INSPIRATIONS | cozy up

Hello friends,  It's about that time. Time to bring in the wood and strike up a fire. We've had quite a few clients ask lately what they can do to dress up or refresh their fireplaces. Sometimes it just takes simplifying your decor or a can of paint. 

Here are some fireplaces that we're liking… 

MIX IT UP |  Painted woodwork, stone slab surround, and a rustic mantle.

 I love mixing the sleek stone with the well-worn mantle. 

The contrast between the dark, warm gray woodwork and light limestone is beautiful. 

And the detail of the silver firewood rack against the red brick is great. 

CONTRAST THIS |  I love everything about this. From the recessed stone (genius), to the grand mirror. It's striking. The crisp black line of the mantle that wraps around the entire fireplace beautifully contrasts the traditional white woodwork. I even love the iron sconces, the sculptural piece, and hydrangeas. Lovely.  

SOFT AND SUBLTE  |  The soft curved lines, the monochromatic white, and the beautiful art make for a beautiful, cozy fireplace. 

LESS IS MORE  |  This beautiful limestone slab front fireplace is perfect for a more modern space. It creates an impact without being fussy. 

WOW  |  This fireplace has a "wow factor" with the black marble. Amazing. The decorations are simple and perfect. Layering a few small items in front of the art just works here. A staggering of heights with the flowers, candlesticks and sconces creates great dimension.

FOCAL POINT  |  At JMI we typically prefer art above the fireplace instead of a mirror. This way the ceiling isn't being reflected, and art is a great opportunity to add color. 

QUICK UPDATE  |  Should you or shouldn't you paint your brick? That is usually the question we get. Paint it! The clean monochromatic look is great. Or you can pick a darker, contrasting color (see images above). So many options and it's an easy, inexpensive way to update your fireplace. Don't be scared to paint that brick. 

KEEP IT SIMPLE  |  In a living room JMI just installed, we decided all the fireplace needed was a beautiful screen. We chose this great geometric fireplace screen in a champagne finish. It was the  perfect finishing touch. Firescreens add so much. 

Available through JMH for $347.50! 

Happy Fall Ya'll!

- Sarah T. 

VENDOR HIGHLIGHT | jaipur rugs

We are loving the new rugs from one of our favorite rug vendors. They have tons of great patterns and styles at great price points. They have something for everyone! 

The beautiful pattern and subtle sheen adds sophistication

 to any space at an AMAZING price. A 9x12 is only $930  

This great hand knotted rug transitions between traditional and 

modern easily with the beautiful arabesque design. 

Natural hemps always add warmth and great texture, 

but rarely do they add such great pattern as this "Chevy" design.  

Black and white geometric patterns are hot in fashion and on the floor. This great flat-weave rug would go with any style and any color palette. A 5x8 is only $495. 

Have you seen the gorgeous vintage Beni Ourain rugs? 

They can be thousands of dollars, but this wonderful hand knotted, 

wool look-a-like is just as fabulous (well, very close). 

I want one of these for my house!

Jaipur caters to any style. This green, blue pattern would be great 

in a traditional space or a mix of traditional and contemporary furniture. 

Which one is your favorite? Let us know. Contact us for pricing. 

Until next week, 

Sarah. T

INSPIRATION | falling for fall

Fall is upon us. It is time to bring out the boots, jeans, blankets, and of course, pumpkins! 

Take a second to freshen up your home for fall:

warm things up:

The cool fall weather calls for layering your wardrobe - take this same idea and put it to work in your home - add warm throws and pillows in rich, fall hues to rooms where your family and guests get together. This not only adds warmth and depth through color,  but when the temperature drops you will have something to wrap up in. 

fire up the fireplace:

who doesn't love curling up next to a roaring fire on a cold day? 

bring the outdoors in:

Add simple fall flowers and greenery to your home for the perfect pop of color. 

 don't forget to add a little hint of fall to your table when entertaining guests

freshen up your front porch:

line your steps with pumpkins and foliage to create a fall harvest to welcome guests.

Until next week, 

Mallory 

GO ON STRIKE | match strikes

Round Top is such a fun bi-annual tradition.  Every October and April, we travel down to the open fields of the Lone Star State for fantastic finds and (hopefully) bargains too!  We collect one-of-a-kind inventory for our shop, and scout antiques for discerning clients.

This year I made a small personal purchase that I am kind of obsessed with... an antique match strike.  Match strikes are a beautiful way to display matches in a bedroom, kitchen, powder room, etc.  They can sit as an unique accessory on a fireplace mantel, side table, or nightstand.  Use "strike-anywhere" matches and enjoy your small treasure!

Here is one similar to my purchase... (but mine was a big-time bargain)

1st Dibs Glass Match Strike

Interesting antique find... the dog's head tilts back to reveal concealed matches

1st Dibs French Bronze D'Ore Figural Dog Match Strike

Beautiful glass match strikes by Lucy Cope, SO CHIC!

For a more rustic look, here is a match strike made of cast iron, by Canoe Online

Jonathan Adler has perfected the modern, whimsical take on a match strike