Home Inspiration

all photos source: Country Living
Do you ever find yourself dreaming about a home you've never stepped into, never driven by, never seen in real life? The kind of home that's so special that no matter how much love you put into your own home's decor, it just doesn't quite get to the level of that home? For me, Monique and Keith Keegan own "that" home in Granville, Ohio.

Found on the pages of Country Living magazine and immediately into my soul, their home transformed my decorating style completely. I guess you could say I had an "aha! moment", ala Oprah, when I saw the first photo. It has been my inspiration, my goal ever since, to create a home as unique and comfortable as the Keegans'.










Due to the positive response from guests entering Stonehill (the name given to the home by the Keegans), Monique started her own design practice, Enjoy Co.
And don't get the impression the Keegan home was move-in ready when they purchased it. It was actually a labor of love and took three years to complete their vision. Read more about their journey here and here in Country Living magazine.

JUNKMARKET Style - Art & Architecture

Who: JUNKMARKET Style - Art & Architecture

What: An event beyond compare!

Where: Art & Architecture, 3338 University Avenue S.E., Minneapolis, MN

When: Thursday, May 6th - Sunday, May 9th (Mother's Day weekend)
(Charitable event Wednesday evening, May 5th)

You've seen her on HGTV and the Today show. You've read her books and contributions in a variety of printed publications. And you regularly log on to her unprecedented junking website, JUNKMARKET Style.
Now is the time to meet her!

Junking and styling expert, Sue Whitney has partnered with Jim Schmitt of Art & Architecture in his historic loft space, for a one-of-a-kind event that will be pleasing to all.

Here is what Sue had to say about it -
"It is with great pleasure that I announce the collaboration of Art & Architecture and JUNKMARKET Style in a retail affair of unrivaled quality. The inaugural sale of the dynamic duo is scheduled for May 6th, 2010 through May 9th, 2010. A charitable kick-off gala will be held on the evening of May 5th, 2010. Our goal is to provide uncommonly good vintage furnishings, stylish art and re-designed accessories for your home, finery for your garden, and many other embellishments to suit your fancy….all under one roof. In addition, classes will be available for those of you who want to be in the know. The event will be housed in the historic Art & Architecture building located at 3338 University Avenue S.E,, Minneapolis, Minnesota. A full floor of architectural salvage, an outdoor garden annex, an artist’s loft filled to the brim, and classrooms with character all await your arrival. There will be something for everyone…. from stuff in the rough for the do-it yourselfers to turnkey designs and everything in between. Mark your calendars now and stay tuned to JMS for details as they unfold. This is an event you will not want to miss!"

So join me, along with fellow JMS contributors, select local and nationally known artists and many other talented folks as we make our way through this fabulous arena. More details to follow.
Hope to see you there!

The Man On The Spoon

"If you believed, they put a man on the spoon...man on the spoooon."
Well, I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own two eyes! While loading the dishwasher last night I found this "man" looking back at me. (Make sure to click on each photo to enlarge.)
Sure, many folks will just see the remnants of my pot-of-coffee-a-day habit, but I see much more than that. Why on Monday, February 22nd, would my coffee stirring spoon reveal a face to me? "Why, oh, why??", she asks in a nervous, inquiring tone - looking up to the sky with arms stretched out above head.
Think it's possible Jerry Garcia is upset I was never one of his followers? Hmmmm.
R.I.P. Jerry.

$0.99 African Violets Never Looked So Good

"The flower that follows the sun does so even on cloudy days." - Robert Leighton
Who can resist a cheap little $.99 flower from the grocery store? As you can see, I cannot. After bringing home a fantastic jar from the thrift store recently, I thought it could be the perfect haven for the little white African violet.

I filled the jar with clearance polished stones from Home Depot, removed the white pretties from the ugly yellow plastic container from whence it came, and placed the floral configuration on top of the rock. Although I am uncertain how long my botanical beauty will survive, I will make darn sure my $0.99 investment lasts as long as it possibly can.
Check out the "C" jar, given to me by the lovely and talented Sue Whitney of JUNKMARKET Style. It is probably one of my favorite pieces.
Interested in time pieces? Kathy can direct you to where her clock stash is. I purchased this amazing face from her with a handful of other ticking treats last year. Trust me, her inventory does not disappoint!
Scrolly, creamy white metal thingies make anything look good, don't you think? These three stands were a thrift store find that I had plans to sell. Unfortunately I fell in love with them before they could get out the door.

So if you have an extra buck or two, I challenge you to make something pretty! And don't be surprised that something so simple and inexpensive can actually brighten your day!