Meet Rhoda!!

One of the greatest gifts of blogging is getting to know other bloggers. Forging these friendships has been a great fun and all the while I am learning! Learning about new items and trends, DIY projects, and blogging tips. I was lucky to recently meet Rhoda.

Rhoda writes the wonderful blog Southern Hospitality. She is a Design Consultant from Birmingham, AL who spends her time helping clients create a beautiful home with a lot of creativity and not a lot of money. Lets have a look at some of her popular posts:

One of my favorite projects is Rhoda's creative use of beadboard wallpaper. This special wallpaper is thick and a bit spongy. Once applied and painted, it wonderfully mimics wood beadboard. Rhoda takes all the guess work out of DIY projects. She guides you step by step to transform the cabinet above from this...

To this!!!

And, here is a larger picture of her finished kitchen. Rhoda gently teaches you with helpful tips, pointers and ideas - all with her southern belle charm that even gives the most wary northerner confidence!

She also posts links at the end of her DIY projects of readers who have sent her THEIR successes! Above is a photo from a reader, who after Rhoda's step by step beadboard tutorial, created this wonderful beadboard wainscoting in their master bedroom.

Another exciting project that caught my eye was Rhoda's stair transformation. She went from this...

To this!! What an incredible result!! Of course it looks expensive, but Rhoda finds ways to make these incredible renovations happen on a shoestring budget.

Need some extra architectural interest? Rhoda shows you how to add picture frame moulding to the dining room. Reading post after post I was learning so much and getting inspired!!

Painting furniture black also caught my eye as I have been contemplating painting some of Scandinavian pine pieces black. No need to search for a How To, just click on my friend, Rhoda's simple directions and I have confidence to take on the project.

Of course I could go on and on, but head over to Southern Hospitality and see for yourself. And while you are there tell Rhoda that Gina sent you!!

(all photos Southern Hospitality)

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You are Invited (& it's Invitation Only!)

You are invited to an exciting event on May 6th!Remember my dear friend, Millie Gaines, the very talented interior designer from New Orleans? Well Millie is hosting the most amazing event!
It is a night of art and antiques bringing together the beautiful antiques of Tara Shaw And the gorgeous contemporary artwork of Michelle Y Williams. It is invitation only, but if you email Millie here and tell her you are a reader of Willow Decor, she'll make sure you can attend.
It's going to held at Tara Shaw's showroom in New Orleans, usually only open to the trade - but on May 6th you will be able to browse and buy just like an insider!Even more exiting is that Michelle Y Williams contemporary paintings will also be shown (and available). The antiques and the contemporary artwork perfectly compliment each other!!
You know I am so sad that I can't attend - but don't let that stop you. And Millie will be there to chat and help you with your design questions (plus, she is so fun!!) So don't hesitate to grab a friend and have a fabulous girls night out.
Here are the details: Cocktail Reception on Thursday, May 6th at 5 PM at Tara Shaw Antiques, 1240 Camp Street, New Orleans. Remember it's invitation only so email Millie to get on the list! And don't forget to send pictures to me of the treasures you will undoubtedly find!!
Finally, I was tagged by my bloggy friend, Ness, over at Marley & Lockyer to show you the 10th photo in my inspiration file. Well I have dozen of files, so I took the 10th photo from my Built in Bed file. This magical bed prompted this popular post on Built in Beds - you can read it here. Stop over to Marley& Lockyer, visit Ness and see what other great inspiration photos she has uncovered from other friends.
And have fun at the Michelle Williams Event at Tara Shaw Antiques. Give Millie a hug for me!
(Email Millie at mildredmaude@aol.com)

(all photos Tara Shaw, Michele Y Williams, Cote de Texas, Marie Claire Maison, Willow Decor)

Scout Taylor-Compton Photos

Here are some photos of actress Scout Taylor-Compton.

Natalie Zea

Here are some photos of Natalie Zea from Dirty Sexy Money.

Beautiful Kitchens from Sweden

I have the featured the beautiful Swedish kitchen design firm, Kvänum Kok in the past. They are a high end kitchen cabinet and design firm that is very well respected all over Scandinavia. They have some new designs, which are so beautiful, that I wanted to give you another peek. Take a look at this first gorgeous kitchen, with my favorite, white cabinetry. Though I think white cabinetry is the ultimate classic, some may say it is getting boring, as it seems to be featured more and more. This kitchen, though is anything but boring! Several elements take it from ordinary to extraordinary. First, lets look at the cabinets themselves. I have long favored the X cross upper cabinets, and actually used Kvänum Kok as my inspiration for my own kitchen. Read about my kitchen here. Second, I was actually stopped in my tracks by the beautiful backsplash tile. It reminds me of Delft antique tiles. On a wall that has no windows or interesting architectural features, it is amazing how tiles and cabinets can transform a boring, blank wall into the most gorgeous focal point.

Another key to this beautiful space is the wonderful light from the spectacular arched doors. Not all of us are able to incorporate such a stunning feature in our designs, but it is always important to note, how much beauty natural light can bring to a space. Finally the stove is striking. I am in love with stoves that also are works of art and this one is lovely.

Moving on to another kitchen, the one above is part of their newest line. Notice the upper cabinets have been replaced by open shelving. No upper cabinets seem to be a trend worldwide. To read more about this trend click here.

Though the kitchen is not huge by American standards, it is thoughtfully designed, including a freestanding butler's pantry, for extra dishes and glassware. Again light plays an important role with sun streaming in from two sides.

Here is the family room adjacent to the kitchen. Though not part of the kitchen space, I wanted to include it because it is such a pretty room. I love the beamed ceiling and horizontal beadboard walls. Notice the high shelf which acts a bookcase. Also the bleached wood floors which are distinctly Swedish. For more inspiration, read my previous posts on Kvänum Kok here or visit their website here.

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Finally congratulations Victoria at VictoriaArt -please email your mailing address so I can send you off the copy of Slow Love by Dominique Browning. Special thanks to Dominique for both the book and the wonderful interview which you can read here.

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(all photos property of Kvänum Kok )

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