SMITTEN BY: STACKED FIREWOOD

I apologize in advance for ruining your last days of summer with a mention of stacked firewood, but I just can't help myself. At this very moment, the look on your face is probably the same look the Home Depot associate gave me when I asked for 12 bundles of firewood in the midst of 90 degree heat. Luckily they had a pallet stored in a shed and sold them to me for $1.00 per bundle! Nice!

I used the wood to fill my clients' unused fireplace as a part of an ongoing design project. Hopefully, I'll soon have more photos to share with you. Here's a progress shot below. She has two little ones that couldn't wait to cover themselves in the soot left by the previous homeowners [see inset] so I had to act fast. I absolutely love the results.

via Erika Ward Interiors

Unfortunately, I have a gas fireplace that doesn't require real wood so I won't be able to do something like this in my own home. The stacked wood has such a sculptural quality and the price can't be beat.

via House to Home

via Darryl Carter / Elle Decor

If you actually plan to use your fireplace for a purpose other than storing wood, the option below would be a better fit.

via houzz.com

via Kay Douglass / House Beautiful

via Joanna Goddard

SMITTEN BY: WARM GRAY + BRASS

This room continues to haunt me.

via Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazine 

Every since that cold winter's day in Atlanta when I toured the AH&L Magazine's Christmas House this room designed by Amy D. Morris Interiors has haunted me. The gray walls, combined with warm woods, and brass accents had me wanting to slip under the covers and pull the curtains. I wanted so badly to paint my master bedroom this color, but my husband was turned off by the idea of painting our room any shade of gray. So I did the next best thing...I painted the guest room the exact same color (Sherwin Williams / Amazing Gray SW7044 ).  And of course he loves it.  Go figure.

Because I encourage my clients to take a closer look at what they have around the house before shopping for new items, I decided to practice what I preach. It surely worked for my sons' room as well as my daughter's room. I'm slowly pulling the room together with items I already own and can't wait to show you the final results!

Don't you just adore this space?

SMITTEN BY "DESIGNER" JEWELRY

If there is one thing I fall hard for it has to be unique, handcrafted jewelry. Because jewelry is so personal, I believe it can reveal a lot about the individual and their lifestyle. I came across The Work Chair necklace (below) by Montreal-based Bruxe Design while flipping through the August 2010 issue of Canadian House and Home. I went on to search for more like this and happened upon Australian based jeweler, Oye Modern...and that's when I fell in love with these...

The i Heart, The Pencil Shaving, and Saved You a Seat necklaces are handcrafted by Victoria Mason who finds inspiration in everyday household objects.  Clearly, any of these are worth a PDA (public display of affection). What a great way to showcase your passion for design!  
Which of these would you wear?

P.S. Click here to enter to win my CSN Stores Summer Giveaway! Contest ends 7/15.

SMITTEN BY ROCHE BOBOIS

From the time I was introduced to the French language and culture, I've had a natural affection for everything French or French-inspired. One of my absolute favorite French furniture designers is Roche Bobois. Beautiful and environmental conscious, their customizable furniture is divided into three collections: LES CONTEMPORAINS (vibrant, avant garde pieces), LES PROVINCIALES (furniture influenced by exotic destinations), and LES VOYAGES (french inspired furniture adapted to today's lifestyle).



I could just get lost in the tones and textures of this serene bedroom. Leather headboard, woven furnishings, plush wool rug, and I'd be willing to bet the bedding is made from the softest merino wool.

Clearly, I am a chair fanatic. How beautiful is this silver painted Louis XVI armchair? I'm daydreaming of replicating this finish by utilizing a silver leafing technique. I spy burlap curtains. Do you? Get a closer look on their website.

Chillax: To loosen or reduce the level of stress by employing a more calm and less intense demeanor. What better place can you think of to kick back and unwind with food, wine, and your closest friends?
Warm weather combined with a swanky pool and an awesome view, a poolside bed could only be the icing on the cake. This may be as good as it gets! Wouldn't you agree?

Smitten by...Barrel Shade Chandeliers

"When you know what you want, and want it bad enough, you will find a way to get." - Jim Rohn

I'm usually not one for trends, but every now and then I will be totally captivated by the latest craze. My newest design crush...barrel shade chandeliers. It was love at first sight, or as my cousin would say "I had to clutch my pearls!" The perfect marriage of contemporary and traditional design, these beauties can blow a modest budget in a New York minute.

To obtain the high style you desire, you need to have the TIME or the MONEY. Since right now most of us have more of the former than the latter, click here view instructions on creating a barrel shade chandelier as seen in the image below.

I saw an amazing shade this past weekend (similar to the above) in the wine cellar of the Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle's Christmas House. I was so tempted to take a picture with my camera phone, but unfortunately photos were not allowed. Extremely disappointed, I searched for something to bring to you as a souvenir. AH&L did provide guests with a list of paint colors and techniques used in the show home. The image is a bit fuzzy, but if you are interested in receiving a clear copy, just email a request to: erika{at}blulabelbungalow{dot}com
*Just in case you are wondering, when you spell your entire email address it decreases the amount of spam emails to your inbox!