Hello leopard print!

I absolutely adore leopard, cheetah and zebra prints. They are chic, timeless and stunning in a room.

I'm adding a little leopard to our dining room in the form of a tablecloth or table runner for an everyday look. I love the look of wood in a room, it adds warmth and a natural element. For those reasons, I'd like to do a runner. On the other hand, I have a two year old son who is posing to be a threat to our antique table. Considering that, I think I should protect the entire tabletop.    

I'm using Schumacher's Samburu chenille in khaki to have this creation made. 

The look of a runner with exposed wood.

The look of a tablecloth draped on the table. 

I'm dropping the textile off on Monday to have it sewn, which direction do you think I'll go? Which direction would you go?

For a little fun, pop over to Diane James Home to guess which front door belongs to which blogger, mine included!

Subtle holiday touches

There isn't anything overtly Christmas (aside our Christmas tree) in my holiday decor, but rather the feeling of a special time of the year. Using evergreens and white satin ribbon I added some holiday touches. I wrapped this evergreen in cream colored muslin (with the plastic dish to catch the water inside the muslin.)

Here I hung a simple wreath.

On the back of our kitchen chairs I made simple swags.

Paperwhites always signal Christmas to me. Sitting on our kitchen table we watch the daily progress. Wondering if they will bloom on Christmas? 

Seeing ribbon candy in a dish conjures up memories of being a little girl and it being Christmas.  

  What are some of the ways you've enhanced your home for Christmas? 

One big snowflake!

With winter in the air and snowboarding on my mind, I am smitten with this 31" beveled Aspen snowflake mirror by Bungalow 5. If only I had a ski house, this would look fabulous in a half-bath above the vanity or as a welcoming statement in a foyer. Given it's size and beveled touches it is sure to make a grand winter statement! 

Visit http://www.bunaglow5.com/ for assistance in finding a vendor near you. Would you add this touch of whimsical to your home if you had the perfect spot?

Pillow power

Pillows can add depth, life, chicness and appeal to a space. Here is an image of my living room before the addition of my new custom pillows. I scored the textile and had pillows made to enhance the space (if you sew, you can save a mint!) 

Now, look at what the neoclassical print does for the space? The addition of the pillows (on the sofa) plays off the chocolate suede chairs. I also scored the snakeskin textile and had them made into floor pillows.

  

  The neoclassical print.  

The snakeskin.

The ottoman upholstered in a Kravet textile, works well with snakeskin.  

I tend to gravitate towards neutral furnishings and then add life to the room with pillows, throws, lamps and side chairs. Are you a fan of using pillows to add personality to a space? Pillows have power, do you agree?

My new tote!

My new "tote" isn't actually a tote for me to tote around, but rather a Bunny Williams tote debris for my office. With unlacquered brass, pinched sides and open handles this stylish, dare I say, trash can...is fabulous!  

If you are interested in purchasing, please visit this link Bunny Williams BeeLine!

New blog design!

I wanted the expertise of Shari, a savvy graphic artist, to redesign my blog so that it more accurately represents Hamptontoes. Shari's blog is beautiful, professional and chic...much like her own characteristics. Shari worked endlessly on my blog design, tweaked it again and again, entertained my thoughts and ultimately pulled together a blog that represents "me." Welcome to the "new" Hamptontoes!

If you are thinking you'd like to spruce up your blog's appeal, I highly recommend Little Blue Deer to handle the task. She is a gem of a person, has an amazing eye and knows her business!

Holiday library

It's December 1st and time for our "holiday library" to make its appearance! Each year since our daughter's birth, we add to our holiday book collection and enjoy our "holiday library" the month of December.

What holiday traditions do you remember from growing up? What holiday traditions have you or will you create for your home? 

Happy Hanukkah to all of you celebrating the festival of lights!