{6} I'm craving this Spring.

1. Jonathan Adler's new stationery line. I'm a huge paper freak so I was ecstatic to see that the purveyor of Happy Chic had delved into a new line of stationery and paper goods. Aside from the usual note cards and journals, Adler also offers wrapping paper, paper plates and paper lanterns (prices start at just $4.95). Now I just need a great excuse to throw a party....

2. A bold blue bag. I'm a big believer in the power of a great bag (or pair of shoes) to perk up your wardrobe. This Spring, a bright blue bag is the perfect alternative to black or gray (and it won't show dirt like white or cream would). My pick is the "Branded Stud" leather bowler bag in cobalt blue by Ted Baker ($245). It's perfect not-too-big/not-too-small size and outer pockets make this a sensible choice, though it's the contrast purple stitching that really pushes this one from "love" to "lust".

3. Trina Turk's indoor/outdoor pillows and linens. Trina's latest offerings in her nascent expansion into home goods are the epitome of Palm Springs cool. Trendy brights are paired with clean white in retro, yet on-trend geometric prints. I'll take one of each, please.

4. Restoration Hardware's Klismos collection. Speaking of outdoor decor, I'm drooling over Restoration Hardware's Klismos collection of outdoor furniture. [See? I'm not a total hater of RH, I promise!] The pieces feel modern with their matte gray finish and sleek lines, but the collection is grounded in classic shapes and forms, from the urn pedestal base of the dining table to RH's interpretation of the klismos (a Greek chair style marked by its curved back and legs). Of course, I'd perk up these pieces with some of Trina's pillows.

5. Stony gray espadrille wedges. Bettye Muller Menu Wedges (Piperlime, $195). For me, nothing says spring or summer like a pair of espadrilles. I love the sensible height of these wedges and the gorgeous putty gray color. As a bonus, these are sophisticated enough for the office (or at least mine).

6. The perfect pairing of color and scent. UK companies Jo Malone and Farrow&Ball have teamed up to create a new line of candles inspired by F&B's gorgeous paint colors. When Dave and I are in London in May, I'm going to have to swing by a Jo Malone outpost to get a nose on this new collection, but I'm already wild about the very idea of their Wild Fig and Cassis in Pelt. The aubergine hue is the natural choice for the warm, fruity (yet woodsy, thanks to the cedarwood) scent of fig and blackcurrants.

Mid Century Modern Done Right

When I first started reading design blogs back in 2008, my design style really wasn't all that set yet -- though I was immediately obsessed. I devoured design blogs with gusto, hoping from one blog to the next, reading through all the archives of my favorites. During this nascent period in my design education, I vacillated wildly among various styles until I began to settle into certain styles that felt the most "me". One of the styles that I was initially drawn to, but have subsequently abandoned (at least for the most part), is Mid Century Modern. And no wonder really: some of the best design blogs out there (e.g., Making it Lovely, Door Sixteen, Decor8, Design*Sponge) have a distinctly MCM tilt. In any case, the long and the short of it is that, while I completely respect MCM style, it's not really a look I'm strongly attracted to right now.

At least that was the case before I got a load of this house decorated by Palmer Weiss. Now this is MCM at its best. Plenty of color and pattern and the classic, streamlined furniture that are the hallmarks of MCM. But there's also a number of traditional and trendy touches here that shake things up just enough so that you know that you're not looking at a home decorated in the 1950s.

I love the classic lines of this sofa (and the yummy cotton velvet upholstery) paired with the vintage coffee table and the Raindrops Sculpture by popular mid century artist Curtis Jere (recently reissued and available through Jonathan Adler). The cheetah print ottoman is a bold touch, especially next to the psychedelic orange print accent chair (pictured in the first image).

The dining room is perhaps my favorite room. I'm really loving the comeback that grasscloth has made in the past year or so and this chocolate-y brown version is a great bold stroke. By keeping the wainscoting and trim in the same color, the walls are able to provide a great textural contrast between the glossy trim and the grasscloth, without the bold color dichotomy. This allows the white latticed chairs to really take center stage. The pops of soft turquoise in the lamps are a nice addition of color in an otherwise brown, gold and white room, and also reference the soft grey-blues of sofa in the adjacent living room.

I like how Palmer kept the wood floors bare in the dining room. The contrast between the dark wood and the glossy white of the buffet (which I covet) is fantastic. The brown and white print on the dining chairs is a nice addition of pattern in the room. I'm a firm believer in the notion that all rooms need at least one print (however subtle) to create some real interest. The ceiling is painted a muted beige, a much softer statement against the chocolate walls than a standard white ceiling would have been.

Sunny yellow in a kitchen or breakfast room/nook just makes me happy. The ikat print is a great, on-trend update to this very retro breakfast room and looks great against the green apple velvet pillows and Adler's lemon pillow (which perfectly picks up both the yellow and the green in the other fabrics). The large, happy photograph introduces some other equally bold colors into the room and keep the vignette from feeling too static and "decorated" (often a danger with tight color palettes). I love that Palmer had a rectangular top put on a tulip base, which fits the space better than the usual round or oval top would. The meringue pendant is a fun and inexpensive alternative to the ubiquitous Nelson bubble lamps.

In the kitchen, the Bertoia bar stools coordinate with the Bertoia side chairs in the breakfast nook, right down to the matching cushions. Other than the yellow ikat print, the palette in the kitchen is kept pretty neutral, with the focus on the gleaming, modern stainless steel appliances, large slab of marble (which matches the marble on the kitchen table) and the warm walnut island, all classics that could work with any decor should the existing owner decide to sell or decide to redecorate.

I always love to see a "budget" item featured in a designer's work and this zigzag rug from West Elm is perfect for this hallway. The mix of high and low continues with the gorgeous sputnik light fixture in brass.

I'll be honest, this wallpaper isn't my favorite -- the metallic foil backdrop and the yellowish green are just a bit too retro for my taste. But I'm a firm believer in taking bold chances when it comes to kitting out a powder room, so I applaud Palmer for taking the risk here. And of course the yellow and green palette work nicely with the nearby kitchen. The floating vanity is a great touch, especially in a tight space.

The den is just off the kitchen and brings together the yellow in the kitchen/breakfast area, the pops of orange in the living room, and the rich browns of the dining room. The style here is also more traditionally MCM, with the oval Saarinen coffee table and Adler rug (the Peter Rug) and pillow (the Mother Child pillow). There are just enough modern choices (like the clean lines of the sofa and the ikat print pillow) to keep it from veering off into retro.

Palmer tucked an area dedicated to children into this den and I think this is a great and practical solution for most families. The segregation of adult and kid spaces is a luxury many of us don't have -- and, since younger children require more constant supervision, ultimately, is not a particularly workable solution unless parents want to spend all their free time in a room catering exclusively to children. A much better path is to incorporate your children into the design of all the major rooms in your home. The addition of this mini-craft table and cushy rug ensure that your children have a spot all their own right in the heart of the action. I'm not sure this top is anything other than gray laminate, but how cute would it be if it were made up in chalkboard paint?

The oval shaped tiles on the fireplace are '50s and '60s modern at its best, but the textural quality they give the fireplace is very today. There are a number of manufacturers of this type of tile, but if you're in the market, Heath Ceramics' version is a great option. I love how Palmer paired a traditional Chinese garden stool with the Knoll Womb chair. The tension created between the two styles creates a lot more visual interest than pairing the Womb chair with, say, a small tulip table would have been. And, I think, this sort of mixing it up is precisely what MCM really needs to make it translate to 21st century style, the hallmark of which is eclecticism. Staying married to a single type of design style is a guaranteed way to get a room that feels both staid and dated.

Shop Like a Design Blogger: My Little Happy Place

This week I'm thrilled to welcome Alison from My Little Happy Place, one of my daily blog reads. A native Texan, Alison and her family currently live in Brazil, where she blogs about interior design and style. While Alison's eye is impeccable and her ability to spot a bargain and see an item's potential is uncanny, what I love most about Alison is her distinctly upbeat and entertaining point of view where happiness and joy -- not perfection -- are the ultimate aims of interior design.

* * *

I was truly honored to be included in Averill's Shop like Design Blogger series, as I don't see myself as being in the same league as other Blogstresses who are, in fact, designers. However, I do love design, and soak up as much of it as I can. I live overseas, and often find e-shopping is the only way I can obtain certain "looks," however, when I'm home, Stateside, there are definitely physical places I don't miss the chance to visit - certain I'll find something great!

The last few years have witnessed such a flourish of accessible design opportunities, that even those of us not part of the design "trade" have been able to dream up and create our ideal spaces, without breaking the bank. Some of my go-to sources are most likely the same places many people find their treasures; but each person focuses on their own aesthetic. It's such a win-win because mainstream retailers have caught on to what expensive boutiques have known all along: Style Sells!

Without further ado, here's my picks for bringing home clever design:

1. Lamps: Without a doubt: Homegoods. Pick up your latest shelter mag, and spy a lamp you like - chances are, there already is, or soon will be, a dead-ringer at your nearest TJ Maxx/Homegoods location - for a fraction of the cost. To keep it real, I must admit it is sometimes an exercise in frustration to find a pair with matching shades and hardware intact, but when you hit the jackpot, it's the Real Deal! (Runner Up: Walmart's website for terrifically-stylish options.)

2. Modern Furniture Knock-Offs: Overstock. If you have a penchant for modern design, or just want a touch of it to mix things up, but don't want the commitment of an authentic piece, look no further than Overstock. The vast website is an online shopper's dream: customer product reviews, low-stock warnings, and free or $1.00 shipping - amazing! I've recently ordered two chairs for a room remodel, and the quality for the price is spot-on. Can't say enough about it!

3. Art: Etsy and Art.com. For truly one-of-a-kind works, hit up the Etsy website. You can "convo" an artist about particular pieces they have listed, and even request special, custom versions. It's a great way to start a collection of original art without stepping foot into an overpriced gallery. If you are trying to fit a very particular space, and have an idea of what type of art you'd like, Art.com is a great website. You can search by category, "try" the different works in a room, sample different frame options, and save what you like to your own "gallery" for future viewing. Not one-of-a-kind pieces, but certainly better than the options at your typical, Big Box store. I was immediately smitten recently with this custom, four-piece abstract landscape from artist JShears.

4. For that One-of-A-Kind Piece: Warrenton Antiques Festival. Although the Antiques Festival is only offered twice a year, the sheer volume of opportunity makes it worth your while to make a list throughout the months of what special pieces you'd like to find. If the thrill of the hunt is part of the fun for you, then Warrenton (or any antiques fair) is the place you need to go! There are a few vendors with typical, "bought at Market" wares, but for the most part, this is where you'll find honest-to-goodness "found" items that speak to you on a more personal level. It's the kind of items or accessories that make statement pieces, or just finish off a room - making it yours and yours alone. I recently snagged this unique, industrial coffee table (shown above) for a friend, and it immediately became a special, focal point in her room.

5. Newest "A-Ha" Sources: Big Lots and Tuesday Morning. These two stores may be lurking in your nearest, not-too-trendy shopping center, but they just might be worth a regular stop-in. If you are patient and diligent, you may just find the exact same Chinese Garden Stool that Pottery Barn lists for $100+ for a mere $20 - like I did at Big Lots a few months ago (shown above).

Or a piece waiting for a DIY makeover, like this Wisteria wanna-be I stumbled upon at Tuesday Morning.

I think it goes without saying that people who love design see the styling of a room or home as an ongoing process, and keeping an eye open for that special piece is a just a part of our existence, and you never, never know where one may pop up! Thanks so much, Averill for letting me share!

Next Week: Camila from High-Heeled Foot in the Door!

This really irks me...

Restoration Hardware is peddling antique unbound "book bundles" as objets de art. Firstly, I despise the idea of buying books as purely decorative items. Certainly, bindings and covers can be -- and even should be -- beautiful (see the new Penguin Classics series HERE), but I'm a firm believer that books you display in your home should be books that, you know, you've actually read and enjoyed. Secondly, the idea of filling your shelves with packages of mistreated, long forgotten literary works to achieve some monochromatic, industrial "style" strikes me as incredibly sad.

Salvaged Wood Kitchen Island ($2695) + {Reproduction} Vintage Barstools ($295)

On a related note, can Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, Wisteria, etc. just stop with the "found" and "antiqued" furniture and accessories? I'm all for vintage and antique, but can't we just buy real vintage instead of faux? Decorating your home with items that look like they have history (but in reality either don't or, if they do, said history has no particular meaning to you) strikes me as incredibly fake.

Burlap sack turned tablecloth, for a mere $69

I don't really understand spending the big bucks just to decorate your home with discarded soda boxes and burlap. I know that many antiques are (quite rightly) expensive, but why is 50-year old trash suddenly a design statement worthy of a mark-up befitting its newfound trendy status? If you're going to decorate with inexpensive, "humble" materials, then the prices should reflect that. It's like buying a plain white tshirt for $100: just plain stupid. Beyond the absurdity of these prices, the idea of elevating the ordinary and everyday (of the Great Depression!) to designer status strikes me as bizarre and even a bit condescending: We aren't poor, we just decorate like it.

On a final note, prices and subtext aside, the Belgian/industrial look is just too damn depressing for me. I'm a big fan of gray, but we've taken the whole gray, linen, limed wood look way too far. A piece or two here or there (or gray walls) is one thing, but when its thrown altogether (as staged by Restoration Hardware in particular), a monochromatic color palette in gray tones makes a room look like it's had all the life sucked out of it. When used en masse, gray is just as blah as beige. Where's the joy?

Lest you think I've got something against the big name retail stores (which I really don't -- much of my own home is filled with PB, RH and C&B), here are two items that I'm drooling over:

Weathered Zinc Single Fex Mirror ($849)

I adore the quatrefoil shape of this mirror. And, while I think I'd prefer the frame's finish in something a bit more glamorous (silver leaf, perhaps), I don't even mind the weathered zinc. As it is though, I'll be waiting for this piece to go on sale before I consider making the purchase.

Lafayette Chandelier ($399)

I was absolutely shocked when I saw this chandelier in the latest Pottery Barn catalogue. It's so chic! So Pieces, etc.! The red faux coral is the perfect hit of color for a breakfast room or den. I'd maximize the beachy feel of it by pairing it when blues and turquoises -- and speaking of turquoise, wouldn't this be fabulous if there was a turquoise version? [Are you there, Pottery Barn? It's me, Averill. Bring back your Summer 2008 collection!]

All a Flutter...

When Camilia posted this room from domino last week over at High-Heeled Foot in the Door, I was struck by how very current it felt. Sure, design trends turn over at a slower pace than fashion trends (and, if I recall correctly, this room is circa 2008), but whomever designed this room must have been reading her tea leaves correctly as it's got Spring 2010 all over it. This season is all about shades of turquoise, painted floors and ceilings and feminine florals and butterflies (think Liberty prints) and, between the robin's egg blue floors and ceiling, Schumacher's Birds & Butterflies wallpaper, this room hits all the right notes. The graphic black and whites brought in through accessories (the Madeline Weinrib zig zag rug, the greek key pillow and the silhouette pillow) bring in a nice graphic touch that helps tone down the sweetness of the butterflies and aqua.

In memory of domino's much-beloved "Turn this Outfit into a Room" feature, I thought I'd try my hand at turning this room into an outfit:

I wasn't familiar with Ted Baker until I saw his latest collection at Nordstrom and I'm absolutely in love with all of his pieces for spring, but most especially this gorgeous butterfly print dress. My sister actually purchased it to wear to some of her bridal showers this spring and it's incredibly stylish on. [My one complaint about Ted Baker though is his sizing: he stops at a 10, alas.] In any case, the colors and print are a dead-ringer for the Schumacher wallpaper (sans the little birds) and the easy, flattering cut makes this a versatile, wear anywhere dress. To make it work-appropriate, I'd throw on a tailored leather blazer in a gorgeous grayish brown. The 3/4-length sleeves make it the perfect transitional piece for spring and the leather toughens up the sweetness of the dress while the tailoring keeps it office-appropriate. I'd then layer on some tough, but sweet, pearl earrings and necklace. The necklace has just the palest hint of lilac in it, which will nicely pick up on the lilac in the print. For shoes, I'd go with Botkier's conical-heeled sandals in a nude-ish brown. I love a sturdier-looking sandal with a sweet dress; so much more current than a delicate sandal or heel. For an extra shot of color, I'd throw on this aqua satchel. The style is simple, yet still special and it's a great price for a quality leather bag.

Source list (clockwise, from top left): 1. Ted Baker London "Debbs" butterfly print dress (Nordstrom, $245); 2. Botkier Alexis sandal (Piperlime; $425); 3. Glass pebble and fringe necklace (J.Crew; $69.50); 4. Pearl stud (Banana Republic; $22); 5. Classiques Entier "Cool Chintz" jacket (Nordstrom; $268); 6. B. Makowsky "Belted Y Tab" leather shopper (Nordstrom; $258).

Happy Easter!

For those of you who celebrate Easter: Happy Easter! But even if you don't, enjoy this gorgeous Spring weekend.

Photograph courtesy of Style at Home.

Shop Like a Design Blogger: Things That Inspire

Today I'm thrilled to kick off the "guest post" portion of the Shop Like a Design Blogger guest post series with Holly from Things that Inspire. Holly's taste is impeccable, representing the best of Southern style -- little wonder she's quickly become a tastemaker in Atlanta. I cannot wait to see what she and Suzanne Kasler come up with for her new home in Atlanta. I have no doubt it will find its way into at least one (or three) design magazine. Great style aside, Holly was also one of the first "big bloggers" to really start reading Odi et Amo, and she's been a huge source of encouragement and inspiration to me over the past year. I can also personally vouch for Holly's recommendation of Whole Foods as a source for flowers. Just this past weekend I bought some calla lilies, hydrangea and roses (all in white) to pull together a quick bouquet for my sister's bridal portrait and they were absolutely gorgeous -- way above anything you'd expect to find at a grocery store.

* * *

I never really think of myself as a shopper, as I loathe to shop for clothes and shoes. However, perhaps this characterization is not entirely accurate; when it comes to the home related items, I can spend all day shopping (more of the window shopping variety). In fact, when I have an hour to kill between appointments, I will often head to one of my favorite home stores to get a little inspiration.

I tend to like to shop for items in person, although I have certainly been successful shopping based on a photograph only. When I first moved to Atlanta, I furnished several rooms in my house almost exclusively from furniture catalogs (I had no idea where to go in Atlanta for great furniture and accessories). Now, I definitely have my favorite sources for furniture, art, accessories, and rugs both on the Internet and around Atlanta. Some are 'to the trade' only, but many are open and available to the public. Here are a few that I like to visit - all of these stores sell and ship to customers around the country, so I will note the contact person where appropriate.

Mrs. Howard

I can't even recall how I first heard about Mrs. Howard, but from the moment I walked through the beautiful antique double doors that mark the entrance, I knew it was a special place. The owners, Phoebe and Jim Howard, are world renowned for their skill at creating beautiful environments, using both decor and exquisite architectural details. I can't tell you how many times a reader has emailed me saying that they want their own home to look 'just like Mrs. Howard' - it is truly a space that inspires.

The wood paneled room on the ground floor of Mrs. Howard simply takes my breath away. This might not look like my usual style, but the incredible color of the wood in this room is truly perfection. Look at the detail in the trim moldings; the details are what define the experience at Mrs. Howard, as no detail is overlooked. The architectural finishes provide the perfect backdrop for the carefully selected arrangement of furniture, accessories and lighting - without a doubt, Mrs. Howard is one of my 'go-to' places in Atlanta, and there is no better place if you are on the hunt for the perfect lamp.

I have even purchased accessories from the Mrs. Howard Personal Shopper blog - I bought these green jars for my dining room after seeing them in a photo from the Jacksonville store!

Max and Company

Max and Company is the companion store to Mrs. Howard; believe it or not, I did not learn about its existence until it had been open for over a year!!! The vibe is a little more casual, a little more streamlined, and the price point is a bit less. Perhaps it is the color palette or that gorgeous antique terra cotta floor on the ground level, but there is something about Max & Company that really resonates with me. What I love the most about Max & Company and Mrs. Howard is that everything is available for purchase right off the floor; the instant gratification factor of taking something straight off the floor and seeing it in your own house within 30 minutes is a big selling point for me!

This is the view from the stairs at Max - I snapped this picture just last week.

I love nesting tables of any shape and variety, and these are particularly appealing.

My favorite bedroom vignette at Max - with the unusual chevron floors laid in an interesting diamond pattern. I love the soft lilac on the walls of this room. Anything you see in these pictures from Max and Company and Mrs. Howard is available for sale; please contact Leah (lkennelly [at] jmhoward [dot] net) for more information.

The Stalls

Without a doubt, the Stalls is one of the best antique consortiums in Atlanta. Whenever I open a magazine to a spread by an Atlanta designer, without fail they have sourced at least one, and usually several, of their items at the Stalls. I visit the Stalls at least once a month; the inventory is constantly changing, and this is one of those places where you must buy immediately if you fall in love with something - everything is one of a kind, and more than likely it will be gone next time you visit. Here are a few things that caught my eye on a trip to the Stalls last week:

This lovely French barometer would be the perfect thing for a small wall, or a place between two windows or doors.

This mirror is really striking in person - it would look wonderful in a powder room or a front hall.

These little hanging keys caught my eye.

I always like a quatrefoil in any form, and this iron light with its quatrefoils and hearts is so charming.

These column lamps make a strong and attractive vertical statement.

Something about this console table really appeals to me...must be the calligraphy like flourishes. I purchased the Neoclassical style pedestals on the left for a client in DC, and they are waiting to be packaged and shipped.

I took these pictures last week, so if anything catches your eye, please call Randy at the Stalls at (404) 352-4430.

Whole Foods

Flowers always make a house look and smell so wonderful, and my favorite place to buy fresh flowers is the flower market at Whole Foods in Buckhead. I quickly snapped a picture of the beautiful flowers for sale this week - you never know what you are going to find, it all depends on what is fresh. I might have to head back there this to buy some hydrangeas - one of my favorite flowers! I attracted quite a few strange looks when taking this picture, and two customers even asked what I was doing. I smiled and told them I was writing an article on where to to shop for the best decorative items in Atlanta!

Carpets of Dalton

I love sisal rugs, but was afraid that my husband and children would not respond to them as well as me. So, I quietly purchased a small custom sized sisal for the front hall. It was well received (and became my dog's favorite place to hang out), so a few months later I bought a large sisal for the family room. The cost of a custom sized sisal rug is very reasonable, and it is even more reasonable when purchased through Carpets of Dalton. I like the 'Siskiyou' collection by Fibreworks; it comes in nine different colors (I like #774 and #777). I always get the thinnest tape possible (Carpets of Dalton can't do smaller than 1"), and I specify for the tape to match the color of the sisal as closely as possible. Custom sized sisal rugs can be ordered from Carpets of Dalton and shipped anywhere in the country, so it might be worthwhile to get a quote! I highly recommend getting samples of the siskiyou colors, as they range from a dark chocolate brown to a light straw color to a quite yellow toned color. More than likely your local rug store carries this line, as it is one of the standards in sisal rugs.

Art

I love original art, and think that art is a wonderful way to bring in color and vibrancy to a home. Although I like to shop at galleries all over Atlanta, my favorite place to buy art is the annualSpotlight on Art Artists Market, which takes place in February every year. The SOA Artists Market features a great mix of established and emerging artists; I have bought many wonderful paintings at the Artists Market over the past six years, including the piece that is in my front hall (by Holly Golson Bryan), and the piece shown above (in my living room) by Linda James. I also love to go to some of my favorite galleries around Atlanta, including Huff Harrington Fine Art, Gregg Irby Fine Art, and TEW Galleries (all of these galleries ship anywhere in the country). Huff Harrington Fine Art has a new blog that is definitely worth checking out, the Artful Lifestyle.

Quatrefoil Design

Of course, one of my favorite places to shop is Quatrefoil Design, the companion store to my blog. At Quatrefoil Design, it is our goal to offer unique items that can't be found in your local store, all custom made, and all at a wholesale price point. Although right now we primarily offer framed intaglios (as seen in this arrangement that we call 'the Holly', in my own family room, and as seen in the picture earlier in this post with the green jars from Mrs. Howard), we are about to expand our product offerings into framed architectural renderings (coming in late April) and custom embroidered pillows (coming in early April). By the way, this paint color is Benjamin Moore Harbor Town - like Averill, I love Benjamin Moore paints and have been thrilled with this shade for more than 7 years. Also, note the sisal rug from Carpets of Dalton - I picked a a lighter tone for this room.

I only sell items that I would be proud to put in my own home, which seems to resonate with my readers and customers. The picture above shows one of our newest offerings - the 'Petite' framed intaglio, which has a 2" thick frame and can stand on its own, making it possible to use as an accessory or part of a hanging collection. (We are having a giveaway of a petite intaglio this week, so come on over to Things That Inspire when you are done reading this post!)

A collection of images (and a close up view) of some of our products.

That charming little pillow in my front hall is another one of our latest designs. We worked closely with a professional embroidery workshop to create this design; the thread count of the monogram and laurel motif is very high, and the quality of the workmanship on the pillow is of the highest standard (including hidden zipper and down filled pillow insert). This size - 16" x 20" - is perfect for so many places - on an arm chair, in the middle of a sofa, as the accent pillow on a bed. We are still defining our standard color offerings (white linen, off white linen, natural linen, and brown will be among them, with contrast trim); we can also do completely custom and match the embroidery to any material that a customer sends to us. Click here for more information.

Our Davidson pillow is available with a calligraphy flourish and flayed edge detail (as seen in picture), or a custom monogram with flange and pleated corner.

And my personal favorite, the Wellesley with custom monogram and French pleats (also available with flange and pleated corner). For more information on any of these products, please visit the Quatrefoil Design store.

I hope you enjoyed this foray into the world of shopping like a blogger! I would like to thank Averill for inviting me to participate in this wonderful series; I have come to realize that knowing where to get the fabulous items for your home, and in particular the fabulous items at the best price, is truly the key to being a successful shopper and blogger.

Next Week: Alison from My Little Happy Place.