Over It

I don't know about you, but I go through phases where I pretend blogs don't exist -- not just my blog (obviously I pretend it is invisible, based on my posting frequency as of late!), but every blog. Keeping up to date with the scads of blogs I follow sometimes overwhelms me. My coping strategy? Ignore them and they will go away. (Also my strategy for dealing with problems -- clearly I have some issues to work out in therapy, but that's another post altogether.)

So this may not be news to you -- I have visions of it appearing anywhere and everywhere -- but to me, when I spotted it on Pinterest, it was like the clouds parted and a voice rang out from on high: overlays for customizing IKEA furniture!?! Genius. We're talking Nobel Prize-winning, Stephen Hawking-level genius.

Take a look and see what I mean:

Read all about this project here. The pagoda is ridiculous.

Did I mention these can also be applied to mirror and glass? Imagine the possibilities.

Lack side table customized with Greek key overlay

Reminds me of this

Imminent MENSA members Cheryle Rhuda and Danike Herrick developed these paintable composite overlays to customize popular IKEA pieces from its MALM, PAX, and LACK lines, among others. They also offer custom options if you have other non-IKEA pieces you'd like to pep up.

Every so often, I see something that makes me think, "Why didn't I think of that?" This is one of those times.

I can't wait to try it!

Royal Albert

As those of you determined enough to follow along despite my infrequent-of-late posts may know, I grew up in the South -- Nashville, Tennessee, to be exact -- where gorgeous, old, traditional homes abound; I was even lucky enough to grow up in one myself.

A few days ago I learned one of Nashville's most beautiful homes recently went up for sale, and I was finally able to peek inside. Built in 1931, the home is rumored to have been decorated by the legendary Albert Hadley of venerable interiors firm Parish-Hadley. (Full disclosure: said rumor comes from a family member, but I am unable to verify this in Hadley's work history.)

Despite my lack of written proof, the home smacks of Hadley's genius and could be straight out of a recent issue of Veranda or Architectural Digest.

I love the various furniture groupings -- the perfect way to make a large space more intimate.

The window treatments here, in what appears to be the Library, are stunning, as they are throughout the home.

Love the table stacked with books.

Probably my favorite room -- guessing this may be the lady of the house's office...? The black lacquered walls, the lucite table and the pops of green throughout = pure chic.

The apple-green walls are so fresh and vibrant, set off by the white furnishings and woodwork. Love the trim on the closet doors!

The pool house. The pool house! I could die a happy woman in this image.

What I can only assume is the pool house interior. Isn't it perfect? The coral and white are so cheerful, and I would arm wrestle someone for that coffee table.

Stripes!

Not sure what is happening on these walls, but I like it. And the curtains? Perfect.

Lucite luggage racks? Yes, please.

Can you imagine this as your driveway? I can.

In researching the home, I was thrilled to learn that Albert Hadley was also born in Nashville, which certainly strengthens my suspicion of his involvement in the project. Hadley has also designed interiors for other Nashville luminaries, former Vice President Al Gore and his (former?) wife, Tipper.

I find that the older I get, the more I am drawn to these traditional interiors that cry out to be filled with family and friends over drawn-out bridge games, swimming parties, and political discussions that go into the night. Scotch on the rocks, anyone?