Home Tour: Junior League Tour du Jour

Thursday, April 15, 2010


I had the pleasure of participating in the Junior League of Chattanooga's annual Tour du Jour kitchen tour on Saturday. When I got to the first tour home I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I could see the entire home, not just the kitchens!  It was a beautiful day and there seemed to be a good turnout for the event.  Regrettably, I didn't get to visit each of the 6 homes that were open for the tour.  I did visit three of the tour homes and took lots of photos to share with you!  What you will notice is that each of the three houses I photographed have distinctly different personalities.

Located in the Enclave, this is the first home I visited. Very grand and European in feel. It is my understanding that Dolores Wolfe did most of the interior design here with the exception of the master dressing room, bathroom and kitchen.

This is the view looking into the kitchen from the family room.  The stone floors are beautiful and are used in the family room and kitchen.



A view into the kitchen designed by Norcia Fine Cabinetry.  The granite countertops are an unusual mix of blue, green & brown.  Note that the blue was picked up again on the island cabinetry.

Lots of storage in these cabinets with lighted display space above.



Beautiful mosaic tile backsplash by Haskell Interiors



A view of the tablescape in the casual dining area.



Casual dining area with an amazing view of the Tennessee River



Wowza.  This is the infinity pool that is accessible from the great room.  Fabulous!



Formal dining space with polished marble floors and massive crystal chandelier.  I love the use of a round dining table here.



This is the formal living area with a sand and sky color palette.



A view of the fireplace with carved stone mantel. The photos cannot capture the grandeur of the space.



The main level master continues the sand & sky color story.



Exercise area off the master bedroom introduces more vibrant colors.



Master closet/dressing area.  This details and finishes in this space are to die for!



Up close view of the gold sink and plumbing fixtures.



Shoes and accessories openly displayed in glass cabinetry by Norcia Fine Cabinetry.  Again, the finishes in here are top drawer (no pun intended :)



Another view of the impeccably appointed master dressing room.



Master tub with chandelier and custom tile mosaic, by Haskell Interiors


Next stop was this kitchen next door



This contemporary kitchen was designed by Haskell Interiors..



This modern space feels warm because of the earthy tones in the wood and accents of red.



Great open glass shelving for modern display. 

The last house I visited was a North Chattanooga bungalow that had been completely redone. 


We started this tour at the back entrance.  New deck in dappled sunlight.




New kitchen designed by Against the Grain Custom Woodworks features shaker style white cabinetry, black granite countertops and black subway tile on the backsplash.  I like how they repeated the black on the island cabinetry, topped with warm wood.



Living spaces have been opened up.  This view is from the living room looking into the kitchen.



Black & white photography echoes the kitchen's colors.



Simply outfitted guest bedroom demonstrates "less is more" theory.



Bedroom has a Ralph Lauren feel. Pretty red accents pulled from the floral bedding.



OCD'ers dream closet! 



Had a tough time getting a good shot of the bathroom.  It uses the same granite and black & white tile.  Feels super fresh & clean!


Thanks for a great day of exploring some great design here in Chattanooga.  For more information about the Junior League, visit their website here.








Great Shopping - The Galleries at Southside

Friday, April 9, 2010

As part of my tireless commitment to bringing you all the best that Chattanooga has to offer, I found myself over at The Galleries at Southside earlier this week.  Have you been?  Probably so - and if you have shopped there once, you certainly made a return trip!  The Galleries is a conglomeration of small shops housed in a old brick warehouse on the re-emerging Southside of Chattanooga. Each one of these booths is its own destination.  You can find everything here from gifts, candles and artwork to fine antiques and furniture!  The entire lower level of the building hosts a consignment shop that sells gently used household furnishings mixed with some antiques and garden accessories. Also on the lower level is Virginia's Cafe, a great place to get some (freshly prepared) sustanance after a full day of power shopping!

The Galleries at Southside
1404 Cowart St.
Chattanooga, TN 
423.267.8101
Open Mon. - Sat., 10a - 5p



The Clay Pot has great garden inspired accessories



                                                     
Brick Path Studio has a showroom at the Galleries.  They make custom window treatments, slipcovers and all sorts of fabric fabulousness!


I'm a pushover for a sunburst mirror



These are samples of rugs you can get from Lola's.  Did I mention that I love stripes?


I love these spring colored pillows from the Clay Pot. So fresh!


Eat your popcorn in style from this blue & white porcelain bowl.


Caneback french bergere, complete with a great toile fabric!


This enormous linen press in a bleached wood finish would be the focal point of your Belgian inspired decor.  It would be right at home in any of the spaces below.








Happy shopping (keep it local!)

Shedding Some Light on Antique Fixtures

Monday, April 5, 2010

"I think of accents, especially chandeliers, as jewelry for the home." -                                                 Solange  Azuzury Partridge

It seems that lighting is often overlooked when rooms are planned and designed, but for me lighting is one of the most important elements to consider when designing a room!  Lighting is not only a utilitarian element in the room, it is also great opportunity to make a statement and create some drama! 

I love vintage lighting and I know first hand how a beautiful old light fixture can transform an entire room! I first became introduced to period light fixtures when I began restoring historic homes about ten years ago.  Yes, in an old bungalow or a turn of the century victorian these antique lighting fixtures are right at home, but they are beautiful (and unexpected) in a newer home as well. Imagine the contrast of a crusty old light fixture in a modern, airy loft space - wow!

Love the idea of using vintage lighting fixtures but not sure where to find them?  Luckily, there are some great local shops that can help!  My picks for vintage lighting are:

1.  High Point Antiques - 3524 Broad St. 756-9566
2.  Estate of Confusion 301 E. Main St. 266-7846
3.  Architectural Exchange - 1300 McCallie Ave. 697-1243
4.  Ebay (Look in Antiques, Architectural & Garden and Collectibles, Lighting)
5.  Chattanooga Auction House 2423 Broad St. 266-6603
6.  Let Us Light Your World,  5110 Hixson Pike  877-8535 (they don't sell antique fixtures, but they can rewire your flea market and ebay finds for you )

Beautiful old pendant lights with milk glass shades illuminate my kitchen island. (Sorry the photo isn't "styled", this photo was taken as construction was nearing completion )


 Old pagoda chandelier adds a touch of chinoiserie style to the guest bedroom!


Beautiful gold leaf candle sconces




Love this empire crystal chandelier in a previous project




Antique brass sconces and chandelier in the master bath



New fixtures in a vintage style from Rejuvenation.  Looks like jadite.


Beautiful Rejuvenation lanterns illuminate a sparse, collected dining room







Love these simple vintage fixtures in Kathryn Ireland's kitchen (House Beautiful)


Old Empire style crystal chandelier, antique brass wall sconces and crystal candelabras make a set a formal tone in this dining room


Image from Baker, old French chandelier is a standout in this modern setting


Won't find this fixture at Home Depot!


Yes, you can paint an old chandelier in fresh, modern color.  Love this!



Seeing the light?