitchen or Bathroom trees. Courtesy of Habitually Chic.

Or even better, a little magnolia made into a tree. A great gift as well.

Courtesy of seedsoflife.com.

Christmas Card display tree — great for kitchen, foyer or anywhere where people can see it.

Cheryl Parish, who contributed on our great Christmas Card post, has an entire full-sized tree devoted to Christmas cards.

Christmas Card picture tree.

Here is a smaller version you can make yourself. This idea is courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens.

Image courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens.

Front Porch

Outside Christmas trees.

Kids Bedroom Trees

My kids just have small table top trees, but I have seen some great trees in kids’ rooms. They are generally thinner and smaller than a regular tree. Perfect for a cozy corner in a bedroom. This tree has been perfectly decorated. If this were in my house, my kids would junk it up with silly bands, hair bows, ninja masks, you name it.

Girl's bedroom Christmas tree with pictures of all her friends. I love that.

Two trees in the same child's bedroom - score!

Other places to consider putting a tree:

Dining rooms:

A tree dressed for the rooms it's in: the dining room. Image courtesy of My Romantic Home Blog.

• Basements
• Master bedrooms
• Back patio or screened in porch

Themed trees

Now that you have your trees, whatever will you do with them? Consider a themed tree, just like that dining room tree above.

Do you collect something? Do you have too much of one kind of ornament, so much so that it takes over your “family” tree. Showcase it on its own tree.

Santa Tree:

Santa Claus-themed tree with Santa hat topper.

Fine Feathers

Such a pretty tree with Pheasant feathers. If you have cats, they will attack and destroy this tree.

Storybook tree

This was in a friend’s master bedroom. It had storybook characters and then framed personal pictures. Adorable.

Storybook character tree in master bedroom.

Close up of Wizard of Oz ornaments.

Old Photos

If I could get my photographs all in one place, I would do this in a minute. Love this idea from Pinterest and the dearlillie blog.

Courtesy of the dearlillie blog.

Have I made you feel worse or better about yourself?

If anything, I’ve changed the perspective!

This is my favorite place to put a tree. Why not?

Image courtesy of habitually chic.

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Ann says she always likes to work with what clients already have.  She encourages you to get out your silver and glass bowls, your crystal and your place settings. Think of creative ways to decorate by filling up a bowl with cranberries or pine needles. Candles add big punch and can be used year round. And, remember, ornaments do not have to be hung on your tree – incorporate them into your holiday mantles and table displays.

Be sure to check out GoodmanSpalding in town at Spruce, Caldwell Collection, The Perfect Pair and Coco.

A gorgeous front door

The entry. Notice no garland or bows on the railing, but a clear shot of the wreath on the back door.

A closer look at the back door.

Presents are wrapped and silver is polished.

Across from the tree, this table is home for some silver trees and...

The Bible, opened to the Christmas narrative of Jesus' birth.

One more look at this table, as it's pretty much perfect. Three trees echoing the trinity, a saint, the Bible, hushed colors.

The tree is filled with silver and clear glass ornaments, white lights and crystal garland. It's absolutely lovely.

Ann's coffee table in her living room. Silver and clear ornaments with lots of white pillar candles.

Small embellishments, like crystals, and these silver ornaments hang on candles throughout the house.

Another example of a decorated candle. This votive "topper" comes off when you want it to be plain. Notice the pine cone tea candle?

Ann has a collection of Santas, most of which were purchased over the years at Ilex. This Santa hangs out next to the front door.

The pass-through from the family room to the kitchen is beautifully highlighted with this reindeer, a bowl of ornaments and pine cone candles.

A bowl of pine cones (and don't you love that one looks like it "fell" out?) paired with beeswax candles is festive. See what else is there, below..

Ornaments add color and flair to the enormous pine cones.

The white snowman accents perfectly.

The manager scene sits on a side table, perfectly simple.

This Santa sits off to the side in the family room.

Ann has a gorgeous kitchen with a sitting area. Another Santa finds his home on the table here.

Add faux cranberry wreaths with moss along with white pillar candles and voila - instant Christmas.

Perched on Ann's china hutch....

As I drove away, I knew I had to capture her pretty mailbox!

Thanks, Ann! (note, the front door wreath and mailbox were done by Stacey Perry from Down To The Wire)

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Unit # 1804 has a sophisticated, modern look.

Unit #1904 uses warm, earthy tones to capture a masculine look.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the ICON in the Gulch, it’s the place where both Liza and I would retire if we were foot loose and fancy free (yeah, right). The ICON is located in the heart of the Gulch and is a magnet for young, single professional types who work near downtown. After work, they gather at Virago or Watermark, sip cocktails and ponder how great life is.

Lauren Bennett and Chelsea Skye- Mills won the student competition in the summer program at O’More College of Design, which is quite a feat, considering they presented their design concepts, budgets and boards to Kim Zimmer, an O’More design instructor, and the sales and marketing team at ICON.

Ashlyn Hines, co-partner with Bristol Development, the sales arm for the ICON, funded the project completely. The budget for each unit was approximately a $20,000.

Lauren Bennett, the designer of #1804

Chelsea Skye-Mills, the designer of #1904.

Each young woman was set free to flesh out her ideas. The furniture, the light fixtures, the shelving, right down to the wall installations, all represent the handiwork of Lauren and Chelsea.

Ideas and drawings for unit #1804 by Lauren.

Chelsea's sketches and boards for #1904.

The work began in September with the finale—a kickoff party– occurring on October 26. 

Party-goers had the opportunity to view the 1804 and 1904 apartments and talk to Lauren and Chelsea about how each unique vision was implemented. The girls produced two completely different and totally amazing spaces that induced a major “wow” factor.

Chelsea used lots of natural wood and designed many custom pieces like the headboard, shown here.

When asked what they learned, Lauren and Chelsea had varying answers, ranging from the importance of custom features, to the difficulty of working with deadlines and product changes. 

Lauren uses more subtle tones in browns and beige for her bedroom design.

Both girls agreed that taking the project from concept to completion was much tougher than they realized. What will they do next? Good question, but both say they are better suited for the job now, after this experience.

I am sure you’ll agree the end result is spectacular!

Appealing to a female buyer, the tones are warm and inviting.

A panoramic view of Unit #1804, which was designed by Lauren Bennett.

A contemporary kitchen is featured in unit #1904.

Natural tones, custom furniture and limited color define unit #1904 by Chelsea.

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Holly Smith (who won the $500 closet giveaway offered this night!) with members of The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation staff Susan Earl Hosbach, Executive Director and Katherine Ray, Director of Communications & Outreach, at a preview party for The Container Store.

You see, The Container Store opens this Saturday. [PAUSE.]  Okay, I’m back.  I just needed to get off my chair and do a little jig and then go out to my porch and SCREAM.  I have been waiting since 1996 (the year I called The Container Store and begged that they consider franchising to me, a recent college grad) for this oh-so-amazing store to come to Nashville.  They turned me down, but a mere 15 years later, here they arrive at The Mall at Green Hills.  I mean, Davis Kidd (Nashville’s beloved bookstore that formerly occupied this same spot), I miss you and all, but I’ll do some therapeutic shopping to get over it, and be organized at the end of the day to boot!

Back to The Minne Pearl Cancer Foundation: 10% of ALL sales on November 5th and 6th will go directly to this jewel of a charity.  I saw an alarming stat this past weekend: 1:2 men and 1:3 women will experience cancer of some sort in their lifetime.  That is startling.  TMPCF exists to help people diagnosed with cancer and help them during their journey; they reach people across Tennessee and all over the world.  To find out more, click here.

So, I showed up to Stephanie’s having no idea what was in store.  There were lots of women, all wearing fabulous shoes or boots, and all talking closets.  It seemed the one thing that had everyone’s attention was the state of their closets, their clothing and their accessories.  The beautiful closet on display only added to everyone’s angst about their own personal closet catastrophes.

I actually liked my closet before looking at this one.

Is your mind flowing with new ideas as well?

At the party were Judith Bright, owner of Judith Bright jewelry, Kelley McDonald, Marketing Director for The Container Store, and Robyn Campbell, a Nashville artist specializing in faux finishes.

The conversation made me wonder if anyone has a perfect closet? First of all, if you do, we want to hear from you.  We’d love to do a post on an inside look of beloved closets throughout the south. But, it also made me wonder what the buyers for The Container Store have on their own “must have” list for closets?  And, how many options does this mega store of organizations offer?  And, and, and… so many questions… Well, I spoke with the Grand Poobah of Purchasing, Senior Buyer Brooke Minteer, and this is what I found out:

During the holiday season they have about 10,000 products, as they add about 2,000 products to the store for their Gift Wrap Wonderland, including boxes, bins, tags, wrap, stocking stuffers and more.  Many of the wrappings are exclusive to The Container Store with coordinating patterns found on bags, totes, and tins.

Gift Wrap Wonderland at The Container Store

But, don’t let that 8-10 thousand number overwhelm you!  Much of that large number is made up of parts for the many organizing and storage systems (modular) offered, including elfa. (If you don’t know what elfa is, click here and be enlightened.)  Employees receive 280 hours of training a year to ensure they are able to help out everyone from the most organized to the least (which includes me).  And, the employees are trained that the best solution is not necessarily the most expensive solution.  There are solutions that might be $2.99.  Many solutions fall into categories of better, best and exceptional, allowing you to decide the amount of money spent while still solving your problem.

Brooke has lived with elfa décor for over 15 years and can’t imagine not having it.  Having just moved into her new house, priority #1 is installing this system, which has become the cornerstone to The Container Store. Elfa makes each morning easier, given that we all start our day in the closet.  Since people interact with their closet twice a day, having it organized, not chaotic, makes a huge difference.  We couldn’t agree more.

I asked Brooke what her two favorite accessories to the elfa system in her own closet are:

• “The gliding shoe shelf allows me to go shopping for my shoes, in my own closet, each day.”  The design allows her to group flats, wedges, and heels (by height) together.  Simply pull it out and pick.

Glides in and out for easy access and space saving efficiency.

• Brooke loves the modular, clear plastic drawers that come in 3-4 sizes. They fit perfectly on elfa shelves, and hold everything – handbags, sweaters, shirts, you name it. Smaller ones hold Gal Pal (click here if you do not own this – you need it), hosiery kit, shoe horns. Because they are modular, they fit on top of each other.

I always want the inside scoop on what is new, so I asked her to dish on her favorite new products:

“We just launched three brand new distinct collections for closets – less than a month ago.  They were designed with three different customers in mind and are all inspired by Italian cities, as who doesn’t want a bit of Italy each day in their closet?! The Milano, a black and white graphic collection, Firenze, a green and cream-colored collection, inspired by art, museums, wine and frescoes, and Como, inspired by Lake Como, with beautiful blues.” (but no George Clooney to go along with it…)

Milano Closet

Firenze Closet

Como Closet

These three are part of The Container Store’s “exceptional collections.” (You won’t find the terms “better, best, exceptional” as ways to search for items online, but employees all seem to be trained in this way of thinking, as I’ve heard this mantra many times.  It makes sense.  Take trash cans, for example. TCS carries a range of options, from the plastic “better” choice that won’t fall apart, to the “exceptional” German stainless steel variety, with all the bells and whistles.)  Worth noting is “exceptional” shoebox storage, with room enough for shoes to stand side-by-side (with both a toe and a heel facing you for a true look at your shoes) and comes equipped with a magnetic closure and a clear slot for a 4×6 photo – or a window to your shoes.  The best of the best, in other words.

Another favorite new item of Brooke’s?  The Handbag Storage Bin.  After seeing the success of their magazine files, the team asked, “What if we made that same product deeper, wider and larger, to store sweaters or handbags?” 

So this well-loved product

was reconfigured and imagined into this new, sure-to-be embraced product:

The Handbag Storage Bin

Great things to know about The Container Store whether you are a seasoned organizer or a novice to the concept: if you have a problem, simply ask an employee.  Remember they get 280 hours of training a year to help you save time and save space.  Saving time and space defines the products offered here.  Try to bring measurements of the space needing attention, as this helps them help you.

Brooke made me aware of a couple of other services offered that I did not know about:

• CLICK & PICKUP shopping: shop online, but pick it up at the store.  (Hello, brilliant…)For more details, click here. And, yes, the Mall at Green Hills store will have shopping carts!
• A gift registry was just launched and is perfect for engaged couples or parents-to-be.  With recommendations throughout the registry on everything from how many hangers you will need to how to organize a drawer, today’s brides and parents-to-be have a great resource for gifts and advice.  For details, click here.

Before I would let Brooke hang up (she is the senior buyer, after all, and I was going to pick her brain as long as I could!), I asked her for two great tips for holiday organization.  She had two that I didn’t expect and I completely agree with:

1) Guest Room: With out-of town guests coming, stay in your guest room one night and realize what it needs.  A beautiful assortment of hangers is nice touch.  Make your guest room as comfortable as a hotel, with little things like a luggage rack and extra toiletries, and even homier with a hamper and a jewelry tree. But, stay one night and use the bathroom and you will notice what’s missing.  More tips for your guest room can be found here.

A luggage rack is a nice addition to a guest room and encourages guests not to put their luggage on your pretty bedding!

2) Holiday baking: gather up all your supplies in a tote, cart or box.  This becomes your “holiday bag.”  This saves all the time of pulling ingredients and supplies and putting them back each time you have time to bake.  Think measuring cups, teaspoons, baking sheets, oil, flour, spices – all of it! With all this saved time, you might actually get through that list of homemade goodies. Think about all the time we waste gathering, gathering and gathering! For more holiday tips to keep you sane, click here.

We are so looking forward to more tips throughout the year and we’ll be sure to start including ideas on organizing into StyleBlueprint with some regularity. 

For further inspiration, be sure to check out The Container Store this weekend, opening November 5th.  With 10% of the proceeds going to The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation, the good cheer will keep spreading.

YEA!!!!

If you haven’t had enough of your StyleBlueprint fix today, check out Heidi in SB Louisville.  She must have been reading my mind when it came to wondering what is up with all the facial hair on men lately… read here.

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

My current dishes are green.  However, after I finally replace those eight salad plates, I am going to start buying white handmade pottery to add to my collection.  This may mean Tennessee pottery, Kentucky pottery, Mississippi pottery… or perhaps some lovely pottery from Portugal, Italy or South America.  But, the different hues of white pottery and the way the different styles can all work together has me convinced that these are dishes that will fill my future cupboards.

As I’ve traveled around Nashville this past year, I’ve snapped pictures of my favorite white dishes that caught my eye.  The following are from Digs, Pembroke Antiques and Ibiza Fine Gifts.

From Digs Interiors, found on Bandywood in the building next to The Crowe’s Nest:

From Pembroke Antiques, found on HWY 100 in Belle Meade:

Ibiza Fine Gifts is located across from St. Thomas Hospital, in the same shopping area as Coco’s and Atelier Jewelry.  Their dishes are found upstairs:

The pewter with the white, from Italy, adds a touch of formality

This personalized pottery can be special ordered

I’d love to hear about your favorite dishes… and they don’t even have to be white!

**********************************************************************************************

If your closet causes you angst or you just need some help in the wardrobe department, we have one AMAZING deal for you today.  For details, click here!

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

I wanted to create this same feel, but for my dining room table.  Sadly, I was too late to find any bittersweet this year, but I like my end result anyway!  Remember, a photo is an inspiration. You do not need to carbon copy what you see. 

So what did I do?  I bought a cabbage (I think the curly purple kale would have actually been better, a la inspiration photo) and a pumpkin (that I will carve this weekend).  I also bought moss.  Then, my middle daughter and I cruised neighborhoods looking for hedge apples, the green, bumpy fruit from Osage Orange trees – sometimes called mock oranges.  It took a while, but we scored.

Since I didn’t want to deal with grapevine, I used deer antlers we found on a hike last fall.  And, since I didn’t have any bittersweet, I cut berries from bushes in my back yard, along with a few hydrangea blooms.  I had purple flowers on hand that I used instead of the mums in the inspiration photo.  Lastly, I missed that wrapped vine feel, so I simply cut some ivy growing on our fence and wrapped the arrangement in it.

Here it is on my dining room table:

Hoping to find inspiration for you, as well, I enlisted the help of a local designer with a penchant for floral centerpieces. Here are some ideas from Kathleen McDonald who works at Digs (on Bandywood) and also leads up their “all-around business” called She Gets It Done! (Digs spelled backward.) You can track down Kathleen and the wonderful women at Digs for your “fluffing,” tablescape or party needs (in addition to their full service interior design business and GORGEOUS retail store) at: 615.385.2848.

And, for those of you in a quandary over what to do for Halloween, I think any of these ideas along with some props from Nest Interiors would be great. Owner Stephanie Van Hoesen is always full of ideas when it comes to tablescaping. Here are some items that have me concocting ideas over how to make my tables more festive this weekend.

Speak no evil skulls

Fall is such a great time to use your creativity with vibrant colors and holidays galore.  Take some time and embrace the right side of your brain through your own creativity.  Or, call in the professionals mentioned here today when the thought of being creative just stresses you out!

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

These pictures were all taken pre-opening, so you can actually expect an even more refined, richer experience than what we have pictured here.  Get ready….

The front doors to Absolution imply a different experience inside.

The amazing decor behind the store is the work of none other than Rodney Simmons, a Tennessee native who many know through his Chattanooga store, RIVIVAL uncommon goods.  We have fallen so in love with his work that you will see some future posts featuring Rodney’s eye and aesthetic.  But, today, it’s all about Absolution.  Enjoy these pictures and enjoy shopping — it’s a store you might expect to find in Historic Franklin, but will gladly embrace in the center of Green Hills.

This chandelier, handmade in Georgia, is a show stopper. At approximately 58" in length, it also can be special ordered in a smaller size.

The store gives you the feeling that everything is candlelit, so don’t expect bright.  It’s dark and romantic with a little bit of honky-tonk for good measure. 

Fun and unexpected items are found throughout Absolution. The selection of books is perfect and makes us want to buy more coffee tables on which to place them.

Candles by Jan Barboglio stand out because of the very cool metal tag. The gift of a candle is suddenly elevated as each tag contains a story and is substantial.

While you won't find Trish McEvoy mascara, you will find her candles. The candle selection here is vast and lovely.

The Venetian glass mirror was handmade for the store. You can special order one just like it. The juxtaposition of the ornate mirror against the rough horizontally paneled walls is brilliant.

One of the many interesting lighting fixtures at Absolution. We fully enjoyed the shadows this floor lamp creates.

Old dutch flower buckets were converted into hanging lights.

An entire corner of the store near the front is dedicated to jewelry by Shannon Koszyk from Seattle.  While the jewelry was not yet set up, a few things have us already primed for a new jewelry obsession.  The first is this chandelier that Shannon created for Absolution:

This is from the front window. By Thursday night, expect that dress form to be layered with jewelry from Shannon Koszyk. The chandelier on the right was created by Shannon for Absolution.

The second is this picture from Shannon’s website.  Hello gorgeous beauties.

The fact that Absolution will have an abundance of her one-of-a-kind pieces has us thrilled.  And, just because we can’t get enough, here is two more examples of her jewelry:

But, back to the store and what to expect.  There is furniture: the perfect chair, a rustic table, an old bookcase.  The use of the antiques to display items throughout the store is beautiful.  Check out these antique taxidermy cases from Belgium, used to display pillows, glassware and gifts.

The glass remains in the top to lend an authentic feel, but was removed from the bottom two-thirds to allow for shopping directly from these cabinets.

I couldn't resist showing some more of Jan Barboglio's collection. Her work is unique and many collect her line.

An unexpected find, yet perfectly suited for this store: the chained dressmaker's form.

There are angels throughout the store, and not because the holiday's are coming. Angels are simply the perfect statement in this store - a bit of church interjected into the passion of the store. Hmm...kinda sounds like Nashville, doesn't it?

More angels

Mercury glass, throws, original apothecary jars, and pillows by Sferra round out this store.

Absolution promises to be a store that will continually evolve and change, the type that draws us back in, time and time again.

 And one more close up of that Shannon Koszyk chandelier…

Absolution kicks off its grand opening Friday at 10:00 AM with champagne on hand.  If you are not out of town for Fall Break, be sure to stop by.  It’s located where Betsy Johnson used to be, on the first level of the Mall, near Nordstrom and the Anthropologie Accessories store.

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE having a front porch and a back porch.  But, I really long for a screened in porch.  And, fall is when that yearning gets really loud.  It must be because my dream screened in porch has a FIREPLACE: the thought of chilly nights with a roaring fire on the porch, wearing wool sweaters and enjoying a quiet dinner with my husband after the kids have gone to bed, is enough to sometimes have me lingering a little too long on the realtracs website.  Recently, designer Sally Truitt completed a dream porch for a client.  Sally is a huge fan of porches, often telling clients they don’t need to renovate for more walled-in space, just add a porch!  I thought I’d show it to you and walk you through my fictional evening spent there.

The Porch:

Since it’s MY fantasy, I will imagine that the porch is mine, football is on, the Vanderbilt is winning and we are 7-0 for the season.  The kids come out and have some s’mores (see that cute set-up that Sally did on the coffee table?  In my fantasy, it was me that was clever enough to come up with that idea!).  No mess is created, not even a wrapper is left behind.  They all complain that a Snuggie would make their life on the porch better but after being yet-again rebuked, they tuck their seats back underneath the coffee table, and run upstairs to bed– all clad in footy pajamas.  I’m sitting in a chair, looking up at my FABULOUS chandelier, wearing an amazing cashmere sweater jacket, while sipping on a whiskey cocktail: either from a a mint-julep cup or a handle-less pottery mug.  There is something about fall that makes me like whiskey.  Here is a cocktail to try, straight from the menu at Whiskey Kitchen in the Gulch:

Vanilla Sky

• Bulliet Bourbon house infused with Vanilla
• Top with a little Bailey’s Irish Cream
• Serve with ice.

Or, since home infused vanilla whiskey may be hard for most to pull off, this cocktail recipe was featured at the Author’s in the Round cocktail party in 2009.  It’s called the Page Turner:

Page Turner

• 2 parts Buffalo Trace Bourbon
• 2 parts Simple Syrup (Boil equal parts sugar and water)
• 1 part Amaretto
• Say Yummmmm while drinking over ice.

I next think about how great the porch is with the outdoors brought in –  apple filled vases on either side of the mantle and then topping them with maple branches is gorgeous.  I want to stand up and see if those branches are real but I’m too happy sitting and Vanderbilt is marching down the field.

The Dinner:

I finally decide to get up and cook dinner and I come up with a Spinach Pancetta dish that is perfect:

9 oz. bag fresh spinach, 4 oz Applegate Farms Prosciutto, 6 shallots peeled and sliced, 1 clove of minced fresh garlic. Sautee Prosciutto, shallots and garlic for several minutes with olive oil. Add spinach and cover for two minutes. Season with sea salt and pepper to your pleasing. This completes the "basic" recipe.

I often have veggies that I NEED to use in my frig. So, I added to my basic recipe: baby bella mushrooms, a can of artichokes, a half container of grape tomatoes and topped with goat-gouda cheese (available at Whole Foods). I then added some Cholula Hot Sauce - it just makes anything better.

Add some brown rice (I prefer Lundberg short grain brown rice cooked with some vegetable or chicken broth) and dinner for two on the porch is served.

Jay and I finish that up and then pull the Caramel-Pecan Pumpkin Bread Pudding out of the oven.  (It’s my fantasy, therefore I am not gluten intolerant and I can eat this!) Recipe from Southern Living:

Southern Living

Hands-On Time: 27 min.; Total Time: 9 hr., 22 min.
Yield: Makes 11 servings

Caramel-Pecan Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Ingredients:

• 4  large eggs
• 2  (15-oz.) cans pumpkin
• 1 1/2  cups  milk
• 1  cup  half-and-half
• 1  cup  granulated sugar
• 1  teaspoon  ground cinnamon
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 1/2  teaspoon  ground nutmeg
• 1/2  teaspoon  vanilla extract
• 1  (12-oz.) French bread loaf, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 10 cups)

Caramel-Pecan Sauce:

• 1  cup  pecans, chopped
• 1  cup  firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/2  cup  butter
• 1  tablespoon  light corn syrup
• 1  teaspoon  vanilla extract

Vanderbilt wins and our house elves have already cleaned up after dinner.  See, I told you having a screened in porch, with a fireplace in the fall was magical!

You can reach Sally Truitt at Sally@Truitt.ws She’ll help you make your fantasy porch real.

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Think coffee house, think cool, chic VIP room, think swanky hotel lounge…all possible inspirations for your own in-home nook.  Add a table that works for a crowd and gather away.

With seating on all sides of a table, the message is very clear: we are here to talk to each other, not watch TV. 

House Beautiful

Veranda

That chair can easily be pulled to the end of the table.

I want to sit in the gathering nook at the far side of this kitchen. I can only imagine how wonderful drinking morning coffee would be in that space.

An upholstered bench would nicely finish up this nook, but I like that it is in the center of the room.

Via House Beautiful

House Beautiful

Ahhh, a fireplace and conversation. House Beautiful.

Seating aplenty. House Beautiful.

Here's an easy way to create a "sit here and you will converse" area -- just gather some chairs. Martha Stewart.

I’ll be playing with these ideas and adding more seating – somehow – to my own gathering spots.  I want a house filled with laughter, conversation, family and friends.  I think sitting a little closer might just help that.

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

As the store's new website says, " a delightful selection of timeless home furnishings."

Being from Memphis, Harpeth Gallery feels so much like the Gift and Art Shop I grew up knowing. They aren’t directly related, but both shops intimately understand the art of bridal registry, and how important that component of wedding planning is to the bride and her family.

A nice balance of traditional and urban chic tableware can be found here.

All of my sisters were married in Memphis, and like it or not, my Mom always called the shots. And right at the top of her list was the management of their bridal registries. Every time the door bell rang, we knew it was another treasured package from the Gift and Art Shop. The delivery man was charming, always saying, “Mrs. McDonnell, I’m not sure you have room for all these gifts.” Of course she did! As soon as my sisters opened a gift, she would whisk it away to display ever so carefully on our dining room table for the neighbors to survey. Once the dining table was full, card tables were set up to contain the overflow. 

Walton Estes, the delightful proprietress, continues this time-honored tradition of the bridal registry today. From the moment she heard the shop was for sale, she claimed, “It’s mine– my parents  registered there in 1958 and my apartment is filled with things from Harpeth Gallery.”  That was 11 years ago, when she left her job as a paralegal and never looked back.

Walton Estes

With a sense of purpose instilled by the shop’s first owner, Buddy Wade, Walton helps each bride select gifts to accommodate a variety of different budgets, and then with her special brand of TLC, she lists each registered couple on a blackboard. If you have not seen her calling card library, it is a real treat. Regular customers keep their calling cards on file, so they can be tucked into each gift as it is sent out. 

 Not only does Harpeth Gallery offer free gift wrapping and delivery, they even deliver daily to brides in the area, if Walton sees the need. And with complete discretion, gift returns and exchanges are handled by the shop’s competent staff. 

I am as sure as I am my mother’s daughter that nothing slips through the cracks under Walton’s watchful eye.

These gorgeous crewel pillows are from Chelsea Textiles.

Amazing antiques and accessories for your home

Brides adore this modern pottery by R. Wood Studio, which was recently featured in Garden and Gun Magazine.

And speaking of eyes, after spending some time in the shop, I have to say Walton has phenomenal vision when it comes to gifts and accessories. Every nook and cranny of her store is filled with lamps, throws, pillows and amazing tableware.

Harpeth Gallery is one of the largest sellers of Michael Aram's lovely designs in stainless silver, silver plate and bronze..

Here's an example of one of the many wonderful chandeliers on display in the shop.

Since I adore jewelry, I made a beeline to her jewelry case. She carries a limited selection from designers such as Vaubel, Dina Mackney and Kimmeron. Many of the pieces are custom-made, and the minute she gets something new in, it flies off the shelf. She has a gorgeous collection of 18K gold necklaces and bracelets, and I found her selection of horn jewelry both affordable and extremely wearable. In fact, I have yet to take off the horn hoop earrings that I purchased there. 

These necklaces from Dina Mackney need to find a home with me!

Do yourself a favor and stop by Harpeth Gallery soon. You’ll discover everything from whimsical to traditional gifts inside, but most importantly, you’ll find Walton and her staff there, ready to help you find a special treasure.

(And as a side note, their new website was designed by our favorite graphic designer, Terry Bailey.  I’m sure you’ll agree, it is gorgeous!)

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Later, after many less intentional episodes of lost and forgotten keys, my parents left spares with several neighbors so I wouldn’t be eternally locked out of the house after school.

Then, college came, and I discovered the key punch lock. Wow. Life changer. My parents soon purchased a touch pad lock at their house. They loved it and still have it. And, to this day, into every home I have ever owned, I have installed such a lock on the most used door in the house.

And, with kids, it only gets better. Now, everyone can get in the house without any key issues and they usually run ahead to be the first to punch the buttons. (It’s the little things, really.) If I am carrying tons of bags, I only need to press a code and presto, into my house I go! 

No key required. Touch pad locks protect against key-bumping (see below for more info), and the light up buttons are a nice feature. From Go Keyless.

Don't think utilitarian ugly. Key pad locks can be incorporated nicely into your stately door.

And, most importantly, keyless locks can protect you against lock bumping. Lock bumping allows criminals to get into your house and works on 90% of the locks out there. Here is a video on lock bumping:

Disturbing, right? Fortunately, as keyless locks go, there are many affordable, easy to install options that will allow you to rest easy, knowing you’re bump-proof.

A more contemporary version by SmartKey

Sophisticated key pad locks allow you two codes: one for your family and one that can be temporary for others, such as housekeepers and babysitters who might need access when you’re not home. (The code can easily be changed when they are no longer employed.) When we are out of town, this keyless lock system it is perfect for anyone watching my pets or even a friend that might need to get in. 

Have I convinced you? Really, keyless is the way to go!

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Another hallmark of this decade was the ranch-style house. Designed to accommodate servicemen returning from World War II and their soon-to-be baby boomer offspring, ranch homes seem to have been as proliferate as the babies they housed. A practical solution to growing housing needs, they sprang up everywhere. But today, many ranch home owners find themselves tied up in a love-hate relationship with their house. Though the ranch style offers a ton of light and huge spaces, the architecture often presents formidable challenges when it comes to renovating, forcing owners to tear down and start over to meet their design needs.

The 1950’s also marks the decade when Joelle and Brant Phillips’ house was built. What you are about to see is the total transformation of their Green Hills ranch-style home, which has been renovated to provide them a personal refuge from the busy lives they both lead as corporate attorneys.

All photography in today’s post was done by the wonderful Wiff Harmer

Joelle and Brant Phillips' home in Green Hills

The side view of the house with its arches and garden entrance

Enter Van Pond of Van Pond Architecture and Roger Higgins and Ann Shipp of R. Higgins Interiors.  Just like a well-oiled machine, the team worked laboriously to incorporate all  aspects of Joelle and Brant’s vision of their dream home.

Some thoughts from Van Pond:

“This project was an aggressive re-envisioning of a 1950′s single-story ranch-style home. A key piece to the strategy was, in fact, the existing organization of the house. The owners and I came to the project to enlarge the home with an understanding that there were major components of the existing plan which were delightful – and we worked to capitalize on them. A case in point was the proportion and interior-to-exterior relationship of the living room.  In this location the house was, and remains, one room deep with great transparency and views to both the front and rear of the property. Additionally, the room was well-proportioned, and this really led the renovation and addition plans in terms of its gracious, but not too-large presence. That’s what we worked toward with the rest of the plan – aiding and abetting that room and carrying its influence into the whole project.”

Here’s what Joelle had to say about their work:

“Any renovation project involves a lot of careful planning. We were so fortunate to find Van Pond and Ann Shipp. Together, we thought not just about how the new spaces would look, but also about how Brant and I wanted to live in those spaces. I knew, for example, that I wanted a kitchen where I had room to cook with my mother and Brant’s mother at the same time. I knew I wanted a room all three of my nieces  — who love being together – could share for overnight stays. I knew I wanted to see all my father’s books on the shelves. Thinking about how we wanted to live in the rooms helped us to talk with Ann and Van about how to plan the space. I’m always so happy, now, when I see us using the rooms the way we contemplated them back at the planning stage.”

The end result of the Phillips’ home can be captured in one, succinct word:  stunning. 

Multiple sitting areas and dual ottomans by Lee Industries give this room incredible panache.

 The living room reflects the Phillips’ love of a classical design style, integrating many different fabric patterns and textures. Notice how lovely the English antiques are, creating elegance and comfort.

The vintage light fixture and antique desk add an old world feel to this study.

The small study off the main floors houses family photographs and favorite books. The stately desk was found at Scott Antique Market in Atlanta, always a great outing to make with Roger and Ann.

What a spectacular view of the main floor.

The above shot of the main hallway gives you a gorgeous view of the repetitive arches found throughout the house.  If you are not familiar with Van Pond’s work, know this: he is one of the best architects in Nashville.

The kitchen, with its contrasting cabinets and natural wood flooring, creates a feel of sophistication and simplicity. The walnut counter top and customized backsplash add an interesting element to this practical kitchen.

The window treatment is Breda, a fabric from Robert Allen. The vintage light fixture adds to the charming breakfast nook.

The pleated window treatment and Schumacher wallpaper make the upstairs landing simply dreamy.

The upper landing presents a calm resting spot with its natural lighting and built in window seat and cabinetry.

The vintage light fixture was re-wired to add ambiance to the master bedroom.

Natural light, warm hues and subtle patterns makes the master bedroom one of the most cherished rooms in the house.

Joelle loves wallpaper. Here in the master, it's Bell Flower by Schumacher.

Once again, notice the use of arches throughout the house. The ceiling, painted ever so subtly, provides a wonderful contrast to the wallpaper and trim color.

The Phillips enjoying gin-gin mules at the Carlyle. (Lucky dogs!)

Thank you, Joelle and Brant, for opening up your home to our StyleBlueprint readers. It’s simply breathtaking, and a place we know you will enjoy living in for years and years to come. 

Brilliant Sky Toys & Books/Nashville: $15 for $30

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© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

For more information on each wallpaper, simply click the photo.

Primitive Flower, by Galbraith and Paul

Diamond, also by Galbraith and Paul

Tile, by Galbraith and Paul

Yes, wallpaper is the trend du jour for patterned walls.  As my friend Rachel says on her blog NestEgg, “Join the wallpaper club. All the cool kids are doin’ it.’” 

Oh, and to be tres on trend, say “wallcovering” as truly, it does not need to be paper.

For renters, or those who change their minds with ease, starched fabric used as wallpaper is easy to remove and leaves behind an unharmed wall.

And surely, this handmade pressed paper cannot be called merely “paper.”  

By Weitzner Limited. The applications are endless.

It’s like a facelift: when done right, you wonder what took you so long, and it’s hard not to keep staring. When done poorly, though, the results are ghastly and you quickly avert your eyes. (And just like a bad facelift, people will whisper about your bad wallpaper behind your back.)

Woods, by Cole & Son, carried by Anthropologie

Here are a couple of wallpaper installations at one of Rachel’s client’s homes.  These pictures were taken sans rugs, furniture and pictures..

You see why I want to wallpaper everything, huh? This is Phillip Jeffries.

"Lotus" wallpaper by Farrow and Ball.

 Rachel suggested I check out Shumacher’s Modern Collection and Mally Skok as well:

Schumacher's Modern Collection

Mally Skok Design

 That said, wallpaper is definitely worth the investment of a designer to help you make the right choice.  And, most of the best wallpapers are “to the trade” only.  (I know. Such a pain.)

Wallpaper, African Rafia in Key West Teal, by Phillip Jeffries. Design by Jamie Drake.

2009 Kips Bay Showhouse. Wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries. For more info, click photo.

2010 Old Westbury Gardens Designer Showhouse. Wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries. Click photo for more details.

Grata, from York Wallcoverings. Click for more details.

Christina, by York Wallcoverings. Click for more details.

I have always been a fan of matching fabrics to wallpapers. 

Bennison's Rose's wallpaper and identical fabric

Photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy

Photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy

It’s a scary plunge, but with the right research, one that brings big rewards.

If you want to order some of the “to the trade” papers featured here, or need help selecting paper for your home, our contributing designer Rachel Halvorson is at your service:

Rachel Halvorson: www.rachelhalvorson.com

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Kelley Estes: kelleyestesart.com

Caroline Allison: www.carolineallison.com

Kelley Estes with her abstract oil painting and custom designed white lacquer console

I love the emotional and intellectual challenges of the creative process as it plays out across a variety of mediums. Classical training in drawing, pastel and oil painting, as well as sculpture and bronze casting has provided the foundation for personal and professional artistic pursuits, which eventually spilled over into interior and furniture design.

Bronze Ballerina sculpture, custom metal console with honed granite top, modern light fixtures, hand turned bowl by my father, Ken Gaidos

While raising a family, painting in oil and pastel were the main focus of my work. Although not many artists work in pastel, if I had to choose, this might be my favorite medium simply for the immediacy of its application and the ability to layer color easily. Pastels allow the artist to work very freely, combining the techniques for both painting (as pastels are simply dried oil pigments) and drawing. I love working large, most particularly executing the human figure and large, almost abstract, landscapes, and pastels are perfect for this.

Modern Italian sofa, custom walnut coffee table, custom stools with linen zebra print fabric, set of bronze hands

Custom steel wood box, Italian horn lamp, Mies van der Rohe

A few summers ago I was fortunate to live for a month in Florence, Italy, and study at the Charles Cecil Studio. Here I learned a Renaissance technique (one utilized by John Singer Sargent) known as “sight sizing.” Living and working in Florence for an entire month immersed in art, culture and history was exhilarating – a defining moment for me as an artist. This intense experience allowed me to push beyond what I saw or knew as an artist, and begin to really see.

Charcoal Nude Study, custom headboard and bed hanging, custom glass and steel bedside tables in master bedroom

One of the great, intangible mysteries of art involves the combined experience of intuitively seeing what is literally there –on the canvas or sculpture– balanced against what one feels upon encountering the work of art. In other words, a combination of the literal juxtaposed with what is edited out, or only suggested. Art is nothing more than an illustration when all of the elements are spelled out. And when meaning is implied, but not grounded, then art becomes a cheap substitute, a phony, unsubstantiated view of life.

Custom desk and fabric wallboard, antique chandelier in daughter’s room

Custom white lacquer desk, modern chair and daughter Andie’s silkscreen print

For me, moving between the two worlds of painting and sculpture enhances the quality of each medium. The draftsmanship of drawing trains the eye to visualize lines in space,  a skill critical to good sculpture, while sculpture equips an artist to better comprehend three dimensional forms and volume. The importance of understanding positive and negative space is critical to both painting and sculpture. Sculptors including Auguste Rodin, Camille Claudel, Henry Moore, and Barbara Hepworth inspire and influence my work.

1930’s French Mirror, Custom rosewood console table, custom bench with white calfskin, custom lamp (wood base turned by Ken Gaidos), bronze sculpture, “The Embrace."

My passion for another creative outlet, interior design, subsequently developed out of an interest in architecture. Understanding spatial awareness and enjoying the creative and editing processes provided an easy segue to interior and furniture design. My personal style is simple, somewhat minimal, and combines classical architecture with modern lighting, a mix of modern and antique furniture, and includes an abundance of art. Through word of mouth, I began designing interiors and unique furniture pieces for others, and quite often these others preferred to have an artist’s eye over a decorator’s formula.

Antique farm table, antique iron light fixture, custom walnut bench, modern Arne Jacobson chairs

Using my own home as the prototype lab for design experiments, I began creating pieces of furniture that I desired but couldn’t find in stores or catalogues. For me, furniture design requires a concept that is interesting and original, as well as practical, quality materials and excellent craftsmen to execute and bring the designs to life. I love purity in architecture, as well as purity of line and form in furniture design.

I love beauty in all forms of art. And if I were to adapt Shakespeare’s famous saying and make it my own, I’d say “All the world’s a canvas.”

-Kelly Estes

To find out more about Kelley, see her website: kelleyestesart.com

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

My husband got a hall pass on Good Friday, so off we went to discover the “new” Leiper’s Fork, as well as visit many of our old time favorites, too.

Yours truly snapping photos in the wind.

A quick note:  A visit to Leiper’s Fork provokes a nostalgic feel, and the community feels as though it’s been there forever. I’m not saying Leiper’s doesn’t have a ton of history, but as a tourist destination, and a great one at that, it is relatively new. The vision of Aubrey Preston and Marti and Bruce Hunt has made Leiper’s Fork what is today. For the past twelve years, their vision has molded Leiper’s Fork into Mayberry, USA, with a community of close-knit shop owners. If you’ve noticed Barney Fife’s police car parked in front of the local convenience market, you know this trio is serious when it comes to props. And, events like Benton Town 1812, Old Tennessee Trail Yard Sale, and Gospel in the Fork contribute to the town’s authenticity.

Leiper's Fork ambassador, Marti Hunt

Here’s what we found while tooling around town:

Moonshine Hill Inn - The ultimate in luxury, this B&B is located on 22 acres of pristine countryside. And here’s the best part – you get to have it all to yourself. Ann Johnson, Moonshine’s owner, spent hours of hard labor making this quaint B&B an oasis for relaxation. It has a massive old stone fireplace, porches, luxurious bedrooms and wonderful amenities. Moonshine Hill was previously home to a famous still, whose patrons traveled as far as Sumner County to purchase its magic elixir. Moonshine has hosted weddings, family gatherings and romantic interludes. There is a two night minimum—so leave stress at the door. Breakfast is included, with special touches all the way around.

Moonshine Hill Inn in the Fall

Moonshine Hill, cozy and inviting...

Joe’s Naturals Farm Store & Cafe - From homemade soups to fresh garden bowls of raw veggies and hummus, everything at Joe’s appeals. If you are a carnivore, the Sami’s Cuban and Miss Mary Bobo Grilled sandwiches rock! This quaint eatery is located next to Leiper’s Fork Gallery and is run by Paul and Deborah Schertz. “Why not call it Paul’s?” we asked.  “Well, Joe’s sounded better.” Gotcha.

Meet Joe, better known by his wife and family as Paul.

Most of the menu items come from local purveyors like Nobel Springs and Hatcher Dairies. Also, Paul and his wife grow many of the vegetables on Waddell Hollow farm. Do not leave the premises without sampling their cakes. “Aunt Bea,” endearingly named by locals, lives down the road and makes them from scratch for Joe’s. We ordered both coconut and the carrot cake. Divine.

Fresh baked bread and crispy veggies accompany each sandwich.

the veggie bowl at Joe's is worth the drive.

Gypsy’s -  For all you Channel 4 fans (I’m one of them) who are wondering what happened to Aaron Solomon, fret no more—we found him. Seriously, follow the blogs. His fans really are looking for him. Aaron and his wife, Angie, are owners of the kitschy store, Gypsies. Gypsies is filled with jewelry, soaps and lotions and some delightful high-end apparel. The store is charming – its open air porch and sumptuous day bed are perfect for relaxing. Angela is trained as a compound pharmacist (quite the dying breed) and was hard at work in her upstairs office when I was there. Compound pharmacists go back to ancient roots, when pharmacists focused on herbs, roots, oils and natural substances to heel a myriad of ills in society. Today, compound pharmacists can concoct homeopathic remedies to meet their customers’ special needs.

Outdoor veranda at Gypsys

There's only one word to describe these boots: tough

Leiper’s Fork Art Gallery - Have you ever thought why you love one gallery over another?  It’s usually something so subtle, it’s hard to articulate. Lisa Fox finds artists who show well together, but who can stand alone individually, too. On my recent visit, I saw work by Anton Weiss, Kem Alexander (our favorite goddess of concrete), Butler Steltemeier and Michael Shane Neal. The gallery has lovely open air rooms with tall ceilings, and the incandescent light is perfect for the paintings.

Leiper's Fork Art Gallery with its wide open spaces.

I have long been a fan of Butler's work.

Kem Alexander has tons of new creations in concrete.

Warm weather brings the start of the Leiper’s Fork Lawnchair Theater. You can enjoy free movies behind the gallery during summer nights. Lisa welcomes the seasoned collector and casual day tourist alike, as though they are one in the same.

Hard to believe LIsa Fox is also Mrs. David Fox.

Serenite Maison – When we stopped by this shop, Alex Cirimelli, the owner of Serenite Maison, was designing Michael McDonald’s home in Hawaii! (Not too shabby for a day job.) So instead, we were able to chat with Marti, the original owner of the store and one of Leiper’s Forks’ visionaries. It was the Friday before Easter, and Marti (the constant ambassador) and her crew were busy planning ” Feaster,” a garden-to-table celebration in her back field. She could not have been more gracious in her invitation to join in on the fun. Unfortunately for us, we had other plans.

If you drive fast, this ottoman can be yours in an hour.

Back to Serenite Maison. This charming shop is chock-full of 19^th and 20^th century antique lighting fixtures, mirrors, garden vessels and fabulous jewelry. I found myself wandering around the shop one way, reversing and going the other way. Serenite Maison is perfect for gifts, and even if you don’t buy anything, you’ll walk out swirling.

Take your time in Serenite Maison

Yeoman’s Bookstore-if you are mourning the loss of Nashville’s local bookstores, Yeoman’s in the Fork is an answer to your prayers.  Elegant bookcases adorn this antebellum structure and Yeoman’s inventories include many signed first edition and collector’s books.  Previous owner, Mike Cotter couldn’t be more helpful and informative. It seems that a good fairy (aka health care executive, Charlie Martin) found his way down to the Fork and invested heartily in many stores. Yeoman’s was fortunate to be one of them.

Check out Yeoman's collection of work from The Fugitives.

Gorgeous wood cases adore Yeoman's bookstore

A quick glance at my watch—darn, it’s time to pick up the girlies from school.

Other establishments worth noting are: Country Boy Restaurant, Green’s Grocery, Katydid’s, Leiper’s Fork Market and Puckett’s Grocery. All offer local delicacies and goods from the area. We know we’ll be back soon.

Follow our lead and spend an afternoon in Historic Leiper’s Fork.

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Thanks, Janet. I feel the same way when I discover what the kitchen looks like after my son's volcano science project detonates all over the cabinets. Photo credit: www.imdb.com

I know I’m not the only one bracing for the impact of my August-to-May routine coming to a screeching halt. (Pass the Rolaids and the whiskey, please, and not necessarily in that order.) Everyone I see at the grocery or the gym asks the same questions, “How long before they’re out? Are you ready?” And sure, we’re all smiling, exchanging pleasantries about this camp or that beach trip, but behind those smiles, there’s a wide-eyed glint of terror as we fast-forward to Day Four of too much television, mildewing bathing suits draped over banisters and Gold Fish cracker crumbs perma-glued to the floor with yesterday’s drippy Popsicle. Don’t even get me started on the detritus left behind from yet another art project gone awry and left in shambles on the counter, or the carnage in the den from a late-night X-box gaming and snack marathon. (Are you feeling lightheaded yet?)

One must dress appropriately to reap the maximum benefit from the start-of-summer fainting spell. Photo credit: www.amyneunsinger.com

Have no fear. Thanks to my friends in the organizing biz, I have some great tips to share to help combat the creeping crazies we all feel at the outset of what’s supposed to be a vacation. (I know. We’re all laughing at the absurdity of that misnomer.) Here’s what Martha Hayworth and Devereux Pollock of Clutter Cleaners suggest to stay organized and de-cluttered this summer:

For the Pool:

Purchase a large tote, preferably with your name or initials on it so your kids will know which bag is yours. Inside the tote, place gallon-sized, labeled zip baggies for each of the following: sunscreen, goggles and earplugs, and your cell phone. After a day at the pool, put everything back in the appropriately labeled baggies, along with clean towels. Voila! You’re ready for the pool tomorrow.

I love Scout totes. They're colorful, functional and perfect for the beach or pool. The Beveled Edge carries a wide variety of Scout bags locally, and you can see the entire line at www.bungalowco.com. This model, called the Deano, runs about $35 and comes with an open or zippered top.

For the Car:
Keep a small travel trash can in your car that can be emptied either at home or at the gas station – perfect to prevent the little candy wrappers from getting lodged between the seats.

This travel trash container comes from my favorite store ever, The Container Store. (Did you hear? Nashville's Container Store opens at the Mall at Green Hills in November!)

Put pool toys and sports equipment in a plastic bin or crate to keep them from rolling around in your car. Crates are especially easy to carry to and from the pool area.

These Container Store authentic dairy crates are great for pool toys. $9.99 each.

For the House:
If you have a mud room, only keep what is seasonal in the room. Ice hockey skates and football pads, unless going to camp, need to be in a box in the attic, basement or closet.

Aren't these Container Store trunk trays, great! Seasonal sports gear can be stored in these bins and easily moved to and from your car. Perfect also for keeping groceries or other gear from sliding and spilling in the cargo area of your car.

This Container Store toy barrel is perfect for all the loose cannons rolling around by your back door.

If you do not have a mud room, a bin by the door is great for storing all shoes. No more searching the house for the one lost croc!

These reinforced bins with lids from Scout are made to sit on. Store your shoes, and have a place to sit while lacing up.

To prevent laundry build-up, procure a laundry basket for each child and label it with their name. Give them the responsibility of putting away clean clothes. It is never too early to teach them this important task.

Travel tips:
If you are traveling by car, one way to pack the kids is in plastic bins. No more cumbersome duffel bags! In a clear plastic bin, clothes lie flat, they stack easily in the car, they are see-through, and you can live out of them when you arrive at your destination instead of having to unpack. Also, keep travel toys and games in separate tote bags for each child.

Though designed for Legos, these colorful totes make great containers for books or other car trip necessities for kids. From Zappos.

End-of-the-year artwork and papers:
If possible, try to pick out the “best” pieces and toss the rest. With great-looking, inexpensive frames from Michael’s, displaying these treasures in playrooms, home offices or bedrooms is easy. Art that needs to be saved can be placed in labeled plastic bins.

Basic Tips:
Label everything. We have found Sharpies really do work the best. Also, leave one pad of paper out for all in the family to jot down items that they need (i.e. toothpaste, soap) along with a grocery list. This will prevent you from shopping everyday for that one item that your child needs.

Local stores we love for great storage items:
Target, Pier One, World Market, and Costco.

Thanks, girls. I feel much better! And for those of you out there who want expert help conquering the chaos at home, contact Martha and Devereux at cluttercleaners@gmail.com.

StyleBluePrint Editor, Amy Norton

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

The roundabout in Brentwood

While Brentwood Interiors and Inside-Out have existed in this section of Brentwood for ages, the newest crop of stores has made this turn off Franklin Road even more fun. Plan to spend some time at these stores – they’re worth it.

Vignette and Fresh Style: Both are found directly on the roundabout. They are connected through an interior hallway and the both store owners are delightful. In fact, I stayed about 90 minutes longer than I had planned, gabbing away.

Ask owner Lisa McHugh to describe her store, Vignette, and she immediately says, “It’s a lifestyle store.” I was amazed at the great assortment clothing, jewelry, gifts and home furnishings. Most of the furnishings and home accessories are calming with tone-on-tone colors that soothe the soul. While the downstairs is mostly clothes (through company Raine) and jewelry, the upstairs furniture simply makes you sigh – really.  It’s just lovely. I immediately had to ask Lisa to list her favorite decor blogs, as her aesthetic is very similar to mine. So, all blog lovers take note: Greige, Velvet & Linen, Cote de Texas, Habitually Chic, Willow Decor and Trouvais. This is a store for women of any age and the gift possibilities are endless.

Downstairs at Vignette showcases like a boutique, with some home furnishings and jewelry throughout.

Upstairs at Vignette, you'll find treasures like this bird cage.

The upstairs has gorgeous items throughout.

I really think these pillows belong on my own bed. Made by "Shades of Grey" from Belgian linen.

Fresh Style is the colorful counterpart to Vignette. Filled with bright and cheerful furniture, as well as great prices, this store is guaranteed to make you feel happy. From lighting, pillows, upholstered and painted furniture to original local artwork, owner Nanette Williams has beautifully captured the essence of decorating with color in a sophisticated, yet fun way. Fresh Style is also full of gift ideas for teachers and friends… and for yourself. I especially love how the owners of Vignette and Fresh Style are such obvious friends.  Women need to support each others’ businesses. It is evident that this is happening here. I also saw to customers come in and run to hug Nanette and Lisa. Love that.

The colorful yin to Vignette's neutral yang

Color reigns. Much of the artwork here is local.

Love these pillows

The Snooty Fox is found just beyond Vignette and Fresh Style.  The owners, Craven Thomas and Gregg Akin, originally met while working at Williams Home Place on Edmonson Pike.  Combining their backgrounds of lighting, furniture and accessory buying, they have created a store filled with an “old world” aesthetic with prices ranging from a mere $5 to upwards of $2500 (for their finer furniture or chandeliers).  I particularly loved some of the artwork, the barware, the lighting and the dinnerware.  When asked what they are best known for, the answer was easy, accessories.

This lighting fixture caught my eye and made me wish for an enormous kitchen in which to house it. Notice what the owners did to the ceiling. Nice, huh? Love attention to detail.

The works of Knoxville artist Jonathan Howe look right at home in Nashville.

I looked for 2 years for a piece like this trolley and could never find it. Oh, well. My need has passed, but I still feel the need to highlight this, and the barware. Great gifts for men.

Spruce Living is not a new name for long-time readers of StyleBlueprint.  We have written about this store several times, and our cars seem to all have a magnetic pull to this gifts and home store whenever the zipcode hits 37207.  A perfect place to shop for art, gifts, baby gifts, home decor, clothing and jewelry, we are simply big fans of the choices Spruce offers.  Note: one of our favorite local jewelry lines, GoodmanSpalding, can be found at Spruce.

A calming color palette flows throughout Spruce

Pretty, huh?

Spruce owner, Alicia Helm, has been so inspired by the new crop of local stores that she has put together Town Center Saturdays. The next one is June 18th and will take place on the roundabout. It’s a combination of a farmer’s market and a marketplace offering wares from many local shops — all outside with a backdrop of live music.  Be sure to check it out!

Town Center Days- Brentwood

Town Center Days- Brentwood

Music at Town Center Days- Brentwood

With all the neighborhoods in Brentwood, there are lots of hungry mouths to feed.  Today, we want to highlight two restaurants that are fast, fresh and friendly: Soy Teriyaki Bistro and Local Taco. Both are all locally owned and fabulous (I had to keep the alliteration going….)

Soy Teriyaki Bistro is found on Maryland Farms Boulevard, close to the intersection with Franklin Road. Soy Bistro takes a fresh approach to Asian cooking and ensures a speedy delivery. With a definite emphasis on homemade foods and sauces, using the freshest of ingredients, many now find the choice to head to Brentwood for lunch or dinner an easy one.  Japan is represented with edamame, miso soup and teriyaki. Korea with Korean inspired tacos with spicy slaw, and Vietnam with the pork sandwiches. You will even find salads to make the American-Asian fusion complete. Take out is readily available for individuals, families and large parties.

Owner Hannah and her husband Chris of Soy Bistro. Hanna is holding the Pink Salad (strawberries, lettuce, edamame) with shrimp and Chris is holding their ever-popular Korean tacos.

Teriyaki chicken with steamed brown rice

Local Taco first opened in Sylvan Park and then branched out into Brentwood. Each location is different and has it’s own appeal.  The Brentwood location is better for me because when it comes to dinner, I prefer to sit down and order from a waitress so I can relax, know my kids are seated and wonder just how soon my margarita will arrive. I don’t want to be sidetracked with strategies on grabbing the perfect table the instant I finish ordering. So, Brentwood answers the dinner call with a full waitstaff and plenty of seating. For lunch, expect 2 options: full service OR the order-at-the-counter layout. (I like this scenario for lunch. My brain is still functioning this time of day.)

Another note about the Brentwood location: the menu is different, and I dare say better.  And, the place oozes cool with it’s funky architecture looking like a perfect fit for the Gulch but housed in the ‘burb of Brentwood.  Really.

Here are my favorites: the lamb meatball taco with cucumber slices and the roasted vegetable taco slathered with an herb goat cheese!

We know we left plenty of favorite places off this list, so let us know about them. Brentwood simply offers so many options for shopping and dining now, it’s hard to cover them all! Count on StyleBlueprint to be better about covering this area regularly from now on.

Lastly, if you are looking for news and happenings in Brentwood, check out the Brentwood Homepage, an online daily newspaper.

Be sure to check out today’s StyleBlueprint Deal for an up-to $175 savings on custom framing at The Beveled Edge in Nashville: deal.styleblueprint.com/2011/05/11/Save-75-and-up-to-175-on-custom-framing-at-The-Beveled-Edge

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Upon further inspection, this is a TJ Maxx bag.

For those of you who had the pleasure of hearing the Charlotte Moss lecture at the Antique and Garden Show, you may remember how she closed her presentation by railing on our propensity to disregard wastebaskets as part of our home decor. In Charlotte’s opinion, wastebaskets are as important a room accessory as lamps, pillows and tchotchkes.  But for some reason, according to Charlotte, we think it’s okay to plunk down any old basket and call it a day. With no regard for style or sensibility, our trash cans pale in comparison to other home accessories.

Charlotte Moss, a dedicated trash master!

True to Charlotte's word, notice the lovely wastebasket under the desk. Source: Veranda Magazine

Is this penchant for drab, uninspired waste receptacles merely a regional affliction or is it, perhaps, more widespread? And what about the economy? Are our tiresome trash bins a reflection of a collective, recession-induced malaise? Charlotte didn’t say. Frankly, it’s all rubbish if you ask me. Her commentary on our lackluster trash collectors did get me thinking, though. If I gave my home the trash test, I’d only score about a 5 out of 10 when it comes to chic, statement-making cans. But here’s the thing. It’s not that I don’t want nicer wastebaskets. It’s just that the decorative, lovely-to-look-at ones are not that easy to find.

Smelling a challenge (or was that last night’s salmon en croute?) and armed with a sense of purpose, I headed out to see what I could find.

One of the best selections in town can be found at Harpeth Gallery.

Harpeth Gallery specializes in gifts for every occasion.

The scalloped edge makes this wastebasket so interesting.

This is a perfect basket for a bedroom or bath from Harpeth Gallery

Wastebaskets make unusual gifts, perfect when you’re looking for a gift for that hard-to-buy-for person. (With the royal wedding only two weeks away, I bet Kate and William will probably score some cute ones.)  Here is a classic linen wastebasket with a single monogram from Ballard Designs.

I think Kate could get some use out of this one, Ballard Designs ships to the UK.

Fabu is one of our favorite stores for eclectic and unusual items.  Owner Sarah Boyce says these wastebaskets can be specially ordered and are some of her best sellers.

what a great gift for a recent grad--UT anyone?

The classic look of a mirrored wastebasket is timeless.

Finally, it is time to show you a recent find from TJ Maxx in Brentwood.

This one looks more expensive than it is!

If you need an arts and crafts project for your kids, grab this one from TJ Maxx and add your own stencils.

This was customized by my daughter Leigh.

It’s time to say adios’ — time to take out the trash. Pickup is on Wednesday on Whitland Avenue.

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.