~What's Old Is New Again~

Isn't it funny how things from the past become trendy again?

In my previous post, I mentioned that I was tweaking a cream and black color scheme, that I had used in the past. As I was perusing the internet, looking for black dinnerware, to mix with some of my white and ivory dishes, I came across this set from ZGallerie called, 'Octavia'...

via ZGallerie

I thought the geometric shape was fun and that it would pair well with ivory, gold, and crystal. Then, it occurred to me that this shape seemed familiar. As I rummaged the cabinets, through my old dinnerware sets, I came across these...

I bought this dinnerware back in the late 80's/early 90's, when everything was black lacquer and ultra contemporary! For some reason, I never got rid of this set. ZGallerie has their dinnerware priced at $39.80-$67.80, sold separately, in sets of four...chargers, dinner plates, salad plates, and soup bowls. I paid less than $39.80 for a whole sixteen piece set...lol!! My complete set was made up of dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs! 

So, I guess it just proves the theory that if you hold on to things long enough, they are bound to be "trendy" again.

Linking to:
Coastal Charm-Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

~Tweaking My Color Scheme~

Hello, Everyone! Hope you had a great weekend! We're getting the girls settled back into college; and now, I'm able to focus more on my home. Lately, I have developed a new affinity for a color scheme that I had a few years ago...Cream and Black. 

This time, I'm letting the wall colors, accessories, and drapes add just a touch of color. I am also adding a few more contemporary and modern pieces. Earlier this summer, we decided to buy new furniture for the family room. We had cream leather, with a different body style, that had served us well for many years. After looking at various types of sofas, of all styles and fabrications, I decided that I wanted cream leather AGAIN! This time, I wanted it to have a modern flare. After selecting a couple of color swatches, we brought them home and realized that we had picked the exact same color again! I guess it just comes down to, "we like what we like". Here is a "sneak peak" of what I'm working on...

Can you see the cream sofa arm, to the left? It's very contemporary; but blends beautifully with our existing furnishings. I love mixing styles, to keep things interesting. The sides have this "criss-cross" detail, with a tufted center...

The pieces were all custom made. We were able to choose the style that we wanted, along with the grade of leather. We decided on the sofa, loveseat, and a 'chair-and-a-half'. I love the clean lines and the flare of the high arms.  I plan to add a few upholstered pieces, just to soften the look and break up the set.

Since we spend all of our time in this room, I didn't want a lot of fluffy pillows... (they usually end up all over the floor, anyway). So, I opted for a single "faux fur" mink pillow, and a round pillow, made of leather strips. The pillows add great texture to the room.

When paired with the faux fur zebra throw, the look is very clean and chic.

The creamy hydrangeas add the perfect accent for the coffee table!
Along with the hydrangeas, I brought in black and cream accents by using a candle by Jo Malone. The 'Wild Fig and Cassis' scent is so fresh and clean. I alternate that one with the 'Grapefruit' scent by Nest. The mercury glass votives add just a touch of sparkle.

On the foyer table, the lamps with the red shades, that you have seen before, have been replaced with more modern black barrel shades.  Again, I love a mix of styles to keep things interesting.

With the new color scheme, I can see myself doing lots of neutral decor for the Fall and Holiday seasons. Now that everyone is going back to school, I can really start to pull things together.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you've enjoyed your visit; and as always, "Happy Decorating"!

Linking To:
The Charm of Home-Home Sweet Home
French Country Cottage-Feathered Nest Friday
Common Ground-Be Inspired
Imparting Grace-Grace At Home
No Minimalist Here-Open House Party
Southern Lovely-Show and Share
The Style Sisters-Centerpiece Wednesday
House on the Way-Twirl and Take a Bow
The Shady Porch-Rock 'N Share
Ivy and Elephants-What's It Wednesday
DIY by Design-Sizzle Into Summer
Our Home Away From Home-Tuesdays At Our Home
A Stroll Thru Life-Inspire Me Tuesday
Confessions of a Plate Addict-The Scoop
Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home-Amaze Me Monday
The Dedicated House-Make It Pretty Monday