2015: A Year in Review

Leave a comment December 30, 2015 Maria

Happy Holidays!  I have been on a bit of a blogging hiatus while I’ve been busy keeping up with family, kids’ plays & performances and working on new client projects.  It’s been a busy December!

I hope all of you have enjoyed the festivities of the month and found some moments to recharge and relax, and most significantly, savor time with family and friends.

As 2015 comes to an end, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my first year of blogging and working with all of you.

2015 in Review

My overall sentiment about this past year is gratitude.  I feel so fortunate to have had the support of my family and friends to begin Bring Home Order – a dream come true.  I am particularly thankful to my husband, Neil, who’s faith, encouragement and support sustains me every day.  I honestly could not have done any of this without him.  I’m also thankful to my friends and readers whose comments on the blog and in person have been so kind and supportive.  When someone stops me to tell me that a post helped or inspired them to do something, I’m incredibly touched.  So, a HUGE thank you to all of YOU!  I can’t believe this idea has really taken off!

Finally, a big thank you to my clients, who have taught me so much.  Sometimes it takes a lot of courage to ask for help.  I see that in all of you, and I’m honored when you welcome me into your homes.  It is a wonderful thing to help someone create a home with intention.  Home, it turns out, is a very important place.

I have lots of great things coming in 2016, including a new company name (I’ll be revealing that soon!), a new website, project reveals, and a New Year’s Home Organization feature that is sure to inspire you to take on those neglected spaces in your home.  And, there will be a BOOK!  That’s what I’m most excited about and I can’t wait to share that with all of you when it starts coming together.

What are your goals for 2016? What do you want to accomplish in your home this year?  Renovations? Updates? Organization? Painting?

Wishing you all the best in 2016 – from our family to yours!  ~Maria

 

 

 

 

Last Week’s Find: PATINA

Leave a comment December 8, 2015 Maria

Happy Tuesday, all!  I am finally carving out some time to share my Friday Find – on Tuesday, though!  I think you’ll love it all the same.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine mentioned she had purchased some lovely dressers for her home.  When she showed me the photos, I was swooning.  The source?  A small shop in Durham (directly across the street from Foster’s Market) called Patina.  Patina is part curated, funky antiques, part refinished furniture, part country farmhouse selections and part mid-century modern decor/furniture.  Why the eclectic collection? Because, even though the store is owned by Sissy Anlyan, there are four women at work stocking this little shop with beautiful and unique objects sourced from all over the country.

One area of Patina is curated by Katherine Leib.  She maintains the “Farm House” section of the store, which is full of unique objects and furnishings with this aesthetic.  She personally paints many pieces in this area to give them a fresh new look, without compromising their beauty and aged feel.

French Farmhouse selections at Patina curated by Katherine Leib of Le Chat Noir Design.

This set of end tables are absolutely gorgeous. The hardware alone kills me.

How great would this distressed mirror look in an entry area or in a maritime-themed room?  The rope with brass hooks?  LOVE.

Loren Lamb maintains the Mid-Century Modern vintage area with pieces discovered in New York and elsewhere.  I am obsessed with these two chairs.  The frames are original, but she had new cushions created for them.  These really need a home in a cool loft downtown.  I’m seriously sad I don’t have a place for them in my own home.  Loren’s area has original pieces from this era, in addition to original art from local artists.

Loren Lamb of Loren Lamb Interiors has an amazing eye for design which takes inspiration from the 50s and 60s. She gives it a modern update, however, and adds her signature touch to pieces.

A lovely painting from local artist Amanda Ballew which found its way into my home. Loren sells her paintings at Patina.

Missy Brinegar is jack of all trades.  Really.  This woman creates original handbags, clothing, paints and refinishes furniture.  I wish I had ONE of those talents, much less all of them.  She maintains the LBDB, which stands for “Little Black Dress Boutique” portion of Patina.  Look at all of this…

Clothes, furniture, handmade handbags and a dresser…all in one place.

And she paints…original artwork by Missy Brinegar.

Sissy Anylan, store owner, has a collection of other items that you just won’t find anywhere else.  Unique lighting, vintage pieces, dressers, desks….and more!  She travels to Florida and goes to market in Atlanta to source some of these great finds.

Love these vintage mirrors. I would actually put one in a very modern space to add interest. Perhaps a foyer?

Eclectic art lovers rejoice! Patina has so many things for you to covet!

Custom, colorful artwork…love those frames! And those adorable lamps? They have shell bases which are fantastic.

What a lovely dresser for a girls’ room or your guest room.

I loved this desk so much I wanted to use it on a client project…but as of this morning, it’s SOLD! Congrats lucky owner (who happens to be a friend!). Enjoy this piece.

I am so happy to have discovered this place and happy to share it with all of YOU!  And, I love that it is directly across the street from Foster’s.  Grab lunch, then head over to discover something beautiful.  Here’s the information:

PATINA ~ “Unique, gently used, much loved items for the home.”

2695 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd.

Durham, 27707

(919) 949 – 0134

Tuesday – Friday 10am – 5pm

Saturday 10am – 4pm

Closed Sunday & Monday

http://www.patinadurham.com

facebook.com/patinanc

ENJOY this find!  I’m sure I’ll bump into you there.  I’m really enjoying hunting around this place.

Tune in tomorrow for a few of my favorite gift ideas.  ~Maria

Bring Home Order Feature in Durham Magazine

Leave a comment December 3, 2015 Maria

Today I’m really excited to share a feature that will appear in this month’s Durham Magazine.  This article has been in the works since JULY!  I’ve been waiting for a while, but it’s definitely been worth it.  I am humbled by the article.  Jessie Ammons, the writer, and Briana Brough, the photographer, are so talented and were just lovely to work with.  They made the entire experience of having your home photographed and exposed to thousands of people a pleasant one — and I am not one that approaches things like this with calmness (just ask my husband!).  However, they both relaxed me the second they walked through my door.

Jessie and Bri, I’m sure I owe you both my first born – or at least dinner somewhere nice!  Thank you SO MUCH to the entire Durham Magazine editorial staff for a great piece.

The magazine is available around town TODAY!  Look for it at places like Foster’s, Guglhauf, etc. if you don’t normally receive it in the mail.  To view it electronically, link up to the magazine here:  Durham Magazine December / January 2015-16

Here is a copy….

My husband is still trying to figure out how to solve a problem like Maria!  Neil, you were so supportive getting the house ready and putting up with my craziness in getting things just right.  Thank you.  And Sydney and Dylan – you bring our house to life. Our house would not be a home without you. I love you both.

And for all my readers out there, tune in tomorrow for another great Friday Find I’ve discovered here in Durham!  Can’t wait to share it with you!  xo Maria