Dallas Blog | Material Girls | Dallas Interior Design

For some reason I feel like all of my projects lately have had one thing in common… ottomans! Random I know, but it seems like these multi-purpose pieces have solved some big design dilemmas for us at EJ Interiors! Whether we are working on a family room, bedroom, home office, or even an outdoor living space, ottomans have been the perfect solution when we are tight on space or need the room to serve several functions! I searched my go-to sites (Pinterest and Decorpad) for some fabulous examples of how ottomans can transform ANY room.

IN THE MIDDLE OF FOUR CHAIRS-

I must say that my favorite use of the ottoman is a square ottoman set on the diagonal placed between four chairs.  This seating arrangement makes for a very cozy conversation area-

{Traditional Home}

IN PLACE OF A TRADITIONAL COFFEE TABLE-

Sometimes you just want to put your feet up when on the couch watching TV, but this is never as relaxing with a regular coffee table.  With this layout, you don’t have to feel guilty kicking back and relaxing and it’s super comfortable too-

{Elle Decor}

In this situation, I like a tray on the ottoman- one that can hold books, vases, and other random accessories-

{Elle Decor}

BETWEEN TWO CHAIRS-

J Lo chose to put a coordinating ottoman between her two two matching chairs.  This ottoman can serve a few different purposes…it can be pulled up in front of one of the chairs as a foot rest, could be an extra seat, or if it had a tray, could pose as an accent table to hold drinks.

{Veranda}

This ottoman poses as a foot rest and/or coffee table between these two chairs in this gorgeous gray library-

UNDER A CONSOLE TABLE-

You never know when you are going to need extra seating at a party, so the placement of this ottoman is a great solution for when you have to accommodate larger groups. Not to mention, this ottoman just looks good as an accent under the console table and softens the lines of it.

IN FRONT OF A CHAIR-

This is the most obvious place for an ottoman, in front of a chair..however, where the chair and ottoman are, couldn’t be more unexpected- in a master bath!

AS EXTRA SEATING IN LIVING ROOM-

These round and oval ottomans are pretty fab and are a great way to add extra seating to your living room. Usually placed right in front of a coffee table, these ottomans provide a place for guests to perch and enjoy their cocktails!

Jamie knew what he was doing when he added this huge round hot pink ottoman-

{Jamie Drake}

And here he did it again!

{Jamie Drake}

AS A BED BENCH-

Ottomans in the bedroom are perfect for breakfast in bed! (or more realistically, a good spot to sit and put on your shoes!)

{House Beautiful}

{Tobi Fairley}

OUTDOOR OTTOMANS-

Ottomans in an outdoor living area add seating without blocking the beautiful view OR they could serve as footstools for days when you just want to lounge!

{Architectural Digest}

{Windsor Smith}

AS STORAGE-

How amazing is the Rousseau storage ottoman from Lilly Pulitzer?? 16 storage pockets inside for shoes!! This is seriously every girl’s dream…

IN A CLOSET-

Well actually, maybe THIS is every girl’s dream. Great use of it, wouldn’t you agree?!

And another…just so I can live vicariously through these women with their big closets!

So I guess the question is- is there anything you can’t do with an ottoman?!!

I was so excited when I received this email from Wisteria! It is finally time for their Warehouse Sale this Thursday, Sept. 22nd through Saturday Sept. 24th! (I will be there tomorrow with bells on!)

Their warehouse is located just outside of Dallas in Farmers Branch (see map HERE). I highly recommend heading out there sometime this weekend for some great deals on fab furniture, home accessories, jewelry and more!

Just wanted to remind all of you that we have reached the half-way mark in the Rugs USA Giveaway! There are 2 weeks left to enter (HERE), and everyone should sign up for a chance to win this amazing area rug from Rugs USA!

Make sure your friends and family enter before time runs out! We will announce the lucky winner on Tuesday, August 2nd here on Material Girls. Good luck to you all!

This past weekend, one of my absolute favorite furniture consignment shops, Again & Again, opened a new, improved, and HUGE location near the Dallas design district.  Leslie Pritchard continues to expand her stores around the Dallas area, and I could not be happier that she is doing so!  This lady is building a vintage furniture empire here…

Honestly, I wanted to take home everything with me, but didn’t think my fiancee would appreciate that so instead I snapped a few photos to share with you. Take a look at some of these amazing pieces!

I was really digging this tufted leather chair-very unique!

Leslie has a similar pair of chairs in her own home- sadly, these ones below are sold!

I stumbled upon these amazing acrylic bar stools that would look perfect with a reupholstered seat-

And speaking of acrylic, I found a coffee table that I almost died over (sadly it’s another one of those pieces that was already spoken for).  The person who has this on hold, is one lucky little shopper-

You can never go wrong with a chrome shelf unit-

I fell in love with this bold pink lacquered buffet.  Now whose home can I squeeze this gem in?

If you are worried your dining room doesn’t have enough personality, I have the table for you-

Brass coffee table- yes please!

A pair of sculptural table lamps-

And finally, an interesting acrylic pedestal and two funky bamboo stools-

I could go on and on about the rest of the treasures I found but I don’t want to spoil it for you! There is so much to see at their new location- plan to stay at least an hour like I did

On another note, if you find a piece you fall in love with but it is not quite the color or fabric you want, Again & Again will refinish, reupholster, and even rebuild the piece to create exactly what you are looking for.  They just finished refinishing a console for one of my clients as well as building new legs for another client’s mirrored console.

Aside from refinishing, they also build custom furniture. The possibilities are endless!

141 Howell Street

Dallas, TX 75207

I get a certain catalog on a regular basis in the mail (never signed up for it, I just somehow randomly get it- kind of like my catalog relationship with The Company Store, James Avery, etc…thirty catalogs later you are still trying to remember when you signed up?)  Anywho… I have never actually opened this catalog before but for some odd reason, I got the inkling today and ended up coming across some pretty great affordable finds…

Chippendale-style chair-

Moroccan inspired buffet-

Set of gold convex mirrors-

Tufted upholstered headboard-

Colorful outdoor bench perfect for summer-

Glossy white ceramic lamp-

Stylish mercury glass candleholders-

And you’ll never guess where these pieces came from either! Click HERE to find out how to get the look for less through this catalog/e-commerce site!

About a month ago we hosted a contest with Home Goods where one of our Dallas readers won a $100 gift card to use at the new Home Goods at Park Lane.  She wrote a lil guest blog for us on her shopping experience at the store and we wanted to share with all of you! This gal Meghan is hilar- I’d shop with her any day of the week! Read about the interesting pieces she stumbled upon the other day at their new store….

Walking into the new Home Goods at Park Lane Place is like getting slapped in the face by a thrifty designer. There is so much cool stuff to look at, there’s no safe place to rest your eyes. The most difficult part of my trip was limiting myself to around $100 – I could have filled up my car, plus strapped some stuff to the top and still not grabbed everything I wanted to…love this place!

I know what you’re thinking…yeah, yeah, you love it because they gave you a gift card. But, it’s not true. I almost (accidentally, sort of) broke into Home Goods before it was even open. I stalked Park Lane Place every day to watch the progress. I almost set up a tent outside. Yes, I love it that much and yes, I need more hobbies.

On to the goods for your home. There are deals and steals and awesomeness as far as the eye can see…

Even though there is SO MUCH to check out (seriously, take your ADD medicine before you walk through the doors) it doesn’t seem that crowded. Sort of like going through your crazy, but hip aunt’s attic.

They think of everything there, too – check out the little hanging rulers. Perfect if you always forget a tape measure (like me) and have to use your fingers and forearm to measure stuff…that’s how I know my chest of drawers is three forearms plus three fingers and a thumb wide by one forearm plus one hand deep.

You can literally get anything for your home here. Need a giant stuffed dog larger than a three year old? They’ve got it.

Planning a party and want only pink accessories and serving dishes? Yep, you’re covered.

I was looking for a few specific things – a large-ish art piece for my living room wall, a bathroom shelving thingy (technical design term, of course) and a bedside table for my guest room. But, I got majorly distracted in the garden section. They had some crazy business up in there. Mosaic snail…shiny turtle…statue of raccoons helping eachother drink water out of a bowl. The possibilities for your garden are literally endless.

Now for the money shot. I really needed a bedside table for my guest room so my guests wouldn’t have to put their water glass on the floor or sleep with their book in the bed with them. My guest room has grey walls, all white ruched bedding and a green desk. So, I was looking for something with green in it. I had so much trouble deciding between the two on the top, but finally decided to go with the one on the left.

Moral of the story: You are wasting money and being dumb if you don’t love shopping at Home Goods.

Thanks to Home Goods and Material Girls for this shopping adventure!!

What to design for a creative and energetic eight year old who wants her bedroom a little bit more funky and mod?

{Accent pillow inspiration}

{Chandelier- incorporate new white shades}

{Desk Lamp}

{Roman Shades}

{Table Lamp}

{Desk Chair with new seat cushion fabric- blue and white geometric}

{Existing rug}

Here’s how-

Duvet cover and shams- Multi colored Duralee printed fabric

Custom bed pillow- 20″ square; turquoise monogram centered on Pindler and Pindler white solid fabric with Schumacher black and white greek key tape trim on face of pillow (surrounded by small Pindler and Pindler black cording and small white solid flange)

Bedskirt- Pindler and Pindler pink mini stripe with solid black banding at bottom edge

Walls- Sherwin Williams 6710 Melange Green (50% lighter)

Rug- existing

Window Treatments- flat roman shade; Overall: white Pindler and Pindler solid fabric with 2″ black Pindler and Pindler solid fabric as tape trim accent

Desk chair- White “tulip” chair;  Seat cushion- blue and white Pindler and Pindler geometric print

Chandelier- PB Teen Delite Chandelier with new white shades

Desk Lamp- Worlds Away- Venus Pink Lamp

Nightstand Lamp- Arteriors- Elise Beaded Polished Nickel Lamp

The winner of our Material Girls/Home Goods “Tweet Your Find” contest is….

Meghan from Dallas!  Check out what she found-

“Found the perfect girly but beachy vase at Park Lane Place!”

Looking forward to posting Meghan’s shopping experience with her $100 HG gift card in the upcoming weeks! Stay tuned!

A few weeks ago, I blogged about the opening of the Park Lane Home Goods in Dallas.  Well, in celebration of the store opening, MG has teamed up with Home Goods for a contest called “Tweet Your Find!”

Here’s the low down…all you have to do is take a trip to the Home Goods store at The Shops at Park Lane in Dallas (8188 Park Lane, Suite 160, Dallas, 75231) and SHOP!  Select your favorite find from the store and tweet us a photo of it via Twitter!  In the tweet, make sure you call out @materialgirls and @homegoods so we can mark you down as a contest entrant.  A winner will be chosen at random and will receive a $100 gift card to Home Goods!  Also, the winner will get to guest blog on our site, after shopping with the gift card, and show us what he/she found for $100 at Home Goods!

Contest starts NOW and runs until Home Goods at Park Lane closes on Sunday, April 17th at 8 pm.  Winner will be announced Monday night on The Material Girls blog!

I actually went to Home Goods for their “soft opening” last Friday afternoon and I purchased an amazing lamp. It’s too bad I can’t enter the contest , but if I could, here would be my tweet-

@materialgirls, @homegoods- Loving the acrylic lamp I found for $150 at Home Goods! Will look perfect on the chest in my entryway.

(insert pic of fab find here…)

Entering the contest is as easy as that.

Happy shopping! Can’t wait to see what you find!

Last weekend was the bi-annual Roundtop Antiques Fair, in Roundtop, Texas.  You might remember my trip out to Roundtop last September, which I blogged about here.

Anyone who has been to Texas in September, knows how unbearably hot it can be, so after my last trip down there in the Fall, I promised myself that I would go back for better weather (85 to 90 degrees) the next March.

Well, the weather cooled off and March 2011  rolled around.  I couldn’t wait for my adventure to Roundtop to begin!  I had my room measurements and fabric swatches ready to go; however, there was just one small detail that had to be ironed out before the show- I had to bribe my sister into going with me!  Now let me just tell you about my sister, Catherine. She has always had an amazing eye for fashion, but has never really been much into interior design (which is the complete opposite of me).  I could care less about saving up for the “it” bag or switching out my winter wardrobe for new Spring clothes.  I instead, look forward to the new “it” fabric and switching out my pillows for Spring.

I never thought in a million years that Cath would come to Roundtop with me, so was extremely surprised when she said “I will come with you, if you promise a beer, a bathroom, and some unhealthy food”.   Substitute bathroom for “porta-potty” and she had herself a deal!

{No trip to Roundtop is complete without a visit to Royers! Above, picture of Bud Royer}

When we got to Roundtop, I told her my list of things that I was trying to score on this trip.  Here is how the conversation went-

E- “I am looking for an animal head for my wall”

C- “A what?”

E- “An animal head!  Don’t be silly, I don’t want one with a face!  Just one that’s cast in resin.”

C- “Who would want that?”

E-  <Sigh> “People like me.  I also want a bust.”

C- “Excuse me?”

E- “You know, a bust.  But only a woman bust, not a man bust, or Ben might get creeped out.”

C- (shakes her head in confusion)

So thus began our trip to Roundtop!

It dawned on me that the things I constantly see in magazines, on blogs, and in showrooms (things that most of us bloggers/designers are already tired of), were all new concepts to a design newbie like Cath.  I decided to make it my mission to get Cath out of her retail, mass produced, interior design bubble and show her the things that (whether you hate ‘em or love ‘em) people are putting in their houses….

#1- Ginormous Foo Dog- Ok, I can’t say that this would be the first thing I’d choose to put on my doorstep to greet visitors, but it was fun to see the look on her face when she saw this enormous red Chinese guardian lion.

#2- Elegant Bust (pearls included?)- Cath had to get a pic with her new lady friend….

#3- Oversized Crown- Cath admired a crown accessory fit for the Jolly Queen Giant (he he)

#4- Animal Head- I think this was the thing that shocked her the most (and she is still skeptical to this day…)   I promised her that she will think it’s normal once it reaches Pottery Barn next summer.

#5- Cowhide- Cath got “Cowhide 101″ and literally had to “pet” the rug

#6- Suzani- Cath enjoyed taking her time checking out this Suzani (I got excited thinking that she and the suzani might have connected, but I think it more had to do with the fact that this was the only booth with A/C)

#7- Clam Shell- If there was a cartoon bubble above her head, Cath would be thinking “You don’t see these mammoth clam shells lying on the beach every day in Cabo…”

#8- Mystery Glass- Here Cath is, weighing in on the mystery glass (literally).  I actually bought one of these for myself to put on my entry chest and am so in love with it.   Granted it’s not Kryptonite like the booth owners originally told us, but it comes in close, as colored glass from a glass plant overseas.

#9- Nude Figure Drawing- Another piece Cath had a hard time understanding.  I think at this point, she’s not liking this blog post game anymore and is begging for me to stop thumbing through original art sketches brought over by an adorable French couple at this booth here.

Now she’s thinking…”We’re finally done!  Take me somewhere in Roundtop that I really want to see.”  So off we went to the worlds’ smallest Catholic church!

{Thanks for coming with me Cath and for being a great shopping buddy! I’m putting you down for next year’s tour.. }