Inspiration: Suzanne Kasler & Blackberry Farms

I have a real treat to share today.  Anyone who has ever talked to me about interior design will know that I adore almost everything Suzanne Kasler does.  She is an enormously talented designer with two books, a successful design firm, and many of her own furniture, fabric, and lighting lines.

 I love that her interiors are beautiful, creative, yet calm and well-edited.  I feel at peace when I look at photographs of her work.  I also appreciate her immense knowledge of design, art, and architecture.  She is a woman who knows her stuff! Further, I am impressed by her work with furniture, fabric, and lighting producers.  She has many of her own lines within larger companies.  Each of the lines she has helped design really reflect who she is as a designer and stay true to her aesthetic. At work, we often use things that were designed for (insert name) by Suzanne Kasler.

As you can tell, I kinda love this woman's work.  Today, I want to share with you one of my favorite Kasler projects.  The pictures below show a home built by the owners of Blackberry Farm.  Specifically, Sam Beall (who runs the Inn and is an amazing chef) lives here with his family.  I love this home because it reflects its Eastern Tennessee location.  The wood, the colors, the views-- it all speaks to its place.  Additioanlly, the home is honest.  What I mean by this is that the home looks like a family home. Although I love neutrals and light, calm design schemes, I love the use of comfy browns and tans in this home.  Once again, Kasler gets it just right by mixing the perfect amount of farm/family/Tennesse with elegance/simple/classic.  Perfect.

Details: The Door (... or the Dores-- Go Vandy)

Recently at work, we have been going through some of our older inventory, thing we have used as props, and random finds etc. One of my favorite things we have uncovered is a pair of old pine doors. It sounds a little cliche or too "design-y" to go on and on about how cool and unique doors can be. BUT if you'll endure my word-vomit for just a second, I'll tell you I DO think doors are one of the most important elements to any room/house.  Think about it-- the door is one thing that we all use every. single. day.  So even if it seems like it is just a practical necessity, I think we would all benefit from appreciating this little piece of our rooms/homes.  Life is just better when you appreciate the small things- in all areas of life. SO all that said, check out these "cool and unique" doors.  I think you'll agree with me that even the smallest elements of our day to day can be special and beautiful.  Notice how the age, style, position, and color of the door does matter and can transform any room/home. 

** all images via Lonny**

HAPPY THURSDAY FRIENDS! 

Texas Living (roll tide)

This past weekend we went to Texas for the Alabama vs. Texas A & M game.  The game was absolutely exhausting but wonderful.  So thrilled that we had the chance to go.  Nothing like watching Alabama win such a big game.  While there, we got to stay with some friends on their ranch.  It was so inspiring for me to be surrounded by Texan architecture. I loved the earth tones and the use of rock/stone.  Also, its true that everything is bigger in Texas.  The large scale of the architecture (high ceilings and big windows) made a statement in the Lonestar state.

Below are pictures from an awesome Texas home designed by P. Joe Shaffer and architect Don B. McDonald.  I like this project because it illustrates that a rustic ranch house can be simple and soft.  I'd like to imitate some of these elements in some of our projects-- wood planks, iron beds, wood beams, and pretty much everything about this kitchen.

pictures from my weekend in Texas:

roll tide.

keep it simple: colorful wooden chairs

For most people my age, I know that most of us have almost no furniture save what we bought for our college dorms/apartments (thank you Target) or what our parents have given to us (like that couch from the playroom).  So what i've been trying to do is find pieces that are versatile, good looking, and affordable.  One piece that I really love is the Tucker Chair by Serena and Lily.  At only $158, this chair is affordable and a great value.  Serena and Lily's products are made well and cute.  The nice thing about the Tucker Chair is that it comes in multiple colors so it is almost certain that you will find one that works for you.  This char would work well as an extra seat in a den, a desk chair, or chairs for the dining table.  Below I've come up with a couple of different schemes for how this chair could be used.  Almost all the other furniture, pillows, wallpaper, accessories, and lighting seen in these schemes are also from Serena and Lily. I think you'll see that this company get it right just about every time.  Take a look: 

and all together now: 

email me at katherine@mhjinteriors.com or kpbramlett@gmail.com if you'd like to put together one of these schemes for your space 

Total Transformation: Apartment

I saw this story on Lonny earlier, and loved it because it proves that small spaces can be interesting, pretty, and personal.  I am totally overwhelmed with the prospect of decorating my first apartment over the next few weeks.  After having only lived in 4x5 dorm rooms for the past 4 years (thanks vandy), the prospect of even having a kitchen along with a bedroom AND a bathroom is pretty incredible. I think its intimidating to approach a space that is totally blank because there are so many options out there. However, I think this space has some great features that are worth learning from.  Take a look at this transformation-- pretty awesome: 

Living Room BEFORE

Living Room AFTER

notice:

• The new space is almost entirely bright white save the floors.  The strong white actually makes the space feel larger.  The light at the end of room mixes with the white walls and almost makes it impossible to see the end of the room. The animal head seems to sort of float at the end of the room. 
• Black light fixture and animal head= great contrast
• The designer took out one of the sofas in order to open up the space, and then added seating that brought contrast to the room and was more interesting
• The rug provides another neutral and makes the space cozier 
• FLOWERS-- every room looks  better with flowers

• ^^ this mantle is so calm and simple-- buy different size cheap glass vases and fill each with one flower of the same kind/color--> instant chic! 

Hallway/office/eating area BEFORE

hallway/ office/ eating area AFTER

notice: 

• the round table is multi-functional: eating, resting books, desk space BUT also is a good looking transition piece since the room is used as a hallway between living room and bedroom
• cleaner, more straight line organization on the left side
• things in pairs: mirror side tables that reflect the room to  make it larger AND tall lamps to lift your eyes up
• WHITE walls -- help the space seem more open, cleaner, and bigger
• boards above the desk-- fun and a great place to put things you want to remember/you love
• and FLOWERS-- always work! 

 Bedroom BEFORE

Bedroom AFTER

notice:

• the white does wonders in this room
• made up bed with white, stark linens 
• fun pillows on the bed
• let the light in ! 
• ghost chair in the corner
• kept the contrast of white and brown by using the pre-existing shades

have a GREAT Tuesday!