as i hunt around for inspiration for my new apartment i’m finding myself steering towards black and white again, with a lot of neutrals and natural woods thrown in for good measure. i think i will always be drawn to the clean, fresh scandinavian look, with mid-century modern accents. danish modern furniture and lighting designed in that era is just so uniquely stunning — and they certainly don’t make it quite like that anymore. here’s what’s been inspiring me this past weekend.
getting the look above with a Black Marble Hand Woven Cotton Rug by Suki Cheema, from couverteur and the garbstore; one big graphic “e” from Jamin Puech Atelier via pampa press; and a fantastic mid-century modern wood coffee table from ethanollie.
beautiful bedroom belonging to the brick house; vintage letters via patric johansson photography; vintage george nelson bubble wall sconce, via amy’s vintage decorium.
lovely plants clustered with art and book collection, via weekday carnival.
black & white bitchin’ kitchen, via weekday carnival.
vintage stool and black sofa via patric johansson photography; getting the look from the equestrian black leather tufted sofa via schoolhouse electric; vintage shooting range target from ethanollie.
jake’s really great art collection via old brand new.
mid-century modern stool and sheepskins make this sofa cozy, via stil inspiration.
• top image via the brick house.
this week on unexpected guests we’re visiting a charming beachy bungalow in north carolina, created by kim fisher and her husband. kim runs kim fisher designs, an event company and during wedding downtime this past July, together they built this cozy bungalow next to their pool. The bulk of materials were salvaged doors, windows and corrugated roofing that they’ve been collecting for several years — a labor of love for kim and her husband that i’m very happy to share with you. The decor and styling is also scavenged, the goal being to use what they had at hand. and while there was a trip to Habitat and a couple to Home Depot all decor was pulled from storage or handmade (kim’s current passions are succulents and terrariums). let’s head down south, shall we?
Where do you live?
Wilmington, north carolina (sometimes called Hollywood of the South). I think everyone in town is either working on a movie or TV show — except me.
What are a few things about your city that make you call it home?
The beaches, the historic intracoastal waterway, the Brasserie du Soliel (my fav restaurant) and my husband who I found here.
Favorite vintage find:
My husband…I kid. Two favorites, first several old dutch style doors pulled from an old carriage house — we have installed them all over the house inside and out. and two huge old wooden sleigh forms that we salvaged — I think they used to be a Christmas yard display. They are fantastic on my mantle during the Holidays.
What is the best way to get to know your neighborhood?
Ask my husband.
Pick a place, any place…where would you go, and why?
My mother fell in love with Scotland severals years ago — I’d take her there again along with my little brother who’s idea of black tie is wearing a kilt.
What’s currently on your turntable?
I’m currently loving Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue and Stepane Grapelli’s Paris Encounter. Grapelli always makes you feel very Parisian and who doesn’t love a little Miles at his best? Plus I don’t have time to figure out what’s cool in new music. It’s easier to pretend I’m a purist.
What talent do you wish you could master?
Walking — I’m terribly uncoordinated. I’ve been known to fall off of a flip-flop. I look like I’m falling down a flight of steps when I dance.
What do you most treasure?
Our furry babies, my six dogs who inspired me to step out of my little box and spearhead The Wilmington Fur Ball, a fundraiser that has grown into one of the biggest black-tie events in our area, that raises money for local no-kill animal shelters.
What bores you to death?
Self importance, pretentiousness and bad grammar…oh and anyone who begins a sentence with “I’m in..” or ends a sentence with “we’ll be in touch…”
