COTE DE TEXAS: Getting Inspiration

Getting Inspiration

 

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From Jackye Lanham’s web site:  This living room has long been a favorite of mine.   Those curtains with their scalloped edges influenced me to add scallops to my slipcovers.   This room is timeless – it looks as “today” as it did years ago when it was first designed.

 

Things that Inspire wrote a wonderful story about the launching of Jackye Lanham’s web site HERE.  WOW!  What a gorgeous web site it is indeed.  The pictures are large and luscious – something that other interior designers should take note off.   Too many times web site portfolio pictures are so small – what’s the point?   The bigger the better I always say (unless of course, it is my weight that keeps enlarging with age!   Yuck!)   There is only one thing I wish Jackye had included in her site.  There are no detailed press pages – and she has quite a lot of press under her belt.  Personally, I love when there are PDF files of old magazine stories, but I’m sure it’s a lot of work to produce that.  What is most exciting is there are so many pictures I have never seen before.  And while there are new pictures, many of her more famous images aren’t shown at all.    This web site serves as an introduction to Jackye’s work and it is definitely worth the time to peruse her portfolio.   She is an incredibly talented designer and the launch of her web site thrilled me!   I’ve probably already looked at it over fifty times.  But best of all, it got me thinking in new ways about design.   When you look at a body of work, it’s easy to pick out elements an accomplished designer uses over and over again.  The best designers influence all of us.

 

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Not included in her web site, this cover story is one of Jackye’s more popular rooms.   The gorgeous intaglios are framed in blue – a color which she picks up again in the pillows and lampshade.  What caught my eye though were the curtains.  I loved this fabric and used a similar one in a client’s house.

 

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This bedroom, which I have never seen before, has me drooling.  I love how she placed the day bed floating in the room.  And notice the darling table next to it.  As usual, Jackye adds hanging plates.   This picture has me thinking about the floating bed.   Nice time I have the opportunity, I want to try this set up.

 

image But it is the kitchen photos that really caught my eye.  First – notice the hood.  It has a matte finish and it almost looks like an antique.  Then she uses pewter plates to surround it.   Somehow, these centuries old plates look  fresh.   The dark metal is picked up again in the pendant lights and the hanging pots.  But notice then – how she adds a collection of gleaming silver.    I know we all do white ironstone in our white marble kitchens, but seeing this kitchen makes me rethink that direction.  The silver looks so gorgeous and it ties in with the polished nickel faucet.   The two cake plates are the final touch.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

 

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In this kitchen, Jackye again uses old pewter plates.  The hood here is less dark, but it is still matte.  Notice how the range is floating, not flush up against the cabinets.   The checked fabric shades are repeated in the pendants and the two lamps.  I love lamps in a kitchen – it brings a room-like touch to the space.  Finally, the creamy linen slips on the chairs match the color of the cabinets and add a soft touch to the room.  

 

 

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                         Here, Jackye again uses matching lamps.   The painting adds more to the room-like feel of the kitchen.   And, she uses the dark metal lights which she repeats in the iron hardware. 

 

 

How can you take some of Jackye’s choices to use in your own kitchen:

 

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My sister owns this collection of antique pewter plates.  If she ever moved, I could see her reusing these plates in a kitchen.  Or, if there was room, the chest would be great in a kitchen. 

 

 

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On 1st Dibs, this collection of antique pewter plates HERE goes for $1250.   I’m sure you can find cheaper plates on ebay.  But, I am really loving the look of mixing pewter in a gleaming kitchen with white marble.

 

 

 

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I checked.  Ebay is loaded with antique and new pewter plates.  For instance, this 18th century plate is only $24.99 .  HERE.

 

 

Prismatic Glass Copper Pendant

This new fixture from Restoration Hardware would look great against white marble.

 

Barnard Pendant, Antique Bronze finish

This too would be a great fixture – at Pottery Barn, only $199.00 HERE.

 

 

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In my own kitchen, I used to have two of those mercury glass lamps.  One broke.  I wish I still had two, I would put one on each side of the sink with new shades.  I love how Jackye uses pairs of lamps in her kitchen.   I did recently add a pair of lamps on my bar.

 

 

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Ben aka Mr. Slipper Socks Man, is addicted to home shopping networks.   For our anniversary he bought me this large crystal bowl.  ????  I really don’t care for crystal, but thought I would use it for fruit for awhile.  Actually, it’s kind of grown on me – in the daytime, it’s really sparkly and adds a new element to the kitchen.  Ben is so pleased with himself!!!   But still, seeing all that silver in Jackye’s kitchen, got me thinking:

 

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Again, this kitchen by Jackye Lanham – I love the polished silver in here!!!  I just noticed the wood pedestals that the pewter is on.   And notice the great, thick chains coming from the pendant lights.  I just really love this kitchen!!!  It’s got me thinking about my silver.

 

 

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I have two of these antique silver domes, should I move those into my kitchen too? 

 

 

 

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This picture of a bedroom by Jackye influenced me to bring out my transferware that I had put away. 

 

 

 

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In my guest room, I hung some of the transferware on the walls, here and across from the desk, and the rest I put on the side table.  Not as pretty or dramatic as Jackye’s though.  Looking at this picture again, I wonder should I add more to the walls to make it more dramatic?

 

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I’ve always loved the way Jackye uses plates instead of art work.   It’s made me more confident to do the same.  Here, she used large creamware platters.  Dan Carithers, another designer from Atlanta, uses lots of creamware.  I wonder if Dan influenced Jackye?

 

The point is -  there is so much to learn from great interior designers.   Just looking at a few of Jackye’s kitchens makes me think of ideas to update a white marble kitchen in ways I had never really thought about before.    I keep looking at her web site and seeing things that look new to my eye and get ideas from it.   There’s another web site from a wonderful interior designer that hasn’t gone “online” yet – but you can still see the pictures.  I am dying to spread the word about it.  Talk about inspiration!!!!!    One of the pictures on that web site has already inspired me.  I think of all of the Houston designers that have inspired a whole generation to use seagrass and slipcovers.   Think about Rachel Ashwell and how many designers she inspired with her pink and blue and white interiors.   Mario Buatta, by getting inspiration from English designers, created a new American version of the English Country Manor look that has in turn inspired hundreds and hundreds.    The cycle never ends. 

Jackye Lanham’s web site HERE.  Enjoy!

 

AND:

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For those who live in or near Memphis, this coming Thursday, Mignon Topping will be having one of her antique sales!!!  For more information, please call 404-271-6362.   To see another show of Mignons, go HERE.   Don’t worry, Mignon will be back in Houston this spring.

 

67 comments :

  1. I LOVE the floating bed too! Such a greta idea.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  2. I can't wait to browse this site. I am loving the examples you chose. And YES you need silver in your kitchen. There are a lot of things I don't like about my kitchen that I can't afford to change as of yet. It came with black appliances....I'd like to kill whoever invented those. Anyway I can't afford to change them yet but last fall it occurred to me to put a much silver as possible in the room because other colors were not working because of all the black. Thank goodness it has white cabinets. Well, if it hadn't...I would have painted them. Anyway....once I added the silver to the kitchen...I found myself liking it so much more. I would have a lamp on the counter...but I had a little mishap and burnt out my counter electrical plugs....so I need to get that fixed...if they worked there would be a small lamp in the room.

    http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com/2010/11/styling-kitchen.html

    That is my most recent post about my kitchen...but I'm working on a plan to change out that black tile I hate for cheap. One day it will have white carrera marble subway tile and granite countertops and stainless appliances....but till then I'm going to keep adding silver. I've been buying any and every silver tray I find.

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  3. Wonderful post. I am going to check out this website NOW!!!! She has aways been one of my favorites. You are so generous to other designers.
    xoxo

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  4. I love your blog, so inspirational! I love to study and learn from the designers you feature! Your home is beautiful alos, I want one of those cheese platters, so badly!!!

    I love the look of plates for art on the wall.If you'd like to see my before and after kitchen photos, feel free to take a lookie-loo!

    Cindy

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  5. Ok, I went to her website and lots of fabulous rooms there. I laughed when I read about your husband's gift. Obviously, you feel pretty sure he'll never read your post about it. I agree....I'd much rather have a silver bowl...but...did you notice the photo on Jackye's site where she had a large crystal bowl filled with a fern fronds and some other sort or plant's leaves? It looked like hostas...but not sure. It looked great in the crystal bowl. Just a thought...oh and after looking at her rooms...yes you need to add more plates to that bedroom wall. It's funny how plates on a wall look almost architectural. Totally different than how art would look.

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  6. Joni, I think Mr. Slipper Socks Man made a pretty good choice of the crystal bowl. Unless a bowl/vessel is low & wide, I'd rather it be crystal or clear glass so the fruit can be seen (sort of a visual treat for the eyes & part of the decoration). Yes, bring your silver food domes into the kitchen. Then, maybe add some plates above those you already have on the wall above the bed in your guest room, although it's quite beautiful as is.

    Karen T.

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  7. I would bring the silver to the kitchen for a while and then put it back, I put colorful sweets in one glass bowl and lots of lemons in the beautiful crystal bowl. I love the green plates above the bed and woul store away the plates beside the bed so there is room for a cup for the guest.
    I shall try to show you my plates in 2 or 3 weeks time (sorry no time right now).
    With Love,rebecca

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  8. You had me at the first picture....I love her work too, and have long admired it. We were at a house outside of Savannah that she had designed and thats how I first found out about her, it is still vividly eteched in my mind as having been so beautifully elegant but so livable too. It was gorgeous, the rooms above are everything a beautifullly decorated home should be. Thats cute about the crystal bowl....and it actually looks pretty in your kitchen and I agree a little sparkle can add a nice element to a kitchen.
    Lovely post.

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  9. Thanks Joni...always great to find a new source of inspiration....
    I love your guest room and why not put all the plates up....it is looking wonderful and so welcoming....the more the merrier....xv

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  10. ...beautiful...just absolutley beautiful...

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  11. I love that kitchen too. Those are cheese plates though, not cake plates. Think of a wheel of cheese they are too small for cakes. My great-grandmother brought hers from England and told me what it was.

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  12. I never noticed the plates being a trademark of hers...but your right! I have plates hanging in my own house and always feel like this is easy and overlooked "art". I love how you point how what inspires you...sometimes the tiniest details are so rewarding.

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  13. I loved the idea of using lamps in my kitchen--something I've never done. I realized there is an outlet on each side on my sink and there are no cupboards there--just a window so it would be the perfect spot. Now I just have to find the perfect lamps! Thank you for sharing this wonderful designer with us and for your thoughts on her designs.

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  14. Great choice to post! Jackye has been someone I have admired for a long time. Her look is definitely traditional and Southern, which I love, but she always adds a creative approach to accessorizing, and arrangement.

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  15. Another wonderful post full of great points! I, too, studied Ms. Lanham's web site after Things That Inspire posted about it but I love hearing your point of view and musings. You are THE BEST!!!

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  16. Great post. BTW, your guest room is now perfect. Please do not clutter it up. (She said sweetly and knowing that your eye is the best).

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  17. You are the Inspiration...I am now polishing silver and arranging it in the kitchen! Thanks ...

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  18. Love that first shot of the living room- and your kitchen is great! So cute of Mr Slipper socks man to buy you the crystal bowl! I like it, actually it's sculptural and not to "cut crystally"
    -linda

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  19. I will take a look at this for sure, but I must say that your house is simply magnificent, Joni!

    Have a great day, sweetie.


    xo


    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

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  20. I love that floating bed, too. And did you notice that there are little doors, perhaps to storage spaces under the eaves, on both walls? So the decision to place the bed in the center of the room may have been purely practical...

    Love her website. Thanks so much for the link. I literally gasped out loud when I came to the dark grey room with matching niches flanking the windows... I don't think I've ever considered pairing gold with grey but -- wow, it's fabulous!

    xoxo

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  21. i adore the pewter plates.
    i always have been fan of plates on walls.

    xx

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  22. Great post! I love that living room as well. I'm embarrassed to say I would probably never think to combine pewter and silver. I think I just always thought pewter was for one kind of look and silver for another. Showed me! Love it!

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  23. Your influence is so great, Joni, that I predict there will now be a rush on pewter plates! I LOVE the kitchen with the pewter and silver- what great design.

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  24. Just found your blog and I LOVE it!

    What really shocked me was that I liked Jackye's black and white attic bedroom. Normally I find black and white way to contrasty to be actually livable. But she's introduced those blueish grays. And it just looks restful and yummy.

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  25. Feb 22 - quite frankly I am still weak in the knees from swooning over today's post. Seriously... you just showed design after design that I am crazy over! I LOVE your blog - absolutely cannot say enough about your design eye and commentary (although I did feel like maybe you were a bit hard on the return of "pink story" ;-))

    One idea - can you put in words what it is about say the first 2 rooms on today's blogs that speaks to one so strongly? In other words - what do I need to do to create this look for myself. I am one who uses deep jewel tone colors but from following the world of interior design - it would appear that these soothing cream and white and gold schemes are more 2011 - you would think this would be easy to mix creams and whites - but I find it ten times more intimidating than using deep colors. Thank you!! Karen

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  26. Any suggestions on paint colors for these creams and the fabric make and pattern on first two rooms would be excellent. Thanks again.

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  27. I adore floating beds+take a look at my web site for some examples. Loved this post and will fling myself over to her site NOW. Thank you for being so generous to other designers. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  28. Always a treat coming into your blog and this time is no different. My mouth dropped open at that fabulous daybed pulled out into the room but when I came upon Jackye’s kitchen I almost swooned….LOVE IT. The tonal shades of silver are what caught my eye they add so much depth, so beautiful. Love your guest room too, may I please come and stay? Another homerun Joni, thanks for sharing!

    xx Debra,

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  29. I love this post! I had visited Jackye's site thanks to Things that Inspire but I love the way you pointed out some simple steps for incorporating Jackye's look into our own kitchens. You must know...your kitchen is one of my all time favorite. I have a smallish kitchen and your kitchen is so well done. I do love Dan Carithers too! I have a post scheduled talking about the Atlanta designers---they do seem to produce a lot of great looks!
    karen

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  30. I had found Jackye's site over at Things That Inspire as well but love your take on it too. I adore her work - and as you say there are so many elements that you can take inspiration from - that kitchen is just fabulous!!

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  31. Beautiful rooms, all! I'm stuck with cherry kitchen cabinets (I cannot tackle the job of painting them!) - the silver & white ironstone do help. I read once that there should be no more than 3 main colors in a kitchen (include cabinets & appliances) - I see this in these pictures. It helps to accomplish a "crisp" look. I also like the industrial type lighting fixtures-Rejuvenation has come out with some really great light fixtures like these. I'm thinking this is an affordable update I can do. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  32. I am loving those scalloped curtains also, I would love have them. Thanks for introducing this designer to us. As usual love your post.
    Careyann

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  33. Joni, I was just like you and after seeing the post on Jackye Lanham I went to her site and just studied all of the images. I loved everything about them, she is so good with all the little details and very consistent in her design aesthetics. I just hung some transferware around a mirror in my living room and I had not yet read the post, but love the plates and wondered to myself why I had not done that before. I love when a designer makes us think and inspires us to make changes big or small in our homes. It is fun to see the changes You are making. Has anyone ever taken one of those silver domes and made a hanging pendent fixture out of them, or is that just against the rules?!!! Just a thought. KS

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  34. That floating bed is beautiful - I LOVE that whole room!
    The kitchen is amazing. I have a ton of those big pewter plates and chargers - I may have to dig them out and display them. I have a negative affiliation with them - the memories of a knife cutting across the soft surface while eating dinner when I was little -- like fingernails on a chalkboard!
    I say yes, move that silver to the kitchen! I think my Nonnie's silver service will have to get relocated, too! YUM!
    I'm going back for seconds of this gorgeous inspirational post :)
    xo Isa

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  35. I love, love, love the kitchen with the checked lampshades and those arched windows! So airy and bright, yet cozy at the same time. Thanks for sharing!!!!
    Katie

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  36. Joni, can I ask what color paint you used for your dining room? I am looking for a cream/yellow that is not too bright for my dining, and your wall color is what I am looking for! As well as the curtains - what type and color are those?

    Thanks if you can help!

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  37. Thanks for another source of inspiration. I have plates that I've been meaning to hang. Now I see that they will have more impact if they have a common color. I'll be more selective at the antique fair I'm going to this week-end. Heaven help me if I find some nice pewter! This post has helped me to refine my style and avoid wasting time and money. Thanks, Joni.

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  38. Shhh! Don't have to give all your secrets away!
    Tina

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  39. Hey Joni,
    I had seen this designer on TTI's blog and just loved revisiting it here. I would not add anything to your guest room, it looks great the way it is. I am not one for 'sensory overload'. Simple is good and it is still thought provoking! Isn't all the silver fab? I drool when I see this. Oh if I just had a zillion $$$ to do all that I like and want to do. One can dream!
    xo

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  40. okay...ack!! That kitchen is to die. for. seriously, Joni, isn't it?!

    After reviewing Jackye's portfolio, I can honestly say I would adore living in any one of these rooms. Thank you again, for the end all of inspiration. I adore you. xoxo Lidy

    ps. pls. note the blog has moved to our own site.

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  41. Joni, thanks for introducing such a talented designer! She has her design principles down.Her rhythm and balance are what is going on and making this such a visual treat. Of course there is some great scale and wonderful architecture, interesting materials(especially that pewter), last but not least.... money!Your post was most enjoyable as usual, keep up the good work,Karen

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  42. Joni, Jackye Lanham is one of the best! And I was thrilled to see her using pewter in her designs. I think it's coming back in a big way. At least I hope so as I've just bought a lot for my booth at Scott's!

    April

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  43. Hi Joni: Love the post - great points and I just wanted to say you should move the plates on your bedside table to the wall - they will definitely make a statement and give it the 'wow' factor that Jackye's designs do!!

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  44. Joni, do you mind sharing where you get your tortoise shades? Loved the post! Thanks, Rindy

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  45. Hi Joni, When my youngest left for college I decided to get all the sterling silver out that was from my grandmother and mother. It is all over my kitchen and I get such nice comments when we have guests over. I even keep a tray out on the counter with sterling silver serving pieces that I have collected over the years. No sense in leaving all these beautiful pieces in a drawer that no one can see. Beautiful post as always! Annette

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  46. Lovely post! I'm now thinking maybe I should have kept the entire set of pewter plates I had when I was (briefly) dabbling in traditional American colonial style. Oh well. Maybe someone else has them stylishly displayed.

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  47. I didn't realize that I lean towards hanging plates as well. I am learning so much from reading your observations. That was fun to see the photos and then to see how they inspired you to create design elements in your own home. That is what we are all doing in our minds anyway! Thank you.

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  48. Hi Joni! Are your ears burning this morning?

    http://baylorsays.blogspot.com/2011/02/this-is-thursday-blog-love-cote-de.html

    I know you are loved by thousands, but thought you should know how much this one little person has been inspired by you. XOXO

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  49. That kitchen is fabulous!! I could move in today. Love the industrial aged metal with the beautiful silver and marble.

    Just lovely.

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  50. Yes Joni, run into that guest room with your hammer and nails and plate hangers and get to work. They would look so swell on the wall in a huge mass like your inspiration pic. I love hanging transfer ware, and have a purple collection for myself in my dining room. I spied your lovely purple plate in the guest room.
    I love being inspired by photos such as these. Love the silver in the kitchen too, but not a big fan of pewter. It always seemed dull and ugly to me since I was a child. Guess I love sparkly and shiny!

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  51. I also have a lovely attic room with a bed, so I know why the bed is floating...so you won't bump your head when you get up!
    Love all the photos, too.

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  52. Once again, thank you for this visual feast! I love how Jackye incorporates antique portraits, transferware plates, and old pewter into her fresh, very current design aesthetic. Browsing the portfolio shots on her web site, I was also struck by a number of very original window treatment details. Box pleated valances out of a lightweight fabric and on rings instead of a board mount. The scalloped swags and scalloped lead panel edges on the photo you reposted. She also had some very cool looking shaped top/shaped bottom white cornices with lavendar banding in a dining room that was fresh, fun, yet still formal and elegant. Beautiful work; exquisite design down to the last detail!

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  53. I am thrilled to know jackye has a website now! She has long been one of my very favourite designers. I have been fortunate to be in quite a few beautiful rooms of her design and they are truly remarkable. And in addition....she has the most divine house in the city!

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  54. Joni- Thank you for your comment. I always appreciate getting new readers. I'm so sorry to hear about the unpleasant drama on your blog. I always enjoy the pretty rooms you post. I an attempting to imitate your style in my own house!

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  55. Hi Joni! Oh, what lovely rooms. I love her style! The first living room is my favorite and I love those scallops too!
    Now about your kitchen - I want those butter bottom thingys. I love these!
    Hope you're doing well.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  56. Joni, thanks for the note at the bottom of this post about Mignon Favrot Topping's antique sale in Memphis. I attended and posted photos to my blog:
    http://swede.typepad.com/swede/

    It was a very small sale compared to the Houston one you posted about last June.
    Summer

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  57. I always wanna see amazing interior design of a house! Incredible, Thanks for sharing.

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  58. I always wanna see amazing interior design of a house! Incredible, Thanks for sharing.

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  59. A truly beautiful AND informative post - - one of my favorites!

    Jennifer

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  60. The use of antique-looking metal in these designs really make the magic happen. They add a delightfully old-fashioned southern charm that makes the areas look cozy while still put-together.
    blog.hickoryfurniture.com

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  61. Love, love all the antique pewter and silver. We have lots of it in our little shop , I need to get it in the new online store. It's so affordable and such a great look. I'm off to check out this website because I adore the look. Thanks for sharing!

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  62. Fabulous inspiration once again, AND I somehow missed seeing anything about the Mignons sale in Memphis. I am close to Memphis, and I'm going to try to get there tomorrow. Thanks so much for letting me know. laurie

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  66. I like the kitchens in particular.

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