Holly Mathis Interiors
  • Archives
  • Oct31

    {image from Hudson in Boston}

    The blog world has been a buzz for about, oh TWO years apparently about this amazing fabric.. what do you think?? love it hate it?? I think the aquamarine (robins egg) is wonderful, though some of the colorways i dont care for…i have noticed several bloggers (Sloanie Home and LGN) even using it (the aquamarine) in their blog header/designs…i am telling you, everyone loves this fabric..it almost like the trellis craze!


    what i also love/find interesting is that i have noticed this fabric on various blogs..both modern AND traditional and very preppy and all seem to love it and use it in wonderful ways…everything from high end articles in Domino, to Kristen Bell’s apartment in InStyle recently, to Little Green Notebook’s darling rental dining room too! (love her settee with the dining table)

    {image from Little Green Notebook}

    even Vera Bradley used it for chairs in one of her new stores.. and YES it is expensive BUT you can have pillows made out of it from this great shop on etsy and they even have Christmas stockings!


    {image from Plum Cushion}

    i think it would make great roman shades in my little kitchen! who am i kidding, i could get a new dishwasher (which i badly need) AND a fridge for what that would cost!;; but it is fun to admire a gorgeous fabric, keep my eye peeled for a scrap to call my own, and notice the knocks offs (pottery barn what a shock) and influences popping up everywhere…thoughts??? is there another fabric you are obsessing over lately??

  • Oct31

    October

    Posted in: home

    I cant let this month pass without mentioning Drew’s FIFTH birthday.


    {Drew after school last week..it was picture day..this is more “him” with the play gun and hat than the sweater vest;;}


    So we celebrated his birthday by going with a few friends and family to this place called Dewberry Farm. IT. WAS. NUTS. that is really all i am going to say BUT he was happy..the cute cake melted, the favors and cute animal cookies got looked over ..oh and i forgot the matches for the candles (supermom!) but it does not matter..the point was he had a great time and felt special…not every birthday can or should be decorated and obsessed over every detail like this one was….so glad i am relaxing and learning to enjoy my kids and various imperfections associated with life..i would an unhappy mess otherwise..


    {notice the cake is melting;; but it was a cUTE cake and the sun made it warm and yummy;;} probably my last year for polka dot napkins and sweet farm themes and cowboy pajamas (for him at least..watch out Henry!)…i am sure it will be transformers all the way next year!

    {and here is the little man having cake later that night and finally getting to blow out his candle}

    so there you go, my first baby is FIVE.. Sorry to gush but i just love my babies so much..more than any house or any fabric.
    {Drew in the leaves, 2005} “We love you Mr. Precious!”

    Yall have fun this weekend and be safe!;

  • Oct28

    he just adores it…


    i just love felt.


    at first i was not sure about the colors but now i love them…i am so in love with orange lately. we even got an orange stroller! the color brightens up the pale room just like his little smiley face!


    notice his initials on the tree..how cute is that?!


    from this great Etsy shop!

  • Oct27

    and i’m not talking about cleaning (though i probably should be)…I am trying to keep up with all of my client requests and not miss anyone…if we have been in contact the past few days, no worries. you are on the list..but if not and you would like to work together before things get too crazy with the holidays, please drop me a line so i can be sure and save a spot for you! i currently have time for projects mid to late November and and early December so let me know asap if you are interested….


    and i will be offering “gift certificates” for your holiday gift-giving convenience;;..either an e-version or i can send a cute little “somethin somethin” in the mail to wrap for that person who has everything;; contact me for details.

    {and arent these calling cards so cute?? from a great seller on Etsy! check here.}

  • Oct26



    I cant believe it..my little Henry is 3 months old..actually 3.5..wow! so i have to share a few recent shots..NOT frame worthy but they are all we have of this age so far..hoping to get something better soon.. speaking of which, do you have a camera recommendation..i have been thinking about the Canon Rebel for about…oh five years! but i have never taken the leap..so intimidated…what about a little less camera?? any point and shoot recommendations???

    and another photo grouping shot…monday eye candy!


    oh and I have been devouring this blog over the weekend…so good..i have read it here and there but never really dug in.finally did…anyway she has some great posts here and here on photos walls..be sure and check out. i especially love these two images she showed (not sure the source but got them from LGN)..


    and Joni sent me this..it is gorgeous! enjoy.

    yall just thought we were finished with photo walls!

  • Oct24

    I am not sure when I “met” Melissa exactly but i know that after we chatted via email a few times, i knew she was a kindred spirit with both a love for home and God. I am sure many of you know who i am talking about..Melissa from the popular blog “The Inspired Room.”

    {image from Melissa’s beautiful home}

    Her interest in “authentic living” is so encouraging..this is some of what she has to say about it.. “I am passionate about practicing what I call Authentic Living. Authentic Living is living a life that really works. It is focusing on things that are appropriate for me and the season in my life. It is about letting go of pressure to live out a life that isn’t really “me.” And that includes creating a home that may not look like the cover of a magazine, or just like my neighbors home, but nurtures my family and reflects more on WHO I AM than WHAT I HAVE. That is the beauty of “using what you have” to create an authentic home! Your home is unique to you! I like to find inspiration from others, but then I like to mix things up and make them my own.” good stuff huh? and there is more here..


    It is exciting to see blogs like the Inspired Room and this new magazine (I mean they have fab photos by King Au)pictured above (check out the latest issue on stands NOW!)that focus not just on beautiful “material” living but a beautiful life on the inside (and when i say interiors i dont mean the kitchen) as well….. ha! did anyone get that bad joke but me;;

    So i knew i wanted to get input from Melissa on this photo topic..here is what she said:

    “I love using candid photos to decorate a wall or table top in my home. The candid photos capture real moments and remind us of what matters in life. I think it is important to create a home that not only reflects our family but inspires us to live the life we want. Decorating a home should be about creating a life, not putting together a designer showroom. When children see a “family wall” of photos every day as they head to their bedroom or another room in the home, they see that they are treasured, that they are a part of a happy family and that life is good. Photos encourage our family to be thankful for what we have and to count our blessings. Any time we can create a lasting happy memory for a child (or ourselves!) we are giving a lifelong gift. Family photo displays are a tangible reminder of happy times and the people we love — that is what a home is all about!”

    so there you have it, what a great way to end this photo “two weeks” but by keeping the main thing the main thing..

    there is much more we could discuss about living with photos and using them to decorate, we barely scratched the surface and i know i will continue to post on this topic occassionally..how could i not as much as i love pictures…soon i will try to discuss various “gallery walls” using things other than photos.. but for now remember to edit edit edit when using photos, frame similar if you want a sure fire cohesive and nice look, and think about this authentic living thing..so freeing! our homes arent to just be beautiful but really a place to love, nuture, grow and remember and teach God’s goodness!

    Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4

  • Oct22

    Last week i went to IKEA with my dear friend for some much overdue girl time..we had such a nice time just gabbing and walking around IKEA…thanks Joy for not thinking i was nuts for taking pictures of various items;; (btw, they have some darlin baby things…stay tuned for more on that later…cute toddler beds and linens for wee ones) oh and yall KNOW to go to IKEA on a weeknight right?? NOT on saturday or sunday!


    My trip to IKEA reminded me of the great Cote de Texas’ recent advice to me on this “decorating with photos” topic..first she said “you are kidding right?” ha! That joni is so hilarious…if you read her fab blog and listen to her on the Skirted Roundtable then you can just imagine her saying this..i could..anyway she did give some great advice..Besides the basic IKEA frame and shelf solution, Joni says USE A BOWL..yep a bowel..but not just any bowl..she says get a big fab oriental blue and white bowl..forget scrapbooking you overstressed mommies..just get a fab bowl! she blogged about it here.. she says “I suggest this to all of my clients, especially the ones with myriad tacky picture frames cluttering every table and shelf. I’ve discovered that loose photos placed in a bowl invites conversation. At family gatherings, inevitably, one or two people will sit by the bowl and go through the whole thing, picture by picture. When was the last time anyone really looked at all your pictures in their frames? Toss those frames, put the photos in a big bowl, and watch your friends actually look at your photos for the first time”….GREAT idea!


    {image from Cote de Texas…Joni’s very own bowl and snapshots!}

    SO where do you get such a bowl besides a super chic and expensive antique store?? you can find them in all price ranges in various places on the Internet..Joni got hers here, a division of Twos Company. I have seen them at Tuesday Morning, Marshalls/Homegoods/TjMaxx and even Hobby Lobby (1/2 off some weeks no doubt) and Garden Ridge (I hope Joni’s head is not exploding at the thought of Hobby Lobby!;;)


    {another view of Joni’s photo bowl in her lovely family room]}

    love it..unless you have little boys with sticky fingers..in that case Joni says “if you have to have frames (cant you just here her saying that all exasperated and Joni-like!)”then go to michaels and get all matching frames and hang them in a hallway. or get shelves from ikea and hang those and put the photos on the shelves – all lined up nice and neat.” so there you go..easy easy!


    Joni also says “master bathrooms, bedrooms, and closets are good for silver framed photographs.” CLOSETS..that Joni! seriously, my house was built in 1941 and does not even have a light in the closet but many of your homes have nice closets with built ins and that is a great place for frames..i like these from Pottery Barn.

    thanks Joni..her blog is HUGELY popular for a reason! and so is this place.

    tomorrow we will say goodbye to photo week(s) with closing words from fellow blogger Melissa of The Inspired Room.

    [oh and i realized i did not really discuss the IKEA frames..they are a GREAT price, but i have to confess i have never used them...i am more familiar with the Target and PB wood frames with white mats....if anyone has any experience with the basic IKEA frame please tell us about them in the comments..they look nice,,and like i said the price is great!]

  • Oct20

    I had to take a break yesterday and gush about my wonderful clients but let’s get back to photo talk…

    one reader asked about these mats with the “high window” i dont know the technical term except maybe to call it a gallery mat..the one pictured below came from target, frame and mat..


    notice the writing in pencil under the photo..i think i have mentioned this before but sometimes i like to put the date there or a brief caption like “cousins” or “one year”….

    the mats below actually came from hobby lobby, just the mats (i already had the frames) and cheap cheap..yep..$2.99 i dont know if they are even acid free but they call them gallery mats and they come in various sizes.. these are vacation photos framed and i had my husband write a longer description (because i like his writing better than mine) it looks nice to me…we enjoy remembering that fun trip and get to see these daily! notice i turned the mats landscape..

    and…
    I like this little one i have in my bedroom (notice the small black frame with the white mat)…this is a great example of a “private photo”… it is a baby picture of Drew’s bottom (with my hand his little baby hand;;)!..anyway, not something he probably wants in the entry..but it is soo sweet and i love having it in my room. (please note this is the bookcase in our bedroom..where we shove books and mags..not really styled for this photo..i just wanted you to see where i had the “bottom picture” displayed for mama’s eyes only);;

    and last but not least a little old frame..i could have an entire blog on old frames, i just love them..i love them empty, i love them with dishes hanging inside, i love them with new pictures, old pictures or blank…oh yeah, i think i mentioned blank..anyway i love this one because not only is it old but it is on a stand..love that..it is on my night table (this photo is REALLY not styled..notice the cheesy red frame–that picture of drew yawning cracks me up..he is SOO over that smocked outfit) anyway i need to update various frames too and there is SOO a fan in the background)anyway i have intended to put a baby picture in this cutey old frame but that would involve ordering the picture and getting the glass, because old means odd size..see i procrastinate too! ha!

    check back soon for more comments on decorating and living with photos from great bloggers like Joni, Melissa and maybe even this new mommy! (if she can find time…she is a little busy right now!)

  • Oct19

    Kate lives in a traditional home in Connecticut. She works at a day school and her husband commutes into NYC daily, they have an active family and busy schedule. Kate has commitment issues when it comes to design..she likes everything..this is something i understand so we totally get one another. SOOO we are working on her entry..the walls are a nice creamy butter, slate tile dark floors, pretty railing and she wants the entry to set the tone for their home..on a tight budget for this space but we want to achieve a nice traditional,interesting look…so we are brainstorming and this is what we’ve come up with so far…i love the light, it is on sale right now at PB…she is unsure because she has some brass fixtures in other areas of the home..i say SO WHAT..go for the new finish…the prints and other little accessory ideas from Nell Hill are a great value..she has so much more in her online store now..check it out…

    Why the leopard flats?? because Kate sent me a picture of her room and i could see her little shoes peeking out on the edge of the image (and i actualy think a touch of leopard would be great in here..maybe a tortious frame or box or little pillow or seat of a side chair)..so funny…i LOVE my clients.

    IN fact, can i just tell yall what a fun bunch of people email me for help.they are funny, have great taste, many are working or busy at home moms and yall all just really inspire me. they dont care that my blog posts and/or emails have typos and lack capitalization…they know i dont have time to proof and/or i am typing while i am holding a baby..so they dont care..why? because many times they are too…and when they see an email dated at 4 am they smile and think to ask why i was up so late “did the baby not sleep”…they understand if i dont reply right away because of something at school or a sick child..often they have to take a break from the design process for the same reason..in fact, they even occasionally tell me “get off the internet and go rest or snuggle with your babies” my clients are the greatest. THANK YOU! I love that they are interested in creating a beautiful home for their families but at the end of the day, their priorities are in awesome order and if they have to leave it for a few days or week to give care to kids and family they are ok with that..they are patient in creating their homes., that encourages and teaches me so much..so thanks for allowing me in to your homes and for being such dedicated moms and women!

    ok so back to Kate, we are not using this black cabinet, she has one similar and the blue and white transferware..just there for an idea..we need to find a big cheap blue and white repro bowl for keys and such or a blue and white stool to beside the her little black cabinet.

    oh and Target has those leopard flats for $20 if you dont want to buy the Tory Burch;;

    {note: i dont know why my polyvore is saving so small..if anyone is an expert please email me.i have played with this program a lot and thought i had it down but i have hard time getting things to “stay big”}

  • Oct17

    last post was crazy. these long posts are exhausting.so here is some simple inspiration for decorating with photos from Rebekah Westover…. enjoy!
    i love this picture below on her blog..


    more next week..my firstborn is turning FIVE tomorrow. cant believe it, keeping the party REAL SIMPLE but i will have a few shots of some simple touches i just had to do, discussion on a Connecticut entry, this fab gal, and more photo talk..coming soon
    or i should say eventually, when i am not snuggling the sweetest baby on earth..he is such an angel. sweet, good sleepin’ baby = happy mama!

    have a blessed Sunday! Holly

    Related Posts with Thumbnails