Designer Feature: Mary McDonald

Since acclaimed Interior Designer Mary McDonald is the keynote speaker at this week's Mint Museum Room to Bloom symposium right here in Charlotte, we thought it was time to collect some inspirational design images of her work. 

Of course as we find swoon-worthy interiors, we like to show our clients how to "Get the Look" (for less).  Here's a few images that caught our attention as of late, all designed by Mary McDonald. ...

(both images above via domino)

 

Aahh!! Restful, right? There's something about the blues.  And guess what? We have gorgeous draperies, mirrors, velvet ottomans, custom headboards and a pair of blue garden stools right here at Post & Gray. Take a peek at some of our blues...

 

 (pair of garden stools)

 

(velvet footstools)

 

(pair of cane chairs with blue velvet)

 

 (blue ikat pillows)

... and how about rich, luxurious neutrals?  ...

 

 

...We especially love neutrals with lots of layers and great textures!...

 

 

Check-out those luxe upholstered headboards. We have custom headboards at P&G available for order in many different styles, sizes and finish details. We also have fabric, fabric, fabric, starting at just $10/yard.

 

 

We think texture is essential to any great space.  Here's one more lovely image of inspiration via Mary McDonald which encapsulates this philosophy ...

 

 

We love this fresh look with textured walls, lots of bright white and touches of gold in the mirror and pendant light.  See our take on Gold ...And take a look at a brand new chic white dresser (just in this past week), perfect for re-creating the look above...

 

 

 

...We are also fans of Mary McDonald's exquisite textiles.  We love the graphic and beautiful patterns...

 
You're sure to find some of her designs in our stacks of fabrics and also in the design studio of our own Kelley Vieregg (KVID).  Visit Kelley's new website to view her portfolio and learn about the exceptional design services available from KVID. 

Come visit us this week and weekend to see even more new and fabulous finds.

We always have fresh ideas for styling your home.

...and don't forget to follow us on Pinterest (where you can find sources for the above images).

We can't wait to see you...In the Gray!

DESIGN SERIES: Vintage + Modern

Mixing styles is a great way to add interest to your interiors. Mixing a vintage piece with a story (whether it's a family heirloom or an amazing find from a flea market) along with a modern piece makes for a very fresh, current look.

We found some inspiring images to showcase how beautiful the mix can be...

(image via lovelybride)

Don't you just love the mix of vintage + modern?...both in the art + furnishings? 
And the exposed brick, painted white...what's not to love?

We happen to have those gorgeous Natural Curiosities Geometric Prints at Post & Gray.

...and here are even more images to inspire...

(image via pinkwallpaper)

Vintage wood + modern white is always a stunning combination.

(image via lisasherryinterieurs)

Lisa Sherry designed the above loft space with an intriguing mix of vintage + modern and lots of layers of rich texture! We love the mix of ghost chairs with vintage tufted velvet.

Notice the hide rugs on all of the above images. We have a wide range of hide rugs, from classic to modern as well, here at Post & Gray.

Another fun way to add a little vintage vibe to an interior is with a styled Bar Cart. 
Think Mad Men, with a modern twist...  

(image via theglitterguide)

We played and styled our very own bar cart just recently... Check-out the results...

What do you think? Isn't that a killer tray table turned bar cart?

Come in and see us soon.  We always have new ideas for styling your home in fresh new ways.

We can't wait to see you...In the Gray!

Refresh + Renew

We've been doing a little early spring cleaning at the shop this week.  Re-arranging, refreshing, re-purposing.  It feels good to take a fresh look at our merchandise.  We know the same thing is true with our homes and yours. 

Doesn't it feel good to refresh your space from time-to-time?

We wanted to share a few insights we learned as we simplified and streamlined.  We thought these ideas might just benefit you as well.

Here are a few things we discovered in our Post & Gray makeover...

GROUPINGS are a great solution for de-cluttering.

 

We grouped our sleek green stools for visual impact and interest.  It also shows the strength of one great pop of color against a neutral back-drop.

 

We also grouped several different upholstered chairs, mixing styles...creating a cozy conversation area.

 

Next, 

NEUTRALS always work, especially when you layer with textures.

 

Neutrals are always right, especially when you mix-in rich textures, like sisal, seagrass, linen, cowhide, wood, marble, glass...and a little pop of color.

And lastly,

RE-PURPOSING is the perfect way to create a fresh look.

 

This stunning black pedestal table was hiding behind lots of stuff, but when we brought it out in the open and paired it with these beautiful cane chairs...suddenly, the table had new purpose.  Now it serves as a sweet cafe table.  Of course, it would also be a striking statement piece in a foyer...or work as an end table next to your favorite upholstered sofa or chair....a nightstand next to your bed...  The options are endless.

 

We're sure you have a few pieces in your home that could use a little re-arranging and refreshing.  We hope these ideas have inspired you to do a little spring cleaning and re-purposing as well.

 

Come on in for a visit and see our fresh new space.  There's always something new at Post & Gray.

 

Don't forget to share your makeovers and remodels with us.  We love to show-off your home improvements on our facebook page.  Don't forget to click "like" so you can see all that's new on your news-feed.

 

Also, be sure to mark your calendar. 

 

Our big WAREHOUSE WEEKEND SALE is now the FIRST WEEKEND OF EVERY MONTH!!!

 

Great deals await.

 

 

We can't wait to see you...In the Gray!

 

 

 

 

 

Valentine Gift Ideas

(image via i6.minus)

February is all about hearts & candy & candles & romance & chocolates & flowers ...

...Valentine gifts .. and ...

(image via flickr)

At Post & Gray we love giving gifts...and we've seen some great gift ideas for the sweethearts in our lives.  Here are a few of our favorites. Be sure to lavish your sweetheart with some sweet somethings.  All available here at Post & Gray.

 

FOR HER...
 

...jewels... 

 

...candles...

 

(Ella B. pure soy candles, hand-poured in Charlotte, NC) 

 

 

 

FOR HIM...

 

 ...vintage cuff-links & watches...

...love notes... 

 

 

 

FOR HOME...

 

...lanterns...

...vintage glass...

...home accents...

 ...home-entertaining...

 

 

AND...don't forget to package your gift in something sweet too.

Here's a simple & sweet idea (from poppytalk)...

...Other fun  Valentine ideas we've seen recently:
.  fill a closet (or car) full of red or pink balloons (see lots of big ideas at ohhappyday)
.  fill a tree (or a room) with streamers of hearts
.  sneak some heart candies or kisses into their lunch bags
.  create some crayon hearts
.  or make some classic heart-shaped cookies
 

 

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to you & yours from all of us.

 

PLEASE JOIN US for a Valentine Wine Event hosted by PRP Wine International.  Come taste some wine and do a little Valentine shopping.  TODAY February 6th and TOMORROW February 7th, from 4 to 8 pm.  WE HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

 

 

 

We can't wait to see you...In the Gray!

Fresh Pops of Green

Yes, emerald green has been named the color of the year for 2013. But, trend or not, we always love the fresh, crisp look of green...in a spectrum of shades, from pale lime to deep emerald. 

Green adds an element of nature and freshness to any living space. 

We've come across a lot of inspiration lately, from reading local design blogs like Laura Casey Interiors and BeSoStyle.... to seeing many-a-green-themed pin on pinterest  (be sure to link here to follow us).

And, of course, most inspiring are the new products that come into Post & Gray on a daily basis.  Take a peek at this gorgeous Regent Arm Chair in Kiwi...

Perfect for a desk vignette, like this...

(image via the decorista)

...Or as a side chair in your bedroom, like this...

(image via decorpad)
 

We have all the essentials to re-create these looks in your color scheme. We have draperies (or fabric to custom-make your own), lighting, desks, side tables, headboards...and accent pillows galore.  Notice the luxurious velvet headboard on the image above.  As luck would have it, we have some beautiful upholstered headboards, JUST IN this week at Post & Gray...

 

 

Get one ready-made, or have one tailored to your liking by choosing a fabric, shape, style and finish (the options are endless).

 

Another great way to add a pop of green to your interior is with the right accent piece. 

Check-out these amazing Emerald Green Folding Stools, featuring hand-crafted pony hyde...

 

Use them as seating or side tables. They're especially great in pairs.

 

...Or, add a touch of green and think Spring with this classic garden stool...

 

 

Be inspired by images like this...

 

(image via home and stone)

...Or, add some rich green color and texture with these incredible Refurbished Italian Glass Lamps, new this past week at P&G...

 

Picture them in your home, on a foyer console or dresser.  Imagine them in a real-life scenario, like this...

 

(image via paloma81)

 

Are you ready to go green? 

Add just a hint or be dramatic and go bold.  As your interiors evolve, please be sure to share your progress.  We love seeing how our clients create their own individual home designs.

 

One last thought before you go, please be sure to check us out, along with other area shops at The Nearby, a great way to keep up-to-the-minute on all the great finds in #Charlotte.  Be sure to download the app today and follow us.

 

More inspiration coming soon.

 

We can't wait to see you...In the Gray!