How the Textiles and Upholstered Furniture at High Point Market Got My Wheels Turning
I’m still feeling so inspired after 48 hours in High Point last month. Today’s post is all about upholstered furniture, which totally stole the show at High Point — at least for me!
I’m still feeling so inspired after 48 hours in High Point last month. I’ve already shared a breakdown of all the great showrooms I had the chance to visit and the trends I’m eyeing. Today’s post is all about upholstered furniture, which totally stole the show at High Point — at least for me!
It’s not just about a comfortable sofa or picking the right shade of neutral anymore. Upholstery is often times the star of the design and stands out with its unique curves and lines and layered textiles and patterns.
This new wave of design is all about curved arms, high backs and carved wooden legs. I also noticed a focus on function. Seat depth and height and storage are among top considerations. I also saw a lot of recliner options which the industry calls “motion” furniture.
One of the biggest trends seen at High Point was the need for easy cleaning. Crypton played a big role here with its patented, and seriously impressive, fabrics. These fabrics can practically resist any spill or stain with a little Dawn dish soap and warm water.
I got to see this in action and as a mom of three with a dog and a busy household, stain resistance is ultra important. The science behind it is very impressive and we got to hear from the Crypton team more behind the brand and science.
Crypton only sells to furniture makers so you can’t buy directly from them, but when you’re shopping for a new piece of furniture, be sure to ask if they offer Crypton fabric. Brands like Designmaster Furniture, One Kings Lane and Ballard Designs all do.
In terms of aesthetics, beauty is all in the details! It’s not just about the hero fabric anymore. It’s also about the piping, trim, box-pleat, skirt and so much more. I love seeing designers’ creativity come out in these details and how they truly elevate the entire room.
With all of this new insight and information, my wheels are turning on how I will design my next upholstered piece! I’m thinking scallops, pattern play and a slightly more petite scale for my young kids. The dreaming has just begun!
Lately on the blog... We shared How I Decorate for Christmas and a Tuckernuck tablescape.
It's Time to Deck The Halls! Here Are My Quick Festive Home Decorating Tips
We are slowly shifting into holiday mode in my house, so I wanted to share a few tips to help you create home for the holidays, too!
Last week I shared a detailed breakdown of how I plan to decorate my personal home for the holidays. Today we’re talking about those final, quick touches that help bring the Christmas magic to life even more!
PILLOWS
Herringbone throw blankets have become a recent favorite layer of mine. Imagine having a cozy night by the fire and having a lightweight blanket that’s pretty enough to leave out all year round!
PICTURE FRAMES & CANDLES
Refresh your family pictures and light a Christmas candle (love these by Nest). Little touches like these make a big difference.
LAMPSHADES
Go the extra mile in your design by replacing the plain white lampshade with an ivory pleated lampshade or add some color with a small print or block print shade. This is one trend I’m absolutely loving!
ARTWORK
Deck the halls with fresh artwork. Christina Dowdy and Emily Ward are some of my favorite artists. I also love abstract artists like April Atchley and Megan Daisy Milner. If you're local to Charlotte, Cotswold Marketplace is a good source for ready to hang original artwork.
MY FAVORITE TRICK
Did you notice the presents in the bookshelf? This Christmas decor trick is a great way to fill space, especially in bookshelves and on tabletops, with inexpensive holiday decor. This wrapping paper is from $6 Target and the silk brown ribbon can be found on Amazon. A winning combination for subtle, classic Christmas cheer.
FESTIVE GLASSWARE
The holiday season calls for a new set of plates or glasses that make hosting a small or impromptu holiday gathering so much fun! I love these small plates, Estelle glasses and $3 target glasses.
MUSIC
And lastly, don’t forget to set the mood with a Christmas playlist for every occasion. And when in doubt, pick greenery from your yard for a fresh, inexpensive holiday look!
SHOP MY HOLIDAY HOME FINDS!
Lately on the blog... We shared 3 home trends on my radar and a healthy dose of architectural inspiration in our November Home Edit.
How I Decorate for Christmas
We are slowly shifting into holiday mode in my house, so I wanted to share a few tips to help you create home for the holidays, too!
We are slowly shifting into holiday mode in my house, so I wanted to share my holiday decorating game plan in hopes to help you create home for the holidays, too. PS! I've added a Christmas collection on LTK so you can shop my holiday decor, festive outfits and children's pajamas all in one place.
My first suggestion is to keep the Christmas decor simple and complimentary of your home decor. This gilded angel is versatile and can be placed on top of a tree or on any tabletop. It pairs nicely with any gold home decor!
I usually have two trees, and pre-lit ones make holiday decorating so much easier! This one was borrowed from a friend but I loved the size and scale so much I’m planning on buying one during the after Christmas sales this year. This viral Lowe’s Christmas tree has my attention and is tempting me to buy now!
I typically go with elevated neutrals for ornaments. Over the years I’ve fallen in love with Fig & Dove’s ornaments and mix them in with my Amazon ornaments for the perfect blend of blue/green color and gold. They're shatterproof and only $23 for 30 ornaments! Tip: Remove the hanger provided and replace them with floral wire to tie the balls on top of Christmas tree branches.
Here's the tree before the ornaments were added, scroll down to see how I decorated it!
These are a new add this year but I love how it adds more interest to the tree! Just fluff and place in the tree.
I love inviting my kids to help, too! It makes the process and end result personal for them and I love making these memories with them! My daughter got her first Bauble Stocking last year and was excited to add it to the tree this year. She’s also holding a ceramic beautiful ornament with pearls gifted to me by my aunt when I was younger. It’s special to me and I love how she cherishes it, too!
Personalized Christmas stockings are a must for everyone in the family! The kids stockings complement my husband and my stockings but have more personality and childlike designs. I added the cuff for a more traditional look.
For anyone with kids or pets, these acrylic stocking holders have a patten protected technology that’s engineered the gold hook to sit in the acrylic base and doesn’t fall when the stocking is filled with gifts or pulled by little hands or paws. (Genius!)
I added gold branches, flameless candles and live greenery on the mantle! It’s an easy way to dress up the mantle without overpowering it with garland and it’s so pretty at night.
Side note: My Frame TV picture frame was an investment but I can’t imagine not having it now. I have the pale gold — currently 15% off.
For fresh florals, I look to the garden! These are magnolias and greenery clipped from the yard organically arranged for an understated, rich in color floral arrangement that looks good for days.
I add these velvet ornaments in a marble bowl surrounded by fresh greenery — again right in line with the color palette of the room. My color is no longer available but they have a mulberry color I’m loving!
This gold tassel from Fig & Dove on antique furniture, stockings, gifts or door handles adds another touch of Christmas cheer! I love the acrylic on this one for a more modern feel.
I always add a wreath to the front door and this year I went with a white berry round wreath with a velvet blush sash. The blue and gold monogram feels so Southern to me and I love how it’s festive without being too “Christmasy."
Finally, when in doubt, add ribbon! It’s easiest way to decorate for the holidays. I love the peacock blue velvet with gold trim! It’s Christmas without again being well, too “Christmasy.”
SHOP MY FESTIVE HOME FINDS
Lately on the blog... We shared ways to add character to your home (hint: millwork plays a big role) and 3 things to know about timeless topiaries.
Come With Me Behind the Scenes at High Point Market
I just got back from two jam-packed days at market. I was so honored to be part of the Design Influencers Tour program this season. Here's a glimpse at what I saw.
I just got back from two jam-packed days at High Point Market. I was so honored to be part of the Design Influencers Tour program this season. As part of the program I had the chance to visit 20-plus showrooms and learn more about products and trends to come in the home industry.
Over the next month I'll be diving deeper into what I've learned—and sharing so much inspiration. For today's post I wanted to give you a quick overview of all the amazing vendors I got to see and meet.
Regina Andrew is a Detroit-based company with an expansive collection of lighting and other home decor. I loved these floral sculptural pieces.
Accent Decor specializes in trendy vases and vessels. They sell their wares to florists, home stores and other retailers. I fell in love with these large textured lemon planters. I could see them filled with lush green plants or faux pomegranates, or even as an ice bucket with wine for a small dinner party.
Joybird is known for its direct-to-consumer midcentury modern furniture. They're known for their use of color and have a wide-selection of fabrics available at a good price point.
A few things caught my eye at home decor and lighting vendor Jamie Young. I loved this chair (under $700!) and burlwood console. Jamie herself provided the tour of the showroom and was a delight to meet. Her world travels and family have inspired her design.
We made a few Crypton stops, including Cyrpton for Norwalk Furniture. These textiles are so crucial when you have kids and pets as it makes it easy to get out any stain. I loved that you could add this durable, timeless fabric to any Norwalk Furniture frame.
Hinkley Lighting is a new-to-me brand that I was really excited to see! Lighting makes a space shine—in more ways than one—and I appreciate the price point of this brand. They debuted a new collection with Frederick Ramond that stood out to me. I could see these whimsical pieces in a scullery, nursery or even a more intimate dining space with Gracie wallpaper.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) was a cool stop on our whirlwind tour. We got to see an induction stove and a countertop that has built-in charging stations for your phone.
These beetle print occasional chairs were my favorite piece at the Crytpon for Designmaster showroom. I could see these comfy swivel chairs around a game table or paired with a mustard sofa with merlot contrast piping in a teenager playroom.
Lexington Home Brand has a large permanent showroom about 15 minutes from downtown High Point with an extensive collection. It was fun to see their outdoor living collection! No surprise—this blue and white striped outdoor piece was calling my name.
Asian Loft has some really unique pieces from all over Asia. The showroom is huge and a great place to go if you're looking for one-of-a-kind statement pieces. You can find it all on their website, too!
Hooker Furnishings really wowed me this season. The chief creative director, Caroline Hipple, shows incredible vision and discernment when it comes to styles shown at Hooker. The color palettes in their collections were rich and colorful. It's nice to see us saying good-bye to gray!
FlowDécor has great price points for neutral, earth-toned pieces. Their lamps and cotton-backed lamp shades are all at kind of unbelievable price points.
Bernhardt's outdoor collection was very impressive. Most people have heard of Bernhardt but I didn't realize they had such an extensive outdoor collection. It's clear these large-scale pieces will stand the test of time.
Decor-Rest has been specializing in upholstered home furnishings for 50 years. I loved getting to know the family history and story behind the business that's motto is "furnishing homes with love."
Crypton for Sherrill Furniture features light, preppy fabrics that just made me happy! This showroom was my personal favorite. It included furniture from two Sherrill Furniture lines -- Mr. and Mrs. Howard and Lillian August. If you're near Charlotte, you can now visit the new Mrs. Howard store in the Eastover neighborhood to see it all for yourself! Fun fact, Garden & Grace directory member, Andrew Roby, renovated and rebuilt the space to beautifully reflect the Mrs. Howard brand.
Stickley's high-quality furniture was a crowd-pleaser. This smaller scale cabinet was unlike anything I've seen on the market. When House Beautiful editors saw it, they said they could see it in a larger luxury bathroom to add warmth and storage in equal measure—and I agree.
Natuzzi is a contemporary Italian furniture brand. The pieces were so unique and innovative -- and surprisingly comfortable!
Universal's Coastal Living Collection stood out to me. I loved their pieces for a comfortable and casual beach home. I especially loved these small, versatile stools. Can't you see them in a performance stripe with a contrast piping for a pop of fun!
I learned so much from my time at High Point Furniture Market and left so inspired after spending it with eight other influencers that are so talented and kind!
Lately on the blog... We shared ways to add character to your home (hint: millwork plays a big role) and 3 things to know about timeless topiaries.
3 Home Design Trends I'm Watching in 2025
After two days filled with design-focused conversations and touring showrooms filled home furnishings and accessories, I learned a lot about what's coming in 2025, from trending materials to a focus on functional pieces. Here are my biggest takeaways.
After two days filled with design-focused conversations and touring showrooms filled home furnishings and accessories, I learned a lot about what's coming in 2025, from trending materials to a focus on functional pieces. Here are my biggest takeaways.
1. Rattan & Natural Materials Are In
I was thrilled to see rattan and other natural materials present across many of the showrooms that resonated with me. It's definitely going to be popular next year, but to me, it's timeless. These materials have the power to really ground a space, especially if you're using high-gloss paints or fanciful wall coverings.
2. There's a Focus on Function
Today's furniture designers and home goods manufacturers are tasked with balancing style and purpose. For instance, this cocktail table is on casters and is a little more petite, which makes it easy to move around a room. Walking around High Point, I got the sense people are designing for living—and, of course, looking.
It was hard to capture the intentional design of Stickley Furniture, but trust me it was there. For instance, this tall boy with dovetail drawers also had compartments on the top drawer for spare change, personal items or really, any small items. How clever!
3. Color...With Piping and TRIM!
Color has been making its way into home furnishings for the last couple of years, and I love it! This year I noticed color isn't going anywhere, but contrast piping and trim are making it feel more fresh and interesting. I love how piping can tie in other colors from the room, making it feels like a cohesive palette.
Don't worry—if you haven't seen my complete overview of High Point Market, you can get a lay of the land here.
How to Infuse Character in Your Home Through Millwork
From paneled walls to coffered ceilings to fireplace surrounds, millwork can infuse so much character into your home.
Whether you're constructing a new build or renovating an existing home, infusing character helps communicate traditional, classic design. From custom doors to fireplace surrounds to ornate moldings, custom millwork can elevate your home in a way you'll treasure for a long, long time. There's no room that can't benefit from those extra details, so we partnered with ITC Millwork to show examples where millwork shines.
Entryways & Halls
When I step into a home, the entryway often sets the tone for the entire space. The casing around windows and doors plays a pivotal role in framing these openings and can instantly elevate the first impression. I love the idea of using panel moulding and tongue and groove details to add dimension to the walls, creating a warm and inviting entry that welcomes guests. These small touches can transform a simple hallway into a memorable space that reflects your personal style.
Living Spaces
I appreciate the richness that walnut brings to a room, with its warm tones and elegant grain patterns. Incorporating custom millwork elements like coffered ceilings, built-in shelves, and decorative trim can add depth and character, turning a generic room into a cozy haven. Each detail contributes to the overall narrative of your home, allowing you to express your tastes while maintaining a sense of sophistication.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and the millwork in these spaces truly shines. Elegant box beams and cohesive tongue and groove details on the walls and ceiling create a visually stunning affect. I love how extending the cabinets to the ceiling maximizes storage and creates a seamless, inviting look.
Primary Suite
Millwork is one way to make sure your design is carried from the baseboards to the ceiling. In the examples we pulled below, I really appreciate how the millwork helps add dimension and elegance. These spaces feel polished and serene—ideal for a primary suite!
Outdoor Living
These details aren't just for interiors, millwork can also help create a luxurious outdoor living space. The mix of materials and wood tones here really creates an elevated entertaining space.
Infusing character into your home through millwork is an investment in both style and quality. Each element, from the grandest beams to the tiniest moldings, contributes to the overall charm and personality of your space. Working with a skilled millwork partner like ITC Millwork can help you achieve a cohesive design that truly resonates with your vision.
The trusted group works with custom builders, architects and designers in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Charleston. While they do not install these products nor work with homeowners directly, they collaborate with skilled local artisans who bring their products to life. Learn more here.
3 Things to Know About Timeless Topiaries
Whether you have a pair flanking the front porch or small trio perched in a kitchen window we love a topiary at Garden & Grace. Its structured imperfections and verdant color instantly elevate a room with sophistication and whimsy.
Whether you have a pair flanking the front porch or small trio perched in a kitchen window we love a topiary at Garden & Grace. Its structured imperfections and verdant color instantly elevate a room with sophistication and whimsy.
For today's post we'll dive into a few topiary tips, and, of course, share inspiration of these bulbous beauties along the way.
1. Many Plants Can Be Topiaries
A number of plants can be twisted and sculpted into towering (or tiny) topiaries. The best choice depends on which zone you live in. Boxwoods, one of the most commonly used plants for topiaries, thrive in zones 4–9, while Dwarf Brush Cherries prefer 9–11, according to the pros at Better Homes & Gardens.
Juniper, Monterey Cypress, Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Myrtle, Lilac Standard, Hydrangea Standard, Holly, Arborvitae and Waxleaf Privet also take home the topiary trophy. Most photos in this post include a variation of boxwood and myrtles.
2. They can grow indoors or outside
Topiaries thrive in the ground or in a container that can be displayed indoors or out. If you want to use a container, consider choosing one that's slightly smaller than twice the size of its nursery pot. Since topiaries tend to be quite vertical, choose a sturdy planter to ground it.
If you're planting the topiary outside, the pros suggest digging a hole two to three times wider than the root ball with the root flare peeking just above the soil. Surround the base with about two inches of mulch.
Get inspired: Tour a Storied North Carolina Garden
3. Upkeep is simple but constant
Topiaries require consistent, but restrained trimming about every four to six weeks, per The Cottage Journal. These plants often need sunlight and a healthy dose of hydration.
If you're not so keen on the upkeep, you can always order some of my favorite faux boxwoods from Amazon (pictured up top) or a small, preserved bunch.
Lately on the blog... interior designer Kate Figler shows off her masterful ability to layer color and patterns for one personality-packed Nashville home.
How to Choose The Right Rug—And Where To Shop For Them
Picking out the right rug is one of my favorite parts of styling any room. As I continue renovating the rest of my home, I've definitely learned a few tricks!
Picking out the right rug is one of my favorite parts of styling any room. They add so much warmth and texture to a space, and really have the power to pull together a cohesive space. For my conversation room I was lucky enough to work with English Village Lane on a beautiful custom wool rug—from the colors to the topiary trim, it feels so "me." Going through the design process, and as I continue renovating the rest of my home, I've definitely learned a few tricks!
1. Material Matters
I've learned that investing in high-quality wool rugs goes a long way as they're typically more durable and easier to clean—essential when you have three littles and a pet at home! Most of my rugs are 80% Wool / 20% Nylon. As a general rule of thumb, I would avoid Polysilk when selecting a rug in a high-traffic areas as they're known to be harder to keep clean.
I've found that 1/4 cup warm water and a tablespoon of Dawn dish soap does the trick for almost any spill or dirt—just be sure to clean it up right away.
2. Rugs Can Shrink A Room
You won't regret a big rug, but a small rug—no matter how nice—can really throw off your space. Most pros agree that in a living space the front legs of your furniture in the room should be on the rug, if not the whole pieces. In your dining room, you'll want your rug to extend at least two feet beyond the edges of the table. As for bedrooms, at least the lower third of your bed should be on the rug. If you have a beautiful rug that you don't want to part with but it's on the smaller side, you can layer a sisal or jute rug underneath!
3. Rugs Are Like Art
Color, texture, scale, all of those elements matter when you're choosing a rug, just like art for your walls! I love looking through vintage sites like Chairish and1st Dibs to find truly one-of-a-kind pieces, or stopping by some of my favorite antique shops.
4. Make It Custom
Having a rug custom cut around air vents, the fireplace hearth or inside an alcove can give your room a polished, elevated look. Designers love this trick, but you can do it it, too, if you visit your local flooring store! In Charlotte Hall's Flooring is a great source for this sort of project and carries brands like Prestige Mills, Karastan and Stanton.
Pretty Rugs
Looking for more styling tips? Check out our posts about layering lighting or front door paint colors, or explore timeless high country style. We've also rounded up a trusted list of design experts across the U.S. — find them all on the Garden & Grace Directory.
6 Tips for Styling Your Conversation Room
Picking the perfect paint color for your front door is a tough choice—here are 10 designer-loved options.
Today I'm giving you a tour of my personal conversation room! If you've been following on Instagram, you know my Charlotte, North Carolina home renovation has been a true labor of love—and if you've been through a reno, you know how accurate that cliche is.
I'm not sure I'll ever feel completely "done," but I love how this room has come together over the years. It's comfortable and cozy, while still having that classic, sophisticated flare that makes my design-loving heart happy. Here's what I learned styling this space.
1. Paint goes a long way
We loved the color of this room when we moved in, but a few spots needed a touch-up. I couldn't imagine the room any other color, so, we did a Sherwin-Williams custom color match. Paint colors are by far the most-requested resource from the Garden & Grace community so I'll share the exact formula below.
2. Mix old and new pieces
We shared a post recently all about incorporating English antiques, and this room is more proof that mixing old and new pieces is the key to building character in a space.
3. layer in lighting
We've said it before, lighting plays an important role in communicating style and setting the mood. I was so honored to work with Pooky Lighting for this room! I went with a swing articulated floor lamp with a pleated shade in keeping with my traditional style.
4. Consider custom window treatments
I credit our custom window treatments for really giving our conversation room that tailored, clean look. I used a Thibaut fabric for the cornice boards and Schumacher for the drapes, in collaboration with my dear friend Laurin at Cambridge Row. The pop of color and pattern brings me so much joy every time I catch a glimpse of this treasured room.
5. Add Personal items
Beautifully framed photos, coffee table books and an orchid add so much personality to this room. They're easy to swap out each season, too, which helps keep this space feeling fresh and current.
6. Rugs Pull A Room Together
I worked with Cambridge Row and English Village Lane to design a custom rug that coordinates with my walls and window treatments. The topiary boarder we created is so special—and the perfect nod to Garden & Grace. It really helped this space feel even more cohesive and layered. You can actually buy my exact rug!
Want to see more of my personal home? My powder bath and our kids' bathroom are on the blog!
SHOP CONVERSATION ROOM ACCESSORIES
10 Classic Front Door Colors
Picking the perfect paint color for your front door is a tough choice—here are 10 designer-loved options.
Find the perfect shade of paint for your front door is a tough choice, but you can't go wrong with a black front door on a traditional white exterior, Interior designer Morgan Britt Howard tells Garden & Grace.
"However, lately I have been drawn to a tone on tone look," Morgan says. Start with a taupe like Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter for the exterior, and use Clary Sage by Sherwin Williams for a pop of tonal color.
If you're looking for more inspiration, here are eight other front door paint colors that are sure to give your curb appeal a boost.
Everything about this Isle of Hope estate we featured on the blog earlier this summer is a dream. But if there's one thing to copy in your own home, the front door is it. The front door (Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Grey) has a jewel-like hue to it, beautifully dressed in bespoke brass knobs by Wilmette Hardware.
The 2019 Southern Living Showhouse still inspires us five years later. The design team went with Sherwin-Williams' Blustery Sky for the antique front door—a preview of the old-meets-new charm to come.
Remember when Morgan told us you can't go wrong with a black front door? This home by Chauncy Boothby Interiors is all the proof you need. She used Farrow & Ball Pitch Black—a truly timeless choice.
Another tonal pairing, Cover Me in Ivy captured this Atlanta home with Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee Revere Pewter on the shutters and front door for a traditional look.
This deep, midnight blue (Farrow and Ball Hague Blue 30) is so sophisticated. I love how it reads nearly black in this lighting.
Farrow and Ball Vardo is a whimsical choice for bringing your front door to life—just as Kristina Phillips did here.
This sweet front door is painted in Benjamin Moore's Sugarcane. I love how it breaks up the white but still plays like a neutral here.
You may have seen this one on Garden & Grace before—we just can't get enough. The brick is painted in Benjamin Moore Natural Cream, the perfect backdrop for the Tarrytown Green front door.
The perfect way to accessorize your front door is with a tailored boxwood wreath and statement door knocker. Shop our favorite picks below!
Timeless Bathroom Designs Inspiring My Remodel
When my husband and I bought our 1965 home, we knew the bathrooms would need to be updated. The kid's bathrooms are original to the home! The sink height was much lower at that time so the sinks have been a great height for the kids but are way overdue for an update. See images below of the original red sinks.
It's time to give the bathrooms an update but I want to keep the style timeless and elegant. The primary bathroom will be more sophisticated but I would still like the kid's bathrooms to be timeless and something they can grow into. I've been studying bathroom tile, cabinets, layout and plumbing fixtures for a few weeks now and want to share what I've found.
Once the renovations are complete, I'll share the entire before and after process - the good, the bad and the ugly. For now, here are some bathrooms that are giving me ideas and inspiration for a fresh, yet traditional look.
Admittedly, these images are from Pinterest which can make it challenging to track down the original source. If you want to see more bathroom inspiration, click on over to my Pinterest page and tap "Follow" so you'll never miss a pin.
Before I jump into the kid's bathrooms, I want to share my vision and inspiration for the primary bathroom. Renovations will start after the kid's bathrooms are complete, but I've already started pulling together a plan and to say I'm excited is an understatement.
The above image caught my eye for a few reasons:
The basketweave flooring with marble edging
The thick crown molding ceiling trim
The standalone tub with a traditional silhouette
The beveled edge marble countertop (it's hard to see in this image but I've included others below)
The basketweave marble floor is seen here again in the shower floor. I will likely carry the floor tile into the shower floor so this is inspiration for all flooring in the primary bathroom. And these shower walls! I've found that one way to elevate and create a more traditional look in a shower is by adding a thin pencil liner trim in a shape that mirrors the shower wall. I love the way this one turned out.
And below are lots of little details that shouldn't be missed! The recessed shower niche is so important. We're considering adding a few to provide ample storage. The last image shows a closeup of the beveled edge marble, and I love the elongated faucet in the image too. We are going to use cross handle faucets but most faucets come with an option to do cross handle or lever handle style.
I saved this picture above because of the lighting and ceiling. Have you ever thought about whether there's a recess light in your shower? I hadn't! But now that I'm remodeling, it's something I'm thinking about for our shower and the kids bathrooms. If you pay attention at luxury hotels or resorts, you'll notice a recess light inside the standup shower and above the tub area. Depending on your space, you may only need a 4 inch recess light. Standard is 6 inches.
Notice how the ceiling is tiled? After talking with our contractor, I'm opting not to add tile to the ceiling but will be taking the tile all the way up to the ceiling. We'll be doing a shower head from the ceiling and a handheld shower system.
One of our big wishlist items for the primary bathroom is an enclosed toilet area or water closet. I love the trim work in this one and the toilet itself. I never thought I would care so much about a toilet until having to choose one for our own house.
I saved this image for a few reasons too!
The basketweave floor - again! I like seeing it in different spaces. This image helped confirm why I love it so much.
The built in shelving with trim work - it adds so much charm to the room.
The floor mounted tub filler with a handheld spray and cross knobs.
The overall look and feel is high-end, charming and elegant!
Let's talk about the kids bathrooms now! To be honest, there are some similarities in the primary bathroom and the kids bathrooms - I want a classic look in all of the bathrooms. The image above has been my guiding inspiration for 4 reasons:
The inset cabinets with nickel knobs.
The basketweave floor with a blue/grey background.
The subway tile shower wall which we will use in the shower wall and bathroom wall.
The framed mirror that elongates the space
I love the simplicity and timelessness of this bathroom faucet. Notice the cross handles again.
I saved the above image and the two below for the vanity style. We had the cabinets custom made since both bathrooms required unique measurements to fit the space. I also had some specific requests to make the bathrooms functional. In the boys bathroom the space was tight but I still wanted drawers.
This is what we ended up with, and I couldn't be happier!
The first one is the double sink bathroom that my daughter will use and the second is the boy's bathroom. Notice on the small vanity how a pullout trashcan was incorporated on the right pull out cabinet. Since the floor space is limited, I had that added so the room didn't feel crowded. Both vanities are painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove.
Check back for more updates! In the meantime check out more photos and videos of our 1965 family home in the "My Home" highlight on Instagram.
Commissioned Portrait: Where to Begin
Over the last few years, I’ve been asked about children’s portraits and if I had a source for them.
Truthfully, I didn’t -- until I met the ladies behind Portrait Associates. These kind-hearted moms have built a network of artists with varying styles, mediums and price points so that families can select an option that works best for them.
I sat down with them this summer to learn more about the process and see some of their portraits in-person. My husband and I would like to have portraits done of our three kids so I was partially asking questions to share helpful information with you all and partially asking for personal reasons!
I hope this blog leaves you feeling more educated and inspired to take the next step in capturing your loved ones in whatever season they are in. It will be a piece treasured and passed down for generations.
Okay, so now for some questions!
How do I commission a portrait?
To get started, reach out to a Portrait Associates representative (see the end for details), and they will guide you through the process, answer your questions and help you select the portrait artist that will work best for you. They will help you decide based on personal taste and style, budget and timing.
After I select an artist, what should I expect next?
The Portrait Associate representative (i.e., another mom who understands how big of a decision this is) will be in close contact with you as she makes the necessary arrangements to find a mutually convenient sitting date. The representative will then coordinate the travel arrangements for the artist and will serve as a mediator between you and the artist throughout the process. Prior to and during the sitting, your representative will help with any questions you have related to wardrobe, location, props, etc.
What should I expect at the sitting?
Once the artist arrives, the artist will meet you and your family, discuss any final details then will begin. During the sitting, the artist will take a number of photographs so that after the sitting you and the artist can sit down and review together to select the photos that best capture the look and personality of your child.
How long does a portrait commission take?
Depending on the artist, you can expect the portrait to be delivered within 6 months to 1 year.
These services are so helpful, but will it cost me more to go through Portrait Associates?
Actually, no! There is no additional cost to you and the price is the same as that offered by the artist if you were to contact the artist directly. It’s a service the artists pay for because it helps take out the coordinating and sales aspect of their job so they can do what they love best, paint!
How much does it cost to commission a portrait?
Something I (Crystal) personally liked about Portrait Associates is that they represent quality artists in a range of price points, and they were really open to working with me to find something that fit my budget. Depending on the size and medium, portraits start around $1,500. 40% is due 60 days prior to the sitting and the remaining balance is due upon delivery of the portrait.
For even more examples of portraits, visit the Portrait Associates website.
Click here for an exclusive home tour I did this summer with Portrait Associates featuring several beautiful portraits.
For specific questions and to get started on your own portrait, you can reach out to one of the following representatives listed below:
Charlotte, NC | Quinerly Cowden (qcowden@portraitassociates.com) and Elizabeth Pitts (epitts@portraitassociates.com)
Atlanta, GA | Bonnie Sugrue (bsugrue@portraitassociates.com)
Raleigh, NC | Sarah Wood (swood@portraitassociates.com) and Elizabeth Dixon (edixon@portraitassociates.com)
Greenville, SC | Kate Madden (kmadden@portraitassociates.com)
Greensboro, NC and Nashville, TN | Rebecca Sheaff (rsheaff@portraitassociates.com)
Charleston, SC | Mary McClean Vincent (mmvincent@portraitassociates.com)
Morehead City, NC | Katie McClintic (kmcclintic@portraitassociates.com)
Wilson, NC | Mary Clayton McGee (mcemcgee@portraitassociates.com)
For all other cities, please reach out to Elizabeth Pitts (epitts@portraitassociates.com) or Elizabeth Dixon (edixon@portraitassociates.com).