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My New Chair and FFA Challenge #4

I did it!  I can't believe I did it, but I did!  I picked a piece of "freaktastic" furniture!  It all started with my husband's chair.  One bolt came loose and then another.  He was really in need of a new chair so we went shopping.  We walked in Home Zone and there it was - my chair.  I fell in love at first sight.  It's quirky, fun, bold and has traditional lines. 

Isn't it fantastic? I just love it. I was a little anxious at first and wondered if it would really work in our home. It does. And it was a great experience to pick something that is me and not typical or expected. In the end I am very glad I bought my chair.

Note: Hubby got his new chair as well. Lovely stripes and no more bolts coming loose.

Summer at the Beach, American style

We popped in at the World Market Friday night to pick up some non-alcoholic Ginger Beer and discovered their Timberwood and Americana collections.  These two collections work great together and are perfect for summer.  The Timberwood collection is all about lazy days on the beach.  I am loving the coastal look or theme in decorating right now.  It is summery, relaxing, and brings to mind wonderful memories of my time at the beach in Florida and my first time to see the ocean.  It also works beautifully with an Americana theme on the 4th.  Here are a few of my favorites from these two collections.

To see more of these collections and/or pick a few pieces for your summer entertaining visit World Market.

You may have noticed that my little blog looks quite different.  I decided it was time to shake things up a bit and take my blog in a new direction.  Here you will find things that inspire me and which I hope will inspire you as well.

FFA Challenge #2

A few weeks ago I came across a post on one of my favorite blogs, Vintage Revivals, about style and decor.  Mandi, the talented author of the blog, told a story about seeing an entire living room for sale.  This included pictures, flowers, etc.  She was suprised and couldn't image having a room in her house that looked exactly liked a room in some one else's home.  Frankly, neither can I.  My mom was always wonderful enough to allow my sister and me to make our bedrooms our own and that has carried over into my home as well.  I remember a friend once commenting how my room was me because it was full of all the things I loved and was interested in at the time.  It was a reflection of me.  It was and is one of the best compliments I ever received.  Anyway, Mandi suggested a group or club full of people from all over who believe likewise and who love decorating their home/interior design.  This club is called Fearlessly Finding Awesome or FFA for short.  You can read more about the club here.  From time to time there are challenges to participate in and hopefully have fun.  Obviously, I am slow with Challenge #1.  I simply haven't had time lately to sit and write out my thoughts.  Challenge #2 is a little easier and certainly fun.  Homegoods has a design style quiz on their website.  It asks a few questions and then defines your style and even offers tips and suggestions.  I love doing these sorts of things.  They are always fun.  I am. . . . .

Bohemian Eclectic.

"You have wide-ranging interests and influences and so appreciate a mix of styles, cultures, periods, and objects. You would never use a matching suite of furniture or want a home that seemed cookie-cutter. You have an artist's eye that enables you to mix the old or the unusual with the new and modern. When traveling, you seek out unique objects that reflect what you love, and you use them in a sophisticated way. Your home is visually intriguing and comfortable, with a delightful mix of cozy chairs, ethnic fabrics, elegant pieces, hand-made items, even a little touch of quirk or humor, all of which gives your place a laid-back, Bohemian feel."

"You value comfort. Your home is a warm and open friendly place, and you feel happiest when everyone is cared for and relaxed in your space. Elements like pillows, throws, overstuffed furniture, and good lighting set the mood. You may also enjoy layering different fabrics or mixing patterns to create a cozy effect."

I think this fits me pretty well.  I like my home to be warm and cozy.  I also like lots of color and appreciate the handmade as well as vintage.  I like things that have a story to tell.  And I don't have a problem with mixing old and new as long it's something I like and it speaks to me.  This was quite fun and I am glad Mandi found it and shared.

Permanent Magenta

I was sitting quietly one day perusing the pages of one of my favorite magazines, Romantic Homes when I turned the page and just stopped.  I was completely blown away by what I saw.

Isn't this gorgeous?! I love the bright color. Just looking at it makes me happy. The artist is Margaret Owen. She resides in Providence, Rhode Island with her husband and son where she paints and teaches. Here is some more of her work.

I do wish I could paint like this. Mrs. Owen sells her work online at Permanent Magenta. You can see her galleries here or visit her blog here.  Do go and take a peek.  Happy Spring Everyone!

Happy Spring!

Happy Spring my dear readers!

I thought I'd share my new Happy Spring banner with you. While perusing the blogosphere I saw several examples of bunting and banners and was inspired. I immediately decided that the Birchfield house needed a Happy Spring banner. So, today, I got to work. I am quite happy with how it turned out and I think it looks absolutely lovely with our collection of cobalt blue glass.

In other news we finally finished the painting the living room and started hanging a few things on our art wall. I am happy with how it is turning out and super excited about my next project!

Saturday, we got out of the house for a bit and went to the Four Winds Renaissance Faire. It is so much fun! We went in costume, of course, a barbary pirate and his gypsy maid. We heard some wonderful music, watched the jousting, and saw a magic show. We also did a little shopping and had loads of fun spending the day with good friends.

I hope all of you are having a lovely and delightful spring!

I first saw this painting on Pinterest and was immediately drawn in.  I fell in love with the color and the light and even the scene.  I had to know more.  I learned that it was painted by Leonid Afremov with a pallette knife and oil on canvas.  It is a process unique to Mr. Afremov.  Afremov is a Russian Israeli modern impressionist painter who currently resides in Playa Del Carmen.  He was born in Russia and has spent time in Israel and the USA.  He struggled early in his career because he couldn't paint what he wanted to paint.  In order to support his family he was forced to paint what the galleries believed they could sell.  The internet and Ebay changed that.  Now, he paints what he chooses and it sells online without exception.  People all over the world are now collecting his work.  Visit here to see more of his work and visit here to learn more of the amazing artist's story.