One Room Challenge Linking Event - It's Reveal Time!

Okay, okay.  I know you have many blogs to visit today so I will keep the written part short and sweet.  It's been a tough 6 weeks and I didn't accomplish everything I had hoped to get done for the reveal, but I think you'll get the picture - actually you're about to get lots of pictures.

First, the obligatory "before" shot.  (If you'd like to catch up on the posts leading up to today's reveal, you can do so here.)

Oozing with charm, right?   Sure it is!  See the "afters" below.

Please don't judge my photos too harshly - I took them myself because my room is not yet totally done (as if that will ever happen)  and I worked on it up until it was time to post the photos. Oh, and some of my DIY projects might be a little rough around the edges.  Still working on those finishing touches!

I'm still playing musical chairs around the dining room table.  Bench and chairs or just chairs?

Do you recall the Chinoiserie fabric that inspired this entire space?  

Sadly it's nowhere to be found in here - yet.  Due to unavoidable circumstances, my upholsterer was not able to get my host dining chairs done in time for today's reveal.  Sad face  :-( . As you read this, my chairs are getting upholstered with my Chinoiserie print fabric on the backs and they will flank the ends of my dining room table.   Kind of a bummer they're not here yet but I'll be sure and take photos when they arrive.

And lucky you!  This reveal is a 2-for-1 because I did my living room too!

Leopard pillows - I'm all in.

Most of the items I used in both rooms are vintage and "found" items. People always ask me about decorating with vintage finds, and I always give the same answer.  It takes time, people!  And patience too.

Just look at how excited Ellie is over this new space!

And that's where we are today!  I owe a giant "Thank you" to my Mom who spent a weekend with me placing  furniture and accessorizing. And a big thank you to everyone who's followed my progress along the way and taken the time to comment with such kind words. It's much appreciated!

UPDATE:  At the 11th hour, the upholsterer that was redoing my chairs emailed me to tell me he got one finished up.  Hurray!  Here's a look at that

Finally, a Super Sized thank you to Linda for providing the motivation and for hosting the One Room Challenge and The One Room Challenge Linking Event.  Make sure you head over to Linda's blog where you'll find the links for everyone who participated in this round's event! 

The Green Room Interiors provides Interior Decorating and Design Services in  Chattanooga, TN.  If you'd like to discover the joy of living in well designed home, contact Kim Lemmon at 423.653.3186 or email thegreenroominteriors@gmail.com

ORC Week 5 - China Cabinet and Chairs Get Zhushed

Welcome to week # 5 of Linda's One Room Challenge Linking Event.  I'm making over the living room/dining room combination in my humble little abode known as Project Dollhouse.  If you'd like to see where it all began and get caught up on my progress up to this point, you can do that here.

Today I have a few makeovers to share with you.  As much as I'd like to get all new everything at my place, the cold hard truth is that just isn't in the budget.  So that means I'm working with a lot of the things I already have, and have had for decades.  One such thing is my corner china cabinet I've had since circa a long time ago.  Like one of the first pieces I bought as a young bride, when I thought it was cool to buy a dining room "set".

Here's the Where's Waldo version of my china cabinet, with my china cabinet playing the part of Waldo

Yes, there it is in the circular mirror in a dining room 3 houses and about 5 years ago. This the only picture I could find and once again, I failed to take a proper "before".

I decided to strip it of its dated arched glass top door leaving the top portion open and then painted the whole thing black.  I also wanted to do something unique with the interior and I found the perfect something in this TJ Maxx wrapping paper. So I Modge-Podged it to the inside of the china cabinet.  I don't have pics of that process because have you ever tried to photograph yourself whilst modge podge-ing paper to the inside of a cabinet?  It can't be done.

Did you know I love anything marbleized?

Brace yourselves: here come the grainy night time iphone pictures. I decided the simplicity of the white pieces inside would be a nice counterpoint to the marbleized paper, but I will probably play around with it some more.

Okay then!  Also underway is a fluff on a set of Chippendale chairs for my dining room table. I even have a proper "before".

They got the old white paint treatment and are currently getting some super groovy fabric thanks to my girl Kimber who can hook you up with the most amazing assortment of swoony fabrics and wallpapers under the sun!

One almost down and 3 to go. 

Hope everyone else if faring well, and I hope to see you back here next Thursday for the reveal of my living room and dining room makeovers!

I plan to post updates each day this week on my Instagram feed.  Follow me!

The Green Room Interiors provides Interior Decorating and Design Services in Chattanooga, TN.  If you'd like to discover the joy of living in a well designed home, contact Kim Lemmon at 423.653.3186 or email thegreenroominteriors@gmail.com 

Fish Scales

Today we're talking fish scales.  This pattern, like many patterns that most consider "modern", has been around for centuries.  The most recognizable application that comes to mind is the fish scale shingles seen on the exteriors of houses of the Victorian era. Fish scale shingles were used mainly in the gables of these homes.

Image from Flickr user sftrajan

And sometimes the fish scale design was used on roofing shingles.

But we're talking about  the here and the now, and the fish scale design seems to be gaining popularity - again.

"Nippon" wallpaper in Emerald from Mimou  Love this one!

Cole & Son's "Feather Fan" wallpaper

Fish scales would be an easy fit in the bathroom

Here is a modern bathroom by Emily Henderson that features fish scale tiles on the floor.

And another bathroom that features fish scale tiles on the shower walls.  

Image via Pinterest,  original source unknown

I love how the fish scale pattern was used as a border on the rug below.  It adds interest while being understated.

Image Source

And for those of you that want to add a little touch of fish scale without a major commitment, why not add a fish scale pillow?

or this shower curtain from Jonathan Adler.

What do you think?  Do you like the fish scale pattern?

The Green Room Interiors provides Interior Decorating and Design services to happy  homeowners in Chattanooga, TN.  If you'd like to discover the joy of living in a well designed home, contact Kim Lemmon at 423.653.3186 or email thegreenroominteriors@gmail.com

Scott's

Monday already?  I hope you all had a great weekend.  We had some beautiful weather in  Chattanooga with temps in the high 50's and loads of sunshine.  That's my kind of winter weather!

Anyway, I wanted to share some photos with you of some fun things I saw at Scott's Antique Market in Atlanta.  Surprisingly, the only thing I bought was lunch followed closely by some powered sugar donuts. But I did see lots of things I would love to have.

Like an enormous pair of concrete foo dogs.

Or this sweet dining set of 4 lucite chairs and a round table with faux bamboo legs.

Someone pounced on this bar cart right away. We got there pretty early in the day Thursday and it was already sold.

Looking back at the photos, I realize that I should have bought this rug.  It was in good shape and the dealer really wanted it gone.  He offered it to me for $125 and it was a big one.  I'm regretting not buying it on the spot.

There were miles of rugs like these.

Tables full of beautiful high end fabrics

And mountains of beautiful Chinese porcelain.

And this is just the stuff I remembered to take pictures of.  Really there was so much more.   My head is still spinning!

How was your weekend?  Any good shopping finds?

The Green Room Interiors provides Interior Decorating and Design Services to happy homeowners in Chattanooga, TN.  If you'd like to discover the joy of living in a well-designed home, contact Kim Lemmon at 423.653.3186 or email thegreenroominteriors@gmail.com

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Ebay Fabric Obsessions

Is anyone else sick of all the playoff/bowl games that have been on TV over the past few weeks? I honestly don't mind watching the occasional football game with teams that I actually know and care about, but to watch game after game (after game) is not my idea of a good time.  So whilst the husband was alternately cheering and cursing at the TV, I made good use of my time by doing a little cyber fabric stalking, ebay style.  Have you tumbled down this rabbit hole yet? If you haven't,  you're missing out on some good stuff.

Like Brunschwig &Fils "Kyoto"  Completely lovely, super affordable, and there's enough to make a few pillows.

here

Or "Chinese Peony" from JP& G Baker, priced at just under $30 per yard. It's a polished cotton chintz in a gorgeous mint green.

Are you on the blue & white bandwagon? Here's a fabulous print you won't see all over town.

here

here

I love this one.  Don't judge.  

Or what about Cowtan & Tout's Bloomsbury. Ultra-feminine and old school, but everything in moderation right?

Trust me, this is only the beginning.  And while we're on the subject of shopping, guess who's going to Scott's Antique Market??  Super excited!!!  I haven't been to Scott's in about 4 years so I'm really looking forward to the entire experience.  It's always so fun!  Look for lots of pictures on my Instagram feed.  

Happy shopping everyone!

The Green Room Interiors provides Interior Decorating and Design Services to Happy Homeowners in Chattanooga, TN.  If you'd like to discover the joy of living in a well-designed home, contact Kim Lemmon at 423.653.3186 or email thegreenroominteriors@gmail.com

Decorating for the Night

Hey Butterballs! Did everyone have a good turkey day?  Mine was great too!  And while most of you are trimming your trees and decking your halls, I'm still pondering the decoration of my formal living room and dining room at Project Dollhouse.

Here are some thoughts about these spaces. They'll be used mostly for larger than normal family meals and holidays. At night.  So how do you go about decorating a room for night time use?  My plan is to embrace the darkness of it all.

Mario Buatta in Architectural Digest

Dark walls are a must. They make a dramatic backdrop for night time entertaining.

And do you know what looks amazing against dark walls?  Gold accents!  They add warmth and keep the dark spaces from feeling too somber.

 I also plan to use (mostly) classic furnishings. Since these rooms will be used as gathering spaces for family and friends,  I want them to feel homey and comforting.

Smart fabric choices are also important for night time rooms. I think it's a great idea to add in fabrics that have a sheen.  Consider using silk

and/or velvet in your night time spaces.

And finally - have fun with it!  Alex Papachristidis used modern art and textiles to add another dimension to this mostly classic living room.

So there you have it.  Do you have any rooms you decorate specifically for night time use?

For more updates on this and all of my decorating projects, make sure you follow me on Instagram and/or follow The Green Room Interiors on Facebook.

The  Green Room Interiors provides Interior Decorating and Design Services to happy homeowners in Chattanooga, TN.  If you'd like to discover the joy of living in a well-designed home, contact Kim Lemmon at 423.653.3186 or email thegreenroominteriors@gmail.com