Photo by Roger Davies for Cottage Living

Art is an investment. And good art is often such an investment that I probably don't have any of it. Which is why I was so excited to find Artissance, a great resource for interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces that won't completely blow my budget.

Botanical prints are the epitome of classic art. Custom reproduced from a private collection owned by the New York Botanical Gardens, these are just gorgeous -- and come in any size you'd like. With the color plum all the rage right now, this one is quite current.

From a new collection copied from the pages of books in the library at the Biltmore Estate, these gorgeous figurative monograms are just to-die-for. You can't enter a home in the South without spotting a monogram, and I love this unusual approach.

Oh be still my heart, I just love a cute chair! And this series (also from the Biltmore Collection) is fantastic. I'm dying for an 8x10, which I'd put in my favorite ready-made frame from Target. Beautiful, unique, and affordable!

Last week I accidentally happened upon a great little spot of shops in the Berry Hill section of Nashville --just south of the 440 loop right off of I-65 away from the hustle and bustle of Green Hills and Hillsboro Village. I went to the neighborhood looking for the vintage shop Venus and Mars, which I didn't find; instead I found a charming neighborhood of bungalows housing some not-to-be-overlooked boutiques.

I first pulled into Manor -- newly opened in the old Venus and Mars space at 522 Heather Place. Decorated in a style reminiscent of Cottage Living, I loved it immediately. It's definitely the type of store you enter and leave vowing to model your own home after -- chic yet somehow effortless. The soothing, neutral-toned space was a great mix of expensive, covetable things along with a well-edited and affordable accessories selection. I especially wanted the museum quality mounted stick bug, but suprisingly I didn't cave in and buy it. Don't miss the great ideas you can take home (free of charge) from their clever displays too.

Clearly, it's all about the mix here. I love the Lucite coffee table paired with the antique French furniture, as well as the peacock feathers. I was doubly thrilled to see the Lacefield Designs pillow sitting in the chair. We spotted Lacefield at AmercasMart in Atlanta, and an old college friend of mine coincidentally designs for them.

Another shot of Manor -- note the tree branch used as decoration -- it draws your eye up to the shelves placed just beneath the ceiling. Which begs the question: why not store your rarely used books, pottery, etc high above your head? Did you ever think that bare light bulbs could be so right, either? Possible  DIY project for the gutsy...

After leaving Manor I ambled down Bransford Avenue to Gilchrist & Gilchrist -- styled in owner, Genia Gilchrist's version of Nashville meets Shabby-Chic and improves Shabby-Chic. Unbeknownst to me at the time, the store has been featured in Southern Living and Genia's home is going to be in an upcoming issue.

The world's largest farm table, topped with a sparkling display of mercury glass and spray painted tree branches, greets you when you open the door.

The bed linens selection is not too be missed. There's a whole room devoted to them. Recently, I've been on the hunt for new bedding and must say this is one of the best selections I've come across. I especially loved the nubbly linen pillow shams. Don't miss the mismatched mirrors hanging on the wall either.

And you can't miss the two French bulldogs that have free reign of the store. Right next door, is Gilchrist & Gilchrist clothing which is going to close soon. Genia let me walk over and have a private shopping experience, which I wished happened more often. Everything is 50% off right now.

The jewlery selection in here was great, lots of statement vintage-esque jewelrey done in gold and pearls, ahh-- I love pearls. The clothing was a combination of laid-back casual basics and bohemian, dressy pieces. If you buy something here, you can rest assured that you won't meet your double at a party. I must say I made a bee-line for the yellow Hunter boots, maybe it's the new gardener in me.

The Curious Heart Emporium is a must-see, really. It's packed (literally) with wacky, unique gifts that will suit anyone with a sense of humor.

I'm not sure if the lady-giraffe-leg bar table is for sale or not, but it sits in the front yard asking for a picture.   

After you're shopped out, pick up coffee and a baked good at Sam and Zoe's. For more on Nashville shopping, eating, and going-out check out, Southern Living, Southern Accents and 10Best.com.

Dawn recently introduced me to Pieces. And now, I am obsessed. Pieces is a design boutique in Atlanta, Gerogia, owned by Lee Kleinhelter.

While I have not been fortunate enough to visit the store yet, I was highly impressed with the design of her Web site. The homepage contains a collection of suggested words to help you along in your search for design and decorating inspiration. Within approximately three seconds of viewing the words, I of course navigated directly to Chandeliers. Did she know I have a weakness for chandeliers and that I would soon be visiting the site?

This was my favorite: White Iron Chandalier

If only I had use for it in my rented apartment! Oh, well...

Photo by Roger Davies for Cottage Living

I don't know about you, but I don't exactly want my house to look like the floor of a furniture showroom, and I desperately hope that I never hear the words "hey, I've got this exact same thing!" uttered by a visiting friend. One way that I like to mix things up is with vintage accessories, though I don't always have the time to scour my favorite flea markets and "junktique" shops for nothing in particular but anything that strikes my fancy. Luckily, the online shop Etsy has offers plenty of vintage wares. Here are a few I'm keeping tabs on ...

This adorable brass basset hound is (literally!) begging to come home with me. Although, I'd probably ship him off to live with my college friends who just adopted a real basset hound.

I know it's only January, but I'm already setting my sights on warm summer nights spent sipping cocktails outside. These turquoise and gold glasses would make the most basic drink special.

Vintage and antique glove molds are often repurposed as jewelry holders, but I'd love to have one of these to help wrangle the books in my bookshelves.

I'm really loving all things Greek Key lately, and this porcelain sugar bowl is no exception. The creative seller suggests using it on the bathroom counter or to corral paper clips in the office.

This set of four hotel silver cocktail forks will be conversation pieces for sure. And you certainly couldn't find a new set for just $8.99!

White stoneware is both classic and durable. I'd set this little dish to work as a spot to drop my keys and change at the end of the day.

I have always been a fan of abstract art. Mostly because I have attempted to paint this type of art several times (unsuccessfully), and with each attempt my appreciation for abstract develops even more. The tricky thing about abstract is that it looks effortless -- which is probably the reason why it does not get enough credit. Anyone who has dabbled in this before will agree that abstract is more than paint smudged on a canvas, and this skill takes time and experience to develop. One thing I love about abstract is that it can be interpreted in so many different ways and mean something unique to each person -- depending on their mood, life experiences, stage in life, etc.

I recently found an artist that I love. AK Calhoun. She has a wide range of artwork to view, but it is her abstract pieces that I love the most! I was browsing through her portfolio today and selected a few of my favorite pieces below:

"Ocean Abstract"

"Angel Dance"

Target is hosting a once-yearly Home Design Event that shouldn't be missed. For frequent Target shoppers, think of it as a Global Bazaar that's less ... global. Local blogging friend Marianne of Haven & Home checked it out, and we love what she found.

A pair of these adorable chairs will make a seriously stylish statement for a seriously low $420 each. $420! Each!

Gray is the new -- and better! -- beige and we adore this console table and it's innumerable uses: a chic bar, a sofa table, an entry table, even a cool place to stash Junior's toy collection when filled with baskets. Yes, please.

I doubt I'll have to convince you that you could use a little more storage space. Place these two little chests on either side of your bed and you've got storage and style.

Happy Shopping!

Photos courtesy of Haven & Home

This past weekend, I went to the Gift Show and Home Furnishings Market in Atlanta along with Dawn and Jennifer. It was huge and there were tons and tons of great new things to see, which we will all be blogging more about in the coming weeks.  I was totally impressed with the ingenious and creative displays. In a place like the Mart with so much to look at, you realize how important presentation and styling really are. My favorite, and easiest idea to bring home, was the idea of using branches as an alternative to the typical flower arrangement -- it's simple, easy, inexpensive, and fresh. Here are some quick shots I took.

This vendor chose a simple winter branch to complement the rustic simplicity of his industrial style. The branch draws your eye up to the basket and the iron basket light fixture.

This spread of cherry blossom branches brings a spring fresh feeling to the new Abode showroom. The Abode furniture and accessory line is brand new out of Dallas and brings the best of patio life into your living room.

In a white glass vase, these branches (also Cherry Blossoms), look fragrant, fresh and clean -- the same things you're looking for from a candle. What you can't tell from the angle of the picture is that there were 3 arrangements of these in a row -- making a dramatic impact.

This blooming cherry blossom arrangement at the Match showroom is a crowd-pleasing eye-catcher. It clearly caught Jennifer's eye and offers viewers an unconventional use for a pewter pitcher.

In a nod to the sustainablity theme that is so relevant to furnishings today, this easy display is an actual tree that can be planted with the root ball wrapped in burlap. Aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly, this could be a great idea for a party decoration that doubles as a favor. 

I like to think of myself as a creative person, but my creativity always seems to come in random and unexpected spurts. Maybe it's because the new year has begun, but I have a feeling the craft bug is going to bite me this weekend. While browsing around today and pondering what type of project I might venture into, I remembered that one of my roomates got a new sewing machine for Christmas, and we have been talking about making aprons for our kitchen. I started looking for ideas of what I might be making and I stumbled upon InnovativeSewing.com that had links to free apron patterns.

Photo by Patrick Cline for Rubie Green

Rubie Green is the brainchild of beloved blogger (M.A. Belle) and former domino assistant Michelle Adams. This chic fabric line is not only stylish and fun, but is as easy on the environment as it is on the eyes. After months of research, the team now produces the line using what they consider the most eco-friendly printing methods possible.

Made of 100% certified organic cotton, the upholstery fabrics are whitened without bleach, and are printed with only water-based, non-toxic inks. To avoid waste, the fabric is printed on demand and is finished with heat and pressure -- no chemicals allowed!

Photo by Patrick Cline for Rubie Green

Of course we appreciate Michelle's totally eco-responsible business ethic, but what makes her work really stand out is her personal touch and attention to detail. The prints are inspired by her favorite patterns and colors, and many are named for her friends, or places close to her heart (like Bryn and East Village).

Find out more about sustainable products and creating a healthy home.

I know everyone is shopped out, I am. But if there's something you're still looking for, now is a great time to get a deal. Here are some of the best sales I've found online:

There's tons of great stuff to still be had at The Company Store -- including 80% off of bedding.

Luxe Paperie has their sale going on -- you've probably got some thank you's to send right about now anyways...

Treat yourself to the covetable goods available at Wisteria.  They are offering loads of deals -- up to 68% percent off.

Get a taste of fresh and sleek Scandanavian designs with something from Lotta Jansdotter. Be sure to check out her screen printed fabrics. Lucky you, some are even on sale. 

The sale section at Smith & Hawken is extensive...re-purpose some of their holiday lights to perk up your porch year-round. Take advantage of their plant sale to outfit your home's indoor plants.