A Christmas Home Tour

I wanted to share with y'all a little Christmas Tour of my home.

We moved here a little over a year ago, so this is our 2nd Christmas celebrating in this home.

We down-sized from a 3,000+ sqft surburban home to a condo in the city. We really love the space and I wanted to share with you how I do "The Blend" in my own home.

Now, onto how I decked our halls for Christmas.

This year I wanted to scale back the color drama and go for more shine, glitz and glamour. So, I opted to decorate with a lot of golds and silvers and use RED as an accent color. This is how it played out in our home.

THE FOYER

This is where it all starts.

I added the silver ornament wreath to the mirror and moved around some of my other decorative accents {like the foo dogs} to make way for my collection of Christmas Trees.  I really love the red sequence trees!

They are just so festive!

And I added my red paper weight to the collection on the foyer table. It too provides a festive punch!

I have the silver ornament wreaths on both sides of the entry door.

These simple elements make a grand impact when you enter our home.

MY OFFICE

Immediately to the left, as you enter, is my office. 

That AWESOME wallpaper is temporary/removable wallpaper. AWESOMENESS!

I am really making this space... MY OWN! 

I homeschool out of it, it is command central, I blog from here, and I work from here and volunteer from here..... it needs to be comfy, cozy, provide inspiration and be GLAMOROUS!

It's a beautiful place to be. So, I had to include Christmas decor in my little sanctuary {never thought I would think of a work space as a sanctuary... but, it has a door -- people --- I can shut my door whenever I want to! Awwww...... see.... sanctuary!}

THE MASTER BEDROOM

I hung silver ornament wreaths on the mirrors flanking our bed.

Simple, but yet, GLAMOROUS.

The accent pillow on the bed added the RED punch this space needed!

And of course, I had to add some nativity and "Noel" pieces throughout the room.

THE DINING ROOM AND KITCHEN

Gotta love ginger jars..... and they add the red punch... SO WELL!

We don't have a mantle in this home. So, we hang our stockings on a credenza which is purposed as a book case. I have a collection of Christmas trees on the top.

Can't forget to wreath it up in the kitchen --- even on the refrigerator!

THE LIVING ROOM

Here is our tree this year... we went with a silver tinsel tree!

I am SO excited about this.... it is just WONDERFUL for our space.

We added the teal mostly to this living space because of the teal on one of our main walls.

We wanted to keep the decor fluid to that which it is throughout most of the year. 

The red was a fun and consistent new color punch throughout the home.

The tree looks SO lovely.

Especially at night.

It just sparkles 24-7!

I can't believe we waited so long to do the silver tree.... but, it is a BIG step when coming from a green artificial tree. It was somewhat of an adjustment when decorating it. But, it turned out well.... and I will be prepared next year for the decorating-know-how of said silver tinsel Christmas tree!

See how the red just makes a punch?

I actually spray painted this ginger jar red. That's what you do when you can't find something in the color you want. 

Ginger Jar in Different Color + Gloss Red Apple Spray Paint = Perfection!

We recently added a second couch to our living room furniture. It truly adds a sense of space. It also provides such a cozy section for conversations with our guests. I am SO glad we added that piece. The space feels finished now.

Aren't these vintage brass deer just FANTASTIC?!

They are so elegant looking. I love how they are in such an exquisite pose.

I arranged some more of my Christmas Tree Collection on our Eileen Gray Side Table.

It's as if the pieces are art propped up on a pedestal.

LOVIN' it!

I truly hope you enjoyed my Christmas Home Tour.

We have several get-togethers and parties planned for this space left yet this holiday season..... we will shower our guests with LOVE and FUN as we share the joy of Christmas with them! I hope you get showered with LOVE and FUN as well this Christmas!

Have an ECLECTIC and FUNKY CHRISTMAS!

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

Seriously.

It's when my calorie intake does not exist {never mind that I may pay for it later}.

It's when the baking bug has taken hold of me in full-gear.

It's when divine smells fill the house from freshly baked cookies, snack mixes.... and......

CUPCAKES!

And that's what I did yesterday --- made cupcakes! And I had my camera around so I thought it would be fun to include some pics and a recipe here on this blog for your enjoyment.

So, without further ado... let me share with you the recipe to these Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes!

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT CUPCAKES

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Bake Time: 22-25 minutes

Yield: 20-24 cupcakes

Chocolate Cupcakes:

1 3/4 cups cake flour

2 cups sugar

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa {I used Ghirardelli}

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 eggs at room temperature

1 cup milk {I used non-fat and they still turned out great}

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting:

~7 ounces cream cheese softned

1/2 cup butter {1 stick}

1 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups confectioner sugar

1-3 Tablespoons milk 

CUPCAKES

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line cupcake pan.

2. In mixing bowl, stir together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

3. Add eggs, oil, milk and vanilla and beat on medium speed for 1 minute.

4. Add boiling water and blend together. 

NOTE: the mixture will be VERY thin. I am thankful I was warned about this because it really is the consistency of buttermilk or so. But, don't worry. They turn out fabulous! But, instead of using an ice cream scoop to fill my liners, I just used a bowl with a pouring spout.

5. Fill liners 2/3 full with batter.

6. Bake at 350 degree for 22 - 25 minutes.

7. Cool cupcakes completely on wire rack prior to frosting.

FROSTING

1. Beat cream cheese and butter for about 30 seconds until smooth.

2. Add confectioner sugar a little at a time. Once combined increase speed to medium and beat until fluffy.

3. Add peppermint and vanilla extract and mix until combined.

4. Slowly add in the milk until you reach the desired consistency. 

5. Beat until fluffy {about 1 minute}.

Makes approximately 3 - 4 cups.

Utilize frosting immediately or it can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.

Frost cupcakes and ENJOY!

See, it really is...

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I added Hershey Peppermint Kisses to the top for an added festive punch.

And then I had fun breaking up a whole bunch of candy canes to sprinkle around the serving platter. I just spread the fine dust left from the candy canes across the top of the cupcakes.

I took these to our Christmas Party and they were devoured!

A hit I must say.

I even let kiddo eat one for breakfast the next day!

See?!?! It really is...

the most wonderful time of the year!

Wreath It Up!

Christmas decorating is in full-swing in our home.

I LOVE this time of year. 

It's just sooooo festive!

We are going a little bit "nontraditional" in traditional ways this year with our decor. Kiddo is not so much a fan of it. But, we like how not so overwhelming it is. It's more soothing. But, I still have to have my red pops of color.... that is a MUST! I'll share with you some pics throughout the upcoming weeks of our Christmas tree {which is a silver tinsel slim tree!} and other Christmas decor and crafts.

Here is a VERY simple way to add a festive touch to an otherwise empty canvas....

WREATHS!

This was taken from last year's decor. I love how shiny ornament wreaths are.....

You know I'm a fan of SHINY.

Therefore, I am a fan of ornament wreaths!

This year, I went with silver ornaments only for the wreaths.

If you add a wreath to a mirror.... you get more SHINY SPARKLY AWESOMENESS!

Or you can just place a wreath in an unexpected place to add some festive pizazz!

Like I did with this wreath on the refrigerator!

We just finished our Christmas decorating. Now, it is wrapping the gifts... making sweets.... decorating a gingerbread house.... listening to music and being with friends and family.

It really IS.... THE MOST

WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!

Happy Thanksgiving

It's here!

I have been prepping for several days.... and now is the time to kick it in high-gear and dance around like Snoopy.

The Happy Snoopy Dance!

I am grateful for SO much, but I came across these words that sums it up pretty simply:

I am thankful for:

Food in a world where many walk in hunger.

Friends in a world where many walk alone.

Faith in a world where many walk in fear.

We give thanks, O Lord.

Now, off to the kitchen as I finish all that still lies ahead --- while --- doing The Happy Snoopy Dance!

Have an enjoyable day.... eat LOTS of turkey {or desserts --- or both!}... smile a lot.... hug those you are close to.... pick up the phone to call those that are far away... watch football.... sleep... eat some more... sleep some more.... count your blessings.... and have a.....

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Now, do a little Happy Snoopy Dance with me!

Thank you. See, that's why I am also thankful for YOU, my readers!

Much love,

--Joanne

Black Friday Preparations

Are you one of those people who wakes up at 2 am to stand in line with your "plan of attack" organized detailing which store, what items, how long to stay, etc, etc?!?!?!

Oh.... I have a special place in my heart for those people.

But, for those of you that don't want to mess with the hustle and bustle of all of that type of shopping, but want to instead find some interesting and unusual items.... come check out the Dallas Design District Antique stores!

Our space at LOST.... antiques is filling up with some pretty awesome and unique finds.

Take this vintage bamboo screen for example:

Very very COOL.

Have you seen how these are used in decor lately?

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Painted screen for a headboard....

Just stunning and BRILLIANT!

And there are still more vintage finds in our space....

Like this Bamboo Framed Vintage Peacock Fabric:

It would be quite stunning to use in a living space or office like this example:

source

We love vintage!

We love style!

We love art!

We love unique and interesting things!

And we will also have a little Christmas tree in our space.... coming soon with vintage and shiny ornaments!

Have a safe, wonderful and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Campaign Crush

No, I'm not talking about the presidential campaign....

that's over.

I'm talking about my obsession with CAMPAIGN DRESSERS.

I have been looking and looking for one.

I wanted to do something elegant like this:

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Or something stunning like this:

Source - unknown

And then, one day while I was on the hunt for marvelous finds to increase inventory....
I happened across this:

BEFORE

I found this piece at a garage sale. It was quite roughed up. Not all the hardware was present and what was present was really spotted. But, it was in great solid condition. It had the "Campaigner" marking in the drawer, so it was authentic.... and.... well, I could see past the rough exterior and I was looking at the true beauty of this piece.

So.... I hauled it back home.

I obtained a few new hardware pieces and paint. Then, I went to work!

I filled in the rough areas with wood filler and sanded the entire piece. I used about 4 coats of paint + primer Valspar paint and I polished up the original hardware with silver polish {worked PERFECTLY - they look brand new!}

AFTER

Unfortunately for Floor 24 Designs customers..... I think I have decided to keep this piece.

Pretty gorgeous.... isn't it? See what true beauty was really under that rough exterior.

Kind of a life lesson in there, isn't it?

Never judge a book by it's cover.

Always find the best in people.

Beauty is on the inside.

I guarantee to always find you the pieces that have true beauty.

True beauty is a powerful addition to any decor! It is what can make a house a HOME.

Here is to many many more beautiful finds!

The Blend

LOST... antiques had a wonderful write-up on their dealers and this is what they had to say about Floor 24 Designs:

Joining us in the halls of LOST... antiques... is the lovely Joanne Herda and her extraordinary assistant. This team is set to "WOW" our visitors with their version of "The Blend". They use their designer skills to bring a touch of classic Hollywood to everyone's home!

Thank you to our "Can Do" bunch at LOST... antiques!

I am thankful to say that our inventory is moving quickly out the door in just a little over a week of operation. This original 4'x4' acrylic painting entitled "Synergy" was sold this past weekend to a wonderful couple. Same with the vintage brass antelopes.... gone!

Moral of the story --- don't wait to stop by!

We have just added a large vintage bamboo mirror in a white lacquer finish, plus some vintage cement Asian figures, an antique Asian hand-carved wood screen frame finished in white lacquer... plus, much much more! Gorgeous and unique pieces just waiting to be incorporated into your stylish area of need!

Here are a couple of images of Hollywood Glam and perfect "Blends" for inspiration.

From one of my favorite places, a high-rise condo in Dallas, Kari Schlegel's living room:

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Maleiah and Ryan Rogers' Formal Living Room in Highland Park, Dallas.

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Just a little inspiration on how you can take unique and interesting pieces and combine them to make a luxurious and inviting space.

Looking forward to what lies ahead for us here at Floor 24 Designs!

Up and Running

Floor 24 Designs.... is UP AND RUNNING!

At... LOST..... Antiques!

Here are some shots of my smokin' glamorous booth!

White ceramics, vintage, antiques, glam, original art... and lots of shiny shiny.... pretty thangs!

That original artwork is entitled.... "Synergy".

And that is SO what this space offers......
LOVE IT!

Circa 1890 Lithograph Prints from England....... GLAMOROUS!

Floor 24 Designs..... Here to serve your Stylish Desires!

Brass + Vintage = GLAMOROUS!

Marbled Framed Prints! In such glamorous colors..... soothing, yet captivating!

Cheers! What's your drink?

Why not serve it up with some vintage Lucite glam and Mid-Century Modern FABULOUSNESS!

More modern contemporary art!

Mixed with some c.1890 art with vintage brass glam..... LOVE IT!

And then there is...... A FEDERAL CONVEX MIRROR!!!!!!

THIS IS JUST AWESOME!

COME AND VISIT!!!!!

antiques - art - unique designs

@

LOST... Antiques

1201 N. Riverfront Blvd.

Dallas Design District