Thursday, May 26, 2016

We Took To The Woods!

We Took To The Woods is a little gem of a retail store in Greenville, South Carolina.  In this day of boring big box stores and malls full of the same old national chains, it is a true delight to shop in a store that has soul!   These entrepreneurial concepts are hard to find these days, so it is  important to support them!   When I plan a trip to this store, I start to feel giddy!

Last week, my friend Jill and I planned a trip to go to We Took To The Woods.  We knew they had recently re-merchandised the store and it was set for spring.

 
Walking in to the front of the store, a "tea" bar is set up with teas, pretty china,  hotel silver and just layered with yummy merchandise.  We were immediately offered a cup of tea.




Layered and layered - so much fun to see
 
 


 
A large center table in the main room was filled with candles, crystal, linens and antiques.
You could spend an hour perusing it!
 

 
Well-made clothing - classic styles are offered for sale.  They pour their own candles and the scents are wonderful.  Leather goods, old flasks, books and jewelry are layered in. 
 
 
I always find a special item to purchase in this adorable place.  This time I was inspired by the foraged floral arrangements throughout the store.  So I purchased 2 crystal vases to arrange my soon to be foraged specimens! 
 
 


 
Flowers "foraged"  from Sam's Club in my new vases!

 
 
Foraged arrangement from the yard of a friend! I purchased this vase from them in February!
 
So if ever in Greenville, SC- visit them!  Check out their website and get more info at
 
 
 


Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Southeastern Designer Showhouse and Gardens

I am just returning from a weekend in Atlanta.  I was able to attend the inaugural Southeastern Designer Showhouse and Gardens while visiting.   Imagine touring a 22,000 square foot residence that some of the nation's most recognized designers had created!

 Entry
 

 Foyer
 
Study by Robert Brown


 
Notice the coffered and lacquered ceiling.
 
 
 

 
 

Dining room by Suzanne Kasler- I love her work.
 
Great room by Barbara Westbrook- one of my favorite designers!


 Kitchen with it's massive 12 foot island.
 
 
 
 

 
Love the color of the countertops! 

 
Butlers pantry with Wolf oven and steam oven.

 
Hi-technology throughout the home.
 
 
 
 
Informal dining room.
 
 
Floor pattern in all of the hallways.
 
 
Master Bedroom Suite
 
 

 Master bedroom. by Phoebe Howard
 
Sitting area in the master bedroom.

Master Bath with a massive walk through shower behind the tub wall!




 
His closet!

 
Another sitting room! 
 
Wallpapered ceiling in master suite sitting room and closet area for the lady of the house.
 
 
And of course- a trendy bar cart.
 
Guest room on the 2nd floor- notice the marbled ceiling treatment.
 
 
 
Guest Room

 
Another sitting room!  What is one to do with 22,000 square feet to decorate? 
 
 Terrace off the kitchen.
 
TV on the outside terrace-- tucked in and cozy!
 
 
 
2800 Square foot guest and pool house

Gorgeous infinity pool
 

 Guest house sitting room
 Upholstered barn doors to the bedroom in the guest house.
 
 
Guest  house lower level sitting room.  Notice the upside down portrait!
 
 
 
Guest house sitting room and kitchen
 
 
 
This was certainly an afternoon that was filled with inspiring ideas. 

Monday, May 9, 2016

Progress Update of our new Home

My daughter was in town for the weekend with her fiancé Tony to look at wedding venues in Asheville. But first, we had to take them to see our future home.


 
 
Standing in front of the clubhouse- where we will hopefully
host a welcome party for the wedding guests.


Beautiful long range mountain views for all the guests to enjoy-

 
And the sound of that crazy river is amazing to here- so peaceful.
 




 
Tony enjoying the tire swing that is there for the "kids"!!


 
And finally up to the building site-  the roof is taking shape.
 

 
Surveying the lower level bedrooms- each with their expansive window
to view and hear  the river below.
 
 
And we finally chose a stone on Friday- saw this home in Walnut Cove that our builder built years ago in Doggett Mountain stone and loved the colors and shape. 


 
It has a lot of gray stones with some warmth.  Love that it is sourced locally.


 
 
Our windows will be dark gray to contrast with the stone. 

 
 
Lintel detail for over the windows and doors. 
 
When we began this process, I never thought that we would choose a dry stack masonry for the stone.
 I think it makes the house fit into the mountain side like a natural element- always being there.  
 
We are very excited - it was fun showing my daughter the house  for the first time.