February 12, 2020

Stylish Situation

February 12, 2020/ Meryl

Everything we do in design is intended to make an impact.

I am so excited to share today’s piece. I had the most fun bringing some Chaletstyle to my dear friend Amy’s home. It’s a center hall colonial brilliantly decorated and filled with beautiful pieces and art. It has back to back living areas - and last fall we started chatting about freshening up the built-ins in both the Livingroom and the Television room. I was thrilled when I was asked for my help.

There were a total of 3 days spent styling, painting and restyling.

First let’s look at the Livingroom - this room overlooks the back garden.

On the first day we stared looking through all the design elements Amy has organized - I mean look at this friends - all ready to grab and go! And grab we did! Next we shopped the house a bit pulling pieces and some books from other rooms. Then the styling began!

I could shoot myself for not taking a true before image of the two spaces. I certainly didn’t have my blogging cap on that day in November.

After day one we admired both rooms - but, Amy wanted to go further. The conversation turned to Peel and Stick wallpaper in a grass cloth texture. After reviewing options and discussing an order was placed but, when it arrived it just wasn’t right. It wasn’t what she had in her mind’s eye. So the next logical step was paint. Kensington Blue # 840 by Benjamin Moore was chosen.

The painting was easy peasy with a steady hand and an angled brush. It took two coats.

BAM friends… At the end of Day 2 we knew that the paint, the color was wonderful - it allows the objects to really pop - it was the magic sauce the space needed. In addition some new objects and books had been purchased bringing in a subtle influx of pink to the space. I think these pieces really make the space sing!

You all know how much I love pink and think a touch of it can go anywhere!

Now let’s look at the Television Room.

After tackling the Livingroom we turned our attention to the Television Room. On the first day we styled the shelves adding touches of gold. We were loving how they turned out.

In addition to painting the Livingroom shelves Segovia Red #1288 by Benjamin Moore was chosen to add that special pop.

The Benjamin Moore product was again lovely to use and it covered in two coats.

This color is the perfect choice - I mean look at this room - it picks up on the rug and the Flag Art totally pops. In addition there are a few new gold-toned pieces along with some books and a yummy touch of tortoise. The mix is marvelous!

Amy and her family are so pleased with the new updated styling.

The simplest change we can make is with paint. There’s a plethora of choices, it’s reasonably priced and it makes an immediate impact.

Thank you Amy for having faith in my eye! xo

Til next time.

February 05, 2020

Pleasantly Pink

February 05, 2020/ Meryl

Pink is not just a color - It's a happy place!

Ever since I painted the Hallway pink I have been infusing more of this lovely happy hue around here and my family, friends and you my readers all gives an enthusiastic thumbs up!

Til next time!

January 29, 2020

Charming

January 29, 2020/ Meryl

I love charm bracelets. I have ever since I could play with the charms on my mother Rita’s wrist. That wonderful bracelet started my deep love for all arm candy! And why I own a bunch of these magical bracelets as you will see below and also, why I am never without a bracelet or three of any kind on my left wrist!

How sweet is this book my sister gifted me at Christmas. Kathleen Oldford shares the stories of four beautiful bracelets belonging to her Grandmother, Mother, Sister and Aunt.

This belonged to my paternal grandmother Lillian. The round ball holds my Dad’s baby tooth. Below are a few in my collection: the silver whistle was my sisters. I picked up the middle on the Boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ the charms are different beach badges. The last was my Aunt’s and the small stone marks her birthday.

Whenever I think of a subject friends I immediately go in search of books. I found these and I don’t think anyone would be surprised if one or more of these titles end up in the Chalet.(click images for links)

This image always makes me smile. I first spied on Gray Antiques IG Feed in early 2016.

This sweet story of a widower learning more about his late wife by tracing the origins of the charms on her bracelet is delightful. It’s at the top of my list of all time favorite reads.

Steven and I were with my sister and BIL when I thrifted this gem - The original owner was from Iowa. And finally here’s my beloved bracelet friends. It’s chockablock full - there’s a charm for every place I’ve been and more! There’s a Chalet, a few from Bermuda, the Beach, a Cat and of course something for my son Liam.