Everyday Living

A Chic Carolina Condo

~ Decorating

“Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name”
‭3 John‬ ‭1‬:‭15‬

If you have read our blog for any length of time, you have met my friend, Patti.  You’ve seen several posts with her name and beautiful home attached.  A few weeks ago, Katy and I spent a long weekend in North Carolina, and you’ve already seen one post from that trip: A Breath of Fresh Air.  There will be many more posts from this trip to come-so stay tuned!  Patti is a more-than-gracious hostess, and on this trip she once again shared her long-time friend, Maureen!  I first met Maureen over thirty years ago, and as always, it was a delight to spend some time with her.  Maureen, affectionately named Momo, welcomed me into her home which I found to be oh-so-chic!  She bought the condo while it was under construction and was able to select most of its interior finishes.  Patti has assisted her with decorating and adding quality antiques.  As you will see, Maureen maintains a minimalist approach.  She has a quote to describe hers and Patti’s friendship “Keep it simple and find a friend who doesn’t!”

In the entry sits an antique mahogany table with a unique fish sculpture.  Maureen had admired this work of art that belonged to her next door neighbor.  When that neighbor moved to a retirement home, she gave the fish sculpture to Maureen and it now holds a place of honor in her foyer.  Over the table is a colorful print of downtown Toronto, near Maureen’s hometown!

The living room, with its antique oriental rug, is a warm and inviting space for watching TV, reading, and conversation.  The natural light that streams in from the windows makes it so!

The pair of wicker chairs are antique and I am currently coveting them!  They are in pristine condition and I have a great spot at my house for them!

The bookcase is a vintage mahogany find, and is neatly arranged with photos, keepsakes, and books!

Maureen’s family photos are displayed in Pottery Barn frames.

The dining table is a reproduction and is representative of Maureen’s style…clean and simple lines.  Bentwood chairs are  antique along with the chest that is early 1800’s!  The rug is seagrass and was a great bargain from Tuesday Morning!

Tulips add a perfect pop of color!

The sideboard was a housewarming present from Maureen’s sister and brother-in-law. The beautiful oil painting of a European cafe scene was a gift from Patti and Mike.  Some treasures on the sideboard include a Waterford bowl, a Royal Doulton figurine named Maureen, a graduate, and a nurse (gifts when she graduated nursing school and as a nurse practitioner).

The view out the bay window makes you feel like you’re in a tree house!  Such a fun area!

Just a peek into the kitchen with its granite counter tops!

Guest bedroom is cozy with Ralph Lauren bedding and leather headboard.  The sailboat on the bedside table was a gift.  I love Maureen’s simplicity!

A beautiful painting of Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia hangs in the guest room.

This detailed cross-stitch needlework immediately caught my eye.  Maureen’s friend, Gisele made this in 1989.  I love hand-crafted gifts, as they make a home warm and personal!

This small den serves as a guest room when needed.  It has a “sporty” feel with its collection of golf balls hanging on the wall and the 10-speed Diamondback bicycle that also serves as a stationary bike!

This was, personally, one of my favorite areas.  A large and sunny porch with furniture from Ace Hardware that Maureen painted a nice shade of green.  It felt like vacation when I stepped outside!

We have always been blessed by Maureen’s gracious and loving spirit. We thank her for allowing us to share her beautiful home with you, our readers!

Linking with Pieced Pastimes, It’s Overflowing, Be Different Act Normal, Silver Pennies , By Stephanie Lynn, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Thoughts From Alice, Creatively Living, Rustic-Refined, Three Mango Seeds, Pink When, Mod Vintage Life, Coastal Charm, Knick of Time, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, The Dedicated House, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, Ivy and Elephants, French Country Cottage, From My Front Porch To Yours, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict,Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Style Sisters, The Charm of Home, The Winthrop Chronicles, Cornerstone Confessions, A Delightsome Life, Imparting Grace, Craftberry Bush, Posed Perfection, Katherines Corner, The Vintage Farmhouse,  My Romantic Home, Chic On A Shoestring Decorating, Rooted In Thyme, Share Your Cup

Coffee Table Talk: Winter Edition

~ Decorating

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”
Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬

If my antique coffee table could talk, could you imagine the stories it would tell?!  How many living rooms has it sat in?  What might have been placed on top?  Did its owners put their feet on it?   What books have called it home?  What family traditions has it been a part of?  We have enjoyed our coffee table for many years, and occasionally I put my slippered feet on top.  I have always used its beautiful inlaid wood to place things that I have collected, and most importantly, tell a story.  The story might be of a wonderful place that we have visited…or a friend or relative that we love, or books that have enriched our lives.  Our table is changed seasonally or for different holidays, but even in those changes, it is representative of who we are.   It makes me think of  the way our lives each tell a story-bits and pieces from different places all woven together to make us who we are!  And the beauty of it all is that no two are the same.  Let’s sit down for coffee table talk, shall we?

A decorating book that I have enjoyed for several years was the inspiration to restyle my coffee table.

Flowers are always appropriate-the creamy white roses are a perfect winter touch!

The floral blue and white ginger jar (gift from Patti) is marked James Kent, England

A zebra leather tray holds the vase of flowers, books, and a travel treasure!

The sterling silver “Ark of the Covenant” was handcrafted in Israel.  While visiting Old Jerusalem, I spotted this amazing work of art and we debated over the purchase.  We have never regretted it, and it has a permanent home on our coffee table.

The round antique coffee table has a beautiful inlaid gold design!  And the rug-you know a girl loves her leopard!

I love using antlers, as they add texture.  Butch has been a hunter since he was a teenager (only a few years ago!), so that makes for a large collection!

The Russian hand-painted lacquer box of St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow is another purchase from our travels. The tiny intricate details are painted on papier-mâché and lacquered. These boxes are highly sought after and are only crafted in four art centers of Russia!

The small leopard box holds playing cards.  This image also shows a close-up view of the inlaid detail of the table!

I love coffee and it is such a treat to drink from a pretty cup!  The antique cup and saucer are Victoria Austria.

I have a small collection of magnifying glasses, and this one has a mother of pearl handle.

A heavy crystal votive was a Tuesday Morning find.  A  scented candle, fresh flowers, Italian roast coffee, and fascinating books make for an afternoon of bliss!

I love to “shop my house” and assemble a few interesting items together that tell a story!

Three miniature leather books of the works of William Shakespeare:  Othello, Julius Caesar, and King Henry V were published in the early 1900’s.

I always place books so they can be enjoyed by guests or myself!

The Winter House by Charlotte Moss, one of my favorite designers, was the inspiration for the table.

A view of a tablescape in Charlotte’s winter house in Aspen!

The bronze statue of a mother and child always sits on our coffee table.

Grocery store flowers are one of my guilty pleasures.  My motto is “let’s celebrate with flowers while we are living!”

Now, I would love to know what’s on your coffee table.  Please share in the comments!

pam closing

 Linking with: Pieced Pastimes, It’s Overflowing, Be Different Act Normal, Silver Pennies , By Stephanie Lynn, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Thoughts From Alice, Creatively Living, Rustic-Refined, Three Mango Seeds, Pink When, Mod Vintage Life, Coastal Charm, Knick of Time, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, The Dedicated House, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, Ivy and Elephants, French Country Cottage, From My Front Porch To Yours, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict,Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Style Sisters, The Charm of Home, The Winthrop Chronicles, Cornerstone Confessions, A Delightsome Life, Imparting Grace, Craftberry Bush, Posed Perfection, Katherines Corner, The Vintage Farmhouse,  My Romantic Home, Chic On A Shoestring Decorating, Rooted In Thyme, Share Your Cup, Alabama Women Bloggers

Guest Bedroom Tour: A Breath of Fresh Air!

~ Decorating

“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life”
Job‬ ‭33‬:‭4‬

This past weekend, Katy and I took advantage of the beautiful weather and took a road trip to Raleigh, NC to visit my long-time friend, Patti and her husband, Mike.  We had a wonderful time and made lots of new memories by eating good food, sharing lots of laughs, and of course shopping!  We also had a tablescaping marathon that will soon be making it’s appearance on the blog!  I first introduced Patti to the blog here: Everyday Living at Patti’s  and also shared two tablescapes here: Roadtrippin’ and Tablescapin’ and It’s A Girl Thing from her home.  I must share with you again her love for the color blue, antiques, and traditional style.  I have guided Patti in decorating her beautiful home for years even across the miles!  Today, I hope you will enjoy visiting one of her guest rooms.  The weekend was a breath of fresh air, and I think you will agree that this room is, too!

This lovely guest bedroom has been named “the Chatham” by me.  Chatham is Patti and Mike’s youngest daughter, and this was her room while she was growing up.  The room was decorated by Patti and me in 2000 (we think).  Fifteen years later, it remains a welcoming space, as Patti is the consummate hostess!

After Chatham left for college, Patti decided on twin beds for this bedroom.  A client of mine was selling these English mahogany beds and I thought they would be perfect for the guest room.

This antique French walnut display cabinet definitely makes a statement!  On the middle shelf is a coconut sculpture that Patti and Mike discovered on their Hawaiian honeymoon in 1984!

The floral fabric is by Schumacher and we mixed it with a blue and yellow check.  The window treatments are traditional in style and are custom made along with the bedding.

This cute pillow was made by a sweet relative.  Note the date, 1984- I love that Patti keeps these memories displayed rather than packed away!

An antique Victorian lamp of brass and marble sits on an antique mahogany table between the beds

Fresh yellow roses placed in a vintage Rosenthal vase that Patti discovered on a trip to Germany

A unique Ethan Allen pull-down desk made of walnut wood

Lovely cross-stitch needlework that was made as a wedding gift for Mike and Patti!

The antique gold mirror brings additional light to the room

A small peek into the guest bath with its blue and white toile wallpaper and framed watercolor painting!

Print by English artist John S. Goodall

The guest room receives winter sunlight which makes it warm and inviting!

Patti provides comfort for her guests with the English mahogany antique chair for reading or relaxing!

A pair of prints hang over the beds with a family portrait in between.

Once again, we are grateful to you, our readers, for joining in our everyday living!  Stay tuned for more of Patti’s home in the very near future!

“This is the air I breathe 
Your holy presence living in me
And I’m desperate for you
And I’m, I’m lost without you”
-Michael W Smith

pam closing

 Linking with: Pieced Pastimes, It’s Overflowing, Be Different Act Normal, Silver Pennies , By Stephanie Lynn, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Thoughts From Alice, Creatively Living, Rustic-Refined, Three Mango Seeds, Pink When, Mod Vintage Life, Coastal Charm, Knick of Time, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, The Dedicated House, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, Ivy and Elephants, French Country Cottage, From My Front Porch To Yours, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict,Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Style Sisters, The Charm of Home, The Winthrop Chronicles, Cornerstone Confessions, A Delightsome Life, Imparting Grace, Craftberry Bush, Posed Perfection, Katherines Corner, The Vintage Farmhouse,  My Romantic Home, Chic On A Shoestring Decorating, Rooted In Thyme, Share Your Cup, Alabama Women Bloggers