The Red Shed Cottage Chic Antiques in Grapevine

We are very fortunate to live in Grapevine close to downtown Main street where there are so many wonderful boutiques for shopping.  I've recently been hearing the buzz in the air about the Red Shed Cottage.  I decided I needed to go and check it out myself yesterday after I met with a client that has a family room that is in need of some treasures.   I met with two of the owner's and LOVED every minute of it.  They are delightful and their cottage is amazing.

While I was there taking pictures for my blog, The Dallas Morning News was there interviewing them for an article that is coming out in the HOME section towards the end of October.  Be looking for this article it should be incredible.
The Red Shed Cottage is owned by 3 friends that decided to go into business together after one of the 3 friends went through a really hard struggle with cancer.  In the picture below you can see these three beautiful, creative woman - Michele Jones, Michele McKechnie, and Valarie Jolly.
They decided together that life was too short to waist away doing something called a JOB but went forward into something they ALL enjoyed.  That something is collecting shabby French chic style antiques and decorating with a creative edge.  You all know that is MY PASSION too so I totally related to Valarie as she was telling me their story!
The Red Shed next to the cottage filled with treasures.
They purchased a wonderful property in Grapevine just west of Main Street and have filled it with treasures that would give any home a distinctive, personal style.  Their cottage is filled with old textiles, garden ornaments, furniture, eclectic accessories that they have collected, painted and transformed into items that you would have a hard time finding  anywhere else.  Their style is "cottage chic" and can be mixed in with a variety of styles.  It's always a good design when old and new items are put together.  Interior Decorators from all over Dallas Fort Worth and from out of town wait at the door to see what the cottage has.
Twin bed layered with amazing vintage accessories.
Look at all those treasures on the mantel.
I'm going back to buy this mantel for my client.
As you can see the distressed paint techniques that they use have many layers of paint and look like they are antiques.  Some definitely are antiques but many pieces are painted to look weathered and old. 
Vintage mirrors add sparkle, light and space to a room.  They can fill bare spaces handsomely.
This mirror has a great distressed elegance.
Old doors as well as wrought iron gates are often used as a piece of art on the wall.  Sometimes used for headboards or on a staircase wall to fill up the open space and add interest and character.
Vintage dressing tables always add a lot of style.
End caps from a church pew.  These would make incredible shutters on a window or flanked on each side of a mirror.
I love the look of aged, distressed paint, like the subtly colored paint finish on many of the items throughout the cottage
This jewelry is hand made and very eclectic.  I want to go back and buy the necklace with the key on it since my slogan is "The key to your decorating needs"
Stunning grouping can be created with collectibles.  Displaying your finds in this way creates incredible interest and leaves room for imagination.
Imagine the history that belongs to these old pages.
You have to make the rounds in the cottage several times because you miss items the first time.
Wall sconces serve as a practical purpose in a decorative way.  Even if you have empty frames, they can be filled with mirrors or even hung on a wall with nothing in them.  These are awesome because of their shape and distressed texture.  If you've been to my house you know I have empty frames throughout.
If you are looking for a crystal chandelier to add sparkle to your room, their Red Shed has a collection to choose from.
This would be a great way to showcase your Christmas cards or family photo's from a trip you've all taken.  The twig photo tree.
This vignette sends any decorator into a frenzy because of the character and the opportunity to dig for a good find.
Remember that outside items can be used inside to create a whimsical vignette.  Fountains, finials, urns, columns, statues, wrought iron patio chairs, etc.
I have one of these columns in my living room.
I also added an old urn and turned it into a side table.  Mixing it up is what the Red Shed Cottage is all about too!
The Red Shed Cottage has it's doors open M-F 9-5.
There is a Saturday sale, six times a year
Don't miss the first one which is on October 31!
Every year they take a Paris trip that is open to whoever wants to go.  They also run a travel agency business so these ladies know how to do a trip in style.  They have all the right connections for this trip and will take you on a  flea market Shopping Extravaganza. 
I'm hoping to be in on that in April....We're going to Spain in November and plan to go over to Paris while we are there but digging for treasures is not really my families idea of fun!  I'd love to go with a bunch of ladies that have the same passion as me!
Visit the The Red Shed Cottage you won't be disappointed!  I've added their blog to my blog roll so you can keep updated on what's going on in their cottage along with me!

Master Bed/Bath Collages

Thought you'd like to see what I'm working on this month for a client in North Dallas. 

They both work really hard and wanted a retreat.  They requested that we keep the existing paint color on the wall and also use some of the art they have.  I've worked around that plan and look forward to seeing it all put together.  I'll post the reveal in November after we do the install.

Incorporated lots of different textures and shiny elements.

Don't you love the pebble bath mat!
Happy Decorating!

Velvet and Linen

I just discovered a new blog Velvet and Linen  and absolutely love her style.  Brooke Giannetti is a interior designer who works with her architect husband Steve. 
She just posted on her blog that they are being considered for a Reader's Choice Award.  One of their client's bedroom made it to the top 12 of the All the Best Bedroom Contest. 
Love the chandelier in the above picture!  Makes the room have a warmth about it.  When using cool colors, warm lighting can soften the room and that is what the chandelier and lamps do for this room.  The ambiance is created with correct lighting.  Even with the chandelier off, the mood lighting would be fantastic.  You know that "mood" is important in the master bedroom.
Notice how the lamp bases, pillow and ottoman all coordinate.  Using 3 objects in a room that work together makes for a good design.
Here the bedding is very crisp and has such an inviting feel. The textures and the shapes on the fabrics make this whimsical and interesting.  Texture is the most sensory element in a bedroom.  Brooke has made every surface pleasing to the touch and the eye; she has chosen luxurious fabrics, furniture, and finishes.  This room is peaceful and still.
Every master bedroom needs a reading spot so you can put your feet up!
Imagine the conversations that will go on here?  Creating a spot for a couple to spend time together is awesome and if used will make their life rich!
Love the simplicity and beautiful window details above the door.  This room welcomes the daylight!
No clutter here!
There is a poll set up here  to determine a Reader's Choice Award. If you like to vote for their bedroom design, Steve and Brooke would really appreciate it. I've casted my vote and there room truly is the BEST.
Thanks for supporting one of my favorite blogger's.
Ruthie

Budding Artist

My brother- in-law Eric Staalsen is an amazing artist. He has always been able to do incredible artwork from abstract to traditional.  He's actually a pool designer now but when he can he paints and draws in his spare time.
Recently, his daughter Trinity had a school project and had to do some research about Electric Guitar's. After her research, she had to give a report in front of the class. Eric is no ordinary dad, he decided that they could both make each child a mini sample of a Les Gibson Paul guitar.
Trinity is becoming quite the artist too and drew some of these herself.
I love to see parents who encourage kids that have an artistic flair. It's especially cool when a dad takes an interest in his daughter.   The time he spent with her during this project is priceless.  She will always remember this and I'm sure the kids in her class will too!

This is another project Eric did at their church in the kids area.
AMAZING!
I love to see budding artists that are being encouraged by an experienced artist.  Can't wait to see what God has in store for you Trinity!
Blessings,
Ruth

Call The Walls

Congratulations to Larry and Laurie Wall for 10 years in business! 

The Wall Team is one of the top producing and expert real estate teams in the nation, specializing in home sales in Colleyville, Grapevine, Southlake, Westlake, Bedford, Euless, Hurst, Keller and North Richland Hills, of the DFW Metroplex. They pride themselves on being the "neighborhood experts" for these areas.  They are!

Last night I stopped by their party to celebrate their 10 year anniversary in business and their beautiful new office in Colleyville.  What an amazing couple they are!  I met Larry and Laurie about 8 years ago.  I received their newsletter in the mail and could almost hear their voices as I read what they were all about.  So refreshing to see that a realtor team actually wanted to be a part of the community by their involvement as well as their committment to their clients.  They did this not because they had to but because they really do care about who is in their life.

If you are looking to sell your home or purchase one and need a realtor team that will be dedicated to you, listen to your needs and find you the perfect house, Call The Walls.  I know from experience that they are AMAZING.  The Wall Team sold us our previous home and the one we are in now.  We are so happy in this home!. 

In this economy you need the best of the best working for you.  Call The Walls you won't regret it.