MIRROR, MIRROR.

Mirrors have been at the top of my designer radar as-of-late, especially when used in large doses. A warning though: you have to be careful with mirrors, as they can easily escalate towards what I would call...tacky. But, when the quality is high, and the lines are kept on the side of clean and simple, a wall of mirrors can greatly amplify the perceived space of a room, all-the-while creating an ambiance of elegance and warmth.

Just take a peek at my favorite examples of such brilliant achievements:

All gorgeous, right? The key is absolutely in the execution...and the simplicity, I think.

And did you notice the commonality within each of the photos? Antiqued glass. So classic and elegant, bringing what could very well be a flashy wall of mirrors down to a much more approachable and livable level. Love.

And speaking of love, that's pretty much the feeling I have towards this gem:

A large-scale, antiqued glass, aged brass leaner mirror, complete with a riveted frame. I'm using her (and several of her sisters) to make what will be a stunning statement in a client's home. Can't wait to get these babies installed...and photos taken...and posted for you to see. Soon, my pretties...soon!!!

So, what do you think? Are you digging the mirrored walls as much as I am? 

MONDAY.

I would venture to say this is true in all walks of business and life, no? But especially in design. It's true: we can't spend our precious hours worrying over mistakes being made, or we'll never be able to realize the full potential of our creativity. If there's one thing I've learned thus far, it's to trust your gut. And perhaps my own gut will start to listen, as I just spent three days agonizing over the finishing touches in a client's dining room, only to pull the trigger on my original instinct.

And speaking of design, I'm immensely blessed to do what I love most in the world, and to spend my days at my (above) desk, in my very own office, surrounded by the things that inspire me most, as I work incredibly hard to create that same inspiring environment in my clients' own homes. But it's funny what comes with the territory of "owning your own business." It seems that most people have a contrived impression that I do not in fact work, but instead spend all day everyday drinking mimosas and writhing over which color to paint my dog's toenails. Hmm...how did they ever know?

And speaking of clients, I just sent off a design board for a master bedroom redo that includes THE Fiorentina, as seen above in this wine/magenta pillow. It's going to be yummy...

And yummy falls short in describing just what's in store for another client's living/dining space. I quite literally squealed with excitement when our custom drapes trimmed in a rich cobalt greek key arrived on my doorstep. And see that Java Java fretwork fabric? We're currently waiting for her to be printed and shipped. She's definitely worth the (forever long) wait!

Anyway...back to work (whaa??)

How many of you own your own business, or are in the midst of risking everything to make a life out of what you love most in this world? I wish you all they very best, and hope that everyone reading this post may realize their passions and dreams in some form or fashion. Cheers to the pursuit of dreams...and...


HAPPIEST MONDAY.

PURPLE, BLACK, BRONZE, AND MARBLE.

Isn't this weather amazing? Hope your fall is treating you just as perfectly well as my own Charleston's is. Crisp, swirling-leaf breezes coupled with open office windows and simmering, stovetop espresso make me one happy working lady.

Speaking of the office, lots going on this week in the studio: wrapping up an event design (shin dig's happening this Friday)...starting on design plans for a modern downtown condo...finishing off details for major house project (and planning final install)...and coordinating custom cushions and install of gorgie drapes for another condo rehab. Not to mention feeling super blessed about ALL of the above!!

Oh, and see that aged iron chandelier in the photos above? Mr. Billy Cotton is in the midst of finishing that beauty off for me. She'll soon be hanging in my Kentucky client's dining room. I have goosebumps just thinking about it :)

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

*all photos pulled from my tumblr and pinterest.

BLOOD BROTHER.

Y'all. Let me tell you: I have an amazing family. I'm seriously blessed to be surrounded and inspired by a number of brilliant artists, who are all insanely talented in their own regard.

 Just one of those artists is my brother-in-law, AJ--his inherent talents continually blow us away. He composes (aka "scores") music for documentaries, and is quickly becoming highly revered within the film industry for his (excuse my french) bad ass music writing capabilities. We couldn't be more proud of our brother and best friend. Except that he composed several musical scores for Blood Brother, a film that's making giant waves amongst the documentary world. Check it out for yourself...before it hits Sundance :)

The trailer itself is soul-wrenching. Just imagine what the film, in its entirety, will be...

I'm beyond proud..and inspired...and moved...and am bursting at the seams to watch these brilliant minds document just how beautiful human life is...and can be.

Check it out for yourself, my friends:

www.bloodbrotherfilm.com


HAPPY MONDAY.

YELLOW.

Though I'm incredibly drawn to its vibrant properties, yellow's a color I rarely use. It's a tricky one. But look how gorgeous it can be when it's actually done well:

You see, a room doused in bright yellow paint hardly ever translates to the happy, lively hue the painter was in search of. It often has the opposite effect--making a space feel muddy and dull. So, being the empowering color that yellow is, it's best used in smaller-scaled doses...scattered throughout a room as an accent. And repetition is absolutely key if you're wanting to accomplish just what you were hoping to with that can of yellow paint. Used smartly, accents of yellow draw you in, and bathe a room in sunshine, which is what most people are searching for in those yellow paint swatches!

Happy yellow.
HAPPY THURSDAY.

SCENES.

My blog is always the #1 to-do item on my daily list, yet somehow it always ends up being the one thing that doesn't get accomplished. But that, my friends, is because my business is growing, and I am busy. And for that I am uber grateful. It's incredibly rewarding to see your passion evolve into a sustaining line of work, and I can't wait to see where both my work and I go.

Anyhow, here's a few moments captured since the last time we spoke :)

Samples arrived for a client's dining chairs.

We fell hard for the navy.

 The glory of a Lowcountry sunset.

They really are the prettiest.

I paid a visit to an uber-talented friend's art studio...

...and we made stamps :) ...So fun!

Wine, cheese, and laughs were shared during a night of Apples to Apples.

I stood in awe of the hand-crafted ingenuity at my favorite lighting studio.

Seriously...one of each, please?

And...lastly...Maple and I inaugurated the (giant) fire 

pit that we finally hauled home from the antique store.

Now we just need some furniture to go with it :)

Hope your week is off to an amazing start...and that you're doing everything you can to live out your passions and dreams. 

xoxoxo

A SWINGING MONDAY.

Yep. I am that girl. I pick up things on the curb. Granted, it has to be a pretty awesome thing. But you would not even believe how fast I slammed on my brakes and threw my car into reverse for this swinging treasure:

Poppy and I have been wanting a hanging rattan egg chair FOREVER. 

Yes, Poppy is well-versed in mid-century furniture design. Don't judge.

Can you believe my neighbor was curbing this gem?

It's crazy to me that people have no idea just what they have in their possession...

or they simply don't care.

A few notes:

• Yes, that carpet is gross. I know. And I am so over that rug that I made like ten years ago for a magazine shoot.  Little does my bro-in-law know that he will be our free labor needed to rip up that frayed, stained carpet and, yes, astroturf that's lurking beneath when he visits. Wonder if he reads this?...hehe.
• Poppy is cute.
• We're going to tile our porch with some Ann Sacks amazingness and replace the two black widow (ugh...over them) infested chairs with a loungey sofa.
• I'm blogging from my swing now :)

Now, go get you a fab egg swing of your own to enjoy. 

It pairs most perfectly with a sweet glass of prosecco, I promise.

PALM SPRINGS FRIDAY.

It's Friday. In September. So that means you best get out there and soak up that last bit of summer. The right way...Palm Springs-like poolside...like Slim Aarons and his fab friends were so adept at doing:

P.S. I am that girl who watches the background set design of movies vs. paying attention to the storyline, and notices the wallpaper, furniture, lighting, etc. in TV shows, movies, books, what-have-you. So I, of course, immediately started fawning over the furniture in this photo. Just look at those white egg chairs...on legs! And that sloping upholstered lounge chair. And that tulip table on the right. And those natural rattan dining chairs. Not to mention the architecture...white, smooth stucco with Morroccan-esque archways. And palm plants galore in sleek, white planters. Not gonna lie...sort of wish my hubby would sport bright yellow pants and a printed jacket with no shirt. And a fedora. While I lounged in a pink caftan, waiting ever-so-patiently for my butler to pour me a martini. I was born for the 70s...in Palm Springs.

THE CURATORY: AFFORDABLE ART

Let's get real: we don't all have the wallet to waltz into a gallery and out with a sprawling, one-of-a-kind, original piece of artwork. But if you're anything like me, you do know that art is a lifetime investment, and one that adds an unmatched amount of personality to your home and your walls. And let me tell you, that investment does not have to break the bank. Being that I'm on a pretty tight budget, I'm always scouring my resources for affordable art that will enliven my walls. And I thought I'd pass my favorite penny-saving finds onto you, and your home:

A.  A colorful yet classic, mid-century style abstract via Serena and Lily //  B.   I'm digging the bold statement made with this giant, diving triptych and would love to see it enliven a bare wall above a bed or in mix things up in a dining room //  C.  Scouring etsy is well-worth the effort. I love the texture and soothing hues in this oil-based abstract //  D.  A super-affordable statement can easily be made by having a favorite photograph professionally enlarged and framed. Maybe it's because I live on the coast, but I find water photos to be incredibly calming. //  E.  Not only is the lady behind Look, Linger, Love a talented blogger...she creates incredible (and affordable) art for us to covet...and buy.  //  F.  Crate and Barrel has a surprising selection of well-curated and framed artwork //  G.  I'm enamored with the bold graphics in this Natural Curiosities production  //  H.  Do as Serena and Lily did, and frame graphic vintage textiles  (etsy is a great source for your hunt) //  I.  Classic still lifes will never get old. I'm eyeing this citrus oil for my white kitchen walls.


So there you have it: my favorite affordable art picks.

Email me if you're interested in any of the above pieces, or if you'd like help curating the perfect art for your own walls.

HAPPY THURSDAY.
Where has this week gone?!

AS-OF-LATE:

Umm...I may be the worst blogger in all of blogging. And I probably don't have a valid excuse. People love to say they are busy, and yes...Maple and I are busy...but that's not entirely why I haven't been posting. I guess it boils down to the fact that I, above anything else, am a creative...and my right brain facilitates everything that I do. Everything. So inspiration can be fleeting. Not to mention motivation, especially when you're lacking in the inspiration department. And the sweltering heat and humidity of Charleston summers downright suffocate me...and all that inspiration. But fall is on the horizon...which means a new season, a new start, new inspiration...and boots. Lawd I miss my boots. And that, my friends, may very well mean that I am back :)

So, a little recap of life as-of-late:

We're always gone, it seems. This time it was a biz-rendezvous to Atlanta...for Maple. 

I love this photo. Only because of the pink mohawk that's casually lurking behind us.

Rains from Isaac paid us a not-so-friendly visit. Charleston floods when it drizzles, 

so one can only imagine what might happen with 6+ hours of pounding rainfall.

But I love the rain, as it seems to soothe my soul. So we curled up in front of the window,

and watched cars and neighbors attempt to trudge through the flood. 

 Isaac gave us the briefest glimpse of fall, so of course I took advantage: the most delicious banana oatmeal muffins you ever will eat...homemade ciabatta...and butternut squash, winter greens soup.

With less-balmy weather on its way, Maple and I have been itching to start on our patio. You see, we have a giant, giant backyard that's overgrown and underused, and we've been so anxious to turn it into an enjoyable extension of our house. Last fall we planted Lonny our Loquat tree (his name is fitting, no?), who soon will be boasting gorgeous orange rounds of fruit. We eventually plan to build a giant gravel patio, but with that requires both time and money, so we decided to approach it a little bit at a time. So we dug a giant mud hole in our yard, and decided it would be our fire pit round. 

See the hot mess we started with? 

I paid a visit to my all-time favorite antiques dealer, and spotted our future fire pit (an iron antique hailing from India), and two giant, white-washed antique urns that I couldn't get out of my head. 

I needed them. Okay...our yard needed them. 

Then Poppy and I got to work.

Okay...more like Maple got to work.

But look...I helped! 

We graveled. And cut a bed all along the back of the house. De-weeded that bed, and mulched.

And filled-in giant-ish sinkholes in our yard with the dirt and sod we removed to make the pit.

And for some reason we decided this would be oh-so-fun to do on a 98 degree day with what seemed like 180% humidity amidst a swarm of ruthless mosquitos.

But it was worth it:

Because now we can enjoy our yard.

Or, a tiny smidgeon of it.

So now we're on the hunt for the perfect fireside furniture. I am unrealistically picky. 

And someday that will all be gravel.And someday my creeping fig will form a gorgeous green wall of cascading vines on the back wall of the house. And someday we will have a giant outdoor table, an outdoor kitchen area, pretty plantings bordering the patio, and some lounge furniture. 

But I intend to relish in the now...and for now...she's perfect.

HAPPY THURSDAY.

Glad to be back :)

P.S. Hannah Maple Studio is wrapping up big projects and back to accepting interior clients, whether it be e-design, or full-service interiors work. Get in touch via hannah@hannahmaple.com if you need help creating the perfect space for your home or business.