Wait just a minute... Upside Down Christmas Trees?

Over this past weekend, I took a lovely walk through my neighborhood to check out the festive Christmas decorations. For me, this time of year awakens a feeling of warmth, family, and tradition. In my travels, I was a little taken a back to see my neighbor setting up his beautiful Christmas tree, upside down. Stay with me here... It’s not April Fools. Now, upside down Christmas trees look a bit surprising (to say the least) but it seems that they might actually be the real deal. With a little research, I found out that this tradition may actually go back way further than the upside right ones! Apparently, when the tradition was first established, people wanted it to be obvious that the tree was not some trivial floral decor idea. To give it more meaning, they had to hang it upside down... of course! Ok, that's my slightly skewed, super-duper abridged version of the story {you're welcome!} but if you're interested in the real story you can go here to read more! And if you are really feeling adventurous this year, go here for a complete "how to" guide for hanging your own tree upside down.

Tampines One Mall, Singapore.

Traditional Trinity of Fir Branches.

St. Peter's Rectory.

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Whether or not you’re into the idea yourself, the fact is that it seems to becoming a fast growing trend. And trends catch on pretty quickly. Come to find out that nearly any tree shop will sell upside down artificial Christmas trees. White upside down Christmas trees, pink ones, plastic ones, or even real ones. No joke. You can call yourself a traditionalist, but if the real tradition is in the upside down tree…

Then where have I been?

B & B interviews Tom Buckley

I'm still catching up on all of my required reading, so some of you will have already read this. But for those who haven't read it yet, there is a great interview on Balustrade & Bitters with Los Angeles-based interior decorator Tom Buckley. Buckley relocated from New York to LA in 1969, after 20 year at the legendary design firm McMillen. He’s been crafting beautiful rooms in Los Angeles ever since. Unfortunately for design mavins, examples of his talent have rarely been published. Being the perfectionist that he is, photographs didn't adequately capture his use of color, so he did not have them photographed at all. Such a shame for us fans! I do know that what photos we do have, I absolutely L.O.V.E.! Bottom line, Tom Buckley has exquisite taste!

I particularly loved this part of the interview about following your instincts as a designer:

I believe instinct is that little inner voice that says to you, “Do this, do that, or that is it, that’s the right chair.” Every time I’ve violated that rule, I’ve gotten into trouble. My little inner voice says,”I don’t think you should do this.” And I think, “Oh, shut up, I’m gonna do this, it’s gonna be fine.” Sometimes it works out and sometimes it’s been a disaster. I should have listened to that little inner voice. I believe we all have those little inner voices, all we need do is listen.

Go here to read the entire interview. It really is fascinating glance into the mind of one of great designers of the last century.

All images via Balustrade & Bitters.

I think his room designs are just as relevant now as they were 40+ years ago...

What do you think?

Blog Makeover

I think I've been going through some *ahem* seasonal things... so I decided to spiff up the ole blog and get psyched up about posting again. Well, we'll see if this works!!!

A very special thanks to the wonderful and talented Jenna, over at {q.a.} design for the makeover! If you ever need a little change or a whole new look for your blog... seriously, she is your girl!!! If you have a little time, jump on over to her etsy store to do a little Christmas shopping! Great stuff!

Fall Clean-Up

I'm off to the Irish Hills to help my parents with the Fall clean-up. Leaves to rake, boats to put away, furniture to store and cover... it should be a beautiful weekend!

Via Getty Images.

Any Great Fall Weekend Plans?

I would love to hear about what you're doing!

Painted Furniture: Lucas Rise

After my last post about whether to refinish or paint my newest find, I was perusing the interweb to find some images of painted furniture. I came across this incredible artist named Lucas Rise. Based in Buenos Aires, Lucas creates incredible mural-like paintings on furniture that range from 1960 psychedelic to tribal-themed patterns. I am blown away by the level of detail in each piece and immediately felt the urge to bust out my paints and get to work on something in my house. Being a realist, I know that I would wreck anything I painted, so for now I’ll have to live vicariously through Lucas’ pieces. Check out his full portfolio here.

Lucas Rise... easy on the eyes.

All images via Lucas Rise.

Good Stuff, Huh?

Look What I Found!

Look what I found... My friend just moved and he was trying to sell everything that wouldn't work in his new place. Guess how much I paid for it? Go on... guess! Would you believe he gave it to me in exchange for a batch of homemade cookies! Awesome, right? This piece has great bones but the finish is a little worn.

Here's my question.

Should I paint it or refinish the wood? I've been in to painting pieces but lately I've been enamored with the wood look too.

If I paint it, what color should I use?

Help!!!

Happy Weekend My Friends!

Painted Floors... The Other Fifth Wall

Are you looking for a great way to spruce up your space? How about painted floors? If you need to disguise a less that beautiful wood floor, this is a great trick. Not to mention what a big bang you get for your buck. Check out these examples and get inspired!

Mary McDonald has made this soft blue and white bathroom a little bit snazzier with a painted chevron pattern on the floor. There's nothing that I don't like about this bathroom.

Domino

This costal motif stenciled onto a painted wood floor adds a playful touch to the decor. The checkered wallpaper reminds me of an old tablecloth. This draws your eyes upward to showcase the beautiful copper cookware collection.

Coastal Living

Check out this black and white faux bois treatment. It almost looks too pretty to walk on. This hand painted pattern takes the traditional wood floors from standard to stunning.

Coastal Living

This kitchen is an absolute beauty. I've been kind of obsessed with the idea of having checkered flooring somewhere in my house.

Elle Decor

This wood floor has been stained with two colors and painted on the diagnal. This makes a big bold statement, don't you think?

Elle Decor

Domino Mag had a guide on how to stencil your floors with custom patterns. Here is a playful spiral design. It really is a great way to inject some whimsey into a space.

Domino

I'm really taken with this macro gingham.

Cottage Living

This Nancy Boszhardt interior uses a wood stain to create a "rug" in this entryway. Such a clever idea. Check out that hat rack. Awesome, huh?

Alicia B Designs

This black and taupe floor is a bit dizzying at first but it shows that painted floors can also be elegant.

Joel Woodward

Painted wood floors are one of those things that you either really like or really hate. I think if they are done right they have the potential to be real show stoppers. I love them because they create interest and have the ability to make people stop and say "WOW"!

What are your thoughts on painted floors? Or as I call them, "the other fifth wall."