The History of Modern ... Patrick Dragonette!

Are you ready for more Inspiration? 

Another Speaker from Design Camp that truly knocked my socks off (sandals ... did I mention it was 107° in Las Vegas?)

 Patrick Dragonette.  

While Patrick truly regaled us with his knowledge of all the past and present design icons ... he was so inspirational in his delivery.  You absolutely know, when listening, that this man is passionate about his love (and true KNOWLEDGE) of mid-century design!

And his inspiration seemed to be absolutely Billy Haines.

William Haines Designs carries on the Haines legacy by faithfully reissuing the original Haines furniture designs with great accuracy and penchant for this style known as Hollywood Glamour. Peter Schifando and J. Jonathan Joseph are extending the Haines aesthetic with painstaking accuracy and fulfilling the current demand for Hollywood Regency design. With an A-List clientele, which includes Nancy Reagan and Betsy Bloomingdale, it is only befitting that these iconic, classic designs from William Haines grace their homes.

Taken from the William Haines Design Web Page

While I don't think I would ever design a room completely in MCM ...  I do believe that just like any other era of design, bringing in a piece or two will make your space that much more fun and unique!  These are some of my favorite pieces from the Collection ... and they can work in ANY design style.

The Brentwood Chair

The Elbow Chair

The Pull-Up Chair

Dragonette is one of the country’s top resources for high-end mid 20th-century design and has made the works of William Haines a specialty and totally brought me down the rabbit hole with him after listening to him speak.

And of course Dragonette designs as well ... he studied theatre in New York before he turned his passion of antiques into a lifestyle ... and I love that you can feel the theatrics in his spaces.

The continuing theme from Design Camp ... Mix It Up and Do what you LOVE!

Making the World More Beautiful.  One Room at a Time. 

xo,

kim

MCM - Animal Style!

As many of y'all know ... the last few months I have been cleaning out my parent's home in Georgia.  I finally finished.  I considered each and every piece.  Do I like it? What memories do these pieces hold? Will I EVER use them?  Is it worth the money to move it all and put in my Attic? Don was with me, he tried to be delicate ... but even he rolled his eyes when I was considering the pale green floral cross stitch in gold frame.  But Frames Cost Money!!  Okay ... put it in the GoodWill pile.

I did bring home alot.  Most went to my Dad's new home but boxes are residing in our mudroom.  Until I figure out what to do with it all.  Now, you have to understand, as a person who LOVES to scour flea markets and antique shows.  I was sitting on my own Market!  

Then there was this ...

This Cheetah (hate to dispute OKL ... but this is NOT a leopard!) on One Kings Lane is not Mine.  But I have his twin.  My Mother and I gave this to my Father for his Birthday when I was 10 (I'll do the math for you ... it was 41 years ago!).

We were SO excited that we paid EXTRA to have it gift wrapped and when we got home, WE unwrapped it for him!!

It is now in his new home.  Just yesterday he called me and said "I've had to move the Cheetah".  "Why, Daddy?"  I asked.  "He's staring at me when I watch TV".

When I saw this on Beth's Pinterest Board I had to Smile! 

This Cheetah is like a real pet to our family.  And believe me, we have plenty of real ones ... he is special.  

I used to wonder how all these great things made it out to the flea markets ... who found them, who let go of them ... didn't they know what they had?  

Now I know.  Sometimes, you just have to Let Go.  And let the pieces bring happiness in a new home.  I let an unbelievable amount go.  Don't want to underestimate the people at the GoodWill of Cumming, Georgia, However, I don't think they have any idea that they are holding some pretty awesome treasures!!

Here's to Letting Go ... and not letting it stop the thrill of the HUNT!!

xo,

kim

Cool, Modern Interiors

Hi there! Iím Jessica, a writer for Arcadian Lighting. Every day I get to discover beautiful, inspiring interior design ideas and light fixtures, and then get to share them with lovely bloggers, like Kim. I'm delighted to be guest posting today because I'm going to be sharing a collection of cool, modern interiors. I hope you enjoy!

This impressive home is full of sleek, modern furniture in a relaxing beige tone. A pop of yellow and purple accents are a playful touch, as is the thoroughly modern hanging bubble chair.

Beautiful, colorful patterns are always good idea for a children's room. The built-in shelving around the window is also a very clever idea.

Modern designs are marked by simplicity and convenience. The smooth unadorned surfaces in this stylish dining room is broken up by the lovely vine details on the pendant light.

This clean minimal loft features plenty of circular designs, a popular motif in modern dÈcor. Bright red accents fit in with the light-hearted atmosphere of this open space.

The subway tiles and industrial appliances give this kitchen an urban modern feel. The sleek white Phillipe Stark swivel chairs and oversized pendant light are just plain cool, too.

This pristine bathroom is all about functionality. The mini Buddha statue gives a cool, zen feel to the room, while the ceiling light provides ample warm general lighting.

This sparse, yet rustic living and dining room is so modern and inviting. The cave art picture is a fun contrast.

Brilliant oranges and warm brown tones combine beautifully in this swanky modern living room. The exposed concrete walls and flooring gives the space a particularly industrial edge.†Images†1†|†2†|†3†|†4†|†5†|†6†|†7†|†8 Are you a fan of modern interiors? Be sure to stop by Arcadian Lighting for a wide selection of affordable modern lighting fixtures for your home!

While I don't normally "advertise" for a particular company,I wanted to share this with you. The photos Jessica is sharing here relate to my recent posts about Mid-Century Modern, and my love for the contemporary/rustic mix. I hope you enjoy the visuals and maybe you will find a new source for some fun and affordable lighting!

xo,

kim

Spring has me thinking about Bunny's ...

Designer Bunny Williams to be exact!

While I have been toying with Mid-Century Modern the past few weeks ... I have been doing some tweaking around my house.  That proverbial spring cleaning as they call it.  Opening the Windows, airing out rugs, bringing in the fresh air and just taking a moment to bring some MCM into my reality.

So I turned to Bunny ... one of my all time favorite designers ... and look who's been doing a little dance with MCM all along.  I knew I loved her!

The Red Chair

The Chair and Cocktail Table

So all you traditionalists ... heads up ... You can add just a piece or two of MCM and shake up your world!  In a really, really good way!

Thanks Bunny!

xo,

kim

MCM - Dick Van Dyke Style

My mind is still rummaging around in this whole Mid-Century Modern era ... and finding every time I see a piece I blurt out ... "This looks like the Dick van Dyke Living Room!" What about you???  But here's the other thing.  While I have never focused on this look ... it feels right, it feels warm.  I grew up here ... and when we grow up with something, whether it is in style or not ... it feels good.  MCM is comfort food for me.

Rachel Ray

This was the best shot I could find. This is from a Rachel Ray interview of  Dick Van Dyke in the original set of the show!  Look at the "wedge" sectional ... the lamp, the round wood two-tier coffee table and the little round pillows!  Of course, the ottoman that Mr. Van Dyke tripped over whenever he entered the room!

My MCM Re-Creation:

Wedge

But I would ditch the black accents ... and bring in glass and some brown

Lamp

Cocktail Table

Okay ... I changed up the table a little ... I like the texture here!

Then I would probably add some pillow accents like this ...

Pillows

And then place it all on top of a Sea Grass Rug

Rug

And then, just to bring it forward ... I'd layer this on top of the seagrass ...

Skin

This weekend ... celebrate your age ... MCM or not ... we are all "on trend!"

xo,

kim

MCM

One of my favorite "new" Mid-Century Modern Designers is Jonathan Adler ... hands down.

Last week I posted a photo of Don, circa 1968 and touched base on the new era of Mid-Century Modern. I am intrigued and want to explore it a little more.  Design, like Fashion, comes and goes ... nothing is really new anymore.  Just re-worked.  Here are some of my favorite NEW things:

And here's one of my favorite things to do.  Making it new again. The re-creation of this room.

All Images ... Jonathan Adler.  Something so old is new again and has a catchy label ... MCM!  Okay, I couldn't re-create the carpet.  I just can't go there!!

Here are a few shots of JA's store on Newbury Street in Boston ... very fun ... and will make you smile!

Here's to taking something old and making it new again!!

xo,

kim

Mid-Century Modern

It seems that Mid-Century Modern has become an overnight sensation.  I know this isn't true ... but the talk is up!  And here is another thing, as I have been studying up on this decorating period,  I have noticed all the familiarity ... then it hit me ... I am 50 ... I am not old, I am Mid-Century Modern!

This is Don (the one in the white shirt-circa 1968) as a young boy celebrating Christmas with his cousins!  Are you noticing the decor?  Look at the table, the lamp, the entryway, the shape of the sofas!

Here is a recent photo from Better Homes and Garden ... I've seen this coffee table before!

Really looking at this style, which I have never been a fan of, has inspired me to delve a little deeper.  And I am finding that there are pieces that I think are very "refreshing," if I can even use that term to describe something that is "so old"!  I hope you'll join me over the next few weeks as I discover how we can all feel at home with Mid-Century Modern!!

xo,

kim