31 May 2012

I Am Grateful

This week I received my June House Beautiful and guess who made a teensy tinsy cameo?  That's right.  Moi.  A few months back, I had noticed a little blurb below the Editor's Note about submitting an easy makeover.  Favorite ideas and pictures were to be featured in the June issue.  I immediately thought of my kitchen countertop project.  I submitted my info via Facebook and, low and behold, I made the cut.  It's nothing big, but I am grateful none the less. 






29 May 2012

Artist Spotlight: Christy Kinard

This weekend, I received an email from Atelier Gallery in Charleston about an upcoming opening for Atlanta artist Christy Kinard.  It wasn't until after looking her up that I realized I'd seen her in last months Veranda.  Her work is bright and happy and strikingly Southern.  I liked it immediately and couldn't resist sharing.








22 May 2012

R is for Rut

Let's just pretend for one minute that I am not 33 weeks pregnant and that my emotions aren't up, down and all over the place.  Let's pretend that the frustrated feelings I'm having are not related to lack of sleep or hormones.  Let's just pretend because I need to vent. 
I try my best to stay current on various tastes and aesthetics.  I work hard to live in my client's minds and understand what they want better than they do.  I aspire to be chameleon-like, taking on the preferences of others in order to make their home a place that they love.  But lately, while doing what I do, I seem to have lost what it is that I love.  Just like me, my home is an ongoing work in progress.  I'm okay with that.  It is in exploring this "work in progress" that I began blogging and eventually discovered my passion in life.  In spite of this, one Albert Hadley quote keeps playing in my head,

"Make your home as comfortable and attractive as possible and then get on with living." 

I think about this over and over and wonder what he meant, often rationalizing that he didn't intend for it to apply to interior designers.  I know I can't be the only chump in this industry who constantly feels the need to redecorate my own home.  (Right??)  With every piece of rearranged furniture and new accessory, I like to think that I get closer to my true and genuine voice.  One that, once I hear it clearly for the first time, will not waiver. 
Here's hoping that happens soon.

In the meantime, here's the latest from Jamie Meares, one of my favorite designers from just up the road.  She never fails to make me feel completely inadequate. 
Thanks again, Lady Meares!











All photos via Lonny Magazine

14 May 2012

Rooms for a Rainy Day

The rain is back again for a second go.  It rained yesterday, which was great for doing a lot of nothing, but today is Monday and I need sunshine to get me motivated.  I need to start the week with a brisk walk and a blue sky.  So, instead, here I am with the windows open, listening to the rain come down and to this song:




It's a good one for rainy days.  Have a listen. 

Days like today make me want to lounge around and read library books.  Days like today are thinking days.  Days for reflection.  When life gets to moving very quickly, I need a day like today.  Which reminds me.  It was one year ago on this day that my husband and I were married.  I'm not being cynical when I say that it feels like it's been so much longer than a year.  So much has happened in those 12 short months and I am in such a different place than I was on May 14, 2011.  I can honestly say that I feel gratitude every day for my life and for the person I've chosen to share it with. 

But enough of my introspective ramblings.  Let's talk decor!  In this industry, it's easy to become bombarded with and completely lost in stunningly uncomfortable spaces.  There is definitely a time and a place for a room so beautiful that you don't even want to enter it (I guess?), but I want it all!  I want comfortable and fabulous, especially on damp and dark days.  So on this rainy day, we celebrate inviting and cozy spaces where I would be glad to stop and stay a while.

via domino magazine

via House Beautiful

via House Beautiful

via Lonny Magazine

via Lonny Magazine

via House Beautiful

via Lonny Magazine

via Lonny Magazine