Light it up.

A crucial component to executing a successful design plan is knowing where to spend your money. I'm a firm believer that good design doesn't have to be equated with a scary high price tag, but there are certain details that are well-worth splurging on. Lighting is one of those. It's essential to highlighting the architectural bones of your space, and the biggest factor in creating ambiance. And by splurge I don't necessarily mean big dollar signs--you could find an incredibly inexpensive lamp with loads of character--but the shade you don it with can make or break it's influence in a room (what I mean is--spend the extra few buckaroos and get yourself a well-made shade that doesn't show big seems and cheap construction).  A word of advice: have fun with your lighting. Don't be shy. Take a risk and go bold. It's such an effortless way to flank a design with that one-of-a-kind, custom aesthetic:

 Love these as reading lamps in a master--juxtaposed with crisp white bedding and simple nightstands.

 Emerald and gold. These would make the perfect jumping off point to an entire design scheme.

I'm totally into the regality of brass at the moment--so these naturally make me happy.
Also finding myself drawn to the clean architectural/geometric details.

They're crazy--I know. But how cool would these neon sconces be

in a traditional-modern space? They'd be the perfect accent to simple art hung

 above a dining room buffet.

These shades are doing the cork-wrapped bases any justice. How amazing would malachite shades be? Hmm...will have to look into that :)

Candelabras can be tricky. This modern, tailored one does the trick :)

I'm loving this mid-century chandelier and would kill to see it in a marble-walled bath.

 Masculine. Tailored. Regal. Yes, please. 

They'd be a stunning addition to an entry console. Those first impressions matter!

How fun would this french chandelier be above a kitchen island?

Loving the arrows and that green, antiqued sphere. 

You really couldn't go wrong with these french feather sconces...especially flanking

the mirror of an elegant, simple master bath.

Like I said: be bold, take risks, and have fun with your lighting. 

It makes all the difference in the world and goes a long way in making a space look original.

Thank you, firstdibs, for being crazy amazing. (The above lights all hail from their site.)

On another note:

TGIF.

Enjoy that weekend of yours.

Dental office design.

So, I've hinted around a bit that I've had a pretty big project in the works. Tyler, my dentist friend, hired me to design his brand new dental office that he's starting with his business partner, Chris. The project's been in the works (for me, at least) since June, but being that we're outfitting a bare-bone space, construction has taken predominance the past four months or so.  Well, we're getting down to the wire: the opening soiree is scheduled for October 28th, and the practice's official first day of biz will be November 1. That means we're busy, and finally getting to see the fruition of four months of decision making. As with any project, there's been a few hiccups, but overall the project's gone relatively smoothly. I'm so excited and proud to see our efforts and visions come together; the space already is, and will be, phenomenal.

Take a peek:
(sorry for the terrible iphone photos...it's just so handy!)

Above is the hallway leading from the waiting room to the employee lounge (the very end destination).

To the right (in between the shiplap walls) are seven operatories, or exam rooms. 

Painting and detailed finishes await this hall...but she's looking mighty good, I'd say!

And...simply because it makes me happy: a light-filled view of the hallways from the waiting area.

Stunning, eh?

The electrician's scheduled to install fixtures this afternoon, so our morning consisted of determining the correct height for our SEVEN burlap pendants--custom made, I might add :) They're nothing but gorgeous, and will make a breathtaking addition to that oh-so-long hall.

Here she be: the wall of problems. Okay, not entirely, but this final look was accomplished only after several headaches. But that comes with the territory of being visionaries, I guess. We aren't always practical. Perfection is the outcome, though! Tyler's wish for shiplap is finally realized.

Hey--that's me--climbing ladders and holding my breath--because see that glass globe? It was entirely custom made, which means, if it breaks--we're in super hot water. Those lights are exquisite and I am more than pleased with their turnout--antique brass sockets n' all!

Here we have one set of exam room custom cabinets. To give you a point of reference, the shiplap walls (in the hallway) are on the other side of this unit. I'm standing (taking the photo) right where the dental chairs will be!

And here's another exam room photo--Tyler (the dentist) and the cabinetmaker discussing some issues. Tyler's super creative and had a vision to divide the exam rooms with these custom storage units that will host bi-fold doors. Lewis (cabinet dude) did a phenomenal job--and that gray! I can't get over it! Laminate's never looked so good :)

Boxes and boxes of lights! It's a bit hard to tell, but we chose to do a two-tone paint treatment in this consult room. It's nestled between the gray waiting room and white exam rooms, so I really wanted this space to transition well. Accomplished! We're digging the look.

So the install begins on our custom built-ins. This is the far right unit.
A built-in bench and a dark gray shiplap backer will connect this unit with the second.
Julia, the architect, was amazing, and did a wonderful job of relaying Tyler's dreams into blueprints.

And speaking of that second unit...

I'm totally in love with the gray paint we chose. It's "Cyberspace" by Sherwin Williams--not too black, not too blue--just the right shade of gray. We were like little kids this morning--completely giddy over this piece and how well it's turning out! Finishing touches will include a custom seat cushion, bolsters, and throw cushions, a large piece of modern art, and two side-mounted sconces with burlap shades. The perfect, well-curated mix of modern and rustic--just what the Doctor ordered--quite literally...  :)

So there you have it: a not-so-little sneak peak at the project of a lifetime. Seriously--I'm so blessed to be a part of this amazing project and have had an absolute blast putting together design schemes, choosing finish after finish (everything from flooring, to plumbing fixtures, to door hardware), dreaming up custom window and fabric treatments, selecting furniture, and buying the accessories. Lots of hard work, meetings, phone calls, shopping trips, and internet orders later--our hopes, visions, and dreams are finally being realized. 

Well...that's what my day looks like. 

HAPPY THURSDAY!

It's almost the weekend :)

Currently digging:

The onset of fall is *finally* upon us here in the (somewhat) deep south, which means I'm gearing up for dark, wintry hues to match the bleaker days that are ahead. I'm not much of a bright, pastel girl to begin with--I'm drawn toward darker, moodier colors and things--but I'm especially digging and dreaming of rich, masculine hues; sleek lines; bold pattern, shape, and texture; and gold--lots of gold--to add a contrasting layer of reflective metal to all those moody darks.

So there you have it.
My October mood board, if you will.
Dark, rich, and filled with textural interest.
I'll take one of each, please...especially that gold-flanked table. Love.


What things are you craving for fall?

Note: I have a terrible habit of not always documenting my online finds. If you have any questions about any of the above items--email me! I'll happily find them for you :)

ICONIC.

Kelly Wearstler is a god.

I mean seriously...where did this woman come from?
I wish I could spend a day in her brain.
She makes bold look so effortless, and has such a crazy good knack for pulling together
what seems like a million different patterns and textures.

I kind of want to be her.

At least I can read her blog.

Recap of a week.

It's here. It's finally here. October, that is...my very favorite month. This one's sure to be a whirlwind, with our calendar being jam-packed and all, but cooler temps are breezing through, simmering down this balmy Charleston summer we've (somehow) endured. I'm terrified that I'll blink and October will be over, so I'm really doing everything I can to slow down and enjoy these days, which kick-started with a week at the beach...a much-needed, somewhat of a stay-cation with my family in a little house on a secluded seaside. It was perfection. Here's a glimpse:

 The boardwalk. Our own little trail to the quiet sand and sea, where hours upon 

end were spent reading, writing, and just being.

 The red kite. 

My dad would take us to the park to fly kites on a sunny, windy hill as kiddos.

I love watching it dip and dive, teasing the sand and the waves.

The very best caramel cake on the face of the planet. No lie. Garden & Gun even says so.

Enjoyed on the salty, breezy porch with what else but a steamy latte.

Everyday should be that good.

Work. And play.

The quiet shoreline. On my favorite beach.

A canopy of Loquats.  Aren't they stunning? 

Maple and I are starting on our patio. We'll be planting this gem of a tree, 

found amongst a seaside nursery in Pawley's Island. 

Our last night of vaca: spent back in the city. 

We happened upon a food truck rally in downtown Charleston.

What's this, my friends? An unbelievably  scrumptious Roti Roll:

braised pork atop curried mac n' cheese (omg) and hot-off-the-grill naan. 

 Utter concentration--ain't he cute?--required to conquer that massive BBQ sandwich.

The best I've ever had, from Hello BBQ's food truck, parked maybe too conveniently 

(on a daily basis) just down the road from my house.

  

The perfect end to a perfect week: a garden brimming with ripe, plush mini tomatoes

and purple-hued jalapenos. Somehow, someway our 'maters are still flourishing!

So there you have it, friends--a recap of my treasured week.

Now back to the grind. Have I told you about the dental office I've been designing?

The project's been progressing over the past few months, and construction is beginning to seize (I hope, I hope). Flooring and tile starts this Thursday. Equipment goes in next week. Install's gearing up to happen the week of October 20th, as the grand opening soiree goes down October 28th....which means...I'm about to get super busy (and, I'll have photos to debut soon!)

Until tomorrow... 

Happy Wednesday!

An end to my hiatus.

Eeek--you're probably wondering what happened to me.  Well, me too.  I got sort of busy, and in the mix of it all, lost a bit of my blogging motivation. But, that's two-fold, as with that lack of posting comes some exciting change and some exciting news.  I'm working on developing the direction and branding of my business, and with that will come the direction and branding of my blog. In the meantime I promise to keep Maple and Shade afloat with eye-candy and inspiration, but my hope is to put my dreams in action and reorient my blog around my design obsession (and business).  Direction is a good thing, I've learned--so here's to the in-between-stage of figuring out my new course.

Thanks for being patient, dear friends and readers. I know how frustrating a blog hiatus can be, especially when the author keeps you in the dark. So here marks the beginning of the end to my unpredictable blogging whereabouts and whatabouts.

Speaking of whereabouts, my week's been relegated to Pawley's Island--an eclectic, laid-back Atlantic beach community an hour and a half north of Charleston. I'm on vacation (although you never really feel that way working for yourself), and finding myself completely enamored by the emerald blues and greens that make this coast such a tranquil escape. Juxtapose these rich, refined hues with an edge of black and white and you've got a pretty stellar color palette.

 {all photos via my pinterest}

Inspiration is everywhere.

Here's to being inspired. 

HAPPY MONDAY.

Can't wait to show you what I've really been up to.

I'll give you a hint: it's gray, and orange, and it's all in new a dental office... :)

The details.

It's all in them.

Be brave. Go bold. Soak up the details.

And long live your weekend.

I hope it's at least three days.
Mine is four.
That means I'll see you on Wednesday :)

Vintage peacock chairs.

Most of you assuredly know that I'm a bit of a bargain hunter. Good design absolutely does not have to come with a high price tag--you just have to be willing to put lots of effort into scouting deals. Eventually, you're sure to get lucky.

And, by now you've happened upon the fact that I have a pretty eclectic (bold...crazy...whatever) sense of style. We'll just say I have a 'well-versed appreciation for one-of-a-kind things.' Now, that sounds better :)

So, here's a little story. Maple and I are building a patio because, well, we have a giant, giant, giant yard (for the 'burbs, that is) and it's pretty much like taming the outback. Snakes, spiders, lizards, crocodiles (okay, kidding...maybe), you name it. So, like I said, we're building a patio and treating our yard so I, once again, will want to venture outside and maybe, just maybe, spend some good QT time out there. As depicted from our outback-ish yard, we live in the tropics (ok, the Carolinas), but we're totally running with the tropics theme for our patio. I, of course, have been dreaming up furniture and aesthetics, and decided peacock chairs would be royally awesome.

Never heard of peacock chairs? Well, that's because they are rare (and no, not because they are hideous, as Maple insinuated). They're handmade, and AWESOME, and you have to have pretty bold taste to weather their regal presence. Therefore, they're hard to come by, AND, when you do find them, they're priceeeeyyyy.

Take a look:

 (Not nearly as cool as...)

 (Okay, maybe this photo isn't exactly helping my case. But look at that chair. Who wouldn't want to sit in it? Throw in a tropical cocktail and well, I'm not leaving. )

 (This bookshelf would be outright boring without Mrs. Peacock. Throw her in the mix and you've instantly contrived a feature wall. )

 (Via Lonny...of course, of course.)

(This photo might be as vintage as the chair. And awesome.)

So, are you ready for this?

I was perusing craigslist in search of a "set of chairs" for a client of mine.

I clicked on a random posting. 

And I found:

PEACOCK CHAIRS.

Two of them. 

The most amazing I'd ever seen. 

 At a crazy, ridiculous steal of a price.
FIFTY DOLLARS. For the pair.
Let me introduce you:

Guess what Maple came home to yesterday? They're giant. And crazy. They took over our front porch. And I love them (they've grown on the Mr.). They now sit in our living room, awaiting the day our patio is built. I can't wait to have friends over...plop them down in these babies (in front of the fire pit, under the canopy of lights, amidst the tropical plants) and serve them fruity cocktails.  Won't you join us?

And, lesson learned. Keep treasure (and deal) hunting. It will pay off. Especially if you live in a community where A. people truly don't know the worth of what they have   and/or   B. they have too much money to even care (as in this case--the owner was moving her estate to NY and simply didn't want to deal with them).