Mrs. Howard Personal Shopper

Phoebe's Top Ten: Klismos-Style Chairs

The word "klismos: is of Greek origin, as is the klismos-style chair. It is a favorite style of many furniture vendors and is a style that continues to endure and evolve in proportion and materials. The curved back makes them favorable in many types of seating arrangements, but especially when space is limited. Here are some favorites:

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As always, please contact me if you have any questions or would like to order anything you see on the blog! Leah - lkennelly@jmhoward.net.

Weekly Q&A with Phoebe: Using Host Chairs

Question: I see other people mix up their dining chairs, but I just don't know how to combine different styles. What do you like to do for your clients?

Phoebe's Answer: Sometimes I do like to use a pair of chairs at either end of the dining table that are different than the other dining chairs. Generally speaking, I usually choose upholstered chairs for this, to break things up a bit amd make it more interesting. If the man of the house likes to sit at the head of the table, this often makes them happy because they will be a little larger and more comfortable. Here are some examples:

Before and After of the Week

This family room was dark and needed some organizing and a better furniture arrangement. In this room, the client wanted deep, rich colors that would bring a lot of warmth during the cold winter months. First we added hard wood floors and painted the dark green wall the same color as the other walls, to lighten it up. We made deep red wool curtains and a sofa, and covered two chairs and ottomans in a dark brown velvet. The client's lion photograph from Africa was blown up for the wall.
 
In the adjoining breakfast room, we placed an oval table with red upholstered chairs, and a simpler, more modern chandelier. Now it is a warm and comfortable space to hang out. Take a look:

Family Room Before:

Family Room After:

Breakfast Room Before:

Breakfast Room After:

Mrs. Howard and Max & Company Closed Tomorrow for Holidays

Just a reminder that all Mrs. Howard and Max & Company locations will be closed all day tomorrow,
Saturday, Dec. 24, for Christmas Eve.

Happy holidays!

"Picture Perfect" in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

If you haven't picked up your January copy of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles yet, don't delay. This is a lovely issue by one of our favorite publications, and we are so happy one of Phoebe's projects was included. In case you don't have it in your area, check it out below:

 

Weekly Q&A with Phoebe: Decorating with Sheers

Question: I used to think sheers had a "granny" reputation, but I have seen them in some of your work. How do you incorporate them without aging the room?

Phoebe's Answer: Four important words to remember when using sheers: STAY AWAY FROM POLYESTER!!! There are so many pretty cotton, linen and wool sheer fabrics available at all price points. I especially love embroidered sheer fabrics lately. Using unlined curtains or shades gives you a soft filtered light that is a wonderful thing as long as privacy is not an issue. One of my favorite ways to use sheer fabrics is as an unlined soft bottom roman shade layered under a pair of panels - I love the softness and the layered look.  I also love to use a double pole with both sheers and panels, so you can diffuse the light at different levels during the day and night. Here are some rooms where we have used sheers:.

Before and After of the Week

We are moving on to the family room of our client in South Bend, Indiana. In this room, we wanted to create something that was warm and cozy for the winter months and also something comfortable and durable. The fabrics are charcoal and camel, and the wood wallpaper is from Nobilis. It is not only great looking when it is up, but it has a great feeling and adds a lot of texture. For the TV, we designed a large cabinet and arranged two sofas and two club chairs around a large square leather ottoman so everyone could be comfortable and put their feet up. Check it out:

Before:

After:

 

Weekly Q&A with Phoebe: Canopy Beds

Question: I think bed canopies are beautiful, but they seem like they require a lot of planning. How do you decide to use them for a client?

Phoebe's Answer: Yes, bed canopies require a lot of planning. They also require a lot of fabric, as well as labor, and they can be quite costly. I usually use them when the architecture is lacking, to make an impact. I also use them in large rooms to create a focal point, making it feel more intimate. I love the romance of a canopy bed - there is nothing quite like the softness they create in a bedroom. They do require maintenance, and are generally not a good idea for anyone with dust allergies. Dust does cling to fabric and needs to be vacuumed. Here are some favorites:

Before & After of the Week

Andrew Howard designed this master bath for our client in South Bend, Indiana. The vanity doors have a nice cut-out detail with mirror, and the tile design on the floor defines the space and sort of replicates a rug. Phoebe designed the curtains behind the tub. The embroidered fabric is applied as a border, which makes a stunning focal point at the end of the hall leading from the master bedroom. Take a look:

Master Bath Before:

 

Master Bath After:

December Bedding Sale at Mrs. Howard

Southern Living's Dear Mrs. Howard

Phoebe's column in Southern Living, Dear Mrs. Howard,  is out again in magazines. Check out the December issue for her thoughts on decorating your dining table:

Reminder: Champagne & Shopping Tonight at ALL Stores!

Just a reminder about tonight from 5-7pm! We hope to see you there!

 

Before and After of the Week

Moving on to the master bedroom for our client in South Bend, Indiana. Our client requested something soft and serene for this room. We used a soft palette of pale green and ivory with a lot of painted wood. The walls are painted Quiet Moments and the trim is painted White Dove, both by Benjamin Moore. We used a simple ivory linen for the curtains, which frames the sindows nicely and enhances the pretty views outside. We love to use two club chairs facing one another and sharing one ottoman in a bedroom. We think it is a great spot to spend time together.

Before:

After:

 

Join Us for an Evening of Champagne & Shopping - 20% Off Sale

We hope you will join us this Thursday evening for an after-hours shopping event at all locations (Atlanta, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach and Charlotte). Below are the details. Our Charlotte store will also have a jewelry trunk show with Meredith Jackson, featuring her latest designs. And our Jacksonville Beach store is part of a plaza-wide shopping event with a lot fabulous boutiques, so be sure to stop by! Please email me with any questions: lkennelly@jmhoward.net. Happy holidays!

 

Jacksonville's Art & Antiques Show This Weekend

Each year, the Women's Board of Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville, FL hosts the Art & Antiques show. The weekend-long event supports a wonderful cause, and each year it brings fabulous designers to our city. This year, we are very pleased that Suzanne Rheinstein and David Easton, two of our favorites, will be presenting.

There are a number of great events throughout the show, so check the schedule and go here for tickets. Jim will be hosting a designer boutique throughout the weekend. He has gathered a special collection of antiques just for this weekend, so please feel free to stop by to shop, chat and take a look. 

Event Highlights:
Jacksonville Art & Antiques Show
Friday, Dec 2 - Sunday Dec 4
Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center
1000 Water Street  Jacksonville, FL  32204

Friday: 10 am - Suzanne Rheinstein presents
11am - 5pm: Show floor open

Saturday, 10am: David Easton presents
11am - 5pm: Show floor open

Sunday, 11am - 5pm: Show floor open