Mrs. Howard Personal Shopper

New Obsession: Framed Textiles

Phoebe has been an avid collector of all types of textiles her whole life, and lately we have been finding ways to frame them. We have had a lot of fun with this, and below are some examples of framed fabrics:

These were framed vintage ticking stripes in shades of pink. We framed them in white frames with white mats
for the Coastal Living House.

We had them sewn into box designs, and all six were a different fabric.





Here are some African Kuba cloths framed:



And another example of Kuba cloths:

Here is an African textile mounted on a simple board. It makes a great graphic statement:

Here is a beautiful embroidered Iranian tablecloth framed in a simple lucite box  - a nice juxtaposition
of old fashioned and modern:




Here is some China Seas fretwork fabric framed in white frames with white mats - a great inexpensive solution.

Here are some indigo batik fabrics we have in our Jacksonville Beach store:

Weekly Q&A with Phoebe: How Can I do "Beach-y" Without Getting "Theme-y"

Question: I love the "beach-y" look, but I feel like it gets gimmicky really easily. Do you have any tips for avoiding this while still making it feel like a beach house?

Phoebe's Answer: Yes - Avoid theme-y fabrics, wallpapers, pictures - things like signs that say "beach this way" and anything else that is cutesy and beach themed. Instead, use color, casual fabrics, real shells (in limited doses), wicker and natural materials, washed woods that look like driftwood, and natural fiber rugs. You can get a relaxed feeling without making any direct beach references. Here are some rooms we have decorated that have a beach feeling without going overboard!

Colors that remind you of the ocean with sailor valentines above the bed



Framed pairs of flip flops with limed floors



Natural fiber chairs, antique binoculars and botanical print pillows



A headboard and shades made of natural fibers and a collection of starfish on the bookcase


With one major reference, everything else should be subtle


Sailboats in a boy's bedroom

Before & After of the Week

This guest bedroom was very spacious, and we left the decoration rather spare, as well. Walls, curtains and rug are all neutral, as well as the furnishings. The two ottomans at the foot of the bed act as a bench and add a bit of color. The main focal point in this room is the sketch between the windows by Atlanta artist Todd Murphy, which is simply framed in a lucite box.

Before:

After:

Weekly Q&A with Phoebe: Make Me Use My China

Question: Phoebe, I love my china, but I just cannot bring myself to use it. Your tables always look so lovely … but how often do you really use your china? Do you have any tips for making me use it?? I feel like I can only use it on really formal occasions.

Phoebe’s Answer: Since I am Southern, I am an avid collector of all types of china - old and new. When I was 12 years old, I used to ride my bike to antique stores and spend my babysitting money on chintz china, mostly teacups. I think it is a lot of fun to have a lot of options for setting the table, as well as different combinations. I generally use a modern placemat and charger paired with antique dinner or salad plates to keep it fresh. Try different combinations, and by all means, if you have it, use it! What good is it doing sitting in a cabinet untouched?

There is a story of a lady in Jacksonville who bought so much china, she had her handyman bury it in barrels in the yard. I hope I get to that point one day too! Here are some tables we have set with china:

Spring Tent Sale in Atlanta Thursday-Saturday

Mrs. Howard and Max & Company in Atlanta are participating in a fantastic tent sale this week, and we wanted you to know about it. Our stores are located in the Galleries of Peachtree Hills (right across from ADAC), and many of the other stores in the shopping district are participating, as well. Take a look below for details. This is one you don't want to miss!

 

THE GALLERIES OF PEACHTREE HILLS
Annual Spring Tent Sale

Thursday March 22: 2 -5 pm
Friday March 23: 9am - 5pm
Saturday March 24: 9am - 5pm

SAVE UP TO 80%
On fine antique and contemporary furnishings, accessories,
lamps & shades, rugs, artwork, etc.

PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE
Mrs. Howard
Max & Company
Edgar Reeves
Webb Marsteller
Keivan Woven Arts
Parc Monceau

425 Peachtree Hills Avenue
Atlanta, Georgia 30305

This phenomenal event comes around only once a year and attracts buyers from around the country.
Don't miss this opportunity to save up to 80% on select merchandise from your favorite showrooms. All sales final.