Hey y’all! It’s been a little while since we’ve been on a field trip, so I thought it would be fun to take you to a store I’ve been antsy to wander around for months. Have you ever heard of Hemispheres? It’s a home furnishings store that combines the look of Old World with the Far East. It’s like if World Market sold tons of furniture and only some accessories. Or if Kirkland’s was really really huge (and a little more expensive).

I’ve driven by our local Hemispheres a million times (it’s near Chick-fil-A…my home away from home), and they send me a flyer in the mail every other week or so. But even with all their hinting, I’d never stopped by. Finally I called up my girl Allison and asked her to go with me on a hot mom date to see what’s what. Turns out Allison had never been either, so we snagged some Diet Dr. Peppers and got our shopping on. (Too bad there was a sign at the door: No Food or Drinks. Sorry DP.)

Hemispheres is both exactly what I thought it would be and nothing like I imagined. The store is much larger than I expected, but definitely less snooty than I assumed it would be. The staff was friendly and helpful without being pushy or in the way. As I looked around, it felt a bit like I was shopping in an episode of Donna Decorates Dallas. Lots of fringe; velvet and imitation fur; traditional with a hint of Old World. And bling. Lots of fun bling.

Immediately I knew I’d like this place when we were greeted with this sparkly friend near the front door:

If I had a obscenely massive bathroom, I’d go over the top and hang this baby above the tub. But I can picture her in our current front living room, too. Sigh.

As we walked around, it was easy to decorate my home in my head with the beautiful pieces throughout the store. This banquette, for example, would be perfect in our breakfast nook in the kitchen.

 Oh look, it’s a Red Tag, too!

It would be so nice to have a bench at the foot of our bed…especially if it had this fun zebra print to give our room a little interest.

 

I’m not really into the current owl trend (don’t hate me), but I could be on board if it was this one. This guy’s pretty cute!

 

When it comes to beautiful artwork, Hemispheres did not disappoint. I stared at this piece for awhile, imagining it above my fireplace in the family room.

 

Talk about one hot chair. Love the red, love the zebra print, love the traditional lines. I’m sure I could find a place for it in my house…and heart…real quick.

 

Anyone else want a library in their home? These beautifully crafted bookcases are stunning. Of course the ladder is my favorite part, and I could see my cute boys trying to climb up it if we had a room like this one.

 

This chair was a favorite for both Allison and me. The red cursive print is a subtle way to bring color and an interesting pattern to a room.

 

 

I thought this piece was really cool. Not only is it easy on the eyes (love the scrolly inlay), it’s got a surprisingly fun function, too.

 

As you open the front door, it turns kind of like a Lazy Susan, and the two side doors open at the same time. Perfect for storing jewelry and accessories. Or tiaras. Or chocolate.

 

K, so if you’ve read Free Stylin’ for even a second, you know that I love me some “old and scrolly.” One of my absolute favorite pieces in my home is a gate a friend gave me as a birthday present a few years ago. How AWESOME would it be to own an armoire that looks like an old gate? Be still my heart.

 

Here’s another version. Feel free to lick your computer screen if you want to.

 Have I mentioned my birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks?

We came across a massive chaise that could fit the whole fam damily comfortably. I’ve decided that when I’m old I want a large chaise instead of a recliner. Oh the naps I could take on this baby.  :)

 

I made Allison try it out. (Sorry the pic is a little blurry. Still a cute shot of Allison, though.)

 

Then we both scootched on. All we need is our Diet DP. Lame rules. (By the way, can you tell I’m always cold? I’m in the boots while Allison wears flip flops.)  :)

 

So even though this sofa is a little too frilly and froufy for my taste, I seriously love the round red pillows. They look just like basketballs up close, which this previous bball player thinks is awesome! It also seems like a fun way for someone to bring in a little sports/hubby’s interest into an otherwise feminine room.

 

 

The pillows also come in brown leather. Love them!

 

One of the reasons why I like going to home furnishing stores is to see what I can “copy” from them to make my home look a little more put together. Not everything in Hemispheres is my taste or in my price range; but there are plenty of ideas that could be DIYed or hacked, using relatively inexpensive items or things you probably already have.

For example, check out this simple but elegant way to update a lampshade: they tied a ribbon around the shade and added a blingy broach. Pretty!

 

Another great idea: This ottoman has what looks like a large mirrored tray holding flowers and accessories.

 

But if you look closer, I think it’s an actual wall mirror working double duty. If you need a tray, maybe a centerpiece for a dinner party, or a quick new look on an ottoman, try taking down a mirror from your wall and use it since you’ve already got it.

 

The layering; the way the items in this corner are overlapping each other; the different textures (wood, leather, zebra printed velvet, fur); varying heights: this is just cozy and homey and interesting to me. I think I’ll pin this pic to remind me of the look and feeling I’m trying to go for: Cozy. Homey. Interesting. Layered.

 

It wasn’t too long ago that candles with sconces were SO in. Now I’m sure there are plenty of sconces hidden in boxes and closets just dying to make a comeback with the help of some awesome feathers.

 

More fun with feathers: I thought this “feather tree” was a modern and interesting take on the ficus trees that were in so many homes a few years ago. It may take a bit of time, but someone out there could really make a cool one on their own for not too much $$, right?

 

How hard would it be, really, to freehand a pretty print on a lampshade? Or, if you have access to vinyl letter machine, using a vinyl pattern to change up a lamp could be a quick fix in just an afternoon.

 

This lamp reminded me a little of the pillows I made over the summer out of some lingerie. Here’s another way to put your “underutilized” items to use:

 

This black sleigh bed gives me one more reason to think it’s a good idea to paint my bed. Hmm. I am getting closer and closer to taking the plunge. (Do it, Beth…do it!)

 

I snapped a pic of these chairs because I’m still trying to figure out what the heck I’m going to do with my “new to me” dining room chairs. I love the idea that the upholstery continues around the back. Should I keep the caning on my chairs open, or do they get covered up like this guy? And the leather on the seats is elegant but still kid friendly, so that’s an option for the seats that I haven’t considered.

 

Even though this room isn’t something I’d necessarily go for, I loved the different textures and mix of fabrics the Hemispheres peeps combined in ALL THESE PILLOWS. (Seriously…there’s like a billion.)

 (Note to self: Make a bolster pillow. I keep seeing them everywhere, and I just think they’re so cool.)

But see how the combination of soft fur, textured ruffles, ribbed cording, and woven tapestry give the bed interest and depth? Plus the animal prints and fur keep the red tapestry fabric from looking too formal and fussy. The gold velvet fabric ties the look together.

Choosing throw pillows with a mixture of textures and prints can take an otherwise boring bedroom (or sofa) from blah to beautiful.

Allison and I both agreed there are some ideas from most home furnishing stores that just aren’t practical in our world. Each time I see vignettes like the one below, at first glance I think: “I wish my house looked like that…lots of pretty accessories and flowers and interesting pieces on display.”

 

But then I remember the reasons why you won’t find a lot of those things at my house:

1. I don’t want to dust them. Just call me lazy, but I just don’t.

2. Three words: Kids break stuff.

3. Sometimes too many things like this start to look cluttered to me, and it makes me claustrophobic and antsy.

4. It’s probably a result of moving a lot, but I’ve realized that I really only want to surround myself with items that I truly love and give me joy. Subconsciously I just don’t want to pack it and haul it around if it’s just filler stuff that doesn’t “fill” my soul.

5. I like things that have a point or a purpose. So, like what is the point of the fabric on the table below? And why would I need 4 or 5 candlesticks, without candles, on my table? Why would I have all this stuff (pretty or not) on the table if I have to clear it each and every time we eat? Too much work, and I’m not getting anything out of it.

So you may never see something like this at my house, but it’s because of my own personal tastes and choices and…well…laziness, really.  ;)

 

Overall I am really excited I finally got to take field trip to Hemispheres. It was worth the wait, and I could have spent another hour or two looking at everything. The products seem well crafted and good quality, and the prices weren’t so over the top that I would only be able to dream of owning something from this store. As we walked to the car, Allison and I came to the conclusion that we both need to shop here more often…and actually buy some things from here for our homes. Now that I’ve got this “online wishlist” (haha), I bet I can make this happen.  :)

 

 

(Disclaimer: Hemispheres DID NOT ask me to write, or compensate me for, this post. I found a new store that I like, and I chose to share it the information you.)