So here's something you probably didn't know about me!  When I was a young adult, I got to pursue my (then) dream career in the horse business! I have loved horses and riding since my dad gave me riding lessons for my 12th birthday. (I think he later regretted that decision - horses are all consuming of your time and money!)  Needless to stay, I stuck with it and eventually became a riding instructor at my barn and then went on to get my own place to board horses & teach riding!

Flickr

Horses were my life and during this time (the late 80's), the Equestrian look was pretty big in Home Decor.  Naturally, I surrendered to this charming style!  Hunt scene pictures adorned my walls, needlepoint fox pillows were on my chairs and my worn out hunt boots had a spot right by the fireplace!

This was a very happy time in my life and although I am no longer doing anything with horses anymore, I still love them and have a soft spot for a horsey motif!  A word of warning, though - you can go too far with this look...

Best to create the look with classic finishes and a few well-placed accessories

Design duo's Badgley Mischika's Kentucky horse farm as seen in Elle Decor

Amanda Nisbett

Ralph Lauren

I adore horses as muse in art...

Etsy

Giddyup Studio via Etsy

Vizart through Etsy

Etsy

HGTV Green Home

And even today there are some sophisticated accessories that celebrate the noble horse...

From Horse and Hound

Pike Road Pillow Company (above and below)

Horse and Hound

Ralph Lauren

Now, if I could only capture the scent of  of a tackroom full of leather saddles...

Designing with Architectural Salvage

If you have read any of my blog posts over the past few months, you probably know I have renovated several historic homes over the past ten years. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to bring these rundown houses back to beautiful and useful homes!  Working up close and personal on historic homes gave me a real appreciation for the details that are so special and unique to older homes.  Decorating old houses is a real pleasure because the great architecture enhances whatever you put in the space!

Don't have an old house with great architectural details?  Don't despair - architectural salvage to the rescue! Here in Chattanooga we have a few great resources for finding salvage  - The Architectural Exchange and Estate of Confusion. Either place has a great selection of old mantels, clawfoot tubs, lighting fixtures, doors and hardware.


Here are some great ways to incorporate architectural salvage in your home - 

No working fireplace required!  This salvaged mantel is just propped against the wall in its gloriously timeworn finish!

I love a great antique chandelier!  (be sure to have the wiring check out by a professional!)

Gorgeous antique doors!

Architectural salvage as accessories....

But my favorite place for architectural salvage is in the bathroom ...

Wouldn't you love to start off your day in one of these bathrooms? (Even Monday morning wouldn't seem so bad!)

Wishing you a beautiful beginning to your week ...

Need help pulling your style together?  The Green Room Interiors can make your home a beautiful place to be!  Call Kim at 423.653.3186 or email thegreenroominteriors@gmail.com.

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TGIF

Yikes!  In my little corner of the world it has been rain and high humidity for a few weeks now which is making it tough to finish up some of my projects (sighs)...

I have decided not to let that get me down, so instead of the before/after furniture makeover post I had planned, I am switching gears and sharing some of my favorite inspiration photos.  

 Love the strong colors, feminine prints, and mix of non-related pieces.  It's stylish hot mess!

I have lots of shots of this favorite room by Christian May at Maison 21  I adore the framed chinoiserie panels and the nailhead detail on the side table.  That gold sconce is unexpected and fabulous!

I love how the classic architecture blends with the modern lighting.  All set off with the lovely colorful collection of prints. Heavenly!

I want this bedroom. A while back I did a post about using a chinoiserie screen as a headboard, but how great is this?  You get the cushy upholstered headboard and the drama of the chinoiserie panels flanking said headboard.  Perfection!

Doesn't this look like the room you stay in over Thanksgiving Holiday at your grandma's house?  And I mean that in a good way ... so cozy and comforting!




Hope your weekend is sunny!!








Need some help pulling your style together?  Kim and the Green Room Interiors can help you make your home a beautiful place to be!  Call 423.653.3186 or email thegreenroominteriors@gmail.com