A Holiday Decorating Inspiration

Creative Home Magazine / Photographer - Michael Partenio

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

Over the years my holiday décor has incorporated an ever increasing amount of natural elements. I have traded in much of the red and gold for a more subtle palette of white and silver. This transformation began about four years ago when I discovered the article shown below.

Creative Home Magazine / Photographer - Michael Partenio

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

The story which appeared in the no-longer-existing Creative Home Magazine featured the home of designer and friend Elizabeth Tanny.

Creative Home Magazine / Photographer - Michael Partenio

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications 

Her mantle with its fresh wreath hanging from a vintage garden gate set me on my own quest for a gate – which I finally found last year!

Creative Home Magazine / Photographer - Michael Partenio

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications 

I fell in love with the way her holiday decorations were incorporated into the existing décor of her house. She did not simply set out more stuff.

Creative Home Magazine / Photographer - Michael Partenio

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications 

Instead, she swapped her usual all white throw pillows for ones of green and brown. She also replaced white ironstone with presents covered in coordinating wrapping paper

Creative Home Magazine / Photographer - Michael Partenio

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

Her use of fresh flowers makes it a simple transition from holiday decorating to beautiful winter décor.

Creative Home Magazine / Photographer - Michael Partenio

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications 

As you can see, Elizabeth’s holiday decorating style has definitely stood the test of time. Her décor looks as fresh today as it did four years ago and has inspired many of the decorating choices I have made in my own home.

Creative Home Magazine / Photographer - Michael Partenio

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications 

Have you ever been inspired by a magazine article or friend for your holiday décor? I would love to hear where your ideas/inspiration comes from!

A Simple Mudroom

We are all so used to seeing incredible before and after pictures, I think sometimes we lose sight of the fact that for most of us simple solutions are the norm. Most people can not afford to completely redo a room from top to bottom like we see in so many magazines. We can, however, make small changes which lead to big improvements in how our own family functions from day to day. Designer Elizabeth Tanny of etanny design recently completed just such a project - a simple mudroom makeover.

Her client’s house lacked an organized space for coats, back packs, gloves and hats, mail, etc. Elizabeth’s goal for this project was to meet the functional needs of the family while introducing a stylish entrance to the house for their family and friends.

To complete this project, the laundry room was moved downstairs to the basement, freeing up the 8’ x 8’ space for a mudroom. Since the door leading into the room was always open, it was removed. The family also wanted to continue to have their much used utility sink. Elizabeth’s stylish solution to this request was a stainless steel utility sink found at a restaurant supply store. For organization, a locker system in a warm espresso finish was installed. To finish the simple look, a brushed nickel mirror and pendant light fixture were added.

To see additional posts on this blog featuring Elizabeth’s work click here and here. To visit etanny design click here.

Metamorphasis Monday
Its so very renovated at Its so very Cheri
Tip me Tueday at Tip Junkie

Master Bath Remodel

So happy to share this wonderful master bath remodeling project done by Elizabeth Tanny of etanny design. If you are not familiar with Elizabeth, she uses a collaborative design style which is classic, simple and elegant.

Elizabeth said after completing a renovation of their kitchen and family room, her clients decided to tackle their master bath. The issues which needed to be addressed included bringing the overall feel of the room up to date with a bright and clean cottage look, adding an additional sink, increasing the size of the shower, and providing more storage space. Here is the bathroom before:

And here is the completed masterbath:

The first step in achieving the goals of this project was to remove a wall to incorporate the space of an existing closet. Once the wall came down, enough room became available to include a large 5 foot x 4 foot tiled shower as well as floor to ceiling open shelving (not shown), a double vanity with more storage space and additional lighting completed the room.

I will be posting more of Elizabeth’s remodeling projects soon. To see more of Elizabeth’s work now click HERE.