Great Things

In February I introduced you to, "Great Things", and the owner. As I mentioned in that article, it is always changing with new items arriving daily. While on a shopping trip I visited the shop to find it with a beautiful uplift arranged in an array of colors, each vignette seems to display one treasure after another and how clever to arrange it in the colors you are looking for, from clothing to furniture and home goods items. Their talents for designing also shows with a flair and manner appealing to..." what women want"... beautiful clothing and home decor items!!!! Not to mention the fantastic prices and quality!!! How fun is this, shopping for a great pair of shoes and to your surprise you find a great piece of art or chandelier!!!!

At Great Things Showplace you will find quality pre-owned furniture/home décor and beautiful designer clothing and accessories. Many items never or barely used. Best of all, nearly 98% of all items brought into the store sell, and quickly. Everyday new items arrive.” It always changes, which is why you need to shop regularly, so you don't miss a "Great Thing".

Beautiful Contract Carpet

Lace It Or Leave It is a new tile and broadloom carpet collection by Karastan Contract, part of The Mohawk Group, which will be showcased at the Neo Con fair this coming week. Using the latest fashion for clothing as a large-scale, patterned flooring option, it’s borderline sustainable - using 15-percent post-consumer recycled content as well.



Featuring a cutting edge, piece-dyed technology that incorporates an innovative new type of yarn into the shimmering contrast of the others, Karastan Contract uses a cut-and-loop pattern for a subtle effect that smooths the two colors into one another.

The Karastan Contract for the Mohawk Group brings in sophistication and elegance with the depth of the Lace It or Leave It Collection created especially for contract interiors.

Backsplash Ideas

Incorporating one material throughout a room is a great way to unify the design and establish a distinct focal point. For this contemporary kitchen, Herzlinger used large slabs of marble to create a monolithic look, thus allowing the dark cabinetry and floors to pop.



A backsplash can also be used to separate one area of a room from another. In this modern home, Herzlinger brought in stainless tile to designate a butler's bar within the oversized kitchen.
A smaller budget doesn't have to mean a sacrifice in style. Graphic designer Jen Ramos selected honed Carrara marble for her backsplash, which she found at Home Depot and installed via independent contractor.



For designer Jamie Herzlinger, a backsplash is the finishing touch that can make or break the room. "So often I come across backsplashes that aren't in sync with the rest of the kitchen," laments Herzlinger, "and that's a missed opportunity to make a big statement." For this space, Herzlinger chose a mustard yellow and oxblood red pattern to accent the Mediterranean decor.



Design blogger and fine artist Nicole Cohen had her work cut out for her when she took on a gut renovation of her apartment. She selected miniature stainless steel tiles for the backsplash, which gave an industrial edge to the Calcutta countertops and white lacquer cabinetry in her kitchen. A twist on traditional subway tile, the metal is modern and easy to keep clean.

Kitchen Islands

There's something so calm and peaceful about this kitchen yet, at the same time, it's seriously calling your name to whip up a special meal and enjoy. The beautiful lines, neutral color palette and textures that extend through to the kitchen island pull this whole space together. The dark no-back bar stools work in the space by adding a touch of balance that matches the dining table. Design tip: consider using a similar design element for your backsplash to add harmony to a smaller space. In this case, marble.



In this pretty space, the kitchen island acts as the true hub, providing balance and harmony. With design styles mixing from industrial and modern to classic touches, the kitchen and the island represent a functional, well-designed space. The large island with an open frame works in this space, matching the design style of the counters and farmhouse sink. With a metal rack shelf below and the cement countertops above, the island houses the range as well. Very much a space any cook would love.



Designing a functional and stylish kitchen island can make a big impact in kitchen, often a room that can feel small. In this case, using the same monochromatic color palette and sustainable wood materials for the island that spans the kitchen spaces will make the space feel bigger. The sustainable wood is used on the base of the islands and the cabinets, allowing the eye to keep moving throughout.


What a dream space? This entire kitchen is inviting, cool and feels like such a modern classic. Using a black and white contrast with metal hardware throughout the entire space, including the large island, really adds dimension and absolute style to this space. Since there are tons of clean lines on the island, one way to soften the feel is to add a rounded support under the lip of the countertop. This adds a bit of design style and connects the rounded light fixtures.


For those loft lovers out there, this kitchen space provides some serious inspiration. The designer chooses a simple and open kitchen island to accommodate the large space. Often a solid consideration if you are looking for an anchored space for people to dine or to use for prep.

Pavilion Roof Top/Charleston SC

I hope everyone had a safe and happy independence day. This is one of the spots we visited while in Charleston SC for the 4th. It is the Pavilion Hotel in Charleston SC. on the roof top! Beautiful view of the Charleston Bay area.
A must see if you travel to Charleston. We met 3  new friends while there, they are 21 years old who are touring the US from Germany you can follow Julius, Phillip and Calvin's US tour at this link
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcp_usa_2011/



Evening ambiance



Across the street from the Pavilion is the Mad River Restaurant, click the link for the details of the history. Charleston commonly known as the Holy City due to the amount and unique style of the churches.

Upon arrival, we visited Hyman's Seafood in downtown Charleston, voted the best seafood in the south. It truly lived up to it's reputation. The afternoon consisted of a historical carriage ride through the city with the tour of the Battery street
homes by the bay being the highlight of the tour.





Ft. Sumter was a highlight of our tour of such a historical city especially celebrating the 4th of July. Ft. Sumter, sits on an island similiar to Alcatraz in San Francisco. Click the link to visit information on our country's oldest history. Charleston was like visiting San Franciso on a smaller scale.

The need for a crossing of the Cooper River and Town Creek had been longstanding. The issue was how it should be done, and who would finance it. The solution came in 1928 when the dream of Charlestonian John P. Grace and others of building a Cooper River Bridge materialized, with financial backing from H.M. Byllesby and Company of Chicago and its allied financial group. The bridge connects from Charleston to Sullivan's Island Beach where we ventured to the beach to watch the Salute from Shore celebration.

Finalizing our trip at Sullivan's Island we had lunch at the RB restaurant below



You can visit the restaurant at this link and see the beautiful water views. http://www.ourcharlestonhome.com/RB'S-Restaurant



View from the RB restaurant from the bay to the atlantic ocean. We watched dolphin play near the boaters and ended out holiday celebration with more fantastic food and great music (oldies) . The music does take you back to a quieter time of life.

Don't wait for holiday's to visit Charleston, there is so much to experience !!!
Fabulous trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Independence Day America!!!