In Memory of Scout, Sage & Cash

She is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. She is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. She has told me a thousand times over that I am her reason for being; by the way she rests against my leg; by the way she thumps her tail at my smallest smile; by the way she shows her hurt when I leave without taking her. (I think it makes her sick with worry when she is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, she is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, she clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, she is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, she ignores it. When I succeed, she brags. Without her, I am only another man. With her, I am all-powerful. She is loyalty itself. She has taught me the meaning of devotion. With her, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. She has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. Her head on my knee can heal my human hurts. Her presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. She has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need her. And I expect I will - as I always have. She is just my dog."

All About Vignettes

Please visit my designer friend Kathy's blog at All About Vignettes. Kathy is a local designer I purchased many treasures from over the years. She went in to semi-retirement but is now back out of hibernation. Kathy was featured on the Nate Berkus show!! Check out the details on her blog!

Mirror as a Hat Tree

I love everything in this very girly girl room! Especially on a dreary rainy morning.

Voluntary Simplicity

VOLUNTARY SIMPLICITY MEANS GOING FEWER PLACES IN ONE DAY RATHER THAN MORE, SEEING LESS SO I CAN SEE MORE, DOING LESS SO I CAN DO MORE, ACQUIRING LESS SO I CAN HAVE MORE


- JOHN KABAT-ZINN

Decisions, Decisions and yet More Decisions

So I've come to terms with the fact that as a decorator I do way better helping clients, friends and family make decor and design choices. When it comes to our own home that has been in rebuild mode for a very long time, starting from a blank canvas is more daunting than always exciting. No that I'm complaining. So very thankful for the task at hand! But sometimes it is easier to know what you don't like or prefer to change in an existing design. With a rebuild, when it's time, it's TIME! for paint colors, lighting, layout decisions. Perhaps too much time to analyze. I am definitely stretching my decor chops with our Clover Hill home. To go from house to home even in one room takes years to get it to that special place where you feel it all comes together. For even a small decor project, months at the least. There is no rushing or it becomes contrived. It takes thought, growth, inspiration and feeling. We'll get there again it just takes time.

Get Your Holiday Fluff On!

Theo Chic can assist you with putting the bling in your holidays! With the shopping, wrapping & cooking let me help you set your home holiday mood. I  bring a refined yet eclectic touch to your vision. I love to mix trends, textures and patterns in a cohesive way. I pride myself on achieving the most fabulous outcome with each and every budget. I work with a team of trusted and proven contractors and have relationships with many fabulous retailers. I can be reached at 703-981-9037 or by email at amytheo@gmail.com. Ho Ho Ho!

Stylish Patina Barn Sale

Go visit Stylish Patina's first barn sale this weekend! Great vendors with fabulous vintage treasures!

Anaglypta

A more affordable alternative to Lincrusta is Anaglypta

Lincrusta - My Latest Obsession

 I found a jewel in downtown Leesburg for everything fabric and wallpaper. My wallpaper contact, Ami told me about it. The Drapery House. They have an amazing library of fabrics and papers. I started out looking at wallpaper but once the sales associate opened the sample book for Lincrusta...I was HOOKED!

Lincrusta is a paintable wallcovering that imitates leather, plasterwork and pressed metal. It hails from Britian and was launched in 1877. The first US production was in 1883. It can be used on ceilings, walls...think upscale wainscoting or as a border.

I must find a way to use it.

Sarah Jean Decor Etsy Store

Check out Sarah Jean's treasures on Etsy! Her handle is Sarah Jean Decor.

Killer Original Oil on Canvas.

Organizing for your Brain (from Real Simple mag)

Which Side Do You Think With?

If you’re not sure whether you’re left- or right-brained, here’s a quiz to give you an idea. Read each statement and note which ones apply to you, then consult the key. Our lefty- and righty-inspired solutions for keepsakes, jewelry,and photos are on the pages that follow.

1. When I’m finished using an item, I put it away immediately.
2. I love being surrounded by vibrant colors.
3. Whether I’m looking at a work of art or a room, I tend to prefer symmetrical design.
4. I like to move around my furniture a few times a year rather than stick with the same arrangement.
5. I’m the go-to party planner for friends and family.
6. Keeping current projects where I can see them is a must.
7. I love having a designated spot for each item in my closet or drawers.
8. On my computer, I often have multiple windows open at once.
9. I have a specific morning routine that I always follow to a T.
10. When making major purchases, I usually follow my instincts rather than do research.
11. I often wear the same jewelry every day.
12. If I have to explain directions to someone, I’ll draw her a map instead of telling her verbally.
13. When I find a great dish at a restaurant, I order it every time I go there.
14. I often drive with the Empty light flashing.
15. I always bring a shopping list to the grocery store.
16. I have a lot of knickknacks around the house.
17. My books and CDs are in order, so I can always find what I’m looking for.
18. My desk is filled with piles of papers, sticky notes, and business cards.
19. I feel guilty if I don’t follow the rules while playing board games.
20. I’m fine with other people making last-minute changes to plans.

Key: Count up the odd and even numbers you’ve circled. More odd numbers? You’re a left-brainer. More even? Welcome to the right-brain club. Equal split? You’re a mix and can benefit from organizing systems designed for either type.

Euro Trash Designer Lizzie Carney

This is a spread of Lizzie Carney's house from Country Living Last year.  Love the richness and luxe  of this designer's flat. Grey, brown, pinks and peacocks. It all seems to work!

Chartreuse - To Be or not To Be

I "picked" this victorian dresser up some time ago.  It has sat in the garage for a time.  I decided to try a chartreuse yellow/green paint update on it today but leave the drawers the original cream-chippy. I found this damask chartreuse wallpaper pattern (by Waverly) yesterday. Might do this paper on an accent wall in a guest room aka Austin's room.

Recyled Vintage Truck Parts as Wall Art

Wallpaper Is Back In a Big Way

Wallpaper is back in a hip and fresh way. It Ain't what it use to be...THANK Goodness! There is so much to choose from: metallic, flocked, floral, printable. Options are endless. I am definitely planning on doing wallpaper in our master closet, maybe the stairwells and a bathroom or two. Here are a couple of Theo Chic client wallpaper projects.

The top paper was a metallic stripe and the below pattern, leopard of course.

Black Paisley Statement Wall. The pattern is Corsica through Ballard Designs

French Parisian Animal Print Chairs

This pair survived the fire. Now re-inspired with Linen Zebra print.  Chairs as they appeared in their earlier life are shown in The Theo Chic Picture header at top of this blog at the dining room table. Meant to be!

Decor Services

Want to create or re-inspire an entire space? In need of a fresh perspective to get those creative juices flowing? Maybe minor tweaking is all you need.  Do you have an event coming up and you long for a pulled together polished look? Call or email me.  amytheo@gmail.com 703-981-9037.

Boho Chic Bedroom

Client bedroom. Contrast walls done in Ralph Lauren Gold Metallic. Gold chest from Home Goods for $150! Goddess statue an amazing find at Lucketts. The gold circles mirror was from Pier One Imports. The window treatments are "Zizanio" Mango from Calico Corners.  Total Zen....

Farm Chic

Pink Pocket Door

Lodestone Farm Chic

Dodie, client friend and amazing artist was fun & fearless when it came to the design and decor of her guest room. Previously all white walls, we went for an all out "wow factor". The ceiling was done in Ben Moore's "Razzle Dazzle". The wallpaper is "Corsica" from Ballard Designs. We updated older rustic sconces by painting them the same hot pink and wrapping the light covers with the wallpaper. Fun and cheap. The high arc twin nail head bed was from HAUTELOOK.  Oooh la la!

Oh To Be Blogging

I've been on a "had to get a day job" hiatus and my blog has suffered because of it! However, I am still finding time to do small decor projects and will post those pics soon! At the moment we are on a beach vacation at Carolina Beach, NC. Very cool throw back beach town. Found it thanks to Sarah Jean. Our place is bare bones and a throw back to places my Mom took us on vacation when Tommy and I were just little kids. VERY retro. Day 4 and I've finally hit my "mute button" to all the noise and enjoying relaxing with Tom, the kids and our now growing dog family of three. Darren picked up Trooper a few months ago. Sad that Leslie couldn't join us.  The beaches are fabulous...We like to drive on and unpack from the truck right there on the sand. FUN! Hope everyone is finding some time to get away and enjoy a lazy day or two.

Summer Pony Camp - Lucketts Saddle Club

Heather is a friend, client and an Equestrian. You cannot do better if your child wishes to ride!

Summer “Pony Camp” for Kids Join the Luckett’s Saddle Club
at Van Vixen Farm, Lucketts VA hosted by Heather Heider
“Providing SAFE, FUN & AFFORDABLE Riding” Camp Dates: Monday thru Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
June 20th thru June 24th    &    June 27th thru July 1st July 11th thru July 15th    nd    &    July 18th thru July 22 August 22    thru August 26th
•    Camp is designed for beginner thru advanced Hunt Seat Equitation •    Ages 5 to 16 •    We have fabulous ponies and horses including experienced camp counselors to
help support individual needs of each rider. •    Focus on having fun with equine mounts and emphasis on equine education
including feeding, grooming, preparing for shows, and teaching barn chores •    Providing lessons by experienced instructors with over 30 years experience •    Every child will trail ride and compete in a schooling show •    Field trips and swimming •    Outside horses welcome, stabling additional
For more details: contact Heather Heider at HeatherHeider@hotmail.com or 703-431-1613 Space is limited per session.
SIGN UP NOW: One week camp is $295.00, deposit due $100.00, non-refundable
*Spring lessons starting NOW after school for kids and adults*

Client Guest Room

Walls are a soft grey. Natural headboard. Chartreuse green accents. Lee Chair I scored at Home Goods for $300!

Beautiful Soft Chic

This home was featured in Canadian House and Home. Modern, Uptown blends effortlessly with antique chic. Love the floors and the black, white and gold accents.

Ralph Lauren Paints no longer at Home Depot

I have a thing for the Ralph Lauren Regent Metallic paint line. I have used the gold and silver bases on multiple dining and bedroom client projects. I am about to start a client project doing gold walls from this line and have discovered Home Depot is doing away with them to make room for the Martha Stewart line. I have tried Valspar  to save money and the product results were miserable. So if you think you might want to do a metallic paint project pick up the base metallic color you need while supplies last. Once it is gone...it is gone. Other specialty paint stores charge a premium over the HD price and/or shipping.

Client Dining Room Before & After Chic Dining

Dining table from Restoration Hardware. Modern 3 Pendant Light Chandelier from Lamps Plus. Custom Chairs. Shear Linen Panels.

Client's Child Play Area Before & After