Up for the challenge…

Hi everyone. Happy Friday. I come to you today excited about possibility, learning and expanding! Even though I am exhausted from a night up with my poor teething, Claire – I am thrilled at some of the new things I’ve been trying lately!

First of all, I am super excited to let you know that I just signed up for Blog Boss – a new e-course with Holly Becker from decor8! I took her first course – Blogging your way – a couple of years ago and it taught me so much! This next one looks to be amazing and I can’t wait for class to begin. There is still time to enroll – check it out here.

Lately, I am trying to expand my photography knowledge so I’ve been dabbling in portrait photography. I know you have all seen my attempts with my children but recently I’ve been taking pics for friends and it has been quite the learning experience. I have such respect for those professional photographers out there that do portrait work. It is a true art! My latest subject was my neighbor, Taryn Emerson. She is such a fantastic friend and an incredible interior designer too! She asked me to take her portrait for her website (in production) and online social profiles. I agreed. So, last Sunday, I handed over Clarie to my hubby and off I went down the street with my trusty camera, in the hopes of capturing my friend and doing her beauty justice! The overcast sky provided the perfect, softly filtered light. We jumped around from her place to mine, outside, inside, front yard, back yard…but ended up with this as our winning shot!

Some of our other attempts…

Taryn was a great sport and put up with all my amateur-ish mistakes. In between giggles, she was poised and patient.

It is so wonderful to have another creative buddy right in the neighborhood and she is always encouraging. She likes to challenge me too…which is a rare gift in a friend. Since I have been avidly taking pictures, she suggested I shoot her gorgeous designer kitchen for her portfolio too. I balked at the request, insisting I knew nothing about interior photography and how we would probably have to rent lights and wide angle lens. She rolled her eyes and said, “Oh come on, let’s just try it!” So over a bottle of wine that night, we styled the entire kitchen and shot it the next morning…

It was so much fun dusting off my interior design skills to style this lovely space and collaborating with another designer is something I have missed! When we started the shoot it was dark and gray outside and I was doubtful that the light was sufficient but like a sweet gift, the sunshine broke through the clouds, spilling light into the room. We scrambled to move Taryn’s heavy kitchen table so we could let the shadow of the window unfurl onto the warm wood floor.

All in all, we were both pretty pleased with ourselves and I learned a lot! There is nothing better than the feeling of meeting a challenge, especially a creative one. So don’t limit yourself, expand your creative gifts – sure it can be a little scary and you might even mess up but one thing is for sure – you will learn and you will grow – and that is worth it every time!

Have a wonderful weekend!

xo,

***Check out more of Taryn’s beautiful interior design projects here and like her new Facebook page here.***

Guest Post: Vintage Dressers & Chests

Hello, everyone! It’s Mari here from Arcadian Home blog, a wonderful place to find lots of decorating inspirations, including all kinds of lovely lighting fixtures from ornate torchiere lamps to massive crystal chandeliers. I am so happy to have the opportunity to visit Grace & Ivy with a guest post about appealing vignettes that show off the beauty of vintage dressers and chests.

Today, I’ve brought along eight images to inspire you to continue to explore the possibilities of giving new life to one or more of the many vintage chests and dressers just waiting to be discovered at a local garage sales, flea markets or in family attics and basements. Please enjoy!

Our first vignette is the focal point of this all-white bath up under the rafters. This antique piece has been transformed with a glossy white paint finish and deep contemporary vessel sinks. It’s quite charming with a vintage floor mirror and cherub pendant light.

An ornate bombe chest gets a new life with coats of chalky white paint from those cute little feet to the swirly metal drawer pulls. What a perfect baby shower vignette that includes a charming collection of DIY cake stands and gorgeous dessert offerings!

Even a broken vintage dresser can get a second chance at life in a guest bedroom. The “shelf” left behind by a missing drawer becomes open storage for extra towels. Lots of table decor (read found objects) add to the dresser’s worn charm.

A small vintage vignette atop a distressed gray chest fits in beautifully with a charming wall gallery and metal pendant lights at the top of the stairs in this country home.

A beautiful focal point is created in this farmhouse kitchen by pairing a vintage chest turned marble-topped work island with a glorious crystal chandelier. It seems even Mr. Dog appreciates great design.

A vintage chest stripped down to its bare wood, lovely little arm chair and interesting side table create a stunning corner vignette. I am a big fan of contemporary lamps, but have never seen one quite like this tabletop beauty I’m quite smitten by its unique design.

Quirky little “decorative accessories” add a sense of fun to this vintage vignette. How cool is the look of an oversize swing arm floor lamp as it appears to inspect the sprouting bulbs atop the repurposed map chest?

Even a distressed chest deserves one last chance to shine. This aging beauty with peeling paint is perfect in an appealing outdoor vignette. What a pleasure it is to see vintage pieces that have served well for many years still being enjoyed well past their prime!

What do you think of these vintage dressers and chests? Leave us your thoughts below and be sure to stop by our website for more home decor, lighting, and inspirations!

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Around the House: Holiday Sparkle

Hi friends! How are you? It’s been quite some time since I’ve had the opportunity to share something with you! As usual, life’s been crazy but I’m happy to report that we are all getting a little more sleep (most nights) and it has greatly improved the general mood in the Newport house. Plus, it’s hard to be grumpy with all the Christmas decorations up. I do love this time of year! So let me take you on a tour of our house…who doesn’t love some holiday sparkle?

First off…welcome to our living room where we place our prized, live, Grand Fir Christmas tree. Isn’t she a beauty? I usually do this tree in soft gold, silver and touch of light blue. I crown her with sparkling branches in stead of the traditional star.

I love using my vintage items in my decorating so this antique, turquoise seltzer bottle takes center stage on the coffee table.

A frost covered forest was my inspiration for the greenery…

This beautiful, old clock dates back to the 1890′s and was found on one of my many treasure hunting trips.

Strung from the mantel with a piece of twine, hangs vintage postcards featuring birds and antique European letters.

Come through to the dining room where the winter forest theme continues…

 

A vintage printers tray is displayed on one wall filled with glimmering bits and pieces and antique French postcards…

On the kitchen table, I have featured a vintage silver bowl filled with budding paper-whites. I have always wanted to do these! Can’t wait to see them in full bloom!

A lovely, antique confiture jar from Paris holds miniature white roses. This gorgeous, rare jar is currently listed in my Etsy shop.

I may have overdone the roses…but in my opinion, you can’t have enough and they pair so well with the tarnished silver, don’t you think?

Look who couldn’t resist jumping up on the table to get into my shot – none other, than my ever curious cat – Toby…

Thanks for coming along and checking out my holiday decor. I had a blast putting everything up (with the help of the hubby)! My family gets here this week, so I may not be posting much until after Christmas. I wish you all the very best for the holidays! Thank you for all your wonderful comments and loving support! I will see you in the New Year!

xo,

Around the house…

Happy Friday everyone. Hope you all had a fabulous week. I’ve been feeling pretty exhausted and anxious about the arrival of little Miss Claire but I do have little bursts of energy. A couple of days ago, one struck and I felt compelled to appreciate my home and all the lovely objects that I get to share my space with. So I waddled around my space taking a few shots…I thought I would share them with you. This first batch is from my studio…

One of my favorite things about being an antique shop owner is that I get to enjoy the old treasures that I find…even if for a short time…before I send them to a new home.

You can see in the background here that I just got my copy of “this i know” by Susannah Conway. If you don’t already have it…go get it.  It’s truly beautiful.

This past week, Chris brought me 20 stems of pink Peonies. I have adored them. They graced our breakfast table among some of my great, great grandmothers silver…

Have a lovely weekend. I think I hear a nap calling my name…

What do you love about your space? Take a picture of it and appreciate the beauty around you.

xo,

Claire’s Nursery – in the works…

Hello. I am a wee bit tired today but my inspiration (and a cup of tea) is keeping my energy up. Yesterday, I worked a bit on preparing Claire’s nursery. I’m sure you will be utterly surprised to hear that it will have a Parisian flair to it..done in a palette of soft grays and pinks. Let me share a couple of shots with you of the work in progress. Still waiting on draperies, some bedding and other items so bear with me…it’s not done yet.

Toby thinks the changing table pad is his new bed! Not for long, my little fur-ball.

Grace donated her favorite rose flower to Claire’s room. She found it at a thrift store on one of your treasure hunting trips. It’s kinda hilarious but she just loves it – so it came home with us. At least it’s the right shade of pink…

I bought the antique, pink books at one of the flea markets in Paris. They are so pretty! I need to photograph them by themselves, so you can see them.

This little bunny followed me home from France too. I have been told that in French culture, babies will often receive bunnies as first toys, instead of teddy bears. So I’m going with it…

Grace’s old glider has survived but needs a little TLC. I actually ordered a Shabby Chic cream-colored slip cover for this…can’t wait to get it! The vintage, pink chenille blanket was a great vintage find! I love the little white pom-poms.

I know, I know, I’m not really showing you much…but I promise when it is finished I will give you a full reveal. What you are not seeing are the boxes of hand me down clothes from Grace’s stash, unassembled bits for the crib canopy and other unsightly things…so trust me you are not missing anything at this point.

Last night, I did create this piece of digital art work for above the changing table. I’m going to have it printed on canvas so I hope it turns out okay!

Hope your week is going well!

xo,

Guest Post: Design Shuffle & Gorgeous Fireplaces

Hello friends! I’m excited to have a guest writer on the blog today from Design Shuffle! Take it away, Susi…

Hi, I’m Susi, a writer over at Design Shuffle, a fantastic social media site for designers and design lovers to network, share inspiration and showcase projects. I’m excited to be here at Grace & Ivy today as a guest. My guest post is all about lighting a fire of inspiration for fireplaces. I’ve pulled together eight of my favorite fireplace decorating ideas. Hope you enjoy! Thanks for letting me stop by and visit.

Dress up your fireplace with art or a mirror. Fill the mantle with pretty objects, seasonal flora, frames or books. Create a charming place for extra firewood with a basket, wire basket or box.

Lighting a fire and relaxing in a comfortable place to sit is the ideal way to spend a chilly day or evening. Multiple seating options around the fireplace create the space for conversation, reading or napping.

This modern room and fireplace are sleek and unencumbered by too much decoration. A gold starburst mirror above the modern fireplace is the perfect adornment; just the right thing to draw the eye.

Painting the walls around a fireplace a deeper color and keeping the mantle the same color as the molding draws the focus to the fireplace. This interior design in a cream and mushroom palette creates a calming, cozy space to lounge.

This lovely winter decorated fireplace is a symphony of subtle winter colors. The taupe wingback chair and white painted mirror would work with any seasonal decoration and various living room designs.

Decorating the firebox with a stack of birch logs gives this fireplace style without a roaring fire. The birch logs tie in with the black and white palette.

If you have a non-working fireplace as in this bedroom design, dress it up with an antique grill or fire screen. You can put candles in the firebox to create a warm, twinkling light similar to fire.

If you have an outdoor fireplace, don’t forget to decorate it also. Seasonal gourds, garlands and wreaths look just as lovely on an outdoor fireplace mantle as they do indoors.

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Fireplaces are an ideal decorating accent. Look for more inspiration at Design Shuffle where you can learn the various interior design styles and even find great ideas from Boston interior designers and more!