In honor of my 100th post, I am giving away a signed copy of Phoebe Howard’s new book, The Joy of Decorating.  You may remember that I recently attended a book signing at her store here in Jacksonville.  While I was there, I picked up an extra copy and asked Phoebe to sign it for one of you lucky readers!

 

 

What I really enjoyed most about this book is that it walks you through the thought process behind each design featured in the book, as well as, her approach to decorating.  She also gives practical advice that you can apply to your home in order to make it casual, comfortable and elegant.  All of  which describe her trademark style.  Not to mention it makes a beautiful coffee table book….and you can never have too many beautiful books!

 

 To enter the giveaway, please subscribe (in the upper right-hand corner) to my blog and leave me a comment with any suggestions for what you would like to see more of (or less of!) on the blog.  If you already subscribe, just leave me a note in the comments section.  I will announce the winner next Thursday,  March 8th.

And thank you for joining me on this blogging adventure thus far!

 

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Yesterday, I attended Phoebe Howard’s book signing for her new book, The Joy of Decorating, at her flagship store here in Jacksonville.  It is always such a treat to visit her stores and to soak up all of the inspiration they have to offer.  I snapped a few pictures to share with you.

 

 

My friend Joanne and I enjoyed champagne as we toured the store.  It was such a fun way to spend Valentine’s Day!

 

 

 

 

 In this room, she used turquoise and aqua accents against the lavender walls….so pretty.

 

 

I know it is hard to tell by the picture, but this room is so bright and beautiful with the white paneled walls.

I love the built-in’s in this room.

 

 

 

 

love this table…sorry for the blurry picture.

 

Can’t wait to sit down and enjoy the book!  Hope you are having a great week.

 

Phoebe Howard recently answered that question on her blog about which areas of your home you should improve on given today’s real estate market.  The million dollar question these days seems to be whether or not to invest in your home.  On one hand you want to make your home your own and have it reflect your style, but on the other hand, when you don’t see home values increasing, it makes it difficult to keep putting money into your house that you may not see in return for quite a while.

Phoebe had 7 areas of improvements that she thought would add lasting value and add to the quality of life in your home.

 

1.  Kitchens and Baths

 2.  Master Suites on the first floor

3. Open family rooms

4.  Outdoor spaces furnished as rooms

5.  Maintain curb appeal

6.  Keep architecture consist with your area


7.  Home offices.  Many buyers are giving up formal areas to gain a home office.

All images via Phoebe Howard

In Jacksonville, we have a rather small design community.  However, we do have two local “design stars” that live in Jacksonville and are the owners of  2 beautiful stores,  Max and Co. and Mrs. Howard.    The stores are owned by Phoebe Howard and her husband, Jim Howard.  In Friday’s post on the Coastal Living Idea house, Phoebe was the designer behind that gorgeous beach house.  Her other half, James Michael Howard, is also a designer.  Their portfolios are equally stunning.  Beautiful spaces and pretty details are their trademarks.  Here are a few of my Jim Howard favorites.  I think you might like this Monday morning inspiration….Enjoy!

 

Coastal home in Sea Island, Georgia.  This home was featured in House Beautiful.

image from House Beautiful

Coastal home in Hilton Head, South Carolina.  This home was also featured in House Beautiful.

image via House Beautiful

Coastal home in nearby Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.  This house was featured in Veranda.