LOST HOPE + AM YOGA.

Yesterday was a sad day for Charlestonians...as we lost Hope. Quite literally. Our renowned charmer of a brew-by-the-cup coffee shop, Hope and Union, closed it's insanely good looking doors yesterday. They were pretty coveted...by all. Even Design Sponge, as they featured the mod-minimalist interior on their blog. So in an attempt to relish the last-ever H + U brew, my (super talented) friend Natalie and I paid a visit last week, and she snapped some bittersweet photos:

 They've assuredly turned my into a cappucino snob.

Who wouldn't start to insist on a feathery milk design?

 Well hey, there...that's me... :)
Dressed to impress...in total slum attire...as usual.

 Our favorite little window nook.

Complete with comfy throw pillows and this gorgie ceiling to stare upon.

 Love the industrial ingenuity behind their pour-over station.

Pipes are cool.

 Weathered shiplap.

Light blue walls.

Sleek black chairs.

All very good things, in my book.

 Love the simplicity behing the nautical outdoor pendant lighs + that incredibly 

old exposed brick fireplace. Hope and Union was housed in a renovated Charleston single, 

so it was inevitably long and narrow with an amazing side porch (complete with marble

bistro tables and black Bertoia chairs, I might add).

Good 'til the last red star.

Natalie made friends with the dude behind the bar.

He told us where to buy these mugs.

I'm hoping Santa might just come early.

Love Natalie's photos?
Me, too. You'll assuredly love her blog, too:

Snap and A Pancake.

(especially if you like food).

I tell her repeatedly, too, that I want nothing more than to live in her tumblr.

Oh, and speaking of coffee (which I drink far too much of)...what really gets you going in the morning? Lately my spark has been routed in some energizing AM yoga...and not even a full session. Just 10 minutes of breath and flow totally jump starts my day and gives me that motivation to tackle anything and everything. So I thought I'd share a short, super-charged yoga routine I've been starting my days with:

Enjoy!

HAPPY TUESDAY.

INTERIOR PROJECT: SNEAK PEAK.

So, you may have picked up on the fact that the Mr. and I have essentially been out of town alllll summer long...and for super exciting, insanely good reason, I might add. You see, I have this big interiors project going on in Kentucky, and I've been traveling back and forth working on installs as furnishings and draperies arrive...and I've thrown some fun shopping trips (like to Atlanta) into the mix as well.

Anyway, the project consists of an entire house and the outdoor courtyard area. My clients requested a mix of modern and rustic, so I developed a well-curated culmination of weathered materials and sleek lines and surfaces. Overall, the aesthetic is uber-refined...built upon layering neutrals and a multitude of textures. Black and gray accents ground the space in hints of masculinity, and interesting patterns, artwork, and accessories lend subtle interest. And, perhaps most importantly, the rooms are comfortable and welcoming...the biggest request from my (really amazing) clients.

Now...want to see? The big reveal will come with professional photos, but here's a little instagram sneak peak into a few evolving details:

Hope you enjoyed the mini glimpse.
And hope you have an uber-amazing and inspiring Wednesday in store!

CURB + YARD APPEAL.

So I woke up early this morning to do some yard work. Maple and I have been gone what seems like all summer (hence the lack of regular blogging...oops), and returned to our little abode a few days ago to find our yard on the verge of overgrown. Anyway, I love being out there...digging in the dirt...cleaning everything up...making it look loved and cared for again. Being outdoors is just good for my soul...our neighborhood is so peaceful in the early morning...and I, of course, can't help but imagine all the things Maple and I want to do to our yard, porch, and patio when I'm out there slaving in the AM sun.

I pretty much love landscape design as much as I do interiors, and it's a goal of mine to become fairly well-versed in the art. Our fairly tight budget means we have to take it a little at a time, but we're working our way towards a yard that will someday channel these favorite inspiration photos I've filed:

 I pretty continually find myself drawn to Mediterranean architecture + landscaping. I especially love the natural-looking mix of Sheryl Crow's plantings: whispy grasses, stately aloe + cacti, succulents, and creeping wall vines, of course.

 Again with the Mediterranean aesthetic. How perfect is this little patio nook for sipping AM coffee? It's definitely in our patio plan to replicate a similar shade spot.

 A lush mix of green and white landscaping is what I have in mind for our own front yard. And hints of purple (like the salvia I planted) add the perfect pop of color. And I'm sort of obsessed with having a pea gravel front walk!

 This simple stucco firepit, pea gravel, and grayish adirondack chairs are perfection.

I don't think I'll ever tire of gray-weathered wood. And how brilliant to create a simple divider with vintage shutters-turned-trellis!

 The back exterior wall of our house is boring concrete block. It will be the backdrop for our entire patio, so we planted creeping fig all along the perimeter. It's already climbing away...and will sooner than later look like this gorgie wall.

And how stunning are these whispy lady banks roses? Maple and I planted two on either side of our front porch iron spindles. They're vigorous climbers, and will *hopefully* soon be cascading along the overhang of our front porch and entry. 

So anyway....our yard is coming along, slowly but surely. It's pretty rewarding to watch it evolve, and see how far our sweat equity (quite literally...it's so dang hot!) has come, and dream of where it will someday be.

HAPPY TUESDAY.

ARCHITECTURAL WINDOWS + DOORS.

So, I've been a pinning fool as of late, and there seems to be an underlying theme: expansive windows and doors. And not just any windows and doors, but insanely gorgeous, masculine, simple, classic industrial iron windows and doors, filled with rows and rows of crisp glass panes. That's one of the two reasons Maple and I knew we had to have our house: the windows were giant, and they're the insanely cool aluminum-gridded industrial windows that crank open. I'd love to replace them one day, as the 1950s wasn't the most energy efficient era, and when we do, they'll resemble these beauties:

I'm especially taken with this bottom photo...which is pretty much my dream. How I'd love to knock out the back of our house and replace it with floor-to-ceiling industrial glass, and move our kitchen so I can spend any and every bit of my free time staring out those stunning windows.

So, thinking of replacing windows and doors of your own in the near future? Think outside the box a bit (if you're willing to splurge, of course). You don't have to go with the contractor's special, as I like to call them: white, plastic-paned windows with upper and lower sashes. Look into industrial windows, like those shown above: these days they're manufactured just as energy efficient as those everyday cheapies you see in big box stores.

HAPPY TUESDAY.

SCENES FROM AROUND THE HOUSE.

So, our house is constantly evolving. We've owned this little casa for a year and a half now, and we had high hopes and giant to-do lists, only to have them both blundered by a lack of time and money. No one told me homeownership was expensive?! Kidding...kidding...they ALL did. Anyhow, Maple and I have made a tiny bit of progress (remember the befores?...scary.), so I thought I'd give you a little glimpse into how are little abode is coming along. It's an eclectic little place, filled with treasures we've picked up from our travels, pieces of furniture we happen upon, and family heirlooms...but it's super warm and cozy, and totally suited to me and my Maple:

A corner of our sofa...and therefore our living room. The bertoia chairs were my dad's, the lamps my grandmother's (same for vintage photo on wall), and the lasso was Maple's dad's. See the little ivory and black clay vase? I picked it up in Argentina on our honeymoon.

The entryway console is topped with little treasures, but perhaps my fav is the burled wood humidor I had engraved for Maple. It's gorgie. And that iron horse head tray came from an antique shop in Asheville--one of our favorite, well-frequented cities. The books are all vintage, and family heirlooms...and they're held together by gold horseshoe bookends I found at an estate sale. The artwork is a fav piece given to us for our wedding (it will get hung on wall, I just haven't done it yet), and the mirror behind it was a wedding gift to my grandmother in the 1940s.

Ahh, my beloved peacock chairs. They were purchased for the outdoors. I fell in love.

 I had to keep them in.

A corner shot of our dining room...and the other peacock...in all of its glory. That window will someday be french doors, as it goes right out to our *future* patio. The vintage Kilim rug is an absolute favorite find, and my Maple built that amazing farmhouse table you can sort of see.

Our dining room is long and narrow, so we constructed a built-in banquette for super-cozy eating.
That gorgeous cotton painting was an amazing gift from Maple's mama, and the horse shoes (kind of a thing of mine...long story) were picked up in Brooklyn, on a rendezvous to NYC.

A favorite painting pops off sultry, navy blue walls in the den/TV room.
Coveted books and treasures fill the built-in nook to the left. 

And lastly, a little peek at our kitchen...the very reason I fell in love with this house. It's fairly big (there's an entire wall of cabinets you aren't seeing), and the huge picture window and terracotta tile floors vaulted it to perfection in my book. We painted the cabinets a rich, bronzey-gray, and outfitted the plain-front doors with simple bronze hardware. She still needs some love, but she's getting there. Friends tell me it reminds them of an Italian-countryside kitchen. I kiss them when they tell me that. 

So there you have it...the slow (but sure) evolution of our casa. Our to-do list (more like renovation list...eek), is still four miles long, but I've learned to enjoy the process...and more importantly, be completely happy with where we are in that process.  Hmm...a life lesson, perhaps? :)

HAPPY MONDAY.

xoxo. 

A PERSONAL NOTE: BIZ, DREAMS, + SKINCARE

Happy Monday Morning, y'all. Hope it's off to a more than perfect start! It's raining here in Charles, which to me is perfection. So I'm sitting here, sipping my morning coffee, making a plan for my busy, work-filled week, and feeling super blessed that I've been given the chance to pursue my biggest, wildest dream of owning my own design business. I'm not sure I'll ever stop pinching myself :)

It's rare that I get this personal on Maple + Shade, but I wanted to share a little something with you. And stay with me, as it may not seem entirely relevant...but for four years I've struggled with acne. Somehow, someway I got through high school and college with not a pimple in sight, only to turn 22 and suffer an infestation (ok, maybe I'm being a bit dramatic) of pimps (as I like to call them...yes, sadly, we're that close) on my chin (could there be a worse place?!) Anyway, after countless prescriptions and dermatologist visits, I've finally found a product line that actually works, and after 2 weeks of using the regimen, my acne is completely under control. And get this...it's not a prescription.You have no idea the excitement this instills in me. And my mirror is happy, as it's no longer being neglected.

I'm also worried about aging, as the pool just-so-happened to be my babysitter growing up. And yes, I probably have sun damage galore. I've recently learned that genetics is only responsible for 20% of our aging...the rest of that 80% is entirely up to us, and the decisions we make regarding our skin. Isn't that crazy?!

So, enter Rodan + Fields, the anti-aging skincare line that was created by the same two doctors who developed Proactiv. Yes, Proactiv. That, to me, means R + F is nothing but legit. So I thought I'd give their 'Unblemish' regimen a whirl, which is exactly the product line that cleared up my acne in no time. I've also been using their flagship 'Anti-Age' line, which is working hard to fight those fine lines and hints of sun damage I'm starting to see. So, not only do I have bump-free skin now-a-days, it's soft and 'glowy' (more so than it's ever been) thanks to the ahh-mazing Anti-Age creams.

Now, how is this relevant to the blog, you might wonder?  Well, I've actually decided to partner with Rodan + Fields  as an Independant Consultant. Not only will this allow me to help other women change their skin into everything they want it to be (and therefore boost their self-confidence), it allows me to work part-time from home and collect a steady (healthy) income as I do so. In essence, by working with Rodan + Fields, I've been given the chance to continue the pursuit of my design dreams, and run that design biz. Y'all don't know this, but I was on the verge of shutting Hannah Maple Studio down, succumbing to an overworked/underpaid full-time job, and give up on my dream. And then R + F entered the pic, and the rest is history: I'm currently in the midst of designing an entire house (my biggest project yet), with several interior projects going on as well. Life is good, and I'm more than ecstatic to take on this business venture with the founding dermatologists and other amazing men and women behind Rodan + Fields.

So, thanks to R+F, Maple + Shade will continue to be published, and Hannah Maple Studio will continue to design. On a side note, if any of you lovely readers are intrigued by any of Rodan + Fields products, or interested in earning some extra income, pay a visit to my facebook page or feel free to send me an email at hannahmaple@me.com.


And cheers to the pursuit of your very own dreams. I absolutely hope they come true!

FOR SALE: TWO 18" DESIGNER PILLOW CASES.

You know how I'm totally cleansing my over-cluttered closet? Same goes for my office, friends. But hey--you totally get to benefit! See these two gorgie 18" square ikat pillow cases? Aren't they just lovely in all their tan, orange, and aqua glory? They're leftover from a last-fall design project of mine, and yep...I've finally decided I don't need them. But you totally do!!

They're now for sale. 

$80 for the pair (does not include inserts).

hannah@hannahmaple.com if you're interested!

You want them.
You need them.
You know you do!!


xoxo
HAPPY FRIDAY.

CLOSET REHAB.

So, I have a little problem. It's called hanging onto crappy clothing that I. don't.ever.wear. Yes, even things with holes in them, and yes...I still have clothing from high school (that was well over 10 years ago), although may it be noted that my favorite pair of jeans are a worn, holey pair from Abercombie (...gasp!) that I bought in 9th grade. And yes...I still rock them.

Okay, back to my point. My second problem is that we bought a 1950s house. While it does have more closets to be expected for that building era, they are...umm...on the small side. But, I have this amazing friend Jane, who's sort of an organizational whiz (does it for a living, if you local Charlestonians are interested!) and she's totally inspiring me to deal with my closets, and perhaps my unhealthy attachment to hideous clothing.

So, here's my plan:

1. nonslip velvet hangers in black  /  2. Alexander Wang classic Tee (the perfect everyday basic that won't get holes in it)  /  3.  A gorgeous basic dress that can transition seasons and easily be layered  /  4.  Fun but classic jewels to spruce up those basics (would be gorgeous with that Tee!)  /  5. The perfect leather tote and everyday carryall (#1 on my wishlist!)  /  6.  Neutral (and the most comfortable) summer wedge sandals  /  7.  Perfect (and again...uber-comfy) wedge booties...everyone needs these!  /  8. Super pretty faux-bois organizational boxes  /  9.  Simple natural baskets for housing loose things



-Purge our master closet of all the mismatched plastic and wire (eeek) hangers that occupy too much real estate and replace them with slim, non-slip velvet beauties in black.

-Detach myself from ALL the things I NEVER wear. Which is most of my closet. It's so much easier to get dressed everyday when you limit yourself to good-quality, basic pieces that can be mixed and matched....and when you can easily see those favorite wardrobe staples. That, friends, is the key. De-cluttering so you can see what you have!

-Stay true to my personal style and only buy gorgeous things that I love (and are also quite versatile)

-Install some sort of closet system with drawers and shoe organization! (yes, shoes are my undeniable weakness)

-Accessorize and organize with super pretty boxes and baskets! Your closet should be a good dose of morning inspiration...and therefore excitement.


So, what about you? Are you happy with your closet?
Or are you finally ready to plunge into that overall? Feels mighty good, I must say :)

THE LYFORD LIFE:

My last week was spent in absolute paradise. Truly...my favorite place in all the world: Lyford Cay, in the Bahamas. Maple's insanely chic grandmother has an insanely chic house, and how blessed we are to congregate there as a huge, amazing family, and lose every care in the world for the sand and sea-filled time being:

So now we're home...to a very different beach (missing that calm, crystal clear bay)...back to work (big projects going on!!), back to life, back to all that's both wonderful and familiar. 

But still, I find myself reminiscing of that salty Bahamian air, and pinning all-things beach chic:

/ crochet dress / kelly wearstler cabana / driftwood lamp / turkish striped beach towel / rattan high back chairs / agate pillow / sculptural concrete chair / black and tan beach hat / 

lucite and palm leaf pumps /

Happy Tuesday, my friends!!

Excited to be back in the states...

and back to blogging.

xoxo