An Apple A Day

Deal #3

2011-08-03T20:10:00.000-04:00

Metal frame bench with upholstered seat (fabric is black/cream dots). Perfect for a foyer or at the foot of a bed. 60"w x 21"d x 26"h.
$125

Deal #2

2011-07-31T14:13:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the delay, folks, but here's another booth item for which I'm looking a happy home.

Stone top table with iron base. 42" diameter x 30" high. Perfect library/foyer table or chic breakfast table. $200

Deal #1

2011-07-20T10:18:00.001-04:00

Newly painted black two-tier coffee table. Legs have bamboo detailing. Great condition. 40"w x 16"d x 18"h
$150
Email me if you're interested.

Bold Renovation

2011-07-15T15:48:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday!

I'm leaving shortly for a weekend away with some good friends (hurray!) but before I jet off, I want to share this story with you from Thursday's Washington Post. It's written by Terri Sapienza, my favorite journalist on the newspaper design beat. I used to run out every Thursday morning to buy the Post when we lived outside D.C. so that I could read the Home section. (Full disclosure- I got to meet Terri several years ago when she wrote an article about Refined, my old business that I started with my dear friend Kathryn. Not only is Terri a great writer, but she's really sweet & full of style.) Anyways, I digress- back to Thursday's article, which covers interior designer Lauren Liess and the Herndon, VA home that she and her husband totally renovated in 6 months on a modest budget. Reading it made me want to go buy the ugliest house on the best street and work some magic- after all, there's really nothing quite like a nicely done home makeover.

I've seen Lauren's house in magazines and on blogs before, but I never knew what a total renovation she had done and under what constraints. Learning that she did this short on time, without a huge budget, and against the advice of her realtor & even her family makes me love it- and her- even more. You really have to check out Terri's article which shows some before shots of the house- yikes. You are a true visionary, Lauren. Congrats to you!

Dotkat

2011-07-14T11:22:00.000-04:00

I am crazy over Kravet's Dotkat fabrics, which are part of their Echo Design collection. Made from 100% cotton and in five great colorways, this indie-feeling polka dot serves as a great neutral in combination with a print but also has the power to stand alone. Did I mention that it's really well priced? Let me know if you'd like additional information or want to order yardage.

Now, what needs reupholstering in the Applegate house? Off to search, because that green colorway is calling my name...

Anybody out there?

2011-07-13T23:36:00.000-04:00

If any loyal readers are still checking in, let me first assure you that I'm still alive, despite my 3+ month hiatus from this blog. Secondly, thank you for hanging around and for continuing to check back in despite my unexplained absence, for which I have no real reason other than the the fact that I got busy with family, work, travel, having my email and facebook hacked, a fast crawling son and life in general. I have a bad habit of shutting down when I feel overwhelmed, thus the hiatus from my blog. But I found myself really missing this venue for sharing thoughts and inspiration and then read some wonderful posts by other working/blogging moms (all of whom seem far busier than me!) on how they juggle it all. I was encouraged and reminded myself that blogging (or most things in life, really) doesn't have to be all or nothing and so here I am to give it another try. I wouldn't dare promise consistency but for now it's good to be back and for those of you who are still reading...thank you.

Let's get caught up for a second, shall we?

It's with both a little sadness and relief that I share probably the most pertinent bit of news to this blog, which is that I have closed my booth at Hunt & Gather in Raleigh. I had two wonderful years of selling refurbished & reclaimed pieces at this fabulous consignment store and I'm so grateful for all of the people I met through this experience. But finding, refurbishing, and hauling furniture to Raleigh became a little overwhelming with a child in the picture and I couldn't devote the time I needed to towards my booth. Definitely the hardest part about this decision is no longer having a reason to buy (or place to store) great pieces when I find them (and, wouldn't you know, as soon as I decided to close the booth one fabulous piece after another has stumbled upon my path...torture!) So from time to time I might feature a piece or two on this blog that I just couldn't pass up in hopes of finding it a good home. Bringing old furniture back to life will always be a passion of mine, so don't look for me to completely stop my rounds through estate sales and second-hand shops (but I might have to clean out our shed for extra storage!) I also have a few pieces from the booth that I'd like to sell (can you smell a bargain?), so stay tuned for further information on them.

I haven't completely given up blogging over the past few months. I've been honored to be a contributing writer for SavorNC's blog, and I've talked about everything from sustainable design to front doors to grasscloth wallpaper with their readers over the past few months. You can find me there every other Thursday; tomorrow I'll be discussing how the use of custom details like trim and nailheads can elevate and personalize the look of your upholstery.

So that's the skinny for now. Again, thanks for reading; it's good to be back.

Fretwork Chests

2011-03-31T12:28:00.000-04:00

Some fresh new pieces are in at Hunt & Gather/AAI, just in time for spring!

Fretwork chests, 2 available. $795 each or $1,495/pair. 42" x 18" x 33", brand new condition.

I loved them so much that I had to keep one for myself!

Amanda Nisbet in Coastal Living

2011-03-22T10:06:00.000-04:00

Coastal Living Magazine keeps getting better and better. I must say, I'm starting to look forward to finding it in my mailbox almost as much as I would Domino (almost). The March edition is packed with images that had me salivating- tons of color, bold prints, unique furnishings, and, of course, beautiful coastal images. (Is it summer yet?!)

The featured Long Island beach home designed by New York-based Amanda Nisbet was no exception. Her use of bold colors, rustic textures, and refined whimsy make this home work both functionally and aesthetically. It looks like a home where sandy feet and wet bathing suits are welcome, but not at the expense of style; and that's my kind of beach house.

Plates Not to Pass

2011-03-21T13:43:00.000-04:00

I realize I'm way behind on this discovery, but I've recently begun watching Sarah's House on HGTV. While I'm actually not a huge fan of this network and its lineup of DIY shows that are often devoid of inspiration and style, I have enjoyed watching Sarah completely renovate old houses room by room. I'm most interested in her team of contractors, from whom I learn the most every episode. At the end of each show I vow to get my contractors license someday...add it to the list, right?

Anyways, my point in bringing up Sarah's House is that she renovated a basement guest room on an episode that aired this weekend and had a unique approach to inexpensive art for the walls of the room. She purchased some great plates ($9/piece) and had them framed in shadowboxes and hung. I love this because you're getting cheap art, but it's a change from your run-of-the-mill plate hanger display. Actually, once framed you can hardly tell that these are plates!

Image via HGTV & The Beautiful Shelter

So, naturally, when I got my daily email from fabulous e-decor shop Joss & Main this morning and saw that they're featuring Thomas Paul plates, I was excited. Here are some of my favorites that would make incredible artwork for your walls, especially framed in shadowboxes!

Happy plate shopping!

Walk on the Wild Side

2011-03-16T16:37:00.000-04:00

This week over at SavorNC, I'm discussing leopard print rugs and how to keep 'em classy. Join me, won't you?

Something to Savor

2011-02-28T22:29:00.000-05:00

There's a (relatively) new magazine out for us North Carolinians to enjoy, called Savor NC. And-get this- it's a real magazine- remember those? They have wonderfully glossy pages that you can actually turn with your fingers while curled up on the couch with a blanket and a glass of wine (there's no better way to read a magazine, is there?) But, I digress...

Savor NC is a great publication devoted to "savoring the good life" in our great state. From wine and food to travel and decor, this magazine does a wonderful job of celebrating North Carolina in a way that we can all appreciate.

In between issues, visit Savor NC's blog, where (full disclosure) yours truly will be blogging a few times a month about all things relating to the world of design. Today I've posted my top ten white paint colors, an arsenal of basic neutrals that work for practically any room. Be sure to check it out and keep your eyes peeled for the next issue of Savor NC, found at various locations near you.

Best Dressed

2011-02-28T14:52:00.000-05:00

Image via Huffington Post

Most inspirational dress at last night's Oscars? Cate Blanchett's Givenchy number. Oh, how I love it. She's made me rethink lavender, a color of which I've never been a huge fan. But after seeing this dress, and then mentally translating it to the world of interiors (bringing it back, people), I could live in a room of these colors (love the splash of canary yellow!) and textures. Lovely.

It's funny, the critics are very mixed on Cate's dress and it's been very controversial today; whatever, I say. I'm no fashion guru, but I thought it was elegant, interesting, and timeless, which is a win in my book. And I love how the colors remind us that spring is finally around the corner!

Who won your vote for "Best Dressed?"

Pardon me

2011-02-25T09:41:00.000-05:00

...but this is what I've felt like for the past few weeks. (minus those magnificent windows, unfortunately)

A certain 6-month old has demanded every last drop of my energy & attention lately, which has left me no time for posts. I'm praying for a restful weekend and that we'll be back in business on Monday.

Island Design

2011-02-02T22:28:00.000-05:00

The February edition of Coastal Living features the beautiful Bahamian home of Marcie Bond, the owner of a clothing shop (Marcie Bond Resort Clothing) in New Providence Island. Each image had me both wanting to hop a plane for the islands and redecorate my house- with lots of color.

Bond's Caribbean cottage was built in 1963 and needed lots of work when she and her family moved in. But, instead of tearing it down in favor of new construction (where's the fun in that?), Marcie restored the house to its original layout and retained many windows, doors, and other distinctive features. She also decorated with mid-century furnishings, fabrics and accessories as well as local art, giving the home an authentically vintage Bahamian look. Her decor is not only gorgeous, but it's livable, cheerful, and a smart nod to the home's original charm.

After reading this article, I don't know what I want more- a trip to the Bahamas or that fabulous pink & brown China Seas canopy over my bed!

all images via Coastal Living

Sweet Dreams

2011-01-31T22:46:00.000-05:00

It's a bit hard to see from the picture (pardon the iPhone image), but I've got a sweet pair of iron twin headboards in at the booth. Perfect for a girl's or guest room, or used together as a king headboard.

I love starting off the week with pretty new things.

$250/pair, found at Hunt & Gather

Matchbook

2011-01-26T15:50:00.001-05:00

It's a cold and rainy day here in Winston-Salem, but the gloom has been kept at bay in the Applegate home thanks to warm chocolate chip cookies (I've had 4 in the past hour), a sleeping baby (yay for long naps!) and this delightful surprise:

Matchbook is a new online lifestyle magazine that covers everything from decorating to fashion to cooking to travel to books to pretty much anything else that will help you lead, as they say, "a charmed life." In fact, the entire publication is dedicated to this cheerful aspiration, but not in a saccharine, "I've seen this a million times," way. No, Matchbook is clever and fresh and quite enjoyable. In addition to the expected topics such as Classics For Your Closet (which, don't get me wrong, I always enjoy and take note of) and interviews over coffee with various style makers, Matchbook also includes unique pieces such as the history of the Burberry trench coat and "10 Things You Didn't Know" about Princess Margaret (which is even more interesting if you've recently seen The King's Speech...a brilliant film, by the way.)

It's easy to get overwhelmed with the growing amount of online magazines these days and it can be hard to know which ones are worth your time. I really believe, though, that Matchbook is. Co-founders Katie Armour and Jane Lilly Warren do a phenomenal job of making this smart and relevant e-magazine stand apart from the crowd.

Just as I do with Lonny, I'll now eagerly await a notice in my inbox that a new issue of Matchbook is live. Although it's still not the same as having it arrive in your mailbox, as Domino used to, it's a great read nonetheless, full of style and inspiration (and did I mention it's free?)...so I'll take it.

Buttermilk Pudding Cakes

2011-01-25T13:57:00.001-05:00

Did you see this recipe for Buttermilk Pudding Cakes in the latest edition of Lonny? I made them this weekend and can testify that this recipe's a good one. It's pretty simple, too, which (paired with being delicious) makes it a new dessert staple in the Applegate home.

Buttermilk Pudding Cakes with Sugared Raspberries

Buttermilk Pudding Cakes:

¾ cup sifted bleached all-purpose flour

1½ teaspoons baking powder

2 large eggs

¾ cup whole or low-fat buttermilk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

⅓ cup sugar

4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature

Raspberries:

8 ounces (2 cups) fresh raspberries

½ cup sugar

Whipped cream (optional)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees with a rack positioned in the top third of the oven.

Sift the flour with the baking powder in a large bowl. In a second large bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk until creamy and yellow, and then whisk in the buttermilk, vanilla, sugar, and butter (the mixture will look curdy and broken; that is fine).

Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, and whisk until the batter is combined and smooth.

Divide the batter among 8 standard (3-ounce) nonstick muffin-pan cups, filling them two-thirds full. Bake for 9 minutes. Check the cakes by inserting a knife tip between the rim of the cake and the muffin cup and pulling gently to expose the side of the cake. If the side of the cake appears evenly browned, the cakes will hold together when inverted and are ready. If not, bake for another minute and check again.

While the cakes bake, place the raspberries in a medium bowl. Shower them with the sugar, and then use your hand to gently toss them in the sugar until they have a light dusting on them. (If the berries are overripe or bursting, or wet because you washed them, the sugar will dissolve on them. This is fine—they’ll still taste great!)

When the cakes are done, invert them onto individual small plates and divide the berries among them, mounding them on top and around the cakes, and top with a dollop of whipped cream, if using.

Daily Painters

2011-01-21T09:33:00.000-05:00

It's Friday already?!? I'm certainly not complaining, but where did the week go?

Part of my distraction this week stems from a new website that my Mom introduced to me called Daily Painters. Each day it features the work of many different artists, which you can buy right from the site. I would love to collect more art, and this site has given me many new artists to consider. Some of my favorites from this week are:

Nancy Poucher

Carol Marine

Michael Naples

Cori Solomon

Delilah Smith

Debbie Miller

George Coll

Mark Adams

If you're like me and forget to check certain websites frequently, you can sign up to have the daily paintings emailed to you. Whether or not you're in the market for new art, it's a treat to see beautiful paintings each morning and to discover new artists. Be sure to check the size of the paintings before buying; most all are pretty small, making them perfect for displaying on a bookshelf, in a gallery display on a wall, or on a table top.

Enjoy browsing and happy weekend!

Happy Weekend

2011-01-14T21:25:00.000-05:00

Hope it's a good (and long) one.

the pretty flower picture is from here

Who, me?!?

2011-01-13T11:44:00.016-05:00

I was giddy with excitement when I found out that Elizabeth of Life of Style added me to her list of "Stylish Bloggers." What an honor, as Elizabeth is a talented designer and blogger with impeccable taste. If you haven't checked out her blog, do so now as it's certainly a must-read (especially for those of you who are local; Elizabeth is a Raleigh girl!)

So here are the rules:

After receiving this award you have to pay it forward and follow the rules:

Rules

#1) Thank and link back to the person who awarded you.

#2) Share 7 things about yourself.

#3) Award 10 great bloggers that you have RECENTLY discovered

#4) Contact those bloggers and tell them about the award

7 things that you might not otherwise know about me?

1. Someday I hope to open a store. It will be full of wonderful "finds," from furniture to accessories to lighting and art and a custom upholstery line. Edgar will have a bed by my desk and will keep me company throughout the day. (I'll have to figure out a way to keep him off the couches...)

2. My favorite place to be is on a North Carolina beach, with my family, a stack of magazines, a shrimp burger and an ice cold Corona (with a lime, of course).

3. I love frozen yogurt and am kind of a snob when it comes to Oreo flavors. Best place to get it? The Yogurt Pump (Chapel Hill) or Thomas Sweets (Georgetown).

4. My favorite movie is Love Actually- it's a poignant film about love- the kind that makes you giddy and happy and the kind that's hard, the kind that's a choice you make every day, no matter how difficult it may be.

5. I love the Carolina Tar Heels. I was singing the fight song as soon as I could talk and it's the only school to which I applied. Nothing beats a spring day in Chapel Hill, walking through campus with a Sutton's cherry coke.

6. If I could go on a shopping spree in any store, it would be Anthropologie. I love that place. Amazing clothes, fabulous jewelry, unique home goods, and it always smells amazing, doesn't it?

7. I have the best "jobs" in the world; being a Mom is the most incredible gift and each day with Rob brings new joy and delight. On top of that, I'm able to explore flea markets and thrift stores and bring life into old pieces that I find...and actually make some money doing it (not a lot, but still). I love helping to make people's homes beautiful; it's meaningful and satisfying, and even though furniture, fabrics, and rugs are material, earthy things, I think that creating beauty is work with eternal value, and I am blessed to do it.

I'm passing along the Stylish Blogger award to:

Chloe Redmond Warner

2011-01-12T20:23:00.007-05:00

Thanks to Chinoiserie Chic, I got to see some beautiful new images of Chloe Redmond Warner's designs this evening. I love her style and am especially enamored with the Chiang Mai Dragon headboard, bedskirt and daybed. How I'd love to design my bedroom around that print!

Enjoy!

Sale!

2011-01-10T21:10:00.003-05:00

Everything in my booth at Hunt & Gather is 20% off right now. I hope you'll stop by once the snow melts!

And in the meantime, if you're looking for something to read while you're hunkered down at home, check out the new issue of Lonny. It is, once again, pretty incredible.

Dreaming of Market

2011-01-10T08:47:00.007-05:00

The spring High Point Furniture market is being held early this year (in the first week of April), so I'm already beginning to receive catalogues from various vendors featuring new products. These tables immediately caught my eye:

They measure 20" x 20", so two of them would make a perfect cocktail table (I personally think that four together, as seen above, is a little much...unless your room is HUGE and can really handle it).

So here's a question for you: would you like to see these in my booth at Hunt & Gather? If so, what colors are your favorite?

Happy Friday

2011-01-07T17:14:00.007-05:00

It's Friday, folks, and I'm excited because my night will include:

I hope your weekend is also full of a few of your favorite things!

Things that I'm Loving

2011-01-05T21:23:00.005-05:00

1. This breakfast room. And the highchair...which Rob received for Christmas [yay!]

It's so sleek and small that you barely know it's there; a real plus in our tiny eating area. And, it can be used as a chair (as seen below) as the child gets older. Genius design by the Swedes...who else?

2. This shower curtain. You'll recall that we discussed custom shower curtains awhile back. I would add this curtain-style to the top of the list when looking for a unique design in your bathroom. I love how it kisses the floor and frames the tub. And the fabric...so fresh!

3. Leopard print carpet. Bold? Yes. A little risky? Yes. But when it's done well (as Miles Redd shows below), it's fabulous.

4. Custom tablecloths. Any boring table can be transformed through a custom-made tablecloth in a great fabric. Opt for a soft outdoor fabric to guard against inevitable spills. It's an inexpensive take on the dining room table with limitless possibilities for color and pattern.

So many ideas & projects...where to begin?

January...

2011-01-03T12:20:00.010-05:00

...here you are again.

photo by Anna Spiro

I couldn't help but feel a little bit (okay, a lot) jealous of Australian Anna Spiro from Absolutely Beautiful Things when I read her blog this morning. Her latest post shares the same title as this one, yet the meaning of the month for her is starkly different:

"For me January is all about being on holidays at the beach with my family. We spend long days playing in the sand and swimming in the ocean. We read, we cook, we talk, we laugh and I'll admit we fight too. We sleep the afternoons away and prepare ourselves for the year which is forthcoming. January is my favourite month."

For me, here in North Carolina, January is tough. It's cold, the excitement of Christmas is over, and warm days at the beach seem very far away. January is most definitely my least favorite month.

On a brighter, optimistic "new year" note, January does inspire me to get my house in order. This weekend was spent organizing, purging, deep cleaning and rearranging (see bookcase image below...it's amazing what an hour and a "take to Goodwill" pile can do). Although I'm weary of New Years resolutions, I have been inspired to make some goals: do something about my boring mantle (time to scour the old magazines for ideas), read more books, be more adventurous in the kitchen, use my fine china more (which shouldn't be hard to do since I've only used it once in 4+ years...and that once was 3 days ago), and, of course, blog more- a never-ending goal of mine.

Whatever your goals or resolutions are for this year, I wish you the best and a happy 2011!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-22T21:36:00.002-05:00

Isn't this little nativity the sweetest? My Mom got it for Rob's nursery, and it has been a joyful reminder to us each day of what Christmas is all about; the birth of Jesus. Thanks be to God for this most incredible gift!

I'm enjoying time with family & friends over the next few days; I hope that you're able to do the same. Have a very merry Christmas!

Deal of the Day

2010-12-20T12:33:00.005-05:00

Oh, if this had only come up 9 months ago...

HauteLook is selling Modern Classics plastic molded rocking chairs (knockoff Eames rockers) for $79. Yes, that's right; $79. What a steal! And they have them in blue, green and white. I have loved mine in the nursery; I don't spend tons of time in it anymore, but it's great for bedtime stories and I love that it can stay in Rob's room for years to come; it never goes out of style and isn't too baby-ish.

So moms-to-be or moms in need of a good chair for the kiddos, merry Christmas to you!

One more chic shelf

2010-12-16T15:40:00.002-05:00

I stand corrected. If the aforementioned black bamboo shelf was still in my house, I'd use it like this (cue image on the right):

Image via Lonny. BTW, the new holiday issue is soooooo good. Treat yourself.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T12:14:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Eat well, enjoy loved ones, and give thanks!

And, if you're looking for a last-minute dessert to make, try this recipe for Pumpkin Cookies, found on the blog Habitually Chic. I make them each year and they are a HIT.

Pumpkin Cookies

1 cup sugar

1 cup canned pumpkin

½ cup butter

1 tablespoon grated orange peel

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup raisins

Glaze:

¼ cup butter

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 – 2 tablespoons milk

Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together sugar, pumpkin, butter and orange peel. Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and raisins. Drop by teaspoon onto un-greased baking sheet. Bake until light golden brown about 8-10 minutes*. Immediately remove from baking sheet and cool. Spread with glaze. Enjoy!

*I usually bake them for ~15 minutes in my electric oven.

Chic Shelving

2010-11-23T09:58:00.005-05:00

This black, bamboo-detailed shelf is new at AAI/H&G.

If it were staying in my house, I would probably use it like this:

or this:

or, if I had room in my kitchen, like this:

The possibilities for stylish storage are endless!

The Decorista Agrees

2010-11-22T09:38:00.010-05:00

One of my favorite bloggers, Ashlina of The Decorista, had a great post over the weekend about zebra ottomans. She wrote this:

"Absolutely every space in the world should have a little bit of something exotic.

I will always suggest a beautiful zebra ottoman, it just makes a room sing.

They may seem to be a little repeated at this point, but a wild animal print is still so chic.

In my opinion, if your home needs a pick me up... grab one of these bad boys and rock it!

Easy peasy."

So, in the words of The Decorista, make your room "sing," people.

Perhaps with one of these:

(Found at Hunt & Gather/Anna Applegate Interiors)

Pretty New Things

2010-11-17T20:21:00.010-05:00

Email me for details...

Apple Art

2010-11-14T16:37:00.006-05:00

I loved this post by blogger Kelly Green on Enzo Mari's La Mela print, a fun, inexpensive piece of art that goes in a variety of rooms in a home. How I would love to have one in my kitchen!

Holiday Open House at Hunt & Gather

2010-11-13T08:49:00.003-05:00

In all of the hustle & bustle of moving new pieces in and tiding up the booth last night, I didn't have a chance to take individual pictures of new items to post today. But, here's an overview picture of what's new in the booth; lots of great finds, many of which I really wanted to keep for myself!

Stop by Hunt & Gather (Bernard St. location) for their Holiday Open House, today from 10-6 and tomorrow from 1-5. Hope to see you there!

And we're back

2010-11-11T09:27:00.004-05:00

It's hard to believe that my little guy is already 3 months old. It feels like time is flying by, yet August 9th seems worlds away as well. When everyone told me that it gets easier and more fun every day, they were right. We're having a ball and (thanks be to God!) getting more sleep, which is a total game-changer in the best of ways.

my little guy

Now that Rob's 3 months old (and I'm getting more sleep), I'm getting back into the world of design, which has felt great. My Mom and I took Rob on his first furniture-hunting trip a few weeks ago, and he did wonderfully. He enjoyed his ride in the Baby Bjorn, snuggled up close with his grandmother amidst stacks of furniture. He even got some naps in amidst all the chaos; what a trooper!

Speaking of furniture, I have lots of great new pieces to share with you, all of which will be on display in my booth this weekend, just in time for Hunt & Gather's annual Holiday Open House this Saturday and Sunday at the Bernard Street location in Raleigh. There will be munchies and a store full of fabulous "finds" to help get your home ready for the holidays. After all, it's almost the middle of November! Where has the year gone?!?

Thanks for your patience over the past few months while I've spent sweet time with my little one. Stay tuned for posts on some great new items at AAI!

Hello, Handsome!

2010-08-20T10:46:00.000-04:00

He's here!

Robert Ware Applegate (Rob) arrived on Monday, August 9th at 11:22 am, weighing 8 lbs, 11.6 oz and measuring 21" long. We are smitten with our little guy!

Pardon my hiatus from blogging, but I'll be taking some time off to be with my little one- and, of course, to sleep whenever possible!

A Feathered Nest

2010-08-06T15:46:00.000-04:00

A day past my due date, and still no baby. But, we finally have a sofa, and that's a good thing.

Long story short, our old sofa, bought second hand from a sweet lady in D.C., had to go because Mr. Edgar had taken it over and, well, it smelled a lot like him and was no longer suitable for lounging, especially with a baby.

Exhibit A (we tried to protect it as long as possible with a sheet, but he always found a way to move it and get on the actual upholstery, preferably on top of a throw pillow...he's snobby like that):

In addition, our den is long and rectangular, and serves as both a TV room, office and our only access to the back deck. Therefore, the space had to be carefully planned and I found that, to optimize seating, a sectional really fit the best.

One of the most valuable things I learned from my first job as a design assistant was the importance of floor plans. No matter how well you think you can visualize a space, it's always best to put it on paper so you can play around with different sizes and configurations and can see what really works best in the room. From my floor plan, it was obvious that a sectional was the way to go...

I had ordered a sofa for a client from a North Carolina manufacturer, King Hickory, and we had a great experience with them; great price, great quality. So I ordered our sectional from them, assuming I'd be pleased again. Well, I'll spare you the horrid details and will just say that it was TERRIBLE. Designers, beware! Not only did they make the sofa incorrectly and refused to resolve the issue any other way than refunding my money (which wasn't great consolation, considering the old Edgar couch was now gone and time was ticking towards baby's arrival), their excuse was that "they don't really like working with designers." Interesting. If I keep thinking about it, the frustration could send me into labor, right here, right now.

Thankfully, there is a new design studio in Greensboro for the trade called The Studio of Greensboro, and the staff there is fabulous. They introduced me to a great upholstery line called C.R. Laine, made in Hickory. Their pieces come standard with many sustainable features, such as frames made from responsibly harvested hardwoods and eight-way hand tied coils made with recycled materials. They have a quick lead time (about 4 weeks), are priced well, and their fabric selection is great. If you're in the market for new upholstery, it's a great line to consider.

So I ordered our sectional and it was delivered last week. It's SO nice to have a sofa again!! And I've paired it with an ottoman that came from Goodwill which I had reupholstered in this fabric.

The fabric on the drapery panels & throw pillows was found at an antique shop in Middleburg, Virginia. I think it's a vintage Lee Jofa print, but I've been trying to determine its name and production date since I bought it three years ago (if you're able to identify it, please let me know). It's my favorite.

So I feel like my "nesting" (and my den) is finally finished. Now, if we could just get this baby to come...

Have a great weekend!

Another Peek at the Poole's

2010-07-28T11:15:00.000-04:00

I'm sure that many of you will recognize this Charlotte home, belonging to Laura and Perry Poole, from the February 2007 edition of Domino. I definitely did, which is why the spring/summer edition of Charlotte Magazine's Home& Garden, featuring the Poole's and their fabulous mid-century modern home on the cover, caught my eye at Borders the other day.

This piece offers a more in-depth look into the house and its evolution from "the ugliest in Charlotte" to a stylistically appropriate marriage of mid-century modern architecture/decor and contemporary living for this chic young family. It's a treat to see new images of the house, including some "before" shots, which give us a greater appreciation for its evolution and the talented designers behind it all, including the Pooles themselves and their good friend and decorator, Barrie Benson (whom I love!). Enjoy!

I bet you can't eat just one...

2010-07-27T10:17:00.000-04:00

In light of my heat & pregnancy-induced stir-craziness, I decided to bake on Sunday. I found this recipe for Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcakes on a design blog weeks ago, and of course I can't for the life of me remember which one now (if it was you, please let me know! And thanks for the incredible recipe!)

So I made them, they were super easy, and absolutely delicious! If you find yourself cooped up inside because of this extreme heat and get the urge to bake, I highly recommend making these. Ryan and I have been consuming about 3 a day thus far...

Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Makes 20 cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

1 egg, slightly beaten

1/3 c. sugar

1 pinch salt

1 (6 oz) package chocolate chips

1 c. sugar

1 1/2 c. flour

1/4 c. cocoa

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. water

1/2 c. oil

1 tbsp. vinegar

1 tsp. vanilla

1. In a small bowl, combine first 4 ingredients.

2. Add chocolate chips and set aside.

3. Mix remaining ingredients well.

4. Fill muffin tins, lined with paper cups 1/3 to 1/2 full with this mixture.

5. Drop a large spoonful of cheese mixture on top.

6. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Enjoy!

Ready & Waiting + The Nursery

2010-07-26T13:14:00.000-04:00

The countdown is on. 9 more days until Rob's is "due" to enter the world. Nesting has taken full effect and all of the closets and drawers are clean & organized, baseboards have been scrubbed, and the nursery has been ready for awhile now (not surprising, I guess).

The waiting game is starting to drive me a little crazy, even though I know I should be grateful for the down time while I have it. In an effort to stay busy today, and to follow up on my nursery posts from months ago, I decided to take a few pictures of the "final" room to share with you.

You can see some of my resources & inspiration here, including the crib & rocker I used.

By the way; if you're considering the Eames Rocker (or a knock-off version, like mine) for a nursery but are concerned about the comfort level, I've been pleased thus far. Granted, I haven't spent a whole lot of time in it yet, so stay tuned for a more accurate report once the midnight feedings have begun...

I followed Erica's (at Urban Grace) great tip for making a crib skirt that will always "kiss the floor," no matter how high or low the crib mattress is adjusted. It's a smart & easy way to make a custom crib skirt and you can see her directions here. And, if your crib is up against a wall like mine, you only need fabric for 3 panels, saving $ on yardage (always a plus!).
*Side note: Once Rob arrives, the frog & blanket in the crib will find a new home in the nursery, as it's not recommended that any kind of blanket or toy be in the crib with a newborn.

Old chest of drawers + changing pad + diapers/wipes stored in top right drawer for easy access +diaper genie on the right= viola! Instant changing table. Complete with my Cole Harbert alphabet watercolor & salvaged/repainted artichoke lamps.

My favorite part of Rob's nursery are the small, sentimental items that will serve to help teach him about his family and all that is dear to us.

For example, this picture above of Ryan as a baby with his Mom and Dad...

And this one of my Mom holding me, with my maternal grandmother in the background...

Of course, Rob will learn very quickly that he's a Tar Heel, born & bred. Above is a watercolor of the Old Well (at UNC), which was given to me by my parents when I graduated from Carolina. In the picture frame on the left is a shot of Ryan and me at (one of many) college sorority events.

Does the elephant look familiar? It hadn't found a good home yet after months in the booth, and I decided it will be a perfect flower vase for the nursery. (Flowers to come...proving that there's always some detail left to attend to...)

This is perhaps my favorite piece of "art" in the nursery; it's a letter that Ryan wrote to his grandmother when he was little, along with a four-leaf clover that he had found for her. Hopefully you can read the text from my picture; it's absolutely precious.

I found these tiny trays at an antique shop when we were in Middleburg, Virginia, celebrating our first anniversary. At the time, I didn't know what I was going to do with them, but I just thought they were too sweet to pass up. Now they are perfect for holding odds & ends in the nursery!

And, here's me at 9 months pregnant. You can see that I wasn't kidding about this child being a Tar Heel right out of the womb!

Happy Monday, everyone!

What's New

2010-07-14T10:41:00.000-04:00

Side Chair; $95

Cypress wood lamp, circa 1920 (newly wired) with shade. $180

Shore Decor

2010-07-06T19:07:00.001-04:00

As promised, I took a few pictures of my parents' beach house this weekend, to show you the end results of some of my work there. I'm pleased with these spaces because they're fun, light, durable and incorporate a hybrid of flea market finds, customization and some of my favorite lines & sources. Photographs are mine and are far from professional; sorry!

Design & Image by Anna Applegate; Wallpaper is Nina Campbell

Design & Image by Anna Applegate; Chest is Thomasville

Design & Image by Anna Applegate

Most of all, I love this house because it's where I've been able to share many special memories with those most important to me, in a place dear to my heart- the coast of North Carolina. What better venue is there for design work?!?

Hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July!

Happy 4th!

2010-07-02T10:36:00.001-04:00

We're beach-bound for the weekend, friends. My doctor just gave me the green light and I'm very much looking forward to a weekend of sitting on this dock (and in the cool water) with a few good magazines and a cold glass of raspberry lemonade. (it's no Corona, but a great substitute for the 8-months pregnant!)

I've been helping my parents with some decorating projects at the beach house, so I'll try to share some pictures next week of what we've done so far. This image will give you a quick taste:

Image via Wallpaper Direct, UK

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

HB's Take on Shower Curtains

2010-06-29T14:08:00.000-04:00

Apparently House Beautiful would like to continue our discussion on custom shower curtains and offer some advice from notable decorators like Eric Cohler and Mary McGee on how to venture forth from "the same old off-the-shelf shower curtain."

Sorry for the small print above, but I just tore this out of the latest issue and scanned it in quickly because I had to share with y'all, in light of our discussion yesterday. These designers offer some great tips, such as using indoor/outdoor fabric for added durability as well as providing resources to find acrylic rods (why didn't I think of that?!?) and bamboo rings.

Run, don't walk, to your nearest newsstand and pick up a copy of this month's issue. In addition to this feature, the magazine is packed with great images & articles. You couldn't ask for a better beach read for your holiday weekend!

Keepin' It Clean

2010-06-28T15:22:00.000-04:00

I've decided over the past few years that custom shower curtains are one of my favorite design touches. Sometimes it's hard to make bathrooms special...especially on a tight budget. But adding a custom curtain not only provides you with an opportunity to add some fun fabric to your bath, it's also a pretty inexpensive way to liven up the space, too.

You know how hanging curtains as close to the ceiling as possible visually "lifts" the room and makes it appear much bigger/higher than it really is? (if you didn't, that's another important design touch that you should tuck away for future use). Well, having a custom made shower curtain that reaches close to your ceiling and falls to the floor will do the same for your bathroom, which is important because these rooms are usually pretty small to begin with and could use some sizing tricks in their favor.

This topic is fresh on my mind because I just had a curtain made for our upstairs bathroom that I adore; all of the colorful animals in the fabric really perk up what was once a very neutral space and the custom height really expands the room. It's our master bath, as well as the bath for the nursery, so I love that this fabric is playful enough for Rob but sophisticated enough for Ryan and me.

Image by Anna Applegate

Below is the first custom curtain I had made for our guest bath; adding solid banding at the top offers more definition and an even greater visual "lift."

Image by Anna Applegate

Some other examples & images of custom shower curtains:

Image via Coastal Living

In this iconic Domino bathroom (below), the designer had the curtain applied to a track on the ceiling, so that it could be easily slid across the wall; genius!

Image via Domino

Notice (below) the added dimension that comes from applying trim and a valance.

Image via Cottage Living

Image via So Haute

One "housekeeping" note on custom shower curtains; you'll need an extra-long liner. I ordered this one for our upstairs bath and it's worked great. I love that it's non-toxic (chlorine-free and odorless) and biodegradable.

You'll want to measure the ceiling height of your bathroom to find the ideal length for your curtain; stick with a traditional width (72") so that you don't run into issues with liners and hooks (they come standard with a 72" width and in packs of 12, respectively). In most bathrooms, you should be okay with an 84" height, but, again, measure to be sure.

If you're convinced but don't know where to begin to order one for yourself, contact me (anna@annaapplegateinteriors.com) with questions.

French Press Totes

2010-06-25T11:25:00.000-04:00

In continuation of my feature on my talented, crafty friends, I am excited to showcase French Press Totes by Jennifer Walker.

Jennifer is a dear friend of mine from college who now lives in Richmond, Virginia. She has started making these incredible totes out of old coffee bean bags that have been shipped from all over the world. She makes them into totes and lines them with all kinds of fun fabrics that are individually selected to match the style and colors of the coffee bags.

I love that her totes are stylish, practical, affordable and sustainable- won't it feel good knowing that your bag has been re-purposed instead of tossed into a landfill?

To see more of Jennifer's designs and to contact her directly, visit her blog: www.frenchpresstotes.blogspot.com.

Have a great weekend!

sigh

2010-06-17T19:13:00.000-04:00

I love these lamps. So much. Unfortunately for me, I have nowhere to put them in my house. My loss, your gain?

Pair of gold bamboo candlestick lamps with marble base & black shade. 29 1/4" h x 12" wide (widest part of shade). $345/pair, seen at Hunt & Gather.

This fun needlepoint pillow has also found its way into the booth. 17" square, $85. The colors are incredible, and are not done any justice by my cell phone picture.

Have a good one!

kh cards

2010-06-08T15:13:00.000-04:00

Another talented friend that I'd like to feature is Katie Henderson, of kh cards. Katie has always managed to turn a written note into a work of art, and I'm so thrilled that she's begun sharing her passion and talent through her card business.

Not long ago, I received my first personalized order from Katie (see above), lined with the most exquisite orange faux gator skin paper. I love these cards so much that it almost pains me to use them, as I want them to last forever!

Luckily, I can order more and you can, too (with your own initials, of course. And yes, my initials really are AAA).

For more information or to place an order, contact Katie at katie@khcards.com. As an extra bonus, I can guarantee you that you'll never order cards from a sweeter gal.

New This Week

2010-06-07T17:08:00.000-04:00

There are some fun new items at AAI/Hunt & Gather, such as:

Bulls Eye/Federal Mirror. $325. A classic that will stay with you always, never going out of style.

Sold!
White Oval Rope Mirror. $65. Great for the beach or a casual bedroom or bath.

Sold!

Twin Bamboo/Chippendale Style Headboards. One is missing a spool down towards the bottom, which could easily be covered by a pillow. $75/pair.

Sold!
Florentine Tray. $65. Perfect for a cocktail ottoman or for holding jewelry & various other sundries.

Enjoy; and have a great week!

Art by Cole Harbert

2010-06-04T10:52:00.000-04:00

I have been in awe lately by many of my friends and their various talents and creative abilities. So much so that I thought I'd feature a few of them, so that you can enjoy (and support, if you're so inclined) their budding businesses.

Cole is a dear friend of mine from Winston-Salem who, sadly, just moved to Birmingham last week. (We miss you already, Harbert family!) She's a very talented artist and I've been particularly drawn to her alphabet watercolors, which are fun and lighthearted, but in sophisticated way. I just hung mine up in the nursery and it makes me smile every time I look at it. Good thing, as it's hung right above Rob's changing table!

Below is a smaller version; mat and frame colors and sizes can be altered, or you can order the watercolor only, if you prefer to frame yourself. Email me (anna@annaapplegateinteriors.com) for pricing and order information.

New at AAI/Hunt & Gather

2010-05-25T10:07:00.000-04:00

Look familiar? I found another pair of green iron urns and they are now at H&G, ready to make your porch pretty. $290/pair

Sold!

Acrylic End Table, $195 (2 available) 19"diameter x 27"h

Henredon Carved Asian Cabinet (with drawer & shelf inside); $635

Other items have been marked down, in order to make room for additional new inventory. Stop by to take advantage of some great deals, or email me for specific pricing on items.

I had to share...

2010-05-24T22:18:00.000-04:00

manzanita=little apple in spanish!

My very talented sister-in-law, Katelyn, made these incredible onesies for baby Rob (with the help of her equally talented boyfriend, Luke). If I do say so myself, they are the coolest ever. I'm already sad knowing that he'll grow out of them someday.

That's all; I just wanted you to see them because they make me so happy.

And we're back

2010-05-18T15:22:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the hiatus, my friends. A few weeks ago, I finished work, Ryan finished school, and we were off to the beach for a week. It was wonderful and a much-needed dose of R&R.

We've got a few more weeks of vacation before we're back to "normal" life in Winston-Salem. Although, "normal" is excitingly different for me these days, as I'll be spending much more time on AAI than ever before. (That is, until our little one arrives in August. Then I'm not sure what "normal" will look like; but I'm excited to find out!)

Speaking of the little one, I've neglected to share the exciting news that we're having a boy! The nursery is coming together and I'll be sure to share pictures soon. To give you a quick taste, here are the fabrics I used:

In the meantime, check out this fabulous new blog, "Life of Style," by Raleigh designer Elizabeth Goodwin of Elizabeth Goodwin Interiors. She was kind enough to feature some of my items that are currently at Hunt & Gather in her "Stylish Outdoor Living" post last week. Her blog is full of chic inspiration, so be sure to check it out.

More on the Stars...

2010-05-04T17:10:00.000-04:00

In light of my post yesterday on the Star Chandeliers that have just arrived at AAI in Hunt & Gather, you might enjoy this post by The Estate of Things, in which she shares the lovely images seen above. Enjoy!

Starry Night

2010-05-03T21:51:00.000-04:00

Image from House Beautiful, Designed by Mary Watkins Wood

Image from Anna Applegate Interiors (personal)

Photo by Lindsey Miller

Glass Star Chandeliers are in!

Small, 12" Diameter: $210

Large, 15" Diameter: $230

Seen at AAI/Hunt & Gather.

Spring Seating

2010-04-26T21:11:00.000-04:00

Lounge chair with buttoned back, upholstered in green raw silk. Vintage condition (shows some age). $195, seen at Hunt & Gather.

So Right, So Smart

2010-04-22T16:43:00.000-04:00

The RiverRun International Film Festival is in town this week and I saw an inspiring documentary on Tuesday called “So Right, So Smart,” directed by Justin Maine, Guy Noerr, Leanne Robinson-Maine and Michael Swantek. The movie mostly features the story of Ray Anderson, chairman of the international carpet company, Interface, who decided to move his company towards sustainability in a bold and dramatic manner. The film features a myriad of other designers, business owners, artists and environmentalists and has an interesting focus on how sustainable practices have provided a boost to their economic bottom line.

More importantly, the film highlights environmental issues that must be addressed in all sectors of the marketplace. I was inspired as a designer, a small business owner, and as a citizen of the world to improve my own everyday practices, from being more selective about what I throw away to better choosing the materials with which I work and create.

If you’re in or around the Winston-Salem area, I’d highly recommend attending one of the last two screenings, which will take place this Saturday and Sunday. More information can be found at www.riverrunfilm.com.

Mirror, Mirror

2010-04-12T22:10:00.000-04:00

Gold, Bamboo-Detailed, Beveled Mirror

$295

Seen at Hunt & Gather

My Muse

2010-04-08T19:27:00.000-04:00

I love Ruthie Sommers. Not only is she an incredibly talented interior decorator, her approach to design is down to earth, creative, resourceful, and just plain smart. When I have trouble trying to define my own style, I often cite Ruthie’s work as a great source of inspiration and hope that the audience at hand is familiar with it. If you are not, check out Ruthie’s new website and enjoy flipping through her fabulous portfolio; she really is amazing.

Reading through Ruthie’s first-person biography endeared her to me even further, and I couldn’t have articulated my own goals and philosophies as a decorator any better than she does here:

"So here is my deal. My car is filled with fabric samples, old coffee cups and crumbled up paint chips. My office is not the beautiful neat organized office you may see on the pages of a magazine. The glossy white walls and perfectly p-touched folders are an illusion. I am proud of the homes I have decorated. I think they look wonderful on my website. But people live in them and there are stains on the ottoman and the peonies only make it to the mantel for the photo shoots and parties. I feel my success comes from something one can not photograph. The most fun I have, aside from designing sassy bars and cute powder rooms, is creating livable rooms and becoming part of someone’s family. I watch their purse carefully and in return I gain trust. And a great house is the outcome.

So . . . I am just a decorator. Big staff, great store or small garage office.. I have not changed. I have realized that my goal is not do so many things in this industry that I forget to decorate. I still schlep lampshades in my car and the highlight of my day is going downtown to check on carpentry in a old warehouse. Glamorous this job is not. However, I live and breathe to have a relationship with a home and the people that live in it. My goal is not have people remark at parties that Ruthie designed the most amazing aubergine lacquered room. But it is to hear that they were treated carefully, honestly and creatively. And that . . . is all I need."

Yes…what she said.

Off to New York for the weekend with some girlfriends. Hopefully there will be finds to share with you next week from the Big Apple; until then, have a great one!

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T20:29:00.000-04:00

I'm back from a wonderful weekend at the beach with my boys & the family. I found some great new pieces for AAI that I look forward to sharing with you this week, so stay tuned!

Applebet

2010-03-31T22:18:00.000-04:00

Educational art.

I'm loving the Applebet, found via Design Mom.

2010-03-25T12:32:00.000-04:00

Image via Chocolate Therapie, via Pink Wallpaper

It’s a good thing that the Eames rocker has arrived, is assembled, and that I love it. Otherwise, this daybed image would be sending me in the other direction right about now. How fabulous is that fringe welt?!

Make Your Spring Cleaning Green

2010-03-24T17:03:00.000-04:00

If you’re like me, you’ve caught the spring cleaning bug and are looking for ways to freshen up your home now that you’ve been cooped up for many snowy months. If replacing windows, buying new appliances, or installing new heating or air systems is on your list, check out this directory of incentives, courtesy of the Piedmont Environmental Alliance. Most of the information is geared towards North Carolina residents, but there’s also a link that can help you get up to $1,500 in federal tax credits for choosing energy efficient systems.

Tax Credits and Rebates for Homeowners

Whether it’s replacing windows, installing new heating or air conditioning systems, or finally getting that new dishwasher, April is the time to make your home more energy efficient. Check out the links below to find out what incentives North Carolina, Duke Energy and the Federal Government are offering to homeowners who purchase energy efficient products. Just think of all the money you can save with these incentives and with lower energy bills for years to come. Plus, saving energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions in our community from coal powered energy plants.

North Carolina Appliance Rebate –April 22-25, homeowners can save 15% when you buy energy star rated washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers. Depending on the funds available, a second phase in June will offer rebates on Energy Star residential gas storage water heaters, tank less gas water heaters, central air conditioners, heat pumps and gas furnaces that replace older items.

Duke Energy Smart $avers Rebates –Cash rebates up to $200 when you install high efficiency HVAC equipment in your home.

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency -Get up to $1500 in Federal tax credit when you purchase qualifying energy efficient or renewable energy systems for your home. This includes certain insulation, roofing, water heaters, windows, solar energy systems, and heating and cooling systems.

. . .

And if you’re thinking of updating the laundry room, check out this great article from Inhabitat (a great source for all things sustainable) that’s all about how to make this space green and a little more inviting. After all, you’re going to be in there regardless, so why not make it pretty?

(I'd be a lot more motivated to do laundry if I had these guys to work with...)

Bamboo/Leaf Chandelier

2010-03-16T20:52:00.000-04:00

Sold!

This one was really hard to part with.

6 arm metal chandelier with bamboo and leaf details. $325, seen at Hunt & Gather.

Eames It Is

2010-03-11T21:15:00.000-05:00

Image via Modern Seed

A co-worker passed along this great blog post from The Bright Side Project, which features a fabulous online shop, Modern Dose (dubbed "the affordable remedy for modern design"). Their knockoff Eames rocker is on sale and if you enter "brightside" at check out you save an additional 10%.

Decisions needed to be made, the price was right, so I took the plunge. Baby Applegate will be rocked, ever-so-stylishly, in the (knockoff) Eames rocker. I'll keep you posted upon its arrival.

Heading to High Point tomorrow to search for fabrics and finds of all sorts. I've got spring fever and have lined up lots of new projects that I look forward to sharing with you.

Happy (almost) Friday!

Sittin' Pretty

2010-03-09T20:34:00.000-05:00

Sold

Green Velvet Arm Chair with Buttoned Back and Carved Wooden Frame.

Vintage condition, $95. Seen at Hunt & Gather.

A tip

2010-02-24T21:50:00.000-05:00

So I've acquired some very cool new pieces for the booth that need a new paint job. I've been talking about making the switch to zero VOC paints for awhile, and now (with baby on board) it seems like the necessary time to follow through.

VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, which are present in most paints, adhesives, furnishings and carpets (amongst many other things). Essentially they are compounds that become a gas at room temperature, making the air you breathe hazardous to your health.

VOCs will even hang around for a few years once you've painted your walls, so you continue to breathe in the toxicity. That's the bad news...

The good news is that there are several options on the market for low or zero-VOC paint, so it's easy to make the switch to a more health-conscious type. I bought Olympic Premium's zero VOC from Lowe's, which is a convenient and affordable option. Just remember that if you have your paint tinted (i.e., you get a color), you need to ask for a low/zero VOC tint as well.

Look for pictures of my new (*VOC-free*) items in the next week or so. Here's a hint; if you're in need of a fabulous chandelier, you may want to stay tuned.

More daybeds

2010-02-16T21:27:00.000-05:00

Is it just me, or are daybeds popping up everywhere?

Maybe I just have a heightened sense of awareness right now...but I've been finding them, and they sure are pretty.

Image via Pink Wallpaper

Image from Elle Decor, via Pink Wallpaper

Image via Elle Decor

This last one is from Ballard Designs...and it's on sale right now. It's too big for my stairs, but maybe it will work for you?

For further pink inspiration or to indulge your feminine side, check out this lovely spread from the blog Pink Wallpaper.

Happy Friday!

Revisiting the Suzani

2010-02-15T20:29:00.000-05:00

In searching for skirted table options for the nursery, I came across this image from Cote de Texas of a vintage suzani used on a round side table.

Sold

This vintage suzani is still available at AAI and would make a simple end table very chic...in any room of the house. $300, at Hunt & Gather.

An Argument for Eames

2010-02-08T22:39:00.001-05:00

A compelling argument for using the Eames rocker in a nursery can be read here (if you, too, are weighing your rocking options).

Images found here.

A Little Apple

2010-02-07T09:58:00.000-05:00

from ittikid

So you may have noticed that inventory and, thus, posts have been a little slow lately. Well, if there's ever been a somewhat decent excuse for slacking off, I guess this would be it: there's a little apple on the way!

Much of the last three months have been consumed with nausea, fatigue and, most recently, dreams of a nursery. With t-minus 6 months to go, much of my design thoughts have been focused (okay, obsessed) with creating a beautiful, practical and budget-friendly dwelling for him or her.

Not knowing the sex yet (about 5 more weeks) has made deciding on the specifics a little challenging. While I don't want an overtly feminine or masculine room, I do want to incorporate some gender-specific elements. [Confession: I may or may not have bought an adorable girl-friendly fabric about 2 weeks after I found out we were pregnant; it was too fabulous to pass up...you know how that goes.]

As my husband has grown a little weary of hearing my back-and-forth musings on how to decorate the nursery, I need a new forum in which to express my thoughts and ideas. So pardon the occasional post if nursery talk if it isn't your cup of tea at the moment, but enjoy if it is. And if you have nursery ideas of your own, please feel free to share; this is a whole new side of design for me!

1. The Room

What's now our office area upstairs will become the nursery. The walls are paneled wood, painted with Benjamin Moore's Linen White; a favorite color of mine. If you've ever painted paneled wood, you know what a nightmare it is, so these walls will be staying just as they are.

2. The Dilemma

Our house is a 1945 cottage, full of both the charming and annoying quirks of older construction. For example, the stairway opening leading to the second floor is a mere 23" wide, making it impossible to get such items as an upholstered glider up the stairs. Thus, finding a way (23" wide or less) to rock my baby to sleep in the wee hours of the night is a bit of a challenge.

3. Options

Given said dilemma, seating is the biggest issue to tackle. I've always loved the Eames Molded Plastic Rocker and am pretty sure that I can get this up the stairs. It's a classic design and can be used not only in future nurseries but also in bedrooms, a den or an office down the road. You can get a knock-off on Amazon.com for $158, a fraction of the cost of the "real thing."

My only question: is it comfortable enough for many hours of use every night?

Another size-friendly option is a daybed. I found inspiration from several images and love the tailored look and practical comfort that a daybed offers:

Image via Style Court; Nursery of Tara Guerard, Designed by Angie Hranowsky

*side note: Roman shades just like these are a must. Check.

Image via Style Court; Designed by Angie Hransowsky

Image via Elle Decor; Home of Reed & Delphine Krakoff

The daybed route may prove to be a little more expensive and labor-intensive, but would the comfort factor make the extras worthwhile?

4. Other

Remember the irrational fabric purchase discussed earlier? This is it. So, if it's not a girl, you may be seeing this again on an AAI project in the future. I just love it.

This sheepskin rug is currently in our bedroom. But it's so soft and (ahem) already purchased, so it may find its way into the nursery. We shall see.

This is the chest of drawers currently in the office (picture taken by my talented friend, Lindsey, on a day when the office was much cleaner and more organized...obviously). I'm thinking that it will now become the changing table and the lamps will stay, assuming there's room. How big is a changing pad, anyways? So much to learn...

And, perhaps the most important element of a nursery...the crib.

I like this one.

I found it via Urban Grace, from the nursery of Laurie Rhoney. I love her crib skirt and appreciate how it hides the unsightly (yet incredibly practical) drawer at the bottom.

That's all of my nursery thoughts for now. We'll revisit in about 5 weeks when I know the sex and can get to work selecting fabrics...my favorite part of decorating.

An Eye-Popping Console

2010-01-13T20:11:00.000-05:00

SOLD!

Asian-inspired orange console with beveled glass top. $175

Pardon the small image...i phone photo.

Gadabout Stationery

2010-01-01T19:32:00.000-05:00

Need some inspiration to get you started on those holiday thank you notes? If so, check out these exotic note cards, just in at AAI.

Set of 25 cards (5" x 7") and lined envelopes, $39. Shown at Hunt & Gather.

Happy New Year!

Awaiting Santa

2009-12-13T11:13:00.000-05:00

My Greek Key velvet stockings are hung and ready for Christmas goodies. Are yours?

(Stockings are located at Hunt & Gather...and have been discounted! Merry Christmas!)

Elegant Lighting

2009-12-12T09:11:00.000-05:00

Sold!

Pair of crystal lamps with new taupe silk shades; $240/pair, shown at Hunt & Gather.

Illumination

2009-11-24T22:17:00.000-05:00

Sold!
Pair of vintage brass lamps with linen drum shades. $380/pair. Shown at Hunt & Gather.

Oyster Plates

2009-11-23T08:06:00.000-05:00

Sold!
A chic way to serve holiday oysters (it is the season, you know). Best with saltines and tartar sauce.

Plates in cobalt, turquoise and pink. $28/each.

Tabletop Treats

2009-11-18T18:30:00.000-05:00

A few more Market items to share; these I am carrying as of this Saturday, 11/21.

La Boheme glass votives. $8/each.

Lionshead vase (or decanter; your choice!)

Small: $28
Medium: $36
Large: $44

Stunning.

2009-11-17T22:30:00.000-05:00

I'm not usually wowed by the cover of Elle Decor, but I have to admit: I got a little giddy when I saw this in my mailbox today.

Have you ever seen such fabulous window treatments?!

If you don't subscribe, I highly recommend springing for a copy of this December issue; it's definite eye candy.

Weekend Finds

2009-11-17T22:10:00.000-05:00

Sold!
Vintage Wool Rug, 2'-10" x 5'-1", $80
Soon to be shown at H&G

Vintage Oil Painting, 20.5" x 29" h, $95
Soon to be shown at H&G

Even more from Market...

2009-11-12T19:57:00.000-05:00

I found these pillows at Market and am considering ordering some for the booth...thoughts? Interest?

Happy (almost) Friday!

Housekeeping

2009-11-09T22:10:00.000-05:00

I did a little re-arranging of the booth this weekend, making room for some fun new pieces and holiday treats. If you're interested in a piece that you've seen on the blog but no longer find it in the store, let me know. It may still be available, but just "waiting in the wings" to make way for fresh finds.

Enjoy the week, everyone.

A quick note on rugs

2009-11-06T23:10:00.000-05:00

I've had several questions regarding my rug post a few weeks ago. All of the rugs featured are by companies that are to-the-trade only. If you're interested in knowing more about a style or would like to place an order, please email me (anna@annaapplegateinteriors.com) directly for further information.

Lend a Hand

2009-11-06T21:10:00.000-05:00

Sold!
Plaster sculpture with lucite base, at Hunt & Gather. $95

There's nothing quite so elegant...

2009-11-04T19:38:00.000-05:00

...as candlelight.

Sold!
Vintage mirrored sconces. 18"h x 11"w. $145/pair.

More Market Finds

2009-10-30T14:10:00.000-04:00

I found these wonderful frog feet tulipieres at Market and couldn't resist buying them in green and white for the booth. I'll have a few on hand at the Holiday Open House; just in time to decorate your table, mantle or buffet for Christmas! $98 each.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman Factory Sale

2009-10-28T21:25:00.000-04:00

If you're in the market for fine furnishings (admittedly a bit fancier than those found at AAI), you may want to make a trip to High Point next weekend for the Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman factory sale.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you can find great deals (up to 80% off) on floor samples from this to-the-trade-only manufacturer of case goods and upholstery. To get a feel for their line, visit their website at www.ef-lm.com.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

2009-10-27T18:40:00.000-04:00

Okay, so maybe not quite yet.

But perhaps these lovely gift-holders will put you in the Holiday spirit a little early? They're soon to be shown at AAI at Hunt & Gather.

Velvet stockings with Greek key border; $65 each. Quantities will be limited, so contact me if you're interested in pre-ordering to ensure a festive mantle this Christmas!

Night Stand, Palm Beach Style

2009-10-27T18:27:00.000-04:00

Bamboo-detailed cream nightstand/end table. Two working drawers with antique brass pulls. $165; shown at Hunt & Gather.

To Market, To Market

2009-10-26T21:49:00.001-04:00

Last week I attended the High Point Furniture Market, searching for the best new products and trends to feature at AAI. I found lots of fabulous items, some of which will be appearing at Hunt & Gather soon. I'm especially excited about some seasonal items that will debut at the Hunt & Gather Holiday Open House on Saturday, November 21st; mark your calendar if you'll be in the Raleigh area that day!

I was thrilled by the amount of new rugs that I saw at Market this year. From living rooms to nurseries, I've been asked a lot lately for suggestions on beautiful- yet durable- rugs. While I usually gravitate towards the elegant simplicity of natural fiber rugs, they are not always the best option when children and pets abound. Yet it's sometimes hard to find alternatives that are pleasing to the eye, mind and wallet.

Solution: this incredible line of indoor/outdoor rugs, which can be sprayed down with a hose to clean and are chic enough for even the most refined of rooms yet so kid and pet-friendly.

This same company also makes an adorable line of kids' rugs that had me wishing for a nursery (or two, or three) to decorate. Made of cotton, they are easy to clean and soft on tiny knees and elbows.

For your more adult-focused rooms, I found the following lines which offer gorgeous options of floor coverings in hooked, needlepoint and reversible styles. Many can be made in custom colors; send them a fabric swatch and they'll match the colors of your rug to it.

There are more market finds to share, so stay tuned...

Gothic Revival

2009-10-21T17:58:00.000-04:00

Sold!
Wooden Gothic mirror, antique gold. $175. Located at Hunt & Gather.

Front porch looking lonely?

2009-10-20T20:26:00.000-04:00

Sold!

Here's your solution:

Add some topiaries, flank your front door and viola! An elegant entrance.

Iron green urns, $275/pair. Located at Hunt & Gather.

Forever Summer

2009-10-19T21:16:00.001-04:00

Sold!

Yes, we're a month into Autumn, but this chair and ottoman bring back the joy of summer. Perfectly paired with a cold drink, a good book and sand on your feet.

Chair and ottoman with seashell fabric (navy & white) with navy linen piping. $375 for the set. Shown at Hunt & Gather.

New York Finds

2009-10-07T18:02:00.001-04:00

1. 100% virgin wool Pendleton throw; houndstooth pattern in kelly green, torquoise, navy and cream. Approximately 5'2" x 5' 5"; mint condition. $145.

Classic with an edge; love it.

Sold!
2. Vintage Lennox butterfly jewelry tray. 9 1/2" diagonally. $35

Sold!
3. Original watercolor of London, framed and matted. 12" w x 14 1/2" h. $125. Perfect for the Anglophile in your life.

Sold!
4. Small gold-leafed, carved mirror. 9 1/2" square. $45. It would be great in a collection on the wall or as an unexpected reflection in bookshelves.

And that's all. There could have been much more, but there's only so much room in the overhead compartments of commuter planes. The next trip to New York may require driving; or setting up a UPS account.

So many fabulous finds, so little space; sounds about right for New York!

How did I not know...

2009-10-06T22:12:00.000-04:00

about this?

Ruthie is my favorite. True confession: when I went out to LA a few years ago, I wrote her a letter saying how much I'd love to come by her shop and meet her. I never got a response, but I like to think that it was lost in the mail. It's a long journey from the east coast to the west, no?

Potential rejection aside, I still think she's one of the best designers out there, and her new website is quite pretty, so check it out.

I am wondering what happened to her book, The LA House. It was supposed to come out in 2008, but never did. Amazon.com has a release date of December 31, 1975. Interesting.

If you have answers, do share. Style Court posted this teaser last year. One thing's for sure; when it finally does hit the shelves, it will be worth the wait.

"Old + New= Chic"

2009-10-05T21:17:00.001-04:00

Interesting article: "Mixing antiques and collectibles with new finds is a great design strategy."

I concur.

AP Photo by Sarah Dorio

The Big Apple

2009-10-03T14:50:00.000-04:00

Ryan and I were in New York this weekend, visiting dear friends and enjoying the city in autumn; my favorite time to be there!

A few things to share:

1. It's fall! Pumpkins are everywhere, and I am loving this multi-colored display on Lexington Avenue. The metallic ones were spray painted by the shop owner, but look so elegant and natural. However, I'm still partial to the white pumpkins, which are my favorite. I can't wait to get some for our porch at home!

2. We visited the Chelsea Flea market on Saturday. It's a fabulous spot for unique finds, and I purchased a few goodies for the booth, which I'll share with you this week.

3. I visited the New York School of Interior Design during my visit. To say that I was impressed is an understatement! From the beautiful century-old campus on the upper East side to the tantalizing course descriptions (Modern Architecture & Design, Great Women Designers, Economics of Taste & Style and Mixed Media Rendering, to name a few) and stellar alumni roster (including two of my favorites, Alberto Villalobos and Mercedes Desio), the school has so much to offer design lovers like myself. If you've thought about going to school for interior design and want to be in New York, I highly recommend looking into the NYSID programs. I'd love an opportunity to continue my studies here someday!

Stay tuned for information on my New York purchases for AAI. Many thanks to Zack & Tracy for hosting us this weekend; y'all are truly the best.

Restore Spaces

2009-10-02T11:30:00.000-04:00

I just found out about a wonderful event here in Winston-Salem called Restore Spaces. Sponsored by the Winston-Salem Regional Association of Realtors, the event features local interior designers who create sample "rooms" using items from the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. The event is aimed toward showcasing the great pieces you can find at the ReStore (one of my favorites!) and all proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County.

The event takes place on Friday, October 23^rd, from 6:30-10:00pm at the Habitat ReStore (341 Witt St., Winston-Salem, NC). Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at www.restorespaces.com. In addition to touring the creatively resourceful rooms, you can enjoy food, libations, dancing and music.

I wish that I had found out about this in time to participate in designing a room, but I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's creations and supporting this important organization as a spectator. Hope to see you there!

Delicious Lighting

2009-09-30T20:48:00.000-04:00

Sold!

Artichoke Lamp with White Drum Shade, $95, shown at Hunt & Gather.

Similar to this:

Only 1/6 of the price. (Stray Dog lamp, $625)

An Apple A Day

Deal #3

Deal #2

Deal #1

Bold Renovation

Dotkat

Anybody out there?

Fretwork Chests

Amanda Nisbet in Coastal Living

Plates Not to Pass

Walk on the Wild Side

Something to Savor

Best Dressed

Pardon me

Island Design

Sweet Dreams

Matchbook

Buttermilk Pudding Cakes

Daily Painters

Happy Weekend

Who, me?!?

Chloe Redmond Warner

Sale!

Dreaming of Market

Happy Friday

Things that I'm Loving

January...

Merry Christmas

Deal of the Day

One more chic shelf

Happy Thanksgiving

Chic Shelving

The Decorista Agrees

Pretty New Things

Apple Art

Holiday Open House at Hunt & Gather

And we're back

Hello, Handsome!

A Feathered Nest

Another Peek at the Poole's

I bet you can't eat just one...

Ready & Waiting + The Nursery

What's New

Shore Decor

Happy 4th!

HB's Take on Shower Curtains

Keepin' It Clean

French Press Totes

*sigh*

kh cards

New This Week

Art by Cole Harbert

New at AAI/Hunt & Gather

I had to share...

And we're back

More on the Stars...

Starry Night

Spring Seating

So Right, So Smart

Mirror, Mirror

My Muse

Happy Easter

Applebet

Make Your Spring Cleaning Green

Bamboo/Leaf Chandelier

Eames It Is

Sittin' Pretty

A tip

More daybeds

Revisiting the Suzani

An Argument for Eames

A Little Apple

An Eye-Popping Console

Gadabout Stationery

Awaiting Santa

Elegant Lighting

Illumination

Oyster Plates

Tabletop Treats

Stunning.

sigh