Kung Foo Dog Decor (aka Foo Dogs)

There are a lot of you scratching your head right now on this post, but once you see what I'm talking about, you'll suddenly realize you've seen them everywhere. Foo Dogs have been around forever, but have also graced stylish interiors looking for a little color pop or ceramic accessory. The Chinese guardian lions have traditionally stood in front of Chinese Imperial palaces, temples and the homes of government officials and the wealthy. Now, their mythic protective benefits are being utilized as a decorative and symbolic element in a home. They are usually found in pairs, but I'm not sure my furry best friend would really tolerate me adding two more dogs to the house. Plus, I really just like a single accent and found my gem at a Charleston antique shop.

Love this orange bedroom wall. The pop of turquoise with the foo dogs against the orange/red is just like I said in my Florence & The Machine post.

Love the turquoise lamps and large abstract. Foos are standing guard on the side table.

Foo dogs are perfect for bookcases. Here another single foo.

Again, set against orange and framing the mirror on a console table.

Perched in a bathroom nook with black, white and yellow. Perfect placement.

Set atop fabulous wallpaper-backed bookcases.

I love this guy stacked on top of the coffee table books.

Adding a little color to the bath.

This decorista decided to use a white foo dog as a book end for cookbooks in the kitchen.

And, finally, my newest antique accessory pairs perfectly with a Gilded Mint painting.

Wagener Terrace Bungalow Update

My dear friend Janney reminded me quite pointedly the other day that I had not posted any pictures of the house. I know, I know, but things have been slow moving with some new furniture pick deliveries, unpacking (still don't know where some things are boxed), unforeseen plumbing issues, painting, work, etc. So, here's a peek into the living room progress.

Before...although the wall color was bright, it just wasn't doing anything for me. I did realize that light colors hide imperfections. So, when you have plaster walls from 1938, best to stay with a light wall color.

After. Walls painted in "Quicksilver" by Sherwin Williams--a fantastic blue gray. Remember my post on ikat pillow covers? These were from etsy obviously. Also, notice the iron side table for a little industrial. I am in serious love with my newest painting set in the antique frame that I refurbished. It is available for purchase here. The ultra fab coffee table wasn't my original pick, but I decided to save a few dollars getting this clear lucite piece so I could splurge on a great gold bamboo bar cart.

One last addition may be adding a silver reading lamp like the one found in the living room of The Zhush.

Taking Some Down Time at The Bluff

After running around crazy last week and dealing with two cancelled flights and 7 hour delays, I had hit my limit. Luckily, I had the chance to take a day and a half to relax and unwind at Palmetto Bluff. The Auberge Resort isn't very unlike Charleston, but it is breathtaking and the staff makes you feel at home. There are just so many cool things about Palmetto Bluff. I won't go into all of them here, but I did snap just a few pictures.

First, let's just take a deep breath and sigh at the resort's beautiful backdrop.

Ok, back to design mode. This church is too friggin cute to describe. The floor to ceiling windows on the sides open and have pocket screens to pull out to keep the bugs away. Check out the lighting!

 

Our cottage was huge and I just loved this closet set-up.

White paneled walls, soaking tub and plantation shutters.

Silver sink hardware and baskets set against the white marble and cabinets.

We do need to talk a little art here...bedroom marsh paintings.

Painting in living room. I loved their use of color to contrast the neutral furnishings.

The view from our screened-in porch.

The walkway out of the spa. Perfect symmetrical lines.

This is a GOLF CART!!! Could you just die for one of these? They took this one to their tennis game...I mean, how utterly fabulous would you look with your racquet cruising around the neighborhood in this!

 

As we know, abstract art is everywhere. These were in the spa to bring in some color.

Closing picture...Gilded Street in Palmetto Bluff!! They know a good name when they see it.

If only the cross street were named Mint!

The Man Cave Gets Some Style

It's sad really, but men just seem to get left out of the entire design process in a home. Bless their hearts, they try to offer their opinion when we say, "Of course I want you to be happy in our home and like what we choose." But, in the end about 2% of their input gets included because they aren't pouring over Pinterest, browsing design blogs or clipping from home decor magazines. And, that 2% ends up being focused on salvaging any of the items they brought with them that have emotional and nostalgic meaning.

But, there is hope. I have seen some incredibly tasteful rooms geared toward the sophisticated gentleman, or even just the man that has graduated beyond his post-college, bachelor pad. The over the top rooms are cool, no doubt, but you can still add just a few masculine items in a room so the peonies, pastels and gold/silver accents don't overwhelm. Here's to the boys!

Notice the industrial touches in the hanging pendant and coffee table.

Office is masculine and feminine. This just screams intelligence, money and class.

Framed maps have grown in popularity.

It doesn't have to be all dark...men also love simple lines, modern and white/metal combinations. This kitchen by Timothy Haynes and Kevin Roberts has retro icebox hardware, super sleek and tall stainless fridges, and is done in all white. Perfect for the modern man that wants a little old world.

Even just one strong piece in a room can appeal to both sexes. Let's face it, men don't like dainty furniture.

Very chic with gray accent wall set against white. 

Double soaking tubs, interior shutters and stone floor. Simple and warm without being overbearing. You know they would revel in this space feeling like they were a roman god in their Tuscan villa.

This is about as rich and manly explorer as it gets! Robert Redford, Daniel Craig, Leo---are you there???

Lacquer Your Life & Your Walls with Style

Gilded Mint's mantra is "Lacquer Your Life with Style," so I thought it was only befitting that we cover lacquered walls. Now, this is for those willing to take a risk, spend the dough and make a statement. But, you'll see that not all these rooms are crazy.

Green lacquer in hallway via House Beautiful.

If you don't want to go extreme, just do the ceiling for a touch of gloss.

Bright blue!

I like this black offset with white table and accessories. Via Markham Roberts.

Via Miles Redd. Softened with some pink pillows and white sofas.

Love the offwhite in a lacquer. Via New York Social Diary.

Orange ceiling in lacquer. Via Elle Decor.

Another hallway in a rich blue.

Used a panel screen for their pop of shine. Definitely saves on install! Via Elle Decor.

Industrial Touches in Home Decor

Home design is a lot like fashion, there are trends and usually several going on at one time. We've covered ikat fabrics, french country and abstract art. The list is extensive and you must be wondering, how do I incorporate all those in my home? Well, you don't. You pick your favorites and add just a few touches of them here and there. If you've shopped for lighting or accessory tables lately, then industrial style has popped up on your radar. Urban chic, metal, exposed wires and bulbs, rough. I think I may just have one industrial piece in my home max, so started with an iron side table. But, there really are some cool additions you could consider:

Notice the iron side tables and iron/wood plank coffee table.

Urban Electric Company here in Charleston has some ridiculously cool light fixtures. Not cheap, but this piece has a shiny gold interior that pops! Restoration Hardware has a less expensive version.

This is one of their floor lamps which has also been featured in Elle Decor.

The metal frame windows and iron stools add just a slight industrial feel to this awesome kitchen.

Barn doors are everywhere right now and are a perfect, less expensive solution over a

pocket door for saving space. This has a little industrial, but warmth with golden wood color.

Via House of Turquoise. Notice iron and wheels on coffee table.

This is the iron side table I picked up at Celadon Home here in Charleston.

Featured Gilded Mint Home

Throughout my blog, I will be featuring more than just my small home fixer upper project, but also other homes that are worth ogling over. Many different styles, design preferences and sizes. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting one of my client's homes in Ion to drop off a painting. Liz is in the process of moving from NYC and decorating her Mount Pleasant home. I got a chance to tour her beautiful house and discuss art options for her space, and a possible commissioned piece for her foyer. She has fantastic taste and an unbelievable eye for scoring fabulous vintage pieces.

I had to start off with my favorite space. Beautiful wallpaper on accent wall, hands down one of the best antique light scores in all of Charleston and a touch of modern. Perfection!

A little french country (see my post) and beautiful antique chairs on back wall.

Deep rose chair passed down in family set this scene with Gilded Mint painting complimenting the pink, touch of black in stool for formality, lucite coffee table for modern touch and oak barrel mirror for impact and warmth.

Soft and pretty guest room with another vintage lamp find.

Master bedroom with antique gold sunburst mirror. What I loved about Liz is that she doesn't over clutter! So many people need to undestand that design tip.

More guest room prettiness. Modern touch with lamp on bedside table.

A huge thanks to Liz for letting me feature her beautiful home. I really do have the nicest clients and appreciate all their support.