Issue Date: April 2007
Trends: Poolside Decor
Title: Decadent Dips
It
is that time of year so many look forward to when our days have just gotten a
little longer. Evenings are stretched out as the sun slowly makes its way
across a soothing spring sky. An assortment of bare shoulders and bellies begin
to mix and mingle poolside in warming climates everywhere. The gravitational
pull to the out of doors brings with it the natural instinct to spruce up the
place. This enlivening season has offered up yet another excuse for a little
interior, or shall I say exterior design.
Spring is the perfect time to go all out and create an exotic poolside
destination to be enjoyed for the next six months in your own back yard.
Begin, as you would the design
of any space, with a floor plan. Decide on how much seating will be appropriate
for family and friends on any given afternoon. Create vignettes suitable for
sizzling in the sun, lounging in the shade and some cozy place perfect for
catching up with a dear friend or a good book. For those with an extensive list
of parties in the coming months the designation of specific venues such as a
poolside bar and kitchen areas are a must!
The definite trend is
toward creating outdoor rooms. These home additions, sans walls, are certain to
carryout the same color schemes and design found throughout the home itself.
For the individual with a monochromatic interior repeat the same shades of
taupe, khaki, cream or chocolate in the poolside fabrics. Feel free to accent
with punches of color found in the petals of flowers in the surrounding
landscape. These same colors are the hottest trends in bold colors and high
fashion. Black is the most popular of colors to use outside. It is also the
most likely to fade. Keep this in mind when selecting textiles for umbrellas to
seat cushions. The Sunbrella line of textiles is a favorite, offering
durability and a plethora of styles colors and patterns unmatched in the
industry.
Quality furniture is the
prerequisite for stunning settings! Teak is a perennial favorite for its rich
tones, sleek finishes and ultimate durability. Another popular choice is cast
aluminum that unlike teak’s need for oiling requires little to no maintenance.
Start with the pools ledge and create small arrangements consisting of a pair
of adjustable lounge chairs situated around a small table. These accent tables
offer the perfect opportunity to introduce another texture to the space. A
piece featuring soft lines or curves forged in hammered copper showcasing a
beautiful Verdi patina will act as a stunning perch for anything from sunscreen
to sexy stemmed martini glasses. Next anchor one end of the pool, usually
opposite the house, with a wonderful living room like setting. The foundation
for any furniture grouping is the use of area rugs. Poolside is no different
with wonderful outdoor creations of recycled plastics that have a supple feel
underfoot and are rather good-looking. Large sofas, club chairs and the use of
a chaise lounge allow for a truly fabulous getaway. Complemented by luxurious
cushions and accented with stylish throw pillows a cosmopolitan addition to any
home is created for sure! Make the most
of a sultry summer breeze by installing sumptuous outdoor drapes. Used to
create a retreat from the sun in the shape of a poolside cabana such fabrics
soften the space while creating a luxe atmosphere.
As a final touch remember to
include lighting, accent pieces and accessories. I’m a sucker for candles and
as I have often mentioned, the use of candeliers outside adds romance to any
setting. If a full on grilling station of stainless steel just is not your
style then maybe a fire pit is. Grilling over an open flame will serve any chef
well. After the meal is prepared guests may then warm themselves by the
smoldering embers as a cool evening breeze floats in. The flickering of flames
dancing across azure waters cannot help but to put one in a serene mood. As for
those accent pieces, consider adding in antique ironwork, moss covered urns or
for a spark of color use apothecary jars in varying sizes filled with sea glass
of brilliant blues and celadon greens. For a flirty feel meant to jazz up any party
setting drape a chair or two with luxurious throws and layer in a few sequin
embellished pillows from inside.
Whatever color scheme, style or
materials you decide to go with at waters edge this year make it memorable. Maintaining
the homes design theme further enforces that this is more than just a poolside
haven but an extension of the home. With lots of imagination and little effort
you’ll find yourself in the lap of luxury taking decadent dips in this backyard
oasis!
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Accommodations & Shopping Issue
Issue Date: June 2008
Trends: Wall Galleries
Worth 1000 Words
Artwork in the home takes many forms, from priceless
heirlooms to considerable acquisitions from wedding pictures to travel photos from
thrift store finds to preschooler masterpieces. Creating galleries from these
precious mementos is quite simple to do. From the grandest of spaces to the
most coveted places a wall gallery is waiting to be born.
When considering creating a wall gallery most of the
time the art itself dictates the look and feel of the layout. Other times the
wall or room to feature the gallery has the controlling influence. I like to
begin by grouping images according to style, genre, event, medium, subject or
artist. And sometimes I mix and mingle whatever I want to create a more
avant-garde feel to the space. Modern scenes in oil on canvas juxtaposed with
antique etchings of an English countryside. Add to that an African mask and
maybe a silk Kimono, arms outstretched, to create a unique ensemble of art and
artifact.
Found in the pages of almost
every home catalogue from Pottery Barn to Restoration Hardware is the ever
popular layout of black and white photography. This is a look that can be
achieved on even the smallest of budgets. Begin by gathering together the
pictures that are to be displayed. To achieve a more modern and certainly a
cleaner gallery style arrangement consider using all one size picture or frame.
When using pictures of varying sizes select uniform sized frames and have
photographs matted to fill in the extra space. This gallery style setting was
created for a Georgia Traditions condominium. Black and white pictures from
local venues were matted and hung in large 24” square custom black frames. The
arrangement runs in a straight line across one wall and around the corner
greeting guests and drawing them into the residence. In such a small area where wall space comes
at a premium a gallery such as this really creates a lot of bang for the buck.
Another way to display black and white photography is collage style on a
central wall. Using photographs and frames of varying sizes and orientations
create a layout the makes the most of the wall space available going above and
below the normal areas for hanging pictures.
For an edgy art appeal
photography can be expressed in more interpretive pieces. Jackson Pollack
certainly had a way with paint just imagine what his photographs would have
looked like. When taking pictures step outside the box and look for the
abstract; the detail of blue jean stitching, the thorns on a rose stem, the dew
on a spider’s web, the mud on your Range Rover. Such striking photos become an
on the spot art installation, large and in living color, when mounted between
two sheets of glass and hung from the ceiling by industrial cabling. For a
playful touch in the laundry room, game room or even powder room consider the
use of your own budding artist’s work. Children bring home unique and
meaningful pieces so often and hiding them away in a drawer is no way to enjoy
them. At the end of each school year select your favorites and have them professionally
framed and matted ready to take center stage in a room of their own. Or for a
less permanent solution, create a wall gallery in the playroom with frames that
allow an easy way to change out the artwork when new favorites are brought
home. Then sit back and watch as the style of the art work grows and evolves
with your child. It will be a conversation piece like no other.
A wall gallery can also be made up of a single piece
of art. Something that is exceptionally priceless or maybe sentimental, or
rather oversized. A single piece of art
demands a lot of attention when hung alone and in a place of prominence. Be
sure to light it and include a bench in front of it for quiet reflection. For
the more adventurous and not so faint of heart try creating a collage from an
oversized canvas. Many times art is produced as a triptych and has a stunning
impact. The idea of cutting the canvas into an assortment of sizes and having
them each stretched and hung on the wall to create a slightly skewed version of
the original work is provocative.
Finally, there is always the traditional gallery of
fine art in heavy frames for a more traditional and formal home. Just remember
to interject pieces other than print, such as a Ming vase or Faberge egg to add
interest to the gallery. Art is a very personal acquisition. Not only does it
speak to the home’s inhabitants but it says volumes about them as well; after
all a picture is worth a thousand words.
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Published in Southern Distinction Magazine
Leisure Issue
Issue Date: April 2006Feature Article
lauren elizabeth
It is a beautiful thing being pregnant. Making that decision to start a family with the one you vowed to spend your life with. As the weeks and months slip by you enjoy again and again the new “firsts” that only a pregnancy can bring. The first sonogram, the first time you hear the baby’s heartbeat, the first time you feel that tiny flutter inside you, and yes the first contraction signaling that the wait is over and you are about to meet that precious life you have carried so long. It is an excitement unlike any other…
I was seven months pregnant the first time I stepped into McClure studios. I’ll never forget the moment; I had seen a baby portrait on display and knew I wanted nothing less for my little one. I was warmly welcomed by Lauren, an adorable blonde with startling eyes and an addictive smile; I knew instantly that I was in the right place. She led me into a cozy room offered me a cool beverage and began a relationship that has forever changed the landscape of my dear family.
By the time I was pregnant with my second child Lauren McClure Forrester decided to launch her own line of photography, her namesake, Lauren Elizabeth. With the innate love of photography, a degree from Gwinette Tech and a wealth of knowledge gained from working with the legendary Dan McClure for 10 years she was certainly poised to blaze her own trail in the world of photography. Sensing the need for families to document more than just the birth she set out to create stunning portraiture of mothers and the beauty of being pregnant. She approached me to be one of her first clients and understanding Lauren’s talent I knew she would succeed. Like many mothers may be I was apprehensive at first, not knowing what to expect. It was, after all, a growing trend. Hollywood starlets like Demi Moore were baring bellies with confidence and a sexy allure not always associated with being pregnant so why not me.
Lauren recognizes that every client has individual taste, needs and desires. Before the first photo is shot an intimate meeting is scheduled. Meredith, a McClure Studio representative, takes clients into Lauren’s office, located upstairs in Athen’s own McClure Studio, and discusses all the wonderful options available to them. Somewhat of a gallery in itself the walls are a serene blue trimmed in black with stunning black and white samples of Lauren’s work set for viewing. It is these personal touches that help clients to envision such portraits in their own homes. Perched on the cozy sofa you are free to leaf through sample albums and watch amazing DVDs where you cannot help but gain a glimpse into all that Lauren has in store for you. The hands of a beaming father caress his wife’s round belly, the sweet kisses of a child awaiting their new playmate, the twinkling eyes of a 4 week old in her mother’s arms. It is photojournalism like no other.
We set out as new parents to capture every little detail. Promising that we will never forget all those precious moments in this new beginning we have embarked upon. This is where Lauren steps in to help you capture each aspect of this ever-evolving chapter in your life. The “New Beginnings” line of photography is tailored to meet the needs of the client. The complete line offers a pregnancy session, hospital shoot and the final session including the newborn. You may choose to do one or all. Either way you will be blessed with the art that Lauren produces.
As anyone who comes to Lauren for a session will see no detail is overlooked. The studio is transformed into a tranquil backdrop of flowing fabrics with restful music wafting through the air. Because you have discussed in detail what you wanted from the session Lauren sets to work making you feel comfortable as you move from setting to setting. The longer you are there the more at ease you become. The formality or casualness of the photo shoot is completely up to the client. From sassy denim jeans, to serene wraps to a sexy man’s dress shirt anything is possible. Husbands and siblings are welcomed and encouraged to be a part of the session. Ample time is allotted so that no one is rushed. A tired mom can take a break or a fussy baby can take a nap, it is precious times like this that unforgettable moments are captured.
That 3 am call to your mother that you are headed to the hospital should be followed with a call to Lauren. Unobtrusive she stands ready to capture points in time you would have surely missed. A sleeping father waiting for the doctor’s signal, a teary eyed daddy who has just become a grandfather for the first time, the eyes of a newborn that are the brightest you have ever seen in the few hours after birth. Discreet, polite and attentive Lauren gives you more that you asked for. When you get home and are alone you will look back and see what family members were doing while they waited for the big arrival, pacing the halls, calling friends and family alike, praying for this joyous new life. You will be glad, no, thankful that she was there.
This story would not be complete without an early session including the newest member of the family. Black and white photography is the undisputed choice rich in classic appeal offering a timeless quality. Proud family members gather dressed in black for a photo shoot that lets their new little one shine. Not everything is posed, rather caught in an unexpected time when the lighting falls beautifully across a mothers face or the newborn discovers his thumb for the first time. Pictures that will take your breath away as you see the graceful swirl of your newborns hair about its little head, the fragility of a tiny hand wrapped around daddy’s fingers, the wonder in where those sweet feet will travel.
In a few months they will be crawling, then walking and actively playing. Developing personalities all their own and discovering the world around them. Now is the perfect time to consider giving Lauren another call. Her “Playtime in the Park” sessions offer an out of studio experience. At the venue of your choice be it the local park or in your own back yard the stage is set. Lauren is there to capture ordinary moments in extraordinary ways. The sweet pucker of a child’s lips as they blow on a fuzzy dandelion, the clasped hands of brother and sister, sweet giggles at a ducks walk; seeing such pictures is like discovering the world all over again through the eyes of your child.
If nothing less than personal service, custom created settings and exceptional photography is what you are craving these days Lauren Elizabeth is the answer. Call Lauren or come by the shop and peer inside the world of new families through her creative eyes. Originality and talent combined with an attention to detail result in brilliant photojournalism. Lauren’s work speaks for itself and it will surely speak to you as well!
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Published in Southern Distinction Magazine
History Issue
Issue
Date: October 2008History Issue
Trends: Hemingway style design
Title: Everything Ernest
Interior design elements from
fabrics to fixtures and furniture to flooring are born out of inspiration. Some
find nature to be their muse, for others it could be a constant color or
texture while others still look to history for design stimulation. Even revered
authors such as Ernest Hemingway offer up a plethora of motivation when it
comes to cultivating a space worthy of the author himself.
To understand the often
understated nuances of Hemingway inspired design you must understand a little
about the man. His lifestyle was more than just the books he wrote though they
do give an insight into his adventurous existence. And though a happy ending
eluded him certainly his pages were filled with love, loss, war and travel that
some only read about. Thus comes the inspirations for interiors that are as
costal as his carefree Key West, as exotic as his African safaris and as sultry
as his Spanish nights.
Costal interiors are about cool
colors, gauzy fabrics and weather worn furnishings. Imagine waking to the sound
of the ocean rushing onto sandy shores, white linen dancing on salty breezes
and the occasional six toed cat brushing against your calf. Now that you are in
that Hemingway state of mind the possibilities are endless. For the bedroom
employ dark furniture featuring slatted doors that mimic the look of plantation
shutters; hardware in an almost burnished brass. For the bed, something you
need a step stool to climb into piled with sumptuous bedding in crisp clean
white that smells of the fragrant blossoms wafting in. Walls washed in subtle
blues with teak floors much like a sailing vessel. A rattan chair to hold
recently shed clothing and simple bedside table to hold a drink. Now all that
is missing is the clack, clack, clacking of an old typewriter.
Maybe the plains of Africa are
speaking to your decorating wild side. A gentlemen’s den crafted from paneled
walls were a pair of worn leather sofas welcomes the weary traveler. Accent
pieces that the British would have certainly carted into huts for more
civilized safari accoutrements complete the setting. Cubans are passed around and
double old fashions are filled. Leather bound volumes line the bookshelves
while a distressed pedestal table holds priceless memorabilia. Accents of distressed
silver fill the room from picture frames to antique rifles, nail heads to light
fixtures. A final must is the correspondent’s desk from Thomasville’s Hemingway
collection. Featuring laurel burl veneers and an embossed leather top begging
you to sit, pen in hand, and scrawl down tales from the big hunt.
Pamplona, bulls running,
matadors prancing, the color red enraging. There is no holding back the fire of
Spain born in your interiors. Sinuous lines flowing in intricate detail to form
a chair back. Luxurious fabrics hugging upholstered chairs. The colors of Spain
enliven a room’s atmosphere. A dining room would be a perfect fit for
Hemingway’s Spanish influence. Hutches in rich stains featuring elaborate
carvings and heavy detail serve to anchor the room. Rich velvety drapes adorned
with immense trim echo the matadors cape. An oversized table calls for an
abundance of guest to gather round the feast before them. Parties are revived
as dancing ensues beneath heavy wrought iron chandeliers and candles flicker
from every ledge. Substantial dinnerware in brightly colored patterns is
accented by gracious stemware in warming shades of amber. Consider layering in
a thick rug, whose colors have faded and, is beautifully worn and lush under
bare feet. Creating an envious space that guest hate to leave and hope to be invited
back to is a must. Take your inspirations were ever you may find them. Maybe
even on your next trip abroad while tracing Hemingway’s legendary steps through
history.
No
matter what frame of mind you are in there is always room for a little
Hemingway inspiration. Rich with colors and styles steeped in worlds of culture
that breathe new life and exotic flavors into any home or private destination. Ernest
Hemingway once said “Every
man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he
died that distinguish one man from another.” The same could be said of our own
personal spaces. It is all in the details how we distinguish our own space from
someone else’s. Make everything, Ernest!
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Published in Southern Distinction Magazine
Festivals
& Wine Issue
Issue
Date: September 2006
Trends: Home Bars
Title: A Toast…To the Bar!
Listen carefully and you can hear the sound of corks
softly popping, bottle caps twisting off in a hiss, and the clinking of ice in
highballs. Soothing beverages in sparkling golds, full-bodied reds and deep
ambers spill into glasses. Sweet aromas envelope you as bubbles tickle your
nose. Housed in a local tavern, secluded restaurant or downtown high-rise hotel
is a favorite bar that serves up all manner of libations. Drawing you in on
special occasions or for a rousing game of Monday night football with ease. It
is a place you have come so familiar with that you know it’s curves, well worn
ledges, hand carved ornamentation and time worn finish. As days go by so many
places once called friend are sold, renovated or even torn down leaving not
only a gaping hole in the landscape but in social lives as well. Be steadfast
and know that a bar of your own is waiting to be born within the confines of
your own four walls. Home bars, like so many other luxurious amenities, are
increasingly more prevalent in today’s homes. Again we take a look at the home
of the Edwards who have created a sumptuous bar for friends and family to
gather around on any given occasion.
Let us now settle in and survey the prime property
that our home has to offer. Where would be the logical and most appropriate
spot for a home bar? It really depends on how much it will be used. For an
occasional drink perched on bar stools with a buddy or two it’s fine to keep it
cozy. If you are a social butterfly like myself something on a larger more
full-scale design is in order. When beginning any new venture remain true to
the homes architecture and overall design for continuity. For example, an
Arts-and-Crafts home would seamlessly host a bar inspired by a Charles Rennie
Mackintosh piece. Minimalist, clean lines allow the natural beauty of the wood
to speak for itself. The right angles of a lattice style wine rack are echoed
in decorative square cutouts elsewhere in the bar. A final embellishment would
be the use of stained glass. Hung over a mirror or in place of one this art
glass will certainly become the focal point in the bar.
Take cues from your favorite bar’s design. The brass
foot rails, granite countertops, tile backsplashes, carved corbels and overhead
glass racks each offer a distinctive design to the area. If a room with a
fireplace is vacant the ambiance created by a roaring fire will add to the cozy
atmosphere of a home bar. In keeping with a more traditional home like the
Edwards, the use of rich hardwoods and carved accents establish a stunning bar.
Areas such as these afford you with the opportunity to use interesting
finishes. Exotic woods, striking granite slabs and hand forged metal work will
add distinctive character and create a more custom locale. For smaller budgets
splurge on faucets and lighting fixtures to give the bar that added pop.
Now that the design is under way, finishes are
selected and shelves stocked it is time to accessorize. Ample seating is a must
and more than barstools are welcome in the bar area. Sure, the addition of a
bar top table is appropriate but consider including intimate settings as well.
Low sitting leather club chairs paired up with small tables create an intimate
getaway. It’s the perfect place for guests who want a secluded place to get to
know one another. These thoughtful vignettes offer privacy while allowing
guests to still be a part of the festivities.
It’s all in the details. No matter what projects you
undertake remember that it’s all in the details. Never miss an opportunity to
add custom touches such as monogrammed backsplashes, mouth blown pendant
shades, or etched mirror designs. Scour antique stores and tag sales for those
one of a kind unique pieces to add to the room. Vintage taps featuring carved
figures and foamy beer steins will be instance conversation pieces. Upon
completion this bar will surely become a place to unwind, loosen your tie, kick
off your shoes and settle in with a good book, smooth drink and warm companion.
A relaxing night by the fire sets the tone as crackling flames flicker across
porcelain skin and dance in amber liquid, you can’t do that at your local bar!
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Published in Southern Distinction Magazine
Sports
Issue
Issue
Date: July 2009Trends: Tailgating
The
sizzling summer sun is certainly heating up backyard barbecues and picnics in
the park this season. Before you know it students will make their way back to
class, the leaves will start to turn, a familiar crispness will be in the air
signaling football season. On any given Saturday 92,000 Bulldog faithful trek
to Athens, Georgia to sit amidst the sea of red and black and be one with the
bulldog nation. In the south football is more of a religion than a pastime and
with religion comes certain rituals, one in particular for football is tailgating.
Before kickoff friends and
families alike gather around barbecues, under tents and certainly on a tailgate
or two. This year make an effort to treat this party as any that you would host
in your home. Start with fabulous table toppers draped on tailgates, tables and
more. Use simple toppers for the tailgate where it will be mostly covered by
food while the guest tables can be decked out with stunning settings. Here choose toppers with lots of pizzazz,
reversible options give the party a more exciting feel. Sumptuous fabrics and
trims in all the season’s best collegiate colors will certainly set the tone of
the event. I love these specialty items found all over the southeast and here
in the Classic City itself at Heery’s Too but you can also go online at www.rinneandreese.net to see even more
amazing designs. Though we may discriminate against other collegiate teams you
will find there is an abundance of toppers perfect for a house divided.
Now that you have the foundation
for your tailgate time to build up using pedestals, wrapped boxes and glass
block from home. This will not only make all your food more visible it will add
dimension to the tablescape. Include a variety of serving pieces as well.
Platters, bowls, baskets, look to nontraditional items such as a picnic basket
to hold dinner rolls or a large urn for fruit.
Coolers appear in mass at
sporting events such as these but are not the perfect addition to party decor
by any means. While tailgating this season try employing one of these tips to
make those coolers disappear. Bring along an antique washtub and fill with ice
and drinks then hide the cooler away under a nearby table only to be pulled out
when the tub needs replenishing. Keep a separate decorative bowl out to hold
ice for drinks. Use additional tailgate toppers and coordinating pillows to
turn coolers into stylish seating for your guests.
As with a party at home, if
space allows try spreading things out and designating a separate venue for the
bar. Be it fruit punch or crown and coke that you are serving it is still nice
to have a way to keep guest from congregating in one area. If another truck is
available then that tailgate will be the bar. If not then bring along an
additional table from home. Layer the area with more toppers to coordinate with
the food tables then build the bar. Use old dink crates weighted down to serve
as shelves to line up bottles of beverages offered. Laminate any recipe cards
needed to make drinks put them on a key chain and attach them to one of the
crates. Bring along a decorative paper weight for napkins and all the necessary
accoutrements for stirring up your friends favorite libations. Situate these
items on a tray to keep them organized in a central location for the next guest
to use. The bar will be used as much as the food table so it should be just as
organized and certainly as lovely.
Add personality to your tailgate
with flowers, custom printed napkins and gifts for your guests. You do not have
to spend a lot to make your guests feel extra special. For the adults anything
from custom drink koozies to beads and boas or even game day visors. For any
children present pom-pom shakers, mini footballs, beads and game day tattoos. Your
crowd will be easy to spot making their way through the gates in their beads
and boas fresh from the most lavish tailgate they have ever attended all thanks
to you. See you between the hedges!
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