Lofty Styles

Decorating is an art but it is also a craft. There are formulas, techniques, proven ways things work, there is a color wheel, there are styles to consider and shapes to juxtapose and scale to balance. While looking through magazines for inspiration is critical, actually walking through rooms in person will help refine your skills and ultimately make all the difference in the world. In person, you'll see the little things, the details, the finishes, the texture, the lighting, the techniques used and the properties of the materials chosen.

So, as we walked through downtown Birmingham's revived Loft District last weekend on the Loft Tour which benefits the Literacy Council, I came back with a heightened appreciation for DETAILS. It's ALL in the details. The details offer refinement that is observed through all of your senses as well as through observation. Attention to detail is what put these spaces at the top of my list and are forever etched in my memory. (Well, photographs help remind me!)

Take look:

The beautiful shape and aged texture of the mirror paired with the clean lines of the sink basin and countertop are a perfect compliment. The sconces highlight the mirror as the best design feature and add warmth to this tiny personal space.

Repeating shapes and textures down this long narrow corridor (which is also the entryway) adds depth, breaks up the monotony of a long, plain wall, but it also draws you in, giving you something to look forward to as you move along. You want to see what's at the other end, don't you?!!!

Okay - this by far my favorite feature! This light fixture is made of zip ties! It is absolutely stunning!! Hanging from 20ft. ceilings, this fixture is about 4 ft tall and hangs over the dining room table. The red accent walls help showcase this glowing cylinder of plastic fur. Don't you just love it!!

Lunch break at Urban Standard - Oh My! Located at 2320 2nd Ave North.
What a treat! Way to go Urban Standard!!! You've got style, atmosphere, incredible cupcakes and a mouth-watering menu! Cheers!

Industrial strength wall unit - very clever. Very adjustable. And look how they're using their wall unit to frame their artwork! Great use of materials and space.

3 snaps for this loft's designers!!! Talk about detail (this is the same loft with the ziptie light)... lime green pops in pillows, plants, and side tables against taupes and whites. The geometric pattern in the rug makes me think of cobblestone - altogether a great space!

Can you say 'scale'? Look at the size of these floor lamps! They have to be 6 ft tall (is that normal for a floor lamp?) The oversized shade works well in this beautifully appointed living space!

Outside living rooms are just as important as the ones inside. Comfortable seating, attention to detail - it doesn't have to be fancy, just practical and thoughtful.

Simple and elegant. I'd love to stay in this guest room, wouldn't you?

If your crib is still rockin' to the 80's with dated fabrics, colors, furniture and appliances - and you want hip, swank, cool, refined style for your nest... inspiration is everywhere! And pay attention to the details!

You can tell the lofts on this tour where designed and appointed by professionals. It is not just an art, but a honed craft, a trained eye and experience.

Want to get some professional help redesigning a room in YOUR home?? Check out www.stagemynest.com

Cloth Napkins (greener AND decadent!)

You may not believe this, but I actually experience JOY (and I do mean utter happiness) when using CLOTH NAPKINS. Unfortunately, I have been treating my cloth napkins like my fine china and would only pull them out when I had company and then ONLY IF the occasion warranted such refinement.

In my efforts to GO GREEN and get my carbon footprint smaller, I've discovered using cloth napkins EVERY DAY...at EVERY meal! I'm a textile person and I LOVE fabric - so of course I have a drawer full of cloth napkins.

Now, I even stack them on the buffet in my kitchen for easy reach. They can even make a style statement (see photo)! Try putting them in a basket on your counter or stack a few on your kitchen island.

Today, I am joyfully feeling, smelling and savoring each of my tiny hemmed textiles! No guilt. It's green. And I'm thrilled.

Look for 100% Cotton napkins (or cotton/linen blend) made with a nice hem and mitered corners.
Here are a few that we have at The Nesting Place.




















Go Green! check out this Carbon Footprint Calculator and find some great tips on living, working and being more GREEN.

* In the the photo above:
Pottery by Donna Steele - a Birmingham pottery artist from whom I purchased these fabulous platters at The Magic City Art Connection (held each spring in Linn Park, downtown Birmingham). Sorry, Donna, I couldn't find your website.

Shepherd print came from Molly & Max a dog boutique in Cahaba Heights, 205-977-5999! My favorite doggie shop...they have prints of all kinds of breeds. Frame from The Nesting Place.

My antique buffet is FULL of table linens...some antique, some just old, some fabulously new!

QUICK TIP: store some great smelling candles in your linen drawer and all of your fabrics will smell glorious when you pull them out! Be sure to wrap your candles in paper towels and then again in plastic to make sure the colored wax doesn't bleed onto your linens.