Tag Archives: decorating

tiny modern retreat in north georgia

Ellijay_facade

Jennifer Sams is a hunter by trade—an antiques hunter. It makes perfect sense that the owner of City Issue, one of Atlanta’s best sources of pristine midcentury furnishings, should wind down with her partner in a modern weekend cabin outfitted with Danish sconces, tulip chairs, and abstract paintings. Andrea and I spent a couple of days last October photographing, styling, and interviewing at the 500-square-foot cabin in the blue hills of Ellijay, Ga., and the article is finally out in Atlanta magazine’s HOME fall issue. Here’s a peek at the photography, including a couple of outtakes.

Ellijay_fireplace

Ellijay_living

Ellijay_dining

Ellijay_bedroom

Ellijay_telescope

pops of pastels in my bedroom makeover

master bedroom with gray bedding

As often happens with dramatic overhauls, my bedroom reboot started with one piece. Over the summer I had the succulent poster I co-designed with Leah Duncan framed to hang over my bedside table. Problem was, the color palette wasn’t jiving with anything else in the room. We were overdue for new bedding and accessories anyway, so I did a revamp using black, white, gray, and pops of yellow and turquoise.

Succulent poster designed by Finely Crafted and Leah Duncan

Below is my side of the bed. We already had the Heywood-Wakefield furniture and vintage ceramic lamp. I’d been wanting a tray so I can set down my earrings, ponytail holder, etc. before I hit the pillow. I styled it with a mini blush planter by Sea & Asters and brought over a Kostick bronze star sculpture from the living room. Geometric patterns to contrast with the botanical art were a must, so I chose a Pendleton wool lumbar pillow from Robin Cottage. The gray braided duvet cover and shams are from West Elm, and the yellow Sketch Grid pillowcases are Room Essentials from Target.

Modern bedside table

Below is Andrea’s turf. The two bedsides used to be mirror images, so I wanted to play with asymmetry by giving him an art cluster and a different lamp. The bird print is his own photograph, hung with gold gem magnets by Lynn Lunger (aka Una Odd). The Minerals print at top right is by Happy Red Fish, and The Last Summer is a painting reproduction by Kiki and Polly. The hanging planter is by ceramist Cathy Terepocki.

Modern bedside table with art cluster

Art cluster

Turquoise and black ceramic planter with succulents

see my revised vanity, an amazing navajo rug, and other photos after the jump

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my teak bar gets a new cluster

Lustron dining room, Joan Savo painting, Danish modern bar, Danish teak candleholders, McCoy starburst planter, Shawnee confetti vase, Russel Wright Iroquois carafe, Russel Wright creamer and sugar bowl

Decorating my Lustron is a never-ending project. I’ve been filling out and reimagining every prefabricated nook for nine years, so I thought it would be fun to share my ongoing adventures in thrifting. Lately I’ve been playing with clusters on top of my Danish bar cabinet in the dining room corner.

Danish teak candleholders, McCoy starburst planter, Shawnee confetti vase, Russel Wright Iroquois carafe, Russel Wright sugar bowl and creamer

The McCoy black and white planter from Etsy was the sole decoration for months. Then the Russel Wright carafe, sugar bowl, and creamer that lived on the dining table took refuge on the bar because they were often jostled when Andrea worked on his computer in the dining room. So I decided to make them a permanent fixture and add a couple of tall pieces to the mix. I chose Danish modern teak candleholders (another Etsy score) and an aqua confetti vase by Shawnee pottery, found at Broad Street Antique Mall in Chamblee.

Here are resources for you to find similar treasures of your own:

Teak candleholders by Bee Haven Home // Starburst McCoy planter from Mamabirds Vintage // Aqua Shawnee confetti vase from Modernware // Reissued Russel Wright beverageware from Bauer Pottery

my lustron in atomic ranch magazine

My Lustron living room in Atomic Ranch magazine

One of my favorite magazines, Atomic Ranch, has published photos of my Lustron living and dining rooms, along with my story on what it’s like to decorate this 1949 tiny, steel prefab. I’ve posted photos of my home here and here before, but the article features some new decor and where-to-buy info. Pick up issue #40 and let me know what you think.

Lustron dining room in Atomic Ranch magazine

my living room gets a neutral redo

In my inaugural post I shared photos of my Lustron and hinted that some changes were coming soon. Well, I tricked you. I used old pics of the living room, because my redecorating scheme was already under way, but not camera-ready. Now it’s time for the big reveal! I can’t say I’m “finished,” because I don’t think I’ll ever stop tweaking my favorite room, but I’m satisfied enough to invite you in.

living room

The best part about the makeover? More room for our tushies and dinner plates. After living with a loveseat and small ottoman for seven years, we finally have a full-size sofa and coffee table. I wanted an iconic chair, so I chose the spry Grasshopper lounger from Modernica. We got the sofa from DWR, the vintage tile table from Danish Modern L.A., and the wool rug from Verde Home. We already had the Heywood-Wakefield side tables. Sarah Lodato, founder of the Atlanta Institute of Stitches and Crafts, made the curtains.

We mixed in objects and art from Andrea’s grandparents’ farm, which was recently sold. Seen above, the blue bird, sock darners, and orange pitcher all belonged to Grammie. The succulent cushions are by PillowHappy.

I’ll show you three more photos after the jump.

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