Margaret Long Design Blog

McGuire has a new 16 piece furniture collection by Barbara Barry introduced March of this year.  The furniture is simple and sophisticated that is characteristic of Miss Barry’s style.  

It’s hard to imagine when planes did not rule the air and cars were the minority to a horse and carriage on the road for traveling.  During those more basic times of travel, a trunk was the desirable choice for storing clothing, books and other personal items.  The image just popped into my head of the glamorous guests arriving by train to the Biltmore House, footmen in toe, hauling those fantastic trunks behind.  Ah…What a life!

Anyway, I have seen a huge surge in trunks as coffee tables, side tables and even as nightstands.  I think it is a very clever way to add texture and a handsome flair to a room.   See below:

Find vintage Louis Vuitton Trunks http://www.brettunsvillage.com/trunks/links.html

Above photo From the Pottery Barn www.potterybarn.com

For years I have been literally obsessed with this mirror.  A masterpiece from the Thomas Pheasant collection for Baker furniture this shimmering beauty adds the breathtaking touch in any home.  My love has never faltered away from the gorgeous tiny little round mirrors and convex mirror that are framed in a soft antique gold. Someday I hope that the obsession will be mine!

For those of you who don’t know who Kelley Wearstler is, I must make an introduction.  I know she looks like a super model but this blond beauty is really a creative and talented designer. 

I first found Kelley Wearstler’s designs shopping for fabric in ADAC a few years ago.  I think that her fabric is some of the freshest on the market, filled with bold graphic pattern.  See below:

So what’s the Buzz about? Kelly’s new adventure takes her love of patteren and transforms her designs into a new line of linens with Sferra.  These fabulous textiles for your bedding and table are available to transform your home into the modern glamour that Kelley is known for.   

http://www.kellywearstlerforsferra.com

Get the look of the beautiful Hoke “Nike” house.

A clip from the movie of Edwards’s bedroom.  I love the wall to wall glass.

Most of you that know me are aware that I adore the Twilight series written by Stephenie Meyer http://www.stepheniemeyer.com and equally as crazy about the movie www.twilightthemovie.com. 

Besides the obvious visual candy Robert Pattinson as Edward in the movie, I found myself drooling over the magnificent house that was Vampires lived in.  AKA: The Nike House. 

This stunning beauty, located in Oregon, is one of the most impressive displays of Modern Architecture blended with Nature.  Totally makes me think of Frank Lloyd Wright.

All white and wonderful!

Becoming one with Nature and sharing it with your neighbors as you shower.

Architect: www.skylabarchitecture.com

Builder:  www.jmetcalfconstruction.com

One of my favorite colors, yellow, is making a huge statement this spring in home interiors.   Maybe it’s the dreary economy and constant bad news that cause people to want to brighten things with a little sunshine, cheery yellow in their homes.  Whatever the reason, yellow is going to be huge!

I know, I know, this is not a book club blog but I found this book to be so influential in my day to day business dealings I wanted to share it with you.  WARNING: It will seriously make you tear up but it’s totally worth it!  The foundation of the book centers on “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” which Randy Pausch (Author) gives humors examples of how he has accomplished his.  This is a must read for 2009 and great for anyone owning their own business!

Click to order The Last Lecture!

As the 2009 rolls forward I keep working on my New Year’s Resolution, one of which is to keeping my desk clean.  Ok, well I am still working on it but, as tribute to my goal I thought I would post a few inspirational photos of homes that are organized and well kept.

Um… Not only is the closet beautiful, did you check out the hand bag?  Hello Grace Kelly!

Ahhh…… New York City during Christmas!  I have to ask:  Can there be anything more beautiful?  Ok, it is brutally cold, but if you can manage to keep from freezing, New York is the most magical place for Christmas.  I have to admit before I left Atlanta I was feeling a little bah-humbug about Christmas in general. Maybe it’s all the talk of the down economy, or the fact that I still had my pumpkins on my front porch, but I needed a serious attitude adjustment to boost my holiday spirit level. Below are some of my photo’s.

Well, after my trip, I woke up with a vengeance, trashed my pumpkins, put a wreath on the door (thanks to Aunt Henrietta) and started blasting Christmas songs in my car.  Finally, I am in the Christmas spirit!