Updated Office Pictures

This month marks two years since I moved into this office.  Where does the time go?  The last time I posted pictures I believe was here, so I figured I owed y'all some updated pictures.  Truth be told, it is rarely in any condition to be photographed....it is a "working" office after all.  However, a few weeks ago after another shoot we decided to take some quick pictures and here they are...

 Trim has been painted and the desk chairs have survived a few makeovers.

 One side houses all the fabric samples and catalogs...

 The other side is shelving filled with bags marked for current client projects.

 I don't have pictures of the rest of the office right now because it is in transition.  I did include the exit though because the trim is painted one of my current favorite colors- Sherwin Williams 6215 Rocky River.

I still have the option to close the walls but I don't think I ever will, I love the exposed walls.  Like everything else, it is a work in progress but I am glad it is mine.

Quiet Time

Via

Look What Came To The Booth

This week I have several new (to the booth, actually very old) pieces coming in, including this beauty.  A hazard of having a space seems to be that I want to keep everything for myself.  It is even better in person!

Come see me in #15 at Interiors & Antiques!

Instagram ?

I just recently got on to Instagram.  I know I am behind....what's new.  I have to say, I am loving it.  It is a great way to see glimpses of beauty and inspiration throughout the day.  I have received some great recommendations of people to follow but I wanted to know who you love.

Send recommendations my way please!  You can find me HERE, my name on Instagram is mariannestrong.

I am currently playing a serious game of catchup after High Point, I hope to be back soon but we will see...

Before & After: Chair for Bargain Bash

Still in High Point but I wanted to share a quick B&A.  A few weeks ago the Junior League of Birmingham asked if I would give a donated piece of furniture a makeover to be auctioned off at their Bargain Bash for charity.  Of course I said yes!  So this was the piece I chose...

Maybe it was the cane (because I love LOVE cane), maybe it was the incredible detailing all over or maybe it is because I have a chair obsession appreciation but for whatever reason it spoke to me.  Some progress shots here and here.  And here it is ready to find a new owner...

 The linen used for the cushion is absolutely divine.  While it reads blue upon closer look you can see it is so much more intricate than just a plain solid.  

I decided to keep it simple and pretty rather than loud and fun.  I was torn, but since it is being auctioned off for a good cause I wanted it to appeal to large audience.  

The finish is a Bray; really could go with so many color schemes.  It could also fit in so many different types of rooms/spaces.

 One from behind as well...

 This beauty will be auctioned off this Thursday night at Bargain Bash, part of the Bargain Carousel.  For information please visit here.  Hope to see you there!

Quiet Time

To Market I Go...

The last time I went to High Point Market I was five months pregnant, about to move into my office and the year was 2011.  I was also escorted by Camila, a fellow blogger who I am so honored to call a close friend.  We had a great time and I could not have asked for a better trip. 

Tomorrow I leave to return to High Point.  Even though it has only been two years it feels like so much has changed since then.  Henry is now running around like a Wile E. Coyote instead of kicking my ribs, the office feels like it has been my home forever and sadly, Camila can't make it this time around (although we shall reunited soon)!

 My escort this time around will be my Mom and I am happy she is coming.  She usually comes to the Atlanta Market with me so she has an idea of what is ahead, albeit on a much smaller scale.  Hopefully while I am there I can catch up with some "internet friends", such a shallow term for something much deeper.   Above and below are pictures from last time- Lauren up top and Traci below.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.  If you are going to Market let me know!!!!

The Next Gilver?

Gilver seems to continue to be all the rage- a mix of gold and silver.  I love it, such a happy medium.  However, there is another mix of colors I have been loving too but I am not sure what the name would be.  The color is the perfect blend of Gray/Brown or Grey/Brown for purposes of new name.  A color chameleon that could go either way depending what it is paired with.  What do you think the word is?

Grown? No. Grewn, Grawn, Bray, Brey....Nothing seems to be as catchy as Gilver.  Do we just stick with Taupe?  Seems so boring.  

(Chair makeover moving along)

Reason #47 I Cannot Have a Nice Car

#47- Constant transportation of items that could potentially give you Tetanus (although it would be worth it).

Thinking Of You

My posts are usually scheduled earlier in the week, as was this morning's post.  I wanted to take a moment to let all of you out there hurting from yesterday's tragedy I am thinking and praying for you.  

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers.  You will always find people who are helping." -The Mister Rogers Parenting Book via The Huffington Post

Recent Inspiration

Mirrored door and gorgeous floor...

Industrial Lighting and Wood...

Greenery, Greenery, Greenery!!!!

Classic Neutral...

Reading Spaces... 

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Via My Pinterest

Chair Makeover Update

Last week I posted about a project I am working on for the Junior League of Birmingham for their Bargain Carousel.  I was asked to give a donated piece a makeover that will be auctioned off for charity.  Here is the before again...

 And here is the "in between".  The fabric has been changed, now it is time for paint before it is completed.

I used two amazingly beautiful linens- one for the body and one for the contrast welt.  I could not decide if I wanted to go funky or classic pretty and I finally decided on the latter.  I am not completely sure on the paint color yet but I am pretty sure I am going to keep it in the quiet elegance range.....final pictures coming soon!

Quiet Time

Via

SALE!

Thank you for all the recommendations on boy's shorts...seems like quite a hot button topic.  I hope you have a relaxing weekend planned.  If you are in Birmingham come by my space (#15) at Interiors & Antiques, I just put some items on sale including these beauties.

Making some room for more pieces on the way!

Oh Captain, My Captain...Where To Put You

 I have a love for art with ships, large sailing ships in the sea to be exact.  It started with the two Chilean watercolors seen on either side below from my Dad and Uncle, more info here.   Then it progressed when I found the middle painting several years ago in a Ponchatoula, LA and had no money to buy it.  I was shopping with Patrick's Step-Mom who sensed my desire and gifted to us.  All these years later I still LOVE it.  I am so happy it did not end up on the "one that got away" list.   I bought a fourth piece recently, I look for new pieces everywhere I go, and now I am thinking I need to change things up.

Then I came across this on Pinterest, originally pinned here.  I started out thinking I was going to separate them but now I am sure I need more. Stat. 

Help Please....Alternative to Cargo

After doing some Spring shopping for Henry I am going to need someone to explain to me shorts for toddler boys.  In particular I am wanting to know why they are all so long and why every pair must be cargo?  At 19 months he just needs shorts that are above the knee and sans bulging pockets on the sides.  Any suggestions where I can find (reasonably priced) said shorts?

Henry with my Dad.  My parents took care of Henry last week while we took a mini vacation and this was Sunday morning while we cooked breakfast. 

A Little Something New

I stumbled upon the site Melinda Maria the other day and left with about 10 things I need want.  Just a few...

Quiet Time- A Thank You

I just wanted to say thank you to all of you who read these Sunday posts.  I know they are far from the most popular posts on the blog, I seem to lose followers on Sundays, but they are my best posts. 

I don't write them to be preachy, I write them because this is the platform God gave me.  He has blessed me in numerous ways, and this is the least I can do.  

From time to time I get e-mails about which religion I consider myself.  I don't really.  While we are part of a church I love, I don't define my faith by a particular religion.  I believe in Jesus and his undying love for us.  ALL of us.  I would never exclude any part of the population, I am certainly not here to judge.

So thank you.  All of you who come here on Sundays, who leave comments or send e-mails because those mean the most.

Photo Via

A Fun Side DIY

When the Junior League of Birmingham asked me to participate in their Bargain Bash, part of Bargain Carousel, I was more than happy to help.  My duty?  To pick a piece from the donated items and give it a new look.  Here is the piece I picked although there were so many I wanted.  

The item will be auctioned off for charity.  It took me a while to decide between fun and funky or something more subdued and pretty.  For the upholstery I went with the latter but I am still deciding on the paint color.  Stay tuned.  

Just Another Day On The Job

Sometimes you have to talk a client's cat out of eating the potentially poisonousness berries in the floral arrangement for a shoot.  Especially pets you love like this sweet feline.

When I Have A Proper Guest Room...

I would love to use this idea.  

Via Country Living

Family Pic

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter.  We sure did.