ditto :: sit by the fire
Monday, January 7, 2013 by {darlene}

Today’s ditto * is an invitation to sit by the fire.

The room below, featured in an amazing spread in the September 2012 Issue of House Beautiful, is truly to be admired. All of it. But I want to chit chat about this perfectly wonderful corner of the room: the details, the warmth and coolness, the thoughtful touches.

*{What exactly is a ditto? :: The list below will break down for you many of the decorating concepts that are employed in this great space. As with all of our dittos, let’s study the DETAILS of what makes this space SO AMAZING, so that we can learn how to add more beauty to our own homes!!! And, as always, I look forward to hearing from you and finding out what you would ditto, too. So, be thinking!}

sit by the fire

 {Design by Ashley Whittaker}

 

DITTO :: {WHAT I WOULD STEAL FROM THIS SPACE}:

1.    A BASKET WITH BIRCH.

My favorite thing to put by the fire is a chunky basket filled with beautiful birch wood. Ditto!

2.   TWO FULLY UPHOLSTERED CHAIRS AND AN OTTOMAN.

One of the main reasons this spot looks so welcoming is because of the upholstery. The chairs look cushy and welcoming and warm, and the finishing touch is the upholstered ottoman where you can put up your feet.  Come, sit by the fire for a spell. Ditto!!

3.  PIPING.

I am addicted to piping {true story. I even have an entire Piping Pinboard}. It takes any space from ho-hum mass-produced, to interior designed detailing! Definitely ditto!

4.  WOOD PANELING PAINTED IN A UNIQUE COLOR.

I love the pale lavender gray on the woodwork. It is unexpected, yet soothing, and still works as a neutral spot for the eye to rest. It inspires me to try a soft, off-beat color for woodwork that is “en masse.” Ditto.

5.  PLENTY OF SYMMETRICAL LIGHTING FOR READING.

Petite beautiful lighting with lovely shape and form – in pairs! Their impact – and usefulness – is all the stronger in this symmetrical pairing.

6.  SIMPLE MANTLE DECOR WITH LIVE PLANTS.

I am immediately going to ditto this in my home. Ok, readers. Does anyone have an inkling as to what those ditto-worthy plants are on the mantle!???? I love their shape! Are they maple leaves? Oh, how I hope they are some kind of kill-proof plant…

7. A MIRROR ABOVE THE FIREPLACE.

This is one of many many rooms that have featured a lovely mirror above the fireplace. But for me, it just does not get old. I love how it looks, how they reflect the light, and the sophisticated touch mirrors add to a space. This mirror is small, but still works because it is well balanced by double-sconces and beautiful, lush plants.

8. TOUCHES OF COMFORT.

Don’t underestimate a soft carpet underfoot, a throw-pillow on the chair to adjust the comfort to your own back shape, and a throw blanket to keep on your lap as the fire dies down for the night. Ditto!

9. THE MAGENTA FLOWERS MAKE MAGIC.

Do not underestimate the beautiful power of the contrasting magenta-colored flowers on the mantle! Just cover them up, and see how the space is missing that punch of JOY!


* * * * * * *

SO much goodness.

Love anything I did not mention? or…

WHAT WOULD YOU DITTO {STEAL} FROM THIS SPACE, 1-8? SOMETHING ELSE?

I LOVE HEARING YOUR THOUGHTS!

 

 

The perfect things to do as you sit by the fire:

SO, do tell: did you sit by the fire and watch Downton Abbey last night?

Finally, a show worthy of all the hype:

sit by the fire

{image via Just Lovely}

And, although not something I usually share here, I simply MUST share a book written by two friends of mine that is an essential.

The book debuts today, and if you know a mother {especially with young children}… this book is as essential as diapers and a crib. I will officially be getting this book for every new mom I know. I cried through it, even though my kiddos are 7 and 5. A weight the size of bricks {that I had long since ignored was even there} lifts from my shoulders with each word that I read. It is that good – and that essential. And it is NOT a formula or an instruction manual.

Take a moment to watch this video that had me torn open by the third sentence…

or just take my word for it and snag this book for everyone you know:

sit by the fire

 

 

 

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Shop at one of my absolute favorites, Serena & Lily , and enjoy 25% off! Click via the image below for the discount:
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* * * * *

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Labeled: ditto

11 Comments

  • Happy New Year! Haven’t commented in a while, but still read regularly! 🙂 Love the ditto this morning – are the green plants small fiddle leaf fig trees? I’m not the best plant person, so it’s just a guess. Love, love, Downton Abbey, too! Thanks for sharing beauty today!

    Reply

  • Great post! I am today embarking on this year’s first “work” week around the house and appreciate this fresh inspiration!! LOL I would ditto…
    for sure the big, bold greenery in the midst of winter. I LOVE the plants near the fireside, and the birch-filled basket. And the comfy seating and books. We rearrange the fireplace room seasonally to enjoy it more too.
    I’d also ditto the mix of blue and green. Cannot seem to get enough of that lately!!

    Congrats to your friends on their book! I may check it out, though my babies are long past baby stage, at 15 and 17. happy new year Darlene! xoxo

    Reply

  • I picked up the January issue of BH&G yesterday to share in your accomplishment of being involved with a home that was featured…and right in the beginning, no less! Congrats…so happy for you.
    I would ditto all that symmetry, the firplace paneling, club chairs, blue & white porcelain vases & knick knacks on the mantle, the pillows on the chairs, sconces and even the French doors flanking the fireplace.

    Reply

  • I would ditto 1,3,6,8,9 (all, really 🙂 I love that you have a board for piping–and it made me realize I was not following you on Pinterest, how did that not happen?! I dvr’ed Downton but haven’t watched it yet, but what a lovely thought to enjoy it by the fire. Thank you for the link to the book; I might have eventually found it through Sally Clarkson, but it’s always better to know someone else who has enjoyed it. Can’t wait to check it out now!

    Reply

  • Love that room! Esp. the lavendar!!!

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  • The whole room is a beautiful mix of comfort and elegance! I would be hard pressed to pick just one thing!

    Reply

  • favorite feature–the paired reading lamps. Only wish great lighting was more affordable. Your previous post on lighting choices and how you get what you are willing to pay for is so true. I’ve learned that turning to good lighting businesses with reliable customer service can save money in the long run. The two reading lamps above remind me of a style offered by Ethan Allen.

    Reply

  • I don’t think those are fiddle leaf figs. I don’t have much of a green thumb, either, but that’s one plant I usually recognize. I think those are a type of acanthus called bear’s breeches.

    Reply

  • Beautiful! Blues and greens with natural accents. And those little lamps! This is by far my favorite ditto.

    Reply

  • A beautiful room and I think once you stand back it, it’s the colors that are so wonderful. The silvery gray with a little lavender, softened turquiose, greens with a bit of yellow all popping off the browns and golds.

    Reply

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