I don't know about you, but I am breathing a sigh of relief after all the election drama. Regardless of the side you are on, it's just nice that all of that is over and we can move on. Move on to Thanksgiving and dressing and setting pretty tables and Christmas shopping and decorating! I always love getting holiday catalogs and planning our decorations and checking out all the new holiday decor and entertaining products that are out there. Not that I don't have enough already from past years, but it's always nice to add to the collection. A few more trees for the forest at least. 
So, whether you are just building your collection or adding to, these are some of our favorite picks from Anthropologie, West Elm, World Market and Target. 

1. Piper Stocking from Anthropologie
​2. Scandi Forest Dinnerware from West Elm
3. Flake Velvet Tree Skirt from CB2
4. Shiny-Brite Tree Topper from Anthropologie
​5. Merry Making Pom Wreath from Anthropologie
​6. Party Pop Champagne Flutes from World Market
7. Holiday Embroidered Zebra Throw Pillow from Target
8. Dewy Glass Tree from Anthropologie
​9. Ombre Rainbow Bottle Brush Tree from World Market
10. Brass Merry Reindeer from Pottery Barn
11. Holiday Lights Garland from Crate and Barrel
​12. Holiday Christmas Trees Throw Pillow from Target
Check out more holiday decor and entertaining goodies in our Holiday Shop. 

This post contains affiliate links and we may be compensated for purchases made via these links.

Shauna may or may not be guilty of setting a table just for the fun of it. And while we know that the big Turkey Day feast might be a little more low key this year, there is no reason to not go all out on setting an amazing table. We've got three fall tables for your inspiration, two that you would expect and a third that, well, just makes us happy and is too amazing to not re-create on your table. 

Table 1: Traditional Turkey Day
Sourced primarily from Pottery Barn, this table features traditional fall colors, pumpkins, leaves, turkeys, the whole nine yards. Raid your yard for colorful leaves and use fresh pumpkins and hurricane candles as your centerpiece. 

Resources: All from Pottery Barn
Monique Lhuillier Glass Charger
​Charlotte Dinner Plate
Salad plate--sold out, similar here
Bamboo Flatware
Kenaf Table Runner
​Paisley Table Runner
Linen Hemstitch Napkins
Schott Zweisel Taste Wine Glass
Monique Lhuillier Gabrielle Coupe Glass
Chester Brushed Candleholders
Turkey place card holders--similar here

Table 2: Boho Chic Bounty
This client has a great assortment of vintage glasses and her grandma's flatware so we were excited to pull that out and mix it up with some new pieces from World Market and Pottery Barn. Assorted pumpkins in velvet, glass and ceramic surround the cornucopia centerpiece.

Resources:
Rustic Fatima Dinner Plates--World Market
White Salad Plate--vintage, similar here
Teal Salad Plate--similar here
Pumpkin Bowls--similar here
Coral Table Runner--similar here
Ikat Table Runner--similar here
Linen Hemstitch Napkins--Pottery Barn
Amethyst Goblets--vintage, similar here
Etched Wine Tumbler--vintage, similar here

Table 3: Fun and Festive
If you don't know by now, we are known for breaking the rules now and again. So, why should your fall table setting be dominated by fall colors? When we found these amazing textiles and accessories from Kim Seybert, we couldn't wait to use them on a table. 

A sharp eye will notice that the ikat table runner and amethyst glasses are the same as in the previous table setting. Same client, new year. You caught us. We used brightly colored cans from enchilada sauce and tomato sauce as our flower containers and a pom pom tree garland draped down the table. I'd have a turkey dinner here any day! 
Resources:
Blue Bamboo Placemats--Kim Seybert
Rattan Chargers--Pottery Barn
Dinner Plates--Pottery Barn
Jaipur Pom Pom Napkins--Kim Seybert
Napkin Rings--Kim Seybert
Amethyst Goblets--vintage, similar here
Recycled Glass Tumblers--vintage, similar here
Shop more of our tabletop favorites here.
This post contains affiliate links and we may be compensated for purchases made via these links.

Raise your hand if you are COMPLETELY OVER your regular recipe rotation! 
Six months ago, I will admit, it was fun to have the time to try new recipes and go out on a limb making Pad Thai or home-made croissants. Now that it's OCTOBER, it is possible that the enthusiasm you once felt about stepping foot in the kitchen has waned just a bit.
In the spring, I signed up for a CSA that supports local farmers intending to be more focused on buying only seasonal produce. You pay a seasonal subscription fee and show up to the produce pick up site once a week and make your selections. Typically the selection is pretty standard; tomatoes, onions, potatoes, berries, squash. But often there are selections that are a bit more adventurous; bok choy, eggplant, long beans, beets. I take these ingredients as a personal challenge to hunt down and make recipes that might be outside of my normal rotation. 
So, when my neighbor sent me this recipe and I was staring at a pile of squash and eggplant (courgettes and aubergines if you are fancy) recently picked up at the CSA, it was as if the stars aligned right there in the kitchen. Plus, I'll take any excuse to use goat's cheese in a recipe. The original recipe is from the BBC Good Food website, so is in those weird metric measurements, but I've converted it so you don't have to. You're welcome. Also, so you don't have to look it up, passata is basically a tomato puree and you can easily substitute canned crushed tomatoes but I was surprised to see passata in my local grocery store. Lastly, I recommend starting the dish in a pan that can go from cooktop to oven so you don't have to transfer. One fewer dish to wash is always a good thing. 

Baked Ratatouille with Goat's Cheese

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2 red onions , chopped
• 2 garlic cloves , finely chopped
• 2 aubergines, diced
• 2 red peppers , seeded and diced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 16 oz passata
• 7 oz young goat’s cheese
• 4 courgettes (a mixture of green and yellow looks nice), thinly sliced

For the cheese sauce:

• 1 2/3 c milk
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp plain flour
• 1/3 c parmesan or vegetarian alternative, finely grated

Procedure

• STEP 1  Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy oven safe frying pan and gently cook the red onion and garlic for 5 mins until just starting to brown. Scatter over the aubergine and red pepper and sizzle for another 4 mins, adding more oil if you need to. Season well and stir through the paprika, then splash in the vinegar and soy sauce. Pour over the passata, then simmer for 5 mins until glossy and thick. Turn off the heat. Can be made up to two days ahead and kept in the fridge.
• STEP 2  To make the cheese sauce, heat the milk in the microwave until warm. In a saucepan, melt the butter until bubbling and add the flour. Whisk together to make a paste and continue to cook until lightly browned. Slowly whisk in the hot milk and simmer gently for 2-3 mins, stirring continually until thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan and season.
• STEP 3  Cover the ratatouille with the cheese sauce. Crumble half of the goat’s cheese over sauce and arrange the courgette slices on top in concentric circles, alternating between green and yellow if you have them. Top with remaining goat's cheese. Can be assembled several hours before cooking.
• STEP 4  Heat oven to 400. Brush or drizzle the remaining oil over the courgette slices and season with sea salt. Bake in the oven for 25-30 mins until the courgettes are cooked through and starting to brown. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 20 mins before serving.

As eager as you are going to be to dig in to this, it IS important to let it rest once it comes out of the oven so it is not a runny, sloppy mess. Serve with a crusty bread and green salad and it is divine. In fact, I may or may not have had it for brunch the next morning with a fried egg on top. 
To find out more about CSAs in your area, go here. 

​It’s no secret that we obsess over amazing rugs. Bonus obsessing over vintage rugs. Owning a vintage one-of-a-kind rug is like owning a piece of art and we love the aesthetic of mixing new and old in our designs. Up until recently, we’ve struggled to find amazing vintage rugs to put in client’s homes so when we found out about the great selection at Revival Rugs it was a moment of celebration. 

​Their mission is simple, to bring rugs of excellent quality to the market at affordable prices. Sure, you can buy a vintage Persian rug anywhere for thousands of dollars but you shouldn’t have to. Their collection of vintage rugs are one-of-a-kind and made between 30 and 100 years ago. We don’t have to tell you that rugs of this quality are made to last another 30-100 years or more, so they are an investment. 
​It’s hard to imagine in today’s IKEA world of “disposable” furniture, but home furnishings like furniture and rugs were at one time crafted by hand with as much care and skill as one would take to build a home or create a piece of art. Even the new rugs sold by Revival Rugs are hand-crafted at every stage of production from wool selection to hand-finishing. So, you know you are getting a high-quality product. 

When it comes to rugs, we feel like runners don’t get the love they deserve. Maybe because they are relegated to secondary places in the home like hallways and stairs, but that is precisely why we love a good runner. Now, putting a runner on stairs is a tricky situation. You’ll have to tack down with little nails if you have floating stairs, or use a rug adhesive and staple gun with traditional stairs. Might be best to consult a professional for that little project.

​In any case, we’ve picked out two amazing runners and are gifting one to a lucky follower! Head over to our Instagram page for all the info on how to enter to win. And be sure to follow @Revival_rugs to get the first peek of their latest arrivals of vintage rugs. 
Also, for a limited time you can shop their selection of ALL rugs and save 10% with Promo Code SHAUNAGLENN10.

We are taking a pause in our monthly Artist Spotlight series to highlight some other creative women that we have recently become fans of. Last year, when we were featured in the Summer 2019 issue of Origin Magazine, we were completely embraced by all of the love shown by fellow artists, designers, creatives and bloggers featured in that issue. We know how hard it is to make it in any business, let alone as a creative woman balancing work, passion, home and family. So as so many people in the design community have promoted and shined a light on SGD, it is our turn to shine that light back on some amazing women creating beauty and love and inspiring content! 

Roma OSOWO

Roma is an artist based in Dallas who shares our love of color, abstract art, and creating joy-filled spaces. Her Instagram account not only features her artwork, but recipes and videos of her creative process. 
Instagram: @roma.artist
Website: romaosowo.com

​Paola Roder

Paola Roder is an Atlanta based designer recently featured in Apartment Therapy. She not only creates her own bold, graphic, punchy designs, she is co-host on the Instagram page @mymonthincolour which solicits followers to submit photos based on a daily theme to be featured on their feed. 
Instagram: @paolaroderdesigns

Carla Bethany

Carla's covers everything from design to food and crafts on her Instagram page and blog. Also based in Atlanta, she shares our love of a good flea market. 
Instagram: @itscarlabethany
Website: carlabethany.com

The Rath Project

While we fully support the use of bold wallpaper in a powder room, We knew when we saw her balloon dog art that Diane Rath was someone who shared our crazy, eclectic style. Her aesthetic includes color, pattern, pop art and unique objects to create a personal, liveable space. 
Instagram: @therathproject
Website: therathproject.com

At Charlottes House

Charlotte calls herself, among other things, "lover of color", and "wrangler of chaos". She is also a crafting wizard and her Instagram feed features not only eye-popping, colorful designs, but adult and kid craft projects that are sure to get you out of your COVID Coma. 
Instagram: @atcharlotteshouse
Website: atcharlotteshouse.com

Kate Pearce Vintage

I mean, this bathroom with it's serpentine wallpaper and tiger rug really says everything you need to know about Kate Pearce. Edgy, eclectic, vintage enthusiast; we'd follow her around a flea market any time. 
Instagram: @katepearcevintage
Website: katepearcevintage.com

The Indigo Leopard Home

You'll find layers upon layers of color, pattern, texture and greenery at the Indigo Leopard Home. Oh, and she painted a leather sofa green with leather shoe paint. Definitely something we have to try. 
Instagram: @the_indigo_leopard_home

So, give them a follow, show them some love, share their amazing talent. We are all in this together, my friends. Love Wins.

So, here's the way our most favorite projects go: 
Client: Hi Shauna! I want you to come do my living room.
SGD: Great! Yes, we'd love to, when can we meet?
Client: Here's my dilemma, I love your work, do your magic.
SGD: Here's what we want to do, OK with you?
Client: Perfect, when can you start?
SGD: Ready to install, you are going to love it
Client: I can't wait, when can I see?
**BIG REVEAL**
SGD: What do you think? Do you love it?
Client: OMG! This is amazing, I love it so much! Thank you!
3 MONTHS LATER
Client: OK, I've saved up some more money, can you come do our bedroom? 
We LOVE when this happens. And such was the case when a close friend of Shauna's bought an AMAZING MCM home in the Ridglea Hills neighborhood of Fort Worth. One of those homes you drive by and say, "this is what MCM is all about". Definitely the coolest house on the block. And what really got the team excited was A. The original terrazzo floors and B. The atrium in the middle of the house. 

Our first project was the living/dining room. A wide open space that gave us plenty of flexibility for furniture layout, we anchored the leather sectional with a great rug to create the main sitting area. The niche area between the bookshelves was a perfect place to add a console table and accent chairs that can be pulled in for additional seating. Vintage lamps were updated with new shades to keep with the mid-century aesthetic. 

Resources: 
Leather sectional: Client's own, similar here
Rug: RugsUSA
Coffee Table: Home Goods, similar here
Bench: Custom, similar here 
Accent Chairs: Anthropologie
Console Table: Client's own, similar here
Garden Stools: Wayfair
Lamps: Vintage, similar here

To define a dining space, we hung two pendants under the dining table situated against the wall. Then added chairs from West Elm to the existing table and bench. Artwork from Captain Casual hangs behind the bench, and a bar cart in the corner houses vintage glassware.
Resources: 
Dining table: Client's, similar here
Dining chairs: West Elm
Pendants: Wayfair
Art: Captain Casual

In the powder bath, Shauna was inspired by some graffiti art wallpaper that she fell in love with and hand drew on the walls with a paint pen. The walls were given a painted wainscoting in a bold blue to provide contrast. Yes it took forever (7 hours!), and yes, she had hand cramps for days. But, the client loved it and she'd do it again in a heartbeat. 
Resources: 
Wall Paint: Blue Mosque by Sherwin Williams
Art: Society 6
Mirror: Client's, similar here. 
Hand Towel: Client's, similar here. 

Our most recent project in the home was the master bedroom. The West Elm Platform bed was new so we worked with that and added new bedding, a wallpapered feature wall, this amazing vintage Moroccan rug and new bedside tables. The client also had some vintage chests that we incorporated in to the room for more storage. Lastly, the shoji style sliding doors were painted on the inside with a hot cherry red. You can see a glimpse of the atrium across the hall from the bedroom, what an amazing view to wake up to! 
Resources: 
Bed: West Elm
Bedside tables: Blu Dot at All Modern
Lamp: West Elm
Bench: Blu Dot
Rug: Chairish, similar here and here
Bedding: Annie Selke
Wallpaper: Scion from Style Library
​Chandelier: Original to home
Paint color: Cherries Jubilee from Sherwin Williams

Apparently, the patio is next, so stay tuned! 
This post contains affiliate links and we may be compensated for purchases made via these links. 

It may surprise you to know that SGD tends to not pay a ton of attention to color and home decor trends. It's more of a "that's interesting to know but I'm still going to use turquoise" kind of design philosophy. But, as with the Pantone Color of the Year and previous trend posts, we like to let y'all know that we ARE on top of things and that we are there for you as a resource.

Last fall, Ochre was the color on the rise and friends, might as well embrace it because it's not going anywhere. This is not your mama's Harvest Gold from 1974. This is rich and earthy and spicy and you'll be surprised as to how it pairs with other colors. Ochre has also lead the way for a resurgence in the earth tones that were so popular in the 1970s. Olive and Terracotta are combined with ivory and charcoal gray for an updated, sophisticated palette. Throw in some Teal for a little coolness and you've got the recipe for warm and cozy surroundings that will last you all winter. Grab your pumpkin spice and settle in. 

OCHRE

OLIVE

TERRACOTTA

TEAL

Check out our Shop section for more of our fabulous finds! 
This post contains affiliate links and we may be compensated for purchases made via these links. 

We went to the Instagram "way back" machine to find out exactly when SGD and Esther McCord ​became acquainted with one another. Turns out it was July 2018 when she started following us and Shauna fell in love with her art. So much in fact, she commissioned a large 36x36 canvas, which was bigger than anything Esther had done in the past. The piece was amazing, of course, and Esther wrote to us later to thank Shauna for pushing her to "go big". And while we did fall in love with Esther's art, we fell in love with Esther's heart as well. Shortly after Shauna commissioned the piece, her granddaughter passed away at the age of 12 days. She heard from many of her friends and followers on social media with words of sympathy and comfort, but Esther's messages stood out. Every other day or so, there was a prayer, a quote of scripture, a word of encouragement. We knew then that Esther was someone special and are forever grateful for her beautiful, giving heart. 

SGD: Can you briefly walk us through your story? How did you get started and how did you get to where you are today?
EM: In 2013 I left my teaching career to join the full time, volunteer ministry. I then found myself with extra time on my hands and decided it was time to start sharing my art with the world. I was nervous and scared! I remember thinking, "What if no one likes my work?" (Some don't) "What if people are mean and jealous?" (Some are) BUT I did this for ME and to share my joy with YOU! I was no longer able to share my joy of art with teaching children, so now I had to share my joy by creating and sharing with YOU! Instagram was a great platform for this. I've met and connected with wonderful creative people on Instagram and have found several amazing collectors! And to this day, those of you that love my work and continue to support me, far outweigh my doubts and the meanies! THANK YOU! My paintings are living in JUST ABOUT all 50 states and even one in New Zealand! Moral of the story?
Continue reading to find out...

SGD: Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
EM: FEAR and DOUBT, were big obstacles that I had to overcome. Getting out of my own way was the biggest obstacle. Once I figured out WHY I was sharing my work with the world and was consistent, I learned that the little negative voice in your head can be overcome by the positive one! This world 🌎 needs color and positivity and I'm happy to share what I can contribute!

SGD: What are you most proud of and what sets you apart from other artist?
EM: I can honestly say that I am most proud of not giving up! Everyday, I find something positive to share with my friends and collectors. And as an artist I firmly believe in producing art that will remind you to stay positive and never give up! My work has been described as uplifting and inspiring.
My artworks are more than mere objects, an experience will be provided by establishing meaningful connections with collectors.

SGD: What advice would you give to someone at the start of his or her career?
EM:
•Be humble.
• Get out of your own way.
• Learn from others.
• Then give them credit for helping you.
• Know your worth.
•MOST IMPORTANTLY commend and encourage everyone you meet! Always look for the good.
My favorite motto: Be Nice or Leave. 

SGD: What artists do YOU admire and why? 
EM: David Hockney, Andy Warhol, Maud Lewis, these artists all have something in common and that's their love for bold and beautiful color! Each of these artists took pride in their work and worked hard at succeeding in their art careers. 

SGD: If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?
EM: A psychologist.

 Contact Info: Esther McCord

• Website:  esthermccordart.etsy.com
• Email: esthermccordart@gmail.com
• Instagram:  @esthermccordart

Check out more of our Artist Spotlight series here. 

We always cross our fingers that a renovation turns out as amazing in person as our initial vision and storyboard. AND that our client loves it as much as we do. Well, this latest bathroom project was a super duper success and I think all of us were blown away by the end result. The original footprint of the bathroom was a great size to begin with, so we were able to work with the original plumbing layout and had plenty of space to work with to create an elegant, fresh, happy room.

Bathroom Before

Now, we assume that when people hire us to renovate bathrooms that they know that what we are going to propose is color and pattern. While we can and have done serene and elegant; bright, bold and happy is totally our jam. 
It might seem out of place to put a dark wood cabinet in this bathroom, but with so much blue and white, it needed a darker color to anchor the room. We also brought in natural elements in the bone inlay mirrors and teak stool in the shower, and like to include these elements in every design. Kind of like a visual sorbet to cleanse the palette! 
Because the wet room space was so big, we chose an economical white subway tile and aqua mosaic tile to match the floor. Mosaic tile is perfect for the shower floor as the grout lines provide a non-slip surface. By replacing the built in tub with a vessel tub, we gained a ton of room for the shower. Seriously, you could have a party in here. 
Lastly, the wallpaper from Anthropologie gives the space that feminine touch to balance all the geometric designs and dark wood vanity. I guess we passed the test because we are already hard at work on a plan for the client's guest bath. She's already told us though that it can't be as fabulous as this one. We'll try to contain ourselves. 
Resources:
Vanity: Restoration Hardware
Floor tile: Zia Tile
Shower tile: Subway and mosaic both from Wayfair
Bathtub: All Modern
Shower fixtures: Wayfair
Wallpaper: Anthropologie
Mirrors: Serena & Lily
Vanity light: Dutton Brown
Teak shower stool: Frontgate
Towels: Target
Rug: Urban Outfitters
Vase: Home Goods, similar here. 

So, are you ready to get started on YOUR bathroom reno? Contact us for more info!

This post contains affiliate links and we are compensated for purchases made via these links. 

If you follow our Instagram, you have seen photos of Shauna's home renovation, but it's been a while since we've given you a peek in to the before photos and all the juicy details. Plus, well, there were some itty bitty finishing things that needed to happen in the kitchen, like doors and trim and paint, before we were ready to say "ta-dah!". That and there were no floors for a good 4 weeks. So, here is everything you ever wanted to know about Shauna's kitchen and dining area.
​
Kitchen before

So, bones are pretty good, right? Layout works, just needs some paint, new floor and to "Shauna" it up a little. 

Kitchen After

The biggest expense was to add the Terrazzo tile floor. Made in the USA by Terrazzio, it had a lead time of about 6 weeks but it was totally worth the wait. Original laminate countertops were switched out for white quartz from Vicostone and where there was no backsplash, a snowy white glass one was added. The all white palette allowed for some super fun color pops in the Big Chill appliances and the orange glass subway tile behind the cooktop.
​Terrazzo floor: Terrazzio Sterling White
Countertops: Vicostone
White tile backsplash: Tile Shop
Orange tile backsplash: Wayfair
Appliances: Big Chill
Faucet: Lulani
​Lighting: Wayfair
​Rug: purchased in Morocco, similar here

Dining Space Before

I mean, we work here every day and these windows are fabulous. Shauna felt the second set of wall ovens here were unneccesary (there are double ovens to the left of the fridge). So it became the perfect place for a wine refrigerator and additional storage for her vast amounts of vintage barware. Painting the cabinets this bright turquoise not only separates the space visually but brings Shauna's signature colors to play in the room. 

Dining Area After

Note that the dining chairs are not fully sitting on the rug. We get this question all the time and yes, that is OK. A bigger rug would not have fit in this space so we just had to make it work! 

Cabinet paint: Biscay by Sherwin Williams
Table: All Modern
Chairs: CB2
Rug: Aelfie
Lighting: All Modern
Dr Pepper art: Sort of Cool Art

Check out Part 1 of the reno here to see the entry way and living room and stay tuned for more amazing transformation stories.

This post contains affiliate links and we may be compensated for purchases made via these links.