she sells seashells

natural elements are used in design all the time...these pieces usually add some organic lines to your spaces (such as branches, rock crystal, etc.) here we see several examples of what the natural beauty of seashells can do your interiors. bring on the sunshine and beaches!

tobi fairley uses shells in her art collection. brilliant colors with dramatic black backdrops!

if you don't want an actual shell then this book does the trick. gorgeous images!

adore this amazing cluster of oversized shells...mary mcdonald has done it right. 

oly studio has this super textual wall sconce that would be to pretty in a dining space or bedroom. it's soft lines and color are well suited for any spaces truly!!

projects on the horizon!

it's time to get back to blogging...the love of inspiring others is too strong! currently working with two clients in fort worth, one in corinth (just north of denton), two in denton and two weddings (first in march and the second in september). plus a little boy i know is turning two in april so plans are in full swing for his "british birthday bash" (you can check out some of my ideas on pinertest). needless to say my plate is full with still doing some event coordinating at the wildwood inn. i thrive on the hustle and bustle though so life is good!! i prayed for more clients because i was missing designing and He has provided. ask and you shall receive :)

i have been using a new program called picasa that's linked with my gmail account. it's come in as a very handy FREE tool that's given my clients an idea of their room/event at a glance. here are just a few of my faves...

nursery for twins...due soon so the finished product will be pictured soon!

a casual sophisticated dining room in the works!

the vintage chic wedding that's in september!

what projects are you working on? love seeing the process and how it evoles over the course of the project. hope many of my usual followers are happy to see me back....sure do love blogging. happy week to all!

affordable missoni...yes please!!

not sure if you are aware of this HUGE unveiling at target but it's all going down on september 13!! hope you enjoy a little pre-shopping and mark your calendars...here is more info and more pictures on fashionista!

stylin' and profilin'

i have been away for a while AGAIN! just not enough hours in the day to enjoy one of my favorite things to do...blog!! here is another project that i have been working on for a young professional. he was ready to rid himself of hand me downs and college furniture so we have set out to do just that. Wanted a modern, industrial style with a little bit of hollywood glam! i can't wait to show you everything all pulled together in a few weeks. here is just a taste...

front door got a fresh coat of paint...we liked how the green is now

incorporated into all the main areas!

craigslist dining table found for only $40...homeowner has put a lot of elbow grease into this one and it looks great!! now for a nice piece of glass to finish it off!

great deal found by Lisa McCarty @ Hemispheres...cowhide rug with a zebra print only $250. Now I need one for my home :)

niles wanted to come liven up the dining space with

the soft upholstery and shiny nail heads!

the sectional sofa needed some lightness brought to it

so these two west elm pillows did just the trick!

we started with an empty bedroom to which we added this great storage piece that is doubling as a nightstand from pier one...the best part is that the inside is ALL turquoise. so fun!!

and this headboard order was just placed for the his bedroom...isn't it sleek! can't wait to find some great patterned sheets and white fluffy duvet to complete the look.

stay tune for the finish install!

it's time to play!

Magnetic Garden Activity ($73.99)

some summer fun for the little kiddos in your life...in honor of what i've been up to. i apologize for my absence, i have been working with the lovely owners of a precious baby boutique. they are moving spaces and have enlisted my help for their retail design. so i wanted to share some of my childhood favorites and their new and improved versions!!

eric carle fish cards ($9.99)

flip to win hangman ($12.99)

jumbo pencils ($39.99)

time for a picnic ($12.99)

party with paper!

this source has it ALL for your next backyard bash or sophisticated soiree. Luna Bazaar is a fantastic place to find all these goodies...and the best part is the price is right!

square paper lantern $12.95

hand blocked pillow cover $15.00 (i know it's not paper but i couldn't resist!)

paper paddle fan $2.50

star paper parasol $12.95

damask print rice paper votive $3.50

fiddle figs...they've got me singing!

these trees are just gorgeous. i am on a mission to find the perfect spot to bring one of these home! what about you? a little fresh greenery is a nice interjection to any space!

and george

melanie turner

photo via designholeonline.com

image via Elle Decor

delphine krakoff

photo via Elle Decor

terrific totes

i have a soft spot for larger handbags, totes if you will, i love the size to carry anything i think i need. with a kiddo i feel that my daily luggage tote is necessary...i can't get enough!!

L.A.M.B. Signature Williamsfield Tote

Michael Kors Lilly Medium Leather Patent Tote

Anthropologie Go-Everywhere Tote

Tory Burch Roslyn Coated Canvas Tote

Toss Designs Somerset Petite Bon Voyage Bag

raving over raffia

my love of raffia and/or grasscloth started with Phillip Jefferies!! it has so much interest to your space with lots of texture. it is also a great item to add to your spaces for summer.

photo via House Beautiful

chair form Oly Studio

tray from west elm

side table from oomph

ottoman from oomph

bench from vangaurd

raffia covered beds from Mrs. Howard Personal Shopper

a scouting i WANT to go!!

this is SUCH a fantastic idea from a little town called Charlottesville, Virginia!

this is issued every few months by a local shop owner to advertise fellow local businesses. here is what they are all about:

Definition SCOUT:

Lookout: a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

A Boy Scout or Girl Scout

Someone employed to discover and recruit talented persons

Explore, often with the goal of finding something or somebody

Someone who can find paths through unexplored territory

My goal is to promote local business and help to maintain Charlottesville as a unique and interesting place to live.

WE MUST SHOP LOCALLY if we want to keep Charlottesville unique.

I hope to open up the doors to the small artist studios and inside information around town that will inspire you to shop at home. We can make a difference.

Thanks for your help.

-Susie Matheson, your local shopping scout

sweet as cherry pie

custom monogram recipe box was the inspiration for today's post...it comes with

cover page, divider tabs, 50 recipe cards and the acrylic box! see sources below...

striped pendant from layla grayce ($279), recipe box from dabney lee ($80), apron from anthropologie ($32), oilcloth fabric from on board fabrics ($8.50/yard...perfect for drawer liners!), scrub brush from container store ($5.99),

orla kiely salad bowl (25 euro), and acrylic goblet from anthropologie ($10)