Acorn Cottage {The Den}

 During the period of quarantine (Phase 1), J & I decided to do some redecorating around the house. I know! I know! We just moved in less than a couple years ago, but the den area always bothered me.

Initially when we moved in, we purchased a slip-covered sectional sofa. It was very comfortable, but it never looked "clean". The slip-covers stretched and never seemed to fit perfectly. 

One night, J came to bed and whispered to me that he had ordered a sofa to replace the sectional. I awoke fast. A sofa? Which one? From where? Which color? My head was spinning. We had talked about the navy blue velvet Paidge sofa from West Elm before, but I did not think we were ready for it just then. The pandemic makes one do crazy things. 

We already had the dark green velvet Paidge sofa in the sunroom and actually LOVE its size and feel. After a couple months, we sold the sectional and the navy sofa arrived. We couldn't be happier, though this started a domino effect for sure - a new swivel chair, a new ottoman, new pillows, new throws. You know how it works, right?

Here is how the den looks today. We added hits of an Hermes - orange to accent the navy sofa. I love the combo of colors and how well they play with the custom art work.

The Den Re-Do, y'all!

Coastal Art {Jean McKee}

If you read Uptown Acorn regularly, you already know I love the quaint town of Ocean Springs, MS and Hillyer House located on Washington Avenue. I have been a fan of Jean McKee's coastal paintings for years and was happy to add one more of her pieces to our growing collection of Southern artists.

I adore the colors in this one --- shades of blues, browns, oranges. A swamp scene fits perfectly into my Southern, coastal lifestyle.

Here it is at night (I do love a picture light.):

From the website:
Creating realistic, bold, colorful painting is Jean McKee’s passion. Her distinctive artwork typifies the local scenes where she finds inspiration; like the serene image of a row of sailboats docked for the night or a nostalgic image of community gathering places.

In addition to original pieces, Jean does commission work for individuals, businesses, and designers. Her work can be found in many galleries along the Gulf Coast and has hung in galleries from Memphis, Jacksonville, and New Orleans. Jean has participated in more than 300 outdoor shows in the south and has been chosen to paint the poster designs for 12 outdoor festivals.

Email: jeanmcart@gmail.com

Telephone: 251-621-8867

I am a fan. I think you'd be too.

See more of her artwork in my home:

Southern Birds

Cheers to 46!

Giving Thanks for Local Artists

The Weekend That Was

See ya Later, Alligator

Two Alligators & A Palm Tree

Jean McKee, y'all!

Giving Thanks for ... {Local Artists}

New Orleans and the surrounding areas are filled with very talented artists. J & I love to support local artists, and we have filled our Uptown home with unique, one-of-a-kind, hand-painted creations from several local greats.

Thanks for Martin Welch.

Thanks for Jax Frey.

Thanks for Carol Hallock.

Thanks for Jean McKee.

Thanks for Lisa Papa.

Thanks for Rayne Housey.

Thanks for Brian Bush.

Thanks for Tehle McGuffee.

You can view more of my Giving Thanks series all November:

My Readers

My Job

The New Hazelnut

My Right to Vote

My Southern Style

Miss Ella {Book Signing}

Fresh Flowers

Our Veterans

Friends & Soirees

Acorn Door Decor

Work Anniversary

Simon of New Orleans

Bittersweet

Hearth by Nest

Thanks for Local Artists, y'all!

All About the {Southern} Bird

I know. I know. The post could go in a number of directions, but I am referring to my love of Southern Coastal birds such as herons, cranes, and pelicans. On our recent jaunt to Ocean Springs, we stopped into Hillyer House, one of the loveliest shops on the coast.

I am such a fan of Southern artist Jean McKee that I rarely leave without adding one to my collection. For some reason, this one of an orange-haired heron really spoke to me. I love the colors used especially the pop of orange. The vertical shape is also different than the square-shaped ones I already own.

I added it to the top of the secretary in the parlor and rearranged the trophies I have up there. I am really digging the POP of orange.

When we visited in March, I picked up this darling bird oil also. I do not think that I ever managed to share it with you.

I placed this one on the wall along the lower landing of the staircase. A collection of curiosity-filled trophy cups sit on a demilune table.

J & I love to shop at Hillyer House when we are in Ocean Springs. It is a must-see destination if you are in the area. The staff could not be more friendlier.

More on Hillyer House HERE.

More on Jean McKee HERE.

Countdown.... FOUR!

Southern Birds, y'all!