Eye on Art Series - Meagan Vucovich

This is my second installment of "Eye on Art."  For those not familiar with this series, this is where I focus on local artists who have amazing talent and are up and coming in the art world.  Well, today, you are in for a total treat!!!  The stunning work of . . .

Meagan Vucovich

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I recently met Meagan at a wine tasting for my husband's firm and thought she was so cute and interesting. Then, I came home and checked out her website and was equally impressed with her work! 

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Meagan grew up in Montgomery, Alabama and eventually made her way to Birmingham where she lives and works.  Art must be in Meagan's genes since her Mother is also an accomplished artist.

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Her favorite art is pet portraits and abstracts (which are my favorite).  But the fact that she does both really well shows her true range of ability.

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She also loves teaching and has taught sips and strokes for the junior patrons at the museum here in Birmingham and is in the process of organizing art classes for children.  

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If you would like more information on Meagan and her work, check out her website or Facebook page (here's a little tip, she sometimes hosts giveaways on her Facebook page, so you need to become a friend!).

How's everybody's summer so far?!  I, for one, could use a nap . . .  Maybe I can squeeze one in this weekend.   M.

Beautiful and creative ways to display art and objects

I never feel like a room is finished until I have hung all the artwork that I have planned for the space.  I even like to hang 3D objects, like musical instruments, objects found in nature, and travel momentos.  It helps that you can find frames for almost anything these days; shadow box frames, digital frames, puzzle frames, memorabilia frames, etc.

It's not always so easy to decide how to arrange these items in their respective frames, or how to arrange the frames on the wall.  Here are some ideas for displaying and framing various art and objects.

Ledges, as seen in the two images above, are probably the least expensive and require the least commitment.  When thoughtfully arranged with your objects are art, they can be really special.

On the left hand side of this image you can see some 3-D objects nicely composed with some traditionally framed art.  If the objects were just floating in a space on their own they would not look like art, but more like an after though.

Trouser hangers are a cool way to hang items that you may want to change out frequently.  If you have a fabric fetish, you could even have your latest fabric purchases on display.

 If you have many objects that fit into one theme, like wine, coordinating display frames and shelving may be the easiest way to fit your needs.

 Bottles are a cute way to display sand, shells, or pebbles
Above via Apartment Therapy

Antique intaglios are framed and displayed above the bed here, but it's also a pretty way to display coins or sentimental but never-worn jewelry.

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These memorabilia frames/boxes are just amazing. Click on each image for a larger view
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Fresh and beautiful bathrooms for summertime

In the winter, my bathroom is where I go to enjoy a long hot bath after being out in the cold. In the summer, the bathroom is where I go for a cool, refreshing shower after a hot sticky day.

To create a cool retreat, it helps to keep your summer bathroom as clutter free as possible.  Keep  reflective surfaces clean, as well as and lighting fixtures (Make sure they all have working bulbs, as well).  Since there are more hours of daylight in the summer, it is especially important to keep lighting bright and as close to outdoor light as possible.

Keep colors bright and cheery, or choose simple, crisp whites.

Update anything scented in your bathroom from spicy or musky to light scents, either floral or clean.  Heat activates scent, so you don't want to overdo it.

1., 2., 3. via BHG, 4., 5. Traditional Home

Only 1 DAY left to enter the giveaway for this amazing memo board!

Go to this post to enter the giveaway!  The giveaway closes Thursday 21st at 6 PM EST.

My tiny balcony, in honor of the first day of summer!

I love hot, hot heat, which is one of the many reasons I love summer. Summer came in with a bang today here in Maryland, at a therapeutic 96 degrees. Whether you love heat or not, having a beautiful outdoor space is a great way to spend more time outside. A great way to make it more inviting is through items you'd usually only use indoors, such as pillows, curtains, and rugs.

My little balcony is nothing too special, at only 13 x 5 ft, and with some cheap plastic furnishing. However, we have dressed it up with some handmade flower boxes containing geraniums and sweet potato vines, and several succulents.

I was also lucky enough to receive a pair of gorgeous indoor/outdoor pillows to review. The pillows are from Pillow Perfect, and I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the outdoor fabric was. I was expecting it to be stiff and rough, but you can't tell that they are any different than indoor pillows.

My balcony and the pillows are seen below

This set are the pillows I have.  The colors of the photograph above, which is from the Pillow Perfect website, are much more accurate than my photos.  I am in dire need of a new camera, as mine makes the pillows look more green than they really are.


Other than INCREDIBLE prices, Pillow Perfect offers pillows and cushions in some of the best, on-trend designer fabrics, such as Thomas Paul.

If your outdoor space is in need of some beautifying, Pillow Perfect has a great selection as really good prices.

 How have you made your outdoor space a beautiful, comfortable extension of your home?

 disclosure*: I received pillows from Pillow Perfect as a sample

Design Perspective - Ashely Goforth Design

I recently had a local interior designer (who shall remain anonymous) ask me why I feature other interior designers on my blog.  "Aren't you highlighting their work and sending potential clients to them?"

  After a moment of awkward silence, I stated the obvious - There are tons of talented interior designers out there, and you can gain lots of inspiration from their work.  Even the smallest of details can be interpreted in your own space with stunning results.  So, if any of you are wondering why I feature other designers - The goal is to give you something to think about!  Some inspiration that hopefully can be used in your own space!  So, with that . . . here's my favorite new interior designer . . .

Ashley Goforth

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Based on what I've read about Ashley, she has always had an amazing eye for interior design and enjoyed various interior design related projects for her entire adult life.  Here is just a small taste of her work.  

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This makes me miss the 1980's wall of mirrors I removed from the living room in my previous house (and I NEVER thought I would ever say that!).  Also, I'm working with a client as we speak who still has them in her dining room - so here's a bit of inspiration for that project! 

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A different angle of the same space.  I love layering a mirror on the wall of mirrors and how the abstract artwork reflects off the mirror to look like a pair.  Quite fabulous.

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This is the other side of the same room with the mirrored wall (if you go back up you can see the TV in the reflection of the mirror).  Initially, I thought this was a formal living room, but it's not.  Instead, it's a beautiful family room.  Love the abstracts with the portrait lights flanking the TV.  You know it's difficult at times to make a TV wall look interesting.  Also, love the idea of incorporating some greenery into the space with the over scaled planters on either side of the mirrored console (which is a nice repeater of the mirrored wall).

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This soothing image just makes me stop dead in my tracks.  I love everything about it.  The artwork, the painted brick, the chairs, the styling.  Love. It. All.

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What a nice change from white marble on marble.  The black accents really speak to me - not to mention the large wall of windows.

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OK, I love this image.  Did you notice the knee brackets in the dark stain finish - gives the feeling of rustic beams but for a fraction of the price.  Such a simple addition to the space, but adds so much architectural interest.  Very clever.

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Another view of the same kitchen.

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You would not believe how many deer mounts I work with in the rooms I design!  This space is such a refreshing modern take.  By limiting the artwork to only the mount, then adding the rich wall color, she has created a very modern sleek space.    Oh so good.

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Adore the tub and shower placement in this master bathroom.  Really great.

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Question - would you trust your decorator if she suggested a black wallpaper in your powder room?  Talk about some major drama!  The contrast of the wallpaper and the marble surround is a total WOW for me.

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Here are a few examples of offices.  I must say, Ashley's paint choices are what really make these spaces go from a "just ok" to "totally fab."  Love this color (notice she painted the crown molding the same color but left the windows a lighter trim color.

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Another great paint choice, with the distressed wood built ins and the beams - oh so yummy!

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If you would like to see more of Ashley's work, check out her website!  Hope you're week is off to a great start.  M.  

Simple but lovely living rooms

Love this living room.  So unassuming and simple, but still pretty.

A mid-century modern living room in an unusual palette.

A neutral scheme with organic decor is always relaxing

I've never had a white wood floor, but I'm always drawn to them, so I'll have to make sure I have one one day.

1. Interiors Porn, 2. Lonny, 3. Ideal Home, 4.Country Living, 5. Covet Garden