{working with wood paneling}

{dining room designed by jeffrey bilhuber}

Wood paneling is one of those design elements that has swung in and out of favor throughout the decades. In this day in age, the pendulum has swung away in favor of lighter, painted interiors. Paneled rooms today are often considered stuffy, dark, and heavy. When we moved into our new home, we inherited a large, dark paneled family room. My initial plan was to paint it right away but as often is the case, time and budgetary restraints have delayed if not halted my original plans. For the time being I am embracing the space's stately English feel and am trying to decorate accordingly. In search of inspiration, I gathered images of paneled rooms that I appreciate. When done correctly and when fine wood is used, paneled rooms can be quite dashing.

Above is a beautiful pine paneled room by Rose Tarlow. The antique gold mirror and the modern art inset in the wood panels on either side of the fireplace add dimension while keeping the overall feel serene.

Design legend David Hicks adds an unexpected twist to a paneled room by painting the insides of the bookshelves white. I also love the Venetian mirror, black leather and pop of yellow on the chairs. Hick's never fails to keep things interesting!

I found several inspiring paneled rooms deigned by Jeffrey Bilhuber. He, like Hicks, uses bright colors to liven up dark, womb-like wood paneled rooms. In the above image, the wicker and light floral fabric are unexpected and lively additions to a dark room.

This dining room, from Bilhuber's own home is stunning because of the combination of beautiful paneling with a vibrant cornflower blue fabric on the chairs. The room does not feel the least bit stuffy or heavy.

Lisa Jackson's Upper East Side apartment's dark wood paneled dining room makes such a statement with solid off white dining chairs and an off white rug.

Mary McDonald's Beverly Hills home is filled with beautiful paneling that is original to the 1920s house. When McDonald purchased the home it had dark mahogany paneling (see above) which she accentuated with her trademark chinoiserie accents. After a complete renovation, the paneling remained but the stain was lightened to co-ordinate with warm orange tones that she used throughout the updated space.

{images: 1- via cote de texas, 2- unknown, 3- via peak of chic, 4, 5 - via vogue, 6- via elle decor style and substance, 7- via peak of chic, 8- via veranda}

{last minute fyi: style chronicle sale}

Some friends and I have decided to have a last minute sale this weekend. If you are in the Nashville area be sure to stop by 4420 Warner Place (37205) anytime between 9-12. There are lots of fabulous goodies for sale including antiques, home accessories and yards and yards of designer fabric. Hope to see you there!

{bragging rights}

I am so excited to write this post. My friend Kayce's house has been featured in this month's Country Living! She was one of my first friends when I moved to Nashville and she has been a dear and faithful one ever since. Most people are amazed that she runs a successful children's clothing business and is a mother to seven kids, but if you met her what you would be most impressed with is her casual grace and unassuming self confidence.

Kayce is not only my friend but as of a few months ago she also became my neighbor. Our new home is down and across the street from this stylish abode. I can't tell you how many times my children have pattered down her charming halls.

She has style that money can't buy and she knows how to pull it all together on a dime. A former designer for Ralph Lauren, her style is certainly classic, rooted in English tradition, but she always mixes it up with something unexpected and modern. Be sure to pick up a copy of this month's Country Living to see the full spread for yourself. I promise you will be inspired. I couldn't be prouder, can you tell?

Kayce's husband Scott built this charming playhouse himself. It even has bunks for sleeping!

With seven children, sharing rooms is a must!

The grid of pear drawings on the wall? Kayce drew them all.

Framed pages from a vintage Babar book with chairs she found at a thrift store.

One of Kayce's favorite hobbies is collecting shells while on vacation in the Carribean. I have "shelled" with her, and she is serious about her search! This breakfront in the dining room houses all of her ocean treasures.

A fun modern space in the basement where the kids can do homework or just hang out.

Who looks like this after seven kids? And the seagrass covered hallways, divine!!

{outdoor living}

The warm, sunshiny weather we have been experience has put a spring in my step and a smile on my face. After a long, cold winter inside, my children and I are enjoying the afternoon hours playing in the yard. During these temperate days, I long to have a lovely outdoor living space. Something covered would be nice, but not necessary. A fireplace for cold evenings would more than suite me. Comfortable seating, preferably wicker, from here would be dreamy. Oh, and a separate dining space for outdoor meals would be quite convenient. Can I get a pool with that too? Dream on with me...

{images: 1- via house beautiful, 2- 5 - via house beautiful, 6- via phoebe howard, 7- via house and garden, 8- via peak of chic, 9- via domino magazine, 10 and 11via elle decor, 12- via vogue living, 13- via habitually chic, 14- bunny williams conservatory, source unknown}

{stripe me sideways}

If you haven't noticed yet, I am a big fan of stripes. They are handsome, timeless and add a dramatic punch to an interior. Since I don't often gravitate towards florals, I often turn to stripes to add depth, interest and texture to a room. Lately, I have been taking note of rooms with horizontal stripes. Vertical stripes are much more traditional and tailored. Rooms with vertical stripes tend to look elongated and tall, so for spaces with lower ceilings, they are best. Horizontal stripes, on the other hand, gives a space a more relaxed and casual air and are often associated with more contemporary or transitional interiors. Horizontal stripes make a space feel open and wide so they are great to use in narrow hallways and small rooms.

One can see how small narrow spaces benefit greatly from the use of horizontal stripes, in the picture of the butler's pantry above and the entry hall below. In the top image, Paula Caravelli uses a bold chocolate and off white stripe to tie her butler's pantry into her contemporary, dark brown dining room.

This hall would feel claustrophobic without the horizontally striped Osborne and Little wallpaper. I love the juxtaposition of the more contemporary wallpaper with the traditional antique furniture.

Sara Gilbane opens up this small entry way with a single horizontal stripe using a custom embroidered Holland and Sherry Fabric. It's simply gorgeous!

The bold striped walls take center stage in this contemporary beach house living room designed by Mary McDonald.

Miled Redd uses horizontal stripes in this more subtle seaside living room. The stripes serve to widen the small sitting are and bring a contemporary, nautical feel to the space.

I came across this fabulous water-stained blue striped Larsen wallpaper on a recent trip to ADAC. It would make a gorgeous, modern statement in a small powder room.

This cozy but quite formal sitting area can be found in the famous London antique store, Guinevere. I included this image to show that horizontal stripes can be used beautifully in a traditional manner as well.

This entryway, by Amanda Nisbet, is simple yet stunning. Without the horizontal stripes the space would fall flat.

So tell me are you a fan? Is there a nook in your home that is calling to be striped sideways?

{images: 1- via elle decor photographed by simon upton; 2- via house to home uk; 3- via sara gilbane interiors; 4- via hygge nook; 5- via alicia b.designs 6- author's own; 7- via all the best; 8- via la dolce vita}

{don't pinch me}

I'm wearing green today. Happy St. Patrick's Day!!